Hartke HD112 (opened)

Ten years since the launch of the HyDrive series, Hartke has come up with a new series of these HD bass cabinets, which offer a number of improvements in the form of a revised speaker design and optimised construction, allowing them to produce an even more massive sound with a clear and well-defined tone.

The HyDrive Series represents one of the greatest innovations in the history of bass. In fact, it features speakers whose design combines the advantages of both paper and aluminium diaphragms, resulting in better sound quality, improved efficiency and greater reliability. In fact, the diaphragm is made of both materials, combining the warm and colourful tone of paper with the clarity and fast attack of aluminium.

This particular model is fitted with a single 12-inch speaker which, as mentioned, has a diaphragm consisting of an outer paper and an inner aluminium section. A one-inch titanium horn has been added for the best projection even at high frequencies. The output is equivalent to 300 watts and the impedance is switchable between 8 and 4 ohms. Other technical specifications include that the HD operates in the frequency spectrum from 35 Hz to 17 kHz. The box's electronics also include a high frequency attenuation system. By switching it, it is possible to leave the frequency response throughout the entire range, to turn off the horn and completely attenuate the highs, or to attenuate the high frequencies by only 6 dB.

The speaker cabinet is constructed of thick plywood with extensive bracing and strong, glued-in joints. This makes the box behave as a single body and is able to produce a truly massive, monolithic, sound with minimal energy loss. Its design is subordinate to ensuring that even in the lowest frequencies the sound is tight and clear, the mids sound pleasant and punchy, and the highs are piercing but pleasant to listen to. The surface is covered with black leatherette, the speaker is covered by a solid metal grille, the corners are protected by metal caps and ergonomically shaped handles are used to carry the box. The classic 6.3 Jack or Speakon connectors are used for connection to the machine.

The Hartke HyDrive is definitely one of the most advanced loudspeakers on the market. Their unique design makes them truly suitable for any bassist and offers only the best. You'll be hard pressed to find a box that can compete with the HyDrive.