QSC Audio Products has introduced the KLA Series fixed arcuate active line array system at the recent Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam and the 2011 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim.
Built on the same power platform as the successful K Series and KW Series powered loudspeakers, KLA is ideal for a wide range of portable and permanently installed applications including houses of worship, entertainment venues and a variety of other locations where the use of a line array is indicated.
“Ease-of-use in terms of deployment and system tuning were the key elements driving the KLA design.” states Phil Sanchez, product manager at QSC. “As a complete systems provider, we are determined to offer our customers real-world, practical solutions that meet their needs for a variety of applications.
“The current state of line arrays is that they are inherently expensive and require considerable effort to deploy. In offering the KLA solution, we’ve managed to bring to market a product that is both attractively priced and fast to implement. This arrangement makes line array technology more accessible to a larger customer segment and will serve as practical audio solution for many more users than ever before possible.”
The KLA Series is comprised of two models, the KLA12 12-inch, 2-way, line array element and the KLA181 18-inch subwoofer enclosure. Both models feature a highly-efficient, 1,000 Watt (continuous) class-D power module and include QSC’s proprietary Intrinsic Correction, first introduced with the QSC WideLine Series, for optimal acoustical performance across the entire sound field.
KLA’s unique, self contained SOLO (Single-Operator Logistics) rigging system enables users to quickly assemble (and disassemble) a line array in a fraction of the time of comparable systems – all without the need for special tools or external hardware.
Another new feature found specifically on the KLA12 is Ar-Q (Arcuate Equalization) frequency optimization. With a click of a dial on the back panel, the user selects the total number of boxes deployed in the array. In response, the Ar-Q system makes the appropriate frequency compensation adjustments resulting in an evenly balanced and accurate tonal curve.
As a fixed arcuate array, each box is set at an 18-degree splay angle, allowing 90-degree arrays to be configured using only five boxes rather than the typical six typically found in competing products.
For portable applications, the Tilt-Direct 35mm pole socket on the KLA12 allows the loudspeaker to be mounted on a tripod or pole and aimed for the best audience coverage.
In establishing maximum flexibility, the KLA181 subwoofer includes a rotary polarity switch for low frequency directivity control, a threaded pole socket for mounting up to two KLA12 loudspeakers on top, and can be flown via M10 fittings on the top of the enclosure.
Continuing the design elements established in the popular K and KW Series loudspeakers, both KLA Series models incorporate QSC’s DEEP DSP algorithm, providing extended bass response by actively managing potentially damaging low-frequency transients, and GuardRail circuitry protection which prevents the amplifier module from unnatural and destructive clipping.
Additional power module characteristics include an analog input section with a balanced, line level XLR input in parallel with an XLR “Thru” connector, PowerCon in and thru connectors, attenuation control, LED indicators (signal, limit, power/standby status) and auto standby mode which engages after five minutes of inactivity – an energy saving feature.
Upon resumption of audio signal, the amplifier in the KLA power module awakens instantly. Fully supported in EASE and EASE Focus, the KLA Series will be offered in both black and white finishes and is slated for availability in early Spring 2011.
Find out more at the KLA Series product page.
