The definition of which characteristics make a line array small- or large-format, is somewhat arbitrary.
Is it how wide or high each element is, how much it weighs, how many components each houses, the diameter of the components, or how loud it gets? For this overview, we’ve based the selection on the size of the largest LF driver within the array, considering those with 8-inch to 10-inch cones to be medium-format.
Even within the medium-format category, there’s a lot of variety.
Among the represented brands and models, the horizontal coverage angle varies from 80 degrees to 150 degrees from a single array medium-format, as opposed to column, with most ranging between 100 to 120 degrees. Some manufacturers offer cabinets with the same “footprint” with differing horizontal coverage, allowing the user to better “customize” coverage for a particular venue.
Enclosure width varies from a bit over 23 inches to over 30 inches, and weight for each cabinet ranges from a bit over 30 pounds to over 100 pounds. Many are self-powered, and others have dedicated external processing and amplification.
Most of these systems use a pair of cones to cover the lowest frequencies, and often will roll off the upper frequencies of one LF driver while allowing the other to cover the midrange. HF is covered by a compression driver, or occasionally a ribbon driver, with pattern control via a horn or waveguide with a narrow vertical coverage angle. Thus a 3-way system is effectively created, with the coupling of the two cones effectively creating a larger LF radiating surface.
Lesser-scaled line arrays, in comparison to enclosures with 12-inch or 15-inch LF drivers, allow wider splay angles within the array elements, while still maintaining consistent coverage. This characteristic can be useful for covering smaller venues that have multiple levels, and can also help work around architectural structures like the edges of balconies.
The following Real World Gear tour of recent models is not meant to be all-inclusive, yet covers a variety of manufacturers and design concepts. Enjoy a look at the latest medium-format line arrays.
