DAS Audio has announced the launch of LARA, a new powered cardioid line array joined by the companion LARA SUB as well as the new ALMA system control and monitoring software, and they’ll be on display at this week’s ISE 2022 show in Barcelona as well as at the NAMM Show in Anaheim in June.
LARA has a 4-way, symmetrical design and is stated to provide maximum SPL of 146 dB, with the cardioid configuration intended to provide a high degree of attenuation behind arrays, stated as 15 dB in the 63 to 200 Hz range.
The onboard Powersoft class D amplifiers integrate a switch-mode power supply with power factor correction (PFC), designed to help ensure maximum performance and efficiency regardless of the mains voltage. Each amplifier is stated to provide 6000 watts (rms) of power, divided into 8 channels to feed the dual 12-inch woofers, two front-facing and two rear-facing 8-inch cones, and two compression drivers.
The debut coincides with the company’s 50th anniversary, with head of engineering and CEO Javier Navarro noting, “Our intention is that these new tools mark a paradigm shift for the brand. Celebrating 50 years of history might be a coincidence, but it is certainly charged with symbolism. We strongly believe in the work done over the years and in the team behind it.”
Yamil Martínez, front of house engineer for Luis Fonsi, adds, “It’s a product that’s going to be on a lot of technical riders. It’s going to mark a significant change for DAS.”
All LARA components have been custom designed and manufactured to help maximize system efficiency. The two 12-inch woofers each have 4-inch voice coils, while 8-inch cones offer 2.5-inch voice coils. The two DAS M-78N compression drivers, equipped with 3-inch voice coils, feed a waveguide with stated horizontal coverage of 100 degrees.
“I am very impressed with the system; I really like it,” says Amable Frómeta, FOH engineer for Juan Luis Guerra. “Coverage is excellent, very homogeneous. I was very impressed by the quality of the vocals; it is an extremely coherent system. A great job with the cardioid; the truth is that it disappears just below the system; it is not even necessary to go behind it.”
“Impressive, clean, great coverage, extremely efficient. LARA will mark a new era for DAS,” states Randy White of Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center.
A 3-point rigging system is designed to facilitate arrays of up to 24 LARA modules and 16 companion LARA SUB subwoofers. The proprietary FSSTM (Fast Set Splay) design allows angles to be adjusted in 1-degree steps, from 0 to 7 degrees, in the the ground-stack position.
“The coverage is impressive, on all frequencies, but what I liked the most is that the tops are also cardioid. I’m looking forward to experiencing this system live,” says Oscar Marín, FOH engineer for Rubén Blades.
Control and monitoring are provided for each frequency section, as well as self-positioning and arrangement of the systems in an array, EQ for groups or single loudspeakers. There’s also integration of the company’s DASaim optimization tool (FIR), creation of online and offline projects, and more.
“Expectations are high, the equipment really sounds spectacular. It is ready for any technical rider,” says a statement from Bad Bunny´s Sound and Production team (Rolando Leo, Brian Martinez, Luis Velasquez).
LARA systems have been chosen for several tours and festivals throughout Spain and made an official debut at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne (Germany) in late April 30 followed by anj Estopa concert in Barcelona in May and Izal in A Coruna as part of its tour.
