ISE 2026: NEXT Pro Audio

Point source isn't dead at all!

At ISE 2026, Next Pro Audio presented their SP8. This active two-way system combines a 3" driver. The driver is mounted on a rotatable horn, allowing for quick adjustment of the dispersion. This follows the successful delivery of their SP12. Here's how the system works.

We have heard the demo, and this is truly a full-range system, both the SP8 and the SP12: perfect dispersion and perfect reproduction across almost the entire frequency band. It works perfectly without a sub, but can be supplemented with 15” and 18” subs.

The SP8 is an active, full-range, 2-way point-source active loudspeaker system, designed to deliver powerful acoustic performance, deep low-frequency extension, and clear, accurate reproduction.

The low and mid frequencies are reproduced by two 8-inch long-excursion neodymium transducers, band-pass loaded in a dipole configuration. Thanks to dual voice-coil technology, these drivers deliver an extended low-end range, very low even-order distortion, and excellent thermal management, resulting in up to 20% more acoustic output during sustained high-power levels.

The high frequencies are handled by a neodymium compression driver with a 1.4-inch exit and a 3-inch voice coil, which ensures sharp detailing and smooth high-frequency reproduction. The same externally rotatable waveguide as used in the SP12 guarantees consistent dispersion, while the dipolar low-frequency section provides directional control down to 500 Hz for a precise and articulate sound.

A powerful 2-channel Class-D amplifier delivers 3500 W peak power, featuring a built-in 96 kHz DSP controlled via X-NET software for ultra-precise tuning. The intuitive interface allows for easy operation and real-time monitoring of all linked loudspeakers, including automatic device recognition.

X-NET offers individual adjustments for EQ, level, phase, and delay, unlimited group configurations, and an automatic fallback between analog and digital sources for added reliability.

Suitable for both mobile and fixed installations, the SP8 delivers outstanding performance for corporate events, sports arenas, theaters, concert halls, nightclubs, small festivals, live bands, mobile DJ setups, and side-fill applications.

There will also be an Xnet 4-channel amplifier. This can be configured via Xnet or simply via the multicolor touchscreen on the front panel. This amplifier delivers up to 4 x 2000W at 4 ohms per channel.

This significantly expands the Xnet family, allowing all passive speakers to be controlled via Xnet.