Omega Pro Audio – who is this new player on the block? Well, as it turns out, they aren’t a new player at all. Remember Ohm, the speaker manufacturer that built its products in Manchester, which sadly (due to a partnership which failed) ceased production in 2021.

Fast forward to this year and the brains, drive, and most of the team behind that brand have managed to secure the factory but not the name, resulting in the launch of a whole new brand.

Headed up by Gareth Coleman, a stalwart in the professional audio sector, Omega Pro Audio offers a new logo, new vibe, but with the same UK manufacturing, customer support and quality.

The team have been designing, manufacturing, and producing loudspeakers since 1979, so whilst Omega Pro Audio as a brand may be new, the technical expertise isn’t. And they plan to constantly push boundaries in professional loudspeaker design, challenging the status quo whilst crafting beautifully designed, simple-to-use products full of British technology, just like this Portable-15S/28T system.

I saw these new speakers during mid-production when I visited the factory in Manchester last year. This new system aims to deliver high-quality sound in compact boxes targeted at mobile DJs.

It was fantastic to see the final product at PLASA Leeds in May, and Gareth allowed me to take away the display set for review. A single side comes as a subwoofer and top box, with the Portable-15S as the active element feeding a top mid-high passive Portable-28T.

Portable-15S

The Portable-15S is constructed from 15mm birch plywood and measures 440mm x 520mm x 580mm (17.3” x 20.5” x 22.8”) and weighs in at an acceptable 28kg (62lbs). The cabinet is finished in black with durable, scratch-resistant textured paint, and a kick-proof grill displaying the new Omega logo. You can also order additional RAL colour options or even white.

A TP-IP threaded adaptor plate allows you to use a range of section poles to support the Portable-28T, and there’s a stacking foot system to enable a double system either side or for transport. There are also bar handles for effortless lifting.
Housed in the Portable-15S is an omni-directional 15” low-frequency driver delivering a max SPL of 127dB continuous and 133dB peak, dependent on frequency. On the back of the box, you’ll find a 4k Powersoft module with a programmed Omega Pro Audio DSP, a single XLR input with parallel link outputs alongside a 4-pole speakON® (to feed the Portable-28T), and a powerCON® TRUE1 input providing power and output for connecting multiple Portable-15S units.

There is a rotary control for volume selection, soft-touch button for accessing the four individual DSP pre-sets (flat, bass lift, high lift and bass and high lift) and finally an ethernet port to connect and control every element of the system via Powersoft ArmoniaPlus System Design software (more on this later).

The Powersoft module is set to deliver 2000W into 8 Ohm to the subwoofer, 1000W into 4 Ohm to the mid-high drivers in the Portable-28T, and 750W into 8 Ohm to the high-frequency neodymium compression driver also found in the Portable-28T. This is pre-limiting with an internal multiband PEAK and RMS limiter, plus thermal limiter and protection.

Portable-28T

The Portable-28T is also constructed from birch plywood. It measures 620mm x 250mm x 270mm (24.4” x 9.8” x 10.6”) and weighs an easy-to-handle 12kg (26.4lbs). The size looks small but delivers BIG and its sleek design fits in at any event, especially high-end weddings or corporate functions.

Like the Portable-15S, it’s also finished in black with durable, scratch-resistant, textured paint, completed with a kick-proof grill and the new Omega logo. The same paint options are available from factory order in white or any RAL colour on request.

There is a standard top hat on the bottom for placing the 28T above the 15S, as well as a single bar-handle that’s recessed in the top.

The Portable-28T has a frequency response of 88Hz-20kHz and is loaded with two 8” neodymium mid-bass drivers and a horn-loaded neodymium compression driver. The unit connects to the Portable-15S via the 4-pole speakON® connectors and has parallel link-through if needed. The 28T gives us 90° x 40° dispersion with a maximum SPL of 128.7dB continuous and 131.7dB peak.

A quick explanation on digital signal processing or processor (DSP), a cornerstone of modern audio products.

