The Line Array Thread

[brandontw 10+ year member]

I have recently become very interested in line arrays. I have also found that I know precious little about the theory behind it, their construction, integration and so on. So I am creating this thread to inform myself and others about line arrays in general. If your not interested, maybe you should be.

Anyway I am planning to build my first set of line array speakers, but I still have many questions. I plan to use: Sixteen - 4” full range speakers”

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=269-570

And one tweeter:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=275-070

Per speaker.

Here is my idea for the design:



But I’m not sure if two columns of speakers are cool, or if it should be just one. And I’m not sure what I should do about enclosure size, speaker placement, ect.

I’m also slightly confused about what type of crossover to use.

Other than answering my questions, I would like people to post any examples that they have, as well as personal experiences, websites, bla bla …

Click to read more...

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

Two columns of speakers will distort the soundstage...go in one line.

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

Right'o-should I still use 16 speakers of maybye go down to 8? what about porting? I dont want this to sound tinny and shallow.

what about built in subs? i was thinking 2 small ones at the bottom on a 3-way crossover. mabye like these:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=295-330

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

16 high //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/up2something.gif.dd110ecf3ae4b76050d87598f2f8de7c.gif

 

[JimJ 5,000+ posts]

This site has very good information on some esoteric loudspeaker designs (translation: shit that I get into, heh)

http://yu-ra.tripod.com/array.htm

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

16 high //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/up2something.gif.dd110ecf3ae4b76050d87598f2f8de7c.gif

what about 8 mids 1 tweet and 2 "subs"

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

Ok i need an honest opinion. im about to get 32 "nsb's" and then two of these tweeters-one to go with each set of 16.

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=264-804

will these tweeters be cool...enough?

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

Ok i need an honest opinion. im about to get 32 "nsb's" and then two of these tweeters-one to go with each set of 16.http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=264-804

will these tweeters be cool...enough?

That tweeter is better than the one in your fist post since it's sensitivity is higher. I was thinking of this one http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=275-045 for the 93DB sensitivity or splurging on this planar http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=275-085

 

[hoss 5,000+ posts]

what about 8 mids 1 tweet and 2 "subs"

your going to need more tweeters, and you probably wont need any subs... the whole concept behind line arrays is that lots of woofers have to move very little, and still have tons of output, and get lower than normal small speakers(at least thats the affect they create). porting, might not be a great idea, mostly because of the amount of fabrication and the difficulty of the port system...

http://www.stereointegrity.com/hometheater.html

look at these for some ideas, they sounded freaking awesome, and i could find out what kind of drivers were used if you want me to.

 

[PV Audio 5,000+ posts]

more tweets, more tweets!

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

your going to need more tweeters, and you probably wont need any subs... the whole concept behind line arrays is that lots of woofers have to move very little, and still have tons of output, and get lower than normal small speakers(at least thats the affect they create). porting, might not be a great idea, mostly because of the amount of fabrication and the difficulty of the port system...
http://www.stereointegrity.com/hometheater.html

look at these for some ideas, they sounded freaking awesome, and i could find out what kind of drivers were used if you want me to.

Actually after searching line arrays, many use only one tweeter in home use. They just use one with a high sensitivity, then fiddle with many crossovers until it sounds right.

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

But I’m not sure if two columns of speakers are cool, or if it should be just one. And I’m not sure what I should do about enclosure size, speaker placement, ect.

I’m also slightly confused about what type of crossover to use.

Other than answering my questions, I would like people to post any examples that they have, as well as personal experiences, websites, bla bla …

Corssovers seem to be a trial and error thing from what I'm reading here and there. if going for the best possible SQ crossover are an integral part in this alignment. I say just pick one for now and later down the road you can experiment with a different one and see how it changes your output.
For enlosure design if you reallly want to extend the lower frequency a bit you can go with a 5CUFT enclosure tuned to 65hz this will yield a 3db down at 55hz with a very sharp rollof under 55. Not the lowest but it should be good for most music and still have the ability to blend a sub into the setup at a later date. sealed at 3 cu ft will bring it to 103hz

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

Corssovers seem to be a trial and error thing from what I'm reading here and there. if going for the best possible SQ crossover are an integral part in this alignment. I say just pick one for now and later down the road you can experiment with a different one and see how it changes your output.
For enlosure design if you reallly want to extend the lower frequency a bit you can go with a 5CUFT enclosure tuned to 65hz this will yield a 3db down at 55hz with a very sharp rollof under 55. Not the lowest but it should be good for most music and still have the ability to blend a sub into the setup at a later date. sealed at 3 cu ft will bring it to 103hz

thanks bro! thats the kind of input i needed!

 

[brandontw 10+ year member]

so i guess i will port it at about 5 cubes. should i put the tweeter in the middle or top?

my next question is about stuctural stability, this thing will be almost as tall as me

(im 6'6") and im worried about it swawing and twisting and stuff....any suggestions?

i think i will make it a triangle, but mabye not.

 

[IamDeMan 5,000+ posts]

so i guess i will port it at about 5 cubes. should i put the tweeter in the middle or top?
my next question is about stuctural stability, this thing will be almost as tall as me

(im 6'6") and im worried about it swawing and twisting and stuff....any suggestions?

i think i will make it a triangle, but mabye not.

Well a pyramid will kepp it very sturdy, but I think just making a tall tower, then making a good base to support it would be much easier. Make sure to brace it internally to stop any sway or twist and of course flex.