VUE Audiotechnik Introduces al-8 Compact Line Array System

VUE Audiotechnik Al-8 compact Line array system

San Diego, CA - Following a successful public beta program, as well as a highly-anticipated preview at the InfoComm show last month, VUE Audiotechnik unveiled their new al-8 Compact Line Array System.

Available this fall, the al-8 is the second member of VUE's al-Class, and joins the al-4 Subcompact Line Array System introduced earlier this year. Like its smaller sibling, the al-8 utilizes advanced technologies such as beryllium compression drivers, Kevlar/Neodymium transducers, onboard networking, and full compatibility with VUEPoint beam steering technology to bring unprecedented sound quality, SPL and coverage control to mainstreamsound reinforcement applications.

The al-8 system components include flying, transport and handling accessories, the al-8 acoustic element, and the rack-mount V6 Systems Engine, which provides system amplification, DSP and networking capabilities via the SystemVUE control software.

The al-8 acoustic element houses a pair of proprietary 8-inch LF transducers with large 3-inch voice coils for improved thermal performance. The LF transducers flank four 4-inch Kevlar/Neodymium mid-range units equipped with VUE's unique lateral acoustic shades. High frequencies are delivered by a pair of neodymium compression drivers with Truextent beryllium diaphragms for extended high frequency response beyond 25kHz.

All transducers are housed in a birch plywood enclosure protected by a 12-step Dura-Coat LX finish. Integrated flying hardware allows quick assembly of arrays of up to 16 elements per flybar. Rear panel I/O includes a pair of NL8 connectors configured to allow discrete access to each compression driver.

The 2U rack-mount V6 Systems Engine will tri-amp up to four al-8 acoustic elements. The V6 also houses a 64-bit DSP engine that handles all management functions including speaker protection, system-optimized alignment of EQ, time and crossover, as well as SystemVUE network connectivity.

Al-8 without cover

"The al-8 is a significant step toward offering a complete tool box of solutions that combine class-leading performance, consistent sonic character, and exceptional value," explained Jeff Taylor, VUE's head of North American sales. "Like the al-4, the al-8 demonstrates VUE's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies in order to deliver systems that integrate seamlessly into a broad range of environments, while providing a more effortless and enjoyable user experience overall."

Al-8 Compact Line Array System Highlights:

• VUE-designed transducers: Each al-8 acoustic element features dual 8-inch LF transducers with large 3-inch voice coils, four 4-inch Kevlar/Neodymium mid-range drivers, and dual 1-inch exit neodymium compression drivers with Truextent® beryllium diaphragms.

• Companion V6 Systems Engine: Stereo three-way amplifier providing 2400W x 2 LF, 1600W x 2 MF, and 550W x 2 HF (average burst power), as well as 64-bit DSP control via the SystemVUE software.

• VUEPoint Optimized: The al-8 is fully compatible with VUE's revolutionary VUEPoint beam steering process, which enables consistent SPL and coverage control in any environment.

• SystemVUE network and software: Utilizes standard IP for easy networking. Simply plug-in and the system will automatically connect in virtually any kind of configuration. SystemVUE software provides individual and group access to all VUE devices, as well as control of device level parameters such as input/output levels, volume, mute, delay and input sources.

Application: Mid-sized to large sound reinforcement applications.

Specifications

Model	al-8	8x  al-8 & v6
Description	Compact Line Array Element	Compact Line Array System
Acoustic Data
Frequency Response (+-2.5 dB)	75 Hz to 18 kHz	90 Hz to 18k Hz
Frequency Range (-10 dB)	50 Hz – 26 kHz	50 Hz to 26 kHz
Sensitivity (1W/1m)	96 dB SPL	99 dB SPL
Power – Long Term Sine Wave
Before Protection LF:	600 watts rms	1200 watts rms
Before Protection HF:	56 watts rms	224 watts rms
Power – Burst (6 dB Crest before clip)
LF:	1600 watts rms	2400 watts rms
HF:	280 watts rms	550 watts rms
Max Peak SPL(band limited pink noise 6 dB crest factor)	126 dB SPL	132 dB SPL
Max SPL Long Term (AVG SPL @1M before protection band limited pink noise)	119 dB SPL	125 dB SPL
Coverage Horizontal	90 degrees – 6 dB	90 degrees – 6 dB
Coverage Vertical	10 degrees – 6 dB	Dependent on array configuration
Transducer Data
MF Driver Description	Two 4-inch drivers, Kevlar cones, isobutylene isoprene rubber surrounds, neodymium magnets
HF Driver Description	Two 1-inch exit 34 mm voice coil Pure Truextent® beryllium diaphragm
Impedance	8 Ohms	4 Ohms net 4x 16 ohms
Physical Data
Rigging:	Three-Point rigging system, provides 0, 2°, 4°, 6°, 8° and 10° between array elements.
Connectors	Nutric NL8 Speakon In and Loop
Cabinet Material	Multi-ply birch hardwood
Cabinet Surface	12 Step Dura-Coat LX
Handles	Side recessed & rear Metal
Dimensions (H x W x D)	10.25 x 29.40 x 17.52 in
	261 x 747 x 445 mm
Weight	75 lbs 34 kg

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