QSC’s new L Class active line array speakers incorporate refined engineering, technical innovation and exceptional audio performance with an intuitive user interface. Developed with a deep understanding of customer needs and situations, the LA108 and LA112 speakers are easy to deploy and scalable for applications ranging from portable setup-and-go gigs to demanding advanced networked AV productions.
Under the Hood
Built around premium components, both models incorporate lightweight neodymium transducers delivering high-level, low-distortion SPLs. Built-in energy efficient Class-D amplifiers with fanless convection cooling provide 1,300W (LA108) and 2,400W (LA112) with very low AC power consumption. The compact LA108 houses a single 8” LF cone and HF driver while the LA112 has a 12” LF cone and two HF drivers. Each 1.75”-diaphragm HF compression driver connects to QSC’s innovative Length-Equalized Acoustic Flare (LEAF™) waveguide providing uniform, defined Mid and HF coverage with extended throw.
Constructed of lightweight impact-resistant ABS materials, the enclosures have 16 gauge powder-coated steel grilles backed with mesh to help repel dust and moisture. Rubber-coated rear handles and bumpers on the cabinet sides let them stand on end without tipping over. Rubber feet on the cabinet’s bottom enable the speaker to sit level on a stage lip.
Power, analog audio, and network connections are located on the rear panel along with user controls and the Rear User Interface (RUI) display. Rear-panel LEDs indicate power, standby and limiter. Daisy-chain connections are provided for analog audio (XLR) and digital audio/network (RJ-45 EtherCon). QSC chose Neutrik PowerCON TRUE 1 connectors with rubber weather caps for AC Power input and loop-thru. A heavy-duty 9’ power cable comes with each L Class speaker and accessory jumper kits are available for interconnecting the boxes. Front and rear panel power indicators can be turned on or off, the RUI display is dimmable, and a blackout feature extinguishes everything. A security function enables the menus and settings to be locked out using a passcode.
The 2.4” full-color RUI display represents the complete array graphically, identifying each speaker by box number while a large rotary push encoder and two buttons access menu settings and set the array’s overall input level. A status bar showing speaker name turns green when the array is optimized and yellow when it is not. Another status bar indicates network connection, DSP status and +24 dB or +4 dB input level.
Built-in networking carries digital audio over IP (Dante) and allows for array management, using QSC’s SysNav configuration app (iPad or Windows PC) or integrated into a Q-SYS ecosystem via Q-Sys inventory extensions. Network addressing can use DHCP or individual static IP addresses can be assigned.
No Tools Required
QSC’s RapidDeploy ergonomically designed rigging system enables one person to easily build and secure the array without the need for tools. Integrated into the L Class enclosures, the rigging system eliminates protruding hardware or easily lost tethered pins. Once assembled, tilt angles on the speakers can be quickly set without having to pull pins. This straightforward design offers increased safety for both production crew and audience.
L Class boxes can be flown (up to six units using an array frame) or ground stacked (up to four LA108’s/three LA112’s) using the array frame over a single LS118 subwoofer. Integral pole mount cups allow for speaker stand or pole mounting with a three LA108 or two LA112 capacity. Note: The matching LS118 Sub is planned for fall 2023 release.
Along with the LA108 AF and LA112 AF Array Frames, QSC offers stack adapter kits, protective totes, interconnecting jumper cable kits (network Ethercon and PowerCON TRUE1) and an installation kit. Each speaker in the series is backed by QSC’s global 6-year warranty (with product registration).
For this review, I received two large pallets of L Class speakers and accessories. Along with six each of the LA108’s and LA112’s, I received LA108 AF and LA112 AF Array Frames, stack adapter kits, protective totes for the speakers, and several LA jumper kits.
As I unpacked the LA108’s and LA112’s, I noticed the attention to detail and mechanical build quality. There were no protruding mounts or tethered pins to lose, and all deployment controls were recessed. The large rear handles and recessed side handles made the boxes easy to lift and carry.
