Popular convention says that bigger is better, but for many gigs, compact line arrays are actually a more suitable fit. A smaller system offers many advantages, including reduced effect on sightlines, reduced weight on rigging points, and a reduced impact on budgets, all while still delivering quality sound reinforcement.
In addition, lesser-scaled systems take up less room in the shop and less room on the truck. Further, smaller array modules can accommodate larger splay angles between modules while maintaining minimal displacement between transducers. This can be handy when dealing with the reduced box counts common to low-ceiling, small-room applications where down-sized products are often used.
We’ve defined compact line arrays as those having low-frequency drivers measuring 8 inches or smaller. They present a scalable solution – a single array will provide main coverage to a small to medium-sized space, and the addition of more loudspeakers easily expands coverage capabilities.
For dynamic full-range music presentation, arrays are usually accompanied by at least one subwoofer, some of them designed to fit seamlessly within a flown array structure.
While larger rigs certainly deliver the horsepower for bigger shows, they don’t scale down as well. Many manufacturers offer line array modules of various sizes that work together seamlessly. Also, some sound companies use smaller systems as front fills, down fills, and delays in conjunction with larger main arrays.
Flexibility with rigging continues to evolve, providing added array structure options. Compact systems also allow for the popular approach of ground-stacking the mains, which may satisfy the requirements of certain applications without the need for rigging infrastructure. Some of the models in the following roundup are also designed so that cabinets can be stand and pole-mounted, joined by ground-based subwoofers.
The majority of compact arrays are available with dedicated amplification and sophisticated DSP packages, either onboard or separately rack-mounted. Others are designed to work with a range of amplification and processing devices, and some companies offer a choice of either approach. A number of models are now equipped with proprietary and/or Dante networking capability.
With advances in technology and components, many recent compact line arrays can offer the same – or almost the same – acoustical output as their bigger brothers. A smaller footprint, less weight, added flexibility, quality sound and lots of volume at an attractive price point and return on investment. What’s not to like? Enjoy this Real World Gear look at the latest compact line arrays.
RCF HDL6-A
rcf-usa.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 6-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1,7-inch voice coil titanium compression driver on custom waveguide
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 20 kHz (-3 dB)
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Adjustable in 2-degree increments
Power: Self-powered (bi-amp, class D), rated at 1,400 watts peak, and DSP
Weight: 25.3 pounds
Size: 9.3 (h) x 18.5 (w) x 15 (d) inches
L-Acoustics Kiva II
l-acoustics.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 6.5-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.75-inch compression driver
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 15 (v) degrees maximum
Rigging: 0 to 15 degrees, 1-degree increments from 0 to 5 degrees and 2.5-degree increments beyond 5 degrees
Power: L-Acoustics LA4/LA8/LA12X amplified controller
Weight: 31 pounds
Size: 6.9 (h) x 20.5 (w) x 14.1 (d) inches
Adamson IS7
adamsonsystems.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 7-inch ND7-LM-8 cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch-exit NH3-16 compression driver
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 18 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 12.5 (v) degrees
Rigging: Integral captive rigging system
Power: LF – 500/2000 watts); HF – 110/440 watts (both AES/peak); supported by Lake processing
Weight: 29 pounds
Size: 9.3 (h) x 20.7 (w) x 15.8 (d) inches
dBTechnologies VIO L208
dbtechnologies.com
americanmusicandsound.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch cones neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch-exit compression driver on rotatable waveguide
Frequency Response: 85 Hz – 18.1 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Dispersion: 105 (h); vertical is array dependant (v) degrees
Rigging: 0 to 15 degrees in 1-degree increments
Power: Self-powered (Digipro G3 class D) rated at 1,800 watts peak, and DSP
Weight: 39.9 pounds
Size: 10.2 (h) x 26 (w) x 15.3 (d) inches
d&b audiotechnik T10
dbaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 6.5-inch cones neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch-exit compression driver on rotatable waveguide
Frequency Response: 68 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 105 (h) x 15 (v) degrees or 90 x 35 degrees single point
Crossover: Internal passive
Rigging: 0 to 15 degrees in 1-degree increments
Power: d&b amplification (D6, D12, D20, D80, 10D, 30D)
Weight: 24 pounds
Size: 7.7 (h) x 18.5 (w) x 11.8 (d) inches
Renkus-Heinz IC² (IC Squared)
renkus-heinz.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 4 x 8-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 4 x 1-inch compression drivers
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 120 or 90 (h) degrees; adjustable vertical from 10 to 80 degrees per beam
Rigging: Digitally steerable; adjustable from -30 to +30 degrees
Power: Self-powered (class D, 8 channels), multi-channel DSP
Weight: 75 pounds
Size: 18.5 (h) x 28.5 (w) x 11.5 (d) inches
NEXO GEO M6 Series
yamahaca.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF/MF: 1 x 6.5-inch cone driver
HF: 1 x 1-inch-throat driver on optimized HR Wavesource
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 19 kHz
Dispersion: 80 or 120 (h) x 20 (v) degrees (0- to 20-degree splay when arrayed)
Rigging: Proprietary NEXOSkeleton rigging system; can also be ground-stacked as well as pole- and wall-mounted
Power: NEXO NXAMP amplifier/controller recommended
Weight: 21.4 pounds
Size: 7.4 (h) x 14.6 (w) x 10.2 (d) inches
K-array Mugello-KH2
k-array.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 2 x 1.4-inch (2.5-inch voice coil) compression drivers
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 19 kHz (-10 dB)(
Dispersion: 110 (h) x 20 (v) degrees, preset dependent
Rigging: Adjustable; flypoints offer different degrees to facilitate curvilinear arrays
Power: Self-powered, DSP, several protections onboard (temperature, power, overload, clip, HF and more)
Weight: 63.9 pounds
Size: 11.2 (h) x 33 (w) x 8.3 (d) inches
Yorkville Sound Paraline Series PSA1
yorkville.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 4 x 6-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 2 x 1-inch voice coil titanium compression driver on custom waveguide
Frequency Response: 75 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Dispersion: 110 (h) x 15 (v) degrees
Rigging: Can be flown with optional hardware as well as stand-mounted
Power: Self-powered (bi-amp, class D), rated at 1,200 watts peak, EQ and driver protection
Weight: 52 pounds
Size: 14.5 (h) x 20.5 (w) x 16 (d) inches
Clair Brothers i208
clairbrothers.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF: 1 x 8-inch cone driver
LMF: 1 x 8-inch cone driver
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch compression driver
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 120 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Adjustable at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10-degree increments
Power: LF & LMF (each): 400 watts program, 800 watts peak; HF: 220 watts program, 440 watts peak
Weight: 62 pounds
Size: 9.2 (h) x 28.9 (w) x 23.9 (d) inches
Alcons Audio LR7
alconsaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 1 x 6.5-inch neodymium cone
HF: 1 x RBN401 4-inch pro-ribbon driver on a proprietary “Morpher” lens
Frequency Response: 74 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 120 or 90 (h) x 15 (v) degrees
Rigging: 0 to 15 degrees in 1-degree steps
Power: Alcons amplifier/controller recommended
Weight: 17.6 pounds
Size: 6.9 (h) x 14.1 (w) x 10.7 (d) inches
Meyer Sound LINA
meyersound.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF/MF: 2 x 6.5-inch cone drivers
HF: 1 x 3-inch compression driver coupled to a constant-directivity horn through a patented REM manifold
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 11 (v) degrees
Rigging: End frames with four captive
GuideALinks, secured with quick-release pins
Power: Self-powered 3-channel class D amplifier; DSP
Weight: 43 pounds
Size: 8.4 (h) x 20.3 (w) x 15.3 (d) inches
EAW Radius RSX208L
eaw.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF: 1 x 8-inch cone driver
LF/MF: 1 x 8-inch cone driver
HF: 2 x 1.4-inch voice coil compression drivers (horn-loaded)
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 120 (h) x 12 (v) degrees
Rigging: Adjustable in 3-degree increments, 0 to 12 degrees
Power: Self-powered, triamplified; modified
class D, max output of 3 x 500 watts; DSP
Weight: 40.5 pounds
Size: 9.8 (h) x 27 (w) x 13 (d) inches
VUE Audiotechnik al-4
vueaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 4-inch Kevlar neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1-inch beryllium diaphragm compression driver
Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 90 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 degrees between array elements
