INTRODUCTION: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SELF-POWERED LINE ARRAY SPEAKERS FOR LIVE EVENTS AND LARGE VENUES
When it comes to providing rental and installation systems in the professional audio space, line array speaker systems have become a powerful choice for delivering clear and punchy sound across large venues and live events. In this constantly-evolving industry, self-powered line array speakers have gained popularity, offering numerous practical advantages over passive systems. In this introduction, we’ll explore the key benefits of self-powered line array speakers in a straightforward manner and discuss how they can improve the audio experience at live events and large venues.
Powered Line Array Systems: Exploring the Advantages for Professional Audio in Large Venues
- Streamlined Setup and Cabling: With built-in amplification, self-powered line array speakers simplify the setup process, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers and complex cabling. Less time messing around with cables means fewer chances for screw-ups or failures, and more time focusing on what really matters: the sound.
- Consistent Audio Quality: Self-powered line array speakers are designed to work seamlessly with their proprietary integrated amplifiers, ensuring you get optimal audio quality and performance out of the box. With manufacturers ensuring this perfect match between speaker and amplifier components, you can trust you’re delivering consistent and accurate sound, no matter the power source or other outside factors.
- Precise Control and Customization: Modern self-powered line array systems often feature integrated digital signal processing (DSP), providing audio engineers with precise control over sound characteristics and speaker performance. With this advanced level of control, you can tweak the audio output to fit the unique acoustics of any venue or event, making sure the audience gets the best possible sound experience.
- Enhanced Portability and Flexibility: The compact design of self-powered line array speakers means they’re less of a pain to lug around between venues and take up less space in the truck Additionally, their modular nature allows for versatile configurations, making them suitable for a wide range of event sizes and types.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Although self-powered line array speakers may have a higher upfront cost, their simplified setup, reduced cabling, and the elimination of needing to purchase external amplifiers can result in lower overall costs. This makes them an attractive investment for rental companies, and professional audio installers.
Self-powered line array speakers offer numerous practical advantages for live events and large venues, such as arenas and concert halls – including streamlined setups, consistent audio quality, precise control and customization, enhanced portability, and lower total cost of ownership.
Cons: Uncovering the Drawbacks of Powered Line Array Speakers in Live Sound Applications
- Increased Weight: Due to the integrated amplifiers and additional electronics, powered line array speakers tend to be heavier than their passive alternatives, which may affect lifting and rigging loads.
- Maintenance Complexity: In case of component failure, powered line array speakers may require more specialized knowledge and tools to repair, as they combine both speaker and amplifier components within a single unit. It can also take an entire speaker out of the fleet instead of just an amplifier, for example.
- Limited Amplifier Choices: With powered line array speakers, the built-in amplifier is specifically designed for that particular speaker, leaving no room for customization or upgrading of amplification as you might with a passive system.
- Potential Thermal Issues: The integration of amplifiers within the speaker enclosure can lead to increased heat generation, potentially causing thermal issues or reducing the lifespan of the components if not managed properly. For example, if you’ve flown an outdoor powered system in the summer heat, and it’s in direct sunlight, you could run into issues at a festival.
- Power Requirements: Powered line array speakers require an individual PSU for each speaker unit, which can lead to more complex power distribution planning and additional cabling at larger events or venues. For example, running a socapex cable in addition to XLR for your hangs.
It’s essential to weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits of powered line array speakers and consider the specific requirements of your event or venue before making a decision.
As we delve deeper into the top 6 powered line array speakers available in the market, keep these benefits in mind and consider how they align with your specific audio needs and requirements. We have provided the list in the order of popularity of each cabinet, based on global search results. This way, you can know who is looking for these cabinets the most. Be sure to consult your local data to better understand what market you may want to be in. Keep in mind also that many of these speakers are part of larger product lines, and you will want to consult with the manufacturer’s websites to determine more characteristics of the overall product line, such as workflow.
Meyer Sound LINA: The Compact Powerhouse Delivering Clarity and Versatility
The LINA is a compact linear line array speaker from Meyer Sound that delivers outstanding clarity and versatility. Despite its small size, it packs a punch with impressive power and performance, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from live events to installations.
- SPL: 123 dB continuous, 129 dB peak
- Frequency response: 60 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power requirements: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Power output: 1,250 W (Class D amplification)
- LF: 2 x 6.5-inch cone drivers
- HF: 1 x 3-inch compression driver
- Throw angles: 100° horizontal, adjustable vertical
- Weight: 43 lbs (19.5 kg)
- DSP options: Meyer Sound IntelligentDC technology
RCF HDL20-A: A Popular Choice for High-Quality Sound and User-Friendly Rigging
The HDL20-A is a popular powered line array module from RCF, known for its high-quality sound and user-friendly rigging system. With its powerful performance and precise coverage, it’s an ideal choice for live events, concerts, and theater productions.
