L-Acoustics K1/KUDO/LA8 programme launched

News

Andy Wood Aug 18 2008, 8:00am

Worldwide debut as Radiohead open in the USA with K1 via Firehouse Productions

Mooted to dealers at Frankfurt's Prolight + Sound, L-Acoustics K1/KUDO Pilot Program has received its worldwide debut in the USA, with UK band Radiohead utlising a system via Firehouse Productions and overseen by freelance system engineer and L-Acoustics certified V-DOSC engineer Sherif El Barbari.

The K1 is a work-in-progress sequel to the legendary V-DOSC system and sees the involvement of existing members of the DOSC Network - primarily V-DOSC and KUDO owners with an interest in advanced field proofing of the new K1/KUDO/LA8 system architecture for stadium and arena applications.

The K1/KUDO Pilot Program is expected to last for a period of 24 months, a time considered necessary time By L-Acoustics prior to the official launch of the future Stadium Line array system.

As such, K1/KUDO Pilot rental companies will closely collaborate with the L-Acoustics R&D team and technical support. Emphasis will be put on preset validation, stadium system configurations design, rigging and general system set-up and operation. Rental K1/KUDO Pilot companies will be offered a path leading to system ownership prior to its formal market introduction.

The new K-1 isn’t intended as a straight replacement for V-DOSC, instead the combination of K-1 and KUDO is aimed at providing a scaled solution for larger venues with KUDO providing a flexible horizontal and greater vertical dispersion, while the K-1 offers fixed horizontal dispersion with a maximum of 5-degree inter-element angles for larger venues.

According to US publication Live Sound International, the K-1 is designed for hanging 24 enclosures deep, to create much longer arrays than currently possible with V-DOSC. In addition, a new flyable dual-15 K1-SB subwoofer provides system designers with longer LF throw and cardioid pattern physical arrangements and presets.

The K1 enclosure employs dual 15-inch woofers, a re-engineered mid/high section that includes a third compression driver, and has a similar shape, weight and size to the current V-DOSC system, but with a slightly wider footprint due to internal captive rigging.

In addition, the K1/KUDO system incorporates the new LA-RAK, a 9U touring rack, incorporating three LA8 amplified controllers, and space for dual Ethernet switches for control and monitoring (L-NET) and digital audio (L-DGA). The LA Network Manager software, which offers a wireless tablet-PC graphic interface for control and monitoring of up to 253 units on a, with system EQ balance tools to adjust for array height, listening distance and line source type, is also incorporated.

l-acoustics.com