Let’s Really Annoy the Neighbors…
For my first shop test, I set the LA112’s up over a pair of my QSC KS118 powered subs. The array frames are designed to sit on top of a single sub when used with the stack adapter kits. When not in use, the stack adapter kits store inside the array frames, a nice touch. The array frames secure to the sub via an adapter attached to the sub’s pole mount socket with an M20 threaded bolt. After mounting the first speaker to the stack adapter kit, I quickly deployed two additional boxes per side (QSC’s recommended maximum). Assembly was quick and easy. Place the next speaker’s latch levers into the “add” position, set its hooks into the receivers of the first speaker, tilt back until it clicks and lock the latch levers. Next, press the tilt adjusters and lift the rear handles to set the tilt. Designators on the tilt levers show amount of tilt 1.5, 6 or 12 degrees.
I connected audio and power and waited for the magic to happen. Unlike other QSC products, L Class models have no power switches. Locking in the PowerCON TRUE1 connector applies power. As the array powers up, QSC’s powerful onboard intelligent Automatic Wireless Array Recognition (AWAREä) goes to work. Utilizing built-in IR ports and accelerometers in each speaker, AWARE identifies the number of boxes in the array along with their tilt angles and communicates essential setup information to the speaker’s Rear User Interface (RUI) or the SysNav app. The RUI displays on each box indicate number of boxes in the array, box location (1-2-3) and tilt angles.
I was also greeted with a yellow status bar and message to optimize the array. A single long press on the encoder button of any speaker optimizes the entire array without the need to set switches on the individual speakers. Users can also customize DSP settings using the RUI on any speaker in the array or SysNav. After a few seconds, the status bar turns green and AR-Q indicator turns blue, indicating the entire array is DSP-optimized.
First up, I played various music tunes through the system. Right away, I noticed the quality, clarity and definition in the mid/high frequencies. I experimented with the HP filter settings on the array (No Sub, 80 Hz, 100 Hz) with pleasing results at 100 Hz. A couple neighbors stopped by (thankfully, not the cops) saying they could hear this Hi-Fi system a block away.
Next, I purposely set the tilt angles to a non-recommended configuration. Immediately I received an “Unsupported Array Configuration” warning message, the displays on each box showed only their box, and the AR-Q indicator turned orange. I reset the tilt angle on the offending box and after a few seconds, received the message to optimize the array. A push on any encoder and I got the green light of optimized goodness.
Come Fly with Me…
Most of my gigs don’t require a fly rig, but I wanted to see how the system deploys when flown. A local theater with a rigging system was available, so off I went with a vanload of LA108’s, LA112’s, Array Frames, TM30 mixer and trusty music source. My assistant and I rigged the Array Frames using dual pick points and attached the first LA108. QSC states that a single person can deploy and secure the array and they are correct. With my assistant watching, I simply attached another speaker to the bottom of the array by setting the locking levers on the receiving speaker to “Add” and placed the second speaker’s front “Strikes” onto the receiving top speaker’s hooks. With the second speaker fully supported and hanging freely, I swung it up into the receiving speaker’s rear hooks until they clicked and set the locking levers to “Lock.”
To set the splay angle, I pressed the angle adjustment levers and lifted the speaker until it clicked in place. Adjusting the splay angle on the entire array was as easy as cracking your back. Simply press the angle adjustment levers on all the speakers and lift up on the bottom speaker until they all click into place.
Dismantling the array was simple and intuitive. To remove the bottom speaker, hold one of the rear handles and place the lock levers in the remove position. Once released from the rear hooks, lower the bottom speaker and lift it off the top speaker’s front hooks.
Although LA112’s are larger and heavier than LA108’s, I had no problems deploying the array. The ingenious hook and receiver design made these one of the easiest line array rigs I have ever used.
Ground Control to Line Array
Next, using QSC jumper kits, we connected audio, power and network cables to the speakers. The jumper kits contained power and network jumpers, but no analog XLR jumpers. I set up my portable router using DHCP and the network quickly configured the speakers. I opened SysNav on my iPad and connected to the array. A work in progress, the initial release of SysNav provides array status information and allows certain parameters to be configured on individual boxes or the entire array. A telemetry tab shows real-time voltage and temperature for each box along with mute status and amp module condition. Network and Dante tabs indicate IP values for each box. With SysNav, users can optimize an array, configure HF shading, choose the HP filter value, set delay distance, mute the array and control input audio level. Based on what I am seeing, I’m looking forward to future versions of SysNav.
