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L-Acoustics ARCS WIDE - User Manual

L-Acoustics ARCS WIDE
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ARCS Wide/Focus
user manual (EN)

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Summary

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Beware of sound levels

Warning concerning high sound pressure levels and potential permanent hearing damage from loudspeakers.

DOCUMENT SYMBOLS

DANGER

Symbol indicating potential risk of harm or damage, and mandatory safety instructions.

OBLIGATION

Symbol indicating instructions that must be strictly followed for proper installation or operation.

INFORMATION

Symbol indicating complementary or optional instructions for user guidance.

ARCS WIDE; FOCUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Loudspeaker Enclosures

Describes the ARCS WIDE, ARCS FOCUS, and SB18m loudspeaker enclosures and their characteristics.

Powering and Driving System

Details amplified controllers (LA4, LA4X, LA8), DSP, preset library, and networking capabilities.

Loudspeaker Cables

Lists various loudspeaker cables (DO, DOSUB-LA8, SP, SP-YI) and their specifications and recommended use.

Rigging Elements

Notes that rigging elements are not detailed in this document and refers to the dedicated rigging manual.

Software Applications

Introduces SOUNDVISION for 3D modeling and LA NETWORK MANAGER for remote control and monitoring.

LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS

Standalone Line Source

Describes the standalone ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source configuration and its associated preset.

Line Source with Low-Frequency Element

Single Line Source Element

Single Line Source with Low-Frequency Element

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION

Connectors

Displays the internal pinout for ARCS WIDE/FOCUS and SB18m loudspeaker SpeakON connectors.

Connection to LA4; LA4 X

Option A

Illustrates maximum configurations using SP cables for LA4/LA4X connection, Option A.

LA4; LA4 X Option B Configuration

Connection to LA8

Option A

Illustrates maximum configurations using DO cables and DOSUB-LA8 for LA8 connection, Option A.

LA8 Option B Configuration

APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION

[ARCS WIFO] and [ARCS WIFO FI]

Describes presets for medium and short throw applications for ARCS WIDE/FOCUS systems.

[SB18_60]

Describes the preset for SB18 subwoofer enclosures, setting an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.

[SB18_60_C]

Describes SB18 presets optimized for cardioid configurations with specific delay settings.

APPENDIX B SPEAKER CABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS

ARCS FOCUS Specifications

Provides detailed technical specifications for the ARCS FOCUS loudspeaker enclosure.

ARCS WIDE Specifications

SB18 m Specifications

Summary

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Beware of sound levels

Warning concerning high sound pressure levels and potential permanent hearing damage from loudspeakers.

DOCUMENT SYMBOLS

DANGER

Symbol indicating potential risk of harm or damage, and mandatory safety instructions.

OBLIGATION

Symbol indicating instructions that must be strictly followed for proper installation or operation.

INFORMATION

Symbol indicating complementary or optional instructions for user guidance.

ARCS WIDE; FOCUS SYSTEM OVERVIEW

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Loudspeaker Enclosures

Describes the ARCS WIDE, ARCS FOCUS, and SB18m loudspeaker enclosures and their characteristics.

Powering and Driving System

Details amplified controllers (LA4, LA4X, LA8), DSP, preset library, and networking capabilities.

Loudspeaker Cables

Lists various loudspeaker cables (DO, DOSUB-LA8, SP, SP-YI) and their specifications and recommended use.

Rigging Elements

Notes that rigging elements are not detailed in this document and refers to the dedicated rigging manual.

Software Applications

Introduces SOUNDVISION for 3D modeling and LA NETWORK MANAGER for remote control and monitoring.

LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS

Standalone Line Source

Describes the standalone ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source configuration and its associated preset.

Line Source with Low-Frequency Element

Single Line Source Element

Single Line Source with Low-Frequency Element

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION

Connectors

Displays the internal pinout for ARCS WIDE/FOCUS and SB18m loudspeaker SpeakON connectors.

Connection to LA4; LA4 X

Option A

Illustrates maximum configurations using SP cables for LA4/LA4X connection, Option A.

