Listen, I'm Irish, so I can say this: the dudes in U2 are leprechaun-tiny. You'd think that performing in the world's biggest venues would make them appear even smaller, but, as history has shown us, exactly the opposite has come true; in accordance with what I call The Hewson Paradox, U2 has only gotten bigger. None of which has anything to do with the new EAW JFL210 compact line array loudspeakers.

In accordance with normative rules of optical perception, the compact JFL210s have been made more compact in order to make smaller venues seems bigger. The advantages of line array systems have been enjoyed in stadiums and arenas and large live venues for decades, and in recent years the trend towards compact line arrays for club use has become popular. The JFL210ds represent EAW's commitment to doing what seems like the smart thing to do given market conditions and trends.

Which is not to say that their stuff isn't awesome. I myself am a longtime admirer of the JF80s, and I'd imagine that a JFL210 compact array in a nice small or medium room must sound pretty darn good indeed. I should say also "loud." Each box contains a pair of 10" woofers and a 3" horn for full-range coverage at SPLs of greater than 130db. Dig these other specs:

• Remarkably small footprint (314 mm / 12.4" H x 631 mm / 24.8" W x 397 mm / 15.6" D)
• Light weight (23.6 kg / 52 lb.)
• Neodymium drivers for superior performance and durability
• Nominal beamwidth: 110° horizontal and 15° vertical
• Easy construction of vertical arrays of up to six units
• User switchable single- and bi-amp modes
• HF Shading switch-optimized array high frequency response in single-amp powering mode
• Optimization for transport by just one person
• EAW UX8800 with Gunness Focusing, further enhancing performance and control
• Easy pole mounting, flying and ground stacking capability
• Integral, high-strength rigging system 10:1 design factor, providing confidence in all flying applications
• Enclosures protection by EAW's tough RoadCoat finish

The JFL210 can be pole-mounted atop the matched JFL118 subwoofers, which themselves are capable of being flown or simply floor-mounted (don't pole-mount a JFL210 array atop a flown JFL118, however). Specs for the JFL118s are as follows:

• Ideal for a wide range of portable and installed AV applications
• JFL210-Compatible
• Operating range from 31 Hz to 200 Hz reproduces the lowest musical octaves
• Professional Neutrik NL4 Speakon jacks provide secure, flexible connections
• Neodyium transducers and lightweight rigging contribute to an overall system weight (100 lbs)
• 800 Watt LF allows a maximum peak output of >130 dB SPL and allows JFL118 to fill the largest of spaces
• EAW construction standard: rugged enclosures, sturdy finish and reinforced steel grilles stand up to road abuse

Both the EAW JFL210 and the EAW JFL118 are available now.