Do I Need a Line Array for my Event

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.

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.