What this System Is

• Kara II is part of L-Acoustics’ K Series: a modular long-throw line source system, using passive full-range loudspeaker boxes (tops) (dual 8″ LF + 3″ HF) with “variable curvature” line array design.

• SB18 is the companion subwoofer (18″), used to extend the system’s low frequency response, deliver bass power and make it full-range for more demanding audio content.

• LA12X is the amplifier / amplified controller (LA-RAK II / LA12X class) that powers Kara II tops and SB18 subs. The LA12X has modern switching power supply, digital control (DSP, presets, crossovers), and is designed for high performance / reliable power.

So the “package” is a full PA system: tops + sub + amplification, suitable for medium-to-large venues / outdoor events / long-throw installs.

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Key Technical Specs

Here are the main specs (for the Kara II tops, SB18 subs, and how they interact, plus what the LA12X enables).

| SB18 Subwoofer** | |
| Frequency limit (-10 dB) | ~ 32 Hz with SB18 (in standard or cardioid configs). L-Acoustics+1 |
| Maximum SPL | ~ 138 dB (with preset SB18_100). L-Acoustics+1 |
| Driver | 1 × 18″, high-excursion, direct radiating. L-Acoustics+1 |
| Weight | ~ 52 kg per SB18. sisme.com+1 |
| Connectors / Rigging | Speakon NL4, etc; 4 handles; integration for flown or floor stack; IP55. sisme.com+2L-Acoustics+2 |

| LA12X Amplifier / Controller | |
| Type | Amplified controller, switching supply, DSP, presets, etc. Powers multiple channels. proevent.info+1 |
| Matching | Kara II tops are bi-amped via LA12X (or LA4X/LA8 depending on configuration), Subs can also be driven by LA12X or other appropriate amp/controller. socalps.com+1 |

* “-10 dB” means the boundary where output falls 10 dB down from nominal (useful for understanding usable bandwidth, though response may still go somewhat outside that).

** SPL numbers often assume optimal setup, high-power input, favorable environmental conditions.

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How They Work Together: Strengths & Performance

Here are what this package delivers well, and what trade-offs to expect.

✅ Strengths

1. Excellent clarity & throw: Kara II offers high SPL per unit weight and strong throw with good fidelity up high. Useful for audiences far away. Good mid/high clarity.

2. Flexible coverage: The Panflex and adjustable inter-element angles give good control over horizontal coverage patterns (70°, 90°, 110°) depending on audience shape. This allows better optimization (less wasted energy, better audience uniformity).

3. Good low-end: With properly configured SB18 subs, you get down to ~32 Hz which handles bass-heavy content, music, etc., making the system “full range.”

4. Rigging & portability: Even though line array, Kara II is lighter than many larger line arrays; its rigging hardware and build make it tourable / deployable for flown or ground stacked arrays.

5. Durability and weather resistance: IP55 rating helps for outdoor or semi-exposed use. Build quality (plywood, steel, etc.) is high.

6. Modern amplification & DSP: Using LA12X (or LA-series amps with DSP) allows precise control, preset alignment, crossovers, filters, limiters, etc., protecting drivers and optimizing performance.

⚠️ Trade-offs / Considerations

1. Cost: The package (tops + subs + amps + rigging) is expensive — purchase, shipping, customs, power, etc., all add up.

2. Power requirements: To achieve high SPL, you’ll need proper power supply, stable mains, possibly high current circuits, depending on quantity.

3. Setup complexity: You need skilled staff / operator for rigging, array optimization, DSP tuning. Mistakes in angle, rigging, delay/phase alignment can degrade performance noticeably.

4. Size & Logistics: Subs are heavy (~52 kg) each; the tops are lighter but still require transport cases, road cases, rigging equipment. Handling these requires sufficient transport/logistics infrastructure.

5. Maintenance / Spare Parts: Neodymium drivers, rigging hardware, weather seals, etc., require good maintenance. Also, weather (humidity, dust) affects gear, especially plywood cabinets; IP55 helps, but not total immunity.

6. Weight vs. coverage trade: To cover larger audience or longer throw, more cabinets are needed, which increases weight, cost and logistic burden.

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Typical Use Cases (Where this Package Shines)

• Mid-to-large touring shows / festivals where you need high SPL and long throw, but space/logistics may prevent using the largest line arrays.

• Fixed installations or venues (arenas, stadiums, large halls) that want flexibility in coverage patterns for different audience configurations.

• Outdoor events where weather resistance is needed but you still want quality of sound.

• Venues that use modern audio workflows: ample DSP, amplifier control (e.g. LA-RAK II), remote control, presets etc.

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What to Check / Questions Before Buying or Renting

If you’re considering acquiring this package, here are things you should verify / plan for:

1. How many Kara II units and SB18 units will you have? The performance (max SPL, low frequency extension, coverage) depends strongly on how many cabinets per side, number of subwoofers, etc.

2. Amplification & Rack: Do you have enough LA12X (or compatible amps) channels? Are the amplifier controllers current, reliable, properly maintained?

3. Rigging Hardware: Full rigging kits, bumpers, safety, flying gear. Check condition.

4. Cables & Accessories: Speaker cables, speakON connectors, cabling length and quality, protection covers, transport cases.

5. Power & Electrical Setup: Mains voltage, current capacity, power conditioning, grounding, etc.

6. Tuning / DSP Know-How: Whether you have people who know how to align delays, phase, crossover (tops to subs), using presets ideally supplied by L-Acoustics, and possibly measure with audio analyzers.

7. Acoustic Environment: Outdoor / indoor? Distance to the audience, obstacles, reflective surfaces, noise floor — all affect performance.

8. Transport & Local Logistics: Weight, volume, customs, import duties, repair infrastructure locally.

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Sample Real-World Performance & Configurations

To give you an idea:

• A block of Kara II flown (say 6-10 boxes per side) plus SB18 subs (3-6) can cover several thousand people with strong SPL, good bass, and long throw (30-50+m depending).

• Using the 70° horizontal configuration gives about +2 dB SPL versus 110° — helpful when throw is longer and coverage needs to be tightly focused.

• SB18 can be configured in standard or cardioid mode to steer bass energy (e.g. reduce stage bleed or reduce low-frequency behind the stage).