LA4; LA4 X Option B Configuration

Connection to LA8

Option A

Illustrates maximum configurations using DO cables and DOSUB-LA8 for LA8 connection, Option A.

LA8 Option B Configuration

APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION

[ARCS WIFO] and [ARCS WIFO FI]

Describes presets for medium and short throw applications for ARCS WIDE/FOCUS systems.

[SB18_60]

Describes the preset for SB18 subwoofer enclosures, setting an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.

[SB18_60_C]

Describes SB18 presets optimized for cardioid configurations with specific delay settings.

APPENDIX B SPEAKER CABLE RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS

ARCS FOCUS Specifications

Provides detailed technical specifications for the ARCS FOCUS loudspeaker enclosure.

ARCS WIDE Specifications

SB18 m Specifications

Overview

The ARCS® Wide and ARCS® Focus systems are designed as constant curvature line sources for medium-throw applications in both rental productions and fixed installations. These systems are engineered to deliver exceptional acoustic properties and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of uses, including FOH L/R systems, central clusters, side-fill monitors, distributed systems, and complementary fills.

Function Description

The ARCS® Wide and ARCS® Focus systems are based on two distinct constant curvature enclosures, each offering a specific directivity pattern and SPL capability. The ARCS® Wide element provides a wide coverage pattern of 30° x 90° (H x V), while the ARCS® Focus element offers a more focused energy with a 15° x 90° (H x V) pattern. Both operate across a frequency range of 55 Hz to 20 kHz. For extended low-frequency performance, the SB18m subwoofer can be integrated, extending the system's bandwidth down to 32 Hz.

These line sources are designed to provide high SPL with excellent acoustic coupling, robust low-frequency performance, and a consistent tonal balance across distance. They can be deployed either as horizontal or vertical arrays. In the coupling plane, both ARCS® Wide and ARCS® Focus systems produce a precise directivity pattern, which is particularly useful for targeting specific audience areas while minimizing reflections from surrounding surfaces. In the other plane, both systems maintain a smooth, symmetric 90° directivity pattern.

The ARCS® Wide is ideal for achieving extensive coverage with fewer elements, resulting in a compact array that preserves sightlines. The total coverage angle of an ARCS® Wide line source is directly proportional to the number of enclosures in the array (N x 30°). Conversely, the ARCS® Focus system concentrates acoustic energy within half of the coverage angle (N x 15°), making it suitable for narrower coverage and providing a higher SPL with a more extended throw.

For complex audience geometries, ARCS® Wide and ARCS® Focus can be combined in "WIFO" hybrid arrays. This dual directivity pattern and the various system configurations offer sound designers and system engineers a high degree of creative flexibility. All configurations can be acoustically and mechanically modeled using the SOUNDVISION 3D simulation software before physical installation.

The systems are driven by L-Acoustics amplified controllers (LA4, LA4X, or LA8), which provide advanced and precise drive capabilities. These controllers feature L-DRIVE, a thermal and over-excursion protection circuit, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the loudspeakers. Multiple LA8 amplified controllers can be networked via the Ethernet-based L-NET protocol, allowing for remote control and monitoring through the LA NETWORK MANAGER software. This software offers a user-friendly graphic interface and includes the Array Morphing EQ tool, which enables quick adjustment of the system's tonal balance to match a reference curve or maintain a consistent sonic signature.

Usage Features

The ARCS® Wide and ARCS® Focus systems offer flexible deployment options:

  • Standalone Line Source: When deployed as a standalone line source, the system operates over the nominal bandwidth of the ARCS® Wide/Focus enclosure. The [ARCS_WIFO] preset is used for a reference frequency response in medium-throw applications. This configuration is driven by LA4, LA4X, or LA8 amplified controllers.
  • Line Source with Low-Frequency Element: To extend the system's bandwidth into the low end, ARCS® Wide/Focus line sources can be deployed with SB18m subwoofers. The [ARCS_WIFO] preset is still used for the main enclosures, while the [SB18_60] preset is applied to the subwoofers, setting their upper frequency limit at 60 Hz for optimal coupling. This configuration can be flown, ground-stacked, or arranged in mixed arrays, and is also driven by LA4, LA4X, or LA8 amplified controllers.
  • Single Line Source Element: For short-throw applications, a single ARCS® Wide/Focus enclosure can be used without complementary subwoofers. The [ARCS_WIFO_FI] preset provides a reference frequency response optimized for these scenarios. This configuration is also driven by LA4, LA4X, or LA8 amplified controllers.
  • Single Line Source Element with Low-Frequency Element: A single ARCS® Wide/Focus enclosure can be paired with an SB18m subwoofer to extend the low-frequency bandwidth in short-throw applications. The [ARCS_WIFO_FI] preset is used for the main enclosure, and the [SB18_60] preset for the subwoofer. This setup is driven by LA4, LA4X, or LA8 amplified controllers.

