Line Array Speakers: A Complete Guide

(Editor&#;s Note: This post about line array speakers is part of Commercial Integrator&#;s ongoing series of informational guides of topics relevant to audiovisual system integrators. This page was originally published on June 6, , and it has been updated as of April 2, .)

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Are you looking for a comprehensive guide covering line array speakers? This guide is full of everything you need to know, whether you&#;re an audiovisual system integrator or someone just beginning their research into line array speaker systems.

Line array speakers offer many benefits, including the ability to give clear sound across large areas and over long distances &#; perfect if your venue has high ceilings and needs good coverage in both near-field and far-field listening zones.

We&#;ll cover how these versatile systems work, the advantages of them and the details you need when selecting a line array speaker system. In addition, discover the best line array speakers, such as JBL, L-Acoustics, d&b audiotechnik, Meyer Sound and much more for unparalleled audio quality and coverage in any setting. Compare the top line array speaker brands and find the perfect system for your needs.

Get ready to define your ideal setup as we dive right in!

What Are Line Array Speakers?

Line array speakers are a type of loudspeaker system designed for large venues and events. They consist of multiple speaker units, called &#;elements,&#; arranged vertically to provide directional sound while minimizing echo and distortion. This configuration results in superior audio performance, even coverage and improved intelligibility.

What are the Advantages of Line Array Speakers?

• Wide coverage: Line arrays offer consistent sound dispersion over a wide area, making them ideal for concerts, conferences and sporting events.
• Scalability: Easily expand or reduce the size of your line array system to match the demands of different venues and audience sizes.
• Reduced distortion: The vertical arrangement of speakers reduces interference and feedback, ensuring clear, high-quality sound.
• Flexible installation: Line array systems can be flown or ground-stacked, making them suitable for both temporary and permanent installations.

What are the Best Line Array Speaker Brands?

1. JBL Line Array

JBL is a leader in professional audio, offering an extensive range of line array speakers, including the popular VTX and VRX series. These systems deliver exceptional power, clarity and flexibility for a variety of applications.

JBL Line Array Calculator 

Integrators can use the JBL&#;s Line Array Calculator (LAC) simulation software for the design and prediction of JBL VTX Line Array systems and their acoustical performance. In addition, integrators can also use the software with flown and ground stacked JBL VTX Subwoofer Arrays. Beyond just acoustical prediction, integrators can use the Line Array Calculator for mechanical validation and the calculation of all weight limits and safety warnings for the JBL VTX Systems

2. L-Acoustics Line Arrays

L-Acoustics is renowned for its innovative line array technology, with flagship systems like the K1 and K2. These long-throw speakers are used by major touring artists like Rihanna and Adele and large-scale events worldwide. Scott Wakelin, director of business development, hospitality, explains to Dan Ferrisi, editor-in-chief of Commercial Integrator, why performance audio can hugely benefit hospitality settings. Watch the full, eight-minute video Q&A with Wakelin here.

3. d&b audiotechnik Line Arrays

d&b audiotechnik&#;s line array speakers, such as the SL-Series and Y-Series, are known for their precision, reliability and scalability. Their systems can be tailored to suit any venue or event.

4. Meyer Sound Line Arrays

Meyer Sound&#;s line array systems, including the Panther, Leopard and LYON series, deliver exceptional audio quality and coverage. Their innovative designs have set the industry standard for live sound reinforcement. Headquartered in Berkeley, Calif., and with operations globally, Meyer Sound&#;s products are known for their consistency, reliability and longevity.

5. K-Array Line Arrays

K-array brands offer an extensive ecosystem with solutions for small, medium and large-scale applications spanning the live sound, AV, marine and residential markets. K-arrays compact designs make them an ideal choice for applications where speakers need to be visually minimal but still offer uncompromised sound. Examples include restaurants, bars, or other spaces where the system can&#;t interfere with aesthetics, or houses of worship requiring special designs to blend with historical or classical architecture.

The Best Line Array Speakers for Large Venues

In addition, check out this slideshow, 38 Line Array Speakers, which highlights offerings that perfectly suit large venues.

Choosing the Right Line Array Speakers

When selecting a line array speaker system, consider factors such as:

For more what is a line arrayinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

• Budget: Determine the budget to narrow down the options and find a system that meets your clients&#; needs without breaking the bank.
• Size and weight: Consider the size and weight of the speakers, especially if you plan on transporting and installing them regularly.
• Power and output: Ensure the system has sufficient power and output to cover the venue and audience size.
• Compatibility: Check if the line array speakers are compatible with the existing audio equipment, such as amplifiers and mixing consoles.

Conclusion

Line array speakers are an essential investment for anyone seeking top-notch audio quality and coverage in large-scale events. By researching and comparing different brands and models, you can find the perfect line array system to elevate your live sound experience.

We hope you&#;ve enjoyed this line array speaker guide. If you have any feedback, please share it with , web editor, Commercial Integrator.

What is a line array?

A line array is a line of adjacent loudspeakers that coherently couple together creating a line source. A true line source will create a cylindrical wave-front propagating perpendicularly to the line source. This is instead of the spherical wave-front emitted from a point source.

What are the advantages?

A line array has a narrow dispersion at each end of its cylindrical wave-front. This helps to reduce room reflections and improves sound intelligibility. The narrow dispersion also allows the line array to throw (project) further than a simple point source system.

A point source loudspeaker will loose 6dB with every doubling of distance. A line source will only loose 3 dB with every doubling of distance, showing a major improvement of throw. This means that a point source starting at 130dB at 1m will be 88dB at 128 meters compared to a line source starting at 130dB will be 109dB at the same distance.

How close together do the drivers need to be?

An accepted approximation is that the source centres need to be less than ½ a wavelength apart. So for 100Hz this would need to be 1.715 meters apart and for 5kHz just 0. meters.

How long does the line need to be?

The source needs to be at least four times as long as the wavelength. This means that for a 100Hz Line Array you need a source 13.72 meters long. At 5kHz the source only needs to be 0.274 meters long.

Is it still a line array if it is curved?

Technically this is a curvy-linear array often implemented as a &#;J-array&#;. It works in a similar way to a line array and is a more common solution. Often people use the term line array to describe a curvy-linear array.

When were line Arrays invented?

The theory behind line arrays was first published by Harry Olson in and was initially used to develop column loudspeakers (which are line arrays). Modern Line Arrays have been used at large scale events since the mid eighties.

Does a line array have to be vertical?

Usually line arrays are vertical and flown either side of the stage. However, a line array will work at any angle. The angle should be set for best coverage. For example larger live events may have the bass bins across the front of the stage to create a horizontal line array (Glastonbury) or hung directly above the stage (Metallica).

How do you control a line array?

Line arrays can be the best and the worst sounding systems. Short line arrays can be &#;plug and play&#; systems, but with large commercial line arrays it is important to equalise each box (block or sector) correctly to the manufacturers specification.

How far from a line array do you need to be?

If you put your head right next to the centre speaker of a line array you will (almost) only hear that one speaker. As you move away you will be influenced by the surrounding speakers but the furthest part of the line reduces the sound. Once you are at a greater distance (maybe 20m away from a 4m line) you will hear all of the line in unison.

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