: £2, When it comes to speaker systems for mobile DJs there are a lot out there to choose from. I believe that speaker choice is a very personal thing, which will always split opinion. Just post on a Facebook DJ group asking which is the best speaker system out there! You will receive a myriad of conflicting suggestions, usually based on what the person replying is currently using.

Those preferences will be based on a wide variety of factors, including sound quality (which in itself is also subjective, application (IE where it’s going to be used), and aesthetics (even the colour!). 7788 sponsored by So what qualifies me to review a speaker? Well, that was the question I asked myself when I was recently asked to review the new HK Audio LUCAS 2K18 system! After all, I have been using my own linear ‘stick’ speakers for around nine years, with no reason to look elsewhere, and I am probably one of the least technical DJs you are ever going to meet, simply reading a manual has been known to almost send me into a coma!

That said, after nearly 40 years of being a DJ, and having attended countless events of all sizes, I know what sounds right to my ears and looks pleasing to my eyes. First thing’s first, then, who are HK Audio for those that don’t already know? Well, they are a German company that have been around for over twenty years and are synonymous worldwide with live sound reinforcement systems of the highest quality. Their range includes everything from stadium-filling line arrays down, while their LUCAS (Lightweight Ultra Compact Active System) products have proved popular with many mobile DJs over the years.

The LUCAS 2K18, launched at the end of last year, is the latest evolution of the LUCAS product line and is squarely aimed at mobile DJs. In fact its advertising tagline is ‘the heartbeat of the mobile DJ’. Comprising a large powered sub and two matching compact satellites, the system has been designed to strike the perfect balance between amplifying unobtrusive background music, articulate speech and floor-filling dance music. The first sign that the LUCAS 2K18 would be very different to my normal system was when the courier asked for a hand to carry in the subwoofer!

At 42.6kg this is not for the faint-hearted!! It’s definitely a two man carry, which is an important consideration. Ramps and a trolley will be needed if you are on your own and I am not sure I would want to carry it upstairs, even with two people, despite the two multi grip recessed handles. (A HK Audio Roller Bag is available, more on that later...) If weight is a concern, it’s worth pointing out that a second version of the system – LUCAS 2K15 – is available which features a 15” subwoofer housed in a lighter (30.2kg) cabinet.

This version features the same amplifier module and connectivity, but comes in at the slightly lower price point of £1,899. THEH KA RATU ODFIO A LDUVCEARST I2SKIN1G8 Focussing back on the LUCAS when the 2K18, inside the first box I found is also a switch the two compact 8” satellite frequency speakers, which have dimensions well as LEDs of 26.5 x 41.5 x 29.5cm and weigh the system is 11.4kg each. They are fitted with also warn if the HK’s MonoTilt pole mounts which been triggered angle the speakers downwards lites or sub. by 3-degrees so that they sit at out control their centre of gravity and can be understand and positioned slightly higher with the output directed down towards Another nice the dancefloor allowing for better Sleep function. coverage. enabled the amp switch to a Once the 18” subwoofer was un- (consuming boxed, which has dimensions of 51 the system has x 67 x 72.5cm, my first impression 350 minutes was that it has a nice design which a signal.

It is will be familiar to anyone who has permanent seen HK speakers before. Both the mobiles who sub and top cabs are very solidly for the power made, housed in MDF and finished but proves again in black acrylic enamel fronted has been well by a black metal grille covering black acoustic foam. Clearly a lot of thought had been taken into not only how they look but also ensuring they are rugged enough for life on the road. The rear panel of the subwoofer is where all the connectivity takes place and, for a non-techy, it is very straight forward.

Two combination ¼ jack / XLR sockets provide the left and right audio input from your DJ mixer, while two additional balanced XRL ‘Thru’ sockets allow the connection of additional components such as monitors or an additional sub (for example the HK Linear Sub 1800). The satellite speakers are then connected via two Speakon sockets. To the right of the XLRs are two level dials, one for the Master and one for the Sub volume. This allows you to adjust the subwoofer separately, which I think could prove useful for many DJs who may want to reduce the level of bass early on in an evening to allow guests to have conversations and then dial it up later on SHTKA AYUINDGIO M LOUBCILAES 2K18 HK Audio LUCAS 2K18 dancefloor fills.

There Under the hood there is a newlyto boost the bass developed Class D power amplifier response, if required, as that provides an output of 670W that indicate when RMS with a peak power of 2000W. receiving power and Although its control panel is very internal limiter has simple, inside the enclosure adeither for the satelvanced DSP technology ensures Overall it’s a nicely set excellent audio clarity for both panel that is simple to speech and recorded music, while easy to use. custom-tuned filters are designed to ensure that the system works touch is the Auto equally well with all kinds of signal When this is sources. will automatically power-saving mode In the box the only cable supplied just 0.5 watts) after is the power cable but HK also ofbeen left idle for fer a range of accessories which without receiving include an optional AP1 Speaker more relevant for Stand add-on pack.

This retails at installations than for £139 and consists of two highare not usually paying quality Konig & Meyer adjustable at their functions, tripods, two speaker cables with that this system Neutrik Speakon connectors and thought out. THE EARLY DAYS udio LUCAS 2K18 a heavy duty carry bag. Other acbefore the dancefloor cessories include a LUCAS 2K18 to pack. Roller Bag set, which not only provides protection for the cabinets During the gig I but allows them to wheel into controls at 12 a venue in one trip, plus white 50%, giving me scope scrims to hide speaker stands. if needed, something to do.

The sound I was eager to set the system up for crisp for initial a test prior to taking it out to my then had plenty of next gig, as I knew I would only have started playing a small window to make sure everybeats once the guests thing was running correctly on the later on. night. I was also interested to see how the extremely compact satellites matched with the meaty 18” sub. So I decided to try them out in my front room, despite the risk of creating more friction with my two neighbours (long story).

Damn! The sound was awesome, even though the testing conditions weren’t ideal as I had to rest both of the satellite speakers on top of the subwoofer instead of the stands due to lack of space and, you’ve guessed it, both neighbours were in so I wasn’t able to fully let them rip! I had already seen a HK Audio system in action for an outside cinema experience where I was booked to serve as the MC, so I knew HK made quality systems, but I was blown away by how good the LUCAS 2K18 sounded and couldn’t wait for that evening’s gig.

My gig was an after party for a murder mystery dinner that I am booked for regularly in a local hotel. From past experience, I knew the demographic of ages would be from 20 to 80, which meant that this would be a real test for the LUCAS 2K18. We turned up early to get a jump on setup knowing that, as dinner was in the room next to where I would be performing and the actors would be delivering the murder mystery for the 100 guests, the sound check would have to be carried out in a very small window when coffee was being served 80 would start So my final thoughts on the LUCAS 2K18 system are that, for the size, it is awesome.

The set both level subwoofer is super heavy but all o’clock, about round it is great system that is to increase easy to setup, well-made and of- I didn’t have fers a quality sound. As I said at was clear and the start, I didn’t come into this background and review feeling like I needed a new punch when I sound system, but I am now seridancefloor-filling ously considering the investment! got started I need this in my life!! HK AUDIO LUCAS 2K18 RRP PPMMXX--1100 £269 The PMX-10 combines the power of a 4 in/4 out audio interface with the convenience of a full MIDI implementation.

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