HK Audio COSMO
THE INTEGRATIVE LINE ARRAY
The COSMO Line Array System was developed to be an extremely flexible and easily configurable solution for professional sound applications. It combines state-of-the-art audio characteristics with ingeniously simple handling and a very high degree of economy.
COSMO takes line array performance to a new level of productivity and efficiency. The integrative and highly flexible line array system offers a measurably higher usable sound pressure level in the HF range than comparable systems. The range of horizontal dispersion characteristics of 100°, 80° and 60° ensures maximum flexibility in sound applications for a wide variety of live scenarios.
Horizontal asymmetrical
sound distribution
It normally makes sense for line arrays to have an asymmetrical horizontal dispersion pattern: the upper components should have a narrower pattern because they have to cover larger distances, and this should grow increasingly wider towards the bottom in order to provide sufficient coverage in front of the stage. However, conventional line array systems often have a fixed horizontal dispersion pattern (typically 90 to 120 degrees) to create a sufficiently wide sound field over the first few metres. This means that even at medium distances, these arrays generate very wide sound fields that cause a large part of the sound energy to be reflected unintentionally off walls or cover areas outdoors where sound is not actually required. By combining the three COSMO mid/high units, it is easy to create an array with horizontally asymmetrical dispersion, which avoids the disadvantages described above and solves typical sound issues in the best possible way.
Sound Distribution with Depth
The narrow or narrower-dispersion models of the COSMO family direct the sound energy to a smaller spatial angle. This significantly increases the range and ensures the sound is distributed very consistently over the entire area.
COSMO mixed array
One feature that adds a great deal of practical value that only the integrative COSMO family can offer is the option to configure mixed arrays.
Mixed arrays are made up of two or three types of COSMO mid/high units combined to create an asymmetrical throw pattern along the horizontal plane.This is particularly wide in front of the stage, less wide for medium distances and more focused for long distances. The C 6, C 8 and C 10 fit directly on top of each other without adapter frames.
Because there are no mechanical interruptions of the line source at any point, this setup emits a wavefront that is acoustically continuously coherent.
Efficiency
There are many parameters that affect the cost-effectiveness of a sound system. The integrative COSMO line array family adds a few more factors to consider. Of course, the new COSMO line array family offers state-of-the-art acoustic performance and sophisticated, user-friendly handling. But what makes COSMO so fundamentally different from anything else on offer? Most line array suppliers offer several systems in different sizes. Typical standards in the compact class are two-way systems with two 6.5″, 8″ or 10″ transducers. The system is then selected to suit the venue and the type of audio to be transmitted. Mid-sized and larger rental companies usually invest in two or sometimes three systems of different sizes in order to be able to meet the constantly changing sound requirements. It is often necessary to combine these systems with each other or with the next larger 2 x 12″ or 2 x 15″ systems – this requires special adapter frames. Although this is awkward and also acoustically questionable due to the gaps it leaves, it leads to better utilisation of the existing stock and thus to cost-effectiveness. When designing the new HK Audio COSMO line array concept, however, we were in a position to take all practically relevant factors into account from the outset and to plan not just one line array but an entire family of three systems that can be optimally coupled both acoustically and mechanically.
Compared to conventional solutions, this results in a whole catalogue of economic advantages: The bottom line: The innovative, comprehensive system concept means that HK Audio’s COSMO is significantly more economical and user-friendly, and delivers sound to meet even the highest requirements – all in one coherent overall concept. • Far fewer components to cover a wide range of applications • Comparatively more usage time for each component • Simplified storage and logistics • Fewer people and less time required for handling • Less training required – only once instead of three times • Less total storage requirements • Far lower overall investment requirement • More effective investment protection – an existing system can be expanded as required.
The bottom line: The innovative, comprehensive system concept means that HK Audio’s COSMO is significantly more economical and user-friendly, and delivers sound to meet even the highest requirements – all in one coherent overall concept.
Subwoofer
The C SUB family of subwoofers are extremely high-powered, offering high efficiency and impressive low bass performance. They are optimised for use with the CONTOUR X point sound sources and the COSMO line arrays, with components and workmanship that meet the same high standards.
Electronics
We recommend the Lab.Gruppen PLM+ and Powersoft X series of high-performance power amps. Special filter settings are also available for these controller amps.
MCT
MULTICELL TRANSFORMER
All COSMO mid/high units’ high-frequency signal paths are equipped with the HK Audio Multicell Transformer, a technology designed to put two principles into action. For one, it divides the wavefront along vertical lines into many separate horn channels of different lengths calculated precisely to generate different delay times. This goes to straighten the wavefront’s vertical curvature and directs the sound so as to create a tight vertical pattern.
For the other, these narrow channels shift undesirable resonances to a frequency range that is beyond the range of human hearing. The difference between this technology and its predecessor, the COHEDRA AcousticLens from 2002, is that it generates far less
nonlinear distortion to treat listeners to a richly rewarding audio experience that doesn’t result in listening fatigue - even during long performances at high SPLs.
The COSMO family’s three-point compressed-mode rigging concept offers numerous practical advantages:
Minimal space requirements
Minimal personnel requirements
Easy-to-adjust curvature
Easy, time-saving dismantling
COSMO ADVANCED LOGISTICS CONCEPT
Storage and transport are big selling-points when it comes to assessing the cost-effectiveness of sound reinforcement systems. A business-minded buyer is going to consider the two big questions: Does this rig make the most effective use of available space?
Does it minimize handling time and effort?
The logistics side of COSMO is not an afterthought; it’s a concept based on one forethought—keep it as simple yet smart.
This is why COSMO is a family of extraordinarily few components that are always a perfect fi t for the Euro pallet’s grid dimensions. This simplifies handling and storage, speeds up loading, and makes the most of truck space.
COSMO - C 6
COSMO - C 8
COSMO - C 10
