The Tannoy VLS 5 is a specialized passive column array loudspeaker engineered explicitly for speech reinforcement in a variety of commercial and public address installations. As a member of the VLS series, it utilizes a columnar array design, housing five carefully aligned 4-inch mid-range drivers within a slim, low-profile enclosure. This vertical arrangement of drivers leverages acoustic interference principles to create a highly controlled vertical dispersion pattern while maintaining a very wide horizontal dispersion of approximately 140 degrees. The result is a focused sound beam that projects speech intelligibly over long distances, such as down corridors or across large open spaces, while minimizing unwanted reflections off the ceiling and floor. This directivity is key to achieving high gain-before-feedback and superior speech clarity, making the system ideal for environments like train stations, airport terminals, courtrooms, lecture halls, and houses of worship where announcements and spoken word are the primary audio content.

Designed as a passive system, the VLS 5 requires connection to an external amplifier, providing system designers with flexibility in amplifier selection and power scaling for the specific application. Its impedance is stable and amplifier-friendly, simplifying the drive requirements. The enclosure is constructed from durable materials with a discreet, architectural aesthetic, finished in a neutral color that allows it to blend into building interiors. It offers multiple mounting options, including wall mounting, ceiling suspension, or placement on a floor stand, enabling precise positioning to target the sound coverage exactly where it is needed. The column's narrow footprint and low visual weight make it an unobtrusive yet highly effective audio solution.

Focused solely on the critical mid-frequency range essential for speech intelligibility, the Tannoy VLS 5 delivers exceptional vocal presence and clarity without the extended bass or high-frequency extremes required for full-range music reproduction. This focused design philosophy optimizes the system for its intended purpose, ensuring reliable, consistent performance where clear communication is paramount. For integrators addressing challenging acoustical environments dominated by speech reinforcement needs, the VLS 5 provides a powerful tool for delivering intelligible audio with wide, even coverage and minimal acoustic side effects.