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Sector Guide - Small-format line arrays

While E.F Schumacher may have decreed ‘Small Is Beautiful’ during the 1970s, this statement now seems to have been embraced by the world’s loudspeaker manufacturers, whose line-array portfolios now increasingly incorporate small-format arrays in addition to the original large-format designs.

At this point, some background is probably in order. To all intents and purposes, the original line-array developments were mainly comprised of large enclosures, utilising large 12-inch or 15-inch transducers. Agreed, some smaller systems existed, but the general tone was one for major, long-throw systems aimed at US shed tours and outdoor festivals. As such, and as was pointed out at the time, attempting to use one of these systems indoors, in a European proscenium arch theatre for example, was similar to trying to drive a Ferrari down London’s Oxford Street during rush-hour.

Certainly something had to be done, and before long, mid-sized line arrays began to take to market. A trend initially begun by French manufacturer Nexo, which released a mid-sized array before moving onto larger counterparts, the move introduced line array technology to a whole new market of smaller venues, gaining respectability and awareness along the way. Yet, just like Alice in Wonderland, the line array was to get smaller still.

This month’s product focus looks at what are now generally considered to be small-format line arrays, and by that, we mean arrays that incorporate 8- or 8.5-inch drivers for LF reproduction. Of course, the Alice effect now means that some arrays use even smaller LF drivers (the micro-format line array, as it is known), but like their larger siblings, these will be dealt with on another occasion.

Many of these can be used in flown or ground-stacked configuration, and indeed, have multiple application uses. These include as a small flown cluster in a club or small venue, or as front- or side-fills within a larger system.

However, the fact remains that a series of enclosures can only react together to create that all important isophasic wave form, if the line array ‘finger’ is of the correct length. As such, some of the manufacturers listed here indicate the correct number of enclosures to create that mode. Singly, or in small numbers, these boxes will simply act in a more conventional manner.

Finally, the normal caveat applies that this focus is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of all small-format systems that are available. Instead it is simply an indicator as to some of the manufacturers and products that currently are on the market. As such, this month we present one solution from
12 manufacturers currently in this healthy sector.

Adamson Metrix
Frequency Response: 95 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 120 x 5 degrees
Dimensions (H x W x D): 218.5 x 541 x 410 mm
(8.6 x 21.3 x 16.14 inches)
Weight: 24 kg (53 lbs)

Features: Ultra compact two-way true line source array. Loaded with an Adamson ND8-LM 8.5-inch Kevlar neodymium L/MF driver plus a B&C DE800 1.4-inch HF compression driver mounted on a patented, proprietary HF wave-shaping chamber.

Designed for use in arrays of six or more elements. Touring (Metrix-t) and install (Metrix-i) versions, plus Metrix WAVE (15-degree vertical pattern) also available. Touring system utilises an AIR rigging system, which allows six various rigging angles between each enclosure, measured in the logarithmic scale.

Install system utilises EIR ‘Enclosed Installation Rigging’ system, which is a semi-permanent solution designed for strictly contractor and permanent installation customers. Can be used with Metrix Sub-i or Metrix Sub-t, double 15-inch sub woofers.

adamsonproaudio.com

Alcons Audio LR 16
Frequency Response: 70 Hz – 20 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 90 x 40 degrees with rotatable HF horn
Dimensions (H x W x D): 226 x 775 x 434 mm
(8.9 x 30.5 x 17.1 inches)
Weight: 29 kg (64 lbs)

Features: Main component of ‘The Ribbon’ line-array system. Compact two-way active line-source system with dual AMB8 8-inch neodymium woofers with vents, and a single 6-inch RBN601 pro-ribbon MF/HF transducer on a ‘morpher wave-guide (92 per cent frontal radiation). Can be used either stacked or flown.

Offers complete ‘plug & play’ capability with speakers, amplifiers, dedicated processing, flying hardware, connector panels, prediction software and transport cases.

Recommended for use with the proprietary ALC 2 (or ALC 4) amplifier/controller. SIS pre-wiring ensures complete cable/connector compensation between the LR16 and ALC. Can be used with LR16B dual 15-inch subwoofer or BF362 deep-sub system.

alconsaudio.com

D.A.S AERO CA-28
Frequency Response: 80 Hz – 18 kHz (- 10 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 120 x 9 degrees (-6 dB) Splay angle dependent
Dimensions (H x W x D): 26.5 x 88.2 x 40 cm
(10.4 x 34.7 x 15.8 inches)
Weight: 28.5 kg (63 lbs)

Features: Active two-way compact line array module. Loaded with dual proprietary 8MN16, 8-inch cone transducers incorporating neodymium magnetic assemblies, with 2.5-inch voice coils for MF reproduction.

