Alto TS212 review

By Robert Griffiths 

The new Alto TS2 Truesonic family of speakers (a range of models 10″, 12″ and 15″ fullrange cabs with matching 12″, 15″ and 18″ subs) builds upon the success of Alto Professional’s original TS1 series. The TS1 Truesonics was one of the leaders in their class for high output, flexible input and output options in their given price bracket. They were a great seller for Alto so a lot is riding on their replacements the TS2 series.
 

So what’s new with the TS2 range? The cabinet design for one is far classier than the TS1 and really ergonomic with four decent handles and a full face grille. The output is also improved. Here is what Alto say they have done to improve the speakers to the TS2 standard:

• Improved Low Frequency (LF) extension and control: All 3 models in The new TS2 series provide an additional 20 Hz of extended deep low frequency output. This was made possible by a higher power LF amplifier, as well as implementing an improved LF limiter. The LF limiter includes a sophisticated dynamic filter to avoid over-excursion and audible distortion as the speaker is pushed to its limits. This allows for a deep extended LF response at low to moderate listening levels, while keeping the LF response “under control” as the levels are increased to typical use levels for DJ or Live sound events. The TS2 series is the first product to their knowledge that implements this feature at the lower TS price points.
• Custom engineered High frequency (HF) Waveguide: Alto have an all new HF horn design The new TS2 series uses the identical custom engineered and optimized HF waveguide geometry designed for BLACK series and thus the HF response is now very uniform and well matched to the LF drivers.
• New EQ circuitry and improved cabinet acoustics: The new TS2 series uses improved cabinet and HF horn acoustics to require less equalization, and it uses an improved EQ circuit topology that is more accurate and precise. The result is the frequency response is perceived in Alto listening tests as “smoother” than other speakers in this price range. Often what people perceive audibly as more output level in a certain frequency range is actually measured as a rougher frequency response curve. Alto believe this is part of the sonic improvement of the midrange in the new TS2 series.
• New Limiter Circuit design: Existing products in this price category mainly use a simple optical limiter, who’s design dates back more than 50 years. The new TS2 series implements a new ground up VCA based limiter with precision limiting thresholds and fully optimized attack and release times. Alto claim new models can be driven 10 to 15 dB harder than the previous models while still sounding clean and playing as loud or louder than the previous models.

I was given one TS212 speaker to review TS2 is the series and the 12 is the woofer size so I was testing the 12″ speaker in the range. Here is the official specification of the TS212:
 

• 1100-WATT 12-INCH 2-WAY POWERED LOUDSPEAKER
• 550W continuous, 1100W peak Class D power
• Maximum SPL: 127 dB peak, 124 dB continuous (dB-SPL @ 1 m)
• 12-inch (304.8 mm) LF driver, 2.5-inch (63.5mm) high-temperature voice coil
• 1-inch (25.4 mm) neodymium HF driver with precision waveguide
• Bi-amplified design with precision active crossover and EQ
• Integrated 2-channel mixer with dual XLR 1/4-inch combo mic/line inputs and independent level controls
• Custom engineered high-efficiency class D amplifiers with passive cooling design – No fan means the speaker runs cleaner, quieter and has greater long-term reliability
• Ground-Lift switch
• Contour switch for increased EQ control
• Electronic clip, thermal and transducer overdrive protection
• Compact, lightweight, trapezoidal cabinet design for easy transport and installation
• Angled rear panel for wedge monitor applications
• Stand and pole-mountable with integral M10 suspension points
• XLR Link output
• Designed and tuned in the USA

Here is my take on the specifications, all manufacturers at this level put the most complimentary version of the speakers output on the sales brochure and even on the ridiculously large stickers on the front of the speakers which many new DJs leave on as they love showing off how many watts it is (you know who you are). The truth is these are 350 watts for the low frequency woofer and 200 Watts for the high frequency transducer when measured continuous R.M.S.
 

The important figure when looking at output is not the wattage but the SPL the sound pressure level again there are two figures one for the sales team and one for realist’s of 124dB continuous (dB SPL @ 1m) for the TS212, If you are after more SPL the 15″ model the TS215 has a higher SPL 129 dB peak, 126 dB continuous (dB-SPL @ 1 m).
 

The speakers have 2 inputs that can be either Mic or Line. I feel many new DJs will actually turn the dials too far into the mic level if they do not read the manuals or if they don’t follow the graphic on the dial. Alto are not alone in this design but I do prefer a switch to select line or mic level. However that may have been solved with Altos new limiter circuit.  
 

It also has a contour button which is an EQ setting. Contour boosts some low and high frequencies by 3dB. Again new users will probably leave that on and try ramping up the volume (yes they are marked volume not gain). I think this will mean on many occasions users will set these up badly so it is as important as ever for users to read the manual properly.
 

I obviously review and hear many speakers, when reviewing speakers for mobile DJs the reality of cost is a very important factor. For £478 at full list these are a very punchy and loud and probably the best 12″active speakers under £500.  We often see on our Facebook group “What the best speakers are for £500, £600, £700 £800 or £1000?” So we know cost is a very important factor for mobile DJs and these hit and win at the sub £500 price point.
 

The TS212 retails around £229 making a pair in the £500 price bracket, I say £500 as you will need power leads as like other budget speakers they come with a useless short mains lead that would not be long enough to go up a speaker stand never mind to a plug socket at the average venue. You will also need quality XLR leads so DJs changing to actives from passives please do budget for decent cables, ones with genuine Neutrik connectors this is  common mistake DJs make using poor cables to save a few pennies so you will be at the £500 price point.
 

So what does it sound like? I am used to using speakers costing more I will honestly throw that out there from the off. Let’s face it £500 for a pair of actives is budget territory. Given the price these appear well made in obviously one of the better Chinese factories (says Designed and tuned in the USA in the sales brochure but they are made in China as most are to be fair at this price point).

I found for the price these speakers have an impressive output volume wise and much louder than the price would suggest. I dont think for the money you can get better, However If you spend more on speakers you do get a more refined sound, Alto themselves have higher spec ranges which are more refined, you cannot expect for £500 the ultimate speaker in sound quality.

I personally found the TS212 forceful and aggressive sounding but without real depth and quite unrefined to my ears compared to much more expensive speakers. I am nit-picking because given the proviso of the price point these are probably the best active 12″ speakers at £239 you can buy in the UK. If you are on a very tight budget these are ones to listen to on your short list.
 

Would I have a set? If I had a strict budget of £500, Yes. However If my budget could stretch say another £150 unfortunately No I wouldn’t I do think spending more does really give you better. I found the sound too fatiguing and aggressive for my own personal taste. Please though do as I consistently advise if you are in the market for speakers. Please go to a retailer with music tracks  you know and ask for a demo. To your ears and your wallet, these maybe the budget speakers you are looking for.