The KARAi modular line source element has an operating frequency bandwidth from 55 Hz to 20 kHz. This response can be lowered down to 32 Hz with the addition of the SB18i low frequency extension.

KARAi features a 2-way, bi-amplified design and is equipped with 2 x 8” neodymium LF speakers in a bassreflex tuned enclosure. The HF section features a 3” neodymium diaphragm driver coupled to a DOSC® waveguide.

The K-shaped coplanar transducer configuration generates a symmetric horizontal coverage of 110° without secondary lobes over the entire frequency range. The combination of coplanar symmetry and DOSC® waveguide allows the system to fulfill the 5 WST® criteria. Any KARAi line source can be curved up to a maximum of 10˚ for each element without breaking the inter-element acoustic coupling.

The KARAi enclosure is made of first grade Baltic birch plywood to ensure maximum acoustical and mechanical integrity. The enclosure meets the IP45 rating for protection from solids and liquids. The 4-pointrigging system allows suspending up to 12 KARAi in a single array.

The KARAi system is driven by the dedicated LA8 amplified controller which ensures active system linearization, intelligent transducer protection, and optimization for 3 operating modes:

• The “FULL RANGE” mode for standalone line sources arrays or distributed applications
• The “HIGH-PASS” mode for fills
• The “LOW EXTENSION” mode for SB18i/KARAi configurations

The performance of KARAi depends upon the choice of electronic preset and physical system configuration

L-ACOUSTICS^® pioneered the field of modern line source array as early as 1993 with the introduction of Wavefront Sculpture Technology on the legendary V-DOSC^® system.

Based on physical rules developed by Heil and Urban (AES 1992) the WST^® theory defines five criteria for design and use of true line source arrays. At the heart of Wavefront Sculpture Technology is the internationally-patented DOSC^® waveguide, which morphs the spherical wavefront of the HF driver into a cylindrical, isophasic wave

In combination with WST^®, coplanar symmetry - the equivalent of coaxial assembly for HF, MF and LF drivers in vertical arrays - provides a coherent wavefront over the entire horizontal coverage at all frequencies. This behaves as if the sound was radiated by a single, continuous and articulated ribbon.

• 55 Hz - 20 kHz ([KARA] preset)

• Horizontal: 110° symmetric
• Vertical: Dependent upon number of elements and line source curvature

• 139 dB ([KARA] preset)

• LF: 450 W
• HF: 80 W

• LF: 2 x 8’’ neodymium
• HF: 1 x 3’’ neodymium diaphragm compression driver
• Nominal impedance: LF = 8 ohms, HF = 8 ohms

• Steel, certified for: 12 KARAi (BGV-C1 compliant)
• Angle increments: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7.5, 10°

• W x H/h x D: 713 x 250/186 x 380 mm - 28.1 x 9.8/7.3 x 15 in
• Weight (net): 23.5 kg - 51.7 lbs
• Connectors: 2 x 4-point Speakon®
• Material: Baltic birch plywood
• Finish: Grey-brown RAL 8019® (KARAi) or Pure white RAL 9010® (KARAiW)
• Front: polyester powder-coated steel grill, Airnet® acoustically neutral fabric
• Protection rating: IP45
• Rigging: Steel with zinc and polyester powder dual coating

• Full range modular active 2-way WST® cabinet (fixed installation version).

• Dual-vented low frequency extension cabinet (fixed installation version).

• Amplified controller with DSP library and networking capabilities.
• Remote control software.

• Rigging structure and extension bar for KARAi and/or SB18i (for fixed installations).
• Certified for suspending up to 12 KARAi or 4 SB18i/12 KARAi.
• Certified for stacking up to 9 KARAi or 2 SB18i/6 KARAi.

• Rear rigging plates for flying KARAi under SB18i.

• Electro-acoustic and mechanical simulation software
  (Windows® compatible) dedicated to L-ACOUSTICS products.

• WST® and point source balloon files exportable from SOUNDVISION for use in CATT®.
• GLL files available for EASE® 4.2 and higher versions.

• 1 000 seats
• 2 x 6 KARAi FOH

• 1 000 seats
• 2 x 4 KARAi FOH

• 881 seats
• 2 x 6 KARAi FOH

• 2 200-seat octagonal sanctuary
• 8/9/8 KARAi flown in L/C/R FOH

• 2 000 capacity
• 2 x 6 KARAi

“The KARAi system wasn't a difficult choice. We made a comparative listening shootout - there were more than 30 of us critically listening to it – and we unanimously came to the consensus that KARAi was the right box."

“My goal is to help the pastor deliver his message in an intimate way to what might normally be viewed as the worst seats in the house – The KARAi system very effectively helps New Life achieve that intimacy.  It is also phenomenal for musical reinforcement.”