VUE Audiotechnik debuted the al-12, the newest and largest addition to the company’s al-Class of scalable line array systems, at the InfoComm show earlier this month.

Best suited for large-scale applications, the al-12 is designed for higher efficiency, increased power handling and reduced power compression.

VUE incorporates proprietary transducer designs in each al-Class acoustic line array element, while every individual component development project carefully weighs the design trade-offs to optimise parameters for maximum output capability and heat dissipation, frequency response linearity, duty-cycle reliability, and minimum size and weight.

VUE’s acoustic linearity principles, supported by its unique CST (Continuous Source Topology) enables its al-Class line-array elements to function seamlessly in the same coherent, symmetrical line source array from the largest system at the top of the array to the smallest elements hung at the bottom of the array.

“The al-12 expands VUE’s pristine sonic quality to larger applications in the global touring and permanent installation markets,” said VUE CEO Ken Berger. “This latest addition to the line will enable current VUE end-users to expand their al-Class inventory while maintaining 100% use of their existing al-Class inventory. It will also attract companies looking to expand their business or upgrade their ageing and lower-performing 12- or 15-inch line array systems.”

High-frequency reproduction in the al-12 is handled by two three-inch, 1.4-exit compression drivers utilising VUE’s proprietary Truextent beryllium diaphragms. Beryllium has an extremely high stiffness-to-mass ratio, significantly reducing mechanical deformation under stress. This enables the HF driver to achieve an additional octave of useful, non-resonant high-frequency energy — a performance level not obtainable using aluminium or titanium diaphragms — as found in other systems.

“The newly designed phase plug and three-inch beryllium diaphragm combine to provide excellent high frequency clarity while reducing overall harmonic content by some 50%,” explained Michael Adams, VUE design chief. “The results can be heard in the detail and subtle articulation of the voice, instruments and effects, which are often lost due to frequency masking caused by non-linear diaphragm motions in competitors systems.”

Two 12-inch low-frequency drivers with Neodymium magnet assemblies flank six midrange Neodymium drivers constructed with Kevlar cones. The HF and MF drivers complement the al-12’s expanded LF output while remaining true to the acoustic linearity design principles in the al-4 and al-8 systems. This enables the systems to work together to form a true symmetrical line source with ‘unmatched’ definition.

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