L-Acoustics KARAi Quick start guide

KARAi
rigging manual (EN)

w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m
Document reference: KARAi_RM_EN_1-1
Distribution date: March 2, 2017
© 2017 L-ACOUSTICS®. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means without the express written consent of the publisher.

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 1
1SAFETY WARNINGS
All safety information hereafter detailed applies for the L-ACOUSTICS®M-BUMPi rigging structure and
KARAiSB18LINK rigging accessories, designated in this section as the product.
1.1 Symbol description
Throughout this manual the potential risks are indicated by the following symbols:
The WARNING symbol indicates a potential risk of physical harm to the user or people within close
proximity to the product.
In addition, the product may also be damaged.
The CAUTION symbol notifies the user about information to prevent possible product damage.
The IMPORTANT symbol is a notification of an important recommendation of use.
1.2 Important safety instructions
1. Read this manual
2. Heed all safety warnings
3. Follow all instructions
4. The user should never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-ACOUSTICS®
5. Personnel qualification
Installation and set-up should only be carried out by qualified personnel that are familiar with the rigging
techniques and safety recommendations outlined in this manual. It is recommended to attend the training
courses offered by L-ACOUSTICS®before proceeding with the installation of the system.
6. Personnel health and safety
During installation and set-up personnel should wear protective headgear and footwear at all times. Under
no circumstances personnel should climb on the loudspeaker assembly.
7. System parts and rigging inspection
All system components must be inspected before use in order to detect any possible defects.
Please refer to the Care and Maintenance section of this manual as well as any other manuals pertaining
to the system for a detailed description of the inspection procedure.
Any part showing any sign of defect must immediately be withdrawn from use and inspected by qualified
service personnel.
8. Additional rigging equipment
L-ACOUSTICS®is not responsible for any rigging equipment and accessories provided by third party
manufacturers.
It is the user’s responsibility to verify that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of all additional hardware rigging
accessories is greater than the total weight of the loudspeaker assembly in use.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION
IMPORTANT

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9. Suspension points
It is the user’s responsibility to verify that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the suspension points and/or
chain hoists is greater than the total weight of the loudspeaker assembly in use.
10. System load capacity and setup safety limits
Load capacity and setup safety limits when flying or stacking a loudspeaker assembly should be strictly
followed according to the instructions outlined in this manual.
Always refer to the mechanical data and warning indications provided in SOUNDVISION Software
(Mechanical Data section) [3.4] to ensure the mechanical conformity of the system before installation.
11. Local regulations
Some countries require higher Ultimate Strength Safety Factors and specific rigging approvals. It is the user’s
responsibility to verify that any overhead suspension of L-ACOUSTICS®systems has been made in
accordance with all applicable local regulations.
12. Flying a loudspeaker assembly
Always verify that nobody is standing underneath the loudspeaker assembly when it is being raised. As the
assembly is being raised check each individual component to make sure that it is securely fastened to the
component above. Never leave the system unattended during the installation process.
As a general rule, L-ACOUSTICS®recommends the use of safety slings at all times.
13. Stacking a loudspeaker assembly
Do not ground stack the system on unstable ground or platform.
If the assembly is stacked on a structure, platform, or stage always check that the latter can support the
total weight of the assembly.
As a general rule, L-ACOUSTICS®recommends the use of safety straps at all times.
14. Dynamic load
When a loudspeaker assembly is deployed in an open air environment, wind effect should be taken into
account. Wind can produce dynamic stress to the rigging components and suspension points. If the wind
force exceeds 6 bft (Beaufort scale) it is highly recommended to lower down and/or secure the loudspeaker
assembly.
15. Manual
Keep this manual in a safe place during the product lifetime. This manual forms an integral part of the
product. Reselling of the product is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes made to the
product have to be documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in the event of resale.
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
IMPORTANT
WARNING

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 3
1.3 EC declaration of conformity
L-ACOUSTICS®
13 rue Levacher Cintrat
Parc de la Fontaine de Jouvence
91462 Marcoussis Cedex
France
States that the following products:
Rigging structure, M-BUMPi
Rigging accessories, KARAiSB18LINK
Are in conformity with the provisions of:
Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC
Applied rules and standards1:
EN ISO 12100-1: 2004 (Mechanical Safety)
DIN 18800 (Mechanical Structure)
BGV-C1 (Mechanical Standard applied in Germany)
Established at Marcoussis, France
September 29th, 2010
Jacques Spillmann
Head of Engineering & Design dept.
1Maximum flown vertical array configurations:
- General standard: 12 KARAi or 4 SB18i/12 KARAi or 8 SB18i.
- BGV standard: 12 KARAi or 3 SB18i/9 KARAi or 8 SB18i.
Maximum stacked vertical array configurations:
- General standard: 9 KARAi.

