Inter BEE 2014 - LIVEGEAR displays the latest K-array speakers and original LEDs. The extensive lineup includes the “Liz-W," which is equipped with adjustable color and temperature zoom, and the “LizX4," which is becoming increasingly popular with broadcast stations

From November 19th (Wed) to the 21st (Fri), LIVEGEAR held an exhibition at the Inter BEE 2014. There, they showcased a wide range of products at their booth, including their independently developed LED lights, and the latest products from the Italian loudspeaker brand, K-array. K-array speakers are widely used at concert venues and event sites, whether they be indoors or outdoors. The original LEDs were developed and produced by BLUEWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, an affiliate company. All light components, including the body and lens, are original and have been tailored to meet the various requirements associated with usage in a Japanese environment.

■Showcasing K-array's portable self-powered line-array speakers and low-profile enclosed box speakers
The KR102, KR202, and KR402 are some of the latest products from K-array.
The KR102 and KR202 are composed of ultra-slim line-array satellite speakers (two for KR102, four for KR202) and two self-powered subwoofers. The 1m-long stainless steel-enclosed satellite houses 16 2-inch neodymium transducers. Measuring a width of 5.9cm and depth of 8.1cm, the satellite weighs 4.6kg. The line array configuration has been coupled to provide controlled directional range at 110 degrees in the horizontal and 7 degrees in the vertical. By using a switch at the back, vertical directivity can be adjusted to 35 degrees.
KR402 is composed of four line-array satellite speakers and two self-powered subwoofers. The 1m-long stainless steel-enclosed satellite houses 12 3-inch neodymium transducers. Measuring a width of 11.8cm and depth of 8.8cm, the satellite weighs 12kg. The line-array configuration has been coupled to provide controlled directional range at 90 degrees in the horizontal and 7 degrees in the vertical. By using a switch at the back, vertical directivity can be adjusted to 30 degrees.
With the optional base plate, it becomes possible to arrange a rigged setup using a maximum of six units, creating a coupled system as long as 6m. This mode is suited for arenas and outdoor competition venues.
Meanwhile, the portable powered wedge speaker, “KRM33”, is a compact, low-profile box speaker enclosed by a sturdy stainless steel chassis. It is composed of three 3-inch cone drivers and a 6-inch passive radiator.
This combination enables emissions in the range of 70Hz–18kHz. Additionally, horizontal coverage range can be adjusted to anywhere between 30 and 70 degrees by using the DSP controls. These speakers can be used very flexibly and can be setup on the floor, fixed upside-down on the ceiling, or attached to walls as wall speakers. Moreover, they can also be used for a wide range of purposes, including theaters, concerts, exhibits, and studio recording.

■The many features that enhance “on-site ease of use”
The main attraction of the LED lineup was the "Liz Series," which incorporates DMX controlled zoom. Equipped with high-power RGBW LEDs, beam angle can adjusted between 10 and 40 degrees. From an impressive narrow beam to wash lighting that offers wide coverage, many forms of expression are now possible.
One item in the series, the “Liz-W," can be adjusted for color temperature in the range of 2700–6500 degrees Kelvin. Assuming it is used in public halls or other permanent settings, the light can be switched on by simply turning on the breaker even when the dimming console is powered off. This mechanism (EMG mode) provides instant light without the hassle of having to activate the dimming console. When the dimming console is later activated, DMX control mode takes over automatically.
Another showcased item was a 4-in-1 full color LED strip light, the “LiX4," which features 4-in-1 LEDs with large lenses aligned along a 1m-long bar. Beam angle is fixed at 11 degrees, but the appended lens filters enable wide beaming at 40 degrees. The device is suited for wash lighting in public halls and studios to mimic daylight (horizontal curtains), as well as for effective lighting in television studios and concert venues.
During development of the LEDs, the company pursued “on-site ease of use." The products incorporate solutions to tackle problems such as flicker and electromagnetic noise, and take suggestions from TV lighting engineers into consideration. Further, the devices continue to emit light specified in default settings even when control cables get disconnected. “They don't cause blackouts, so we can prevent major accidents from happening in the middle of a broadcast even if errors occur,” explained an expert. LiX4 has already been introduced to Nippon Television, with NHK also set to implement it in the near future.

LIVEGEAR Inc.
13-33 Toyotsucho, Suita-shi, Osaka, Japan
URL: http://www.livegear.co.jp/
Inter BEE Booth: Professional Audio Section/Hall 1/1212