DESCRIPTION
The Linea Focus family
The innovative, finely tuned Linea Focus family differentiates itself from other products because of its column length. This is due to the number of integrated speakers, amplifiers and DSP channels, which enable each individual speaker to be electronically controlled.
The flagship ALS-LFI450, for example, contains 32 integrated speakers, 32 amplifiers and 32 DSP channels. The vertical sound inclination angle can be adjusted between -40°/+40° and the vertical beam width between 0° to 90°. Using Fohhn’s intuitive software, adjustments are made in unbelievably fine and precise 0.1° steps.
An outstanding feature of the Linea Focus series is Fohhn’s "Two Beam Technology". This allows the speakers to generate two separate beams in their vertical dispersion range, providing simultaneous and focused coverage of different audience areas, such as stalls and gallery.
The acoustic centres of both beams can be set anywhere from 0% (at the bottom of the column) to 100% (at the very top), making the speaker suitable for use in the most challenging acoustic conditions.
A further unique feature is Fohhn’s new "Side Lobe Free Technology", a special algorithm developed in house to suppress the unwanted side lobes that will inevitably occur in the beam. This results in a more directional sound and significantly improved speech intelligibility.
The different lengths of the Linea Focus models determine their acoustic efficiency. The longer the line array, the longer its reach and also its effectiveness in the control of low frequencies. Multiple Linea Focus systems can be networked together to enable monitoring and control from a central location.
Linea Focus – Outstanding for 5 good reasons
1. Superb sound quality in challenging acoustic environments
Linea Focus takes sound reproduction of both speech and music to the next level. The speakers’ sound dispersion characteristics can be adjusted to suit the room conditions, avoiding unwanted reflections and providing even coverage of all audience areas. Because of this, it’s possible to achieve superb speech intelligibility and a clear cohesive image, even in the most demanding acoustic conditions.
In comparison: Conventional PA systems have more permanently defined sound dispersion characteristics. These are usually either too wide, or they lack cohesion and cannot be specifically adjusted to suit particular room conditions. It’s also unnecessary for sound to be focused in places where there is no audience. This sound often reflects off areas like the ceiling, causing a delay on its return. To the listener, this kind of reflection can make the sound appear “washy” or “roomy”, with a noticeable deterioration in speech intelligibility. In this respect, the Linea Focus series is revolutionary: Specifically targeting the sound means that unwanted room reflections can be avoided.
2. Real-time sound control
Perfect control equals perfect results. Fohhn’s user-friendly software enables real-time control of the speakers’ sound dispersion characteristics. This allows sound to be focused quickly and accurately on each particular audience area, giving outstanding results with both fixed installations and live performance systems. With most sound projects, time is often a decisive factor in determining their eventual success or failure. Because the speaker system is invariably installed at the end of a construction project, or live set-up, time may be limited to quick and rudimentary adjustments and sound checks. Being able to control the sound dispersion in real-time makes the set-up considerably easier.
3. Even sound distribution
With Linea Focus, even sound distribution is guaranteed throughout the venue, from warm, pleasant sound at the front, to clarity and detailed intelligibility right at the back. What‘s more, significantly fewer speakers are required to achieve perfect room coverage. As a true line array system, Linea Focus produces its sound in the form of a cylindrical wave. Unlike conventional systems, the sound pressure level within the cylindrical wave only decreases by 3 dB, instead of 6 dB, as the distance doubles. This groundbreaking feature, combined with the ability to electronically control the speakers’ sound dispersion, has set new standards in sound quality. For planning engineers we offer a plugin (DLL) of Fohhn Audio Soft for EASE acoustic simulation program.
4. Outstanding reproduction of speech and music
Linea Focus also establishes a new benchmark for the reproduction of speech and music. The high-powered speakers’ exclusive development and innovative digital technology produces a dynamic, natural sound quality. Speech, AV productions and live music are all superbly reproduced with Linea Focus systems. Each separate speaker is individually equipped with one of the latest generation CLASS D DSP amplifiers, producing 100 W path power per channel. A Linea Focus ALS-LFI450 system, for example, has 3200 W of available amplifier power.
If higher bass sound pressure levels are called for, the Linea Focus system can easily be combined with a Fohhn active or passive subwoofer. To target sound more effectively in the low frequency range, it’s also possible to create a bass array by combining several subwoofers and their related DSP technology.
The Linea Focus systems’ extraordinary electronic control capabilities also allow the speakers to be used in combination with Fohhn subwoofer systems. Electronically steering each separate DSP-controlled subwoofer enables more precise control of its sound dispersion characteristics. This in turn gives a more even reproduction of low frequencies, which significantly improves the overall sound image.