KARAi®MODULAR WST®SYSTEM
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KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 4
2CONTENTS
1SAFETY WARNINGS 1
1.1 Symbol description .................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Important safety instructions ................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 EC declaration of conformity .................................................................................................................................. 3
2CONTENTS 4
3INTRODUCTION 5
3.1 Welcome to L-ACOUSTICS®.................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Symbol description .................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Unpacking................................................................................................................................................................ 5
3.4 Web links ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
4KARAi®SYSTEM 6
5KARAi®RIGGING COMPONENTS 8
5.1 M-BUMPi................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5.2 KARAiSB18LINK...................................................................................................................................................... 8
6INSTALLATION 9
6.1 Flying a KARAi standalone array .............................................................................................................................. 9
6.1.1 Modeling and safety ................................................................................................................................. 9
6.1.2 Array assembling procedure .................................................................................................................... 9
6.1.3 Array disassembling procedure.............................................................................................................. 15
6.2 Flying a SB18i/KARAi mixed array or a SB18i standalone array............................................................................. 16
6.2.1 Modeling and safety ............................................................................................................................... 16
6.2.2 Array assembling procedure .................................................................................................................. 16
6.2.3 Array disassembling procedure.............................................................................................................. 23
6.3 Stacking a KARAi standalone array ........................................................................................................................ 24
6.3.1 Modeling and safety ............................................................................................................................... 24
6.3.2 Array assembling procedure .................................................................................................................. 24
6.3.3 Array disassembling procedure.............................................................................................................. 29
6.4 Stacking a SB18i/KARAi mixed array or a SB18i standalone array......................................................................... 30
6.4.1 Modeling and safety ............................................................................................................................... 30
6.4.2 Array assembling procedure .................................................................................................................. 30
6.4.3 Array disassembling procedure.............................................................................................................. 38
7CARE AND MAINTENANCE 39
7.1 Maintenance information ....................................................................................................................................... 39
7.2 Service ......................................................................................................................... Erreur ! Signet non défini.
8SPECIFICATIONS 40
9APPENDIX 41
9.1 Flown array options and site angle setting............................................................................................................. 41
9.1.1 M-BUMPi rigging options ....................................................................................................................... 41
9.1.2 M-BUMPi site angle setting .................................................................................................................... 43
9.1.3 Pullback configuration setup safety limits............................................................................................... 44
9.2 Stacked array options and site angle setting .......................................................................................................... 45
9.2.1 Stacking platform configuration ............................................................................................................. 45
9.2.2 Array site angle setting ........................................................................................................................... 46
9.3 Safety pin removal and insertion............................................................................................................................ 46

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 5
3INTRODUCTION
3.1 Welcome to L-ACOUSTICS®
Thank you for purchasing the L-ACOUSTICS®KARAi®Modular WST®System.
This manual contains essential information on rigging the product correctly and safely. Read this manual carefully in
order to become familiar with these procedures.
As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-ACOUSTICS®reserves the right to
change the specifications of the product and the content of this manual without prior notice.
Should the product requires repair or if information about the warranty is needed, please contact an approved
L-ACOUSTICS®distributor. The address of the nearest distributor is available on the L-ACOUSTICS®web site.
3.2 Symbol description
All along the manual, a bracketed number refers to a section. For example, [3.2] stands for the present section: Symbol
description.
3.3 Unpacking
Carefully open the shipping carton and check the product for any noticeable damage. Each L-ACOUSTICS® product is
tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should arrive in perfect condition.
If found to be damaged, notify the shipping company or the distributor immediately. Only the consignee may initiate a
claim with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping. Be sure to save the carton and packing materials for the
carrier's inspection.
Refer to [5] for full description of the shipping carton contents.
3.4 Web links
Please check the L-ACOUSTICS®web site on a regular basis for latest document and software application updates.
Table 1 provides links for all downloadable items mentioned in this manual.
ALWAYS refer to the latest document version.
ALWAYS use the latest software application version.
Table 1: Links to documents and software applications
KARAi User manual
KARAi Rigging procedures
www.l-acoustics.com/karai
SB18i User manual
www.l-acoustics.com/sb18i
KARA Rigging procedures pack
www.l-acoustics.com/kara
SOUNDVISION Software
www.l-acoustics.com/soundvision
IMPORTANT

