Founded in 1984 by Dr. Christian Heil, L-Acoustics was never about creating “me-too” products. Even from the company’s earliest days, L-Acoustics designs took a breakthrough approach, incorporating solid science and real-world physics into speakers, from its first coaxial system (1989’s MTD115/LLC) to the Wavefront Sculpture Technology three years later and 1994’s landmark V-DOSC system. The latter introduced the concept of the modern line array and forever changed the face of concert sound systems, even to this day.
So earlier this year, when L-Acoustics debuted a new column array system, there was little surprise that it would make a bold statement. Known as Syva, this new development makes its U.S. debut at this month’s InfoComm show in Orlando. True to form, this is nothing like your father’s — or grandfather’s — definition of a column speaker, and we wanted to present some details about the concept in its finished form.
Industry, Meet Syva
“The introduction of Syva is a landmark for L-Acoustics,” says Stéphane Ecalle, director of marketing at L-Acoustics. “Syva is a new breed of sound system combining the benefits of line source technology with a plug-and-play approach, in a sleek design, tailor-made for places where elegance and discretion are paramount.”
L-Acoustics describes Syva as a “Segment Source” system. It’s suited to medium-throw applications and intended for pro sound reinforcement (and well-heeled residential) usage where wide bandwidth, high-SPL performance from a discreet system with minimal visual impact is the goal. Live sound applications for Syva that come to mind include corporate gigs, live theater, performing arts centers, houses of worship, clubs and mid-sized amphitheaters — to name a few. A wide range of options make the system equally suited to portable use or permanent installs.
Inside Syva
The system is comprised of three components. The main Syva enclosure features six medium-frequency, 5-inch cone speakers and three 1.75-inch diaphragm high-frequency compression drivers loaded onto DOSC waveguides in a J-shaped progressive curvature format. This groundbreaking (and patent pending) Segment Source transducer arrangement produces an ultra-wide 140-degree horizontal with an asymmetric 26-degree vertical directivity pattern (+5 /-21 degrees) that is optimized to maximize surface coverage while achieving 115 feet of throw.
Syva’s Segment Source design combines the directivity benefits of line length and the coupling of HF DOSC waveguides to achieve a narrow vertical beam that maintains control down to 300 Hz. In this way, Syva can focus energy toward the back of the audience, while providing smooth down-fill coverage to the front. The net result is said to be consistent throw and even SPLs from front to back of the venue or space.
The Low, Low Down
Syva provides usable bandwidth down to 87 Hz. From there, users have a variety of options. The companion Syva Low enclosure features two K2 12-inch drivers matched to enable low frequency contour and extended bandwidth down to 40 Hz. For applications requiring yet more LF performance, the Syva Sub puts a single high-excursion 12-inch driver equipped with a KS28 woofer motor that further extends the bandwidth of the system in the sub frequency domain down to 27 Hz, while achieving 142 dB max SPLs down to 35 Hz.
Both the Syva Low and Syva Sub are bass-reflex enclosures equipped with L-Vents, which are designed to reduce turbulence and port noise at high levels while increasing LF efficiency.
System Essentials
All of Syva components are unpowered, allowing reduced weight for each of the enclosures and more versatility in system placement, particularly in installation applications. One L-Acoustics LA4X amplified controller can drive up to four Syva enclosures. This could be four Syva (top) cabinets, or two Syvas and two Syva Lows or a single Syva combined with one Syva Low and two Syva Subs. Besides four channels of 1,000-watt reliable, tour-proven amplification, the LA4X amplified controllers ensure advanced crossover functions, time alignment, linearization and L-Drive protection of the transducers.
Syva can be stacked as a standalone system or secured onto one of its LF extensions. Alternatively, Syva can be rapidly mounted on top of Syva Low or Syva Sub using the AutoConnect audio and physical link (as shown in Fig. 1) for fast, clean plug-and-play setups.
Given the performance specs, the Syva system is remarkably compact. The main Syva enclosure weighs 46 pounds and is 51.3 by 5.7 by 8.2-inches (HxWxD). The Syva Sub (60 pounds) and Syva Low (64 pounds) are a bit different in weight but share the same dimensions: 33.4 by 13.1 by 13.8-inches (HxWxD). The overall height of a Syva atop an LF cabinet is 84.7 inches — just over seven feet. Provided input connectors include Neutrik Speakon, screw terminals and the AutoConnect link.
Accessorize Your Syva
To extend the system flexibility, Syva options support wall- or pole-mounting, as well as flown, or used alone with a Syva Base baseplate. The latter is a 21-by-21-inch square floor plate that adds stability to any system where the Syva is stacked directly atop a Syva Low or Syva Sub enclosure.
The Syva Pole attaches Syva to a standard 35mm speaker pole. The Syva Wall mount is intended for permanent installations and swivels in a wide left/right arc that allows the Syva cabinet to be precisely positioned at any angle. And for flying applications, the Syva Bar supports suspension from standard rigging or direct clamping (with the Clamp 250) to a batten or truss.
Other options include L-Acoustics’ Soundvision 3-D electro-acoustic and mechanical simulation software and the LA Network Manager software, which offers real-time networked control and monitoring of up to 253 units. For portable users, custom Syva carry bags and protective covers for the Syva Sub and Syva Low are available. And installers should note that a RAL color program is offered so Syva systems can blend into any décor.
For more information, visit L-Acoustics at www.l-acoustics.com or at InfoComm Booth #5242 or Demo Room W223-AB.
At a Glance
A “Segment Source” Solution
L-Acoustics’ new Syva column array system is designed to combine the benefits of lines source technology with a plug-and-play approach for usage. Well suited for medium-throw applications, it adds up to a sleek, versatile, easy-to-use system.
L-Acoustics Syva System
STATS
- Frequency Response: 87 Hz to 20k Hz (Syva); 40 Hz to 20k Hz (with Syva Low); 27 Hz to 20k Hz (with Syva Sub)
- Max SPL: 142 dB (system)
- Dispersion: 140-degree horizontal; 26-degree vertical (asymmetric +5/-21 degrees)
- Construction: Beech and Baltic birch plywood with steel grills.
- Dimensions (HxWxD): Syva, 51.3 x 5.7 x 8.2”; Syva Low/Syva Sub, 33.4 x 13.1 x 13.8”
- Weight: Syva, 46 pounds; Syva Low, 64 pounds; Syva Sub, 60 pounds
- Input Connectors: Speakon, screw terminal and AutoConnect link
- Manufacturer: L-Acoustics
Web: www.l-acoustics.com
