What Is Line Array Speakers?

Have you ever gone to an outdoor event or one inside a large venue and enjoyed its clear and vibrant sound?

If you have, you might have experienced the effects of line array speakers, but what is line array speakers exactly?

Through the years, small to average-sized venues have gradually utilized line array technology for their events.

It is the top choice of live sound engineers among large-scale public address systems if they want a clear source of sound.

This array system projects sound in a cylindrical wave, distributing a more coherent sound from the front to the back row.

Brief History of Line Array Speakers

The effect and concept of line array theory were initially presented in 1957 by an acoustical pioneer in his published text Acoustical Engineering.

The concept produced the column speaker, where drivers were vertically aligned inside one enclosure.

This design resulted in a mid-range output transmitted in a narrow vertical and broad horizontal pattern.

In 1983, there was a suggestion for line array elements in multi-band to be placed in a horizontal enclosure.

However, it was only in the mid-90s when L-Acoustics’ V-DOSC line array showed the concert scene that fewer boxes could produce a smoother and more level frequency response.

What Is Line Array Speakers?

It is a speaker system made of several powered loudspeakers with identical components, creating a more linear sound output.

They are set up in a larger curved array on the side of the stage, aiming to deliver adequate sound and clarity in the largest venues for the audience.

Although you can use any line array orientation, they are usually mounted vertically with one speaker on top of another.

A modern line array speaker setup utilizes different frequency drivers while each speaker is set at different angles vertically.

The gap between adjoining drivers is close enough to interfere with one another constructively and send sound waves at a greater distance.

This speaker setup is worth considering if you need high Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) in more vast spaces.

How Does Line Array Speakers Work?

We’re used to traditional speakers where the sound is louder from the point of source, and the sound pressure decreases with the doubling of distance.

Vertically set up speakers provide consistent and effective vertical coverage through applied phase cancellation without affecting horizontal dispersion.

The sound produced by each speaker complements one another, attaining directional characteristics and delivering a consistent and constructive interference pattern.

However, the more speakers you stack, the longer the array becomes, and the lower frequency the coverage pattern you will control.

Also, line array speakers help prevent destructive interference by reducing how much sound an open mic picks up.

Some line array brands and manufacturers provide software. This way, users can calculate placement and other configurations, including vertical dispersion patterns.

Advantages of Line Array Speakers

If you’re thinking of setting up the same, here are some of the advantages of vertical line array speakers:

Vertical Pattern Control

With line array speakers, the taller, the better. That’s because this setup allows you to control emitted low frequencies from the vertical coverage.

Moreover, it minimizes the amount of sound projected to the ceiling and then thrown back to the audience, causing unwanted reflections.

It also reduces the sound leaking onto the stage, thus decreasing regenerated sound from open mics.

For this reason, it cleans up the overall sound, increasing the gain before feedback and amplifying the microphone.

Sound Pressure Level Capability

Another notable advantage is its SPL capability or the ability to produce a higher Sound Pressure Level than what is usually required.

Some of these line array speakers have more drivers in each cabinet, producing one consistent wavefront.

This feature is highly beneficial if you need concert-level sound support.

Prevents Drop Off

One of the significant advantages of line array systems is achieving a more consistent sound level within the listening space.

Because line arrays have multiple modules, you can easily adjust each speaker’s amplitude and physical angle.

Disadvantages of Line Array Speakers

Now that we know some notable advantages of line array speakers, it’s fair to also share some of its weak points.

Expense

The high price range of line array speakers may not be appropriate for everyone’s budget. This is worth considering when building your public address system.

Height Requirement

Line array systems work best when set up correctly, hence their height requirement.

You will achieve better pattern control if the system is set up with ample vertical height or lose control of the vertical pattern.

The lack of vertical height may cause reduced GBF or gain before feedback and unwanted reflections.

Shallow Room

Although line array systems boast long-distance sound projection, they are not that ideal for horizontal and shallow rooms.

A horizontal room’s coverage requirement makes it challenging to match with vertical line array speakers.

Sightlines

Another height disadvantage is the sightlines. The tall setup of these speakers can obstruct the view of the audience.

Why Choose Line Array Speakers?

As you look into the market, you may have noticed several brands, like Altec Lansing, JBL, and QSC, have started manufacturing line array speakers.

Two main reasons these speakers have become part of sound systems for outdoor venues and live performances are:

Efficiency

Sometimes, you will get poor acoustics as the venue size increases. Therefore, more efficient sound projection is needed.

You then decide to turn up your speakers to distribute clear and distinct sound in a spacious and resonant venue.

However, the action sometimes backfires, resulting in muffled sounds that are harder to understand.

With great distance, the sound energy decreases slower, using the cylindrical dispersion pattern.

As such, there’s less volume loss even if you move farther away from the source, making it more efficient as you use less wattage.

It is an advantage because of the more direct sound allowed at lower volumes, leading to clear and distinct sound throughout the room without using reinforcement speakers.

Everyone in the room will hear an excellent balance of frequencies.

Sound Dispersion

Line array systems have been used for decades in huge venues, including arenas and stadiums.

A critical aspect of its efficiency is its dispersed sound shape.

Non-line array speakers form a spherical shape when projecting sound. So, sound from the speaker is radiated in all directions and not towards the audience.

