Pro-Music-News Pro Audio

VMB LX-V8 line array cabinet with built-in inclinometer

At PLASA 2008, London, stand J63, VMB will highlight its Lynx Series LX-V8 compact powered line array module featuring a built-in inclinometer. The LX-V8 is a 2-way line array element with integrated amplification, digital processing and networking capabilities. For the low frequencies, two slot-loaded Neodymium magnet 8” transducers are deployed in a V-type topology. The cones and suspensions are mado of Nomex, a heat-resistant material used in fire fighting. For high frequencies, two Neodymium magnet 1” drivers are individually coupled to cast aluminium plane wave adapters which increase driver heat sinking and lower power compression.
Each of the LF drivers is powered by a 1 kW power amplifier, the HF unit features a power amp of 500 W. The switching mode power supply lowers cooling requirements while reducing the total weight of the unit to a 42 kg (93 lbs) including integral flyware. In addition, the LX-V8’s features a DSP (a dedicated version of the company’s own Arkeops outboard controllers) that provides equalization, filtering, alignment and dual (RMS and peak) compression, supplying protection from thermal and mechanical driver damage. An LCD display provides readout of the pitch angle as well as the temperature of the hottest amplification element. To set up an array users enter the number of units. The system then automatically applies inclinometer data (which is only read at power-up to avoid movements of the array from affecting the processing) to calibrate box throw to long, medium or short. For non-standard set-ups, this can also be defined manually. For added flexibility in complex applications, corrections for box throw and array elements can be bypassed and performed by an external processor.
“The high precision inclinometer is not a mere gimmick”, notes VMB’s R&D director Carlos Matalí. “Other than saying goodbye to carrying an external inclinometer, the angle information is fed to the processor and the signal conditioning algorithms changed accordingly. And down the pipeline are all sorts of advanced uses for that information within a network of array modules”.
An optional board fitted with a roadworthy EtherCon network connector enables Ethernet-based monitoring and control via the company’s “Online monitoring Software” software. This finds all the units on the network, which can be assigned a name and an IP address which remains stored in the cabinet. Temperature of all amplifier elements, pitch angle, clip and signal levels can be monitored. The “Lynx on Stage” software takes care of prediction duties for the line array acoustical dispersion performance.
Other features include a USB port for quick and easy firmware updates and PowerCon AC input with loop through output. Fly up to 24 LX-V8 or stack up to six on a dolly. Reaching down to 65 Hz (-6 dB), the LX-V8 can be used stand-alone or, more commonly, complemented by the LX-218S subwoofer, featuring two Neodymium magnet 18” woofers with 4” (100 mm) interleaved sandwich coils, each of which is powered by a 1000W amplifier.
The system was put through its paces on the Glastonbury 2008 festival, where Bristol based South West Group was in charge of the sound for the Park Stage. Operations manager for SWG, Mark Bott, explained, “We were allocated a very limited weight to fly from the towers and the Lynx line array meant we could get everything we wanted into the air with very little flying equipment. The Park Stage is erected in a natural amphitheatre and the LX-V8 allowed us to focus sound more effectively. Whilst adhering to all the noise regulations, we also had an audience of 20,000 and everybody was very happy with the system.”
VML  LX-V8 at the Park Stage at Glastonbury 2008
© 08/2008 pro-music-news™
© 1997 © 2008 Pro-Music-News™. All rights reserved. Thank you for visiting Pro-Music-News™.