Alford Line Array

What Is Line Array?

- Alford Media Line Array Solutions -

Welcome to our Line Array Solutions web site. We have created this site as a way to help you understand not only what a Line Array is and does, but how it may or may not be the best solution for your individual event. The following pages will divulge the specifics of the technology at work and will also give you a general guide to the various applications where a line array speaker system is your best choice for audio reinforcement. We will also introduce you to our new line array , the JBL VerTec, and our custom amplifier/processor racks we have designed to drive the system. Since a picture is worth a thousand words there is also a photo gallery so you can see all the facets of the line array from load-in to load-out. We recognize that there are many choices when it comes to designing the audio for an event and we’re here to help. Ceiling height, site lines, rig points and screen positions are but a few of the considerations that lead to the best solution. Please read on and then call us so we can help you decide whether a conventional system with delays, a line array or even a hybrid of the two systems, will work best for you.

Alford's new JBL VerTec VT4889 Line Array Speaker System

What is line array? By definition, a line array is a group of sound-radiating devices that have been arrayed, or “stacked up” in the vertical plane. Simply put, when properly designed and assembled, line array systems provide a highly consistent, predictable sound field that is ideal for covering medium to large audience areas at concerts, corporate events, awards shows or live theatre. This often negates need for additional delay speaker systems.

Early line array research goes all the way back to the 1930’s. Many of you have probably used line arrays in the past but didn’t know the term. In the 1970’s column speakers were very popular. Columns were simple line arrays, and while they were effective on a small scale, they were limited by the components available at that time. For example, center-to-center spacing of the individual speaker elements is critical to array performance. The micro precision parts needed to effectively accomplish the spacing for large scale arrays simply did not exist in the speaker industry.

Technological advances have given designers the opportunity to create line array elements that far surpass the columns of the 1970’s. Engineering advances allowed component manufacturers to create more compact and more consistent precision components which weighed less and operated at lower temperatures. Enclosure manufacturers have also benefited from today’s lighter materials, CAD software and years of experience building every kind of speaker box imaginable.

Can you explain the technology behind a line array? You bet. However, the answer to that question is not quite as straightforward as the previous one and would take up a lot of space. If you really want to dig deeply into the serious science of line array speaker systems, the good people of the Audio Engineering Society have published a couple of papers on the subject that you can cut your teeth on. You can download the PDFs of those two files below and read them at your leisure. Of course, if you have any questions please contact us and we will make sure you get an answer.

Directional Radiation Characteristics of Articulating
Line Array Loudspeaker Systems - Download PDF.

“J” and “Spiral” Line Arrays - Download PDF.

How Can I Use It?
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Call us with your line array questions at 972-538-9400 or email us at linearray@alfordmedia.com
so we can talk to you about audio solutions for your next event.