3 minute read
Gear Heads: L-Acoustics
L-ACOUSTICS KARA II
Following its highly anticipated launch at The NAMM Show, Product & Technology Outreach Manager, Scott Sugden explores L-Acoustics’ latest Kara line array, Kara II.
When did you start working on the update to the Kara model? The R&D process began in earnest over a year ago, although the discussions go back much further. The whole process will culminate at the end of this year, when we launch an install-specific version.
What were some of the main goals from the outset? We knew that offering the four-in-one directivity that Panflex allows was a big leap forward for a best-selling product that will now be able to customfit any audience geometry. Fo r the install version, we’ve re-engineered the enclosure specifically for this market to provide better mechanical strength and improved aesthetics, as well as adding the Panflex. Did you encounter challenges during the R&D process? We kicked off the project with the basic tenet that we wanted to bring Panflex to our most popular loudspeaker, evolving it to allow for one enclosure to have four different directivities: 110° or 70° symmetric and 90° asymmetric left and right. We really wanted to bring Panflex to Kara in a way that allowed for existing owners to upgrade their current inventory and this posed a few unique challenges that engendered several iterations to get to the right formula. Kara II not only has Panflex and four different directivities, but we were also able to increase the output of the system by 2dB and improve the polar response in 110° vs Kara, which was was a best seller because it fulfilled the needs of many clients and projects. Kara II has exponentially more flexibility.
What does Kara II offer to system designers with Panflex technology? The most important spec is the variable directivity, which allows you to set the Kara II coverage angles to 70° or 110° symmetric or to 90° asymmetric, left or right. This allows you to set the top boxes of a hang to 70° to give a maximum throw of 100m and SPL of 142dB, then the lower boxes can be set to 110° for wider audience coverage. The 70° left/right angles allow you to avoid reflective surfaces when needed. It’s a two-way active enclosure, weighing in at 26kg. Any application demanding premium sound quality, long throw, light weight and flexibility would be a prime project for Kara II. Houses of worship, performing arts centres, stadiums, as well as both regional, national and international touring companies will look to Kara II to fit the bill.
Is it important that Kara II owners and stockists are able to update pre-existing Kara models? Th e idea was always out there, ever since we introduced Panflex to the market in 2014. We evaluated many different possibilities before finally deciding that the upgrade kit would be a part of the rollout. This decision meant that we tested different ways to achieve our goal.
What was the response from the visitors at The NAMM Show during the product’s launch? The response at NAMM was overwhelmingly positive, especially from clients with existing stock who were satisfied that we are taking the product forward in a way that allows them to evolve their existing stock. Kara II ships in March, so it’s hard to predict tours at this point, but we already have orders both from rental partners and for install projects. TPi Photos: L-Acoustics www.l-acoustics.com
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