L-Acoustics Launches KUDO
Apr 7, 2005 4:31 PM
L-Acoustics' KUDO is a new generation of line source array offering far more flexibility and possibilities than any other line array to date. KUDO marks a significant evolution in L-Acoustics' Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST) since WST can now be performed in both vertical and horizontal planes.
Two patented DOSC waveguides are incorporated in KUDO, allowing WST to be performed either vertically or horizontally. In parallel, coverage pattern adjustment is available in the perpendicular plane using patent-pending K-Louver technology. Mechanically adjustable K-Louvers provide directivity control for the mid/high section and allow KUDO to be reconfigured with four different coverage pattern settings.
APPLICATIONS
L-Acoustics' KUDO is primarily intended for end users such as regional sound companies for touring or corporate applications, and for high-performance permanent installation in theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, sports facilities, clubs, congress centers, hotel ballrooms, theme parks, or arenas.
As a full-range 3-way system, KUDO can be used for corporate, classical, or theatrical sound reinforcement without subwoofers, due to its exceptional low end performance. For touring applications, the addition of L-Acoustics subwoofers is recommended.
A complete turnkey system is available consisting of KUDO enclosures, dedicated rigging, L-Acoustics subwoofers, OEM factory presets for approved digital signal processors, turnkey power amplifier racks, and associated loudspeaker plus signal distribution paneling and cables.
All elements of the KUDO system have been selected for their quality and durability. And there is a strong emphasis placed on complementary technical support and training.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
KUDO combines the functions of a variable-curvature vertical line source array (like V-DOSC) and a constant-curvature horizontal line source array (like ARCS). Given the choice of four directivity settings and two orientation possibilities, KUDO provides the performance equivalent of eight different loudspeakers. Having such unprecedented flexibility in a high-power, medium-format system makes KUDO truly unique.
VERTICAL LINE SOURCE ARRAY CONFIGURATION
When used vertically as a variable curvature line source array with inter-enclosure angles of 0 to 10 degrees at 1-degree resolution, the horizontal directivity can be configured as: 50 degrees (symmetric); 110 degrees (symmetric); 25 degrees x 55 degrees (asymmetric); or 55 degrees x 25 degrees (asymmetric). Within the same vertical line source array, individual enclosures can be configured with different horizontal directivity depending on the shape, width, and reverberation properties of the venue, making KUDO extremely flexible with respect to audience geometry matching.
HORIZONTAL LINE SOURCE ARRAY CONFIGURATION
When used horizontally as a constant-curvature line source array, 10-degree inter-enclosure angles are used and the horizontal coverage is 10 degrees x N (where N= number of enclosures). Vertical directivity can then be configured as: 50 degrees (symmetric); 110 degrees (symmetric); 25 degrees x 55 degrees (asymmetric); or 55 degrees x 25 degrees (asymmetric).
BACKGROUND
Benefiting from more than two decades' worth of research and development (R&D), L-Acoustics' KUDO is a revolutionary, leading-edge technology system. L-Acoustics is the undisputed industry leader in line source arrays and is responsible for defining WST criteria ("Wavefront Sculpture Technology," Journal of the Audio Engineering Society, Vol. 51, No. 10, October 2003). WST criteria provided the scientific basis for the design of KUDO by defining the conditions that need to be satisfied in order to create a properly functioning line source array.
In addition to R&D, design specifications for KUDO were determined based on L-Acoustics' cumulative real-world experience with V-DOSC, dV-DOSC and ARCS over the past ten years. L-Acoustics' philosophy is to offer strategic, complementary sound design tools that are application-oriented. Sound reinforcement for medium-sized venues such as theatres, concert halls, houses of worship, and arenas were identified as the target applications for KUDO. The overall design objective was to develop a flexible, high-quality, yet cost-effective solution that is optimized for these venue types.
Based on past experience, coverage requirements for these venues were carefully studied in order to determine performance specifications in terms of directivity and the necessary flexibility required to cover typical audience geometries. Average throw distances and SPL expectations were also important considerations, leading to the selection of an active three-way enclosure format. For improved handling and speed of installation in touring situations, a convenient, easy-to-use captive rigging system was specified.
After establishing these initial specifications, L-Acoustics approached the design of KUDO by applying the scientific method along with a systematic approach to the mechanical design of the enclosure. A preliminary scientific analysis was conducted using proprietary inhouse modeling software to determine the utilization of power resources for low-, mid-, and high-frequency bands, leading to the selection of 2" x 12", 4" x 5", and 2" x 1" components.
Following this, an exhaustive search of currently available components was conducted and after detailed comparative testing, the best candidates were selected for further OEM modifications and improvements. A custom dual DOSC waveguide module was specifically designed for KUDO using advanced CAD/CAM techniques in order to ensure dimensional accuracy and precise manufacturing tolerances. Extensive prototyping and testing were then conducted to optimize KUDO—particularly the mid/high section and the unique variable directivity aspects of the enclosure.
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