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What K2 weighs in kilograms
and K2 owners, with a very limited number of enclosure references in stock.
What were the big challenges L-Acoustics faced during K2 development? FB: We faced several but the enclosure “weight-loss” programme is undoubtedly the most spectacular. The Baltic birch plywood
we use in the cabinets has a high fibre density for rigidity so it is solid but heavy. Reducing thickness means a loss of directivity and coherency control. So we did two things: using computer analysis, we ‘mapped’ the panel areas where the plywood matter brings little stiffness contribution to the panel. Then we milled the K2 panels in an intricate pattern that yields the maximum stiffness/weight ratio. As for the side panels, the solution was to replace Baltic birch for a lighter and stiffer material: aluminium. The trick is that the K2 aluminium side panels play a triple role: they reinforce the
efficiently
steering acoustic energy in the horizontal plane on demand. With K2, you get four directivity settings in one box: 70° and 110° symmetrical; 90° asymmetrical left or right. We have reached a new level of directivity control in the horizontal plane. Finally, the K2 package had
to offer full mechanical compatibility with the existing K1 and K1-SB elements. K2 owners will need this compatibility feature, to extend the K2 operating bandwidth or increase the LF throw with the combo K2/K1-SB. The rigging compatibility between the two systems also means that K1 owners can combine the two systems as they perfectly complement each other: K1 as a main system for long throw L/R applications, and K2 either as downfill to K1 or side fill, or delay. SE: So you can either consider K2 as a standalone system associated with K1-SB or SB28, or a complement to K1. Both systems run on the existing LA-RAK platform, so from the L-Acoustics Rental Network standpoint, their compatibility represents an interesting cross- rental opportunity for both K1
mechanical rigidity of the box; they act inside as a progressive vent for laminar airflow; while
the outside supports the suspension hardware with the best mechanical accuracy. SE: The results speak for themselves: K2 weighs 56kg – that’s 50% of V-DOSC’s 108kg, for the same max SPL and bandwidth and with no compromise on structural and acoustic performance.
What distribution strategy are you going to implement with K2? SE: Since we are relying on the regional presence and the expertise of our certified representatives, the distribution strategy of K2 will be simply based on two channels for our domestic markets where L-Acoustics is the distributor: Certified Providers/Integrators for the fixed installation market and Certified Providers/Rentals for the Rental Network. For the markets where we are not directly present, we will rely on our distributors.
Can anyone buy K2? SE: Our Network indicates that the market potential for K2 is 300 companies worldwide but making a purchase is down to the customer, not us!
Choosing a large PA system
like K2 has major consequences for a rental business, financially, commercially and technically. As we said earlier, rider friendliness is the bottom line for return on investment, while the system resale at a later date is the icing on the cake from an investor standpoint. Five years ago, we created a
Rental Network Charter that illustrates this philosophy. And if you invest in K2, you automatically enter into the logic of the Network, which maintains a set of commitments to benefit the sound companies, the clients and the engineers.
The first concerns inventory
thresholds: you cannot buy a tiny fraction of a big system, it’s useless; nor can you buy too much, which would be dangerous. The second commitment is regarding universal standards: performance consistency and predictability around the L-Acoustics brand signature for engineers and artists – plus cross-rental compatibility. No interface headaches! And third, the training of
staff. Everyone agrees that the education of technicians is critical and must be carried out by high-level trainers. So yes, you need to have your techs
livereport
trained by professionals to take advantage of the system! To cut this long explanation
short, if K2 is the right system for a company, its techs and its clients, then they should go for it! And they will have the last word on this, not L-Acoustics.
Mark the calendar for March in Frankfurt, then? SE: The worldwide introduction of K2 is scheduled for PL+S 2014. However, we are proud to announce that the system will be seen and heard in the opening and closing ceremonies of a major winter sporting event in Russia…
www.l-acoustics.com
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