X Series Heralds a New Era for L-Acoustics

April 28 2015, 03:00
During the 2015 Prolight+Sound show, L-Acoustics announced the launch of its X Series, a new line of coaxial speakers for the installation and rental markets. The X Series is effectively an addition to the ultra-compact 5XT speaker launched in 2013. The three new enclosures in the X Series family represent the most recent engineering innovations at L-Acoustics and directly benefit from the research and development breakthroughs that led to the launch of the K2 variable curvature WST line source array last year.

The new X Series responds to the demands of the industry’s top sound designers. Improvements include high-excursion neodymium drivers, ellipsoid directivity, laminar vented ports and up to 30% weight reduction. Used as a stage monitor, the X Series offers low latency monitor presets and a 7% lower profile. In installation applications the X Series comes with a complete range of flexible rigging accessories and a RAL custom color program. With improved radiation control and low frequency performance, the X Series is a true point-source system, boasting pristine sound for short throw applications.

“The challenge in creating the X Series was to bring all of the experience we gained in designing the K2 to bear on a new series of reference coaxials,” explains Christophe Combet, head of acoustic and instrumentation at L-Acoustics. We optimized the design, ergonomics, acoustical performance and weight. We used new carpentry techniques to optimize internal volumes, maximize bass and eliminate vibrations, designing a new, aerodynamic form with a slender, low profile that gives a profound feeling of power.”

The X8 speaker is the live monitor of the X series. X8 delivers a high SPL and extended bandwidth for operation at FOH position or in control rooms. Its wide conical directivity pattern imparts a sense of spatialization, with no minimum listening distance. 

The X12 model is able to responde to multiple rental and installation applications. An ellipsoid directivity of 90° ×  60° makes it adaptable to FOH application and installations, while its low weight and optimized ergonomics allow easy handling, with a passive design for effective amplified controller management.

Finally, the X15 is the powerhouse of the series, with exceptional power in beamwidth and acoustic isolation. Its narrow, 40° ×  60° directivity gives it better immunity to feedback, making it perfect for the stage. Low in profile, light in weight, rugged in build, the X15 boasts integrated risers allowing it to go from 35° to 55° for maximum versatility.

“The X Series is the result of an intense R&D process, fully based on feedback from the professionals of the industry and from our own field experience,” continues Combet. “We look forward to working with our installation and rental partners worldwide on the launch later this year.” The X series will ship in Q4 2015.

L-Acoustics Industrial Expansion
Founded in 1984 near Paris, France, L-Acoustics is a leading pro audio manufacturer, recognized throughout the industry for pioneering the modern line source array. In 1993, L-Acoustics introduced its Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST) on the legendary V-DOSC system. Based on physical rules developed by Dr. Christian Heil and fellow physics colleague Professor Marcel Urban, the WST theory defines the criteria for design and use of true line source arrays.
 

This year, L-Acoustics announced the opening of three new facilities dedicated to production, logistics and carpentry. With yearly double digit growth over the last decade, the company is expanding its manufacturing capacity in response to market demand. The new facilities will enable L-Acoustics to significantly increase production by the end of 2015.
 

A new logistics facility has been operational since early 2015. Located in the Paris region, close to the company’s headquarters in Marcoussis, the new warehouse increases the company’s logistics facilities to 8,200m2, expanding capacity by 300 percent.

The new warehouse was joined by the March inauguration of a new production facility. Located in Marcoussis, next to the company’s business headquarters, the brand new assembly site boasts 3,000 m2, fully dedicated to the manufacture of L-Acoustics sound systems and doubles the current production size. The company’s 4,000 m2 headquarters, which previously contained both production and business teams will now be fully dedicated to business operations and research and development.
 

L-Acoustics’ carpentry subsidiary, located in the Strasbourg region of France will also double in size with the opening of a new 5,000m2 purpose-built carpentry and paint factory, which is currently under construction and will open in the last quarter of 2015.

“With the rapid worldwide adoption of reference products like K2, L-Acoustics has been blessed with phenomenal growth,” explains Stéphane Ecalle, director of marketing at L-Acoustics. “The expansion of our logistics and production facilities will allow us to grow in lockstep with the increasing demand.” 
www.l-acoustics.com
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