L-Acoustics unveils “compact, no comprise” K3
L-Acoustics unveils “compact, no comprise” K3
L-Acoustics has conducted its first-ever completely online product launch to unveil the K3 loudspeaker to the world. Designed to bridge the gap between the French manufacturer’s full-range line arrays – the K1 and K2 – and the smaller Kiva 2 and Kara 2, the K3 enclosure delivers the same sonic signature and frequency contours as the larger models. An updated version of Soundvision software, V3.2, has also been made available.
Operating within a frequency response of 42Hz – 20kHz (-10dB), the dual 12-inch line array cabinet boasts a footprint of a dual 10-inch enclosure. Capable of producing a maximum SPL of 143dB, the bass response is extended to 25Hz (110dB) when paired with the SB28 subwoofer. Suitable for audiences between 1,000-10,000 at festivals, theatres and arenas, the K3 is joined by the K3i install version that incorporates the same driver and electro acoustic characteristics but comes equipped with install mounting hardware.
Weighing 43kg, the Baltic birch plywood cabinet integrates the manufacturer’s Pan Flex Technology, offering four dispersion options from the single enclosure. With Panflex and inter-element angles ranging from 0° to 10°, K3 line source coverage can be tailored to fit any audience geometry. Like K2, K3 features an ergonomic four-point captive rigging system that integrates large handles and provides visual safety assessment. Weatherised to achieve an IP55 rating for outdoor operations, K3 transportation and rigging accessories are available to facilitate on-site deployment. The contour characteristics of the full-range enclosure match the K1 and K2 models. To maximise low-frequency power, laminar venting technology found in the KS21 and KS28 reference subwoofers has been integrated into the design of the K3 cabinet. Improving the output and audio quality in the low-frequency domain, the side panels of the K3 are moulded to prevent turbulent airflow at the exit of the ports.
Matching the additional low-frequency power, the cabinet is fitted with a pair of high-output 4-inch compression drivers mounted to a dedicated DOSC waveguide. This in turn feeds into a Pan Flex element capable of producing one of four dispersion patterns: 110° symmetrical, 70° symmetrical or 90° asymmetrical left or right. Combined with the electronic pre-sets, the manufacturer claims a dispersion control down to 350Hz.
The installation version, the K3i, switches this with a pair of install-centric ‘bumpers’ for hangs that can be permanently mounted in a similar way and with the same splay angle options. Up to six of the two-way active WST cabinets can be driven by a single LA-RAK II amplified controller, ensuring that a single LA-RAK AVB unit can drive up to 18 K3s.
For anyone that missed it live, a replay of the presentation can be viewed “here”.