TEST: Eve Audio TS107

 The general public only became aware of them with the establishment of the surround sound system; today they can be found in almost every recording studio that does not work in a midfield monitor or larger area. We are talking about subwoofers that cover the sub-bass range for control purposes, which for physical reasons cannot be covered by nearfield monitors. For testing we have the smallest representative of the Berlin manufacturer Eve Audio, which is called the Eve Audio TS107 and could cause a lot of interest with a large number of special features.

The special features of subwoofer operation

Even though most users are likely to be familiar with the special features of subwoofer operation, here is a brief introduction for interested newcomers. While huge discussions are sometimes made about the placement of near-field monitors and the associated optimization of the stereo triangle (and rightly so), the optimal placement of a subwoofer is approached in a comparatively relaxed manner. Even a placement beyond the stereo center is still viewed very loosely, depending on the reflection surface near the woofer, as long as the actual area of ​​application of the system is not ruined by an unfavorable phase problem.

Why is that? The main reason is that the human ear no longer perceives any spatial location below approx. 300 Hz. It is therefore negligible whether the subwoofer is in the middle or to the side of the room, unless the unfavorable geometry of the room causes standing waves or something similar. The stereo image is formed exclusively by the satellites of the nearfiled monitors, especially since in almost all woofers the stereo signal is summarized in mono.

The advantage of a subwoofer lies particularly in the space-saving variant, as high-quality woofer operation allows you to achieve a deep bass that can otherwise only be achieved with very good and expensive midfield monitors, which also require medium to very large control rooms in order to exploit their full potential can. The danger of using a woofer, on the other hand, lies in the unoptimized coordination with the satellites, which then leads to an undifferentiated reproduction of the bass range and worsens rather than improves the sound reproduction. A good subwoofer is therefore not only characterized by an outstanding sound, but also by as many setting options as possible to ensure optimal cooperation with the satellites.

The construction of the Eve Audio TS107

The Eve Audio company has a total of 4 subwoofers in its portfolio, with the Eve Audio TS107 with its 6.5-inch bass loudspeaker being the smallest variant in the series. The softly suspended yet magnetically tight speaker offers an output power of 100 watts and has an internal limiter. According to the manufacturer, the frequency range is 33 - 300 Hz, whereby the woofer with dimensions of 230 mm x 355 mm x 300 mm and a weight of only 8.2 kg can be described as very handy. The maximum SPL is @ 1m: 102 dB. Like all other Eve Audio products, the Eve Audio TS107 is perfectly manufactured and offers no cause for criticism.

What I noticed when unpacking the product were the unusually high and massive feet on which the Eve Audio TS107 stands. A look at the underside of the case provides the explanation. Instead of, as is usual with almost all subwoofers, Eve Audio does without the bass reflex channel and instead uses a passive membrane, which compensates for the movements of the front speaker and the associated compression of the internal air, as well as working as a kind of second speaker. The result is a significantly tighter and more defined bass than the bass reproduction via the bass reflex channel, which sometimes tends to “slouch”. The flow noise caused by occasional air turbulence is also eliminated.

The connection panel of the Eve Audio TS107

All connections of the Eve Audio TS107 are located on the back of the housing and, apart from the unbalanced RCA connection, which was set up for the Eve Audio SC203 master/slave system, are symmetrical in XLR, consisting of L / R - In / Out and LFE In/Out. Various additional functions can be activated via 4 DIP switches, such as:

Filter Lock: Securing the filters set on the front.
Volume Lock: Locks the volume set on the front.
Auto On/Off: Auto standby mode if there is no signal at the input for longer than 10 minutes.
Max. Input: Input sensitivity switchable between +8dBu and for studios with very high output levels +22dBu.

The power plug is also located on the back of the housing.

The front of the Eve Audio TS107

The front of the Eve Audio TS107 is dominated by 2 rotary controls, which use a push function to guide you through the system's very extensive menu. In addition, 3 small LEDs provide information about different circuit states.

