TEST: HK Audio Polar 10

One could get the impression that the Columns P.A. has completely outstripped any other forms of sound reinforcement. There is not a single established manufacturer that has not expanded its portfolio with one or more components of this system class in recent years. HK Audio is one of the last to follow suit with the HK Audio Polar 10 and provides a lot of purchase arguments for the ambitious customer with interesting key data at a moderate price at first glance. Let's see how the second look turns out.

The construction of the HK Audio Polar 10

For just under 700 euros, you get with the HK Audio Polar 10 about 2000 watts of peak power, which are generated from a 10-inch subwoofer, 6 pieces of 3-inch midrange speakers and a 1-inch tweeter. According to the manufacturer, a frequency spectrum of 38 Hz to 20 kHz is covered with a dispersion angle of 120 degrees.

The complete system consists of a total of 3 elements, whereby one of the two column elements is a pure empty housing (company name "Spacer") and serves only as a spacer rod with passage of the signal to the midrange, respectively tweeter(s) (company name "Top"). In other words, to bring the system at ground level at ear level of the listener, one uses the spacer, if the system is already exposed on an elevated stage, one connects the top of the columns by plug system directly to the woofer. With the dimensions Top / Spacer (W x H x D): 10.8 cm x 82.5 cm x 9.8 cm and a weight of 3.9 kg (Top) and 2 kg (Spacer), the two column elements are easy to transport. Visually, both elements have an identical appearance anyway.

In the woofer housing, which comes with the dimensions 366 mm x 625 mm x 541 mm (W x H x D) and a weight of 21 kg already very strong in a black birch plywood finish, is as usual also the entire DSP department, along with mixer and power amplifier. If you put all the elements together, the system has a height of 2.13 meters and a weight of almost 27 kg, without spacers, the system has a height of about 135 cm.

As already mentioned, the entire electronics are located in the lower part of the HK Audio Polar 10. On the back is the cold device plug together with heat sink and all connections of the system. The crossover frequency between bass and midrange is 180 Hz, which demands a lot from the comparatively small midrange drivers in the direction of low midrange, the eternal Achilles heel of column systems. I'm already very curious about the practical part, especially since HK Audio explicitly points out the solution to this problem.

The mixer section of the system turns out to be comparatively simple. Channel 1 and 2 is supplied via a combo jack (XLR / TRS) and can be pre-adjusted with a slider in the input sensitivity. A small volume control decides the final volume. Channel 3 is designed for high impedance instruments and also has a volume control. Channel 4 is designed as a stereo channel and controls the volume for the Bluetooth receiver or the RCA input. The Bluetooth version is 5.0 and should have a range of up to 50 meters.

Via an XLR output, the incoming signals can be looped through to other amplifier systems in daisy chain mode. Finally, there is a separate volume control for the subwoofer on the mixer panel, which, in addition to a standard 0 dB control, also allows a boost of up to 10 dB. Finally, we have a master volume control for the entire system.

A small but easy to read display informs about the most important system points, such as limiter use in case of overload and Bluetooth use. In addition, the system has a three-band EQ on board (bass 70 Hz +/- 12 dB, treble 12 kHz +/- 12 dB, midrange semi-parametric from 70 Hz - 12 kHz +/- 12 dB) and three modes in the dispersion range labeled Music, Voice and DJ. In addition, the system can be operated as a delay tower with a distance of up to 100 meters. All settings can be saved to up to 5 presets.

The HK Audio Polar 10 in practice

One expects a lot from a column P.A., which is less of an issue with other systems. In particular, the combination of easy transportability, unobtrusive appearance and superior radiation behavior has made the principle in recent times a box office hit of the first category. In the case of the HK Audio Polar 10, the above points are undoubtedly fulfilled at first impression. The disassembly of the system takes seconds and the transport of the individual units is also problem-free, provided you have the strength to move the woofer with its 21 kg, but this is no problem due to the practical recessed grips.

In terms of optics, the Saarlanders succeed in creating a truly discreet appearance, which doesn't scare away guests even in a private garden party environment, but is rather perceived as a modern art element. Many sound experts like to forget that especially with discreet background sound, the appearance at private events is sometimes more important than the sound. The concept is appealing, the workmanship is very good, and the amount of cable to be used is minimal due to the internal connection rails.

In general, especially the plug-in rails leave a very good impression. The connections are torsion-resistant, solidly designed and can be securely plugged together even in the semi-darkness of a sparsely lit stage. Who doesn't know the club version, where the stage can't be properly lit around bursting, because all the spotlights are plastered with some pointless color filter, the walls were painted black so that you don't see the siff so and you have simply forgotten to install sufficient white light for assembly and disassembly.

Although a corresponding audio stream can be put on the system via Bluetooth, there is no app with which you can remotely control the system. If you leave the mixer at home, you unfortunately can't avoid the "set-before-run-listen-back-repeat" fuss.

Although HK Audio claims to have put a special focus on the construction-related center hole, you can't outsmart physics in this case either. 3 inch speakers are simply not capable of generating corresponding low mids to generate a completely balanced sound image, even more so when only 6 are available. One can help out a bit with an appropriate external EQ, but the typical slightly brittle sound of a typical column P.A. can also be heard with the HK Audio Polar 10, as with all other suppliers.

