Why line array?

First, you gain three dB of sensitivity every time you double the number of drivers. Starting with the typical 87dB sensitivity driver, increasing the number to two takes you to 90dB, four gets 93dB, and 8 gets you to 96dB. You have two choices in wiring this array, with one choice getting you 99dB / 4 ohms nominal impedance, the other getting 93dB / 16 ohms. Either way the array is far more sensitive than a single woofer would be. Since each 3dB gain is the equivalent of doubling you amplifer power, you can get by with a far less powerful amp, or you can achieve awesome volume levels with a high power amp. Danny Ritchie once told me he measured 130dB plus from a pair of his Alpha LS speakers. Of course you don't want to play any speaker that loud inside a small room, but even at reasonalble power levels the line array is far more dynamic than a point source speaker using the same drivers. This characteristic also makes a line array a great speaker for use with low powered SET tube amplifiers. My 8 watt 300B will drive my XT-8 arrays much louder than a 120 watt Sonic Frontiers Power 2 would drive my Magnepans.

Second, even the above numbers understate the actual volume gain, because as long as you are listening within the near field a line array's loudness decreases by 3dB per doubling of distance from it versus 6dB for a point source. So at 3 yards listening distance a 93dB line array sounds as loud as a 99dB point source would at that distance.

Third, each driver has to move far less to produce a given sound level versus a point source, reducing the excursion-related distortion. At the volume level where a point source speaker would begin to sound congested a line array using the same drivers would be operating well below its limit.

Fourth, the cylindrical waveform eminating from the baffle eliminates floor bounce, one of the major causes of frequency related peaks and nulls in a point source speaker.

Fifth, line arrays have a larger sweet spot and a more convincing soundstage.

Sixth, they are really cool looking 

The disadvantages are cost, size, and if you're building it yourself, time and difficulty of construction. The cost thing is simple arithmetic: The drivers in a line array using eight woofers and eight tweeters cost eight times that of a two way point source speaker using the same drivers. Line arrays are really big, and women especially don't like big speakers in their homes. It's strictly a cultural thing - my wife had no objection to a 13' high antique "buffet a deux corps" in our entry foyer, but she did hesitate a bit when I told her I was planning to build 6' high speakers. An interiour designer once said to her "You let him have those big ugly things in this beautiful house?" I've trained her to respond "Size does matter". The difficulty factor is simple - a 6' tall enclosure with extensive bracing plus many driver cutouts and recesses is a tough project.

Here's a picture of my first wife when I told her I was building a 7' 4" tall pair of line arrays. As a result of this experience I'm now married to a sweet little old lady who demands nothing and gives me lots of money to build more line array speakers. 
http://fredt300b.smugmug.com/gallery/#

Several characteristics of line arrays make them my preferred speaker type:First, you gain three dB of sensitivity every time you double the number of drivers. Starting with the typical 87dB sensitivity driver, increasing the number to two takes you to 90dB, four gets 93dB, and 8 gets you to 96dB. You have two choices in wiring this array, with one choice getting you 99dB / 4 ohms nominal impedance, the other getting 93dB / 16 ohms. Either way the array is far more sensitive than a single woofer would be. Since each 3dB gain is the equivalent of doubling you amplifer power, you can get by with a far less powerful amp, or you can achieve awesome volume levels with a high power amp. Danny Ritchie once told me he measured 130dB plus from a pair of his Alpha LS speakers. Of course you don't want to play any speaker that loud inside a small room, but even at reasonalble power levels the line array is far more dynamic than a point source speaker using the same drivers. This characteristic also makes a line array a great speaker for use with low powered SET tube amplifiers. My 8 watt 300B will drive my XT-8 arrays much louder than a 120 watt Sonic Frontiers Power 2 would drive my Magnepans.Second, even the above numbers understate the actual volume gain, because as long as you are listening within the near field a line array's loudness decreases by 3dB per doubling of distance from it versus 6dB for a point source. So at 3 yards listening distance a 93dB line array sounds as loud as a 99dB point source would at that distance.Third, each driver has to move far less to produce a given sound level versus a point source, reducing the excursion-related distortion. At the volume level where a point source speaker would begin to sound congested a line array using the same drivers would be operating well below its limit.Fourth, the cylindrical waveform eminating from the baffle eliminates floor bounce, one of the major causes of frequency related peaks and nulls in a point source speaker.Fifth, line arrays have a larger sweet spot and a more convincing soundstage.Sixth, they are really cool lookingThe disadvantages are cost, size, and if you're building it yourself, time and difficulty of construction. The cost thing is simple arithmetic: The drivers in a line array using eight woofers and eight tweeters cost eight times that of a two way point source speaker using the same drivers. Line arrays are really big, and women especially don't like big speakers in their homes. It's strictly a cultural thing - my wife had no objection to a 13' high antique "buffet a deux corps" in our entry foyer, but she did hesitate a bit when I told her I was planning to build 6' high speakers. An interiour designer once said to her "You let him have those big ugly things in this beautiful house?" I've trained her to respond "Size does matter". The difficulty factor is simple - a 6' tall enclosure with extensive bracing plus many driver cutouts and recesses is a tough project.Here's a picture of my first wife when I told her I was building a 7' 4" tall pair of line arrays. As a result of this experience I'm now married to a sweet little old lady who demands nothing and gives me lots of money to build more line array speakers.

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When we design sound systems for venues, we look at throw distance (how far is the back row from the speaker), width of the seating area and how high we can get the speakers. 

A typical point source (1-2 speakers) can throw a maximum of about 50&#; before significant deterioration in the quality of the sound. Longer throws will require delay speakers or an array to cover the area. If the room is wide or the stage projects into the room with seating on the sides, a line array gets very expensive because of the more than 180° coverage required. Many line arrays only cover 90° in the horizontal, which means 4 or more hangs are required. Remember that you need 6 boxes of line array per hang! Unless the throws are more than 50&#;, a line array is the wrong tool for the job.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit line array speakers system.

Height is also a determining factor. While some line arrays can be stacked on the stage, the preference is to hang them&#;just like with point sources. It&#;s pretty difficult to get the required J shape with 6+ cells ground stacked. The front row still gets blasted and the idea of even coverage front to back is completely lost. Where ground stacking works is when there&#;s a significant rise in seating from the lip of the stage. The top cabinets can be angled to push to the back row, which takes advantage of the line array capabilities, but the front row still gets hit hard. If your ceiling is low, a line array can also dwarf the stage or hang down far enough to interfere with sight lines.

Line arrays are a great fit for touring where the show is in a different venue every night. They adapt quickly to a variety of seating configurations and can throw sound far enough to reach the upper seating of an arena bowl. They&#;re also a great choice for an installed system where a long throw distance is required.

If your venue is wide, or the throw is 50&#; or less, there are plenty of point source options that can fill the space with sound and reach the levels you want to hit, without breaking the bank.

For more information, please visit handheld conference.