You’ll likely be familiar with the idea of processors from your computer’s CPU, which are designed as multi-purpose processors. Well, a DSP is a processor that’s dedicated to number-crunching digital signals like audio.

They’re designed to perform mathematical functions at high speed with minimal energy consumption and are used to speed up the execution of audio-related algorithms while consuming less power than a typical CPU.

Powersoft technology

Before going any further it’s important to provide some background on Powersoft and why they’re central to the new Omega Pro Audio product range. Powersoft is an Italian company specialising in the design, production and marketing of high-end audio technologies (such as power amplifiers, loudspeaker components and software) for use primarily in installed and live sound applications.

A pioneer in switched-mode technology, Powersoft mastered the design and development of a new Class-D amplifier that was able to deliver consistently reliable high-power levels – something that had never been achieved before. The development of fixed-frequency switching-mode technology for professional amplifiers delivered many benefits to its professional products, including unprecedented low noise leakage, low crosstalk, and performance suitable for all power levels. This helped correct the overall industry perception that switched-mode power supplies were unreliable.

Now, the technology is considered an industry standard. Using its own patented technologies, Powersoft’s switching-mode power supplies are also able to greatly reduce heat dissipation and deliver back EMF (active recycling of the reactive energy from the loudspeakers), while easily handling heavy impedance loads. Powersoft holds dozens of patents and has meaningful manufacturing partners around the world, including Omega Pro Audio.

Most users will just use plug-n-play for their Omega Pro Audio Portable system, but for more control or a visual element of what each stack is doing, you can connect via an ethernet switch and run the Powersoft ArmoniaPlus System Design Software. This allows you to choose from over 1000 free speaker pre-sets from top professional audio brands, or create, manage and share your own. You can also configure and route analog, Dante, and AES3 sources, and keep everything in check from a single software.

HealthPlus brings a streamlined monitoring environment with all the critical elements of a sound system neatly displayed on a single window. In addition to input monitoring for power amplifiers, speakers and other connected devices, the system is capable of measuring system health indicators such as headroom, temperature, voltage and impedance to ensure optimal performance of all elements. HealthPlus will automatically alert users in cases of malfunction or element failure.

Final thoughts

I’ve now used the Portable-15S/28T system at 11 weddings, a school prom and two corporate functions.

The first time, I used it in place of my old system (12” subs and 10” tops, which seemed heavier) and I left the desk levels the same – huge mistake! I blew half the hotel staff away and very quickly knocked back the levels. The amount of headroom this system leaves you is insanely impressive and could easily cover 300+ guests and more, if you’re looking for the sound to be concentrated on the dancefloor.

The bass from the Portable-15S is super impressive and with a low of 33Hz, Sean Paul’s ‘Like Glue’ shakes the room for a very compact box, whilst the dual 8” tops deliver crystal clear sound.

Now that I’ve used the system at a multitude of events, I’m getting used to transporting it and setting it up. Protection bags or cases are a must for a system of this size and quality, and it would be a good idea to put the subs on wheels. Paladin Innovations in Kent have measured up and are currently manufacturing 5mm foam-covered woven covers with Velcro, carry handles and heavy duty zips specifically for the Omega Portable Series.

This new product range is priced and targeted at DJs who like uncompromising audio and who want a quality system that will last a lifetime with exceptional aftercare service in the UK. That said, the system won’t be for everyone. Audio is something very personal and I always recommend going to a retailer and listening to any system in person before investing.

The Portable-15S/28T will be available from select retailers. If you are a retailer that’s interested in supplying this system, reach out to Omega Pro Audio directly.

So, do I like it? Yes! So much so that Gareth and the team will have to make another demo set, because this one is not leaving my warehouse – and the protection covers are already ordered.

If you are interested in upgrading your system and want to hear the Portable-15S/28T in action, then either reach out to Omega Pro Audio directly or drop me an email at production@stevenhoneyball.co.uk