Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Speaker

Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is an ultra-compact two-way passive speaker from the famous audio brand Martin Audio (UK). Despite its size of just over half a meter, Q8 is highly appreciated for its detailed sound reproduction, powerful capacity and installation flexibility, suitable for both performance sound systems, mini stages, high-end karaoke or fixed applications in restaurants and bars.

Introducing the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Full Range Speaker

Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is part of the Blackline Series, designed for true sound quality, even coverage and high performance in limited space.

This is a passive 2-way loudspeaker with a Differential Dispersion Horn structure, which helps control the direction of sound pronunciation accurately and uniformly, minimizing the phenomenon of "dead spots" in space.

Technical parameters of the product to consider:

• Speaker structure – 2-Way Passive System: Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is designed as a 2-way sound system including an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch compression driver, operating based on a passive crossover at 3kHz. This structure helps to clearly separate the bass, midrange and treble ranges, optimize sound reproduction performance, reduce phase distortion and deliver consistent sound throughout the frequency range.
• LF Driver – 8 inch (200mm) with 4 inch (100mm) voice coil, ferrite motor system: Using 8 inch bass combined with 4 inch voice coil and ferrite magnet, for high power capacity, magnetic stability and reduced harmonic distortion. This design ensures a tight bass range, moderate depth, good response to energetic music.
• HF Driver – 1 inch (25mm) exit compression driver, PETP diaphragm: The high range is handled by a 1-inch compression driver with a PETP (Polyethylene Terephthalate) membrane that is elastic and heat-resistant. The result is a bright, clear and detailed treble, with limited distortion when operating at high intensity, very suitable for live music or clear vocals.
• Horn – Differential Dispersion, 90°–110° (horizontal) x 50° (vertical): Martin Audio's proprietary Differential Dispersion Horn design allows for even sound dispersion over a wide range, reducing "dead spots". The coverage angle can be rotated flexibly, making the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 suitable for use as a front-fill speaker, stage monitor or fixed wall mount.
• Frequency response range – 67Hz – 17kHz (±3dB), -10dB @ 51Hz: The Q8 covers most of the human hearing range, delivering a balanced sound between bass, mid, and treble. With a -10dB threshold at 51Hz, the speaker can reproduce deep bass when combined with an SX Series or Pi118 subwoofer, creating a complete full-range system.
• Rated Power – 200W AES, 800W Peak: With an average power of 200W (AES standard) and a maximum of 800W, the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is perfect for small and medium-sized performance spaces. The AES standard represents the actual load capacity, ensuring the speaker operates stably for a long time without overheating.
• Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 115dB Continuous / 121dB Peak / 127dB Peak (Crest Factor 4): The Q8 achieves a maximum SPL of 127dB, an impressive figure in the 8-inch speaker segment. This allows the speaker to produce powerful, clean, distortion-free sound even at high power levels, making it suitable for crowded stages or events.
• Sensitivity – 92dB (1W/1m): With a sensitivity of 92dB, the Q8 only needs a moderate power amplifier to reach a high volume level. This is a strong point that helps save energy while maintaining stable sound detail in all mixing conditions.
• Impedance – 8 Ohms: The standard impedance of 8Ω makes the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 easy to pair with popular amplifiers or power amplifiers, and allows multiple speakers to be connected in parallel without affecting the total load, making it convenient for system expansion.
• Passive Crossover Network – 3kHz, internal: The crossover is precisely designed at 3kHz, dividing the frequency range reasonably between the LF and HF drivers, ensuring acoustic coherence and reducing phase deviation between frequency bands.
• Speaker cabinet – Multi-angle Birch plywood, textured black paint: The speaker cabinet is made from multi-layer birch wood, which has high hardness and low resonance, providing a tight and natural sound quality. The textured black polyurethane paint helps the speaker resist scratches and moisture, maintaining durability in harsh environments.
• Protective mesh – Perforated steel + scrim lining: The mesh surface is made of thick perforated steel, the inside is lined with scrim fabric to help prevent dust, moisture and insects, and does not affect the speaker's sound direction.
• Connection ports – 2 x Neutrik NL4 (1+/1– Input, 1+/1–, 2+/2– Link): Using Neutrik Speakon NL4 connection standard, compatible with professional audio equipment. Input and link system helps to connect multiple speakers conveniently without complicated auxiliary cables.
• Mounting options – 15 x M8 inserts, 6 x M6 inserts, pole-mount socket, eyebolt suspension: Q8 supports a variety of hanging, standing, or pedestal mounting options, suitable for stage setups, tea rooms, bars, and lounges. M8/M6 screw points increase flexibility and safety during installation.
• Weight – 10.1kg / Dimensions – 236 x 500 x 250 mm (W x H x D): Compact size and light weight make Martin Audio Blackline Q8 easy to transport, suitable for mobile or fixed sound in small spaces while still ensuring high performance.
• Electronics required – DX0.4 / DX0.6 / DX4.0 controller and iKON or VIA amplifier: Martin Audio recommends using DX series processors for signal processing and iKON or VIA amplifiers for amplification, ensuring linear audio transmission, reducing distortion and protecting the speakers during operation.
• Accessories – Instructions for use: The product comes with a detailed manual to help technicians install quickly and correctly according to Martin Audio system standards.

