L-Acoustics’ new L1 and CS1 line array speakers are here: “A genuine turning point in the live music industry”

L-Acoustics, the France-based loudspeaker manufacturer, has introduced a powerful new line-array with two components: the L1 and the CS1. The L1 is the primary loudspeaker, and the CS1 is the cardioid subwoofer. Together, L-Acoustics says, they have broken “every performance benchmark” for large-format line sources.

The L1 and C1 line array, which has already toured with Bruno Mars, Harry Styles and Joker Xue, and is now a permanent fixture at the Hollywood Bowl, is built on L-Acoustics’ Progressive Ultra-Dense Line Source (PULS) technology,

The L1 has a significant concentration of transducers in each unit. There are two 18-inch low-cardioid (LC) transducers. These are mounted on the sides to push front energy while minimising the sound leaking from the rear. There are also four front-facing 15-inch low-frequency drivers, eight 8-inch mid-frequency drivers, and six coaxial 4-inch and 2.5-inch HF compression drivers.

This combination allows for immense volume, with each one reaching a maximum SPL of 160dB from 35Hz up to 20kHz. The CS1 extends the range down to 25Hz and provides 150dB of SPL. These numbers put the L1 at the top of its class based on size, kilogram, and square meter.

“L1 represents the highest expression of power, bandwidth, and pattern control ever achieved in line array technology,” said Germain Simon, Director of Product Management, Loudspeakers at L-Acoustics. “We have broken every performance benchmark we set for large-format line source. L1 is a genuine turning point for the industry.”

The L1 and CS1 were also designed to manage low-frequency spill, also commonly known as sound bleed, which can be a real buzzkill at festivals. The side-mounted transducers emit 18 dB of sound within the 20-250 Hz range and 26 dB of sound below 80 Hz directly backward, keeping the majority front-facing in the audience.

Furthermore, within L-Acoustics Soundvision software, engineers can model speaker configurations to guide the sound to the ideal dimensions of the venue. This includes low-frequency beams and horizontal directivity.

Lastly, L-Acoustics refined the logistics of the L1 and CS1 to make transport and setup much simpler. Far fewer L1 loudspeakers are needed to deliver the power of the previous K1 models, which makes for fewer rigs, lifts, cables, and space taken up in trucks moving equipment to and from events.

For more information, head to L-Acoustics.

Harry Levin is a freelance journalist with credits in SPIN, Billboard, MusicTech, Grammy.com, Los Angeles Magazine, and more. His musical journey began 20 years ago with a Led Zeppelin CD. He played jazz trombone through college, produced large-scale electronic music events, and now spends his professional time writing and editing.