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Active line arrays have numerous mixes. Each caters to fixed and travelling sound requirements, big and small venues, and everything in between.
Column-arrays comprise vertical clusters of small to medium-diameter speakers. It thus produces a long, narrow sound beam. This focused pattern is ideal for speech and music in small to mid-sized venues. Column arrays feature heavy drivers at the top to ensure clarity of speech. Also, they have lighter driver cones at the bottom to reproduce low-frequency sounds.
Commercial line arrays split the full audio spectrum. The highs and mids are at the top and middle, respectively, of the array, with the lows at the bottom. Full-range line arrays cover large venues needing power and clarity. With advanced DSP, they further ensure optimal performance in diverse environments.
Active line arrays labelled bi-amped have separate amplifiers for low and high frequencies. They thus give the need for additional processing. The mid and low-frequency speakers of these arrays sit at the low and mid sections and the high-frequency drivers at the top. Bi-amped line arrays excel in large, complex venues where fine-tuning the audio is critical.
Driven speaker arrays have multiple setups. They range from small spaces for social and corporate engagements to large auditoriums, concert halls, and outdoor festivals.
One major use of active line arrays is in live performances and concerts. Engineers select them for their clarity, power, and even coverage in big open spaces. They enable performers to deliver their craft while ensuring the audience enjoys an immersive experience.
Another typical application of active line arrays is in broadcasting studios. With exceptional accuracy over the entire frequency range, they ensure the sound captured during broadcasts is clear and faithful. Furthermore, this clarity ensures that what the audience hears is exactly what the audio engineers intended.
Ensuring vocal clarity and even distribution of sound across the entire theatre is paramount in any theatrical performance. Furthermore, driven line arrays achieve this by focusing the audio beam without leaving any blank spots. They allow audiences in the front rows and back to hear the performance crisply.
Companies hosting events such as conferences, seminars, and meetings have also enjoyed the benefits of active line arrays. They provide clear audio for speeches and presentations, ensuring all attendees can follow the proceedings regardless of the room size. Driven line arrays' DSP-controlled features also help in quickly tuning them to suit the specific requirements of any corporate environment.
Active line arrays are also perfect for the challenges outdoor spaces present. Their ability to survive wind and weather elements and the DSP technology that addresses reverberations and echoes makes them suitable for outdoor concerts, parades, and public gatherings. Companies can fine-tune the sound for optimal performance, regardless of the environmental conditions.
Some factors differentiate active line arrays from each other. They include specifications, features, and other performance differentiators.
The most common configurations are 6.5, 8, and 12-inch drivers. However, small driver cones are for speech, while bigger cones are for music. Driven line arrays usually have different driver sizes in one unit to ensure that they reproduce the whole audio spectrum accurately. The drivers sit at various parts of the array, as explained earlier.
The power rating of active line arrays varies widely. Most work well with amplifiers of up to 2000 watts. While some may go higher, underpowered units will struggle to keep up in professional environments. Ensure that whatever array one selects has an adequate power rating, so it doesn't come short when overdriven.
Good-quality active line arrays will always have wide frequency responses. The majority typically range from 45 to 20,000 Hz. Those intended for professional use often have a wider and longer frequency response, as they accurately reproduce both deep bass and high treble frequencies.
Some powered line arrays have rudimentary DSPs. They mainly compensate for the placement and environment of the speakers. Others have more complex DSPs with multiple parameters to control and adjust in real-time using mobile apps. This adjustment fine-tunes the sound output to become optimal for the venue.
Active line arrays have diverse connectivity options. Some manufacturers have units that connect via Ethernet, while others prefer good old-fashioned XLR cables. Regardless, ensure the driven line array has the needed input and output options to integrate with the existing audio system easily.
Some considerations can help select the perfect active line array for the situation. They may affect performance, integration, and cost.
First, consider the average job the system will be doing. An array meant for corporate events will be clearer and more precise than one meant for music concerts. As mentioned earlier, some are intended for small spaces, while others are powerful enough to handle outdoor events. Select the one that suits the job at hand.
The size and type of venue the system will usually be used in are also vital factors. Arrays for small auditoriums should be compact yet powerful. Those intended for large outdoor spaces should have enough power and DSP capability to manage wind and distance effects. Analog to digital converter (ADC) sampling rates can give an idea of the system's DSP capability. Taking this factor out of context will lead to a mismatch between the system and the venue.
Driven speaker arrays can be very expensive, especially when the underlying technologies, like DSP, are more complex. While the budget is an important factor, it must be weighed against performance and reliability. A better-quality audio system will be more expensive initially but will outperform its cheaper counterparts for years, leading to a lower cost of ownership. Consider all options within the budget and then select the best-performing one.
If there are already any audio systems at the venue, consider how the new active line array will integrate with them. Will it require additional components, or will it work with the existing infrastructure? Take the time to consider its connectivity options. It will help avoid the need for further adjustments to the existing audio systems.
Nothing beats a manufacturer's reputation. The companies that make driven speaker arrays for professional use have been in the industry for decades. They understand the demands these systems must withstand, and their hardware and software designs reflect that.
Active line arrays have built-in amplification, but with a DSP, they automatically adjust parameters to optimize sound output. On the other hand, passive line arrays rely on external amplification. They may or may not have passive crossovers between drivers.
Yes, they can. Active line arrays are designed for outdoor events. They have additional DSP that can reduce outdoor sound problems like wind and distance.
The DSP improves the performance of active line arrays by automatically adjusting array parameters to fit any venue. Its adjustments help overcome environmental-related concerns like echo, reverberation, and sound lost in the distance.
While selecting an array, the primary factors to consider are driver size and DSP capability. Smaller venues require compact arrays with powerful drivers and advanced DSP to ensure the audio is clear and evenly distributed.
