QSC announces L Class series of powered line arrays

QSC (split since last summer into two divisions, QSC Pro Audio and Q-SYS) yesterday introduced L Class, its new generation of self-powered line array modules for applications ranging from simple, portable, plug-and-play setups to technologically demanding networked AV productions and fixed installations.

QSC claims that "L Class is the extraordinary result of a deep understanding of application requirements and customer needs" and underlines its 'intelligence' and speed of set-up and configuration. The integrated Dante system allows L Class to be connected to digital audio networks.

The new powered LA108 (two-way 8", 1500Hz xover) and LA112 (2-way 12", 1200Hz xover) line array modules, both made of ABS plastic, are complemented by the LS118 (18") active plywood subwoofer. In terms of maximum SPL, we have 134 dB peak for the LA108 (one box) and 136 dB for the other two models.

Both the LA108 and LA112 use a new waveguide design that QSC calls LEAF (Length-Equalized Acoustic Flare or length-equalised acoustic profile, with eight separate, particularly labyrinthine paths that form a vertical coverage angle of 12°), linear phase equalisation and an interesting suspension system called RapidDeploy, which is designed to allow a single person to hang an array of boxes, and QSC AWARE, with which the system automatically knows (with the help of infrared sensors and integrated accelerometers) which boxes make up an array and the relative angle of each of the boxes, which simplifies the subsequent optimisation of the array processing.

The LS118 powered subwoofer also integrates a DSP that also offers advanced features, such as the ability to use two units in cardioid arrangement. In addition, the 'DEEP' mode of operation offers additional bass frequency extension and cone elongation processing. All models incorporate Acoustic Linear Phase (ALP), which generates a coherent phase response when used in conjunction with other QSC loudspeakers.

The two line array modules can be hung on a flying frame with or without subwoofers, stacked on the floor (also with a frame and with or without subwoofers) or used on a tripod (three boxes of the small model, two of the large, directly from the pole to the cabinet, which has a dual-angle receptacle, 0° and 7.5°). The LS118 model can be placed on the floor horizontally or vertically as it has mast receptacles for both uses.

The hanging system is peculiar: the boxes have on their lower front part a sort of hook that allows the person assembling the array to hang the box to be added to the array from the front and then fix and aim the box from the back, without the need to place the box on the floor precisely and lower the system in alignment. The setting of an enclosure's angle box is done mechanically by releasing a latch and pushing it upwards, something that can also be done with a group of boxes [N. of the R. - this has to be seen, we have embedded a video below]. Definitely an interesting rigging system, though there are only three available angles between boxes (1.5°, 6° and 12°).

All three models have connections to parallel digital or analogue audio as well as AC supply (with two PowerCON TRUE1 connectors). Furthermore, by registering the product, an extended warranty of 6 years is available [N. of R. - at least in the USA].

The QSC SysNav (System Navigator) app for Windows and iPadOS offers the ability to easily design, configure, control, monitor and apply signal processing to individual loudspeakers, complete arrays or groupings of both. In addition, the predictive AIM (Array Installation Modeling) tool allows the user to visualise the coverage in a graphical model of the space where the installation will take place. This software is not yet available (although we are told it will be available next month, when the product goes on sale in the US) and the screenshots do not show the usual colour maps (though were are told by the factory there will be 2D simulation when the software is ready), but only the positions and orientations of the boxes, with automatic optimisation of the processing ('Ar-Q') based on the array data obtained wirelessly. This optimisation can also be done from the rear controls of the boxes themselves without the need for the software (in fact, as seen in the picture below, the box display actually provides a rough graphical representation of the array!)


“The innovations found in L Class are truly astonishing in their capacity to equip users at every level of experience with the capability to achieve superior sonic performance quickly and easily,” states David Angress, general manager, QSC Pro Audio. “The ability to bring this quality of product to market and make it accessible to a wide range of customers is remarkable, and if the early reviews from key customers are any indication, L Class is destined to be another runaway success for QSC and our channel partners everywhere.”

Street prices in US are LA108 ($2,399.99), LA112 ($3,199.99) and LS118 ($2,499.00) plus tax.