Real World: Concert Line Array Loudspeakers
A look at the realities of modern systems
Adamson Y Axis Series
|
|
 |
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
100 degrees
Rigging: Sliding hinge rigging system with 11 half-degree increments.
Aluminum rigging frames to support 16 or 24 modules available. Aluminum
dollies supplied as standard. (Both models)
|
|
|
Optimization software: Y Axis Shooter v1.1.02, for both models, that assists in the optimization of a wide range of array parameters. John Murray’s Take: Adam-son has perhaps the most interesting physical device patent for line array technology incorporated into its Y Axis product line. The company offers the only combination mid- and high-frequency isophasic aperture, dubbed the “Co-Linear Drive Module.” The really ingenious part is that the signal output of the high-frequency (HF) exit slot, as well as the two mid-frequency (MF) exit slots on either side of it, overlap each other at crossover so that there is no horizontal interfering diffractional effect. This is unique to horizontally symmetric line arrays. |
Apogee ALA Series
|
|
|
Available models Horizontal coverage |
Rigging: Internal formed steel channels that accept steel joining bars, secured by aircraft-grade quick-release pins.
|
|
|
Optimization software: N/A JM Take: Apogee offers three levels/sizes of its ALA line array series, each intended for specific applications, depending upon size and scope. Curiously, the data sheet on the flagship line array, the ALA-9, shows vertical dispersion with -6 dB beam-width plots in the 80-degree to 90-degree range using 5 to 8 units, which in my view is exactly what is not wanted from a line array. Market application analysis, anyone? |
d & b audiotechnik C Series
|
|
|
Available models Horizontal Coverage Rigging: Each cabinet is fitted with D-ring style flying studs. Columns of cabinets are then suspended daisy chain fashion from sub bars by pairs of steel chains with safety hooks. A webbing strap threaded through the rear of the cabinets gives stability and control of the vertical angle of the column. |
Two columns are then attached side-by-side to the underside of a main bar suspended from the roof.
|
|
|
Optimization software: Transcalc spreadsheet calculates the mechanical settings of the flying system for the defined aiming of each column horizontally and vertically and therefore the load per hanging point can be calculated and a suitable rigging plot extracted. JM Take: This Germany-based company offers an interesting approach to line arrays in that only the C3 cabinet is really a line array segment. The C4-TOP is a more standard passive two-way co-axial system. So d & b looks at the curved portion of the array as not being a line array and the long-throw top-most straight section as being the sole portion of the system that is really a line array. From a theoretical standpoint, they are correct. |
Dynacord Cobra Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Rigging: Four recessed rigging tracks and two webbing strap can be used for flying. Cabinets also have four large ABS feet for stacking.
|
|
|
Optimization software: RACE software for the system’s recommended
DSP244 processor. A future version of the software will also provide
a simulation of the radiation behavior and sound level dispersion
of Cobra stacks over the audience area. JM Take: Another company based in Germany, Dynacord’s approach is somewhere similar to that of d & b. The Cobra far-throw cabinets are the only true line array segments. Because the series consists of rectangular enclosures, though flyable, the primary application is straight stacked or flown arrays for large, high-level club applications. |
EAW KF760 & KF730 Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
KF760 80 degrees
KF761 100 degrees
KF730 110 degrees
Rigging: KF760 - Captured hinges at the four corners of each module.
Quick release pins connect the modules at various angles. KF730 - Aluminum
fly bar and rigging system that can suspend up to 18 modules at 10:1 factor.
