In The Details
MLA is a fully integrated system. Besides the self-powered enclosures and DISPLAY2, the other components include a companion self-powered MLX subwoofer and the Merlin DSP and network controller – the system hub which takes signals from the mixer and instructions from the VU-Net computer software and implements them onto the network.
Each amplifier channel has dedicated DSP that is directed over the U-NET network.
In addition to covered auxiliary XLR connectors for analog or AES digital inputs, MLA’s amplifier module’s primary connections are a waterproof quick-release U-NET connector.
The MLA has an “Ingress Protection” spec of IP25, meaning the it is rated for environments harsher than outdoors in the rain.
The weather-resistant, field-replaceable 6-channel Class D amplifier module supplies 3,000 watts continuous and 6,000 watts peak.
It is power-factor corrected so that it operates on international voltage from 100 to 240 volts, also smoothing the current draw over the AC waveform and reducing the load on generators.
Enclosures pin together at the front with rear angle adjustments from 0.5 to 7.5 degrees. In order to produce a more accurate system, MLA’s rigging hardware has an angular accuracy of plusor- minus 0.1 degrees.
Up to 24 MLA cabinets can be flown from a fly-bar, or up to 15 MLX subs, and they can be blended together in arrays.
The MLX is a hybrid-loaded dual-18 subwoofer, essentially a tour-friendly version of the ASX single-21, with a common mouth for the two 18-inch drivers and separate ports for each.
To facilitate directional subwoofer arrays, MLX subs can be flown “backwards,” and in order to create neat arrays, they appear the same, front and back.
Vertical To Horizontal
Finally, there’s also the MLD down fill enclosure, with 120- by 20-degree coverage for the lowest position in the array.
MLA arrays perform better with minimal curvature because the acoustic concept behind MLA still exploits the summation of highly directional acoustic elements.
However, the closest part of the listening area is better addressed with a dedicated cabinet. Because every cell has dedicated processing, the MLD simply gets added in the bottom of the array, saving the deployment of two or three regular enclosures.
At 187 pounds, and measuring 40 by 28 by 15 inches, the MLA is not too small and not too large – just right to scale from theaters to arenas or festivals – an important quality for mass-market modular loudspeaker designs.
By eliminating amp racks, and packing more output capability into less space, trucking and delivery – the biggest single per show cost – is reduced.
And by integrating processing with networked system control and highly accurate software, the time needed to install and optimized a large-format line array is reduced to the time required to install it.
Mark Frink is Editorial Director of Live Sound International.