Line array speakers

[goldyrathore]

See some comments regarding a simple floor to ceiling line array at
Straight Line CBT array - diyAudio

Are you willing to build (DIY) an array?

 

[trittya]

Isn't this against the laws of physics?

Or is it achieved by aiming different drivers at different points? The directional aiming and slective area coverage ability of the Orange systems (see linked post above) that we saw at a Chennai meet a couple of years ago is amazing.

I guess this ought to help clear the fog a mite.

A floor to ceiling array uses the floor and ceiling reflections to its advantage. The reflections help extend the line to infinite height. So the listener is always in the near field. Near field is where the array SPL is falling of at just 3db vs 6db for point sources. It means there is very less SPL difference near and far.

A floor to ceiling near-field array, although very much desirable, is seldom practical for homes, especially for those with ceilings higher than 10". Therefore, 80% of ceiling height is considered acceptable even by stricter standards. Some even take it to 70%.

There is more to an array than just a line of drivers and like any other design, it has its pros and cons. The first thing one has to decide is whether its going to be single way+sub(invariably necessary), two way w/o sub, two way+sub or 3 way w/o sub. The more the "ways", the more is the No of amps required for bi/tri/quad amping, not to mention the mandatory 'X'-way active/electronic crossover network. A passive crossover just won't cut the ice here, IMO.

Do bear in mind that LAs are not for everyone, you either love them or you hate them. I love point source speakers too but LAs have a different kind of charm/appeal. Do bear in mind that LAS are not very easy and cheap to build but in case the OP, FM Staxxx is keen, Goldy and I are here and more than eager to help as much as we can.

Cheerio

 

[nosortf]

Old thread that needs a new look.
I think a good line array would be a floor to ceiling array using some newer full ranger 3" drivers, built into the wall of the room.
The 2pi design would help with LF loading. It should be built with EQ in the chain. This would be a very nice option to look into. Hope someone pulls the trigger on this one.