L-Acoustics launches KARAII at NAMM 2020

Since its launch in 2010, the Kara line source has been L-Acoustics' most popular product. At NAMM2020, L-Acoustics announced the new Kara II modular line source, with the addition of Panflex, giving Kara four-in-one directivity with four different horizontal coverage angles: 70° or 110° symmetrical and 90° asymmetrical, steering to either the left or right. In its 70° configuration, Kara II packs a full 2 dB more than in 110° (in the HF band).

In a nod to the wide audience of Kara owners around the globe, L-Acoustics will make available a kit to upgrade existing Kara with Panflex.

Florent Bernard, Executive Director of Application Design at L-Acoustics explains, “Kara has been a perpetual best-seller for a reason. Its lightweight, diminutive form factor and strong, consistent SPL make it the perfect tool for a plethora of events or permanent installs. When we introduced Panflex to the industry, our clients told us this was the only thing missing from Kara. We listened, and the new Kara II brings our medium-format line array into a new era of added directivity and improved polar stability.”

Kara II specifications
Type: 2-way active WST enclosure
Bandwidth (-10 dB): 55 Hz – 20 kHz ([KARA II_70])
Maximum SPL: 142 dB ([KARA II_70])
Coverage angle: 70° / 110° symmetric or 90° asymmetric (35°/55°)
Weight: 26 kg / 57 lb

Kara II for rental ships in March 2020. Kara II for install and the upgrade kits will ship later in 2020.

L-Acoustics also announced the new LA-RAK II AVB flyable touring rack, offering twelve channels of amplification in a 9 U frame. Contained within are three Milan-certified LA12X amplified controllers, two LS10 AVB switches and power and signal distribution panels that are internally prewired to offer plug-and-play, redundant networked audio.

“Launching a dedicated AVB rack is our way of making tours and mobile installations as fast and simple as possible for sound professionals while further improving audio quality.”, explains Genio Kronauer, director of electronics development and Avnu board member.

The presence of two LS10 AVB switches in a 1U space within the rack allow for dual network redundancy and a AVB ecosystem from the P1 processor at FOH all the way down to the Milan-certified amplified controllers. Up to 8 channels in one AVB stream can be passed over a single cablecosts.

As with its predecessors, LA-RAK II AVB features a shock-absorbing inner frame, protective and handling elements to facilitate transport. Compatible with any voltage standard, LA-RAK II AVB functions worldwide and facilitates tour logistics and cross-rental between L-Acoustics rental partners. LA-RAK II AVB is mechanically and electronically compatible with the legacy LA-RAK II and LA-RAK standards.

An LA-RAK II AVB upgrade kit will be available for existing LA-RAK II owners wishing to upgrade to AVB.