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Technical Releases

 

 

 
L-ACOUSTICS LAUNCHES "KUDO",
NEW GENERATION OF LINE SOURCE ARRAY SYSTEM
October 2004


L-ACOUSTICS® KUDO is a new generation of line source array offering far more flexibility and possibilities than any other line array to date. KUDO marks a significant evolution in L-ACOUSTICS pioneering Wavefront Sculpture Technology® (WST) since WST can now be performed in both vertical and horizontal planes.

Two patented DOSC waveguides are incorporated in KUDO, allowing WST to be performed either vertically or horizontally. In parallel, coverage pattern adjustment is available in the perpendicular plane using patent-pending K-Louver technology. Mechanically-adjustable K-Louvers provide directivity control for the mid/high section and allow KUDO to be reconfigured with four different coverage pattern settings.

APPLICATIONS
L-ACOUSTICS KUDO is primarily intended for end users such as regional sound companies for touring or corporate applications and for high-performance permanent installation in theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, sports facilities, clubs, congress centers, hotel ballrooms, theme parks or arenas. As a full range 3-way system, KUDO can be used for corporate, classical or theatrical sound reinforcement without subwoofers due to its exceptional low end performance. For touring applications, the addition of L-ACOUSTICS subwoofers is recommended. A complete turnkey system is available consisting of KUDO enclosures, dedicated rigging, L-ACOUSTICS subwoofers, OEM factory presets for approved digital signal processors, turnkey power amplifier racks and associated loudspeaker plus signal distribution paneling and cables.All elements of the KUDO system have been selected for their quality and durability. And there is a strong emphasis placed on complementary technical support and training.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
KUDO combines the functions of a variable-curvature vertical line source array (like V-DOSC®) and a constant-curvature horizontal line source array (like ARCS®).

Symmetrical directivity configurations >>
Asymmetrical directivity configurations >>

25° / 25°
(50° symmetric)
55° / 55°
(110° symmetric)
25° / 55°
(80° asymmetric - right)
55° / 25°
(80° asymmetric - left)

Given the choice of 4 directivity settings and 2 orientation possibilities, KUDO provides the performance equivalent of 8 different loudspeakers. Having such unprecedented flexibility in a high-power, medium format system makes KUDO truly unique.

VERTICAL LINE SOURCE ARRAY CONFIGURATION
When used vertically as a variable curvature line source array with inter-enclosure angles of 0-10° at 1° resolution, the horizontal directivity can be configured as: 50° (symmetric); 110° (symmetric); 25° x 55° (asymmetric) or 55° x 25° (asymmetric).

VERTICAL COVERAGE
HORIZONTAL COVERAGE
0 - 10°
25° x 25° = 50° symmetric
inter-enclosure angles
55° x 55° = 110° symmetric
(1 degree resolution)
25° x 55° = 80° asymmetric (right)
55° x 25° = 80° asymmetric (left)

4 KUDO = 40° vertical (nominal
)25° x 25° horizontal = 50° symmetric

4 KUDO = 40° vertical (nominal)
55° x 55° horizontal = 110° symmetric



4 KUDO = 40° vertical (nominal)
25° x 55° horizontal (asymmetric)

4 KUDO = 40° vertical (nominal)
55° x 25° horizontal (asymmetric)





Within the same vertical line source array, individual enclosures can be configured with different horizontal directivity depending on the shape, width and reverberation properties of the venue, making KUDO extremely flexible with respect to audience geometry matching.


4 KUDO = 40° vertical (nominal)
25° x 25° (KUDO enclosures 1, 2)55° x 55° (KUDO enclosures 3, 4)

HORIZONTAL LINE SOURCE ARRAY CONFIGURATION
When used horizontally as a constant curvature line source array, 10° inter-enclosure angles are used and the horizontal coverage is 10° x N (where N= number of enclosures). Vertical directivity can then be configured as: 50° (symmetric); 110° (symmetric); 25° x 55° (asymmetric) or 55° x 25° (asymmetric).