A M-10N medium format compression driver using a 3-inch titanium diaphragm, copper clad aluminium EFW voice coil and a 1.5-inch exit throat coupled to a SERPIS high frequency, cast aluminium plane wave generator handles HF reproduction.
Passive, bi-amp or self-powered versions available. Can be used with the CA-215 dual 15-inch subwoofer.

dasaudio.com

Electro-Voice XLD 281
Frequency Response: 75 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 120 x 10 degrees
Dimensions (H x W x D): 726 x 251 x 369 mm
(9.9 x 28.6 x 14.5 inches)
Weight: 21.8 kg (48 lbs)

Features: Three-way design using proprietary CCT (Coverage Control Technology) to control horizontal coverage to 250 Hz.
Loaded with an 8-inch DVN2080 neodymium LF transducer, an 8-inch DVN 2080 neodymium LF/MF transducer, and dual ND2, neodymium 2-inch voice coil compression drivers mounted on hydra plane wave generators. Can be used in tri-amp mode, or in bi-amp using the internal passive network.

Designed for use in arrays of four or more elements, either flown or ground-stacked. Integrated rigging with hinge points located correctly between array elements. Can be used with XS 212side-address dual 12-inch or XLC 215 dual 15-inch subwoofers.

electrovoice.com

EONA ADRaudio Baby Series L 2821 HH
Frequency Response: 75 Hz – 17 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 110 x 5 degrees
(single unit at 14 kHz)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 484 x 466 x 360 mm
(19 x 18.36 x 14.2 inches)
Weight: 35 kg (77.2 lbs)

Features: Two-way design, with vertically orientated mids and side horn.

Loaded with dual 1.7-inch voice coil, 1-inch exit HF drivers on a proprietary bi-planar waveguide coupled to a constant directivity horn, plus dual 8-inch MF/LF drivers with 2-inch voice coils. Powered by dual internal ICE 600-watt Class-D amplifiers.

Designed for small to medium sized venues or side fill supplement for larger venues. Flown or ground-stacked operation. Integrated flying hardware (up to 20 units from a single frame. Optional transport dolly. Can be used with ATA 618C cardioid subwoofer, which offers four 18-inch drivers in forward configuration, and two rear.

adraudio.com

FBT Modus 15/40
Frequency Response: 58 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion (H x V): 90 x 15 degrees (Modus 15)
90 x 40 degrees (Modus 40)
Dimensions (H x W x D): 980 x 713 x 490 mm (38.9 x 28 x 18 inches)
Weight: 93 kg (205.2 lbs)

Features: Two-way bi-amplified design. Loaded with eight 8-inch (2-inch voice coil) custom neodymium woofers and eight 1-inch (1.7-inch voice coil custom neodymium compression drivers coupled to a waveguide with 90-degree dispersion horn. Flown or ground-stacked operation.

Powered versions incorporate a 1,400-watt rms Class D (PWM) amplifier for the LF section and a 700-watt rms Class D (PWM) amplifier for the HF section, plus a DSP providing crossover, delay, energy control, dynamic low frequency equalization and frequency domain equalization. Passive versions are also available. Can be used with Modus SUB loaded with dual 15-inch B&C drivers.

fbt.it

JBL VerTec VT4887
Frequency Range: 55 Hz – 22 kHz (- 10 dB)
Frequency response 160 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion: Horizontal Coverage Angle (-6 dB): 100-degrees nominal (500 Hz – 16 kHz) Vertical Coverage Angle (-6 dB): Varies with array size and configuration
Dimensions (W x H x D): 787 x 281 x 415 mm
(31 x 11 x 16.3 inches)
Weight: 30.4 kg (67 lb)

Features: Three-way, bi-amp design with V-mids and centre horn. Loaded with 2168J-1 8-inch LF drivers with differential drive, neodymium magnets and dual 3-inch voice coils. HF/MF handled by dual 1-inch transducers passively crossed-over to four 4-inch transducers.

Proprietary waveguides couple to create precision HF vertical slot aperture. Integrated S.A.F.E. suspension system. Can be upgraded via rear panel to self-powered system via DrivePack modules with integral signal processing. Can be used with VT4881 single 15-inch loaded subwoofer.

jblpro.com

L-Acoustics dV-DOSC
Frequency Response: 160 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3 dB)
Dispersion: Horizontal - symmetrical 120-degrees; Vertical - defined by the array
Dimensions: Width 695 mm (27.4 inches; Front height 257 mm (10.1 inches); Rear height 171 mm (6.7 inches); Depth 476 mm (18.7 inches).
Weight: 35 kg (77.2 lbs)

Features: WST-based sound reinforcement system. Two-way bi-amp design, with V-shape centre proprietary DOSC waveguide.