On the other hand, line array systems disperse sound cylindrically, reducing the vertical projection of sound energy.

This decrease is a good sign because it prevents interference from the sound coming from the speaker.

Also, you can save plenty of watts from the reduced projection of sound energy.

Online Program for Speaker Behavior Prediction

Meyer Sound is a loudspeaker manufacturer that developed MAPP Online, or the Multipurpose Acoustical Modeling Program.

This online array prediction program can display the sound fields generated by its products using different configurations.

A sound engineer can enter speakers and array data into the online program before clicking on the predict button.

Then, the program will show a graphical display of its anticipated coverage.

To give you an idea, here are the things you can do with the Meyer Sound Mapp Online:

• Users can see the relations between speakers, allowing them to minimize destructive interference.

• You can plan the entire loudspeaker system, whether fixed or portable, and decide on the delay settings for the fill speakers.
• It allows you to improve the system’s design to offer excellent coverage to the intended listening space.
• The program will let you put microphones in your preferred spot in the sound field. In turn, you can predict the microphone position’s impulse response, sound pressure, and frequency response.
• Users can get the gain load data regarding the array to know its rigging limit.
• You will have access to a virtual equalizer to preset all the settings for excellent system response.

Other Types of Public Address Systems

To give you more options, here are two other types of public address systems and their advantages and disadvantages.

Point Source Speakers

This speaker type is known by many names, but traditional and point-shoot are some of the most common references.

Generally, they are rectangular speakers, available in various sizes, with different waveguides or horn designs for a particular angle.

They can function individually and work great as part of a cluster or extensive design array system.

Point Source Speaker Advantages

Here’s how you can benefit from a point source speaker:

• Deployment and Size Versatility

These speakers are excellent choices when considering aesthetics, budget, and room dimensions.

Its wide range of sizes offers all kinds of public address system solutions.

For example, floor standing and portable smaller models are easy to move around. You can even conceal them in a proper setup without affecting their performance.

• Expense

Point source speakers are more affordable than large-scale line array concepts because they have fewer components and enclosures.

• Horizontal Coverage

Through the help of horns, point source speakers can control horizontal and vertical coverage.

Column speakers and straight-line array systems provide predetermined control of horizontal coverage.

Sometimes, point source speakers perform better than other public address system types. However, that depends on the horizontal vibration character and the room’s ratio.

• Pattern Coverage

Traditional speakers manage their pattern coverage depending on their size. The horn’s shape and size dictate the wide range of frequencies.

Many use small cabinets fitted with small horns for their medium-sized rooms, not realizing that more enormous horns offer better pattern control.

Point Source Speaker Drawbacks

Now, let us go through some disadvantages for point source speakers:

• Building Array Challenges

One must have skills in designing good array models with dual-purpose speakers for arraying and individual use.

Sometimes, arrays work better for some frequencies than others, resulting in acoustic lobing and seams interference.

To prevent this, it is best to seek the help of a skilled sound engineer with an ear for arraying.

• Low-Frequency Limitations

Generally, point source speakers are shorter and smaller vertically.

Hence, unlike other array systems, their low-frequency vertical pattern control is insufficient.

• Throw Distance

Sometimes, traditional speakers cannot project quality sound to the back.

Some install delayed speakers partway to the back to improve the frequency response. However, this arrangement can cause inconsistencies inside the listening spaces.

The setup results in inconsistencies when the low- and mid-frequencies wrap around the small cabinets of the speakers, interfering with the sound clarity.

Column Array Speaker

These new column speakers offer similar vertical line array functions. They also have multiple drivers but are set vertically inside one narrow cabinet.

Column speakers became popular in churches because of their excellent pattern control, resulting in greater sound clarity.

After losing their popularity for some time, column speakers are reemerging because of their expanded performance capabilities and updated technologies.

Column speakers are available in passive and powered categories.

Column Speaker Advantages

Here are some column speaker advantages that make them worth checking out:

• Aesthetics

The narrow width of column speakers means they are easy to integrate into places where minimum visual impact is required.

Also, its straight shape makes mounting ideal on architectural columns.

• Coverage

Passive column speakers offer an economical way of providing vertical pattern control.

Some models have extended bass response while allowing them to make adjustments to the coverage pattern and matching the listening space’s shape.

These passive column speakers are ideal for outdoor use because they don’t require AC connections.

On the other hand, the coverage for powered column speakers is adjusted electronically via a remote computer.

• Consistent Sound Levels

Column speakers can produce consistent sound levels throughout the listening position.

Column Speaker Drawbacks

Here are some of the downsides of column speakers:

• Bass Output

Column speakers have less bass output at times, but you can always add subwoofers if needed.

• Passive Column Aiming

Passive column speakers require manual aiming.

• Shallow Rooms

Similar to vertical line arrays, there is less horizontal pattern control from column arrays than point source speakers.

• Volume

Column speakers are not as loud as vertical line arrays.

Achieve Concert-Worthy Sound From Line Array Speakers

What is line array speakers? These are excellent speaker choices for events in big venues because they provide good clarity in horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Unlike traditional speakers, line array systems offer a well-balanced sound distribution throughout the venue.

They will disperse the sound equally if they are arranged correctly.