Connection Options:

The loudspeakers connect to LA4, LA4X, or LA8 amplified controllers using specific cabling schemes:

  • LA4 / LA4X Connection:
    • Option A: Uses SP cables (SP.7, SP5, SP10, or SP25) to connect the first enclosures directly to the four output channels of the LA4/LA4X. Each output channel can drive one ARCS® Wide/Focus or one SB18m enclosure, with an impedance load of 8 Ω per enclosure. For cardioid configurations, reversed subwoofers should be connected to OUT 1.
    • Option B: Involves connecting an SP cable to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 connectors of the LA4/LA4X. A CC4FP adapter is then used to connect an SP-YI cable, separating the two output channels. This allows for more complex wiring configurations, still maintaining the 8 Ω impedance load per enclosure.
  • LA8 Connection:
    • Option A: Connects a DO cable (DO.7, DO10, or DO25) to the LA8 PA-COM® connector. A DOSUB-LA8 breakout cable separates the four output channels. Each output channel can drive up to two ARCS® Wide/Focus or two SB18m enclosures in parallel, resulting in an impedance load of 4 Ω for two enclosures or 8 Ω for one. SP cables can be used to connect additional similar enclosures in parallel. For cardioid setups, reversed subwoofers are connected to OUT 1.
    • Option B: Connects an SP cable to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 LA8 SpeakON® connectors. A CC4FP adapter is used with an SP-YI cable to separate the two output channels. Additional similar enclosures can be connected in parallel using SP cables.

Maintenance Features

  • Regular Inspection: It is crucial to inspect the system before any deployment. This includes performing safety-related checks and inspections.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Preventive maintenance should be performed at least once a year. Failure to maintain the product adequately can void the warranty.
  • Issue Detection: If any safety issue is detected during inspection, the product should not be used until corrective maintenance is performed. Issues to look for include missing or loose rigging system parts or fasteners, bends, breaks, broken parts, corrosion, cracks (especially in welded joints), deformation, denting, wear, holes, or missing safety cues or labels.
  • Rigging Manual: Users must refer to the ARCS® Wide/Focus rigging manual for detailed instructions on rigging elements and procedures. Only rigging accessories approved by L-Acoustics® should be incorporated.
  • Software Updates: The LA NETWORK MANAGER software allows for remote control and monitoring of amplified controllers, and regular updates ensure optimal performance and access to new features like Array Morphing EQ.
  • Cable Quality: Only high-quality, fully insulated speaker cables made of stranded copper wire should be used. Cables should be of appropriate gauge to offer low resistance per unit length and kept as short as possible to maintain signal integrity.
  • Documentation: Users are required to read all related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents before operating the system. These documents are included in the shipping carton of the respective system components. The LA4, LA4X, LA8, or LA-RAK user manuals provide detailed instructions for the entire cabling scheme, including modulation cables and network setup.
  • Hearing Protection: Users are advised to be aware of sound levels and consider wearing earplugs when in close proximity to loudspeakers in operation. Loudspeaker systems can produce very high sound pressure levels (SPL) that can cause instantaneous or prolonged permanent hearing damage.

L-Acoustics ARCS WIDE Specifications

General IconGeneral
Impedance8 ohms
Nominal Impedance8 ohms
RiggingIntegrated rigging system
TypeLine source
Max SPL139 dB
Connectors2 x NL4
Enclosure MaterialBaltic birch plywood

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