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Its not the biggest system in the LUCAS range but can the Impact still pack a punch?

Words: Simon Croft

some big rigs can sound dull and lifeless at low volumes, while small rigs can get harsh at higher volumes. Well, the DDO Controller is HK Audios answer and a very good answer it is too. Not only that, the DDO Controller offers a choice of five settings that are designed to make a LUCAS system sound its best for your particular application. So there are two live music settings, two DJ the gain or subwoofer levels have triggered the limiter or protection functions, which brings us back to the rest of the electronics. There are limiters fitted to all three bands of the system bass, mid and high. Although theres nothing to set and youll probably never be conscious of the limiters in action, one day you may find yourself wondering while other peoples rigs seem to need recones

IMPACT

HK Audio Lucas impact

What are they?

A very nice 1.2kW rig that could really add some sonic sparkle to your act. Its fully active, so all you have to do is add a mixer and some sound sources.
When we first looked at the
brand new HK Audio LUCAS Max back in Playmusic August, we promised that wed be pointing the spotlight on the rest of the new LUCAS range in future issues. So this month, were turning our attentions to LUCAS Impact, the second largest rig in the line up of four systems. First off, lets remind ourselves

Why Should I Want One?

Apart from the fact that it sounds great, its also compact for what it does, so less car or van space and less back-breaking lugging in and out. Because the amplifiers and processing electronics are inside the cabinets, its fast and easy to set up, meaning you can spend more time concentrating on your performance and less time worrying about equipment.
There are two live settings, two for DJs
of what all HK Audios LUCAS systems have in common namely some very clever electronics to help you get a really professional sound without needing the skills of a professional sound engineer. Arguably, the most noticeable element is the DDO controller. This is partly because it is the only component of the electronics you can adjust manually but also because it has an important effect on the sound quality. In other words, it adjusts the system so that it sounds its best at any volume. Im sure weve all noticed how

and one for speech.

settings and one for speech. Theres also a mute setting. (Wow, I wish our old rig had been fitted with one of those, especially the night the singer gave the other guitarist a piece of his mind and accidentally included the entire audience in the argument.) The DDO Controller is also where you set the input gain, L/R balance and subwoofer level. Theres a ground lift in case you get hum troubles and indicators to tell you if to the speakers now and then, while your LUCAS system hasnt. The subwoofer is amplified separately to the mid/high with the frequencies divided electronically as part of the system. Again, nothing to know about or adjust it just helps to make things sound better. The same is true of the on-board equalisation; you dont tweak it like a graphic, it adjusts automatically to match the setting you choose on the DDO Controller.4
SRP Sub and satellites: 1,999 Sys Impact: 2,069 Covers: 49.99 Tel: 381 www.hkaudio.co.uk

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HK Audio LUCAS MAX
The Impact system is especially easy to set up because, once youve flipped the sub onto its back so that its rolling on the fitted castors, you can stick the satellite speakers and the stands on top. That means you can get the whole system into a venue in one go. I dont know about you but Im grateful for the reduced legwork and I also appreciate

you can get the whole system into
not having to leave a lot of expensive gear unattended in a van. (And its usually the get-out, when everyones tired, that some gear is left unwatched for a few vital moments.) There are some subtle ergonomic improvements over earlier LUCAS systems, with regular gig money in their pocket can afford. Two, the rigs are now so compact and easy to use they are no harder work than the 12 and a horn in a box cabinets that still pass for PA in some circles. But, unlike the two-box PAs of years gone by, the LUCAS Impact is a full-range system with excellent sound quality.
mainly to the integral handles which are easier to grab. Like other HK systems, the satellites are also fitted with tilted hatbox fittings, so that the speakers fire into the audience, not over their heads and into the ceiling. The big deal with the latest LUCAS systems is two-fold. One, a lot of the advanced electronics that used to be found only in the bigger rigs has now found its way into the LUCAS range gear that anyone
Whether you are putting a couple of decks though this system, or youve got to the stage where you need to start miking up your bands drums, the Impact system will deliver. If youre aiming to play gigs of 300+, or youre into really loud rock, there are more appropriate HK systems for you but the point is, Impact is the total deal for smaller gigs. Like the rest of the LUCAS family though, the Impact system has

