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The auditorium at the Pike Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in the Indianapolis area, where Bose Professional Systems Division will be hosting a demonstration of its RoomMatch loudspeaker systems.
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L-Acoustics
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Martin Audio / Meyer Sound
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Nexo / Presonus
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EAW
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QSC / Renkus Heinz
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Fulcrum Acoustic
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JBL
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Danley Sound Labs
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EM Acoustics
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d&b Audiotechnik
When it comes to technology in churches, main loudspeaker systems are usually the most important and time-consuming purchases any church has to confront. Changing your mind is expensive and embarrassing so it's vital to get the speaker system right the first time.
Line arrays have been the rage for over a decade, with new and innovative variations being introduced all the time. Line arrays may be the right solution for your church. Or not. Be aware that line arrays may not work well in some architectural and acoustical environments.
The only way to be certain how loudspeakers will sound in your church is to audition them on-site. But first, to help you narrow down the possibilities, a sampling of some newer options for loudspeaker systems—line array and point source—suitable for small- to mid-sized churches.
Bose
Bose Professional took a unique approach to fitting loudspeaker coverage to the room in question with its RoomMatch system in 2011, and this year followed up with a number of refinements in the new ShowMatch systems. The latter should be available by the time you read this.
Both RoomMatch and the newer ShowMatch modules leverage the DeltaQ technology and can be configured for arrays appropriate for 800-seat or smaller venues. DeltaQ technology enables directivity to vary for each module in the array, providing improved sound quality by better matching audience areas and minimizing sound in unwanted areas. DeltaQ is another way of saying that the best coverage pattern for the top box in the array often isn’t the best at the bottom, so Bose offers gradations to suit the job at hand.
d&b Audiotechnik
The d&b audiotechnik xA-Series line source loudspeakers incorporate what the company calls its “holistic” approach to sound reinforcement solutions. Essentially, loudspeakers, electronics, mechanical deployment assemblies, and remote control functions all fully integrated as a tightly knit and easy to use system.
Two examples are the biaxial 10AL and 10AL-D high performance two-way line array modules. Both employ a single 10-inch driver in a bass-reflex enclosure and function as constant-directivity, high-frequency line sources with either 75- or 105-degree horizontal coverage using dual one-inch exit drivers. Both also feature lightweight, high-power neodymium drivers and large horns for accurate pattern control. With frequency response from 60 Hz to 18 kHz, they can be used as full-range systems with bass supplemented by subwoofers from either the xS or xA-Series. In addition, the 18A or 27A subwoofers can be integrated into the array.
danley Sound Labs
Danley Sound Labs loudspeakers employ what the company calls “Synergy Horn technologies” that combine multiple drivers into a common horn with a proprietary design that allows them to behave as a single source. This gives a more consistent coverage pattern across a wider portion of the audio bandwidth and maintains better phase linearity. Pattern control is directly tied to the size of the horn, with a number of options available to suit different acoustical environments. Additionally, because Danley loudspeakers are all available with passive crossovers, they require fewer amplifiers and processing, which lowers the overall cost of ownership.
EAW
New from Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) is its Radius family of point-source, line-source, stage monitor and subwoofer loudspeakers, all designed for either portable applications or permanent installation. These are all powered systems, and loaded with “intelligent” on-board technologies like EAW Focusing, Dante networking, and an iOS-based prediction, control and monitoring system called EAWmosaic that helps streamline set up and optimize results.
The rear panel LCD screen and encoder on each enclosure provide direct access to basic functions such as crossover and delay, while users can also select from a number of pre-tuned voicings or even perform an output check to verify transducer and amplifier functionality, without the need for external equipment. Pretty slick. The initial Radius line family includes eight-inch and 12-inch two-way point source cabinets, a double eight-inch articulated line array, and both 12-inch and 18-inch subwoofers.
The only way to be certain how loudspeakers will sound in your church is to audition them on-site.
EM Acoustics
The Halo-C line array element from EM Acoustics employs the company’s AMT high-frequency drive unit and customized waveguide designed to deliver impressive high-frequency detail, while the companion Halo-CS subwoofer extends system response down to 40 Hz in a small footprint enclosure. Both the low-mid and high-frequency sections employ neodymium drivers for extra power, with SPL in excess of 120 dB from a single Halo-C cabinet.
Fulcrum Acoustic
Fulcrum Acoustic’s FL283 Dual Eight-inch Subcardioid Line Array Module, and its companion FLS115 15-inch Subcardioid Subwoofer, incorporate patent-pending Passive Cardioid Technology. It’s a cleverly simple solution designed to overcome one of the major challenges of most line arrays: excessive rear low frequency (LF) radiation. Unlike active cardioid loudspeakers, Fulcrum's passive cardioid technology does not require additional amplifier channels or drivers to achieve an effective cardioid pattern. By opting for a subcardioid pattern, as opposed to a pure, hyper- or super-cardioid pattern, the rear rejection increases when the modules are deployed as a curved line array.
JBL
The VT4886 Subcompact Passive Three-Way Line Array Element from JBL is designed for reinforcement of music and speech in small- to medium-sized worship environments. The VT4886 is a true three-way system with the high component density and one of the highest SPL output ratings in its class. An integrated mid-/high-frequency waveguide provides precise vertical wavefront control, along with an optimized 110-degree horizontal coverage. By incorporating its companion cardioid/arrayable subwoofer, the VT4883, the VT4886 Array offers extended frequency range down to 35 Hz when a flown subwoofer is required or desired.
