K-array KH8 features eight built-in DSP channels per enclosure, driving separate sections of 20 HF, MF, and LMF transducers, resulting in exceptional coverage control and a rated maximum SPL of 145dB, say AFMG.
As well as being the first loudspeaker system that has been built from scratch with FIRmaker steering in mind, the K-array KH8 offers a range of other, interesting features that fit well with the fully digital concept. Coming boxed with three units in a straight frame, the KH8 is flown without the need for curving. Instead, the vertical aiming of each element of the flat hang can be adjusted easily and at any time while the whole system remains straight, never taking up more depth than roughly 1ft/30cm in total. Shaping of the wave front, all beam steering and coverage optimisation is achieved electronically by FIRmaker calculated filters, giving total control to the system technician on site.
When K-array first approached AFMG with the idea to electronically optimise a sound system this matched perfectly with the research that the German software company had been doing in recent years. AFMG was able to supply the ground-breaking, patent-pending optimisation algorithm FIRmaker and provide a complete interface for the unique concept of a new sound system presented by K-array. "Thus, the KH8 system has been designed to not only deliver high performance and maximum ease-of-use but to ultimately utilise the great flexibility provided by FIRmaker optimisation," says AFMG.
The AFMG FIRmaker Technology in combination with the K-array KH8 system and the Powersoft Armonia control software provide a powerful basis for an efficient workflow and highly flexible setup that can easily be adapted to every new venue it is taken to. AFMG's EASE Focus 2 software allows simulating and configuring the setup during pre-production. After a quick check on location, the FIRmaker plug-in within EASE Focus takes only seconds to calculate optimised FIR filter sets for each of the DSPs inside the full KH8 system. These are then transferred directly to the Armonia platform to be uploaded into the KH8's DSPs. Tailoring the system's coverage to the venue is a matter of a few minutes, says AFMG.
(Lee Baldock)
