Despite freezing temperatures and high winds, a steady stream of audio professionals made the trip to the once thriving World War II USAAF base. As well as offering the facility to crank the system up to high volumes, the Bovingdon site was also ideal to demonstrate the quick rigging and de-rigging capabilities of the ALA-9.
Judging by the number of line array launches at the recent Frankfurt MusikMesse, one could be forgiven for thinking that this is an emerging technology, but line array is nothing new. In fact, examples are common from as far back as the 1950s and The Grateful Dead were using the principles of line array in their ‘wall of sound’ in the seventies. However, advancements in electronics and transducer technology, coupled with the use of processors to effectively crossover, equalise and align various types of processor-based speaker systems, has allowed line array to exploit its full potential. Through its ALA-3 and ALA-5, Apogee was one of the first companies to develop processor-based line array systems. The ALA-9 is the natural successor to these and the largest line array system yet produced by the company. During the development of the system, Apogee’s R&D team focused on the needs and wish-lists of the touring industry.
As a result, the ALA-9 features a smooth, clear sound quality, immense power and a robust construction, which should guarantee it holding its own in the touring market. The system is available in a ready-to-tour package, optimising the principles of ‘link and lift’ and using quick release aircraft pins for speed and ease of rigging - referencing the demanding and tight production schedules of the 21st century. Its footprint (4 ft x 2 ft) allows it to be stacked within a standard truck, either two across the width, or four across up-ended.
One of the benefits of line array is the way in which lower frequencies are projected forward, and the ALA-9 maintains a high SPL output with tight pattern control, right down into the lower frequencies, thus maximising the system’s directionality. Off-axis rejection eliminates feedback to mics behind the speaker line, allowing lower SPL of monitoring systems.
Those not able to brave the hostile conditions at Bovingdon need not worry. Lightfactor, which announced its UK Apogee dealership at PLASA last year, is currently putting the finishing touches to a new showroom and demonstration facility at its Greenford HQ.