Optimization software: Wizard for each series.
|
|
|
JM Take: These products are the work of Dave Gunness and Jeff Rocha, who, under the direction of Kenton Forsyth, comprise one of the most powerful speaker engineering teams in the industry. Their unique approach to line arrays involves diversity shading (equal power, different vertical dispersion) rather than the standard intensity shading (different power, equal vertical dispersion) that most other line-array systems use. They claim that in the overlap region of adjacent cabinets, intensity shading causes time-smearing of the signal’s impulse response, producing less sonic clarity. These arrays necessitate serious consideration. |
Electro-Voice X-Line Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
Xvlt 120 degrees
Xvls 90 degrees
Xfil 120 degrees (40 degrees vertical)
Xlc127 120 degrees
|
|
|
Rigging: New proprietary system is intended to make for
fast load-in and load-out, with linking hardware included. JM Take: Both the full-size X-Line and smaller Xlc sport asymmetric horizontal array designs. The most unique feature, a flat-faced 15-inch LF driver. is employed in the larger X-Line system. The “Hydra” isophasic aperture, available on both sized systems, employs variable-density foam for a cylindrical HF wavefront. Components are manufactured by EV. |
JBL VerTec Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal Coverage
VT4889 90 degrees
VT4888 90 degrees
VT4887 100 degrees
Rigging: A set of precision tooled, sliding hinge bars is a permanent
part of each enclosure. The integral suspension hardware is designed to
complement all models in the line.
|
|
|
Optimization software: VerTec Line Array Calculator, a predictive application for system setup. This Excel application provides detailed information about the system’s predictive performance in audience areas. JM Take: With the help of Mark Ureda, co-inventor of Manta Ray horns, JBL has a very good handle on the theoretical principals behind line arrays. Intimate knowledge of the effects of driver spacing, gradient lobing, listening distances, and array curvature enables accurate prediction of array performance. With some of the best driver technology in the business from Doug Button, this is one of the most popular line arrays offered. The rigging system and over all ease of flying also draws rave reviews from several sound companies. |
L-ACOUSTICS
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
V-DOSC 90 degrees
dV-DOSC 120 degrees
Rigging: Integral rigging for variable curvature line source arrays.
Optimization software: DLL Directivity Interface (DDI) is available
for CATT-Acoustic and EASE v4, allowing modeling through either proprietary
theoretical formulation, in-house modeling or measurements. Essentially,
the DDI provides an interface protocol for entering details of the array
configuration which is then used by the proprietary DLL program for calculation
of directivity data with arbitrary frequency and angular resolution for
the room acoustics modeling program.
|
|
|
JM Take: These guys started it all for modern concert sound line arrays. Christian Heil’s 1992 and 2001 AES papers, applying Fresnel’s approach to line arrays, define the criteria to which all who come since must meet in their designs. Driver-spacing limits, critical distance, the application of an isophasic HF aperture and more all came from L-ACOUSTICS. The original pioneer and still very popular, the V-DOSC is a very sweet sounding system and is now complimented by a little brother, the dV-DOSC. |
Martin Audio W8L & W8LC
|
|
|
Available models |
Rigging: Rigging hardware is integral. Array hinged at the front to minimize intercabinet gaps which would interfere with line array effect. Single wheelboard or multi cabinet dolly option.
|
|
|
Optimization software: Viewpoint, which optimizes the individual splay angles and overall tilt of the array for smoothest coverage. JM Take: Always known for a high-quality product, both of Martin Audio’s line array systems use all horn-loaded bandpass sections. The bass segment of both models employs horns with bass-reflex ports, ala the historic Altec design. Users rave about the sonic signature of these systems. (See Live Sound May 2003 issue for development details on these models.) |
McCauley MONARC MLA5 and M.LINE Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
MLA5 90 degrees
M90 90 degrees
M120 120 degrees
Rigging: MLA5 POWERLINK system allows up to 10 degrees of splay
between top modules. M.LINE Integral rigging system.
|
|
|
Optimization software: Array Calculator, with graphical interface that allows “drag and drop” or parametric array design, with “auto design” providing splay angles and rigging settings JM Take: The MLA5 is quite innovative. A horizontally symmetric dual-15-inch system, it features proprietary dual-10-inch Carbon-Nomex mid-drivers, and a unique cabinet-front contour dubbed an “Intercell Summation Aperture.” This concave shape enables better HF summation between cabinets, with and without a splay. As with EV, they employ variable density foam for the HF isophasic aperture. Reports from those that have chosen McCauley’s systems are giving very positive reviews. (See Live Sound July/August 2001 issue for details on the MLA5 array.) |
Meyer Sound M Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
M3D, Milo & M2D 90 degrees
M1D 100 degrees
Rigging: QuickFly rigging system (fitted as standard). Custom CamLinks
at the cabinet front corners, and connecting bars at the rear, link the
units for flying.