Outstanding features of Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Speaker

The Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is an ultra-compact two-way passive loudspeaker designed for professional audio applications that require high performance, even coverage, and exceptional durability. Here are the highlights that make the Q8 a favorite in many high-end PA systems, karaoke systems, and professional performance spaces.

• Compact design but powerful performance: Martin Audio Blackline Q8 has a body of only 236 × 500 × 250 mm and a weight of 10,1 kg but achieves a maximum power of 800 W Peak and a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 127 dB. The 2-way structure with an 8-inch woofer and a 4-inch ferrite coil allows the speaker to operate stably for a long time without distortion.
• Exclusive Differential Dispersion Horn Technology: The technological highlight of the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 lies in the Differential Dispersion horn – a signature invention of Martin Audio UK. The horn has a coverage angle of 90°–110° horizontal x 50° vertical, and can be rotated flexibly, helping the sound spread evenly throughout the space, even in off-axis listening positions.
• True and detailed sound across the entire range: The Q8 reproduces a frequency range of 67 Hz to 17 kHz (±3 dB), wide enough to reproduce both instruments and vocals vividly. The treble driver uses a PETP diaphragm to reduce nonlinear distortion and maintain bright highs, while the 8-inch woofer provides tight, clear, and tight bass.
• Easy to match and control: With an impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 92 dB @1W/1m, the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is easy to pair with a variety of amplifiers without requiring too much power. When paired with the iKON Series amplifier or DX0.4/DX4.0 processor, the speaker achieves perfect linearity and balance thanks to pre-tuned EQ presets.
• Flexible in installation and application: The Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is equipped with 15 M8 holes, 6 M6 holes, a pole-mount socket and eyebolt suspension, allowing for installation in a variety of positions – from wall-mount, ceiling-mount to stage monitor. Thanks to its multi-angle design, the Q8 can serve as a main speaker, fill speaker or monitor, depending on the system configuration.
• Industrial durability and British design: The entire Q8 enclosure is made of multi-layer birch plywood with a textured black polyurethane paint, increasing scratch and moisture resistance in tropical conditions. Perforated steel mesh combined with internal scrim fabric protects the driver from dust and moisture.

Detailed review of Martin Audio Blackline Q8 full-range speaker

Sound quality and frequency response

The Martin Audio Q8 delivers faithful, detailed, full-range sound thanks to its 2-way passive construction combining an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch compression driver.

The 67 Hz – 17 kHz (±3 dB) frequency range delivers full reproduction of both vocals and instruments, while the 92 dB sensitivity allows the speaker to reach a maximum SPL of 127 dB without distortion. With Differential Dispersion Horn technology, the sound is evenly distributed throughout the space, reducing “dead spots” and maintaining a stable volume whether the listener is near or far.

Design – materials – durability

In terms of design, the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 shows the sophistication of Martin Audio UK when using a multi-layer birch plywood shell coated with scratch-resistant, moisture-resistant textured black polyurethane. The multi-angle cabinet structure allows the speaker to be placed vertically, horizontally, or hung flexibly.

The perforated steel grille combined with protective scrim fabric helps to limit dust and moisture from penetrating the speaker membrane. Weighing only 10,1 kg, the cabinet frame still ensures stability when suspended from the ceiling or installed permanently in a PA system.

Performance and stability

With a rated power of 200 W AES / 800 W Peak and a crest factor of 4, the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 maintains high volume while maintaining clarity and detail. The bass driver's 4-inch ferrite motor voice coil system provides good heat dissipation, limiting power loss during continuous operation. In actual measurements, the speaker can operate stably for more than 8 hours at 110 dB SPL without any loss of sound quality.

