L-Acoustics ARCS WIDE User manual

ARCS Wide/Focus
user manual (EN)

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
user manual
VERSION 4.0
ARCSWIFO_UM_EN_4.0
www.l-acoustics.com
2
Document reference: ARCSWIFO_UM_EN_4.0
Distribution date: December 15, 2021
© 2021 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.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this manual
2. Follow all SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS as well as DANGER and OBLIGATION warnings
3. Never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-ACOUSTICS®
4. Read all the related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents before exploiting the system
The product information document is included in the shipping carton of the related system component.
5. Inspect the system before any deployment.
Perform safety related checks and inspections before any deployment.
Perform preventive maintenance at least once a year.
Insufficient upkeep of the product can void the warranty.
If any safety issue is detected during inspection, do not use the product before performing corrective
maintenance.
Check for issues. A rigging system part or fastener is missing or loose. A rigging system part exhibits: bends, breaks,
broken parts, corrosion, cracks, cracks in welded joints, deformation, denting, wear, holes. A safety cue or label is
missing.
6. Read the RIGGING MANUAL before installing the system
Use the rigging accessories described in the rigging manual and follow the associated procedures
7. Beware of sound levels
Do not stay within close proximity of loudspeakers in operation and consider wearing earplugs.
Loudspeaker systems are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels (SPL) which can instantaneously lead
to permanent hearing damage to performers, production crew and audience members. Hearing damage can also
occur with prolonged exposure to sound: 8 h at 90 dB(A), 30 min at 110 dB(A), less than 4 min at 130 dB(A).
SYMBOLS
The following symbols are used in this document:
DANGER
This symbol indicates a potential risk of harm to an individual or damage to the product.
It can also notify the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure safe installation or operation of
the product.
OBLIGATION
This symbol notifies the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure proper installation or
operation of the product.
INFORMATION
This symbol notifies the user about compleme
ntary information or optional instructions.

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
user manual
VERSION 4.0
ARCSWIFO_UM_EN_4.0
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CONTENTS
ARCS® WIDE / FOCUS SYSTEM 5
1SYSTEM COMPONENTS 6
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosure ...............................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 Powering and driving system....................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Loudspeaker cables.....................................................................................................................................................................6
1.4 Rigging element ...........................................................................................................................................................................6
1.5 Software application....................................................................................................................................................................6
2LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS 8
2.1 Line source..................................................................................................................................................................................8
Standalone ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source .............................................................................................................................8
2.2 Line source with low-frequency element....................................................................................................................................9
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source + SB18m...............................................................................................................................9
2.3 Line source element.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Single ARCS WIDE/FOCUS enclosure .....................................................................................................................................10
2.4 Line source with low-frequency element..................................................................................................................................11
Single ARCS WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m .....................................................................................................................................11
3LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION 12
3.1 Connectors ...............................................................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Connection to LA4 / LA4X .......................................................................................................................................................13
Option A...................................................................................................................................................................................13
Option B...................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Connection to LA8....................................................................................................................................................................16
Option A...................................................................................................................................................................................16
Option B...................................................................................................................................................................................18
APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION 20
[ARCS_WIFO] and [ARCS_WIFO_FI]......................................................................................................................................20
[SB18_60].................................................................................................................................................................................20
[SB18_60_C] ............................................................................................................................................................................20
APPENDIX B RECOMMANDATION FOR SPEAKER CABLES 21
APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS 22
ARCS FOCUS........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
ARCS WIDE ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
SB18m ......................................................................................................................................................................................24

