Italian loudspeaker developer K-array has unveiled its next generation of touring line arrays, the KH8 full-range self-powered loudspeaker and the KS8 self-powered subwoofer.
The new KH8 offers flexible digital “slim array technology” (S.A.T), fully controlled by onboard DSPs for very detailed beam steering and operational flexibility. Each unit has eight discrete DSP channels and proprietary beam steering technology to provide the ability to tailor to meet any application, while also helping in controlling sound spillover.
Low frequencies are handled by eight 8-inch neodymium woofers with 2.5-inch voice coils, while mid frequencies are delivered by eight 4-inch neodymium woofers with 1.5-inch voice coils. The high-frequency complement is comprised of four 1.4-inch neodymium compression drivers.
These components are driven by an onboard three-channel Class D amplifier rated to deliver up to 6,160 watts of power (AES).
Each KH8 is stated as being capable of delivering rated peak output of 145 dB (SPL), with frequency range of 60 Hz to 18 kHz (- 3 dB). Horizontal dispersion is 120 degrees, and vertical dispersion is digitally adjustable. Cabinet dimensions are 19.7 x 46.1 x 7.9 inches (h x w x d), and weight is 160 pounds.
KH8 full-range arrays are flown vertically, but each unit has the ability to be tilted totally independent. The result is “straight array” (vertically), but one that has a wavefront with the desired curvature from a vertical cluster. Further coverage precision is obtained via the onboard eight DSP channels in each loudspeaker, each designed to load FIR and delays to achieve highly accurate steering.
K-array worked closely with leading audio/acoustic software provider AFMG on the development of the system’s FIRmaker software that allows users to establish their own acoustic modeling. Configurations can be designed off-site, prior to the show, and then simply activated with the click of a mouse.
The software also provides auto-configuration capabilities. It suggests the most accurate loudspeaker angle for optimal coverage and also computes the optimum FIR settings to best meet the needs of an application.
KH8 loudspeakers are anchored in groups of three within rigid frames that can be connected quickly to create longer clusters. The three units inside each frame remain cabled, and are ready by simply connecting only two cables from each frame to the next.
The rigging system allows a single person to pre-cable stacks of three units to fly a straight 12-unit array in a matter of minutes. Every unit can be independently tilted to focus the sound mechanically and then digitally steered. And, two pre-cabled frames can be placed on a standard dolly for easy transportation.
Just two cables are needed for an array—a multi-cable with LK25 connectors to send analog, digital end data signals, and a
multi-cable with Socapex connectors to send power. Power and signal multi-cables are separated to avoid noise interference and risk of damage in case of accidental cable cutting.
“When we started designing the KH8, we wanted to create a system that would represent the ‘state of the art’ in terms of performance, but at the same time the most practical as possible in terms of portability, installation and management,” explains Alex Tatini, president of K-array. “When we considered all of the feedback from others and from our own experiences, the focus became: how could we make life easier for everyone—day in, day out—especially in the touring sector where the demand for quick turn around times and tight costs affect the freedom to be creative.”
Meanwhile, the new KS8 subwoofer, loaded with dual 21-inch custom-engineered transducers, is capable of delivering peak output of 148 dB (SPL). Proprietary IPAL driver and amplifier technology corrects intrinsic anomalies of the acoustical system in real time, with linearity enhanced by onboard feedback correction based on a differential pressure control method. The
integrated DSP has just 10 microseconds of latency on the critical feedback paths allowing, “analog type” feedback approach within the flexibility of a DSP core.
KS8 subwoofers are also integrated in the aiming and design software, further enhancing coverage and configuration possibilities. They can be flown at either the top or the bottom of a KH8 array or be groundstacked.
And, both the KH8 and KS8 are powered IP45 systems with integrated IP65 electronic enclosures to resist even heavy rain.
“We returned to the drawing board when designing the KH8 and KS8, focusing on power, usability, weight, size, and the time it takes to set up,” Tatini states. “We listened and discussed the problems with numerous sound engineers around the world. We went right back to the beginning of the line array and re-designed it from the ground up, considering every detail in a bid to make things simpler but pack enough power to make it a system everyone can recognize and enjoy. What we have created is not just
a high performance speaker, it reaches a whole other level of sound technology.”
The system has been in beta testing in Asia for a year, and the results have been quite positive. KH8s will be utilized at the 2014 JZ Festival in Shanghai and is currently being installed at the Carina Club in China.
“The system is ready to ship and the success of its performance is down to the incredible team we have here in Tuscany (Italy), the European commission, and our colleagues in the pro audio world,” Tatini concludes.