Signal mixing and control capabilities

The Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is optimized to be paired with the iKON Series, VIA Series amplifiers or DX0.4 / DX4.0 processors, achieving a balanced EQ, limiter and crossover. The 8 ohm impedance allows for safe parallel connection of two speakers on the same amplifier channel.

Neutrik NL4 ports ensure stable signal transmission, solid contact and RF immunity. The presence of Martin Audio pre-configured presets in the DX processor makes it easy for technicians to deploy without complicated adjustments.

Real-world value and user experience

When installed in Phuc Truong Audio, the Q8 demonstrates great flexibility — it can be used as a main speaker for high-end karaoke rooms, a fill speaker for small stages, or a stage monitor.

With its compact design, Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is suitable for spaces of 20 - 100 m², especially where high-quality sound is required but space is limited. Users appreciate the ability to maintain a balance between vocals and background music, without being harsh when turned up loud, and the bass is clean, tight, and not boomy.

Applications of Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Full Range Speakers

The Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is an ultra-compact two-way passive loudspeaker designed to serve a wide range of audio purposes — from high-end karaoke systems, small performance stages, to fixed commercial applications.

With its high performance, wide coverage and faithful sound quality, the Q8 offers incredible versatility in most professional audio environments. Here are some typical applications for the Martin Audio Blackline Q8:

• High-class karaoke room & luxury lounge.
• Small Stage – Acoustic Live – Mini Performance.
• Hall – meeting room – event center.
• Coffee shop, restaurant, tea room, acoustic bar.
• Fixed sound system.
• Stage monitor speakers and auxiliary systems (fill speakers).

Address to buy genuine Martin Audio Blackline Q8 speakers at good prices in Vietnam

Phuc Truong Audio is the official distributor of Martin Audio UK products in Vietnam, specializing in providing professional audio solutions - from high-end karaoke, halls, bars, to performance stage systems. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, Phuc Truong Audio is proud to bring customers genuine products, competitive prices and dedicated technical services.

At the showroom, customers can directly experience the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Speaker, listen to the configurations combined with the S15 / SX Series subwoofer, iKON or VIA amplifier, and DX4.0 processor, under the guidance of experienced technicians.

If you buy Martin Audio products at Phuc Truong Audio, we commit to:

• Genuine Martin Audio UK product, with full CO, CQ and warranty stamp.
• Competitive prices, support 0% installment payments for individual customers.
• Support for installation, calibration and setup at home – free in Ho Chi Minh City area.
• Dedicated after-sales service, genuine warranty, available spare parts.
• Nationwide delivery, test product on site before payment.

Frequently Asked Questions about Martin Audio Blackline Q8 Full Range Speakers

1. Is the Martin Audio Blackline Q8 full range speaker?

That's right. Martin Audio Speakers The Q8 is a 2-way Full-range Passive Loudspeaker, reproducing a frequency range from 67Hz to 17kHz, enough to act as the main speaker in many sound configurations without the need for an additional mid-range speaker. When combined with Martin Audio PI118 or SX Series, the system will deliver deeper and more powerful bass.

2. Can Martin Audio Blackline Q8 speakers be used for family karaoke?

Yes. Although it is a professional speaker, Blackline Q8 is still very suitable for high-end karaoke, especially when paired with digital echo Martin, power amplifier iKON or VIA. Bright midrange, clear vocals and tight bass are the advantages that make Martin Audio Blackline Q8 a popular choice for karaoke rooms of 25–40m².

3. Which amplifier should Martin Audio Q8 be paired with for maximum performance?

The speakers work best when paired with Martin Audio iKON Series or VIA Series amplifiers, equipped with DX0.4, DX0.6, DX4.0 processors. These amplifiers are pre-tuned with EQ Preset and limiter according to the original specifications from the manufacturer, ensuring the speakers operate at the correct power standard and low distortion.

See more articles: How to match a standard family karaoke system?

4. Can the Q8 speaker be ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted?

Absolutely. The Martin Audio Blackline Q8 is designed with 15 M8 and 6 M6 holes for vertical, horizontal, or pole-mounting flexibility. Additionally, the multi-angle cabinet allows for easy orientation, making it suitable for both fixed installation and mobile use at events.