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Are line array speakers better?

A line array speaker is a sound system composed of multiple vertically arranged speaker units. Through precise acoustic design, it achieves long-range, high-definition sound coverage. Its core principle is to utilize the interference characteristics of sound waves to control the vertical dispersion angle of sound and reduce energy loss. It is suitable for professional sound reinforcement in large venues such as stadiums, concert halls, and theaters.

 

1. Advantages and Features of Line Array Speakers

Vertical Arrangement Design

Multiple speaker units (usually 8 to 16) are stacked vertically to form a columnar structure.

The unit spacing is precisely calculated to ensure that sound waves are superimposed and reinforced in the vertical direction and evenly diffused in the horizontal direction.

 

Acoustic Wave Coupling Effect

Sound waves from adjacent units superimpose in the far field, concentrating energy and extending transmission distance (up to over 100 meters).

Near-field sound pressure level attenuation is more gradual (traditional speakers attenuate by 6dB per distance, while line arrays attenuate by approximately 3dB per distance).

 

Controllable Coverage Angle

By adjusting the driver angle (e.g., 0° to 10°), you can precisely control vertical sound coverage, eliminating interference from ceiling and floor reflections.

 

Long-Distance High Fidelity

Suitable for large, open spaces, ensuring clear sound quality even for listeners in the back rows.

 

Uniform Sound Field Coverage

Reducing the problem of "deafening noise in the front row and unclear sound in the back row."

 

Adapting to Different Scenarios

Adapting to different venues by increasing or decreasing the number of modules (e.g., 12 drivers for a music festival, 8 drivers for a theater).

 

High Power, Low Distortion

Multiple drivers share the load, reducing the load on each driver and achieving a greater dynamic range.

 

2. Compared with traditional speakers

Comparison Items

Line Array Speakers

Traditional Point Source Speakers

Coverage Distance

Clear sound over 100 meters

Sound quality noticeably degrades over 50 meters

Installation Complexity

Requires rigging and angle calculations

Direct placement

Cost

High (a single system can cost up to millions)

Low

Application Scenarios

Large-scale dynamic performances

Small events, fixed venues

3. Professional Line Array Loudspeaker Maintenance Guide

Daily Maintenance

Appearance Inspection

Inspect the cabinet for dents/cracks before and after each use.

Confirm that the mounting components (M10 bolts, etc.) are not loose or deformed.

Inspect the grille for deformation (replace if dented > 3mm).

 

Connector Maintenance

Use DeoxIT to clean the NL4/NL8 connector.

Inspect the cable connector solder joints for oxidation.

Tighten the screws with a torque wrench (standard value: 2.5 N·m).

 

Unit Inspection

Play pink noise to test the working condition of each unit.

Monthly In-Depth Test: Check for any unusual noise (a scratching sound indicates a voice coil failure).

 

Monthly In-Depth Test Maintenance

Clean the magnetic gap

Use a dedicated magnetic gap cleaning rod

Remove iron filings and foreign objects (requires removal of the front grille)

 

Inspect the suspension system

Measure the sling elongation (replace immediately if exceeding 5%)

Test the quick release trigger force (20-30N standard)

 

Inspect electronic components

Measure the crossover impedance with a multimeter (error <±5%)

Check whether DSP preset parameters are lost

 

Quarterly Professional Maintenance

Driver parameter calibration

Measure the frequency response curve using the CLIO system

Adjust the compensation circuit (allow ±1.5dB tolerance)

 

Mechanical structure maintenance

Add Dow to the hinge mechanism Corning EM-30L grease

Replace deteriorated seals (replace if compression rate <70%)

 

Lifting system certification

Third-party inspection of lifting point load-bearing capacity (safety factor ≥ 8:1)

Update equipment lifting certification label

 

Annual Overhaul Projects

Unit reassembly

Replace deteriorated surround (hardness > 85 Shore A)

Remagnetization (requires reconditioning if magnetic flux drops 15%)

 

Cabinet repair

Repair laminate debonding

Reapply UV-resistant coating

 

System calibration

Full-band phase calibration (delay accuracy ≤ 0.02ms)

Update FIR filter parameters

 

4. Line Array Loudspeaker Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a line array speaker?

A: A professional sound system consisting of multiple vertically arranged speaker units. It achieves long-range, high-definition sound coverage through acoustic coupling, making it suitable for large venues.

 

Q2: Why do line arrays transmit sound farther than traditional speakers?

A: The sound waves from the vertically arranged units are superimposed, reducing vertical dispersion, concentrating the energy and minimizing losses from air absorption and ground reflection (theoretical attenuation is only 3dB/times the distance).

 

Q3: How is the mounting angle calculated?

A: This requires simulation using dedicated software based on the vertical height difference of the venue and the distance to the listening area. Typically:

The upper unit is tilted 5°-10° downward to cover the far field; the lower unit is tilted 0°-5° downward to cover the near field.

 

Q4: What does "-3dB" in the frequency response range mean?

A: It indicates that the sound pressure level at that frequency is 3dB lower than the average. For example, if the nominal value is "60Hz-18kHz (±3dB)", the actual attenuation at 50Hz may be 6dB.

 

Q5: What's the difference between 100dB and 105dB sensitivity?

A: For every 3dB increase in sensitivity, the sound pressure level doubles at the same power level. A 105dB speaker can achieve the same volume as a 100dB speaker using only half the power.

 

Q6: What should I do if I suddenly lose high-frequency output?

A: Check the processor's high-frequency channel signal.

Test the compression driver resistance (normally 4-16Ω).

Check the crossover capacitor for breakdown.

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