SLS Loudspeakers introduced the RLA/2 ribbon line array speaker system at the recent AES Convention in Los Angeles. The new system is designed specifically for small- and medium-sized venues that can’t accommodate large cabinet arrays, yet still require a high-performance, smooth-response speaker cabinet to provide even coverage.
“Stadiums and large arenas aren’t the only places that need high-quality sound systems,” says John Gott, president of SLS Loudspeakers. “Top acts are also playing smaller and mid-size venues, so those rooms need to provide good sound as well. That was our goal with the RLA/2: to bring our advanced speaker technology to spaces where limited space is as much of a consideration as top-notch sound.”
The RLA/2 ribbon line array system incorporates SLS’ latest proprietary ribbon driver technology with a truly remarkable space-efficient cabinet design. Each cabinet houses two 8-inch, high-powered cone drivers to deliver a bass response down to 70 Hz, and features SLS’ PRD1000 proprietary Push-Pull Neodymium Ribbon Driver for accurate high-frequency response out to 20 kHz.
The advantage of the SLS planar ribbon element is the availability of extremely high output evenly distributed over the entire radiating surface. The ribbon presents a coherent wave front that is ideal for sound energy transfer, with the geometry creating a virtually continuous line source.
The low-frequency section provides a sensitivity spec of 99 dB (1W/1M) with a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms. The dual 8-inch drivers handle 500 watts (reference IEC 268-5), yielding a continuous sound pressure level of 125 dB with a peak performance rating of 131dB. The high-frequency section delivers 103 dB (1W/1M) with nominal impedance of 8 Ohms. The SLS PRD1000 handles 70 watts RMS with instantaneous peaks of up to 1000 watts, yielding a sustained sound pressure of 121 dB with 131 dB peaks.
The RLA/2 cabinet is trapezoidal in shape, measuring 9.625 inches high in front (7.64 inches high in back), 28.25 inches wide and 13 inches deep. The unit weighs 56 pounds, with rigging, and is covered in black NeverMar® coating. Inputs are through two NL-4 speaker connectors.
SLS Loudspeakers designs, manufactures and markets proprietary ultra high-fidelity ribbon-driver loudspeakers and sound systems for professional, commercial and residential applications. The publicly traded company (OTCBB: SITI) was founded in the 1970s and its products are used in hundreds of installations worldwide.