How Big Of A Line Array Do You Need?

[@atech9020]

An easy method I use is this: A line array needs to be 4X the length, of the lowest frequncy you want to have control over. This is why most 4 box arrays are only good down to about 1khz. A 1khz frequency is roughly 1' in length. A 4-box hang of medium sized boxes is usually around 4' long. So, if you " need " directional control down to 250hz, you will need an array that is at least 18' in length. Need directional control lower than that, and you need a significantly longer array. 100hz will require a LA length of roughly 44' for instance. This is for true directional control. Being in the ballpark will allow at least some amount of directional control. It is more important to know what frequencies you will have control over, so you can manage your expectations. So, if you can only hang an 8-box array, you can expect that you will only have control down to roughly 500hz. You now know that below 500hz, it will be a mess that you cannot achieve any real control over.

[@danielpennington3081]

Hello Michael! Thank you sooo much for all of your incredible content and for taking time out of your life to share your expertise with us all! So I am currently playing in and doing sound for a local string (bluegrass, rock, country) band in my town. I am a life long musician and one of my greatest passions is for live sound. My goal with this system build has been to put together the most powerful system with the highest sound quality and smallest size that I could build. So far I am running through an m32c/DL32 mixer, EAW RS123 FOH point source speakers (amazing boxes!), and RCF HD10a mk5 monitors (slowly transitioning to IEM's). I have been enjoying showing up at our gigs early in the day and taking the time to analyze and tune every room and setup. What a difference it has made! I question for you is about subwoofer selection. I am currently using Turbosound IQ18b subs and am planning on upgrading. I was considering RCF 8004's however two other options have caught my attention. 1) The matching EAW RS118 (133 mx.spl, 27-125 +/-3) and 2) Martin XP118 (137 mx. db., 42-150 +/-3). Ultimately, I am wondering what your thoughts are on the low frequencys below 40 Hz. Would you opt for the higher output of the Martin or the lower extension of the EAW to cover kick drum and bass reinforcement? Keep in mind we also use this rig outside in the spring and summer. Thank again!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Hey, Daniel. Great question and I'm glad you've found my other videos helpful! I've personally never used any of the subs you're going after, so this is all pure conjecture : ). It's very easy to manipulate and present data in "positive" ways for products, so I wouldn't take the Max SPL measurements as gospel. A 4dB difference is significant, but I'd be curious to see how they stack up side by side. I'd personally take the low frequency extension over the SPL. Rock shows can get "loud", but with the smaller/medium outdoor stuff I don't think you'll need to squeeze every last drop out of your subs. I'd also throw in the QSC KS118 subs in the running. I've loved them! Another factor to consider is if the subs are phase compatible with your tops. Since very few manufacturers publish phase data with their speakers, the only way to figure it out is open up the provided .gll file in GLL viewer and export it out to look at in SMAART, or get a hold of the speakers yourself and measure them.

[@jakegodman]

I’d say my favorite console that I use on the regular is either our A&H SQ7 or the good ol’ Yamaha CL5. I have had the opportunity to get my hands on an Avid S6L and it was very easy for me to find my way around on it rather quickly!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Very cool! I haven't had the chance to touch an S6L yet. Super jealous that the soothe2 live plugin is only available on that desk.

[@jakegodman]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio it’s very cool! I didn’t have the chance to check that out a whole lot, I was assisting the touring engineer. Still a cool plugin regardless. Question regarding processing zones within an array. How do you account for the splay angle of the “hinge” boxes? To this point when I’ve done multiple zones in an array, I’ve only input the degree of each zone and I don’t input the angle between zones. Is that incorrect? BTW the boxes and amps I generally use are QSC Wideline 10’s and QSC PLD 4.5’s

[@danielugochukwu6011]

This is Daniel uzoukwu from Nigeria. Mine is the Wing and Yamaha TF5. I could also use others. Cause I like to be flexible.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Yup, being flexible on any desk is a huge asset.

[@Crazydrumguy7]

Have you heard of the PRORECK PR-212TS pack? I'm interested in upgrading my church's sounds system and they seem like a great option for a small budget. Our Sanctuary is small. 75x60 with a 25 foot sloped ceiling.