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ARCS® WIDE / FOCUS SYSTEM
The ARCS®WIDE and ARCS®FOCUS systems are based on two constant curvature enclosures ensuring distinct
directivity pattern and SPL capabilities. Intended for medium-throw applications in rental productions and fixed
installations, these line sources deliver remarkable acoustic properties and unmatched versatility for applications including
FOH L/R systems, central clusters, side-fill monitors, distributed systems and complementary fills.
The main systems components consist of the following:
•ARCS®WIDE (H x V: 30° x 90°) element, wide coverage, operating from 55 Hz to 20 kHz;
•ARCS®FOCUS (H x V: 15° x 90°) element, focused energy, operating from 55 Hz to 20 kHz;
•SB18m low frequency extension, operating down to 32 Hz;
•LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controllers.
The ARCS®WIDE or ARCS®FOCUS line sources provide high SPL with perfect acoustic coupling, a solid LF performance
and constant tonal balance over distance. Both systems can be deployed either as a horizontal array or as a vertical array.
In the coupling plane, the ARCS®WIDE and ARCS®FOCUS yield a razor-sharp directivity pattern, particularly valuable
to sector audience fields while avoiding reflective surfaces. In the other plane, both systems provide a 90° smooth
symmetric directivity pattern.
The ARCS®WIDE is suited to achieve an extensive coverage with few elements, offering a remarkably compact array
preserving sightlines. The total coverage angle of an ARCS®WIDE line source is proportional to the number N of
enclosures in the array, i.e. N x 30°.
The ARCS®FOCUS line source focuses the same acoustic energy within half of the coverage angle, i.e. N x 15°. The
ARCS®FOCUS is therefore suited to achieve a narrower coverage, offering a higher SPL with a more extended throw
than its sibling.
The ARCS®WIDE and ARCS®FOCUS can also be deployed in “WIFO” hybrid arrays for complex audience geometries.
The dual directivity pattern and the various system configurations offered to the sound designer and system engineer
allow a high level of creative freedom. Before installation, all these configurations can be acoustically and mechanically
modeled with the SOUNDVISION 3D simulation software.
The amplified controllers offer an advanced and precise drive system for the ARCS®WIDE and ARCS®FOCUS
enclosures. Both can be driven with the same preset. All L-ACOUSTICS amplified controllers feature the L-DRIVE, a
thermal and over-excursion protection circuit.
Up to 253 LA8 amplified controllers can be connected together via the Ethernet-based L-NET protocol. The LA
NETWORK MANAGER software allows online remote control and monitoring of all the connected units, via a user-
friendly and intuitive graphic interface, and features the Array Morphing EQ. This exclusive tool allows the engineer to
quickly adjust the tonal balance of the system to reach a reference curve or to ensure consistency of the sonic signature.

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
user manual
VERSION 4.0
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1SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The system approach developed by L-ACOUSTICS®consists in offering a global solution that guarantees the highest and
most predictable level of performance at any step of loudspeaker system deployment: modeling, installation, and
operation. A complete L-ACOUSTICS®system includes enclosures, amplified controllers, cables, rigging system and
software applications.
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosure
ARCS®WIDE
Full-range (55Hz – 20kHz), 2-way passive, constant curvature WST®line source, 90° x 30°
ARCS
®
FOCUS
Full-range (55Hz – 20kHz), 2-way passive, constant curvature WST
®
line source, 90° x 15°
SB18m
High power subwoofer (down to 32Hz)
Loudspeaker system design
Sound design aspects are beyond the scope of this document. However, the various applications of the system will
be based on the loudspeaker configurations presented in this document.
1.2 Powering and driving system
LA4, LA4X or LA8
Amplified controllers with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities
Operating instructions
Refer to the LA4, LA4X, LA8 or LA-RAK user manuals.
1.3 Loudspeaker cables
DO cables (DO.7, DO10, DO25)
8-point PA-COM
®
loudspeaker cables (4 mm² section).
Respective lengths of 0.7 m/2.3 ft, 10 m/32.8 ft, and 25 m/82 ft.
DOSUB-LA8
Breakout cable for four passive enclosures.
8-point PA-COM
®
to 4 × 2-point SpeakON
®
(4 mm² section).
SP cables (SP.7, SP5, SP10, SP25) 4-point SpeakON®loudspeaker cables (4 mm² section).
Respective lengths of 0.7 m/2.3 ft, 5 m/16.4 ft, 10 m/32.8 ft and 25 m/82 ft.
SP-Y1
Breakout cable for two passive enclosures.
4-point SpeakON®to 2 × 2-point SpeakON® (2.5 mm² section).
Provided with CC4FP adapter.
Information about the connection of the enclosures to the LA amplifiers is given in this document.
Refer to the LA4, LA4X, LA8 or LA-RAK user manualsfor detailed instructions about the whole cabling scheme,
including modulation cables and network.
1.4 Rigging element
Rigging elements or procedures are not presented in this document.
Refer to the
ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS rigging manual.
1.5 Software application
SOUNDVISION
Proprietary acoustical and mechanical 3D modeling software.
LA NETWORK MANAGER
Remote control and monitoring of amplified controllers
Using L-ACOUSTICS
®
software
Refer to the SOUNDVISION user manual and the LA NETWORK MANAGER tutorial.