VERTICAL COVERAGE
HORIZONTAL COVERAGE
25° x 25° = 50° symmetric
55° x 55° = 110° symmetric
10° x N
25° x 55° = 80° asymmetric (down)
(N = # KUDO enclosures)
55° x 25° = 80° asymmetric (up)


4 KUDO = 40° horizontal (nominal) 25° x 25° vertical


4 KUDO = 40° horizontal (nominal) 55° x 55° vertical


4 KUDO = 40° horizontal (nominal) 25° (up) x 55° (down)


4 KUDO = 40° horizontal (nominal) 55° (up) x 25° (down)

BACKGROUND
Benefiting from over two decades' worth of research and development (R&D), L-ACOUSTICS KUDO is a revolutionary, leading-edge technology system. L-ACOUSTICS is the undisputed industry leader in line source arrays and is responsible for defining WST criteria (''Wavefront Sculpture Technology'', Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol. 51, No. 10, October 2003). WST criteria provided the scientific basis for the design of KUDO by defining the conditions that need to be satisfied in order to create a properly-functioning line source array.

In addition to R&D, design specifications for KUDO were determined based on L-ACOUSTICS cumulative real-world experience with V-DOSC, dV-DOSC and ARCS over the past ten years. L-ACOUSTICS philosophy is to offer strategic, complementary sound design tools that are application-oriented. Sound reinforcement for medium-sized venues such as theatres, concert halls, houses of worship and arenas were identified as the target applications for KUDO. The overall design objective was to develop a flexible, high-quality yet cost-effective solution that is optimized for these venue types.
Based on past experience, coverage requirements for these venues were carefully studied in order to determine performance specifications in terms of directivity and the necessary flexibility required to cover typical audience geometries. Average throw distances and SPL expectations were also important considerations, leading to the selection of an active 3-way enclosure format. For improved handling and speed of installation in touring situations, a convenient, easy-to-use, captive rigging system was specified. After establishing these initial specifications, L-ACOUSTICS approached the design of KUDO by applying the scientific method along with a systematic approach to the mechanical design of the enclosure. A preliminary scientific analysis was conducted using proprietary in-house modeling software to determine the utilization of power resources for low, mid and high frequency bands, leading to the selection of 2 x 12", 4 x 5" and 2 x 1" components. Following this, an exhaustive search of currently-available components was conducted and after detailed comparative testing, the best candidates were selected for further OEM modifications and improvements. A custom dual DOSC waveguide module was specifically designed for KUDO using advanced CAD/CAM techniques in order to ensure dimensional accuracy and precise manufacturing tolerances. Extensive prototyping and testing were then conducted to optimize KUDO - particularly the mid/high section and the unique variable directivity aspects of the enclosure.

Given these specifications and features, L-ACOUSTICS KUDO is primarily intended for end users such as regional sound companies for touring or corporate applications and for high performance permanent installation in theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, sports facilities, clubs, convention centres, hotel ballrooms, theme parks or arenas.





 
L-ACOUSTICS 3D Acoustical Simulation software
April 2004


We are pleased to announce the release of our new simulation software : SOUNDVISION

This 3D acoustical simulation software, entirely dedicated to L-ACOUSTICS products, is one of a kind, allowing designers to predict L-ACOUSTICS products behavior through emulation of two L-ACOUSTICS technologies :

- WST (Wavefront Sculpture Technology®) : V-DOSC, dV-DOSC, ARCS
- Coaxial Point Source Technology: XT, MTD

This state-of-the-art software is easy-to-use, fast, and features an intuitive 3D graphical interface.

We were delighted to give personalized demos of SOUNDVISION on our stand B32 Hall 8, during prolight + sound.

SOUNDVISION is available as of now.

Click here for download the Spec Sheet




 
L-ACOUSTICS PRESENTS THE 115XT HiQ
April 2004




..:: Download Video ::..

Precise and powerful, the L-ACOUSTICS® 115XT HiQ is the ideal tool for the monitor engineer - especially for high SPL Applications. Combining the advantages of coaxial technology with the pattern control of conical waveguide loading, the 115XT HiQ is also highly-suitable for use in distributed sound reinforcement applications due to its flexible format and advanced rigging accessories.

The coaxial technology that L-ACOUSTICS pioneered in the late 80's within the live sound reinforcement industry with the introduction of the MTD product line, provides unsurpassed coherence in the near field. Advantages of coaxial technology include single point source radiation and total wavefront coherency at all frequencies. Coaxial design also provides LF/HF superimposed dispersion characteristics that are free of polar lobing effects typical of traditional horn and woofer combinations. The end result is natural, studio monitor level sound quality that is ideal for proximity use in floor monitoring applications .




