When considering a new loudspeaker system, you will find plenty of options on the market. Before making a decision, it’s important to lay out a framework by which you will base a design choice to ensure that it will fit the needs of your space. Narrow down your ideal speaker system using the following guidelines:
A line array is a loudspeaker system that is made up of a number of usually identical modules mounted in a line and fed in phase, to create a single coherent wave front. Line source cabinets, multiple drivers arrayed in a vertical line (also known as a line array). Line source solutions are excellent for many spaces and situations. They can solve a great range of room requirements if designed and deployed correctly. The generally compact size and speed of rigging makes this solution very popular among modern loudspeaker designs.
Acoustical Output (Sound Pressure Level) – Many line array modules have multiple drivers, allowing a single coherent wave front. Certain line arrays are capable of producing very high sound pressure, often more than required, enabling systems to operate well below their failing point. If your space requires concert-level sound, then certain line array modules will perform fantastically for this purpose.
Vertical Pattern Control – This loudspeaker source allows for tighter vertical dispersion. The taller the array, the better the control of lower frequencies emanating from it, as opposed to a single loudspeaker. This means less energy off the ceiling, which can cause unwanted reflections back into the listening area, and more acoustic output toward the audience.
Consistent Sound Pressure Level Over Distance – Since line arrays are consistent of multiple individual modules, adjustments in the splay angles and the levels of each module can be achieved. This allows for a much more coherent coverage pattern from front to back in a given space.
Aesthetics and Sightlines – Not every venue owner is pleased with the look of a line array. Such a large loudspeaker positioned hanging in front of the stage can be unsightly to some or clash with the shape of a room. Moreover, a tall array may block video screens or stage areas.
Room Depth – Line source modules can reproduce sound over long distances. Some shallow spaces may not be a good fit for this solution. Horizontal style venues can have difficulty fitting a line source solution.
Budget – The price of a line array may surpass allotted funding. Line source solutions require multiple modules, meaning cost can add up quickly. This can be a major consideration when designing a sound reinforcement system.
Height Restrictions and Weight – As mentioned previously, a line source design requires vertical height to achieve pattern control. Some spaces plainly lack the ceiling height to adopt such a system or their roof structures cannot support its weight requirement.
A column source array has very similar functions as compared to a line source. They also have multiple drivers placed vertically within them. Visually, however, they’re a single narrow cabinet, which earns them the name “Column”. These cabinets are very popular among designers for their tight Q factors and low visibility obstruction. These cabinets come in two common models, powered and passive. Each offers its own unique set of positive and negative attributes.
Pattern Control – Powered column source arrays allow the user to adjust coverage electronically through the use of a computer-guided program. This technology is sometimes referred to as “Steered” aiming and “Shaped” aiming, depending on its function. Steered aiming strictly adjusts the direction of coverage, allowing a user to easily avoid hard surfaces such as ceilings and walls. Shaped aiming is a much more complex technology and allows users to aim the array in complicated rooms such as raked seating areas or balconies. Accurate aiming allows for an increase in speech intelligibility and program music throughout a space.
Passive column source arrays, contrastly, are known for vertical pattern control. Still, advances in its technology now permit user-mandated adjustment to coverage patterns. Certain models offer other features such as extended low frequency. Considering your application use will be critical to finding a model suited for your particular space.
Price Point – Unlike a line source enclosure, a column speaker does not necessitate multiple modules. Using a reduced amplifier channel-count to drive passive enclosures and amplified powered models, a column array can be very cost-effective.
Aesthetics – With a very low visual impact, these speakers easily integrate into a wide variety of spaces and tend to go unnoticed, regardless of which model is mounted.
Even Coverage – Similar to line source enclosures, column arrays can produce an even, consistent level from front to back in your listening area. Oftentimes, this can be done without the use of multiple modules, unlike a line source solution.
Low Frequency Output – A column source array tends to lack low frequency due to smaller format drivers within the enclosure. Should an LF extension be required, a larger driver “subwoofer” will need to be integrated into the design.
Passive Column Array Placement – While powered column speakers can be steered and shaped via a computer, allowing vertical mounting, the majority of passive arrays must be aimed manually. This may result in aesthetic compromises by allowing a pan-tilt mount in order to achieve correct focus.
Acoustical Output – Column source speakers are suitable for many applications. However, multiple factors should be put into account before you finalize a decision.
Room Depth – Similar to line source modules, column arrays provide less horizontal control as compared to a point source cabinet.
Point source cabinets come in a variety of sizes and are designed with specific horizontal and vertical horn patterns. Some models allow for rotatable horns, giving them a wider range of options when designing and integrating systems. They can be used individually or placed in bigger array clusters to cover large areas requiring higher sound pressure levels.
Pattern Control – Line source arrays and column arrays tend to provide excellent control of vertical coverage within a space but only possess fixed horizontal patterns. A point source solution is capable of controlling both dispersion patterns (H&V) in a very controlled manner by determining how wide or narrow the mid and high band frequencies are in relation to the size of its horn. Depending on a space and its horizontal wall placement, a point source solution can better handle the reverberation characteristics of the space as compared to a line or column source speaker.
Placement and Flexibility – A point source design can be a great solution when budget, aesthetics and room size are the main points of concern. When designed and installed appropriately, a point source solution can stay hidden and still fulfill the needs of a space.
Cost – With less individual cabinets and fewer amplification channel-counts, point source solutions tend to be less expensive than other options.
Sound Projection – Depending on the length of the room, point source cabinets cannot always throw to the back areas of a space. This means that delay sources are required to extend sound pressure levels and frequency variances to the rear of the room. Conversely, doing this may harms intelligibility of sound as it now comes from multiple sources. This results in cancellations, comb filters and lobing in the front and rear of the room.
Low Frequency Directivity – Since the physical sizes of common point source cabinets are stunted (vertically) vs. line source systems, they lack the ability to control lower frequencies. This results in audible frequency wraps behind speakers, which causes spilling onto the stage. Excess noise is sent back into the PA, and comb filter issues between the multiple sources occur in addition to lobing.
Every speaker source has its place in our inventory of system designs. We hope that, with careful examination of a space and its requirements in accordance with the customer, systems will always match their spaces and application. Please contact Summation Audio for support in all aspects of your audio system design.
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