TEST: Alto TS 115 Vibe

 It's always interesting to see how a segment in the music sector changes. Not only is almost every area that deals with sales and acquisitions in some form subject to certain fashion trends, no, there is also creeping change, which can completely remodel an area, driven partly by requirements and partly by financial considerations.

One of these areas in sound reinforcement is the transformation of the specialist into a flexible multi-tasker who covers several areas, depending on what is required of him at the time. Please do the whole thing with a comparatively low sales price and in a weight class that the singer can even load into her VW Polo on her own if necessary. What seemed unthinkable just years ago is one of the biggest trends in the industry, we're talking about the active two-way box, which, thanks to Class D power amplifiers, works in the performance range of entire vocal systems from previous decades and whose areas of application range from P.A., monitor, sidefill tasks to extends to mobile barker sound systems.

The Alto TS115 Vibe comes into exactly this area, which, in addition to its classic task, also has an MP3 player installed for additional flexibility, which is managed from the back of the product.

construction

With dimensions of 385 x 430 x 679 mm and a weight of 18 kilograms, the Alto TS115 Vibe is in a class that you can't easily tuck under your arm for transport. In return for the power rating of 800 watts peak, it is a product that is comparably easy to handle, as long as you don't expect your front woman to set up her sound system alone.

The moderate weight can only be achieved by using light neodymium speakers in the form of a 15 inch woofer or 1 inch tweeter driver and the operation of two Class D power amplifiers. The housing is cast from durable polypropylene plastic and has no sharp edges. Four stacking feet, 6 M10 upper, lower and rear flight points and a 36 millimeter flange on the bottom allow any form of positioning in modern stage operations. In addition, two handles embedded on the sides and a recessed grip on the top help with portability.

The housing is designed in a trapezoidal shape, which minimizes the risk of edge reflection. In addition, the product can also be used as a stage wedge at a 40 degree angle thanks to the same shape. In addition to a power cable, the scope of delivery also includes a clear operating manual, which provides information about the most important features.

A solid metal grille protects the internally installed speakers from mechanical influences and also prevents objects from entering the two front bass reflex openings. A blue LED on the front of the housing provides information about the operating status of the product. The product can be operated from 100 to 240V mains voltage via the voltage control, which is only accessible internally.

All control and connection options are located on the back of the housing and have been placed slightly recessed to protect against transport damage. At the top is the illuminated display measuring 65 x 15 millimeters, with the MP3 player's controls in the form of push buttons placed directly underneath. A USB stick or a MicroSD card is used to feed tracks; the appropriate sockets are located directly next to the player. The built-in player supports the formats MP3, the Windows-based WMA and the Apple codec AAC.

If you place a stick in the product, you will receive extensive information about the memory contents with the folder name, title display, playing time and remaining titles, with small symbols in the lower right part of the display indicating whether it is a USB stick or a memory card. A single volume potentiometer regulates the output volume, with a small slider underneath deciding whether the left, right or both channels are reproduced through the speakers in a monophonic mix. By the way, the mixdown works without any phase cancellation.

A contour pressure switch can be used to activate a loudness setting in “bathtub EQ” (bass and treble in, mids out), which makes the sound more “pleasing”. This setting is a master equalizer and also influences the tone control of the applied microphone or line signals. There are no other sound or dynamic processing options in the form of filters or compressors.

Additional connections include two XLR/jack combination sockets with separate volume control. The two volume controls manage both a microphone and an applied line level. In the position 7 o'clock up to 12 o'clock, line signals are managed, from 12 o'clock to 5 p.m. the microphone signals are processed. A built-in limiter, which announces its use with a red LED, prevents the internal speakers from being overloaded and automatically reduces the volume if the level is too high.

In order to be able to connect several components to form a daisy chain operation, the Alto TS115 Vibe also has an XLR output, which picks up the signal either before or after the volume control. To prevent hum loops when linking several active systems, the system also has a switchable ground lift. A comparatively quiet fan ensures sufficient cooling within the case.

Practice

When the power switch is activated, the system boots up silently without the infamous switch-on impulse. First of all, when exposed to music, the Alto TS115 Vibe impresses with its transparent, powerful basic sound, which generates a frequency-even reproduction. Even in the crossover range, which is 2.5 kilohertz in this design, there are no frequency drops or acoustic gaps. In order to use the internal MP3 player, the USB stick or the MicroSD card must be formatted in FAT16 or FAT32; Mac formats such as OS Extended etc. are not supported.

In return, the player supports all common sample rates from the underground 8kHz up to 48 kHz, but without the CD standard audio formats AIF and WAV. If you place a microphone at the appropriate input, the maximum volume is reduced slightly for feedback reasons. It makes sense for a quick start, otherwise the usual setup techniques must be taken into account. Unfortunately, the XLR plugs cannot be locked in the socket, which results in a loss of signal flow if the position is changed carelessly.

