Meyer Sound vs L-Acoustics

Meyer Sound and L-Acoustics are two of the biggest names in the professional audio industry, both renowned for their high-quality sound systems used in live events, concerts, and installations. While both companies offer top-of-the-line products, there are some differences in their approaches and technologies that may make one more suitable for your specific needs. In this article, we will compare Meyer Sound and L-Acoustics in terms of their products, technologies, and applications.

Product Lines:

Meyer Sound offers a wide range of products including line arrays, point source systems, subwoofers, stage monitors, and loudspeaker management systems. Meyer Sound is particularly known for their self-powered loudspeakers, which use advanced digital signal processing to optimize the performance of each individual driver in the loudspeaker. Meyer Sound has a diverse range of product offerings designed to meet the needs of a variety of applications, from small indoor theaters to large outdoor festivals. Here are some of Meyer Sound's current product lines:

  1. ULTRA-X Series: The ULTRA-X Series is a compact loudspeaker system designed for high-quality sound reinforcement in small to medium-sized venues. It features a lightweight, low-profile design, and uses Meyer Sound's advanced digital signal processing to optimize performance.

  2. LEOPARD Series: The LEOPARD Series is a line array system that provides high-quality sound reinforcement for large venues, such as stadiums and arenas. It features a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to deploy and transport, and uses Meyer Sound's advanced digital processing to deliver even coverage and high output.

  3. LINA Series: The LINA Series is a smaller version of the LEOPARD system, designed for use in smaller venues such as theaters and houses of worship. It features a similar design to the LEOPARD, but in a more compact form factor.

  4. CAL Series: The CAL Series is a column array loudspeaker system designed for use in acoustically challenging environments, such as large reverberant spaces. It uses Meyer Sound's advanced digital processing to provide uniform coverage and high intelligibility.

  5. Panther Series: The PANTHER Series is a high-performance loudspeaker system designed for large-scale events and productions. It provides exceptional sound quality, reliability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for audio professionals in the live sound industry.

  6. Constellation Acoustic System: The Constellation Acoustic System is a revolutionary technology that allows users to create a variable acoustics environment in a performance space. It uses advanced digital processing and a network of microphones and loudspeakers to create a customizable acoustic environment.

L-Acoustics, on the other hand, is primarily known for their line array systems, although they also offer point source systems, subwoofers, and amplifiers. Here are some of L-Acoustics' current product lines:

  1. K Series: The K Series is a compact, modular line array system designed for use in small to medium-sized venues. It features lightweight, easy-to-handle cabinets and advanced digital signal processing for improved sound quality and coverage.

  2. ARCS Series: The ARCS Series is a flexible line source system that provides exceptional sound quality and coverage in a variety of applications, from small theaters to large outdoor concerts. It includes the ARCS Wide, ARCS Focus, and ARCS II loudspeakers, as well as the SB18 and SB28 subwoofers.

  3. X Series: The X Series is a range of high-performance coaxial loudspeakers designed for use in a variety of applications, including live sound, installation, and theater. It includes the X4i, X8, X12, and X15 HiQ models, as well as the KS21 and KS28 subwoofers.

  4. Kara Series: The Kara Series is a modular line array system designed for use in medium to large venues, such as theaters, arenas, and festivals. It features lightweight, easy-to-handle cabinets and advanced digital signal processing for improved sound quality and coverage.

  5. Syva Series: The Syva Series is a compact, high-performance loudspeaker system designed for use in a variety of applications, including corporate events, houses of worship, and small concerts. It includes the Syva, Syva Low, and Syva Sub loudspeakers, as well as the Syva Low bracket and Syva P1 rigging frame.

  6. P Series: The P Series is a range of high-performance subwoofers designed to complement L-Acoustics' loudspeaker systems. It includes the SB15m, SB18, SB28, and KS21 models, as well as the K1-SB and K2-SB subwoofers.

Technologies:

Meyer Sound is known for its advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which allows their self-powered loudspeakers to provide optimized performance without the need for external amplifiers. This technology allows Meyer Sound speakers to achieve high output levels while maintaining low distortion and minimal heat dissipation. Meyer Sound also employs a proprietary phase correction technology called SIM (Source Independent Measurement) that ensures phase coherence across the entire audio spectrum.

L-Acoustics, on the other hand, is known for their Wavefront Sculpture Technology (WST), which optimizes the vertical coverage of their line array systems. This technology is designed to minimize the negative effects of diffraction, which can cause uneven coverage and unwanted coloration in the sound. L-Acoustics also employs a proprietary approach to loudspeaker driver design called the Differential Dispersion technology. This technology allows their loudspeakers to maintain consistent directivity across a wide frequency range, resulting in more even coverage and less coloration.

Applications:

Meyer Sound and L-Acoustics are both used in a wide range of applications, including concerts, festivals, theaters, houses of worship, and corporate events. Meyer Sound is particularly popular in the theater industry, where their self-powered loudspeakers are widely used for both front-of-house and monitor applications. Meyer Sound is also known for their Constellation acoustic system, which uses advanced digital processing to create a variable acoustics environment in a performance space.

L-Acoustics is particularly popular in the concert industry, where their line array systems are used for large-scale events. L-Acoustics’ line arrays are known for their high output, even coverage, and minimal coloration, making them ideal for live music performances. L-Acoustics also offers a range of software tools for system design and optimization, including Soundvision and LA Network Manager.

Conclusion:

Meyer Sound and L-Acoustics are both industry leaders in the professional audio world, offering high-quality products and innovative technologies. Meyer Sound is known for its advanced digital signal processing and self-powered loudspeakers, while L-Acoustics is known for its Wavefront Sculpture Technology and line array systems. Both companies have a strong presence in a variety of applications, with Meyer Sound being particularly popular in the theater industry and L-Acoustics being particularly popular in the concert industry. Ultimately, the choice between Meyer Sound and L-Acoustics will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both companies offer top-of-the-line products and technologies, and it's important to consider factors such as the size of the venue, the type of event, and the desired sound quality when making a decision. Ultimately, whichever company you choose, you can be confident in the knowledge that you are choosing a high-quality, industry-leading sound system.