What is the primary benefit of the coaxial design in the ICOA 15 A BT?

The coaxial design places the high-frequency driver in the centre of the woofer, creating a single point-source for audio. This results in more coherent sound and a more compact cabinet compared to traditional stacked driver designs.

Can the ICOA 15 A BT be used as a stage monitor?

Yes, it is designed for multiple deployments. The enclosure is shaped to sit at a monitor angle, and the BEM-optimised horn can be rotated to maintain proper dispersion when the speaker is placed horizontally.

What does DynX DSP do for the sound?

DynX DSP uses specialised algorithms to calibrate the audio signal in real-time. It manages the internal limiting and frequency response to ensure the sound remains clear and distortion-free at all volume levels.

Does this speaker support wireless audio streaming?

Yes, it features built-in Bluetooth connectivity. This allows users to stream audio directly from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the speaker without needing an external mixer or cables.

What is the woofer size on this specific model?

The ICOA 15 A BT features a 15-inch woofer. This larger driver size is specifically chosen to deliver an exceptional bass response suitable for full-range applications.

Is the horn inside the speaker adjustable?

The speaker features a rotatable CD horn. This is particularly useful for switching between vertical (front of house) and horizontal (monitor) orientations while keeping the sound coverage consistent.

What type of environment is this speaker best suited for?

It is highly versatile, suiting live bands, DJs, and public speakers. The high-caliber features and rugged build make it reliable for touring or permanent installations in clubs and halls.

How much does the LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT typically cost?

In the UK market, this speaker is typically priced at approximately £409. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does the ICOA 15 A BT compare to the dB Technologies B-Hype 15?

Both are 15-inch active speakers, but the ICOA 15 A BT distinguishes itself with its coaxial design and integrated Bluetooth functionality. The ICOA is often noted for its advanced DSP processing.

Can I control the speaker via a mobile device?

Yes, the Bluetooth functionality allows for wireless audio control from the palm of your hand. This simplifies operation for users who need to adjust playback remotely.

Is the build quality sufficient for professional use?

Yes, LD Systems is known for revered build quality. The ICOA series is constructed to be robust and durable, intended to provide reliable sound for many years.

What is BEM-optimisation in the context of this speaker?

BEM stands for Boundary Element Method, a numerical computational method used to model the horn's shape. This optimisation ensures precise sound dispersion and reduces unwanted acoustic reflections.

Gear article

LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT 15" Active PA Speaker

The LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT is a professional-grade active PA speaker featuring a unique coaxial design and integrated Bluetooth connectivity. Designed for versatility, it utilises proprietary DynX DSP technology and a rotatable BEM-optimised horn to suit both vertical and horizontal applications.

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Overview and Design

The LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT is an active loudspeaker developed to provide professional-standard audio performance in a flexible, user-friendly format. The core of its architecture is a coaxial woofer design, which allows for a more compact footprint while maintaining high-fidelity output. The speaker is housed in a robust enclosure designed for longevity, adhering to LD Systems' reputation for reliable build quality.

A primary design feature is the rotatable, Boundary Element Method (BEM) optimised constant directivity (CD) horn. This allows the speaker to be utilised effectively in either a vertical orientation, such as on a speaker stand, or horizontally as a floor monitor, ensuring consistent dispersion regardless of the physical setup.

Digital Signal Processing

Internal audio management is handled by precisely-calibrated DynX DSP algorithms. This digital processing ensures that the audio signal is delivered with clarity and minimal distortion, even at higher volumes. The DSP is designed to manage crossovers and limiting, allowing the 15-inch woofer to produce a significant bass response without sacrificing the definition of the mid and high frequencies.

Connectivity and Functionality

The 'BT' designation in the model name refers to the unit's integrated Bluetooth connectivity. This feature allows users to stream audio wirelessly from mobile devices and provides an interface for controlling certain audio parameters. This makes the ICOA 15 A BT suitable for solo performers, fitness instructors, or event organisers who require a high-output system that can be operated without complex external cabling for playback.

Sonic Character

The ICOA 15 A BT is characterised by an exceptional bass response, facilitated by its 15-inch driver. The coaxial arrangement ensures that the sound remains 'point-source' in nature, leading to crisp, clear high-frequency reproduction and coherent phase alignment. The result is an unforgettable sound profile that remains stable and balanced across its frequency range thanks to the constant monitoring of the DynX DSP system.

Market Context and Alternatives

Positioned at a competitive price point around £409, the ICOA 15 A BT competes with other 15-inch active units like the dB Technologies B-Hype 15 and the RCF ART 735-A MK5. While smaller units like the Turbosound iQ10 or the SubZero C10M offer more portability or specialised monitoring shapes, the ICOA 15 A BT provides a balance of full-range power and modern wireless convenience. For users requiring massive low-end reinforcement, it is often paired with subwoofers such as the QSC KLA181 or smaller AVCOM units.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the coaxial design in the ICOA 15 A BT?: The coaxial design places the high-frequency driver in the centre of the woofer, creating a single point-source for audio. This results in more coherent sound and a more compact cabinet compared to traditional stacked driver designs.
Can the ICOA 15 A BT be used as a stage monitor?: Yes, it is designed for multiple deployments. The enclosure is shaped to sit at a monitor angle, and the BEM-optimised horn can be rotated to maintain proper dispersion when the speaker is placed horizontally.
What does DynX DSP do for the sound?: DynX DSP uses specialised algorithms to calibrate the audio signal in real-time. It manages the internal limiting and frequency response to ensure the sound remains clear and distortion-free at all volume levels.
Does this speaker support wireless audio streaming?: Yes, it features built-in Bluetooth connectivity. This allows users to stream audio directly from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to the speaker without needing an external mixer or cables.
What is the woofer size on this specific model?: The ICOA 15 A BT features a 15-inch woofer. This larger driver size is specifically chosen to deliver an exceptional bass response suitable for full-range applications.
Is the horn inside the speaker adjustable?: The speaker features a rotatable CD horn. This is particularly useful for switching between vertical (front of house) and horizontal (monitor) orientations while keeping the sound coverage consistent.
What type of environment is this speaker best suited for?: It is highly versatile, suiting live bands, DJs, and public speakers. The high-caliber features and rugged build make it reliable for touring or permanent installations in clubs and halls.
How much does the LD Systems ICOA 15 A BT typically cost?: In the UK market, this speaker is typically priced at approximately £409. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does the ICOA 15 A BT compare to the dB Technologies B-Hype 15?: Both are 15-inch active speakers, but the ICOA 15 A BT distinguishes itself with its coaxial design and integrated Bluetooth functionality. The ICOA is often noted for its advanced DSP processing.
Can I control the speaker via a mobile device?: Yes, the Bluetooth functionality allows for wireless audio control from the palm of your hand. This simplifies operation for users who need to adjust playback remotely.
Is the build quality sufficient for professional use?: Yes, LD Systems is known for revered build quality. The ICOA series is constructed to be robust and durable, intended to provide reliable sound for many years.
What is BEM-optimisation in the context of this speaker?: BEM stands for Boundary Element Method, a numerical computational method used to model the horn's shape. This optimisation ensures precise sound dispersion and reduces unwanted acoustic reflections.