a venue in one go

this wonderful quality delivering punchy lows, sparkling highs and a mid-range that really makes for a great vocal sound. Ive never really been able to explain this but HK systems seem to achieve a very articulate vocal sound thats more like a giant hi-fi than a PA. The Impact, Im pleased to say, is no exception. PM
If you want to work out the true cost,
4Having held an HK Audio amplifier in my hands at the factory, I can confirm that they are incredibly compact and light. Even if you own an HK rig for years, there is no reason you should ever find yourself with one of their amp sections in your hands but if I tell you that the whole rig only weighs 47kg (103lbs) you realise how efficient the manufacturers amplifier technology is. Another factor keeping the weight down is the use of neodymium magnets for the speakers. These are more powerful than the old ferrite magnets, so they can be that much smaller. In fact, the whole Impact rig is a masterpiece of miniaturisation. Each satellite contains only an 8 neodymium speaker and a 1 compression driver on a horn, while the 700W sub uses a single 15 speaker. The sub contains the electronics for the whole system 700W of amplification for the low end, plus two channels of 250W for the mid and high, as well as the clever signal processing electronics. All you have to do to move the Impact sub around is tilt it on its back, so that the factory-fitted casters connect with the floor and the whole assembly becomes a trolley, in effect. In case youre wondering how robust those foam grilles are going to be, theyre covering some very durable steel. Connecting the system up is a complete no-brainer because all it takes is two cables from the subs to the satellites. Add a mixer and some mics, and youre ready to go. After that, all you need to so is select your preferred DDO setting and turn the wick up. It may be that you have your doubts about the physical size of this rig. It may have 1.2kW of power but how much air can impact really shift? It thats what youre wondering, I completely understand. I can remember my doubts the first time I saw a band take to the stage in a medium-sized rock venue with a compact PA. And I was right. The sound was tinny, under-powered rubbish. But sound reinforcement technology has come a long way since then and the LUCAS Impact fully deserves its name. It can deliver a big, punchy sound that can easily fool you into thinking you are listening to a much bigger system. (In fact, if you find yourself checking out this rig in a room that also has a larger set-up, hold your fire before you say, Now can I hear the smaller one? The chances are, youre already listening to it.) If you are evaluating a rig, one thing I certainly suggest is that you move around the room to hear how the sound changes. Lets face it, when you hit the stage, youve got to entertain everyone in the venue. Not just the lucky few in the optimum listening position. The LUCAS Impact fares very well in this respect too, producing a very listenable sound almost anywhere you choose to stand.

divide it over 10 years.

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Obviously, out front and in the middle is best of all but its important to know that the people to the side of the stage, or propping up the bar, are also going to have a good night out. Although nothing HK Audio makes is cheap, I personally believe that the LUCAS Impact is good value for money. Having been to the HK factory, I have seen how much care and attention goes into making these systems. If you want to work out the true cost, Id suggest you divide it over 10 years because I have reason to think that it would last less than that, especially if you look after it and invest in the modestly-priced set of covers. Hopefully, in a few years your act will be needing a much bigger rig, of course. In which case, youll be glad you bought a system that holds its value. But lets save the economic arguments. Whats going to sell you on the Impact is the way it sounds, which is great. PM

L.U.C.A.S Impact

Looking for something special in sound reinforcement? Do you wish to pamper your audience with unprecedented audio quality? Then opt for L.U.C.A.S IMPACT. It offers everything that has made L.U.C.A.S the solution of choice for small to medium-sized venues: compact components, fabulous handling ease and big, bold sound at every volume level. Whats more, this newest generation sports leading-edge neodymium speakers and digital power amps. With L.U.C.A.S IMPACT, higher performance at a lower weight and smaller footprint is a reality. L.U.C.A.S IMPACT is endowed with the new DDO Controller, which dramatically improves upon the predecessors already amazing performance. The patent-applied-for DDO technology is powered by an extremely potent 56-bit DSP engineered to effectively compensate errors in speakers response and adjust the signal perfectly to human hearing at every volume. All this adds up to sound that is full and crystal clear at all levels. Rest assured, youve never heard your instrument like this before. In fact, go ahead and strike the word distortion from your vocabularyyou wont need it any longer. L.U.C.A.S IMPACTa new experience in sound quality!

