Dynacord D8 & Sub 112

Power handling is 250W continuous and 1000W peak, which would normally mean using an amplifier rated around 500W (the specification gives this as the 'program' power), which is impressive for such a small and light enclosure. Frequency range is given as 65Hz up to 20kHz at the -10dB points, and the maximum sound pressure level (calculated on peak power) at one metre is a respectable 124dB with a 1W/1m sensitivity figure of 94dB.

The D8 enclosure is made from ABS and is available in black or white (D8W). A parallel pair of NL2 Speakon connectors are provided on the back panel for connecting and daisy-chaining, and the entire front of the cabinet is covered by a strong, steel mesh grille, which is very nicely finished on the outside with a smart black foam covering that's glued in place.

The handle is generously and sensibly designed, and fastened neatly and securely into one side of the cabinet. It is completely recessed and there are no protruding fasteners or edges to cause any damage to adjacent equipment. The asymmetrically shaped trapezoidal design means that the D8 can be used as a very unobtrusive and low-profile floor monitor, and despite its diminutive dimensions, it works very well in this role — this was the first thing I used these speakers for and they make very good vocal monitors. In order to achieve the correct monitor angle, the largest 'rear' surface is the one in contact with the floor and this is also where the handle is located, meaning that you have to turn it over before you can grab the handle and pick it up. But as it weighs just 8.8kg, this isn't any real bother.

Four small rubber feet are provided on the bottom of the cabinet, which are probably of more use when just putting the thing down, rather than when it's in use, but they seem to do a good job of protecting it and the surface on which it's resting from unnecessary scuffs and scrapes.

The Sub 112 will handle an 800W program that is 400W RMS and 1600W peak. The internal filter means that the Sub 112 can be simply connected in parallel with a D8 (or any suitable 8Ω top box) if you're in need of a quick setup, although for best performance and efficiency, it would be better to separate the operating frequencies of the sub and the top cabinet if possible by using an external crossover and separate amplifiers. There is a 'Thru' socket on the back panel, but I believe that it's a parallel connection, rather than a passive high-pass output.

Unlike the D8, the Sub 112 is constructed from 15mm birch ply, and the manual tells us that all corners and bracing sections are a groove fit and glued in place. At first sight, you can't tell the difference in cabinet material between these and the D8s, because the paint finish on the Sub 112 looks and feels exactly the same as the ABS finish on the full-range models. It's certainly got a lovely solid feel about it and gives the impression that it would survive some pretty rough handling on the road. There are clever and highly practical four-way recessed handles on each side of the cabinet, which allow a good grip and easy lift in any direction. In other words, it doesn't matter how the sub has been stacked or loaded, it's always easy and secure to lift, and at only 20kg, it's a one-person job.

The front of the box is, like its smaller relative the D8, completely protected by a steel grille, which is neatly covered by more black foam. I like this arrangement because it not only protects the components directly, but also affords a degree of protection against a touch of rain (or carelessly opened fizzy cans), which is important to me — and it looks good too!

There's a metal screw-type pole-mount socket on the top of the cabinet, which takes a few seconds longer to set up than a 'slip-in' type, but gives a more secure and stable result. The Sub 112 acts as a perfect base unit for the D8, as it not only has enough weight to anchor the top cab firmly, but it's also perfectly proportioned and the pair go together like a smart new suit. One final point is that the rubber feet on the base are big and springy enough to absorb slight uneven-ness in the floor surface, and do a good job of protecting the underside and providing a good grip, thus ensuring that it doesn't move during use.

Speech reinforcement was beautifully clear and smooth, and the coverage was good. The horns are nominally 90 x 90 degrees, and I had no problems getting clarity in all parts of the room, despite only having two speakers. After everything was set up and all the PowerPoint presentations had been rehearsed, I gave the system a bit of a push with some recorded music, and I was more than happy with the amount of low-end energy the system was delivering. At low volumes, the lows and highs were still well balanced and the whole thing sounded like a big hi-fi.

I really appreciated the lightness and small size of the D8/Sub 112 combination. It's great to carry out and load your entire main PA speaker setup in two goes and without breaking a sweat, and this little lot will easily fit in the luggage area of a modest car.

Back at base, I took advantage of a little bit of dry January weather to rig the Dynacords up outside and wind them up for a spell. For such small boxes they can dish up a surprisingly big sound, and I reckon I'd be able to use these for almost any small pub/club band gig without straining anything. After all, you can drive a pair of D8s and a pair of Sub 112s with around 2000W of amplifiers, and that isn't exactly quiet. They can handle the power and provided you put a nice clean signal in, you'll get a big clean signal out.