Back in the 1990s, NEXO revolutionised sound reinforcement with the launch of the much-loved Alpha Series, a large-scale point source system designed primarily for mid to large FOH applications. Now, the French manufacturer is poised to redefine industry standards once again with the introduction of Alpha +, a hybrid source sound reinforcement system that pays homage to its legendary predecessor while integrating groundbreaking new technologies to enhance performance and flexibility across various applications, from live music and clubs to theatres and venues.

Alpha + is a three-box system consisting of the M210 Main, B218 Bass, and L20 Sub-bass modules. The M210 is a horn-loaded dual 10” unit with four 3” HF compression drivers, while the B218 features a horn-loaded dual 18” configuration. The L20, a band-pass single 20” subwoofer, is adapted from NEXO’s existing P+ Series range. The system is designed for quick and easy stacking, with a versatile range of hardware enabling configurations of varying sizes, typically using the Main and Bass modules in a 1:1 ratio.

A standout feature of Alpha + is its continuously varying horizontal directivity, which transitions from 60° at the top of the M210 Main Module to 120° at the bottom. This can be further modified to 90°/120° or 60°/60° using interchangeable flanges. Additionally, the waveguide block can be unlocked, allowing articulation adjustments between Narrow vertical coverage (0°/-20°) and Wide/Standard (+20°/-20°). This advanced dispersion control grants Alpha + many of the coupling advantages of line arrays while retaining the straightforward deployment of a point source system, a configuration NEXO refers to as Hybrid Source.

The Alpha + Series is powered and processed by NEXO’s NXAMP4X4Mk2 Powered TD Controller, which delivers 4 x 4500 Watts (2 Ohms). A basic stacked system comprising 1 x M210, 1 x B218, and 2 x L20 per side requires just a single NXAMP4X4Mk2, with two channels dedicated to the Main module, one to the Bass module, and one driving both Sub-bass units.

Speaking at the launch of Alpha + at ISE in Barcelona, NEXO Sales and Marketing Director Gareth Collyer stated, “Like its predecessor, Alpha + is an impressively powerful system, with new features that make a lot of sense in the modern world. A stacked system that can handle a mid-sized festival stage saves a lot of cost building towers and flying line arrays, and Alpha + goes where a line array won’t, such as theatres and venues without hanging points. And all the club-goers around the world who’ve enjoyed a great night on an Alpha-powered dancefloor are in for a real treat when they hear Alpha +.”

In addition to the launch of Alpha +, NEXO further solidifies its position at the forefront of immersive sound technology with the introduction of the DME10, a powerful 256×256 Dante-equipped immersive audio processor. Unveiled at ISE 2025, the DME10 supports up to 128 in / 64 out AFC Image object-based mixing, combined with sophisticated three-dimensional reverberation capabilities.

The processing power of the DME10 eliminates the need for separate speaker system and immersive processors, as running 128 x 64 immersive processing utilises only around 50% of its available resources, leaving ample capacity for additional audio processing. Yamaha group companies, including NEXO, now offer a complete technical solution and a seamless workflow for immersive sound installations and events of all scales.

Steinberg’s Nuendo, recognised as the leading audio post-production software for film, TV, game audio, and immersive sound applications, plays a crucial role in content creation. Yamaha’s pioneering AFC (Active Field Control) technology has been integral to numerous immersive productions and visitor experiences worldwide, while Yamaha digital consoles continue to set industry standards in both fixed installations and live events.

For smaller immersive sound applications, the Yamaha DME7 processor combined with Yamaha loudspeakers provides an elegant solution. At the same time, the new NEXO DME10 processor integrates seamlessly with the company’s powered TD Controllers and both point source and line array loudspeakers, offering scalability for projects ranging from small installations to the largest-scale immersive events.

NEXO’s NS-1 system configuration and simulation software now includes AFC Design Assistant, which facilitates precise speaker placement by defining quantity, density, and positioning before predicting their performance and audience coverage. The speaker configuration can then be exported directly to AFC Image Controller for object-based mixing within a three-dimensional space.

Alongside its powerful immersive audio capabilities, the DME10 features connectivity with external renderers such as Dolby Atmos, enabling seamless integration of live performance with pre-recorded immersive soundtracks. Furthermore, it functions as a sophisticated open-architecture digital signal processor, offering superior musical expression and all the essential tools for managing large-scale conventional sound systems.

The ProVisionaire Software Suite supports the entire workflow, with ProVisionaire Cloud for license management and software implementation, ProVisionaire Design for flexible system design and comprehensive audio parameter control, and ProVisionaire Control Plus and Kiosk for the creation and deployment of custom control panels.

“The new DME10 completes an impressive immersive audio technology offering from Yamaha group companies, with scalable solutions from small applications using Yamaha speakers through to large installations and events using NEXO point source speakers from the ID and P+ Series, and GEO M line arrays,” remarked Gareth Collyer from NEXO’s immersive sound demo room at ISE 2025. “What’s more, the combination of technologies from the group brings a unique and seamless workflow from content creation to production, something that no other manufacturer can provide.”