5. Integration into any architectural setting
Designed for perfection, the slim, elegant Linea Focus speakers integrate into any setting. Housings are available in all RAL Classic colours. The speakers’ electronic control functionality enables them either to be mounted flat against the wall, or installed directly in the wall to blend unobtrusively with the room interior. Only the most important things will be noticed: the room and the sound.
Fixed Installations
Airports, churches, railway stations, conference centres, theatres, TV studios, university lecture rooms, exhibition halls, museums etc.
The Linea Focus LFI series has been specially developed for venues that demand both powerful sound reproduction and visual integration. The new 4.5 m length is a recent innovation – rarely seen on the market. Its numerous speakers generate superb coverage over impressive distances.
In reverberant acoustic conditions, excellent results can be achieved by focusing the speaker sound to avoid “exciting” the room acoustic, guaranteeing superb speech intelligibility. The electronically steerable capabilities of the new systems allow them either be mounted flat on the wall, or installed directly in the wall.
An international study by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jürgen W. Meyer (Physikalisch- Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany) has revealed that historical churches often have long reverberation times in the particular frequency range relevant to speech. Strong reverb considerably reduces speech intelligibility. Here however, Linea Focus proves a real problem solver. By targeting the sound directly towards the audience, speech intelligibility is significantly improved.
System integration in accordance with EN 60849 - Important features for system integration as per DIN EN 60849 / VDE 0828 Regulations on Places of Assembly (sound systems for emergency purposes):
- 2 line inputs with balanced transformers (including pilot tone for redundant use)
- fault message contact for analog evaluation of the operating status
- monitoring and intelligent evaluation of all important device parameters
1. Inputs/Outputs (Phoenix terminals):
Input 1 (standard input without pilot tone monitoring):
- standard line input with high-quality, balanced, isolated input transformer
Input 2 (only for applications with pilot tone monitoring):
- additional line input with pilot tone monitoring and high-quality, balanced, isolated input transformer
- Present pilot tone can be evaluated.
Use with pilot tone, without redundant wiring:
- Input 2 has a higher priority level and is permanently active due to constant pilot tone (> -30dBV).
- In this case input 1 is not in use and remains inactive/muted.
Use with pilot tone and redundant wiring:
- Identical signals for both inputs are required.
- Input 2 has a higher priority level and is permanently active due to constant pilot tone (> -30dBV).
- Input 1 remains muted.
- If the signal to input 2 - and thus the pilot tone - is interrupted, the signal from input 1 will be used automatically.
- With an identical audio signal on both inputs, an interruption of the signal is not perceived.
- This switchover happens automatically and cannot be configured.
- Therefore redundant wiring is possible.
2. Mains connections 100-240 V / 50/60 Hz:
- 2 pin Phoenix terminal
- grounding screwed
3. Fault message contact:
- Pilot signal monitoring
- relay 2x alter
- link terminal
- Monitoring of all important device parameters
- intelligent evaluation
The following faults can be monitored and displayed:
- Faults relating to the internal voltage supply
- Overheating
- Short-circuit of the amplifier outputs
- Shutdown of the amplifier outputs due to earth or voltage problems
- Short-circuit of the speaker chassis
- Chassis overload (after measuring the impedance, in preparation)
- Pilot signal monitoring signal missing from Input 2 (configurable)
- Network errors (each message is confirmed)
Fault messages are indicated and displayed via the following:
- Fault contact (relay 2x alternate, link)
- Red flashing LEDs (built into input circuit board)
- Status messages in Fohhn Audio Soft
- Error messages via RS-485 and Ethernet (accessibility to other systems available)
INSIDE LINEA FOCUS
1. Fohhn CLASS D multi-channel amplifiers
State-of-the-art digital amplifier technology – made in Germany. Equipped with 32 separate amplifier channels and specially developed to allow individual control of each speaker chassis. 100 W path power per channel. Superb sound characteristics and extremely high efficiency levels. Minimum heat generation. Maximum operating reliability.
2. Fohhn multi-channel DSP technology
Up to 32 separate DSP channels enabling individual speaker control. Latest DSP processors: 24-Bit AD converter, filter depth 56 Bit, sampling rate / fine tilt control, 96 kHz, latency 0.6 ms. Ultra-fine, precise control in 0.1° steps up to 15 kHz. Integrated, freely-configurable audio devices including parametric EQ, dynamics, delay, noise gate, hi pass / low pass, status monitoring. All settings can be saved as presets.