115XT HiQ's accessories :

XTLIFTBAR
ETR115XT
CPL115XT

 





 
L-ACOUSTICS RELEASES NEW DLL FOR EASE 4.0
10 September 2003


Version 15 DLL for EASE 4.0 allows for simulation of L-ACOUSTICS® V-DOSC®, dV-DOSC™ or mixed arrays of V-DOSC and dV-DOSC (downfill and/or upfill). It includes compensation for air-absorption effects, provides improved calculation efficiency for faster performance while giving accurate SPL figures.

As part of its continuing technical innovation, L-ACOUSTICS released in September 2001 a DLL* specifically applicable to line source arrays.
Now available is the update for EASE version 4.0.

For WST-based products, L-ACOUSTICS has worked with the developers of EASE and CATT to integrate our proprietary modeling techniques with these industry-standard room acoustics modeling programs, as conventional modeling techniques cannot accurately simulate WST-based systems such as ARCS, dV-DOSC or V-DOSC.
In general terms, there is a big difference between a spherically radiating point source and a line source that is generating a cylindrical wavefront; this is the reason why only the DLL can offer to the user or consultant the possibility to obtain prediction of the coverage of their sound system.


Available for free download from www.l-acoustics.com.


* Dynamic Link Library.




 
L-ACOUSTICS BRINGS TO V-DOSC® ITS LATEST IMPROVEMENTS
10 September 2003


V-DOSC® system is the achievement of a decade of experience.


L-ACOUSTICS® introduces today the new V7 Preset Library, which offers the latest improvements in sonic performance and optimizes the loudspeaker power resources:
- Smoother mid/high response based on detailed spatial averaging
- Revised low section processing including optimized low end shelving eq resulting in a 2dB increase in overall
  efficiency and output.

Moreover, V7 Preset Library allow for even higher flexibility, including many combinations of L-ACOUSTICS dedicated subwoofers for a wide variety of applications, from speech and classical to rap and techno.

Together with an accurate quality control of transducers and components V-DOSC offers spectacular records for reliability and durability.

Furthermore, in an ongoing effort to provide end users with complete packaged system solutions,
L-ACOUSTICS has just released a new generation of panels, cabling and adapters suitable for small to large format FOH applications.

These new accessories allow for convenient signal distribution and amplifier rack reconfiguration for the ARCS®, dV-DOSC™ and XT line of loudspeaker enclosures. As usual, compatibility with current V-DOSC and dV-DOSC signal distribution, cabling and connector standards is maintained, allowing users to easily integrate ARCS or XT enclosures for complementary fill or delay system applications.





 
L-ACOUSTICS® ARCS®
- HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL -
A MULTIPURPOSE LINE SOURCE ARRAY
15 April 2003 


Since its' introduction in 1995, ARCS has set an industry standard by demonstrating that trapezoidal loudspeaker arrays can in fact generate an acoustic field that is free of destructive interference. By satisfying Wavefront Sculpture Technology® (WST) criteria, ARCS provides remarkable clarity and perfect coherence along with powerful, smooth, and predictable coverage.

Belonging to the L-ACOUSTICS® Wavefront Sculpture Technology® (WST) product line, ARCS® is as a new product with the recent introduction of new generation digital presets, a major update to the User Manual (both downloadable from www.l-acoustics.com) and the ARCBUMP rigging accessory!

....... One ARCS Cabinet .......

 

TECHNICAL FEATURES
By satisfying L-ACOUSTICS® WST criteria, ARCS® provides the same performance benefits as V-DOSC® and dV-DOSCTM in a compact 2-way format (15" LF, 1.4" HF) that is suitable for both fixed installation and touring. Since ARCS generates a modular, constant curvature wavefront, ARCS stands for "Arrayable Radial Coherent System".

What's unique is that the radiated constant curvature wavefront emanates from a virtual point source located 1.15 m behind the array.
Well-defined, precise coverage along with convenient rigging and ease-of-use are the main performance benefits of ARCS' modular design.
With the introduction of ARCBUMP (released in January 2003), up to four ARCS enclosures can now be rigged horizontally. This easy-to-use accessory adds even greater flexibility and versatility to ARCS as a modular line source array since ARCS can be used to create either vertical or horizontal line source arrays. When used as a vertical line array for FOH applications, ARCS horizontal coverage is 60° (asymmetrical) and mirror-imaged L/R arrays are normally installed with the 40° angle oriented in the onstage direction. Modular coverage is obtained vertically (22.5, 45, 67.5 or 90 degrees for 1, 2, 3 or 4 ARCS, respectively) and extremely well-defined vertical pattern control allows the user to avoid ceiling reflections in club or theatrical installations, for example. Conversely, when ARCS is used as a horizontal line array precise horizontal coverage control is obtained, allowing the user to avoid wall reflections.

