As a musician, it's good to be familiar with a number of fields beyond one's own specialty – for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides a better understanding of what makes other musicians tick, as well as making users prepared for an emergency if they ever have to fill in for a colleague. Similarly, having a good understanding of audio technology is no bad thing either – when installing a new mixer at the local youth centre, for example, or even when mixing one's own band. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of modern equipment like the dB Technologies Opera 15, a stylish all-round unit that can be used for sound reinforcement, as a stage monitor, or for spoken-word applications. Easy to transport, quick to set up, and a powerful performer, the dB Technologies Opera 15 offers a great deal of features, and the price is a great deal too.
One of the advantages of modern full-range speakers like the dB Technologies Opera 15 is of course their versatility. This is due partly to their often ingenious designs, but the Opera 15 also boasts an integrated DSP, which can be used to run one of eight different EQ presets. This allows the speaker to be optimally configured for speech, live bands, or DJs. Thanks to its two combo sockets, a vocal mic or an acoustic guitar (or similar instrument) can be connected directly to the Opera 15 – for example for a small gig in a pub – but it can also be managed via a mixing console and, thanks to its output configuration, can also be easily integrated into larger setups with several speakers and subwoofers. However the speaker is used, however, the audience will enjoy absolutely optimum results. Of course, the dB Technologies Opera 15 is also perfect for stage monitoring, delivering a really juicy, full-on sound.
The most important thing for anyone - whether they are a member of an up-and-coming band or a complete beginner when it comes to stage tech - is to understand what they are doing, and this goes both for playing their instrument and setting up and operating their PA. Still, to ensure that the user's equipment doesn't hold them back, high-quality components are essential: The dB Technologies Opera 15 is ideal as a multifunctional sound reinforcement all-rounder. Ideally, the setup should include a pair of these units, thus allowing musicians of all kinds to effortlessly fill both the rehearsal room and mid-sized venues with sound – or to have two conveniently transportable active speakers on board, if the venue has a PA but the user is not satisfied with the monitoring situation, for example. The dB Technologies Opera 15 is especially suitable for users who only want two full-range speakers but still require a lot of bass. And if it's still not enough low end, the setup can be complemented with a sub-bass unit like the dB Technologies Sub 618, giving the bass a real boost.
In the mid-90s, dBTechnologies was established as a wholly owned subsidiary of A.E.B. Industriale s.r.l.. Since then, the company has established itself as one of the world's leading suppliers of professional sound systems. Today, dBTechnologies is present in more than 100 countries with its own sales offices or representing distributors. In the mid-2000s dBTechnologies switched to digital amplifier technology on its own initiative and as one of the first manufacturers in the industry, and can look back on more than 10 years of experience in the development of digital power amplifiers and their environments, including power supply and Digital Signal Processing. Their current catalogue includes active and passive loudspeakers, power amplifiers, and electronics as well as wireless systems for a wide range of applications from musicians and DJs to event technology service providers and permanent installations.
With a low weight of around 18kg per speaker (under 40lbs), and easily manageable dimensions, there should always be enough space for two dB Technologies Opera 15s in the band bus. They will often be sufficient to act as a full-range sound system for gigs, and they'll certainly serve to upgrade most venues' existing PA systems. Thanks to a Class D power amplifier, with 600W RMS and a maximum of 130dB per speaker, a pair of speakers can provide plenty of power and sound even in mid-sized venues – even if the music has plenty of low end. And the good thing about dB Technologies is that all products can be combined with each other: This allows users to create a bespoke system piece by piece, offering either unique flexibility, or the power to effortlessly handle larger and more demanding tasks, for example by adding a flying frame for the dB Technologies Opera 15, or additional subwoofers. In terms of operation, the multifunctional speakers are so foolproof that even beginners can scarcely set a foot wrong.