What was the idea and inspiration behind the creation of the three-way active line array?
MC: “The VIO L1610 now stands as the brand leader of our core business – small to mid-sized line array systems. Historically, the brand began developing powered line arrays two decades ago, and we’ve carried on that legacy with the launch of VIO over 10 years ago. This model targets the dual 10” format – a compact, powerful system designed with ease of use in mind. It’s flyable by a single person. Our early prototype was the two-way VIO L210, followed by the improved version– the three-way L1610. We retained the compact size but boosted the output. A winning formula with it becoming our fastest-selling line array system to date.”
How does L1610 differ from other products in the dBTechnologies portfolio?
MC: “The secret lies in the unmatched power to-size ratio. I don’t know of another system that delivers this level of SPL and clarity in such a compact format. If it were easy, we’d have done it 10 years ago. But it wasn’t – which led us to design a three-way system to gain definition, clarity, and other benefits. Instead of a traditional paper cone midrange, we employ a coaxial component within the same enclosure. The result is a compact, high-performance, premium product that complements our wider portfolio.”
How does the design of the L1610 benefit sound engineers in the live environment?
MC: “It’s our most powerful compact range model to date, ideal for touring. It delivers a 100° horizontal and 10° vertical dispersion pattern. What makes its coverage so precise is the fact that it’s the only line array we’ve developed that transmits the midrange through both a waveline and a horn. Beyond its acoustic performance, the L1610 is also easier and safer to rig. We’ve added custom weatherproofing to protect the electronics, upgraded water treatment for the transducers, and used a fibrous foam behind the grille to improve water resistance. It includes all our latest technologies– inclinometer, digital audio compatibility, isolated preamps to eliminate unwanted noise, NFC for positioning, a bright front LED, and much more.”
What kind of time savings and reliability advantages does the three-point rigging system provide?
MC: “Time is key – and this system saves a lot of it. Every line array in the VIO family avoids the need for heavy lifting. They travel on dollies pre-set to the correct relative splay angles for each model. Once on site, it’s simply a matter of attaching the motor for the chain hoist. The three-point rigging is also ideal for long arrays –up to 20 or 24 boxes – because one person can manage the setup. You can lift with one hand, pin with the other. It allows single person flying of multiple units. Like the L212, it’s also service friendly: if anything goes wrong, the rear spine can be swapped out on-site by removing four screws.”
To what extent is integration between the L1610 and other products in the VIO family seamless, both acoustically and mechanically, especially in mixed configurations?
MC: “We invested heavily in research and development during the COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown. As a result, we redesigned the DSP structure and redistributed CPU power to focus on what really matters. Now, every VIO box running firmware 2.0 or later can be mixed and matched – just like Lego – with full phase compatibility, identical latency, frequency response, and input sensitivity. This consistency is greatly appreciated by users and underlines our focus on delivering a user centric product family.”
What was the driving force behind the active bass reflex subwoofer?
MC: “We created S218 in response to shifting demands in pro audio culture. There’s a growing need for extended low frequency performance – driven by genres like EDM and hip-hop. We created a subwoofer capable of reaching as low as 28 Hz at -6 dB – something we’d never achieved before. It delivers from 80 Hz down to 28 Hz, covering the same range as many infra-subs, without compromising on punch. Thanks to a new amplifier and premium transducers, it’s one of the most high-fidelity subs we’ve ever offered. It also pairs exceptionally well with other VIO models, especially the L212.”
How have the S218’s networked control, diagnostics, and NFC technology improved deployment speed and reliability on tour?
MC: “Our focus has been entirely on reliability. As manufacturers of active loudspeakers for many years, we understand what matters most. The PSU includes a power factor corrector and supports voltages from 90 to 265 volts. If the system exceeds safe limits – for instance, due to a missing neutral at a festival – it will shut down safely rather than fail. We continuously monitor transducer health and temperature. The cabinet is made from high-quality birch and finished in a polyurea-like elastic coating– far more robust than traditional water-based paint. It’s flexible and it doesn’t crack.” Additionally, firmware updates keep everything current. For faster setup, we designed the system with wheels on the bottom – rather than the back – so subs can be transported in their performance orientation. You can roll them into place, even in cardioid configuration, and start playing. Just add power and signal. The flyable version offers the same performance.”
How does the cardioid preset and onboard delay module enhance sub-array configurations in acoustically difficult venues?
MC: “We understand the challenges of deploying cardioid and gradient sub arrays in the field. Our onboard cardioid preset mitigates many of the inherent design limitations, delivering maximum summation at the front and cancellation at the rear – without wasting energy in either direction. Thanks to DSP down to the component level, creating your own cardioid setup – whether it’s End-Fire or classic gradient – is significantly easier than with passive systems.”
Is S218 future-proofed for compatibility with evolving networked audio infrastructures?
MC: “Several years ago, we began equipping our VIO products with modular card slots – like digital mixing consoles – allowing users to upgrade without replacing their entire system. Our VIO family supports multiple audio protocols: analogue, our proprietary A2Net, and Dante. We’re actively exploring further integrations. A2Net was developed as a simpler alternative for users who aren’t IT specialists – making networking far more accessible.”
Where can we expect to see these systems?
SB: “With festival deployments across Europe and North America – and several European tours under our belts – VIO is now stepping confidently on to the global touring stage. Next up is the 23rd edition of Club to Club (C2C) Festival in Turin – Italy’s largest indoor music festival – followed by something we’re not quite ready to talk about… but all will be revealed at NAMM and ISE 2026.”
[issuu link]
Words: Marco Cantalù and Stefano Bini
Photos: dBTechnologies
