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al-4 Subcompact Line Array System

 

The al-4 Subcompact Line Array System utilizes advanced technologies to extract unparalleled performance from an ultra-compact package. With cutting-edge technologies such as a beryllium compression driver, Kevlar/Neo low-frequency transducers, and precision amplification and DSP, the highly scalable al-4 system brings pristine sound quality and coveted line array performance to more applications than ever before.

The al-4 Line Array System is made up of the al-4 Acoustic Element, the rack mount V4 Systems Engine, which provides amplification, DSP and system control and the al-4SB flyable isobaric subwoofer, along with a wide range of accessories for suspension and transportation.  The system is sold in standard blocks, with eight al-4 Acoustic Elements and a single V4 Systems Engine (designed to power up to 8 al-4 elements) comprising a single block. Multiple al-4 blocks can be combined to address larger applications.

FEATURES:

  • al-4 elements make it easy to scale al-4 arrays for various applications (one rental inventory serves a variety of applications)
  • Fly up to 24 al-4 elements from a single fly-bar
  • 90° horizontal coverage angle per al-4 element
  • VUE designed 1-inch exit neodymium compression driver with Truextent® beryllium diaphragm
  • VUE designed dual 4-inch Kevlar cone neodymium woofers
  • Compact and lightweight – each al-4 element is 5.47 x 19.90 x 10.28 inches (H x W x D) and 19.2 lbs.

 

Unlike other compact line array systems that have fixed vertical coverage, the al-4 functions more like full-scale line array systems, with the vertical coverage limited only by the number of elements in the array rather than by the physical limitations of the cabinet design. This flexibility allows al-4 rental inventory to serve a variety of uses. From small “one-man” shows to more demanding productions, scaling up or down is simply a matter of adding more elements to the array.

The al-4 by itself produces flat response down to 90 Hz, for applications where extended low-frequency response is required, the al-4 can be arrayed with the al-4SB. It is also fully compliable with the full family of VUE subwoofers so you’re sure to have the output and bandwidth you need for virtually any application requirements.  Flexible suspension options allow flying, ground stacking, attachment to a lighting grid and pole mounting on stands or atop VUE subwoofers.

CST ™ (Continuous Source Topology)

al-12-Vue-system-overview-03-frontDefinition of Topology: “The study of geometric properties and spatial relations unaffected by the continuous change of shape or size of figures.”

CST™ re-defines the concept of system ‘Scalability’. Acoustic Linearity Architecture paired with CST™ allows the use of multiple different al-Class elements together in an array without sacrificing the elemental line-array theory basics, resulting in a coherent and symmetrical line-source from the largest cabinet at the top of the array to the smallest under-hung elements. The family of al-Class products features three line array elements for maximum flexibility in sound design, inventory profitability, unbeatable coherency. Furthermore, the VUE al-Class Line Arrays support VUEPoint™ Beam Forming to further achieve unsurpassable performance and coverage control in any given room configuration.

VUE’S ACOUSTIC LINEARITY WITH CST™ ANOINTS VUE’S al-CLASS AS THE BENCHMARK IN COMPLETE LINE ARRAY SOLUTIONS

al-Class Combination Arrays
The VUE al-Class line arrays are the only system that can combine ultra-compact (al-4), medium format (al-8) and large-format (al-12) enclosures into a single coherent array without compromising the mid- and high-frequency coherency. This design feature enables a level of unparalleled system versatility. One can create virtually seamless arrays fully optimized for every parameter including coverage, sound pressure level, size, and weight. This also expands the capitalization of a rental inventory for all portable applications.

Infinitely Scalable

 
  • Each al-4 Subcompact Line Array System “block” includes eight al-4 acoustic elements and a single V4 Systems Engine
  • Scalable by adding or removing al-4 acoustic elements or combining multiple al-4 blocks
  • Optional flying, ground stack and pole-mount accessories available

The al-4 Line Array System is made up of the al-4 Acoustic Element and the rack mount V4 Systems Engine, which provides amplification, DSP and system control for up to 8 elements. The system is sold in standard blocks, with eight al-4 Acoustic Elements and a single V4 Systems Engine comprising a single block. Multiple al-4 blocks can be combined to address larger applications.

Unlike other compact line array systems that have a fixed vertical coverage, the al-4 functions more like full-scale line array systems, with the vertical coverage limited only by the number of elements in the array rather than by the physical limitations of the cabinet design. This flexibility allows al-4 rental inventory to serve a variety of uses. From small “one-man” shows to more demanding productions, scaling up or down is simply a matter of adding more elements to the array.

For applications where extended low-frequency is required, the al-4 is fully compatibility with a variety of VUE subwoofers. Flexible suspension options allow flying, ground stacking, and pole mounting on stands or atop VUE subwoofers.

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Transducers

 
The ultra-compact al-4 element utilizes an M-T-M (LF-HF-LF) configuration for symmetrical horizontal consistency with two 4-inch Kevlar cone neodymium woofers flanking a precision-engineered, 1-inch exit neodymium compression driver featuring a Truextent® beryllium diaphragm.