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4KARAi®SYSTEM
The L-ACOUSTICS®M-BUMPi and KARAiSB18LINK elements have been designed to rig the KARAi®Modular
WST®Line Source System.
The system approach developed by L-ACOUSTICS®for KARAi consists of the elements needed to fully take advantage
of the possible configurations and optimize the system. The main components of the system are (see also Figure 1 and
Figure 2):
KARAi® Full range active 2-way modular WST®enclosure
M-BUMPi  Structure for flying KARAi and/or SB18i or stacking KARAi
KARAiSB18LINK  Link components between SB18i and KARAi
SB18i  Compact high-power subwoofer
SB28  High-power subwoofer
LA8 Amplified controller
LA NETWORK MANAGER  Remote control software for amplified controllers
SOUNDVISION  Acoustical and mechanical modeling software
Each system configuration should first be modeled using L-ACOUSTICS®SOUNDVISION Software [3.4] to verify
the mechanical conformity of the system. Please refer to the SOUNDVISION Help menu to obtain a detailed
description on software use.
Figure 1: KARAi system components (part 1)
LA8
LA NETWORK MANAGER
SOUNDVISION

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 7
Figure 2: KARAi system components (part 2)
Two SB18i
enclosures
Six KARAi
enclosures
M-BUMPi
SB28
KARAiSB18LINK

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KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 8
5KARAi®RIGGING COMPONENTS
5.1 M-BUMPi
The L-ACOUSTICS®M-BUMPi rigging structure has been designed to fly or stack KARAi®enclosures as a variable-
curvature, vertical line source array. Note: M-BUMPi also can fly straight vertical SB18i arrays.
The M-BUMPi package is composed of:
Ten bars.
A set of M8 hex bolts to assemble the bars and obtain one or two M-BUMPi structures (see notes below).
Two shackles fitted with a 19 mm/0.75 inch-diameter bolt and a safety pin each.
A set of M6 hex bolts and washers to attach a KARAi or a SB18i enclosure to the M-BUMPi.
A set of screws to fix a bar to the bottom KARAi of a flown array and obtain a pullback configuration.
Note 1: In flown configuration, the M-BUMPi can be assembled according to eight rigging options [9.1.1]. In
particular, rigging option 0 allows assembling two M-BUMPi. In addition, a bar can be used for aesthetic purposes (see
the right box in Figure 3).
Note 2: In stacked configuration, the M-BUMPi can be assembled according to two platform configurations [9.2.1].
Any of them allows assembling two M-BUMPi.
Figure 3: M-BUMPi rigging structure
5.2 KARAiSB18LINK
The L-ACOUSTICS®
KARAiSB18LINK accessories
allow rigging a KARAi array
below a SB18i array in flown
configuration.
The KARAiSB18LINK are two
plates (KARAISB18LINK 640
and 917) to fix on the KARAi
enclosure sides.
Figure 4: KARAiSB18LINK rigging accessories
KARAISB18LINK 640
KARAISB18LINK 917
Bar (x8)
Shackle (x2)
M-BUMPi assembled with an additional
front bar for aesthetic purposes

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 9
6INSTALLATION
6.1 Flying a KARAi standalone array
6.1.1 Modeling and safety
Any loudspeaker system must be modeled before installation so as to ensure acoustical and mechanical conformity. This
can be done using L-ACOUSTICS®SOUNDVISION Software [3.4] which will assist the user to:
Determine the number of required KARAi enclosures.
Calculate the M-BUMPi site angle and the inter-enclosure angles.
Check the mechanical conformity of the system.
The M-BUMPi can fly an array of up to 12 KARAi enclosures along with all loudspeakers cables (refer to
the KARAi User manual [3.4]). However, this maximum number can decrease in line with the rigging
option [9.1.1] and the array curvature.
Always refer to the mechanical data and warning indications provided in SOUNDVISION software
(Mechanical Data section) to verify the mechanical conformity of the loudspeaker system before
installation.
6.1.2 Array assembling procedure
The following procedure describes how to assemble and fly a vertical KARAi array under an M-BUMPi.
All along the procedure:
Strictly follow the sequence of the successive steps.
Systematically verify that each bolt and screw is fully driven to the torque value given in this manual.
Systematically verify that the bolt is fully driven and locked by a safety pin on each shackle.
Use a strain relief to avoid mechanical stress at the connector locations due to cable weight.
For clarity purposes:
The loudspeaker cabling procedure will not be described.
The loudspeaker cables and the external rigging system will not be represented on the figures.
Required components and tools
M-BUMPi, electric screwdriver with torque selector (N.m or in.lbf), T30 Torx®bit, 5 mm hex bit, 6 mm hex bit, 10 mm
hex key, 13 mm hex key, KR LOCKBLUE (medium-strength thread-locker, optional, for pullback configuration).
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING

