LD-Systems launches MAILA line array in Frankfurt

LD Systems has officially launched its MAILA (Modular All-Round Intelligent Line Array) line array system at this year's Prolight + Sound in Frankfurt, Germany. In some ways it is the heir to the Curv 500 (launched in 2015, with mechanical and electrical rail connection), but with increased size and SPL, adjustable splay angles and new control and tuning capabilities.

The basis is formed by four basic elements: the MAILA SAT satellite module, the MAILA COL column module, the MAILA SPA amplifier module, and the MAILA SUB subwoofer. With these elements, MAILA enables scalable system configurations for a wide range of sound reinforcement applications. This extends from stereo speech reinforcement without subwoofers, to larger conferences and club gigs, to flown line array systems for professional live sound reinforcement at festivals with variable subwoofer arrangements on the ground.

SmartLink+® enables wireless connection (power + signal) as well as automatic detection of the individual modules via aluminium rails, while the invisible LogoLink® antennas offer wireless connection with ranges of up to 30 metres under practical conditions. Using the free MAILA App (iPad OS), each MAILA system can also be configured – including the calculation of SAT angles and wireless system updates.

The patented EasySplay® mechanism allows users to adjust the tilt of each satellite almost infinitely between 0° and 8°. The angle can be adjusted with just one hand via a rotary handle, even under load.

The MAILA system is built around four basic elements:

The MAILA SAT satellite speaker – which comes in a unibody aluminium enclosure – is a line array element and houses five 1” tweeters in front of a 6.5” midrange driver. On the rear side of the housing of each MAILA SAT is the rotating handle for the EasySplay® mechanism.

The MAILA COL full-range column module, with its four 6.5” active woofers, provides extended low-mid range and also includes a 4-channel DSP amplifier with 2.5 kW of total power, which drives both the column itself and the MAILA SAT satellites. In this way, MAILA sets with a column module can be used as a ground stack variant or as a flown array consisting of MAILA COL and up to eight MAILA SAT units – particularly useful for festivals and fixed installations. On the ground, the use of MAILA COL provides a further advantage: the interposed column module allows ground stack sound reinforcement to be implemented that is significantly high (up to 3.2 metres).

MAILA SPA is not a loudspeaker but simply an amplifier module. It features an integrated 1.25 kW power amplifier with SysCore® DSP for driving up to eight MAILA SAT satellites. Via the SmartLink+® system, the satellites can be plugged in and supplied with audio and power (via rails). In addition, the SmartLink+® technology allows independent determination of the installed satellites for optional automatic or manual DSP processing. As with the MAILA COL column module, MAILA SPA allows users to implement ground stack configurations with a spacer rod (included in the MAILA S set), as well as flown systems with the EasyMount+® mounting adapter.

Finally, MAILA SUB is a 2.5 kW double 15” high-performance subwoofer with a bandpass design.

Baptiste Languille, Senior Global Brand Marketing Manager LD Systems: “Let's face it: until now, no one in the professional rental market had LD Systems on their radar. Now, MAILA is here, offering a flexibility and ease of use that has never been seen before. I am absolutely convinced that MAILA will establish itself worldwide as the ideal complement to large, bulky line array systems.”