In return, however, the system scores with a very powerful bass, which provides a solid basis for up to about 150 people to be sounded, especially in the DJ preset. The headroom of the woofer is outstanding, especially since 1000 watts RMS and 2000 watts peak can generate a lot of pressure when needed. Depending on the preset, the sound spectrum ranges from scoop to moderate, although the high frequency range can also become "biting" at times, as is typical for columns.

The feedback strength of the system depends, as always, on the location of the performer. Of course, it is advisable to act at maximum at the same height as the speakers, or even better behind them, but even with a slightly forward setup, feedback attacks can be kept under control comparatively well. Of course, it is important to consider whether the spacer is in operation or not. Without a spacer on a stage in front of the speakers turns out to be a bad idea, as expected.

The Bluetooth feed turns out well, the 50 meters under Bluetooth 5 are met and even with lower versions 25 to 30 meters should not be a problem even with smaller obstacles. For an external mixer operation, somewhat higher quality connections like TRS or XLR would be desirable, but in the consumer area, the RCA connections simply do their job.

Conclusion

With the HK Audio Polar 10, the Saarland-based company has a high-quality column P.A. with a very good price / performance ratio in the program. With a very good mechanical workmanship and easy handling, smaller events up to a maximum of 200 people can be acoustically properly illuminated even in acoustically unfavorable conditions. Especially in the bass range, the system can show its full strength and provides a very good basis for various requirements with moderate dimensions and comparatively handy feel.

Additional informations:

- HK Audio is a German company that designs and manufactures high-quality audio equipment for professional and commercial use. The company was founded in 1992 by Hans Stamer and Lothar Stamer, and it is based in St. Wendel, Germany.

Products:
HK Audio offers a wide range of audio products, including loudspeakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and digital signal processors. Their products are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of customers, including musicians, DJs, event planners, and sound engineers. HK Audio products are known for their high-quality sound, durability, and reliability.

One of the company's most popular products is the Linear 5 Series, which includes loudspeakers and subwoofers designed for use in live music performances and events. The Linear 5 Series features high-performance drivers, advanced electronics, and a lightweight design, making it easy to transport and set up.

In addition to the Linear 5 Series, HK Audio offers several other product lines, including the Elements Series, which is designed for use in fixed installations, and the Premium Pro Series, which is designed for use in large-scale events and concerts.

Technology:
HK Audio uses advanced technology to design and manufacture its products. The company's products are designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and they are tested using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure they meet the company's high standards for sound quality and performance.

One of the company's most innovative technologies is the MultiGrip carrying handle system, which is featured on many of its products. The MultiGrip system allows users to carry and transport speakers and subwoofers with ease, and it also provides a secure grip for easy handling.

Sustainability:
HK Audio is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable manufacturing practices. For example, the company uses recyclable materials in its products and packaging, and it has implemented energy-saving measures in its manufacturing facilities.

Conclusion:
In summary, HK Audio is a German company that designs and manufactures high-quality audio equipment for professional and commercial use. The company's products are known for their high-quality sound, durability, and reliability, and they are used by musicians, DJs, event planners, and sound engineers around the world. HK Audio uses advanced technology to design and manufacture its products, and it is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

- Column PA systems, also known as line array speakers or vertical array speakers, are a type of loudspeaker system that is designed to provide consistent and even sound coverage across a wide area. These systems are popular in a variety of settings, including concerts, festivals, conferences, and worship services.

Design:
Column PA systems consist of multiple smaller speakers arranged in a vertical column. The speakers are typically arranged in a line or curve, and they are designed to work together to produce a consistent and even sound. Each speaker in the column is angled and aimed in a specific direction to provide optimal coverage.

The design of a column PA system allows it to provide more even coverage than traditional speaker systems, which often have hot spots and dead zones. Column systems also have the advantage of being able to deliver sound over longer distances without losing clarity or volume.

Uses:
Column PA systems are often used in large venues, such as arenas, stadiums, and outdoor concert spaces, where consistent and even sound coverage is essential. They are also popular in houses of worship, where they can deliver high-quality sound throughout the sanctuary.
Column systems are also used in smaller settings, such as conferences and corporate events, where they can provide clear sound reinforcement for speeches and presentations. They are also popular in bars and restaurants, where they can provide high-quality background music without taking up valuable space.

Advantages:
One of the main advantages of column PA systems is their ability to provide consistent and even sound coverage over a wide area. This is achieved through the use of multiple speakers that work together to produce a uniform sound.

Column systems are also known for their high-quality sound. The smaller speakers used in these systems are often designed to produce a more natural and accurate sound than larger speakers.
Another advantage of column systems is their compact size. Because they are designed to be arranged vertically, they take up less floor space than traditional speaker systems.

Disadvantages:
One potential disadvantage of column PA systems is their cost. These systems can be more expensive than traditional speaker systems, due to the complex design and the use of multiple speakers.

Column systems can also be more difficult to set up and configure than traditional speaker systems. The precise positioning of each speaker is critical to achieving optimal sound quality, and this can be time-consuming and challenging.

Conclusion:
In summary, column PA systems are a popular choice for venues and events that require consistent and even sound coverage over a wide area. These systems use multiple smaller speakers arranged in a vertical column to produce high-quality sound that is natural and accurate. While they can be more expensive and difficult to set up than traditional speaker systems, their advantages make them a popular choice for a wide range of applications.