K-array is becoming a popular choice for professional integrators working in a variety of markets across China. From retail spaces and restaurants to schools and conference centres, the Italian manufacturer’s pioneering and innovative audio systems allow both live and recorded sound to thrive in even the most demanding architectural spaces.
On a complex project like the Yintai in77 shopping mall, K-array’s KY102 Electronic Beam Control (EBS) was an intelligent choice for integrator HKBN JOS (Shanghai) Company Limited. This line array loudspeaker with electronic beam steering technology provided unprecedented audio performance and accuracy in a challenging public environment. A skybridge between mall buildings is covered with LED advertising screens on three sides, which now utilises K-array’s crisp audio solution, whilst minimising noise pollution to nearby apartments thanks to its beam steering technology. The sleek equipment also ensures minimal disruption to the building’s appearance.
A member of the integration team explained, “The KY102-EBS has a maximum output sound pressure level of up to 138 dB. Through the FIR processing of eight independent amplifier channels, it realises electronic beam control (EBS), providing unprecedented coverage accuracy and powerful performance. At the same time, the KY102-EBS has an IP64 protection rating, which can meet the requirements of long-term fixed outdoor installation such as this.”
In addition to malls, K-array’s powerful but compact ceiling loudspeakers are the preferred product for many retail installations. Leading global technology provider HUAWEI recently renovated a selection of their flagship stores across China, adding automotive sales areas in numerous cities. The aim was to create a more immersive and pleasant atmosphere for customers by integrating a background music system into these spaces.
K-array Tornado KTZC ceiling loudspeakers were chosen as part of this system, partly due to their ability to blend effortlessly with the store’s modern design. The point source loudspeaker features a 2” high-efficiency transducer with a neodymium magnet structure, delivering an impressive maximum peak SPL of 107dB and a wide operating frequency range from 150Hz to 18kHz. Jason Zhao, General Manager at K-array China, describes their benefits, saying “these loudspeakers blend seamlessly into the spatial design, delivering enveloping soundscapes whilst being perfectly integrated with the ceiling fixtures.”
A high-quality background music system is also indispensable in high-end restaurants such as Song in Guangzhou, where crafting a memorable guest experience is a priority. The high-end Hunan cuisine restaurant has installed various K-array loudspeakers to maximise the dining experience for its customers. Ultra-flat Vyper-KV52 II passive loudspeakers were chosen for larger rooms: their elegant and discreet design blending harmoniously with the restaurant’s tranquil Eastern aesthetics. Its eight closely spaced cone drivers provide true line array characteristics, boasting phase coherence, low distortion and focused audio.
Reflecting on the project, Zhao explained, “The Vypers are well integrated into the environment, remaining unobtrusive, and at the same time, they provide extremely clear sound.” Additionally, ultra-mini Lyzard-KZ14 I loudspeakers were employed in each private dining room, delivering high-performance audio without compromising the serene aesthetics. Lyzard is K-array’s micro-loudspeaker range, connecting premium audio with stunning design. The incredibly sleek body is crafted from precision-milled aluminium, making it perfect for intimate environments that require outstanding sound with minimal visual impact. Zhao added, “The designer has put a great deal of thought into the placement of the loudspeakers. The different installation positions endow the entire space with an excellent sense of sound immersion.”
K-array’s ability to enhance audio in complex spaces made it the logical choice for Pingtan Primary School’s grand auditorium renovation. The school, located in Puntan City, Fujian Province, incorporated an advanced K-array sound system using Python-KP102 I loudspeakers. Measuring one metre long and just under eight centimetres wide, the sleek, minimalistic loudspeakers were able to adhere seamlessly to the walls, eliminating the need for a costly suspended installation. Their compact design also helped to maximise space whilst complementing the auditorium’s architecture.
Zhao attributes the project’s success to K-array’s accurate technology. “Leveraging K-array's proprietary acoustic technology, the elongated arrays offer precise directivity, ensuring sound is projected accurately to every corner of the venue while minimising unwanted reflections,” he says. “With their high-power output and wide dynamic range, these loudspeakers can effortlessly cater to a diverse range of activities.” The school can now host academic conferences, daily assemblies and elaborate performances with confidence, knowing attendees will enjoy a crystal-clear, immersive audio experience.
Corporate settings can also benefit from K-array’s dependable, high-performance technology, as Fujian steel manufacturing company Sanbao Group discovered when they utilised various loudspeakers in their conference and reception rooms. Wall-mounted brackets included with K-array loudspeakers made it simple to integrate the technology into the corporate environment, whilst providing clear sound and speech reinforcement for important meetings. “K-array loudspeakers can make good use of their directivity to concentrate the sound in the area of people's ears, reducing the reverberation caused by the room and thus improving the clarity of speech.” Zhao comments.
K-array’s transformative audio solutions have proven time and time again to be a preferred choice for integrators looking for supreme quality, scalability and ease of use. Their portfolio of products is designed to meet the complex needs of both integrators and end users, which is why K-array is becoming a go-to choice for many projects across China.