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Procedure
1. After having selected a rigging option [9.1.1], assemble an M-BUMPi as follows:
a. Assemble the bars by slightly driving the self-locking M8 hex bolts (by groups of four on each bar end) as
shown in both top boxes of Figure 5 (6 mm hex bit, 13 mm hex key).
b. Fully drive all screws (5 N.m/45 in.lbf) while ensuring that the frame shape remains square.
c. Attach the shackles as shown in the bottom left box of Figure 5 and insert a safety pin in each one [9.3].
Figure 5: Assembling M-BUMPi for flying
Driving bolts (top view)
Driving bolts (bottom view)
Attaching a shackle
Example of dual-point rear extension configuration
Towards audience

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 11
2. Mount four arms to a first KARAi (hereafter designated as KARAi#1) as follows (repeat on each enclosure side):
The four arms are different and can be identified by a number engraved on each of them. Mount
arm 641 on the rear left, 642 on the front left, 801 on the front right, and 802 on the rear right.
Orient the top part of each arm outwards.
a. Undo both front 55 mm Torx®screws (T30 bit).
b. Position the appropriate front arm and slightly drive both preceding screws.
c. Undo both rear 55 mm Torx®screws (T30 bit).
d. Position the appropriate angle arm and slightly drive the top rear screw only. The position of the arm
depends on the angle intended to be set, as shown in Figure 6. Note: It is recommended to select the 10°
angle on the KARAi intended to be fixed to the M-BUMPi. In that way, the KARAi axis will be parallel to the
M-BUMPi.
Figure 6: Mounting four arms to a KARAi
0°
2°
4°
7.5°
10°
1°
3°
5°
Screw holes for angles
0°/2°/4°/7.5°/10°
Screw holes for
angles 1°/3°/5°
KARAi assembled for angles 1°/3°/5°
KARAi assembled for angles 0°/2°/4°/7.5°/10°
Angle arm detail with inter-
enclosures angle holes
Arm 642
Arm 641
Arm 801
Arm 802
Top part
oriented
outwards
a.
b.
a.
b.
c.
d.
c.
WARNING

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KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 12
3. Attach KARAi#1 to the M-BUMPi by driving four self-locking M6 hex bolts (included in the M-BUMPi package)
into the KARAi#1 top link holes and the M-BUMPi link holes (5 mm hex bit, 10 mm hex key, 5 N.m/45 in.lbf).
On each angle arm, select hole 10° (KARAi#1 projection axis parallel to the M-BUMPi).
The angles values corresponding to the different holes are detailed in Figure 6.
Figure 7: Attaching KARAi#1 to M-BUMPi
IMPORTANT
Full view
Detailed view of the front left bolt
Angle 10°
Detailed view of the rear left bolt

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 13
4. Mount four arms to a second KARAi (hereafter designated as KARAi#2) by applying step 2.
5. Attach KARAi#2 to KARAi#1 as follows:
a. Position both KARAi#2 front top link holes face to both KARA#1 front bottom link holes and secure each pair
by slightly driving a 35 mm Torx®screw (T30 bit).
b. Rotate KARAi#2 so as to position its rear top link holes with both KARAi#1 rear bottom link holes and secure
each pair by slightly driving a 55 mm Torx®screw (T30 bit).
On both angle arms, select the holes corresponding to the angle intended to be set (refer to
Figure 6).
Figure 8 shows the example of angle 0° (KARAi#1 and KARAi#2 front faces parallel).
c. Fully drive the ten Torx®screws on KARAi#1 (T30 bit, 5 N.m/45 in.lbf).
Figure 8: Attaching KARAi#2 to KARAi#1
IMPORTANT
b. c. Angle 0°
KARAi#1
KARAi#2
M-BUMPi
b.
c.
a.
c.
c.
c.

KARAi®MODULAR WST®SYSTEM
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6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all KARAi enclosures composing the array are assembled.
7. Secure the fixation points on the bottom KARAi as follows (repeat on both sides of the enclosure):
a. Drive a 35 mm Torx®screw into the front bottom hole (T30 bit, 5 N.m/45 in.lbf).
b. Drive a 55 mm Torx®screw into the rear bottom hole (T30 bit, 5 N.m/45 in.lbf).
c. Fully drive the three remaining Torx®screws (T30 bit, 5 N.m/45 in.lbf).
Figure 9: Example of KARAi standalone array
b.
Bottom
KARAi
c.
c.
c.
a.

