Line array for low ceiling club

[Bad_Rock]

Dear friends. I'm about to install a line array in a big club ( 2000 ppl ) and the biggest challenge I have it's the height of the place. It is only a bit more than 4meters tall. With the latest additions to line array specially the smaller ones is it possible to work with them at so low ceilings?

 

I was told that line arrays like the "in line" from Mc Cauley have bigger dispersion (120º/ 60ª/ and 45ª ) so they can be used in places even when they are not so high.

 

Is it possible to work with this kind of line array in clubs like this one? Will I need less boxes per side because they have bigger dispersion?

 

Thanks

[PoppaDom]

Dear friends. I'm about to install a line array in a big club ( 2000 ppl ) and the biggest challenge I have it's the height of the place. It is only a bit more than 4meters tall.

 

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Surely before stating you are going to install a line array it would be better to determine its suitability and whether convential cabinets may be a better option?

 

Poppadom

[Bad_Rock]

I know but for now what sounds better for the owners of the club it's the marketing word. Probably they would listen better with conventional cabinets but now line arrays are the fashion and they want be "on the game".

 

Probably it would sound better with some other cabinets but let's focus on line arrays is it possible on those dimensions?

 

Regards

[Mr.Si]

Some line arrays such as the d&b and the Logic Systems Ethos and the Dynacord Cobra systems are all suitable for ground stacking or hanging, yet they are called "line Arrays" as they are a line of speakers.

 

Not all systems can do this

[Bad_Rock]

But... will you need 4 boxes per side at least? I'm also afraid that if the owner don't see a curb of speakers vertically arrayed he would tell " no deal".

[Mr.Si]

You might have to have a conversation to bring him back down from his J curve - to the earth. 4 mtrs is not high.

 

Although, while typing this, I am thinking that there are huge developments in the compact line array systems at the moment.

 

The latest L&Si magazine has an article in it stating the current state of play with who is manufacturing what in terms of the line array market.

 

You might get away with a compact line array - but I don't know the ins and outs of the systems to give you much depth, just throwing ideas around in my head as I type!

 

HTH

 

Si

[Chappie]

There is nothing wrong with flying at that height, as long as you don't need people to be able to safely walk under it! We regularly fly 4 or 6 boxes of compact array from 3 to 3.5 metres on wind-up stands. It all depends on how far you want them to throw. Ground-stacking is out of the question as you are just going to be firing into peoples bodies. You could ground-stack on top of a pile of subs to get some clearance, if they are big enough.

 

If the room doesn't warrant an array, don't use one, as you are going to be spending more than you should, just for the sake of it.

[paulears]

If you only have 4m height, then whatever line array you select has to fit into 2m, actually 2.5, if you don't want people to be able to reach up and swing them! This will reduce the cabinet qualtity, and negate the advantages of the line array - You also say it is a club, so will they want excess low end? if so then the subs will be taking ground space anyway? Seems a bit odd to select a system by what it looks like, rather than what it will sound like?

[Mr.Si]

Sounds like club owners and PR to me! (no offence meant to any one here)

[Bad_Rock]

Exactly club owners! It doesn't happen only in sound it happens in the skills of the dj's. When you bring some dj from another place ( the most exotic the better ) owners tend to steer at them even when they don't have skills. You might have some better dj's in town but because they are not doing a world tour they are not worth all that money.

 

Now they want a line array! Cus "it will sound better than nothing " "it's the latest" "and it will work in ay small place even". :D

[Big Dave]

From what you have said, line array is definitely not the answer for this application. With most arrays, you need a specific number of LA element s before you'll get a half decent sounding system and gain the benefits of using LA. This still applies to a compact array.

 

You might want to read this and read the line array white paper in the tech area here to understand a bit more about LA's and when they are appropriate.

[Mystic]

I'm also of the one who would say that the line array is not the correct option in that case. However, take a look at adamson's Spectrix small LA, it can be stacked from the ground (2 subs and 4 boxes) and this is lower than 4m. I've used this on a small festival (1500 persons) and the system greatly impressed me... on the other hand I don't know it's price :huh:

[Jivemaster]

All the Line Array makers have software to assist in the design of good systems using their boxes, Get some (several) dimensions of your space and ask the proposed suppliers for their input. They will advise, based on thorough knowledge of the product, and give you a hanging design based on their boxes and your space.

 

The recent article in L&SI should give you some contacts.

 

There are still conflicts of suitability with the (lack of) height but a manufacturers design will minimise them. Yes I do understand that a line array adds to the look of the place, however see if one will fit and sound ok.

 

What about designing the flown elements into the look of a line array by scenery. Fly a J shaped box with a conventional cabinet inside. The looks must be right but the sound must be right too.