APPLICATIONS
As a full-range 2-way system, ARCS can be used for FOH sound reinforcement in corporate, television or theatrical applications. Due to its optimum speech reproduction and small physical footprint, ARCS is particularly effective as a flown centre cluster for theatrical installations. For large-scale fixed installation, distributed arrays can be employed for stadium or arena sound reinforcement. In these applications, ARCS can be installed either single or arrayed, vertically or horizontally, and the precise, modular 22.5° horizontal directivity combined with the generous 60° vertical coverage allows for cost-effective coverage.

For touring applications, as a complementary 2-way fill enclosure, ARCS is ideal for sidefill monitoring due to its tight, well-defined directivity pattern. When used in conjunction with V-DOSC or dV-DOSC FOH systems, ARCS is also highly suitable for flown or stacked centre fill, stereo front fill, offstage fill or delay system applications.
ARCS delivers powerful, extended bandwidth reproduction with additional low frequency impact that is perfect for FOH use in medium-sized venues when combined with L-ACOUSTICS SB218 or dV-SUB subwoofers. For FOH applications, the modular horizontal directivity of ARCS allows for excellent stereo imaging in the standard left-right format while the flexibility provided by asymmetrical vertical coverage allows the sound designer to cover virtually any room geometry.

For more demanding FOH applications, ARCS can be used in a double row configuration with top row cabinets oriented in the normal position for up-fill and bottom row cabinets inverted for down-fill. When arrayed in this manner, all 15'' loudspeakers satisfy WST criteria and couple over their entire operating bandwidth, providing maximum low frequency impact and throw due to enhanced directivity control at lower frequencies.

....... 4 ARCS horizontal array .......

 

SOME REFERENCES
Today, more than 4,000 ARCS cabinets have been sold all over the world. One of the references are: the CHUKYO RACE COURSE (Keiba/Japan, 15 ARCS), the ICE HOCKEY HALL (Kondupoga/Russia, 16 ARCS, plus 8 MTD108a coaxial cabinets and 8 SB218 subwoofers) or the CLUB QUATTRO (Hiroshima City/Japan, 6 ARCS plus 4 SB218 subwoofers) on the side of permanent installations; and the COLDPLAY TOUR (2002 - UK & Europe, 12 ARCS in complement of 24 V-DOSC and 6 dV-DOSC cabinets).

COMMENTS ABOUT THE USE OF ARCS WORLDWIDE:
SOUND HARMONICS, South Africa L-ACOUSTICS Distributor:


Joseph Mandy, Managing Director explains: "Since we purchased L-ACOUSTICS ARCS last year, the system has been hard at work in theatres, corporate events, and concerts all over South Africa, and has been met with delight by engineers, designers and clients alike". The system was installed in the Durban Playhouse recently for the brand new musical Far From the Madding Crowd. Comments like: 'This sounds like a big pair of studio monitors' were heard from the sound designers and composers". System technicians Richard Smith and Richard Blamire were delighted with the results: "It's wonderful to install the system with such a sense of knowing and ease. Your results are always predictable and, with minimum effort, we are able to provide the FOH engineer with a flat system so that he can concentrate on the mix and not worry about the system. In fact, for Far From the Madding Crowd, we haven't used system EQ at all!".
Phone: +27 11 673 7656

SCA COUCHI, West indies L-ACOUSTICS Distributor:
Alix Couchi, General Manager comments: "We have been using ARCS for a long time now, and we are very satisfied with the system: it responds to our needs. We can
make all kind of events with it and very recently we worked on the boat race Route du Rhum. We truly consider that this is the best existing system available in Guadeloupe".
Phone: +33 (0)5 90 23 38 82

IES, Installation Company in Munich, Germany:
Philipp Kaetel, Director, says: "What I have to say about the ARCBUMP is that it's the easiest way to fly a vertical array, and it takes only one technician to fly an array of 3 ARCS in 3 minutes. We are mainly doing TV-Shows and our customers expect the best from us and so do we from our equipment. That's the reason why we chose ARCS. Now with the ARCBUMP we can fly it easily as a vertical array with seamless coverage throughout the audience with very tight pattern control."
Phone: +49 89 31 77 61 60


 
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