|
|
|
Optimization software: Meyer Sound’s MAPP Online acoustical prediction program is a cross-platform, Java-based application for predicting the coverage pattern, frequency response, impulse response and maximum SPL output of arrayed Meyer loudspeakers. JM Take: Meyer offers an impressive count of four types of line arrays, with the flagship M3D using two rear and two front 15-inch drivers for a cardioid LF response. Each series drives only one LF/MF driver at the shorter wavelengths for more consistent horizontal polars. To date, Meyer line arrays are among the most popular with professionals in the industry. With the wide range of options, systems can be constructed optimally for a very wide range of fixed and touring/live applications. Another attractive facet of these systems to some users is the fact that all are self-powered. |
SLS Loudspeakers RLA Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Rigging: N/A
|
|
|
Optimization software: Line Array Software Simulator (LASS) for prediction of line array performance in vertical or horizontal planes and other factors like SPL curves along listening lines. JM Take: Of all the listed concert line-array systems, only
SLS offers a true ribbon driver for the isophasic HF section. By
definition, the HF will be more extended and transient response
will better. The downside is that air attenuation will absorb most
of the extended HF and output level at high frequencies cannot play
as loud as compression drivers. Sorry we haven’t heard enough
qualified viewpoints to offer more useful information on this system’s
performance or its rigging system. |
Renkus-Heinz PNX102/LA
|
|
|
Available models Rigging: Two-point flyware system that also facilitates ground stacking. |
Optimization software: Aim-ware, allowing the user to select the number of modules in an array, the shape of the array, main array flying angle and definition of up to three audience areas.
|
|
|
JM Take: The unique aspect to this system is that the isophasic aperture for the HF section is a simple diffraction slot rather than a horn with a 60- or 90-degree waveguide section. As a result, the system offers up an industry maximum of 150 degrees of horizontal dispersion. In addition to “Aimware,” R-H has also developed a DLL file for use as a single device in EASE. This will soon be standard for all line arrays used in performance prediction software. |
NEXO GEO S and T Series
|
|
|
Available models |
Horizontal coverage
GEO S805 and S830 HF Waveguide can be configured for 80-degree 100-degree
(+40-degree, -60-degree) or 120-degree dispersion in the non-coupling
plane.
GEO T4805 and T2820 90 degrees
Rigging
GEO S Integral flying system; inter-cabinet angle adjustments at 0 degrees
to 5 degrees (step 0.5 degrees), 17.5 degrees and 30 degrees.
GEO T Integral flying system.
|
|
|
Optimization software: Just as we were going to press, NEXO announced new GEOSOFT S Series DLL FOR CATT-Acoustic 8.0. The DLL gives CATT-Acoustic users access to the same algorithms used in GEOSoft, a compiled MatLab application. JM Take: Highly innovative and easily one of the most compact line arrays in the field, NEXO GEO employs a unique hypercardioid LF section, a MF section using an ingenious yet simple phase plug to double the number of sources and halve the distance between those sources, and hyperboloid folded horn for the HF section. The GEO T also incorporates removable flanges that enable a single cabinet to serve both as a near-throw wide-angle down-fill and a far-throw narrow-angle enclosure. |
Also On The Line Array Front...
Alcons Audio: The pedigree of this recently formed Dutch company
indicates good things to follow. The principles of Alcons hail from some
of the biggest names in the European loudspeaker market. Alcons is currently
developing a new line array system, which will include the RBN 601 ribbon
driver. The product development process is being shared on the company
web site, www.alconsaudio, and we highly recommend stopping by to check
on the progress. You’ll also find some interesting reading on line array
approaches.
Clair Brothers: Clair has been evolving Curved Array Technology
(CAT) for more than four years and has done tours with a curved array
system. This technology is now available to the public for installations.