Facts & Features

HK Audio DDO System Controller with 5 presets Two satellites outfitted with 8" neodymium speaker and 1" CD horn 700-watt RMS digital power amp powers the 15 neodymium subwoofer. 2x 250-watt RMS digital power amps to drive the satellites. HK Audio MonoTilt for optimum sound-to-audience alignment 15" subwoofer in an enclosure factory-equipped with casters Total weight of the system: 47 kg/ 103 lbs.

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Product Class Model Power-handling nominal (RMS) Frequency response +/- 3 dB Nominal impedance Sensitivity 1W Maximum SPL, @ 10% THD Connections Low/ Mid Speaker HF Driver Horn characteristics HF protection (passive) Crossover frequency Pole mount Handles Enclosure Grille Finish Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight Product Class Model Frequency response +/- 3 dB Sensitivity 1W Maximum SPL, @ 10% THD subwoofer amplifier Sat & Mid/high unit amp Active protectiion circuits Connections LF Speaker Pole mount Casters Handles Enclosure Grille Finish Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight
L.U.C.A.S - The next Generation L.U.C.A.S Impact Satellite 250 W RMS 130Hz-19kHz 8 ohms 103 dB 125 dB@10% (Half space) 1 x Speakon NLx 8" Neodym 1" 60 x 40 CD horn dynamic protective circuit 2,2 kHz, 12 dB / oct. MonoTilt, 36 mm 1, integrated MDF metal grille with acoustic foam acrylic painture, black 26 cm x 38,5 cm x 28,5 cm 7,5 kg/ 16.5 lbs. L.U.C.A.S - The next Generation L.U.C.A.S IMPACT Subwoofer 45 Hz - 130 Hz 101 dB 128 dB@10% THD (half space) 1x 700 W / Class D 2x 250 W / Class D DDO-Controller, Multiband-Limiter 2x XLR Combi Line In, 2x XLR Through, 2x Speakon Satellite Outs 1x 15" Neodymium M20-threaded plate factory-equipped 2, integrated MDF metal grille with acoustic foam acrylic painture, black 47,5 cm x 47 cm x 58,5 cm 32 kg/ 74.4 lbs.

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Title Product Class Model Info
Headline Power Rating Audience Frequency response +/- 3 dB subwoofer amplifier Sat & Mid/high unit amp Active protectiion circuits Connections LF Speaker Low/ Mid Speaker HF Driver Pole mount Casters Optional accessories Weight
L.U.C.A.S Impact System L.U.C.A.S The next Generation L.U.C.A.S Impact Looking for something special in sound reinforcement? Do you wish to pamper your audience with unprecedented audio quality? Then opt for L.U.C.A.S IMPACT. It offers everything that has made L.U.C.A.S the solution of choice for small to medium-sized venues The Sound Sensation 1200 W Hz - 19 kHz 1x 700 W / class D 2x 250 W / class D DDO Controller 2x XLR Combi Line In, 2x XLR Through, 2x Speakon Satellite ou 1x 15" 2x 8" Neodymium 2x 1" HK Audio MonoTilt 15" subwoofer factory-equipped with casters HK Audio Speaker Stand Add-On, HK Audio Protection Covers Total weight: 50 kg / 111 lbs

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HK AUDIO Protective Covers Tailored protection for your HK Audio Active System: Made of water-repellent, extremely tear-resistant nylon, these thickly padded covers afford excellent protection for the PA en route to and from gigs. With slots providing easy access to the handles of all the cabinets, the enclosures may be carried with the covers on. Zip-fasteners seal the top unit cover completely.
HK Audio Speaker Stand Add-On The ideal accessory kit for satellite and fullrange speakers, the Speaker Stand Add-On Package comes with two aluminum tripod stands and two 7-metre long speaker cables with Speakon connectors. A practical nylon carry bag rounds out the package.

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