The lower rotary control takes over the function of the subwoofer volume relative to the complete set and mutes the woofer using the push function. The LED ring around the controller works with an adapted mode of operation, which means that each LED has the following control depending on the volume:

-80dB (minimum) to -48dB: 2dB
-48dB to -20dB: 1dB
-20dB to 0dB (Maximum): 0.5dB

This useful logarithmic control allows a much more sensitive adjustment of the volume at high levels, while this fineness is not needed at low volumes.

However, things only get really interesting when you take a look at the upper control. The same controller takes over the overall control of the satellites and the woofer in terms of volume. First of all, it may be necessary to limit the satellites in the high pass so that the woofer is not put under too much strain on small satellites. Eve Audio recommends the crossover at 80 Hz, which is set as default. The same applies to the low pass of the woofer, which transmits at 60 Hz up to 140 Hz or, in LFE mode, allows everything it can transmit.

In addition, the signal can be phased if the room acoustics result in a disproportionately thin sound. As a real luxury in this price range, Eve Audio has included an infrared remote control with the system, with which all functions can be controlled remotely from the control room. Especially when setting up the system for the first time, you can shorten the laborious “set-set-listen-get-up-go-change” repeat procedure and achieve significantly more effectiveness in a direct A/B comparison.

In this video, company founder Roland Stenz explains how the Eve Audio TS107 works:


The Eve Audio TS107 in practice

I am lucky enough to be able to use one of the satellite pairs recommended by Eve Audio in the test in my broadcast studio, the Eve Audio SC204, which is recommended for both stereo and surround sound. You can view a corresponding test here.

I chose the default settings with crossover at 80 Hz as the basic setting and was immediately impressed. The resulting sound turns out to be extremely voluminous, always defined and very discreet in terms of intrusiveness. However, the bass was a bit too subtle for me, especially since the SC204 can no longer deliver very strong acoustics above 80 Hz without additional boost functions. I therefore decided to separate the woofer at 140 Hz, which resulted in an incredible improvement in the bass and low-mid range.

The sound in this setting can really only be described as excellent, especially when you take the dimensions of the components into account. Especially in the project or home recording studio area, where every meter of space is important, the combination of small satellites, e.g. B. the SC204 and the TS107 generate a very mature sound, which is extremely rare given these dimensions. The combination of 2x SC204 and a TS107 costs less than €1,000, which seems downright ridiculous for this sound output.

Just for fun, I also set the woofer to LFE mode, but this was at the expense of the stereo image with the satellites because there was too much overlap in the midrange. After all, a 6.5 inch speaker is fast enough to transmit low mids from the guitar and keyboard sector well.

Conclusion

With the Eve Audio TS107, the Berlin manufacturer led by Roland Stenz has achieved a really big success. The extremely handy subwoofer impresses with extensive setting options, perfect workmanship and sophisticated detailed solutions, such as: B. a passive membrane, across the board and is therefore at the forefront when it comes to big sound solutions in the smallest of spaces.

Be sure to test it out and take your time setting it up individually, it's worth it!

———————

Additional Informations:

Introduction:
In the realm of professional audio equipment, Eve Audio stands as a beacon of excellence, renowned for its precision-crafted studio monitors that deliver unparalleled sound quality and accuracy. Founded on a vision of pushing the boundaries of audio reproduction, Eve Audio has emerged as a leader in the industry, catering to the exacting demands of music producers, engineers, and enthusiasts worldwide. This article delves into the fascinating journey of Eve Audio, tracing its origins, milestones, and contributions to the world of studio monitoring.

Genesis of Eve Audio:
The story of Eve Audio begins in Berlin, Germany, in the early 21st century, amidst a thriving music scene pulsating with creativity and innovation. In 2011, a team of seasoned audio engineers and enthusiasts came together with a shared vision of revolutionizing studio monitoring technology. Fuelled by a passion for sonic excellence and a commitment to uncompromising quality, they embarked on a journey to create studio monitors that would redefine the standards of accuracy and transparency.