The CAT system fuses the speaker modules together with a rigging/attachment
system that creates a cosmetically appealing vertical array. Each module
provides 80 degrees of horizontal coverage and 25 degrees of vertical
coverage.
Duran Audio: Duran Audio is no newcomer to the world of column
loudspeakers, and is the undisputed leader when it comes to DSP-based
signal processing (a.k.a. “beam-steering,” etc.) of line arrays. For nearly
a decade, Duran has offered powered loudspeakers with control of the vertical
opening angle (vertical dispersion), the elevation angle (main lobe tilt),
and the focusing distance (in-phase location point). To date, the company
uniquely offers both a dead-hang system not requiring a curved bottom
portion of the array, and a dual-beam output capability to cover the main
floor and balcony using two distinct lobes from the same set of drivers.
Duran is just now introducing its full-range concert system, the Target
series, to North America.
PAS: The PAS offering for a line array is the RS.LA system. Like
d & b and Dynacord, this is packaged into a “stacks and racks” system.
This is really the company’s RS-2.2 with an external hanging bracket to
orient them on their sides and stacked into a vertical column. Each enclosure
consists of a 15-inch co-axial LF/HF driver with a second 15-inch LF driver.
No subwoofer is offered.
Ohm: With a clever name the almost full-range LUNARAY from the
U.K.’s Ohm Industries houses a 1-inch compression driver and an 8-inch
bass/mid driver. Two distinct hang styles are recommended. The FLAT where
axis of drivers in adjacent cabinets are parallel with 0 degrees between
axis, and the BANANA with constant angle offset. Lowest reproducible frequency
is 75 Hz. Ohm does well in various Asian countries and in the U.K. but
has no presence in North America.
Sound Engineering Group (SEC): This Korean speaker manufacturer came
out with the L-TEX75 and the L-TEX80N several years ago. SEC was established
in 1999 and is basically unknown outside of Korea. The L-TEX75 is loaded
with two 12-inch woofers, two 8-inch midrange drivers and a 4-inch compression
driver. For extra low-end the L-TEX63 or the L-TEX61 with dual 18-inch
woofers is recommended. The smaller L-TEX80N uses dual 8-inch extended
woofers and a 4-inch compression driver. SEC’s white paper is coming out
soon.
MTi: Even Denmark is producing a line array! MusicTronic International’s
LARC features dual 15-inch woofers and dual 2-inch compressions drivers
that deliver a 90-degree horizontal coverage pattern.
Desch Audio: This full service AVL company headquartered in Montabaur,
Germany, produces the MLA “Modular Line Array” that is based on “ribbon
compact” high-frequency coupling technology. Components include dual 12-inch
exponential horns for mids and dual ribbon compact drivers for the highs.
Horizontal dispersion is 70 degrees. The MLA Sub uses two 15-inch long
excursion speakers.
Selenium: Two large sound service companies in Brazil have independently
designed and built Selenium loaded line array rigs. We have seen the photos
and drawings and they definitely look like the real deal.
Outline: One of the most intriguing models that have come out recently
is the three-way Butterfly C.D.H. 483 Hi-Pack from Outline. This well-established
Italian audio manufacturer has three international patents for this line
array technology that features a “Double Parabolic Reflective” wave guide
which is an alternative solution to Christian Heil’s “DOSC” wave guide
patent. With a unique exterior design that resembles a butterfly and the
fact that each cabinet weighs just 72 pounds. while loaded with five loudspeakers,
the Butterfly is a perfect name. For low-frequency matching the C.D.L.
1815 Low-Pack offers a cardioid-like bass dispersion pattern. No Butterflys
have been observed in the Americas yet but expect to hear more about them
soon.
Live Sound Technical Editor John Murray is a 26-year industry veteran, working for EV, MediaMatrix and TOA. He has presented two AES papers, chaired three Syn-Aud-Con workshops and is a member of the TEF Advisory committee and ICIA adjunct faculty. We encourage you to send technical questions to John at jmurray@livesoundint.com
August 2003 Live Sound International