Power: V4 Systems Engine (power, DSP, networking)
Weight: 19 pounds
Size: 10.3 (h) x 19.9 (w) x 5.5 (d) inches
Martin Audio Wavefront Precision WPM
martin-audio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 6.5-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 3 x 1.4-inch neodymium compression drivers on constant-directivity waveguide
Frequency Response: 76 Hz – 18 kHz (+/- 3 dB)
Dispersion: 100/125 (h at – 6/-10 dB) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Integral 3-point rigging system
Power: iKON multichannel class D amplifiers w/DSP, can be driven in blocks of 1, 2, 3 or 4 resolution configuration
Weight: 30.9 pounds
Size: 7.3 (h) x 19.7 (w) x 14.8 (d) inches
QSC WideLine-8 WL3082
qsc.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF/MF: Dual 8-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1.4-inch-exit neodymium compression driver
Frequency Response: 68 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 140 x 10 degrees
Rigging: Adjustable in 1-degree increments from 0 – 10 degrees
Power: Tri-amped; LF –250 watts, MF – 250 watts, HF – 85 watts
Weight: 38 pounds
Size: 9 (h) x 20 (w) x 15 (d) inches
Electro-Voice XLD281
electrovoice.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF: 1 x 8-inch neodymium cone (EV DVN2080)
MF: 1 x 8-inch neodymium cone (EV DVN2080)
HF: 2 x 2-inch voice coil neodymium drivers (EV ND2S-8)
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 120 x 10 degrees (90 degrees horizontal available – XLD291)
Rigging: 1-degree increments
Power: Biamp and triamp modes (200/200/80 watts)
Weight: 48 pounds
Size: 9.9 (h) x 28.6 (w) x 14.5 (d) inches
PreSonus WorxAudio XL1
commercial.presonus.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch-exit compression driver on proprietary Flatwave former
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 160 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: TrueAim tour rigging, adjustable in 1-degree increments
Power: Choice of self-powered and passive; PreSonus WorxAudio PDA-1000R amplifier recommended; DSP
Weight: 59 pounds
Size: 10.2 (h) x 24.5 (w) x 18 (d) inches
JBL VerTec VT4887ADP-DA
jblpro.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch Differential Drive neodymium cone drivers
MF: 4 x 4-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 2 x 1-inch neodymium compression drivers
Frequency Response: 55 Hz – 22 kHz
Dispersion: 100 degrees horizontal
Rigging: Selectable splay increments between 0 to 15
Power: Self-powered (DSP/networking)
Total power is 1100 watts continues, 2200 watts peak
Weight: 87.5 pounds
Size: 11 (h) x 31 (w) x 22.1 (d) inches
TW Audio VERA10
twaudio.de
Configuration: 2-way
LF/MF: 1 x 10-inch cone driver (compression chamber phase plug is positioned in front of driver chassis)
HF: 2 x 1-inch compression drivers on an optimized waveguide
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 80 or 120 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Integral captive rigging system
Power: Active and biamp/passive versions available; high-shelf attenuation vertical selector onboard; operates with DSP controller
Weight: 39.7 pounds (VERA10P version)
Size: 10.8 (h) x 19.7 (w) x 14 (d) inches
D.A.S. Audio AERO 8A
dasaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 1 x D.A.S. 8MN 8-inch neodymium cone driver
HF: 1 x D.A.S. M-60N 1.75-inch neodymium driver
Frequency Response: 95 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 90 degrees nominal
Rigging: Adjustable in 1-degree increments from 0 – 10 degrees
Power: Self-powered; LF – 250 watts, HF – 100 watts; DSP
Weight: 39.6 pounds
Size: 9.6 (h) x 20.7 (w) x 14 (d) inches
Coda Audio TiRAY
codaaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF/MF: 2 x 5-inch cone drivers
HF: 1 x 5-inch neodymium planar wave driver
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz (-6 dB)
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 0-12 (v) degrees (array dependent)
Rigging: Integrated 3-point captive system
Power: Driven with companion LINUS amplifier/controllers
Weight: 21.8 pounds
Outline MINI-COM.P.A.S.S. iMODE
outlinearray.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: Quad 5-inch, Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide loaded
HF: Dual 1.75-inch, Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide loaded
Frequency Response: 100 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: Asymmetrical horizontal directivity — steps of 15 degrees can be set between 60 to 150 degrees manually; vertical depends on array height and curvature
Rigging: 0 to 7.5 degrees, .5-degree increments
Power: Self-powered, 2 x 500 watts; DSP
Weight: 52.9 pounds
Size: 13.8 (h) x 21.7 (w) x 16.4 (d) inches