Founding Principles and Philosophy:
At the heart of Eve Audio's philosophy lies a relentless pursuit of sonic perfection. The company's founders were driven by a deep understanding of the importance of accurate monitoring in the audio production process. They recognized that every element of a recording – from the subtle nuances of tone to the spatial imaging of instruments – must be faithfully reproduced to ensure the integrity of the final mix. With this in mind, Eve Audio set out to develop monitors that would provide engineers with an unfiltered window into their music, allowing them to make informed decisions with confidence.

Innovation and Technology:
From the outset, Eve Audio differentiated itself through its unwavering commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Central to this ethos was the development of proprietary technologies that would set Eve Audio monitors apart from the competition. One such innovation was the incorporation of Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeters, which offered superior transient response and extended high-frequency reproduction compared to traditional dome tweeters. This breakthrough technology allowed Eve Audio monitors to achieve unparalleled clarity and detail in the upper register, capturing every nuance of the music with precision.

Another key innovation pioneered by Eve Audio was the implementation of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology in its monitors. By harnessing the power of digital processing, Eve Audio was able to fine-tune the frequency response, phase coherence, and dispersion characteristics of its monitors with unprecedented accuracy. This level of control empowered engineers to tailor the sound of their monitors to suit their listening environment and personal preferences, ensuring optimal performance in any studio setting.

Product Development and Expansion:
In the years following its founding, Eve Audio rapidly expanded its product lineup to encompass a wide range of studio monitors catering to various applications and budgets. The company's flagship SC series, featuring the renowned SC307 and SC407 models, garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional accuracy, transient response, and wide frequency range. These monitors became the go-to choice for professional studios, mastering engineers, and discerning audiophiles seeking uncompromising sonic fidelity.

In addition to its flagship models, Eve Audio introduced the highly acclaimed TS series, which offered a more compact footprint without sacrificing performance. The TS108 and TS110 subwoofers complemented the TS series monitors, providing extended low-frequency reproduction and enhanced bass response for critical listening applications.

Eve Audio's commitment to innovation and excellence was further underscored by its collaboration with renowned audio engineers and producers in the development of signature models. The SC3070, co-designed with legendary producer Chris Lord-Alge, and the SC3070m, created in partnership with multi-Grammy-winning engineer/mixer Michael Brauer, exemplified Eve Audio's dedication to meeting the exacting standards of industry professionals.

Global Recognition and Acclaim:
As Eve Audio's reputation for uncompromising quality and precision spread, the company garnered widespread recognition and acclaim on the global stage. Its monitors found favor in leading recording studios, broadcast facilities, and mastering labs around the world, earning the trust of top-tier professionals in the audio industry.

Eve Audio's commitment to excellence was reflected in its numerous accolades and awards, including prestigious honors such as the TEC Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Studio Monitors. These accolades served as a testament to the company's dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio technology and setting new standards of excellence in studio monitoring.

Looking Ahead:
As Eve Audio looks to the future, its commitment to innovation, quality, and sonic excellence remains unwavering. The company continues to push the boundaries of studio monitor technology, exploring new frontiers in digital signal processing, driver design, and acoustic optimization. With a steadfast dedication to meeting the evolving needs of audio professionals and enthusiasts alike, Eve Audio is poised to continue shaping the future of studio monitoring for years to come.

Conclusion:
The journey of Eve Audio from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global leader in studio monitoring is a testament to the power of vision, innovation, and unwavering dedication to excellence. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of the art and science of audio reproduction, Eve Audio has earned its place at the forefront of the industry, inspiring generations of musicians, engineers, and producers to create with confidence and clarity. As the company looks ahead to the next chapter of its evolution, one thing remains certain: the legacy of Eve Audio will continue to resonate in studios and listening rooms around the world, shaping the way we experience music for years to come.