WST® Technology - Variable Curvature

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.

Any line source featuring L-ACOUSTICS^® elements respects the coplanar symmetry and all WST^®criteria on the entire sonic spectrum. This allows an exceptionally coherent sonic signature in very long throw applications, beyond the limits of other systems.  L-ACOUSTICS^® has been designing reference line array systems for more than 15 years.

 


Variable curvature, modular (KIVA and KARA)

Modular line sources offer tremendous flexibility for both the installation market and rental applications. Both KIVA and KARA® systems are designed to combine a compact, high performance and lightweight enclosure with a dedicated companion LF extension (KILO, SB15m, SB18) delivering the necessary LF resources when a reinforced contour is desired.

Variable curvature, large format (KUDO, V-DOSC and K1)

These systems are particularly suited to large format installations and touring applications for which a reinforced LF contour is desirable. The touring systems rely on the Rental Network K platform featuring the LA-RAK plug-and-play amplification, signal processing and signal distribution rack. The amplified controllers and Network Manager deliver a “right out of the box” contour adjustable with Array Morphing to obtain an homogeneous signature in complex system configurations.

KARA(i) - Modular WST® Line Source

With a design inspired by the K1 stadium system, KARA®(i) delivers the highest performance, featuring a compact and lightweight enclosure complying with rigging and sightline constraints and the complementary SB18(i) subwoofer for reinforced LF contour applications.

KARA®(i) delivers a considerable number of improvements over the previous generation of line sources: added LF resources for increased bandwidth and coherence, improved directivity control in the horizontal plane, vertical coverage capability and integrated rigging system.

With a horizontal directivity of 110° and a vertical inter-element variation up to 10°, KARA®(i) is fully configurable to match any audience geometry. Utilizing the unrivaled characteristics of WST®, KARA®(i) delivers clarity, precision and a unique proximity effect offering the audience an incomparable listening experience.

The LA-RAK touring rack and LA8 amplified controller preset library deliver an extremely advanced and precise drive system for KARA®(i). A wide range of system configurations to accommodate various LF contour requirements and integration constraints are available for the sound designer and system engineer for a high level of creative freedom.

• 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.

• 650 seats
• 2 x 12 KARAi FOH

• 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