To the larger question of "Are small line arrays right for our church?" the correct answer would be, "Well, that depends." The suitability of this particular loudspeaker technology hinges on the shape of your room, acoustical characteristics, location and depth of balconies, trim height relative to room size, worship music style, overall budget, and subjective aesthetics.
However, to the more specific question of "Is our church too small for line arrays?" the answer is, "Almost certainly not!" In many ways, the proliferation of smaller-sized line arrays has been a game-changer in church sound system design. Worship spaces seating only a few hundred people now can take advantage of the inherent advantages of line arrays-albeit only when room dimensions and acoustics deem them appropriate. Also, in larger rooms, small line arrays are increasingly taking the place of point-source loudspeakers for center fill, outfill and delay systems.
If your church is looking at small line arrays, you now have plentiful options. In fact, you have so many options that there simply isn't room here to give meaningful information about all of them. At least 24 manufacturers with North American distribution currently offer products in our (somewhat arbitrary) category with woofers of 8.5 inches or less. In fact, several makers have two or three qualifying cabinets. So rather than try to squeeze in a few random specifications on each, we will instead look at the generic benefits of all small line arrays, as well as some features and technologies that differentiate various products. Along the way, we'll include insights and guidance from three veteran systems designers who together have specified small line arrays in dozens of churches-while preferring other options in dozens more.
Why Small Arrays?
First, to clarify, here we are discussing modular line array systems, meaning loudspeaker arrays configured from multiple cabinets assembled vertically with facilities for varying splay angle between cabinets. Single box line-source columns, though based on the same acoustical principles, will be covered in a future issue as they offer distinctive features for specific applications.
So, why use compact line arrays? First, of course, we have the basic acoustical advantage of the technology. Thanks to the acoustical coupling of the cabinets, line arrays can throw powerful, coherent sound significantly further than comparable point-source cabinets. Line array cabinets are also designed for a uniformly wide horizontal dispersion, usually between 90 and 120 degrees. Vertical coverage is variable, contingent on both the number of cabinets in the array and the splay angles between cabinets.
At this juncture, it's important to note that-compared to their larger brethren-compact line arrays can provide smoother and more uniform coverage in many circumstances. It's a simple matter of physics. With smaller woofers, the acoustical centers are closer together for better coupling, and that advantage is further enhanced when the array has to be opened up for greater vertical coverage. With smaller cabinets, you can fit more of them in the same trim height, which means the splay angle between cabinets can be reduced. The result is less "fingering" in the frequency response, producing a more consistent sound from row to row in the seating area.
Points for Consideration
All products in this category will deliver the inherent advantages above, but exactly how well they will work in your church depends on a number of factors. Consider all of the following before discussing your options with a systems designer and integrator:
SIZE AND WEIGHT-Make sure the needed array size will be aesthetically acceptable, won't inhibit sight lines for people or projectors, and that the proposed hang points will carry the weight. Cabinet weights vary widely in this category, from just over seven pounds to over 60 pounds each.
EXTERNALLY OR SELF-POWERED-You now have ample options for both types. Consider tradeoffs in performance, maintenance accessibility, cost, and available space for amplifier racks.
COMPONENT CONFIGURATION-Choices include single woofer two-way, dual woofer two-way, and dual woofer quasi-three-way (one woofer rolls off the low-mids to prevent interference). Different types have different size/weight, performance and cost tradeoffs.
HIGH-FREQUENCY DRIVER-Most use compression drivers with special "plane wave" acoustical lenses; about a third use ribbons or stacked dome tweeters. Differences, though clearly audible, are mostly a matter of taste.
COMPANION SUBWOOFER-If you want to put deep bass in your flown array, you'll want an integrated arrayable subwoofer. Most manufacturers offer one, but a few don't.
APPEARANCE AND CUSTOM COLOR
OPTIONS-All come in standard black, and some in standard white. But only a few makers offer custom color matching, a nice option when arrays are fully exposed in traditional sanctuaries.
Some Expert Advice
For some guidance on the big question ("Are these arrays right for you?"), and some particulars, we turn to our panel of experts.
First, according to John Fuqua of All Pro Sound in Pensacola, Fla., the technology is finding broader acceptance. "The quality of components and ease of installation have made compact line arrays the preferred solution in places where ‘point-and-shoot' devices would have been used in the past. Even coverage and small footprint are major pluses, as long as trim height and room design work. Covering the worship space with two or three arrays-instead of many more main speakers, delays and fills-results in less interaction and more uniform results."
According to Mark Girardi of Real World Audio, Asheville, N.C., "The advent of small to mini line arrays has truly helped us bridge the gap between good sounding acoustics for organ and choral performance and the need for acceptable voice intelligibility. These arrays provide a good alternative when churches are resistant to major acoustical modifications."
Deciding Factors
What are the most important factors to consider in choosing a compact line array? "Reliability, performance and cost, though not always in that order," responds Girardi. "Reliability should always be one primary factor, as many installations make servicing after-the-fact rather difficult."
Bill Schuermann of HFP Acoustical in Houston emphasizes the importance of "uniform coverage with excellent performance to meet the church's requirements." But he is also insistent that the arrays work with the acoustics. "Location, location, location," he stresses. "The array won't work properly if you put it where it doesn't belong."
As far as particular types or cabinet configurations, all three designers were reluctant to commit to specifics that impose limitations. "Self-powered systems seem to be more manageable out of the box," surmises Girardi, "but if the right externally powered cabinet is chosen and installed properly, it will do the job." Fuqua did venture that "most systems we specify are three-way, as that technology seems to give the best performance and musicality."
For Schuermann, array configuration is a critical factor. "The longer the array, the better the performance," he says. "My preference is to use a minimum of five self-powered devices with integral subwoofers." This is indeed good advice, as the full benefits of line array technology in lower frequencies are directly proportional to the length of the array. (For tight pattern control down to 200 Hz, you need an array nearly six feet high.)
If the system will have both larger and smaller arrays, or conventional fill speakers, make sure they are sourced from one manufacturer, advises Schuermann. "When you add in front fills, side fills and other non-line array devices, they must all have a common sonic signature in order to achieve best results everywhere in the room."
The Best Solution ... Sometimes
All three designers were careful to note that, although the abundance of small line arrays has expanded their options, they don't automatically go that route.
"The technology has continued to advance, and we now have more tools in our system design toolbox," contends Fuqua. "But the specific application is still the key element. After considering trim height, room acoustics, budget and desired performance level, sometimes point-source solutions just work better."
Girardi concurs, noting that line arrays of any size are "great problems solvers but not in every application. It seems like line arrays are everywhere now, even when not the best choice. Do your homework before ‘going with the flow.'"
That said, when they are appropriate, small line arrays can work what might seem like sonic miracles. Schuermann recalls an installation in a Houston-area Catholic church for which he employed a unique configuration: dual in-line compact arrays of seven cabinets each, with one subwoofer above the main array and two over the delay array. "When the archbishop heard the system for the first time," reports Schuermann, "he said he wished his cathedral sounded this good."
For churches that don't have an episcopal polity, we assume final assessment on the praiseworthiness of the line arrays will come from the congregation at large.