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ARCS® FOCUS
SB18m
ARCS®WIDE
DO3WFILL
DOSUB-LA8
LA4X
LA4
LA8
DO10
DO25
DO.7
SPY1
SP7
SP5
SP10
SP25
Soundvision
LA Network Manager
ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS system components (excluding rigging elements and modulation cables)

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
user manual
VERSION 4.0
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2LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS
2.1 Line source
Deployed as a standalone line source, an ARCS WIDE/FOCUS system operates over the nominal bandwidth of the ARCS
WIDE/FOCUS enclosure.
The [ARCS_WIFO] preset allows for a reference frequency response in medium throw applications.
This configuration is driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controller.
Standalone ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source
Horizontal
Vertical
Frequency range (-10 dB)
Enclosure
[PRESET]
55 Hz – 20 kHz
ARCS®WIDE / FOCUS
[ARCS_WIFO]

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2.2 Line source with low-frequency element
In this configuration – an ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS line source deployed with SB18m subwoofers – the system bandwidth is
extended in the low end.
The [ARCS_WIFO] preset allows for a reference frequency response in medium throw applications.
The [SB18_60] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz for an optimal frequency
coupling with the ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS line source.
This configuration is driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controllers.
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS line source + SB18m
Flown
Flown horizontal ARCS WIDE/FOCUS with
ground-stacked SB18m
Stacked
Mixed arrays
Enclosure
[PRESET]
ARCS
®
WIDE/FOCUS
[ARCS_WIFO]
SB18m
[SB18_60]
Frequency range (-10dB)
Recommended ratio
32 Hz – 20 kHz
1 ARCS®WIDE / FOCUS: 1 SB18m

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
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2.3 Line source element
In this configuration – a single ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS enclosure without complementary subwoofers – the system
operates over the nominal bandwidth of the enclosure.
The [ARCS_WIFO_FI] preset allows for a reference frequency response in short throw applications.
This configuration is driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controller.
Single ARCS WIDE/FOCUS enclosure
Frequency range (-10 dB)
Enclosure
[PRESET]
55 Hz – 20 kHz
1 ARCS®WIDE / FOCUS: 1 SB18m
[ARCS_WIFO_FI]

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2.4 Line source with low-frequency element
In this configuration – a single ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS enclosure deployed with an SB18m subwoofer – the system
bandwidth is extended in the low end.
The [ARCS_WIFO_FI] preset allows for a reference frequency response in short throw applications.
The [SB18_60] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz for an optimal frequency
coupling with the ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS element.
This configuration is driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controllers.
Single ARCS WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m
Enclosure
[PRESET]
ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS
[ARCS_WIFO_FI]
SB18m

[SB18_60]
Frequency range (-10dB) Recommended ratio
32 Hz – 20 kHz 1 ARCS®WIDE / FOCUS: 1 SB18m

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
user manual
VERSION 4.0
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3LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION
3.1 Connectors
Internal pinout for L-ACOUSTICS®ARCS WIDE/FOCUS and SB18m
SpeakON®points 1+ 1 - 2 + 2 -
Transducer connectors
+
-
Not used
Not used

