L-Acoustics introduced the modern line array concept in the ’90s, and three decades later, this technology is still the standard for live events around the world. The manufacturer’s recently released L Series, described as a progressive ultra-dense line source system, ushers in a world of power, control, and consistency in line array design.
“L Series is a breakthrough concept in concert sound that is made possible through the culmination of 30 years of intensive R&D in software modelling, loudspeaker technology, and electronics,” says Germain Simon, Director of Product Management, Loudspeakers at L-Acoustics. “When we analysed hundreds of projects using line source arrays across all genres and venues, we realised that most audience geometries and array shapes followed a similar trend. This led to the understanding that a fixed element with pre-defined progressive angles would provide incredible gains in quality, efficiency and sustainability.”
L Series comprises two elements that are designed to work together or on their own: L2 above and L2D below. One L2 or L2D element provides the same contour as four of the manufacturer’s lauded K2 elements in a format that is 46% smaller and 40% lighter. The audio benefits of the L Series include a new industry-leading SPL-to-size ratio, unparalleled consistency over audience area, and improved rejection everywhere else. Accompanying the audio benefits, the L Series revolutionises deployment with a smaller, lighter footprint that reduces truck space and requires fewer elements, cutting the number of actions needed to load in and out.
The power density of the new L Series is unprecedented. Each element contains 8 x 4-inch high-frequency drivers with 8 x 10-inch low-frequency drivers, complemented by 4 side-loaded 12-inch drivers with front and back exits, delivering efficient, high precision broadband coverage with a choice of cardioid or supercardioid patterns. L Series also features L-Acoustics Panflex technology, which provides sound designers with quick access to a choice of four horizontal directivity patterns: 70° or 110° symmetrical, or 90° asymmetrical on either side. Each L2 element includes four Panflex modules, while L2D contains two Panflex modules on the top elements, and two fixed L-Fins progressing from 110° to 140° on the bottom elements.
The operating efficiencies of L Series originate from its shape. With no inter-element angles, a pin-less auto-lock rigging system, and a single cable connector, repetitive load-in-/load-out actions are drastically diminished. This creates a set-up environment that reduces errors and leads to a stunning three-fold decrease in loading time versus a similar L-Acoustics K2 configuration.
L Series is just as impactful on the environment as it is on deployment. Starting with material savings: 56% less paint; 30% less wood and 60% less steel. Clocking in at 30% less volume and 25% less weight as compared to an equivalent line source array, L Series is also frugal in truck space and consequently in fuel consumption.
Adding to system efficiency, L Series is driven by the new LA7.16 high-resolution touring amplified controller, which supports L2 and L2D with 16 channels of high-power amplification and processing. LA7.16 comes in a new LA-RAK III touring rack offering 48 channels of amplification in a Milan AVB-ready package with more than 60,000 watts of power in 9U. Leveraging the high-resolution amplification of LA7.16 and the advanced Autosolver tools in the manufacturer’s Soundvision software, output of the L Series can be perfectly calibrated to achieve results that are impossible with traditional line array technology.
Along with the L Series, L-Acoustics has also introduced the Clamp1000, a Panning clamp accessory which can carry up to four L2 or L2D units. Using Clamp1000, users can rotate a flown line array from the ground, drastically saving setup time.
“The team of L Series, Clamp1000 and LA7.16 with its best-in-market amplification efficiency, along with advanced Autofilter processing, will make immersive audio deployments with L-ISA technology faster, easier, and more budget-friendly,” explained Simon. “And these benefits also extend to traditional stereo projects where the pressure to create quality sound with less people and less time is ever-present.”
For information on the L Series, visit the official L-Acoustics website.
