JAPAN: Based in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, FREEK Inc delivers end-to-end live-audio production across Japan, specifying, supplying, deploying and operating sound systems for concerts, school functions, community festivals, corporate gatherings and American-football fixtures.

For years the company struggled to find floor monitors that would suit both premium productions and cost-sensitive events. Setup windows are often tight, and while the main PA naturally takes precedence, monitors can be short-changed on tuning time.

“We needed a good balance between price and performance, as well as monitors which would not be restricted to a specific amplifier,” informs Freek Inc’s Hisashi Matsumura.

The answer arrived with Yamaha Pro Audio’s CHR series floor monitors. FREEK Inc has invested in eight CHR12M and eight CHR15M passive wedges, attracted by their space-saving coaxial design and their ability to deliver accurate, smooth phase and frequency response.

“When we were considering the purchase, we borrowed demo units and tested them with various amplifiers. No matter what amplifier we paired them with, they produced clear, natural sound,” says Matsumura. “The flat response characteristics also mean they require minimal tuning time. In situations where we literally have no time at all, we can even start a show without tuning them and they still work well. This is a huge advantage.”

Hiroyuki Komori of Freek Inc adds, “The CHR15M and CHR12M also stood out because the sound is free from any noticeable coloration and they meet the ideal performance requirements for floor monitors. The design is also excellent. The low-profile design makes the stage look neat, they are not too heavy but the sturdy handles make them easy to move during stage transitions and the robustness of construction means we don’t have to worry.”

The team notes that the CHR15M’s 15-inch woofer offers extra low-end punch around 90 Hz, making it ideal for drummers and bassists, while the more compact CHR12M keeps cramped stages tidy when multiple wedges are required, such as for idol groups. “Thanks to its 15-inch woofer, the CHR15M delivers enhanced low-end around 90Hz. But when stage space is limited, or when we are using multiple monitors like for idol groups, the more compact CHR12M keep the stage floor looking clean and uncluttered,” asserts Matsumura.

He concludes, “Both models have an excellent cost-to-performance ratio, which meets what we believe is a long-standing demand in the PA market for easy to use, high performance floor monitors. We look forward to using them much more in a wide range of live event settings.”