3. Fohhn dedicated speaker components
Manufactured especially for Fohhn. Extremely high-performance 4” speakers equipped with the latest neodymium drivers and plastic coated membranes. Excellent reproduction in all frequency ranges – bass, mid and high. Exceptionally powerful top end performance, not normally possible with conventional high-frequency drivers.
4. Aluminum housing
Fohhn’s high quality aluminum housing is extremely elegant and robust, offering optimum protection for all internal components. Black anodized housing is supplied as standard. Other RAL colours are available on request.
Fohhn Audio Soft V3
Intuitive, real-time control. All settings can be safed as presets.
Innovative technology and its related software have been developed in tandem by Fohhn’s engineering team. No other software program is needed. Everything can be controlled from a single application – Fohhn Audio Soft V3 – running on a laptop. The software can be downloaded free of charge from: www.fohhn.com.
The transparent, graphic user interface allows quick access to the connected audio devices, sound presets and the Linea Focus simulation. All settings can be saved as presets. Signal processing is always done in real time. Operating status, time and temperature can also be controlled via the software. The system components and laptop can either be linked via Fohhn USB adapter or Fohhn Ethernet adapter. Up to 256 devices can be networked together.
Focus Simulation
At the Heart of Fohhn Audio Soft V3.
At the heart of Fohhn Audio Soft V3 is the Focus Simulation. The unique integration of control and simulation allows the immediate transfer of parameter settings to the connected devices. All parameter changes made in the simulation window are transferred to the devices in real time. Changes to the sound inclination angle or beam width are instantly audible. The vertical sound inclination angle can be adjusted between +40°/-40° and the vertical beam width between 0° to 90°.
The simulation of the line array’s sound dispersion characteristics lies within a frequency range of 50 Hz – 10 kHz. The spatial distribution of the sound pressure level is displayed in graded colours. The frequency response at any given position, and the sound pressure level for any area of the audience, can be displayed on a graph. Optimizing the sound dispersion characteristics can always be done in real time. Using a laptop with WLAN lets the user move around, quickly assess and optimize the sound in each part of the room, before comparing it again with the simulation.
DSP AND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY
Electronically controlled sound dispersion
The „acoustic beam/focus“ position and the beam width can be adjusted vertically using Fohhn Audio DSP technology combined with Fohhn Audio Soft V3 without having to steer the speakers mechanically. These features open up a whole new range of opportunities to sound planners and integrators for the discreet visual integration of speakers into the room architecture.
The first scientific analysis of the sound dispersion characteristics of speaker arrays were performed as early as the 1920s. Unfortunately DSP technology had not yet been invented at that time. (Publication: Wolfe, I. & Malter, L., „Directional Radiation of Sound“, J. Acoustical Society of America, volume 2, number 2, p. 201 (1930).)
Overlapping sound sources such as a closely arranged series of speakers inside a vertical housing (e.g. in a line array speaker) results in the vertical concentration of sounds over a large frequency range. The taller the line array speaker, the more accurately sounds can be concentrated, irrespective of the frequency. As a result, Linea Focus systems are available in different lengths.
If each individual speaker within this line array speaker is controlled electronically, the directional characteristics can also be manipulated, which allows the „acoustic beam/focus“ to be steered. However, the interactive optimisation of the sound dispersion characteristics in realtime, for example, requires highly complex technology.
Sub arrays
In the future it will be possible to calculate and electronically control specific dispersion characteristics of clusters consisting of subwoofers using Fohhn Audio Soft V3 control and simulation software combined with Fohhn® DSP amplifiers.
Listening experience
We would be glad to demonstrate the features of our Linea Focus systems to you. Experience specific, precision sound dispersion with the Linea Focus!
Optional subwoofer
Fohhn® DSP processor technology modulates the Linea Focus and Fohhn subwoofers perfectly. Digital Fohhn signal processors are integral components of active Fohhn subwoofers, Fohhn DSP amplifiers and Fohhn DSP controllers. DSP-controlled Fohhn devices can be controlled remotely from a central location in the room or on the stage via intuitive remote control units. Fohhn therefore offers a perfectly adapted sound system that fulfills all the requirements of a modern speaker system regarding design, sound quality and operating comfort in every respect.
Connections
All connections are placed inside the housing of the ALS-LFI450 behind an easy accessible service flap in front. That means that all cables are implemented by the rear cable inlet into the housing. So the cables can be connected to the Phoenix terminals very comfortable from the front. No cable is visible on the outside. The internal cord grip guarantees a save operation.