[@АлександрАртамонов-ф7ц]

I don’t know why, but before I was thinking what in line array system each speaker responding for different frequencies Spectrum and there is crossover point between them. You open my eyes 😂 Thanks bro 🙏

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

You got it!

[@LucasAVP]

Marc from Netherlands, Favourite floor tom mic: Audio Technica ATM-230/250 or Audix D4/D6 Favourite Mixer: Midas M-series/Pro-series or A&H Avantis

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

Minnesota. And yes, I know this is a year old! PreSonus SIII 32SC, 32R, and 16R is what I own. But I also mix on QU-16 and SQ-5 (SQ-5 is spectacular!)

[@sciez22]

Hello Michael, thanks for all the technical videos explaining sound. I love looking at the systems they have set up at festivals and its interesting to see behind the curtain at how these are designed! Question for you - I'm looking to set up a line array for my living room - audience size is approximately 175 square feet, and I need to guarantee at least 130 dB @ my mother-in-law's favorite chair by the fireplace (2m from source). Napkin math suggests that two 18-stacks of K1s with 10 K1-SBs flown behind should be enough, but I don't want to underdo it and need more later on. Can you double-check my estimate real quick please? Thanks!

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

You must really not like your mother-in-law : )

[@sciez22]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio hehe

[@sciez22]

@@MichaelCurtisAudioOld ravers man. She's like "if I can't see the sound waves, it's too soft." :D

[@kingtenstudios5870]

Tulsa, OK.... Yahmaha CL5 is good. My primary board is Presonus StudioLIve.

[@Vela_Isai]

Do you have a video where you explain how to get electrical power to power up speakers for outside events or events where power is limited?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

I unfortunately do not : (

[@NotALawyer420]

Arkansas here and I use a TF5 30 shows per year but would love a CL5.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Hello fellow Arkansan! Yes, that would be a nice upgrade, for sure.

[@ladjkaoz]

I seen lots of set up where they stack over subs... whats the deal with that set up,why not just use point source instead array over subs.

[@MatbiangShadap]

What are you using for the marker on the screen?

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

It's called ScreenBrush. Great little app!

[@jimorgain63]

dogonit i just miss the stack of jble huge Wood boxes, the sound , these new plastic speakers on poles drive me nuts, loud but sounds like crap? my opinion

[@jimorgain63]

in small clubs, sorry

[@sibusisomajiza1995]

QL5/CL5 from South Africa

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Gotta love the QL series.

[@jposey3952]

Louisville Ky Allen Heath QU/SQ or M32/X32

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for joining!

[@byronsutherland7602]

Yeah.

[@pedrodolendo1990]

How much line array

[@isaacsitiakalaabwenje]

I'm Using Behringer X32 Analog... I would prefer to Upgrade to A digital Console

[@XIIMonkeysMusicGroup]

X32 is digital

[@jungtarcph]

I just have two speakers in my living room.....

[@jupjuck]

I sleep in a bed with my wife....

[@JayR071]

Colombia, Digico S21/S31

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@Tymasseun]

Nigeria, mostly M32

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for joining!

[@leeboon2394]

Super infomative just love your work man i hope i can meet you one day, my company will open for soudengineer invitation to VietNam for educating our teams , i will reach out to you soon

[@angusmacd9903]

DiGico SD12

[@maxmoses8449]

M32

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for sharing!

[@EricduToit]

You don't need a line array - just a Danley

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Danleys are great boxes! But they don't solve all problems, like very, very low range ratio.

[@EricduToit]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio it’s a bit of a tongue in cheek comment amongst Danley users - “coulda done it with one Danley” They don’t fit in every application, but they are my favorite and some amazing stuff.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

@@EricduToit Got it : ). They really do make incredible gear. Every time I hear one of their subs my jaw drops!

[@EricduToit]

@@MichaelCurtisAudio dude.. yes. If you haven't heard the BC215s yet, a pair of them or 4x of them - amazing how efficient they are.

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

@@EricduToit I need to check 'em out!

[@pajaroperez]

Presonus 32 series iii

[@MichaelCurtisAudio]

Thanks for joining!