What is an FRFR speaker?

FRFR stands for Full Range Flat Response. It is a speaker designed to reproduce all frequencies equally without adding the coloration typical of a traditional guitar cabinet.

Is the EVH 5150III FR-12 active or passive?

It is an active speaker, meaning it features an integrated 1000-watt power amplifier and does not require an external amp head to function.

Can I use this with a standard guitar head?

No, this is designed for line-level signals from modelers and profilers. Connecting a high-voltage speaker output from a tube head would damage the unit.

What is the purpose of the 3-band active EQ?

It allows the player to adjust the bass, middle, and treble of their stage sound to suit the room without altering the signal sent to the main PA mixer.

What does the High Frequency Cut control do?

It allows the user to roll off harsh high-end frequencies that sometimes occur with digital modeling, helping to achieve a smoother, more 'analog' sound.

How much power does the internal amp provide?

The integrated power amplifier delivers 1000 watts, providing significant volume and headroom for live performances.

Is the FR-12 compatible with the Fender Tone Master Pro?

Yes, it is described as the ultimate companion for the Tone Master Pro, though it works with all major digital amp modelers.

Does the EQ affect the line output to the FOH?

No, the active EQ and HF cut are designed to fine-tune the stage tone locally without altering the signal being sent to the front-of-house system.

What size is the main driver in this unit?

The Hypersonic FR-12 features a 12-inch woofer, providing a balance of portability and low-end punch.

What is the typical price for this speaker?

The typical price for the EVH 5150III FR-12 is approximately GBP 479.

Why does it look like an EVH 5150 III amplifier?

The design was inspired by the Modern EVH 5150 III amplifiers to provide an authentic backline look for players who prefer traditional aesthetics on stage.

Can this speaker be used at home?

Yes, it is an ideal solution for players using modelers both at home and on stage due to its accurate reproduction at various volume levels.

Gear article

EVH 5150III FR-12 Hypersonic Flat Response Powered Speaker

The EVH 5150III FR-12 Hypersonic is a 1,000-watt full-range flat-response (FRFR) powered speaker designed specifically for use with digital guitar amp modelers and profilers. It provides accurate sound reproduction to ensure that amp and effect models are replicated with high fidelity, while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of a traditional EVH 5150 III amplifier backline.

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Overview and Development

The EVH 5150III Hypersonic FR-12 is a specialized powered speaker designed to meet the needs of modern guitarists using digital modelling technology. Unlike traditional guitar cabinets that colour the sound with specific frequency responses, the FR-12 is engineered for a flat response. This ensures that the speaker accurately reproduces the specific cabinet simulations and microphone placements programmed into digital units like the Fender Tone Master Pro or other high-end profilers.

The unit is visually styled to match the iconic EVH 5150 III series of amplifiers, featuring the signature black textured vinyl and grille design. This allows players to utilise modern digital technology on stage while maintaining the professional look of a traditional rock backline.

Internal Power and Electronics

At the core of the FR-12 is an integrated 1000-watt power amplifier. This high wattage is designed to provide significant headroom, ensuring that transient peaks are reproduced cleanly without unwanted power-amp distortion, even at high stage volumes.

To facilitate stage monitoring, the unit includes an onboard 3-band active EQ and a high-frequency cut control. These controls are situated on the speaker itself, allowing the player to adjust their immediate stage sound to compensate for room acoustics without affecting the direct line-out signal being sent to the Front of House (FOH) PA system.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the Hypersonic FR-12 is transparency. It is designed to be a 'blank canvas' that perfectly replicates every detail of the user's amp and effect models. By avoiding the natural mid-range peaks or high-end roll-offs found in traditional guitar speakers, it allows the nuances of different digital IRs (Impulse Responses) to be heard clearly.

Despite its flat response, the high-headroom 1000-watt amp ensures the 'feel' of a real amplifier, providing the punch and physical air movement required for live guitar performance.

Target Audience

The EVH FR-12 is primarily suited for:

Modeler Users: Players using units like the Tone Master Pro who need a dedicated, accurate monitor.
Stage Performers: Guitarists requiring a high-volume solution that looks like a traditional amp cabinet.
Home Players: Users who want studio-quality accuracy in a format that works well at lower volumes without losing tonal integrity.

Market Comparisons

When compared to standard PA speakers such as the Turbosound iQ10 or RCF ART 735-A MK5, the EVH FR-12 offers a more guitar-centric interface and aesthetic. While professional active stage monitors like the RCF NX 915-SMA provide high-fidelity audio, they lack the specific 'backline' styling of the EVH.

For users on a stricter budget, alternatives like the SubZero P15X or dB Technologies B-Hype 15 offer high wattage at a lower price point, but typically without the specialized active EQ and guitar-focused design language found in the Hypersonic FR-12.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an FRFR speaker?: FRFR stands for Full Range Flat Response. It is a speaker designed to reproduce all frequencies equally without adding the coloration typical of a traditional guitar cabinet.
Is the EVH 5150III FR-12 active or passive?: It is an active speaker, meaning it features an integrated 1000-watt power amplifier and does not require an external amp head to function.
Can I use this with a standard guitar head?: No, this is designed for line-level signals from modelers and profilers. Connecting a high-voltage speaker output from a tube head would damage the unit.
What is the purpose of the 3-band active EQ?: It allows the player to adjust the bass, middle, and treble of their stage sound to suit the room without altering the signal sent to the main PA mixer.
What does the High Frequency Cut control do?: It allows the user to roll off harsh high-end frequencies that sometimes occur with digital modeling, helping to achieve a smoother, more 'analog' sound.
How much power does the internal amp provide?: The integrated power amplifier delivers 1000 watts, providing significant volume and headroom for live performances.
Is the FR-12 compatible with the Fender Tone Master Pro?: Yes, it is described as the ultimate companion for the Tone Master Pro, though it works with all major digital amp modelers.
Does the EQ affect the line output to the FOH?: No, the active EQ and HF cut are designed to fine-tune the stage tone locally without altering the signal being sent to the front-of-house system.
What size is the main driver in this unit?: The Hypersonic FR-12 features a 12-inch woofer, providing a balance of portability and low-end punch.
What is the typical price for this speaker?: The typical price for the EVH 5150III FR-12 is approximately GBP 479.
Why does it look like an EVH 5150 III amplifier?: The design was inspired by the Modern EVH 5150 III amplifiers to provide an authentic backline look for players who prefer traditional aesthetics on stage.
Can this speaker be used at home?: Yes, it is an ideal solution for players using modelers both at home and on stage due to its accurate reproduction at various volume levels.