Denon Professional: Delta Series Loudspeakers with Wireless Connectivity

The Delta Series from Denon Professional are custom-designed loudspeakers that are well suited for live acoustic performance, dynamic A/V playback, and articulate spoken-word presentations. The series includes three models of tops and two models of subwoofers. All of the speakers share the same Class-D amplifier, which provides 1200W of continuous power and 2400W of peak performance. The Delta 10, 12, and 15 use 10-, 12-, and 15" low-frequency drivers, respectively, with custom DSP-controlled crossovers coupled with a computer-designed, high-frequency waveguide for an optimized 90 x 60° (H x V) coverage. The low-frequency drivers are high-excursion transducers with a 2.5 or 3" high-temperature voice coil and ferrite magnet. The high-frequency transducer features a 1.75" voice coil ferrite magnet compression driver with a 1" acoustic aperture. The subwoofers are bass reflex, direct radiators, offered in 15 and 18" models. The low-frequency driver is made from an ultra-high excursion cone transducer with a 4" voice coil and a ferrite magnet. Each speaker can be controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth for fine-tuning the sound without having to reach around to the back of the enclosure.

The sound is natural and clear with little distortion or coloration. Regardless of the material, the speakers offer precise playback with full, rich bass and smooth highs. Drums are punchy and articulate, while instruments maintain their character within the stereo field. Even complex compositions translate at lower volumes for subtle indoor background music or at higher volumes for louder outdoor concerts.

Denon Delta 15 Sub - 15" Powered Subwoofer with Wireless Connectivity (2400 W)

The tops feature two XLR / ¼" inputs with dedicated volume controls for mixing two different sources. A single XLR is offered for the mixed output and can be switched between pre- or post volume control. Input 1 offers a mic/line switch, with a maximum line input of +10 dB, while the mic setting offers a control range of 0 to +50 dB. The onboard DSP features a momentary push-button to switch between flat, contour, 80 Hz high pass, low-frequency extension, and custom user settings. The subwoofer’s control panel features two XLR inputs with a single volume control with a maximum line input level of +10 dB. Two XLR outputs feature a loop-through high-pass filter that is defeat-able via a push-button switch. The onboard DSP features a momentary switch that cycles through the available low-frequency crossover settings including 80, 100, 120, 140 Hz, and a custom user setting. A polarity switch is offered, which reverses the phase of the subwoofer, aiding in placement options.  Additionally, both the tops and subs offers recessed push-button switches to turn the grill logo on or off and to initiate a standby mode, which puts the speaker into a low-power mode when no signal is present after a period of 15 minutes. If a ground loop should occur in your signal chain, a push-button ground switch lifts the input ground connection.

The Delta 10 offers a frequency response of 51 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-3 dB) with a peak output of 131 dB at 1 m, while the Delta 12 offers the same frequency response but with a slight louder peak output of 133 dB at 1 m. The Delta 15 offers a frequency response of 50 Hz to 19 kHz (+/-3 dB) with a peak output of 134 dB. The Delta 15 Sub features a frequency response of 33 to 140 Hz (+/-3 dB) with a peak output of 132 dB at 1m, while the Delta 18 Sub provides a frequency response of 29 to 140 Hz (+/-3 dB) at with a peak output of 133 dB at 1 m. 

Denon Delta 15 - 15" 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker with Wireless Connectivity (2400 W)

All of the enclosures are crafted from 15- and 18mm premium plywood that has been internally braced. A highly durable, textured, and catalyzed black polyurethane coating provides a scratch-resistant finish. The 1.2mm-thick grilles are made from perforated steel that’s been black-powder coated to withstand the rigors of on-the-road wear and tear. Two ergonomic handles with aluminum crossbars aid in transportation and lifting. Should you wish to fly the speakers for a permanent installation in a venue, no less than 12 M10 female threaded screw sockets are available. The tops can be pole-mounted using the standard 35mm socket, while the steel-reinforced rubber feet on the bottom and side of the enclosure allow for traditional PA applications or as a floor wedge monitor. The internal power supply is a fully regulated switching design with power-factor correction and offers a self-regulating voltage selector that operates from 90 to 264 VAC at 50/60 Hz.

Denon Delta 10 - 10" 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker with Wireless Connectivity (2400 W)

The wireless control and monitoring worked really well, utilizing Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR with a range of 82 feet clear line-of-sight. The wireless control app “Live Drive” is available for iOS devices and compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPad 2, and iPod touch (4^th generation) and newer. The app allows for up to three speakers to be connected, which allows for a 2.1 setup with two tops and a subwoofer. The rear of the speaker provides a dedicated momentary push-button labeled “Press to Pair,” which activates the pairing mode and begins flashing while waiting to connect to a device. I opened “Settings” on my iPhone 5S and turned on Bluetooth. Immediately, the “Black Series” popped up under my devices. Once connected, I opened the Live Drive app and was able to adjust the level of each speaker from 0 to +10. Additional tabs across the top of the app allow for control over a three-band EQ, mute, signal level metering (-70 to 0 dB), DSP low-pass mode (80, 100, 120, 140 Hz, Custom), delay, polarity, custom low-pass filtering, monitoring (limit, peak, and fault). Additionally, there is a rear-panel lock that disables the physical controls on the rear of the speaker and prevents the tampering of settings. The app was clearly laid out and worked extremely well. Every powered speaker should have this functionality, as it allows you to customize and fine-tune your sound from the optimum position, in the middle of the room. Having the ability to adjust EQ settings during a performance, without being tied to a specific mix position, was hugely beneficial.

If you are in the market for an affordable PA system, I would recommend trying the Delta series. The speakers are well made, sound great, and the wireless app allows for a ton of control over the sound.