Following a successful public beta program, as well as a preview at the InfoComm show last month, VUE Audiotechnik has unveiled the new al-8 compact line array system.
Available this fall, the al-8 is the second member of VUE’s al-Class, and joins the al-4 subcompact line array introduced earlier this year.
Like it’s smaller sibling, the al-8 utilizes advanced technologies such as beryllium compression drivers, Kevlar/Neodymium transducers, onboard networking, and full compatibility with VUEPoint beam steering technology to bring sound quality, SPL and coverage control to mainstreams sound reinforcement applications.
al-8 components include flying, transport and handling accessories, the al-8 acoustic element, and the rack-mount V6 Systems Engine, which provides system amplification, DSP and networking capabilities via the SystemVUE control software.
The al-8 acoustic element houses a pair of proprietary 8-inch LF transducers with large 3-inch voice coils for improved thermal performance. The LF transducers flank four 4-inch Kevlar/Neodymium mid-range units equipped with VUE’s unique lateral acoustic shades. High frequencies are delivered by a pair of neodymium compression drivers with Truextent beryllium diaphragms for extended high frequency response beyond 25 kHz.
All transducers are housed in a birch plywood enclosure protected by a 12-step Dura-Coat LX finish. Integrated flying hardware allows quick assembly of arrays of up to 16 elements per flybar. Rear panel I/O includes a pair of NL8 connectors configured to allow discrete access to each compression driver.
The 2U rack-mount V6 Systems Engine will tri-amp up to four al-8 acoustic elements. The V6 also houses a 64-bit DSP engine that handles all management functions including loudspeaker protection, system-optimized alignment of EQ, time and crossover, as well as SystemVUE network connectivity.
“The al-8 is a significant step toward offering a complete tool box of solutions that combine class-leading performance, consistent sonic character, and exceptional value,” explains Jeff Taylor, VUE head of North American sales. “Like the al-4, the al-8 demonstrates VUE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies in order to deliver systems that integrate seamlessly into a broad range of environments, while providing a more effortless and enjoyable user experience overall.”
al-8 Highlights:
—VUE-designed transducers: Each al-8 acoustic element features dual 8-inch LF transducers with large 3-inch voice coils, four 4-inch Kevlar/Neodymium mid-range drivers, and dual 1-inch exit neodymium compression drivers with Truextent beryllium diaphragms.
—Companion V6 Systems Engine: Stereo three-way amplifier providing 2400W x 2 LF, 1600W x 2 MF, and 550W x 2 HF (average burst power), as well as 64-bit DSP control via the SystemVUE software.
—VUEPoint Optimized: The al-8 is fully compatible with VUE’s unique VUEPoint beam steering process, which enables consistent SPL and coverage control in any environment.
—SystemVUE network and software: Utilizes standard IP for easy networking. Simply plug-in and the system will automatically connect in virtually any kind of configuration. SystemVUE software provides individual and group access to all VUE devices, as well as control of device level parameters such as input/output levels, volume, mute, delay and input sources.