Mackie
Mackie HD Series Loudspeakers are active (self-powered) designs that incorporate Class-D Fast Recovery amplification that can produce up to 1,800W of peak system power. High-Definition Audio Processing implements Mackie’s patented acoustic correction processing and driver time-alignment technology and then couples them with precision-tuned crossovers. The HD Series offers 12-inch and 15-inch two-way models, a 15-inch three-way, and both 15-inch and 18-inch subwoofers. It’s no secret that EAW is Mackie’s sister company, and the family relationship extends deep into the transducer design.
L-Acoustics
The L-Acoustics Arcs Wide/Focus (WiFo) is a constant-curvature line source array that provides scalable patterns in 90- x 30-degree (Arcs Wide) or 90- x 15-degree (Arcs Focus) increments, allowing the speakers to be arrayed seamlessly vertically or horizontally without angle adjustments. Arcs WiFo enclosures consist of a 12-inch, low-frequency transducer and three-inch high-frequency driver, providing a full bandwidth of 55 Hz to 20,000 Hz and up to 137 dB (Arcs Focus) or 135 dB (Arcs Wide)—suitable for throws up to 100 feet. The Arcs system can be a good choice for currently mobile churches planning on a permanent home, since the system can be transformed from a portable rig to an installed system.
Martin Audio
Martin Audio’s MLA Mini enclosure is small and weighs only 30 pounds, yet this fully integrated system brings together Class-D amplification, DSP and optimization software—with communications and control via an easy-to- use audio network. It is the smallest system to use Martin Audio’s unique numerical optimization system. With each individual cell under software control, problematic areas can be programmed in to reduce sound spill and noise pollution, while vertical coverage can be fine-tuned electronically without the need to re-rig the array.
The system can be flown, ground-stacked or pole-mounted. In its simplest configuration, four MLA Minis can be pole-mounted above the MSX mini-sub with precisely adjustable tilt angle, and function as a plug-and-play system. Arrays and MSXs can be remotely controlled from a laptop or wireless tablet running VU-NET control software.
Meyer Sound
The compact Leopard line array loudspeaker is the newest and smallest member of Meyer Sound’s flagship Leo Family, with each self-powered Leopard weighing in at 75 pounds and measuring just over 24 inches wide. Unique to Leopard is Native Mode processing, which introduces default low-mid array compensation so arrays can be flown ready to go—a bonus for portable church applications where time is of the essence. In addition, the minimal system weight (six Leopard and two companion 900-LFC low frequency control elements can be flown on a ½-ton motor) means a Leopard system can be flown in auditoriums and gymnasiums as well as in older church structures.
Amplifiers are highly efficient Class-D designs for lower power consumption and long-term reliability. Complete systems normally incorporate the Galileo Callisto loudspeaker management system for drive and room optimization, as well as the MDM-5000 distribution module for connection of AC power, audio signal, and data for the RMS remote monitoring system.
Nexo
The Nexo ID Series comprises low-profile, high-output loudspeakers suitable for a variety of house of worship applications such as front fills, wedges for performers or choir, or as installed fill speakers in foyers, green/prayer rooms and other architecturally challenging spaces where size and visuals need to blend.
The Nexo ID24 is a full-range compact speaker that employs twin, four-inch drivers with a HF compression driver on an easily rotatable horn. Since it can be mounted vertically or horizontally, it provides four directivity options. Two subwoofers fill out the ID Series, the ID S110 and ID S210. With a low-profile (only 11.25 inches high) design, the Nexo ID Series subs can be discreetly installed within walls, in staircases, under furniture, as well as under very low stages.
PreSonus
What’s unique about the Presonus Air series of loudspeakers is not the bi-amp design, but the fact that it employs two different types of amplifiers. A Class AB amplifier, a type known for its high fidelity, is used on the Air Series’ high-frequency components. A more powerful Class-D amplifier, known for its improved efficiency, is used on the woofers.
As a result, these lightweight, portable loudspeakers can deliver up to 121 dB SPL output and 30 Hz to 20 kHz with subwoofers. The on-board signal processor offers presets for front-of-house, monitor and music playback modes. Room anomalies and tonal preferences can be adjusted using the treble and bass controls that let you boost or cut by three full-range versions can be ground stacked, lain on their side as floor monitors, pole-mounted, yoke-mounted or flown using the integrated M10 fly points.
QSC Audio
The E Series is QSC’s latest offering to the loudspeaker market. The company would be happy to sell you one of its PLD or GXD amplifiers and a TouchMix digital mixer to go with these speakers. Both of these QSC amplifiers and the TouchMix mixers have presets designed for the E-Series loudspeakers, but the E Series speakers themselves are passive (unpowered) versions built for a variety of sound reinforcement and stage monitoring applications.
The four models, three full-range boxes and one subwoofer, feature the company’s Directivity Matched Transition (DMT) technology, designed to deliver uniform frequency response across the entire coverage area.
The full-range E Series boxes can be pole-mounted vertically or angled down by 10 degrees to improve audience coverage. They may also be yoke-mounted or flown using M8 eyebolts.
Renkus-Heinz
Renkus-Heinz Variai is a configurable modular installation array designed to offer exceptional versatility. Variai’s modular approach allows cabinets to be configured as ground stacked systems, flown as vertical arrays, or deployed as horizontal loudspeaker arrays. Three different Variai modules give a choice of vertical coverage patterns, while five different configurations custom-tailor the horizontal coverage. Options include 60-, 90-, or 120-degree patterns as well as additional transitional waveguides that progress from 60- to 90-, or 90- to 120-degrees within a single enclosure. This wide range of vertical and horizontal dispersion angles, working in conjunction with highly configurable enclosures and rigging hardware, makes it easy to custom design systems to fit a church’s peculiar acoustic characteristics.
The array modules are built around a 10-inch low-frequency woofer that is coupled to either one or two neodymium high-frequency drivers. The cabinets are available in either passive or self-powered versions.
