The upcoming InfoComm 2014 show in Las Vegas will mark the official North American debut of the new L-Acoustics K2 line source array loudspeaker system featuring PANFLEX horizontal steering technology. (L-Acoustics is at booth C11908.)
The successor to V-DOSC, K2 offers K1 performance in a rescaled package that makes it well-suited for both permanent installation and touring applications, from theatre to stadium productions. The primary system components include:
—K2 full-range element with PANFLEX horizontal steering, operating from 35 Hz to 20 kHz
—K1-SB low-frequency element reinforcing LF contour down to 30 Hz or LF throw down to 35 Hz
—SB28 low-frequency element extending the operating bandwidth down to 25 Hz
—LA4X / LA8 amplified controllers or LA-RAK touring rack fitted with three LA8
The K2 also benefits from L-Acoustics Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST). Inter-element angles can be set with high accuracy up to a generous 10 degrees, allowing the optimization of the vertical coverage with SPL smoothly spread across the audience.
PANFLEX is a new, unique horizontal steering technology that combines mechanically adjustable fins with DSP algorithms effective from 300 Hz. Four different settings are possible: two symmetric (70 or 110 degrees) and two asymmetric (90 degrees as 35/55 or 55/35). Narrowing or widening the horizontal directivity can serve many purposes: adapt to the width of the listening area, fit long and short distance coverage/SPL requirements, reduce or extend overlapping areas, and avoid reflecting surfaces.
By combining WST and PANFLEX, K2 addresses the control of directivity in both vertical and horizontal planes. As a result, it can match the complex shape of any audience geometry with quality sonic performance and minimum noise pollution.
With a three-way quad-amplified design, the K2 enclosure can be deployed as a standalone line source. For applications demanding additional LF impact (contour mode), or maximized LF projection (throw mode), K2 can be arrayed with its dedicated and flyable K1-SB LF extension. The K2 system can also address applications with demanding infrasonic reproduction when combined with the SB28 subwoofer.
System configurations can be acoustically and mechanically modeled with SOUNDVISION 3D simulation software.
For touring applications, K2 can be associated to the LA-RAK, a universal distribution platform for power, audio signals and network that facilitates cross rental between rental companies. LA-RAK houses three LA8 amplified controllers and can be flown onto a K2 array. Other applications can feature LA8 amplified controllers.
For installation projects, K2 can also be driven by the LA4X amplified controller. The scheme authorizes fully discrete DSP treatment per section and maximum power headroom for the best possible sonic performance.
With its dedicated factory presets, the LA8/LA4X amplified controller constitutes an advanced drive system for the enclosures.
Up to 253 LA8/LA4X amplified controllers can be connected together via the Ethernet-based L-NET protocol. LA Network Manager software allows online remote control and monitoring of all the connected units via an intuitive graphic interface. The Array Morphing EQ tool allows engineers to quickly adjust the tonal balance of the system to reach a reference curve or to ensure consistency of the sonic signature.