TEST: DAS Audio Vantec 12A

 Active 12" full-range speakers are the basic equipment whenever you need a moderate presentation or background sound. As small as possible, as light as possible and visually as discreet as possible, they are the workhorses that do their job inconspicuously on distance rods, as wedges or as small sidefills and usually get by with a peak of around 400 - 500 watts. But what if a manufacturer doesn't rely on distributing around 3 - 4 of the standard products in the open field or in a larger room, but rather a single box with around 525 watts sine, 750 watts RMS and an impressive 1,500 watts peak brings to the market? These strong numbers are emitted by the DAS Audio Vantec-12A, which immediately encouraged us to test it.

The structure of the DAS Audio Vantec-12A

The Spanish provider DAS Audio is certainly not the first name that comes to mind for an ambitious dance musician / DJ when asked to name a handful of their favorite 12/1 sound reinforcement solutions. However, the more you move into the area of professional rental or PA sound systems, the more often the name appears in your personal portfolio, as the provider, in addition to the compact solution mentioned above, also offers line arrays, curved sources, column PAs and stage monitors in addition to the corresponding amplifiers in its offer.

With the DAS Audio Vantec-12A, DAS Audio consistently relies on maximized power output with minimal transport dimensions. Something similar could be noticed a few years ago in the guitar speaker department, when, for example, Celestion brought a guitar speaker with a power capacity of 150 watts (no neodynium!) onto the market with the intention of using a 100 watt all-tube head on just a 1x12" speaker to be able to operate. A good idea, but it never really caught on because the psyche of the guitarists wasn't taken into account. Either you are the “big pants” type, in which case you have no problems lugging a 412 cabinet to the show, or you are the minimal type, who would still play with a 112 cabinet, but in return you definitely won’t have a full tube head , ideally still in the case, would be carried with you.

However, since a full-range box is not an “artistic performance” in general, where psychological aspects have to be taken into account in the planning, you can plan purely from a technical perspective and completely different rules apply here than in the area of instrumentalists. In addition to the fact that you only need a fraction of the cubic meters in the van than with a larger number of less powerful competing products, you should also keep in mind the reduced space required when positioning the boxes. As an example, it should be mentioned that 4 pieces of DAS Audio Vantec-12A, controlled in the daisy chain process, deliver a peak of 6 KW, mind you without a suitable subwoofer.

Every commercially minded person will understand that a corresponding performance with an impressive sound pressure of 135 dB cannot be obtained for little money, so it is not surprising that the DAS Audio Vantec-12A costs €1,198 per box . In return, there are also several features that make the hearts of professional sound artists beat faster. On the one hand, the box is designed to be very massive, but this also comes with a weight of 21.5 kg. On the other hand, the system is still easy to handle thanks to the two large recessed grips on the right and left of the housing. The cabinets are made of birch plywood, which is also used in the top lines of the famous 412 Marshall Cabinets due to its very good strength and resonance properties.

Two different troughs for the spacer rods on the lower part of the housing ensure upright or slightly tilted forward (10 degrees) positioning. Flight operations were also taken into account, so the system has a total of 12 flight points in the standard M10 format. The DAS Audio Vantec-12A can also be used as a floor monitor due to its trapezoidal shape.

On the input side there are 2 combination sockets (XLR / TRS) plus a mini jack for direct feeding of AUX devices, whereby the two combination sockets each have a separate gain control, which visually represent a rough design of the signal sources present. There is an XLR out for daisy chain operation, or you can use the internal wireless audio function, which can transmit both the signal present via an external device and the signals transmitted in the network via radio up to 20 meters each. The setup is managed via a corresponding app, which is available in common app stores. In the DSP area you can choose between the voicing presets Live, Dance, DJ and Vocals, depending on the operating mode, while a three-band EQ also offers editing options.

If you want to operate the DAS Audio Vantec-12A with an additional subwoofer, you can lock the box in satellite operation according to a suitable crossover frequency in order to relieve the system of the power-consuming deep bass transmission. As a delay tower there is also a delay correction and for very quiet environments an expander operation, which is similar to a noise gate. By the way, the display is very easy to read and calmly provides information about all the important data, including the current power output with corresponding bar displays.


The DAS Audio Vantec-12A in practice

You can tell the alignment of the system from the first tones coming from the speakers. In fact, I have never heard a full-range box of this size that can deliver such a powerful punch when required as the DAS Audio Vantec-12A. Starting with the comparatively neutral “Live” setting, the box delivers a clear and neutral basic sound right up to high volumes, which enables a very fast and differentiated attack, especially in the midrange. The famous center hole, which often appears in a 1/15 combination in the crossover frequency range, cannot be heard here. The solid housing not only leaves a very good tactile impression, but also allows the speakers to achieve their maximum efficiency. Due to the clean workmanship and the high-quality components, the box only colors minimally as the volume increases and offers the headroom you want.

It should be clear to everyone that a 12-inch device cannot generate “real” deep bass, so if you have the appropriate sound material and the “body bass” you want, you should consider purchasing an additional subwoofer. However, if you are already satisfied with the “normal” bass range, you should give the system a try, especially since the “Boost” setting pushes the bass range very tastefully without overwhelming its reserves.

