Hi there...

Just putting some stuff together for an upcoming gig and wondering where I can find specs online for the Hill Powercube Tops and Subs? Specifically I'm looking to integrate them with an installed system and am looking for their crossover point just so I'm not guessing on the day. On the other hand, the whole set of specs (max SPL, frequency response etc) would be good.

C

Rock-Tech have the data on their website.

I would be interested in seeing the EASE data for this range of cabinets...

I've only come across Powercubes once, and those were an active design, each using a single 12" Volt dual concentric driver. There was no facility to alter the crossover frequency. They sounded good, as I would have expected them to, Volt drivers being among the best, in my opinion.

Have a look at this website: http://www.rock-tech.co.uk/powercube.html

It seems to have more information on powercubes than anywhere else. I seem to remember that Rock Tech is run by Malcolm Hill's son.

It appears that they now use PD drivers. They have an 'interesting' and somewhat eccentric range of line array cabinets too, but Malcolm Hill's mixer and speaker designs were often somewhat out of the ordinary.

I can't find any web presence for Malcolm Hill Audio - I don't know whether Roch Tech are simply keeping the name alive?

Cheers guys - that was the site I was looking for. My session with this morning didn't turn anything up which was what prompted me to come here.

From the page and memory of using them before in another application, it seems a pair of these boxes would be perfect for the job I have in mind.

For those who may be interested - I'm wanting to take some low-end work away from an installed Bose 802/402 system that currently runs "full-range" using a Driverack 260 for processing/delay duties. The idea is to get some more impact/dynamic range out of the system as a whole - thought not necessarily a higher average/continuous SPL.

I know I could just hire some 302's and amps, but an active solution seems much easier and neater for the specific application I have in mind - unless anyone can confirm I'm about to make a terrible mistake? Cabling and processing problems can be overcome here - it's the physical space that's the problem...

Source material is live orchestral/big-band-feel music, with a slightly contemporary feel (drums, bass, guitar etc) added to the mix. It's going to be quite a challenge in the particular building! Quite looking forward to it!

Hence my comment above about EASE data. A well designed single dual concentric can produce a very acceptable sound - c.f. Tannoy's products. Putting 4 concentrics horizontally in a box to create a line array element somewhat strays from the conventional wisdom on the subject.

I haven't heard anything larger than a single Powercube (which was pretty good) so cannot comment on the other boxes. Some measured data would be interesting to see.

Simon

I was on the tech crew alongside Rock-Tech during the summer for a big Christian Youth Event and I have to say the Hill speakers are really good.



Harvest 08, Rock-Tech provide Lighting & Sound using their M8 linearrays and M7 subs(6 both sides of stage)

I'm glad they sounded good. My point above was that I doubt if they are forming something that might be thought of approaching an acoustic line array across the whole audio spectrum. However, many other manufacturers offer solutions which do not meet this criteria either!

I might just suggest that the term "line array" conjures up certain characteristics which would probably not be achievable with the configuration used in the M8.

Simon

From Memory I also believe the Hill/Rock Tech website proposed some 'interesting' reasons to use a 'Line Array' over a conventional point source system. I have also heard of the Power Cube's lovingly referred to as Power Pubes....

Sound Foundation in Reading hire and use Hill Powercubes (they mend them as well), and their founder is a contributor on this forum from time to time. see www.soundfoundation.com for details and pictures.

Powercube sub and top box form a phenomenally powerful "speaker on sticks". Not the most refined sound to my ears, nor does the single 15 go that low, but very quick and easy to set up and LOUD.

Pete.

malcolm hill associates is now technically Rock-tech. I know all the rock tech guys well they build all the power cubes in house..
sam

Just came across this post, as Site Manager for the event which shared a venue with Harvest from this year I can back up the support for the Malcolm Hill system. This year we ran our event (Together at North, a regional bible conference for the church group newfrontiers) the week after Harvest. North was a worship conference event for just shy of 2000 people. The rig was adjusted slightly for the picture Jonathan shows. Whilst running at quieter volumes (only 4 subs a side) we were able to get excellent even coverage in an acoustically challenging venue. The M8 line array gave us extra wide coverage when compared to most other (mayer, d&b, etc) arrays. While in this situation a 'line array' was a more of a convenient way of flying speakers than a application of sound reinforcement theory. The benefit of having the same 12in dual concentric driver in the M8 array as the M9 stage monitors helped blend the stage spill with the front of house coverage. The M7 Subs based on an 18 inch driver produce tight, powerful bass in blocks of four giving a 'big' sound even at lower volumes.

Also M9 monitors (and all the other M series units except the M8) have signal in / out on 3 pin XRL and power in /out on powercon. With use of powercon XRL combi-cables re-configuration of monitors and FOH is as easy as daisy chaining power and signal. Its a quick and efficient way to chain power and signal in an idiot proof system helps the time pressured rigs and late night de-rigs.

The M9 'powercube' stands up as a versatile monitor and is a handy box to fly or pole mount as a delay / fill speaker. As with any active speaker they weigh a bit to lump around though.

Bit of an off topic ramble but thats my 2p's worth.