Size: 6.1 (h) x 15.9 (w) x 10 (d) inches
Fulcrum Acoustic FL283
fulcrum-acoustic.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch ceramic cone drivers, proprietary cardioid deployment
HF: 3 x 1.4-inch neodymium drivers
Frequency Response: 54 Hz – 18.6 kHz
Dispersion: 90 (h), vertical is array dependant
Rigging: 4 to 20 degrees in 2-degree increments; 0- and 2-degree splays with optional rear link bar
Power: Single-amplified w/DSP; 500 to 1000 watts at 16 ohms recommended
Weight: 57 pounds
Size: 12.8 (h) x 21.3 (w) x 19.3 (d) inches
Ramsdell Pro Audio LA-10-2
ramsdellproaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF/MF: 1 x 10-inch cone driver in vented chamber
HF: 1 x 1-inch (1.75-inch voice coil) neodymium compression driver
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 18 kHz
Dispersion: 60, 90 or 120 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Integral captive rigging system adjustable in 2-degree increments from 0 to 10 degrees
Power: Active and passive versions available; optional biamp; rated at 500 watts (program)
Weight: 29 pounds
Size: 12 (h) x 21.7 (w) x 15.9 (d) inches
FBT Mitus 206LA
fbtusa.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 6.5-inch neodymium cone drivers
HF: 1 x 1.4-inch neodymium compression driver on a waveguide
Frequency Response: 68 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 10 (v) degrees
Rigging: Adjustable in 2-degree increments from 0 to 10 degrees
Power: Self-powered (class D), LF – 600 watts, HF – 300 watts; DSP
Weight: 30.8 pounds
Size: 7.5 (h) x 22.6 (w) x 15 (d) inches
Bose ShowMatch DeltaQ
pro.bose.com
Configuration: 2-way
Dispersion (h x v): 100 or 70 degrees (changeable) x choice of 5, 10, or 20 degrees
LF: 2 x 8-inch cone drivers
HF: 4 x EMB2S compression drivers
Frequency Response: 69 Hz – 17 kHz
Power: HF: 100 watts continuous, 400 watts peak; LF: 450 watts continuous, 1,800 watts peak
Rigging: 3-point “quick pin” system, support for up to 24 modules
Weight: N/A
Size (h x w x d): 11.1 (h) x 31.2 (w) x 18.3 (d) inches
ISP Technologies HDL2208
ispproaudio.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF Drivers: 2 x 8 inch neodymium cone drivers
HF Drivers: 1 x 2.6 inch neodymium compression driver on multiple-aperture waveguide
Frequency Response: 68 Hz – 16 KHz
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 10 (v)
Rigging: 1 to 10 degrees with 1-degree increments
Power: Self-powered, 3-channel proprietary DCAT amplifier (850 watts, RMS)
Weight: 62 pounds
Size: 9.1 (h) x 24 (w) x 19 (d) inches
Verity Audio IWAC208
verityaudio.fr
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch cone drivers
HF: 2 x 1.7-inch compression drivers on proprietary waveguide/expanded horn
Frequency Response: 95 Hz – 19.5 kHz
Dispersion (h x v): 90 degrees x 8 degrees
Rigging: Adjustable 0 to 6 degrees in 1-degree increments
Power: Verity V4.25 amplification/DSP package provided in rack that can be ground-based or flown with arrays
Weight: 52.9 pounds
Size: 10.6 (h) x 26.9 (w) x 14.4 (d) inches
Turbosound Flashline TFS-550H
turbosound.com
Configuration: 3-way
LF: 2 x 6.5-inch neodymium cone drivers
MF: 1 x 4-inch neodymium cone driver
HF: 1 x 1-inch compression driver
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 110 (h) x 8 (v) degrees
Rigging: 0 to 12 degrees in 1-degree increments
Power: 10000DP amplification recommended (DSP, networking); LF: 400 watts peak, MF/HF: 240 watts peak
Weight: 29.5 pounds
Size: 7.6 (h) x 21.7 (w) x 15.6 (d) inches
Void Acoustics Arcline 6
voidacoustics.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 4 x 6.5-inch neodymium cones
HF: 3 x 1-inch neodymium compression drivers
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 120 (h) x 12 (v) degrees
Rigging: 2-degree adjustments from 0- to 10 degrees
Power: 800 watts (RMS)
Weight: 62 pounds
Size: 15.6 (h) x 21.2 (w) x 14 (d) inches
BASSBOSS LA88
bassboss.com
Configuration: 2-way
LF: 2 x 8-inch cone drivers with multi-aperture midrange loading
HF: 2 x 1.7-inch diaphragm compression drivers on isophasic waveguides
Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 19 kHz
Dispersion: 140 (h) x 8 (v) degrees
Rigging: Adjustable in 1-degree increments, with fixed front pivot point
Power: Self-powered, class D Powersoft amplifier (3,000 watts peak); DSP
Weight: 55 pounds
Size: 9.5 (h) x 24 (w) x 19 (d) inches
Audiocenter K-LA26
audiocenter.net
Configuration: 3-way
LF/MF: 1 x 8-inch custom Beyma cone
HF: 1 x 1.75-inch Beyma compression driver with composite membrane
Frequency Response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: 100 (h) x 20 (v) degrees
Rigging: 2-degree adjustments from 0 to 10 degrees
Power: Self-powered, Pascal digital amplifier, includes DSP; 1,600 watts (RMS)
Weight: 55 pounds
Size: 9.3 (h) x 23.2 (w) x 19.7 inches