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3.2 Connection to LA4 / LA4X
Maximum number of enclosures per LA4 / LA4X
One ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS or one SB18m can be connected to each output channel on the LA4 /
LA4X.
Therefore, a single LA4 / LA4X amplified controller can drive up to:
•4 ×ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS or
•4 ×SB18m or
•3 ×ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS and 1 ×SB18m.
Cardioid configuration
Connect the reversed subwoofer(s) to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Impedance load
8 Ω for 1 enclosure.
Option A
Use SP cables (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to connect first enclosures to the four LA4 / LA4X output channels.
LA4 / LA4X option A maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
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LA4 / LA4X option A maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m
LA4 / LA4X option A maximum configuration with SB18m

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Option B
Connect an SP cable (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 connectors of the LA4 / LA4X.
Use a CC4FP adapterto connect an SP-Y1 cable and separate the two output channels.
LA4 / LA4X option B maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS
LA4 / LA4X option B maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m
LA4 / LA4X option B maximum configuration with SB18m

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
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3.3 Connection to LA8
Maximum number of enclosures per LA8
Two ARCS WIDE/FOCUS or two SB18m can be connected in parallel to each output channel on the LA8.
Therefore, a single LA8 amplified controller can drive up to:
•8 ×ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS or
•8 ×SB18m or
•4 ×ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS and 4 ×SB18m.
Cardioid configuration
Connect the reversed subwoofer(s) to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Impedance load
8 Ω for 1 enclosure, 4 Ω for 2 enclosures.
Option A
Connect a DO cable (DO.7, DO10 or DO25) to the LA8 PA-COM®connector
Use the DOSUB-LA8 to separate the four output channels.
If necessary, use SP cables to connect additional similar enclosures in parallel with the first ones.
LA8 option A maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS
Corresponding DOSUB-LA8 SpeakON
®
points and LA8 output channels:
SPK1 = OUT 1
SPK2 = OUT 2
SPK3 = OUT 3
SPK4 = OUT 4

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LA8 option A with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m
LA8 option A with SB18m

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
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Option B
Connect an SP cable (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 LA8 SpeakON®connectors.
Use a CC4FP adapter to connect an SP-YI cable and separate the two output channels.
If necessary, use SP cables to connect additional similar enclosures in parallel with the first ones.
LA8 option B maximum configuration with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS
LA8 option B with ARCS®WIDE/FOCUS + SB18m

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LA8 option A maximum configuration with SB18m

ARCS®WIDE SYSTEM
ARCS®FOCUS SYSTEM
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APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION
[ARCS_WIFO] and [ARCS_WIFO_FI]
The [ARCS_WIFO] preset allows for a reference frequency response in medium throw applications.
The [ARCS_WIFO_FI] preset allows for a reference frequency response in short throw applications.
Loudspeaker elements Amplifier outputs Channels
Default parameters
Routing Gain Delay Polarity Mute
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS OUT 1 PA IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS OUT 2 PA IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS OUT 3 PA IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
ARCS WIDE/FOCUS OUT 4 PA IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
[SB18_60]
The [SB18_60] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.
Loudspeaker elements Amplifier outputs Channels
Default parameters
Routing
Gain
Delay
Polarity
Mute
SB18 OUT 1 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
SB18 OUT 2 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
SB18 OUT 3 SB IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
SB18 OUT 4 SB IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
[SB18_60_C]
The [SB18_60_C] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.
It features optimized delay settings for SB18 arrays in cardioid configuration.
Loudspeaker elements Amplifier outputs Channels
Default parameters
Routing
Gain
Delay
Polarity
Mute
Reversed SB18 OUT 1 SR
IN A 0 dB 0 ms +
ON
SB18 OUT 2 SB ON
SB18 OUT 3 SB ON
SB18 OUT 4 SB ON