CHULA VISTA, CA — K-Array’s newly-launched KH8/KS8 top-of-the-line touring system is turning heads in the pro audio industry. World-renowned sound engineers Michael Apodaca and Rick Camp with NextGenAudio Concert Touring Systems recently hosted a two-day demonstration of the new line at the Sleep Train Amphitheater in Chula Vista, CA on March 31 and April 1, 2015.
Measuring the length and width of two American football fields, the presentation of the KH8 and the KS8 gave the audience of highly-regarded audio engineers and production managers the opportunity to experience the incredible power of the system in a large arena setting with multi-track playbacks and live band performances. The venue was evenly and seamlessly covered with sound and the attendees absolutely took notice.
“I can stand 500 feet from the stage, close my eyes and feel like I’m in the front row,” said Todd Shafer, senior audio technician at NextGenAudio Concert Touring Systems.
Some even went as far as request it for their upcoming events: “We must have this system for our summer tour!” said Terry Jackson, FOH for Earth Wind and Fire.
The Firenze system used at the demo was comprised of 12 KH8 speakers per side and 10 KS8 subwoofers per side with a front fill system having four KH7’s.
“It’s phenomenal at a distance,” said Horace Ward, front of house engineer for Usher and Lady Gaga.
Compact Design, Large Audio Coverage
Those invited to the demo heard firsthand the extraordinary peak output of 148 dB SPL from the world’s first flexible digital slim array technology (SAT) speakers, the KH8 and its counter part, the KS8 subwoofer. They were also given a technology presentation to demonstrate the system’s ability to digitally steer the sound with the onboard DSP creating maximum operational flexibility.
“The demo was an amazing opportunity for world-class front of house sound engineers to experience digitally-steerable, slim touring line array technology.” said Maciej Zielik with L&M Light & Sound.
“It was the perfect test for the Firenze Series considering the extreme width and depth of the venue because it flawlessly covered the entire audience area without the need for any side hangs or delay speakers.” added Blake Smith, front of house engineer for Bootsy Collins.
Even those who weren’t familiar with the venue could still understand the power of the KH8. “I’ve been told that at this same venue, it normally takes three stacks per side and delay speakers of other brands to marginally match what the Firenze KH8 effortlessly does, which is nothing short of incredible,” said Dennis Rivadeneira, live products specialist at Solid State Logic which provided its new Live 500 series console for the demo.
The entire system is managed via four K8-BOXs that manage power, signal and control for up to 12 speakers per K8-BOX.
Thanks to the design and preview software EASE Focus, it was quick and easy to calculate the positioning of the clusters and the angles of the speakers creating even and coherent sound throughout the venue.
Revolutionary Space Optimization
The portability and ease of assembly are just some of the advantages of configuring a straight array. Compared to traditional systems that require wiring and a mechanical connection for each speaker, with the Firenze Series every unit can be independently tilted to focus the sound mechanically then digitally steered. The speakers are prewired in groups of three and only two multi-pin cables are needed for up to 12 boxes. The ease of setup was apparent when the clusters of 12 KH8 were flown in only 5 minutes per side. The KS8 stacks were even easier to setup with the pre-equipped dolly feature for elements of three.
“The small footprint and ease of deploying the system will save time, labor, and space both on stage and in trucks. I’m amazed at both the clarity and vertical/horizontal coverage of the system and believe it could be a game changer,” said Nathan Lee, front of house engineer for the world renowned group, Chicago.
Even the host pair who are familiar with K-array’s innovative product design were blown away with the performance of the system.
“I have never seen such an exceptional group of engineers agree on any one sound system — ever — until now. It has output, transparency, design, and most of all goes from 0 to 120 mph in 1.5 seconds!” said Apodaca.
Added Camp, who has served as FOH engineer for top acts such as J-Lo, Beyoncé, Anita Baker, Earth Wind & Fire, Burt Bacharach and Natalie Cole: “I’ve mixed on many outstanding speaker systems in my 30 years of engineering, but the K-array KH8 is revolutionary and light years ahead of its time.”
With all the positive feedback generated from the event, K-Array hopes to build on this momentum along with the official launch of the third element in the Firenze Series, the KH7, which was unveiled during the Prolight+Sound 2015 show in Frankfurt, April 15-18.
The hosts would like to thank George Horton and Solid State Logic, Matt Larson and DiGiCo consoles, Dave Shadoan and Sound Image Audio, and Ken and Sara at VUE Audiotechnik for their contributions, as well as musical talents Bryant Siono and Charles Streeter from Jennifer Lopez’s band for their live performance.
For more info on the K-Array Firenze system, visit www.k-array.com.
