EAWs MicroWedge family of stage monitors and subwoofer raise the legendary sonic performance and superior design principles of previous versions to a new level. New models (MW10 and MicroSub) further expand the versatility of the line. Renowned by audio professionals and discerning artists around the globe, MicroWedge is now further enhanced by the prowess of the EAW Engineering team – proof that indeed, the best can get even better.

All MicroWedge coaxial models (choice of 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 15-inch LF) feature incredible fidelity, power handling and reliability, all attained with an optimum blend of high-level transducers and EAW’s hallmark crossover design techniques. Mechanical durability of the upgraded models has been advanced as well, joined by enhancements in enclosure fabrication, ergonomics and interconnection, along with dramatic weight reduction.

The capacity of the MicroWedge Series to exceed the most demanding expectations starts with inventor/developer Dave Rat’s decades of real-world audio experience as both a top mix engineer and the head of leading concert touring company Rat Sound Systems Inc. He tirelessly sought creation of the ultimate stage wedge by working with sound engineers at a grassroots level; in particular, relying upon the input and “critical ears” of monitor engineers, and then combining this with his own deep understanding of the specific needs of artists and sound vendors. As a result, it’s little wonder that MicroWedge already enjoys universal rider acceptance, now furthered by EAW’s long-standing record as a true high-performance audio innovator.

MicroWedge stage monitors produce smooth, clear and consistent response with exceptional gain before feedback in a compact, coaxial design with very high power handling. The MW12 and MW15 are processor enhanced (rather than processor dependant) for true “plug and play” operation, which eliminates the need to purchase additional processing and make them very budget friendly.

The overall design philosophy was based upon one essential truth – a loudspeaker must naturally sound good without electronic enhancement, with processing added only to optimize for specific applications. (The larger MicroWedge products offer switchable passive or active modes.) Smooth, clear and natural sounding designs also greatly reduce the onslaught of dreaded feedback.

For applications that require enhanced performance the MicroWedge line can be further optimized using the EAW UX8800 digital signal processor. Three EAW Focused settings tailored to different applications are available. In addition, the MW12 and MW15 – when used in bi-amp mode – can also be optimized utilizing BSS, XTA and Lake processors.

The coaxial driver arrangement of the stage monitors pairs the user’s preferred woofer size with a HF voice coil compression driver to provide full yet controlled 90-degree conical dispersion. This design path guarantees that all frequencies emanate from the exact same point, eliminating crossover region problems and time/phase irregularities, as well as optimizing coherency.

The coaxial approach also contributes to a very compact, low-profile footprint that stays out of sight-and camera-lines attained without sacrificing fidelity and high output levels. For example, the 12-inch LF model measures only 16-in wide by 22-in deep by just 13-in tall while producing constant SPL of 124 dB (130 dB peak) – an incredibly high output-to-size ratio for any wedge.

The 8 and 10-inch models offer the advantage of working equally well as console bridge monitors. Both were designed with a sturdy balance so that when set upright (on its backside) it rests easily on either side of a console bridge. Dual NL4 connectors are conveniently located at the bottom of the enclosure to further simplify console setup. An optional pole mount is available when placement on the bridge is not desired.

The physical profile of all MicroWedge models is quite visually appealing while focusing upward-firing coverage to the area most comfortable for performers – close to the wedge. This is also a big plus when stage space is in short supply. And, the curved front affords more flexibility in visually placing wedges that are optimally focused.

For musicians that are looking for a stage monitor with the flexibility to tilt EAW offers an optional 4-inch Microleg. The MicroLeg can tilt 15 degrees resulting in an overall MicroWedge coverage angle of 42 degrees. The strong MicroLeg easily and firmly attaches to the integral flytrack hardware which is located on the bottom of the MicroWedge.

A port on the front of the stage monitors cabinets serves to enhance LF response in coupling with the floor. The opening also houses the carrying handle and the passive/active mode switch where applicable (MW12 and MW15). The resulting look is very clean, with the switch easily accessible (but protected from accidental changes) and the handle location fostering very balanced, single-hand carrying, enhanced by reduced enclosure weight (less than 60 lbs).

Additional cable can be stored in the port of the MW12 and MW15 without impacting LF performance, and it is also sized to accept a leg of a tripod microphone stand, providing added stability and security.

The trapezoidal enclosure sides allow wedges to be placed very close together in “arc” configurations, while the addition of rubber feet to the bottom of the MW12 and MW15 enclosure reduces abrasion. Integral rigging hardware – mounted on the enclosure bottom of the MW12, MW15 – means easy flying when desired. Points for Omni-mount plates are located on the bottom of the MW8 and MW10 to aid in hanging the monitors. An optional pole mount is available for all MicroWedge stage monitors.

One of the newer additions to the line, the MicroWedge stage subwoofer or MicroSub, was designed to accommodate a wide variety of stage applications. The single 15-inch MicroSub is a high-quality, high-output and ultra-compact stage and small venue subwoofer designed to address the unique low-frequency sonic territory often ignored under traditional stage monitor setups.

The MicroSub features integrative design features like bumper padding and side recesses, allowing the MicroSub to interlock with the MW12, MW15 and, of course, other MicroSub units. The cabinet height is exactly half of the cabinet width when the MicroSub is laid flat and the driver is mounted at 45-degrees. These design features facilitate a wide variety of configurations.

Finally, the entire family of MicroWedge products is tough - very capable of withstanding the rigors of club and touring life. The Baltic birch cabinets are protected with EAW’s proprietary RoadCoat™ finish that’s highly resistant to dings and scratches. The rugged steel grille keeps its distinctive shape, even when stood upon by performers. The smaller models (MW10 and MW8) are also available coated in an extremely durable white latex finish.

From its inception to the latest EAW-produced models, the MicroWedge Series has always been a product line developed to meet the wants and needs of working professionals - the direct antithesis of being created in a vacuum. The result is a comprehensive stage monitoring solution that meets the true demands of world touring artists, while each of the individual designs are also equally at home in houses of worship, television, night clubs or DJ setups.

Inspired by the numerous oversights in commercially available stage monitors that continue to this day, and now backed by EAW, the new MicroWedge Series confirms that, yes, the best can indeed be made better.