Comprehensive improvement from flagship technology – PMC fact.8 signature loudspeaker


PMC is a well-known British speaker manufacturer with a deep foundation in the field of professional audio. They make monitor speakers for use in recording studios. PMC is the abbreviation of Professional Monitor Company. It was established in 1991 and is headquartered in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire near Luton. PMC has achieved great success in breaking into studios producing many top movies and TV series, and won an Emmy Award for its outstanding contribution to film post-production recording.

Undoubtedly, under such a professional background, their speakers will be designed to completely and faithfully play the sound information recorded by the master tape recorder. This is the established goal of PMC; to convey the artist's true creative intentions, and to avoid distortion of the sound.

The most notable feature of PMC is their continuous improvement of the transmission line cabinet and related bass adjustment. Transmission lines are a bit like extra long pipes. The back wave of the woofer is released through the folded pipe. The inner wall of the pipe is laid with sound-absorbing materials that absorb different frequencies, so that only the desired low frequencies can pass. As far as Fact.8 Signature is concerned, less than a 5.5-inch woofer, the low frequency can actually dive to 28Hz.

PMC refers to the implementation of this technology as Advance Transmission Line (ATL). A lot of time and money have been invested in the research. The pipeline can also strengthen the cabinet support and accurately calculate the use of various shock-absorbing materials.

PMC's ATL cabinet is made of high density fiberboard (HDF) materials. Most of the panels are 0.7 inches (18 mm) thick, but the front baffle is 1.4 inches (35 mm) and the base is 2 inches (50 mm) thick. The internal channel that constitutes the transmission line runs through the entire speaker and can also be used as a solid internal support.

The improvement of Fact.8 signature is based on the technology of the "fact fenestria". The 2-way fact.8 signature has two 5.5-inch (140mm) mid-woofers, which are customized for this model. The frequency response range is 28Hz-30kHz, which shows that even In the case of 6dB reduction, the bottom extension is still excellent.

The midbass unit is connected with a 0.75-inch (19mm) ferromagnetic cooling tweeter customized by SEAS with a crossover frequency of 1.7kHz. For a tweeter, the crossover point value looks low, but the roll-off slope is 24dB, which will undoubtedly help reduce the burden on the midbass unit. PMC put a lot of effort into optimizing its crossover, and conducted ear testing and matching of all components. They also record the data of each speaker so that the same replacement can be found when needed. The crossover components include Solen and Clarity Cap capacitors mounted on military-grade circuit boards and advanced Mundorf resistors.

On the back of the speaker is a pair of PMC proprietary binding posts. Right above them are two three-position toggle switches, labeled HF and LF respectively, which are used to adjust the high and low volume. I can get the best results when I set each position to 0 (flat).

fact.8 Signature comes with a full fabric protective surface net. There is also a small graphic metal mesh cover to cover the high-pitched tone to prevent finger poking-this is a good choice if your room will not be crowded with unruly children. The voice of fact.8 signature is full and open, like a firework. Although PMC sets Fact.8 Signature to a standard 8 ohm load with a sensitivity of 89dB/W/m, you really should configure them with a reasonable amplifier.

As the most prominent of PMC is Advanced Transmission Line (ATL) bass loading technology, its bass diving is extremely deep, and provides extremely compact and clear bass, which can be perfectly integrated into the rest of the sound, with convincing linearity and Strong expression.

In the end of "Genesis" (LP, Atco SD36-129), the bottom bass is clearly visible. This is first album after  Peter Gabriel leaving the band. This is a huge album. The frequency of the Moog Taurus's bass pedal in "Squonk" is at a low level in the range of 30-40Hz, sometimes difficult to compare with Mike Rutherford's electric guitar, but through the PMC speaker, when it is not mixed with the bass pedal, Rutherford is clearly heard Bass guitar. From bass to mid-bass, the entire bass is perfectly integrated and can work in conjunction with all weak ranges.

When listening position, you can feel the bass is a bit thin, which can well offset several annoying peaks. During the broadcast of "Squonk", I walked around the room and noticed some fine hammering bass from the fact.8 signature. When returning to the listening position, the obsessive bass is tight and well controlled. When the album ended with "Los Endos", the fact.8 signature showed Rutherford's frequent bass lines. This is an indispensable part of a band's music and is worth enjoying!

Extending from the top of the midrange to the lower treble, PMC has never given up control of the music. In view of their understanding and persistence in monitoring matters, fact.8 signature sounds more clear and transparent, it is impossible to lose anything in music, and the beautiful high frequency conveys a smooth feeling. The dynamic bass, expressive midrange and smooth treble make fact.8 signature an excellent audiophile speaker, just like an ideal tool for controlling recording, allowing you to sit down and enjoy!