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(continuation) Loudspeaker Arrays for Smaller Worship Spaces
Manufacturers explain critical considerations in designing an arrays for smaller spaces.
Below is a continuation of an article on Small Line Arrays from the October 2009 issue of Church Production Magazine.
Q: What features are critical in designing an array product for smaller spaces?
Tannoy
We regard the ability to deliver even SPL coverage across the listener plane, from front to back, to be critical in smaller sanctuaries. In addition, discreet appearance to minimize impact on the aesthetics of the worship space is highly desirable.
WorxAudio
Both aesthetics and room size require speaker systems of compact size with single-point rigging for ease of installation.
Innovox
In smaller spaces, the loudspeakers are in much closer proximity to the congregation, and therefore need to be "heard and not seen" as much as possible. Similarly, the smoothness and naturalness of the loudspeakers becomes more critical at closer distances, demanding a complex mix of effective pattern control and natural voicing.
Q: In smaller sanctuaries, what room shapes/characteristics are particularly well suited for a line array?
WorxAudio
The X1i-P, with its 160-degree horizontal dispersion, allows for a center cluster to cover a wide space and its scalable vertical pattern still allows for a very deep space. In terms of aesthetics, a compact form factor with the minimal hardware needs of single-mast rigging is less visible while quick and safe to install.
Innovox
Rooms with higher reverb times and higher ceilings (ones that support choir and organ) are typically good fits for compact line arrays. We place a great emphasis on speech intelligibility and naturalness of voice and instrument reinforcement, and our product line is designed to be low profile, easy to install, and easily integrated into detailed architecture.
Tannoy
Unlike a typical line array, a digitally steerable array like Qflex has the unique advantage of being easily adaptable to a wide range of room architectures. With amplification and processing onboard, Qflex addresses a wide range of acoustic issues at a single point in the signal chain.
Q: Do you anticipate "smaller venue arrays" to be a growing product category in the next few years?
Innovox
Absolutely. While Innovox has focused on designs for small venues for years, larger manufacturers have recently begun to "do the math" and recognize the market potential that exists. They are just now introducing product in response to this.
WorxAudio
Yes. Compact form factors are trending toward higher sales volumes as they offer greater value and ROI (return on investment) for smaller houses of worship.
Q: Industry-wide, what trends to you see in array system design?
Tannoy
We see the combined needs for seamless architectural integration and precise pattern control, creating greater awareness of and demand for digitally steerable array designs.
WorxAudio
The ability to provide a system that delivers high speech intelligibility, gain before feedback, and solid music reproduction capability, yet retains the ability to be visually unobtrusive, is becoming increasingly important in today's competitive installation market.
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Jack Kontney heads Kontney Communications Inc., a marketing and content creation consultancy specializing in pro audio and electronics. He can be contacted at www.kontneycomm.com.
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