L-ACOUSTICS Launches ARCS II Constant Curvature WST Line Source

More than a decade and a half after the debut of its popular ARCS, L-ACOUSTICS officially unveiled the new ARCS II constant curvature line source on SSE Audio Group's PLASA stand in London two weeks ago.

The company says ARCS II benefits from a design exploiting L-Acoustics' Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST) in a constant curvature line source solution. Intended for medium-to-large rental productions, the system is said to deliver remarkable power, bandwidth, and coherence, along with flexible and predictable coverage. It also offers the audience an incomparable listening experience featuring clarity, precision and impact, the company says.

The bi-amplified ARCS II enclosure is based on a two-way active design and offers a number of improvements over the previous generation, primarily L-Acoustics' K1 grade transducers for increased SPL (140dB) and lower weight (110 lbs). It also features a new front grille for enhanced durability and appearance, and is driven by a single factory preset to efficiently accommodate any application.

An ARCS II line source can be deployed either horizontally or vertically, with a coverage angle proportional to the number of enclosures in the array (N x 22.5 degrees). On the other plane -- vertical or horizontal, respectively -- the ARCS II line source provides an asymmetrical coverage angle of 60 degrees (20 degrees/40 degrees). The orientation of the ARCS II enclosures within the array determines asymmetric distribution, allowing the use of a horizontal ARCS II line source either for upward or downward coverage.

ARCS II can be quickly deployed as a tightly packed front-of-house system for medium-throw applications with high-SPL LF impact and excellent stereo imaging. Thanks to its precise and flexible coverage capability, the ARCS II is also well-suited for use as a distributed system, center cluster for theatrical work, sidefill monitoring, flown or stacked center fill, stereo front fill, offstage fill or delay system for concert audiences in stadiums and arenas, the company says.

The LA-RAK touring rack and LA8 amplified controller preset library deliver an extremely advanced and precise drive system for ARCS II. Additional features include the L-DRIVE intelligent two-way transducer protection circuit (PEAK and RMS limiting) and unique Array Morphing EQ interface allowing the engineer to quickly adjust the tonal balance of the system to produce a reference curve or ensure consistency of the system's sonic signature with multiple arrays of different types and sizes.