So How Does It Sound?
In a word, fantastic. I have been using LA108’s pole mounted over QSC KS212C cardioid subs for my weekly outdoor community concert series for 800-1,000 people. With the HP filter set at 100 Hz, I get clean clear mids and highs while the KS 212C’s handle the low-end heavy lifting. The result is tight, punchy low-end, uniform HF reproduction and well-defined coverage with exceptional throw. In every situation where I used the L Class speakers, I noticed voice reproduction was more accurate and I could hear details in the upper mids and high frequencies without them sounding “pushed.” Each week, several audience members remarked at how clear and natural the system sounded.
For larger gigs, I use the LA112’s with my KS118 subs. At my annual hot air Balloon Glow (a huge outdoor hot-air balloon fest), six LA 112’s ground stacked on scaffold easily covered the large audience area with no issues.
I deployed two LA112’s per side on poles over KS118’s for a friend’s band. Compared to their existing KLA speakers, the LA112’s had greater detail with more uniform coverage across the audience area. The festival gig was outside and the home-built power distro was a bit wonky. I networked the LA112’s with SysNav to monitor the voltage and temperature data. Even with SysNav voltage readings hovering around 105 VAC, we had no performance issues.
The Verdict? Simply Amazing…
After using both LA108’s and LA112’s, I prefer the LA108’s for the type of gigs I do. Their compact form factor and light weight make them easy to deploy on poles, stands and ground stacks. However, for bigger gigs, LA112’s deliver the horsepower to cover a lot of ground with a few boxes. The innovative L Class mechanical design makes it easy for a single person to quickly and safely assemble an array. With the push of a single button, QSC’s Automatic Wireless Array Recognition (AWARE) configures the array without the need to set switches or menus on each box in the array. The built-in convection cooling and heavy-duty heatsink allows the amplifier module to run all day in the blazing sun with no issues.
With the new L Class, QSC has hit all the right notes. I can’t wait for the encore!
At a Glance:
Advanced Technology that’s Easy to Operate
QSC’s new L Class active line array speakers incorporate refined engineering, technical innovation, and exceptional audio performance in easy-to-deploy configurations for portable live sound and fixed entertainment applications.
QSC L Class Line Array Loudspeakers
PROS
- Great sound
- Rapid Deploy rigging allows single-person array assembly
- No pins to lose or protruding hardware
- Onboard intelligence with single-button DSP optimization
- Built-in audio over IP (Dante) networking
- Excellent throw for box size
CONS
- RUI display can be hard to see in bright light
- Totes could have side handle slots
- No XLR cable in jumper kit accessory
LA108 SPECS
- LF: 8” woofer
- HF: 1.75” comp. driver
- Response: 62 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB)
- Coverage (HxV): 100° x 15°
- Max Peak SPL: 134 dB @1 m
- Amplifier (peak): LF 1,000W / HF 300W
- Dimensions: 10.7×20.4×14.7” (HxWxD)
- Weight: 30.1 pounds
- Street Pricing: $2,399/each
LA112 SPECS
- LF: 12” woofer
- HF: (2) 1.75” comp. drivers
- Response: 58 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB)
- Coverage (HxV): 90° x 15°
- Max Peak SPL: 136 dB @1 m
- Amplifier (peak): LF 1,600W / HF 800W
- Dimensions: 15.4×24.8×16.4” (HxWxD)
- Weight: 47.2 pounds
- Street Pricing: $3,199/each
SHARED SPECS
- Configuration: Two-way active line array
- Inputs: XLR analog; RJ-45 EtherCON (Dante and QSC SysNav)
- Attachment Points: QSC RapidDeploy system; rear M10 for pull-back; pole cup
- Amplifier: Class-D
- Display Screen: 2.4” full-color 240×320 pixels
- Indicators: Power, limiter, standby and (2) signal LEDs
- AC Power: Universal 100-240 VAC
- Enclosure: Impact-resistant ABS
Manufacturer: QSC
More Info: www.qsc.com