Beryllium technology allows the compression driver to deliver dramatic improvements in HF extension and response linearity that simply cannot be matched by traditional aluminum or titanium designs. The beryllium compression driver is mounted to a precision waveguide delivering 90° of horizontal coverage and 10° of vertical coverage when measured as a single unit.

All three transducers are housed in a rugged 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 fly-bar. Rear panel I/O includes NL4 Input and Loop connections for easy daisy-chaining of line array elements.

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VUEDrive™ V4 Systems Engine

  • LF 1600W x 2 sine wave – HF 550W x 2 sine wave
  • 64-bit digital processing including EQ, time alignment, crossover management, and speaker protection
  • Ultra-premium converters provide 118 dB of dynamic range
  • Input Delay up to 2 seconds per channel
  • LCD display for easy user interface
  • Mac or PC compatible software control
  • Maximum input level of +23dB for the most demanding applications
  • Latency < 1ms (Typical 640 microsecond)
  • Compact 2U rack-mount chassis

The compact V4 Systems Engine is a 2-in/4-out configuration providing four discrete channels of amplification with more than enough “oomph” to bi-amp as many as eight al-4 elements.

Inside each V4 chassis are four dedicated amplifiers supplying two channels at 1600W each for the low-frequency, and two channels at 550W each for the high frequency. And that’s clean, pure sine wave power rather than the “peak burst” measurement our competition prefers to use.

In addition to amplification, the V4 Systems Engine also handles all system processing and management functions, including speaker protection as well as system-optimized alignment of EQ, time and crossover functions. Rear panel signal connections include dual XLR and AES/EBU inputs, with a pair of NL4 connectors for loudspeaker outputs.

THE VUEDrive™ V4 Systems Engine provides power and dsp for up to 8 al-4 Acoustic Elements

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V4 Rear Panel

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS al-4 4 x al-4 & 1 x VUEDrive™ V4
DESCRIPTION Subcompact Line Array Element Subcompact Line Array System
ACOUSTIC DATA
Frequency Response (+-2.5 dB) 90 Hz to 20 kHz 90 Hz to 20k Hz
Frequency Range (-10 dB) 78 Hz – 26 kHz 70 Hz – 26 kHz
Sensitivity (1W/1m) 93 dB SPL 99 dB SPL
Power Long Term Sine Wave  Before Protection LF:Before Protection HF: 100 watts28 watts 400 watts112 watts
Power Burst (6 dB Crest before clip)LF:HF: 400 watts137 watts 2400 watts550 watts
Max Peak SPL †(band limited pink noise 6 dB crest factor) 119 dB SPL 131 dB SPL
Max SPL Long Term (AVG SPL @1M before protection band limited pink noise) 113 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
LF Driver Description Two 4-inch drivers, Kevlar cones, isobutylene isoprene rubber surrounds, neodymium magnets
HF Driver Description 1-inch exit 34 mm voice coil Pure Truextent® beryllium diaphragm
Impedance 16 Ohms 4 Ohms net 4x 16 ohms
PHYSICAL DATA
Rigging: Three-point rigging system, provides 0°, 1°, 2.5°, 3.5° 5° , 6°, and 7.5° between array elements.
Connectors Neutrik NL4 Speakon In and Loop
Cabinet Material Multi-ply birch hardwood
Cabinet Surface 12 Step Dura-Coat LX – an elastomer synthetic resin chemical coating
Handles Rear Metal
Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.47 x 19.90 x 10.28 in (139 x 480 x 261 mm)
Weight (per element) Net: 19.2 lbs (8.7 kg) / Shipped: 23.3 lbs (10.56 kg)
ACCESSORIES
al-4fbl Long Fly bar for greater down angle and use with al-4SB
al-4PB Compact Pole Mount bracket holds 4x al-4 acoustic elements
al-4-pin-4x Extra al-4 Fly Pins (set of four pins)
al-4-fc4x Flight case holds 4x al-4 acoustic elements and fly bar
†  Measured Max SPL is recommended for system design purposes and represents the average peak output before protection and after power compression. In accordance with common industry practice, calculated data is provided for comparison purposes, and is a theoretical calculation.

Dimensions

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Horizontal Data

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Beryllium

The Truextent® Beryllium Advantage

be-diaphagm-03 h-Class full range systems and al-Class line arrays all employ VUE-designed compression drivers that feature a Truextent® beryllium diaphragm at their core. Beryllium outperforms both aluminum and titanium thanks to an extremely high stiffness-to-mass ratio, which dramatically reduces mechanical deformation (breakup) and shifts resonant frequencies outside the audible range. The net result is a more defined HF at much higher SPLs than more conventional materials.
 
Read more about the advantages of Truextent beryllium  

al-4 Suspension System

Update procedure & instructions for arraying (pre-november 2014) al-4s : http://youtu.be/WblSxZfOraU

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Downloads

al-4 Downloads