As a stage monitor in wedge positioning, the Alto TS115 Vibe also leaves a good impression, although the symmetrical alignment of the two outer parts unfortunately does not allow for different beam angles. For an average drummer, the system can also be used as a drum fill, provided you are not a Motörhead. As expected, moderate sidefill use can also be practiced, but club stage dimensions should not be exceeded. In the P.A. In this area, the box shines with good acoustic illumination and good power reserves with a comparatively low weight.

Conclusion

The ALTO TS115 Vibe is an all-rounder on the market that shines with very good key data. Peak power of up to 800 watts with a comparatively low transport weight of 18 kilograms, road-suitable processing as well as universal mounting options up to the flown version enable a wide range of applications in the area of stage and hall sound reinforcement.

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Additional Informations:

Alto Professional, a prominent entity in the professional audio equipment domain, has solidified its position as a vanguard in the industry. Since its establishment in 2000, the company has been unwavering in its mission to revolutionize the auditory experience through a fusion of advanced technology and pragmatic design. This article delves into Alto Professional's extensive history, its multifaceted product line, technological innovations, global impact, educational initiatives, and its enduring legacy within the professional audio landscape.

### **A History of Pioneering Excellence**

Founded two decades ago, Alto Professional set out with a visionary objective: to redefine the auditory landscape. The company's core ethos has been centered on merging state-of-the-art technology with pragmatic utility to cater comprehensively to the requirements of professionals, musicians, and audiophiles. This unwavering dedication to excellence has been instrumental in elevating Alto Professional's stature within the industry.

### **A Multifaceted and Versatile Product Portfolio**

A hallmark of Alto Professional's standing is its expansive product catalog, encompassing an extensive array of equipment meticulously tailored to suit diverse audio environments and applications. Key product categories that have underscored the company's reputation include:

#### 1. **Loudspeakers and PA Systems**

Alto Professional's loudspeakers and PA systems have attained eminence for their unparalleled clarity, formidable power, and exceptional versatility. The product spectrum ranges from compact, portable PA systems, ideal for intimate venues, to high-output line arrays engineered to fill vast concert arenas. Eminent series such as the Truesonic and the Black Series have garnered accolades for their unwavering reliability and superlative sound quality.

#### 2. **Mixers and Mixing Consoles**

The company's mixing consoles and audio mixers are lauded for their intuitive design and superlative audio fidelity. From compact mixers tailored for small live performances to feature-rich digital consoles tailored for professional sound reinforcement in expansive venues, Alto Professional's portfolio caters comprehensively to a broad spectrum of mixing requisites.

#### 3. **Amplifiers and Signal Processors**

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#### 4. **Wireless Microphone Systems**

In the domain of wireless audio, Alto Professional offers cutting-edge wireless microphone systems renowned for their sonic clarity and steadfast reliability. These systems are indispensable for live performances, presentations, and myriad applications where mobility and unencumbered movement are prerequisites.

#### 5. **Studio Monitors and Recording Gear**

For recording and studio ecosystems, Alto Professional provides studio monitors and recording equipment meticulously designed to meet the exacting requirements of audio professionals. These studio monitors are lauded for their precision in sound reproduction, rendering them indispensable tools for producers and engineers demanding exacting fidelity.

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Alto Professional's enduring influence stems from its unwavering commitment to technological innovation. The company continuously explores avant-garde technologies to enhance the quality and functionality of its products. This commitment to pushing the boundaries of audio technology is manifest in the seamless integration of digital signal processing (DSP) to achieve precise audio control and the utilization of advanced materials and engineering methodologies in speaker design.

### **Global Reach and Imprint**

Alto Professional's global influence within the audio industry is profound. With a presence spanning numerous nations and an extensive network of dealers and distributors, the company has effectively disseminated its products to an eclectic array of clientele. Its products find application in diverse environments, including music venues, recording studios, places of worship, educational institutions, and various settings where superior sound quality is imperative.

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In addition to its pursuit of audio equipment par excellence, Alto Professional is unwavering in its commitment to education and customer support. The company provides a wealth of resources, tutorials, and training programs aimed at empowering musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals to harness the full potential of their equipment. This dedication to customer support and education has further cemented Alto Professional's status as a dependable partner in the audio industry.

### **Conclusion: A Resonant Legacy**

In conclusion, Alto Professional stands as an exemplar of excellence in the sphere of professional audio equipment. With a rich legacy, an expansive and diverse product catalog, an unrelenting dedication to technological innovation, a global footprint, and an emphasis on education and support, the company has consistently pushed the envelope of what is achievable in the realm of sound reinforcement. Alto Professional's lasting legacy transcends mere technological prowess; it is a legacy of profound influence, one that has molded the standards for audio quality and performance in professional domains. It remains an enduring beacon of inspiration for audio professionals and aficionados worldwide, underscoring Alto Professional's enduring eminence in the pursuit of audio excellence.