FRANKFURT, Germany – L-Acoustics' product introductions at Prolight + Sound 2010 in Frankfurt included its new KARA modular line source system, the SB18 high-power compact subwoofer, and the LA-AES3, an AES/EBU input card that serves as an optional extensions for LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers. L-Acoustics also announced at the show that it has joined the Crestron Integrated Partner Program (I2P).
KARA Modular Line Source System
With a design inspired by the K1 stadium system, the KARA system features a compact size and lightweight enclosure complying with rigging and visual limitations and the complementary SB18 subwoofer for reinforced LF contour applications.
Improvements over KARA's predecessor include added LF resources for increased bandwidth and coherence, improved directivity control in the horizontal plane, vertical coverage capability and improved ergonomics with an integrated rigging system and lighter weight.
With a horizontal directivity of 110° and vertical inter-element variation up to 10°, KARA is configurable to match various audience layouts. Using Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST), KARA promises clarity, precision, and a new proximity effect.
L-Acoustics' LA-RAK touring rack and LA8 amplified controller preset library work together with KARA, and a variety of system configurations to accommodate various LF contour requirements and integration constraints are available for the sound designer and system engineer.
KARA and SB18 will undergo a pilot phase until June 2010 with a handful of rental companies that will collaborate with L-Acoustics' R&D team and technical support to validate rigging, system setup and preset libraries. The system is then scheduled to ship in September 2010.
SB18 High Power Compact Subwoofer
The SB18 serves as a complement to L-Acoustics' WST (Wavefront Sculpture Technology) modular line sources and coaxial systems for applications requiring an extension of bandwidth with a flat to reinforced LF contour.
With a design influenced by recent innovations in electro-acoustics, signal processing and components, the SB18 promises a new level of performance while offering the engineer and sound designer numerous modes of operation for rental and fixed installation applications.
The main L-Acoustics system components for LF extension and contour reinforcement include:
– SB18 subwoofer, with a low frequency limit of 32 Hz
– LA4 and LA8 (LA-RAK) amplified controllers
The 18" transducers specifically designed for SB18 combine high excursion capabilities, low thermal compression and reduced distortion. The bass-reflex vents feature a progressive profile allowing laminar airflow and reduced turbulence noise, even at the highest operating levels. These combined properties contribute to the SB18 sonic qualities in terms of precision and musicality.
The SB18 design is based on a single 18" LF transducer integrated into a dual bass-reflex tuned enclosure to deliver both impact and high sensitivity. Its compact size, combined with damping characteristics, make it well suited for compact FOH applications.
The SB18 is particularly recommended for use with KARA (either coupled/flown or stacked configurations), KIVA, ARCS and coaxial LF contour reinforcement in both standard and cardioid modes.
As with L-Acoustics' new KARA system, the SB18 will begin shipping in September 2010.
LA-AES3 AES/EBU Input Card
L-Acoustics' new LA-AES3 AES/EBU input card, the first in a new line of optional extensions for LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers, offers one AES/EBU stereo input and one AES/EBU thru port (link) to connect an LA4 or LA8 to any digital mixing desk or audio distribution network while maintaining a fully digital signal path.
Main features include:
– One AES/EBU input compliant with AES3, AES11 and IEC 60958 (S/PDIF) specifications, ESD protected
– Seamless AES/EBU to analog input automatic fallback option with constant delay
– High-quality hardware sample rate converter accepting program sampled from 44.1 kHz up to 192 kHz
– Adjustable gain: -12.0 dB to +12.0 dB by 0.1 dB steps
– One AES/EBU thru electronically buffered with failsafe relay, ESD protected
– Maximum cable length: up to 300 meters (nearly 1000 feet), with certified cables dedicated to AES/EBU transport
– One USB port (reserved for future applications)
The card is scheduled to begin shipping in June 2010.
L-Acoustics also announced that it has joined the Crestron Integrated Partner Program (I2P). The result of this collaboration will be the development of a Crestron Integrated Partners control module which allows the LA4 and LA8 Amplified Controllers to be controlled and monitored in an open-platform Crestron system environment.
For more information, please visit www.l-acoustics.com .