- SPL: 135 dB max
- Frequency response: 55 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power requirements: 1400 W (peak)
- Power output: 700 W RMS
- LF: 2 x 10-inch woofers
- HF: 1 x 2-inch compression driver
- Throw angles: 100° horizontal, 15° vertical
- Weight: 57 lbs (26 kg)
- DSP options: Integrated RDNet Control 8
dBTechnologies VIO L210: Lightweight Design Meets Impressive Performance
The VIO L210 by dBTechnologies is a lightweight, powered line array module that combines impressive performance with easy setup and transport. Its advanced technology and design make it a solid choice for live sound reinforcement in various venues.
- SPL: 133 dB continuous, 139 dB peak
- Frequency response: 62 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power requirements: 1600 W RMS
- Power output: 800 W LF, 400 W HF (Class D amplification)
- LF: 2 x 10-inch woofers
- HF: 1 x 1.4-inch compression driver
- Throw angles: 90° horizontal, adjustable vertical
- Weight: 63.9 lbs (29 kg)
- DSP options: Integrated Aurora Net Control
QSC KLA12: A Cost-Effective Line Array Solution with Impressive Sound Quality and Coverage
The KLA12 from QSC is a cost-effective line array solution offering impressive sound quality and coverage. It features the company’s proprietary Intrinsic Correction™ tuning and Ar-Q™ frequency optimization, ensuring consistent and accurate sound throughout the listening area. It’s main drawback is that it lacks flexibility in array configurations
- SPL: 131 dB peak
- Frequency response: 49 Hz – 18 kHz
- Power requirements: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
- Power output: 500 W LF, 500 W HF (Class D amplification)
- LF: 1 x 12-inch woofer
- HF: 1 x 1.75-inch compression driver
- Throw angles: 90° horizontal, 18° vertical
- Weight: 55 lbs (24.9 kg)
- DSP options: Intrinsic Correction™, Ar-Q™ frequency optimization
JBL VRX932LAP: The Versatile Line Array with Crown Amplification for Reliability and Performance
The VRX932LAP is a versatile, powered line array speaker from JBL that incorporates Crown amplification for reliability and performance. Its compact size and flexible rigging options make it suitable for both mobile and installed applications, from live concerts to corporate events. However, it is not a true line array, and rather a constant curvature array that is set at a particular angle.
- SPL: 136 dB peak
- Frequency response: 57 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power requirements: 1800 W (peak)
- Power output: 800 W LF, 250 W HF (Class D amplification)
- LF: 1 x 12-inch woofer
- HF: 3 x 1-inch compression drivers
- Throw angles: 100° horizontal, 15° vertical
- Weight: 52 lbs (23.6 kg)
- DSP options: Integrated JBL DrivePack technology
EAW Radius RSX208L: The Compact Line Array Delivering Impressive Clarity and Coverage
The RSX208L from EAW is a compact, powered line array speaker that offers impressive clarity and coverage for a wide range of applications. Its advanced beam steering technology and versatile rigging options make it an ideal choice for everything from live concerts to corporate events and house of worship installations.
- SPL: 129 dB peak
- Frequency response: 63 Hz – 22 kHz
- Power requirements: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Power output: 500 W LF, 250 W HF (Class D amplification)
- LF: 2 x 8-inch woofers
- HF: 2 x 1-inch compression drivers
- Throw angles: 110° horizontal, 10° vertical
- Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
- DSP options: EAWmosaic software, Dante networking, and Focusing processing
Meyer Sound LEOPARD: Compact Size and Exceptional Clarity for Large Venues and Arenas
The LEOPARD is a compact, self-powered line array speaker from Meyer Sound, known for its exceptional clarity and power. It’s well-suited for large venues and arenas, delivering consistent sound coverage and high-quality audio performance.
- SPL: 130 dB (continuous), 136 dB (peak)
- Frequency response: 55 Hz – 18 kHz
- Power requirements: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
- Power output: 600 W (LF), 300 W (HF)
- LF speaker size: 2 x 9″ neodymium woofers
- HF speaker size: 1 x 3″ diaphragm compression driver
- Throw angles: adjustable from 0° to 14°
- Weight: 34 kg (75 lbs)
CONCLUSION: CHOOSING THE RIGHT POWERED LINE ARRAY SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEEDS
In the world of live sound and large venue installations, powered line array speakers have become the go-to choice for many audio professionals. They offer ease of use, reduced cabling, and simplified setup, making them a practical and efficient option. With so many excellent models available, selecting the right one for your needs can be a challenge.
When making your decision, consider factors such as the size of the venue, the type of event, and the desired coverage area. Pay close attention to the specifications, including SPL, frequency response, power requirements, and weight, as well as any available DSP options and rigging systems. Understand transportation options, cases, and overall system diagrams that the manufacturers provide. Do you want to ground support it or fly it?
Our top 6 list of powered line array speakers showcases some of the best options on the market, catering to various budgets and applications. By carefully evaluating your specific requirements and comparing the features of each model, you can confidently choose the perfect line array speaker system that will help you deliver exceptional audio experiences for any event or venue.