I particularly liked the “Vocals” setting because it frees the human voice from all unnecessary frequencies in the Extreme Low and Extreme High range and instead has sophisticated mid-range processing for very good intelligibility in both speech and sound Vocal area ensures. With this setting, the speaker can shine in an area that is often completely forgotten by many competing products, the classic vocal system. Be it in the rehearsal room or at small club gigs without an external PA, with 2 speakers of this type, or perhaps even with one speaker in the optimal orientation, you can easily hold your own against your electrified colleagues. Especially since the high power headroom means that saturation and the associated risk of feedback decrease significantly.

Overall, the DAS Audio Vantec-12A has to be given a very good rating in all respects. Concept, implementation, performance and workmanship are directly related and depend on each other for an excellent end result. Of course, many hobby users will find the retail price too high, but anyone who places great value on a professional feel combined with a neutral, very dynamic sound, or even makes a living with music, will love this product.

Conclusion

With the DAS Audio Vantec-12A, the Spanish manufacturer has a top-class 12/1 system in its portfolio. The system, which can be operated in standards such as live sound, wedge operation and sidefill use, impresses with its very good workmanship, a neutral sound and a huge headroom in terms of its power output. Personally, I have never come across a box of this size that packs such a punch.

Highly recommended for professional rental and ambitious personal operations!

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Additional Informations:

DAS Audio has etched a significant mark in the industry with its innovative products, commitment to quality, and unwavering dedication to sonic excellence. In this detailed exploration, we embark on a journey through the rich history and evolution of DAS Audio, tracing its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader in sound reinforcement technology.

**The Genesis: Founding and Early Years**

The story of DAS Audio begins in the late 1970s in Valencia, Spain, where a group of passionate audio engineers and enthusiasts came together with a shared vision: to revolutionize the world of sound reinforcement. Founded by Juan Alberola, the company initially operated under the name "Diseños Acústicos SA," which translates to Acoustic Designs Inc. in English.

In its formative years, DAS Audio focused on designing and manufacturing loudspeaker systems for a variety of applications, including live concerts, corporate events, and installations. Drawing upon the rich musical heritage of Spain and the vibrant culture of Valencia, DAS Audio quickly gained a reputation for delivering superior sound quality, reliability, and performance.

**Innovation and Expansion: Pioneering Technologies**

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, DAS Audio continued to push the boundaries of innovation, introducing groundbreaking technologies and pioneering new approaches to sound reinforcement. One of the company's early breakthroughs was the development of the "Vantec" series of loudspeakers, which utilized advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology to achieve unprecedented levels of clarity, precision, and control.

Additionally, DAS Audio was among the first companies to embrace the concept of powered loudspeakers, integrating amplification and signal processing directly into the speaker cabinets for enhanced convenience and efficiency. This innovative approach helped to streamline setup and reduce the complexity of sound systems while delivering exceptional sound quality and consistency.

As DAS Audio expanded its product lineup to encompass a wide range of professional audio solutions, including line arrays, stage monitors, subwoofers, and installation speakers, the company's reputation for excellence continued to grow. Musicians, sound engineers, and audio professionals around the world began to recognize DAS Audio as a trusted brand synonymous with uncompromising quality and performance.

**Global Reach and Influence: Building a Worldwide Presence**

Driven by a relentless commitment to customer satisfaction and a passion for innovation, DAS Audio quickly established itself as a global leader in the professional audio industry. With a network of distributors and partners spanning every continent, the company's products became a fixture in venues, stadiums, theaters, and concert halls worldwide.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the sprawling metropolises of Asia and beyond, DAS Audio systems could be found delivering pristine sound quality and immersive audio experiences to audiences of all sizes. Whether powering a rock concert, a corporate event, a worship service, or a sporting event, DAS Audio's presence was felt in every corner of the globe.

Moreover, DAS Audio's commitment to research and development ensured that its products remained at the forefront of technological innovation, incorporating the latest advancements in acoustics, materials science, and digital signal processing. By continually pushing the boundaries of what was possible in sound reinforcement, DAS Audio solidified its position as a trailblazer in the industry, inspiring competitors and collaborators alike to raise their standards and strive for excellence.

**Looking Ahead: Innovation, Excellence, and Beyond**

As DAS Audio looks towards the future, its founding principles of innovation, excellence, and customer focus remain as strong as ever. With a diverse lineup of products designed to meet the evolving needs of the professional audio market, the company is poised to continue shaping the future of sound reinforcement for years to come.

Whether developing cutting-edge line array systems for large-scale events, compact portable speakers for intimate venues, or innovative software solutions for system optimization and control, DAS Audio remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in audio technology. By staying true to its roots while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, DAS Audio is well-positioned to lead the industry into a new era of sonic excellence and innovation.

In conclusion, the journey of DAS Audio from its humble beginnings in Valencia to its current status as a global powerhouse in professional audio is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and innovation. By staying true to its core values and continually pushing the boundaries of what's possible, DAS Audio has earned its place as a true pioneer and leader in the world of sound reinforcement.