Loaded with dual 8-inch LF drivers with 2-inch voice coils in V-shape baffle. HF handled by single 1.4-inch neodymium titanium, 3-inch diaphragm driver. Vertical directivity adjustable in 1-degree steps up to 7.5-degrees. OEM factory presets for approved digital processors. Bi-amp can be used with 3- or 4-way systems. Can be used with triple 15-inch loaded dV-Sub and/or dual 18-inch loaded SB218 subwoofer.

l-acoustics.com

Meyer M’elodie
Operating Frequency Range: 70 Hz - 18 kHz
Free Field Frequency Response: 76 Hz – 16 kHz
(± 4 dB)
Dispersion: Horizontal – 100-degrees; Vertical – Varies, depending on array length and configuration
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 729 x 233.31 x 323.85 mm (28.54 x 9.19 x 12.75 inches)
Weight: 28.12 kg (62 lbs)

Features: Three-way design with centred HF horn. Loaded with dual 8-inch neodymium LF/MF drivers with 1.5-inch voice-coil, plus dual 1.2-inch exit neodymium HF drivers with REM.
Self-powered via internal 500/500/275-watt amplifiers. Seamless integration with proprietary MICA system.

Proprietary QuickFly rigging with captive GuideALinks. Suitable for flown or ground stacked arrays. Can be used with 600-HP, dual 15-inch loaded subwoofer.

meyersound.com

Outline Butterfly
Frequency response: Single element: 110 Hz – 18 kHz (± 3dB);
Coupled array four units: 80Hz – 18 kHz (± 3dB)
Dispersion: Horizontal 90-degrees; Vertical - Depending on array height and curvature
Dimensions: Front Height 240 mm; Rear Height 194 mm; Width 700 mm; Depth 600 mm
Weight: 35 kg (77 lbs) net (including fly hardware)

Features: Three-way, bi-ampable hyperboloid reflective wavesource design. HF section equipped with a 3-inch (1.41-inch throat) compression driver coupled with a D.P.R.W.G. (Double Parabolic Reflective Wave Guide) device.

Also loaded with four high-efficiency 8-inch mid woofers: two band-pass loaded (110 -400Hz) and two reflex high-pass (110 – 1,250Hz) loaded by the sides of a waveguide with a 90-degree dispersion angle Can be used with the C.D.L. 1815 cardioid, loaded with a single18-inch (front) and single 15-inch (rear).

outline.it

QSC Wideline-8 WL 3082
Frequency Response: 68 Hz - 18 kHz
Dispersion: Horizontal 140 degrees; Vertical dependent on number of elements used
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 228 x 508 x 406 mm
(9 x 20 x 16 inches)
Weight: 17 kg (38 lbs)

Features: Three-way, self-powered design with centre horn. Loaded with dual 8-inch neodymium LF/MF drivers with 2-inch voice coils provide low-frequency extension to 62 Hz without subwoofers.

HF handled by single 1.4-inch (3-inch diaphragm) compression driver, mounted on a proprietary, patented 140-degree multiple diffraction aperture waveguide. Tri-amped via integral 250/250/85-watt amplifiers. Rigging system supports arrays of up to 12 units with 10:1 design factor. Flexible ground stack capability. Fully supported in EASE and EASE Focus acoustic software. Can be used with QSC’s WL212, dual 12-inch loaded subwoofer.

qscaudio.com

VMB Lynx LX-V8
Frequency Response: 65 Hz – 20 kHz
Dispersion: (H x V) 90-degrees (-6 dB); Vertical – according to array configuration
Dimensions: (H x W x D) 270 x 900 x 525 mm (10.6 x 35.4 x 20.6 inches)
Weight: 42 kg (92.5 lbs)

Features: A high-mid-low cabinet designed for use with the LYNX V8 system. HF is handled by two one-inch drivers with a titanium membrane. Each driver is connected to a wave guide with an isophasic rectangular output. LF and MF uses two special eight-inch loudspeakers.

The speakers are set up in a V configuration (front loaded) with NOMEX membrane and surroundings, 64 mm coils and neodymium magnetic groups. The LX-V8 cabinets features an amplification system including two 1000 W amplifiers for low-mid frequency loudspeakers and one 500 W amplifier for the HF drivers, all of which work in class D with a switch mode power supply.

vmb.es