To say that K-array is a company known for not following the rules of typical loudspeaker design would be an understatement. With a product line that includes monitors and flown line-array speakers just inches deep, 21-inch woofers, dozens of two-inch full-range drivers in a single speaker and a flexible speaker shaped like a snake, it's clear K-array has an “anything goes” approach to innovation in sound reinforcement. Though the traditionalists may scoff, K-Array has the industry awards and global respect to show that their ideas aren't just crazy—they actually work.
One of K-array's latest (and arguably zaniest) ideas is the KW8 “Owl”, a steerable spot-fill speaker with a built-in camera. That's right—the speaker has a camera that allows the operator to actually see where the speaker is pointing and the resulting coverage pattern. Need to fill a dead spot in the middle of rows N through Q? K-array says it'll be easy—just use your computer to point the KW8 (List Price: TBD) at the guy with the bad toupee in seat P18. Need to get clear sound to the 80 chairs the ushers just set up at the back of the sanctuary? No problem—just aim the KW8 and go.
To accomplish this sound sharp-shooting act, the KW8 mounts an eight-inch woofer and one-inch compression driver on a pan/tilt mechanism much like that of a remote camera or moving light. A DMX connector gives the operator computer control over the pan/tilt orientation. Other connectors include USB, SDI for the video feed and balanced audio. At 18x16x9 inches, the KW8 isn't exactly low-profile—buyers will need to put some thought into speaker placement in space is at a premium.
If the KW8's spec sheet is accurate, once this little speaker is aimed it should deliver a surgical strike of quality sound. Frequency response of the KW8 is stated to be 70 Hz-19 kHz (-10 dB) with on-board DSP engaged. That's plenty broad to deliver clear speech and respectable musical fill. Coverage is 70 degrees in a conical shape, which seems like a good compromise considering what will likely be the speaker's main use as an indoor fill speaker.
The KW8's built-in amplifier generates 500 watts peak, driving the speaker to a rated maximum SPL of 120 dB continuous (musical signal). That's an impressive amount of sound from such compact drivers. Overall mains current draw for the KW8 remains quite low, however, thanks to better than 80% efficiency in its class-D amplifier section. On-board DSP includes system equalization, a dynamic limiter and several protection circuits.
For many venues, a remotely steerable speaker would just be a solution in search of a problem. If you don't need to change a speaker's orientation mid-show or mid-service, the KW8 represents unnecessary cost and complexity. If you need to point a speaker in a different direction while the band plays on, then the KW8 may well be your only solution. If you're in that latter camp, keep an open mind and take a closer look at K-array's groundbreaking KW8.