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 15
8. If the array is intended to be flown in pullback configuration, mount a M-BUMPi bar to the bottom KARAi as
follows:
a. Undo the two flat-head Torx®screws on holes shown in Figure 10 (T30 bit).
b. Position an M-BUMPi bar face to both holes and drive two round-head 35 mm Torx®screws (included in the
M-BUMPi package) (thread-locker, T30 bit, 7 N.m/63 in.lbf).
c. Attach a shackle to the rear center point of the bar.
d. Attach the hook or stinger of an additional motor to the shackle.
Refer to [9.1.3] for pullback setup safety limits.
Figure 10: Setting the array in pullback configuration
9. Adjust the height and the site angle of the array [9.1.2].
10. Secure the M-BUMPi to the main rigging structure using two safety slings (not included).
6.1.3 Array disassembling procedure
Apply the above procedure in the reversed sequence.
WARNING
Bottom
KARAi
a.
a.
b. c.
d.
b. c.

KARAi®MODULAR WST®SYSTEM
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6.2 Flying a SB18i/KARAi mixed array or a SB18i standalone array
6.2.1 Modeling and safety
Any system must be modeled before installation so as to ensure acoustical and mechanical conformity. This can be done
using L-ACOUSTICS®SOUNDVISION Software [3.4] which will assist the user to:
Determine the number of required KARAi enclosures (acoustic data not available for subwoofers).
Calculate the M-BUMPi site angle and the inter-enclosure angles.
Check the mechanical conformity of the system.
The M-BUMPi can fly an array of up to 4 SB18i/12 KARAi or 8 SB18i along with all loudspeaker cables
(refer to the KARAi and SB18i User manuals [3.4]). However, this maximum number can decrease in
line with the rigging option [9.1.1] and the array curvature.
Always refer to the mechanical data and warning indications provided in SOUNDVISION software
(Mechanical Data section) to verify the mechanical conformity of the loudspeaker system before
installation.
6.2.2 Array assembling procedure
The following procedure describes how to assemble and fly a vertical SB18i/KARAi or SB18i array under an M-BUMPi.
Flying a SB18i/KARAi mixed array also requires using the KARAiSB18LINK accessories.
All along the procedure:
Strictly follow the sequence of the successive steps.
Systematically verify that each bolt and screw is fully driven to the torque value given in this manual.
Systematically verify that the bolt is fully driven and locked by a safety pin on each shackle.
Use a strain relief to avoid mechanical stress at the connector locations due to cable weight.
For clarity purposes:
The loudspeaker cabling procedure will not be described.
The loudspeaker cables and the external rigging system will not be represented on the figures.
Required components and tools
M-BUMPi, KARAiSB18LINK, electric screwdriver with torque selector (N.m or in.lbf), T30 Torx®bit, 5 mm hex bit,
6 mm hex bit, 10 mm hex key, 13 mm hex key, KR LOCKBLUE (medium-strength thread-locker, optional, for pullback
configuration).
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING

KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 17
Procedure
1. After having selected a rigging option [9.1.1], assemble an M-BUMPi as follows:
a. Assemble the bars by slightly driving the self-locking M8 hex bolts (by groups of four on each bar end) as
shown in both top boxes of Figure 11 (6 mm hex bit, 13 mm hex key).
b. Fully drive all screws (5 N.m/45 in.lbf) while ensuring that the frame is square.
c. Attach the shackles as shown in the bottom left box of Figure 11 and insert a safety pin in each one [9.3].
Figure 11: Assembling M-BUMPi for flying
Driving bolts (top view)
Driving bolts (bottom view)
Attaching a shackle
Example of dual-point rear extension configuration
Towards audience

KARAi®MODULAR WST®SYSTEM
RIGGING PROCEDURES
VERSION 1.1
KARAi_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m 18
2. Mount four arms to a first SB18i (hereafter designated as SB18i#1) as follows (repeat on each corner of the
enclosure):
a. Undo the five 35 mm Torx®screws on a corner of SB18i#1 (T30 bit).
b. Position an arm as shown in Figure 12 and slightly drive the four top screws only. Note: The four arms are
identical and can be identified by number 611 engraved on each one.
Orient the top part of each arm outwards.
Figure 12: Mounting four arms to a SB18i
WARNING
Top part
oriented
outwards
b.
a.
b.
a.
b.
a.
b.
a.
a.