Why are Line Arrays Better?

[Josuah]

Can anyone describe to me why a line array might be better than a traditional multi-driver design? I've heard great things about line arrays, especially for music, but I'm not really sure from a technical standpoint why they would be better. Is it issues with having more than one crossover affecting phase and impedance? Creating a single wave that does not have interference issues like crossed-over drivers? Less distortion because of many smaller drivers instead of one larger one? Seems like constructing a line array should be a little easier than a 3-way or 4-way traditional speaker as well.

[toecheese]

Who ever said line arrays are better? For subwoofers, line arrays are worst- higher vibrations, potential for sound localization, etc. The manifold is superior because when mounted in pairs, the speakers will cancel physical forces.

If you're talking about full-range speakers, there are lots of reasons, but they're all aesthetic.

[Josuah]

Yeah, I meant full-range speakers. Are there any technical reasons? The ones I mentioned in my OP seem to be technical possibilities for why they are better. Electrostats are supposed to create a nicer uniform sound wave as well.

[JCD]

Here are some benefits to a line array that I can think of:

1. They are usually super efficient
2. They are supposed to be more dynamic -- if the drivers don't have to work as hard, they should be able to get "there" quicker
3. The crossover, if there is one, is in a fairly non-sensitive region. I'm building (well, I'm currently stalled) a line array and my high crossover point is going to be somewhere around 5k or higher.
4. Reflections from floor and ceiling are minimized
5. Provides a wide listening area

Here are some technical papers I've found:
Link 1
Link 2

Note: the design principles in the first link may be dated. I've been told by someone with more brains than I that the idea's are "OK", but have been superseded for some of the issues presented.

JCD

[Doug Plumb]

Line arrays wont give you the pin point imaging but will handle more power. I would go for a good 3 way or build a good tri- amped three way with a DSP crossover. This can be made powerful enough.

Line arrays are less efficient if it means putting a lot of drivers in smaller boxes per driver.

"Creating a single wave that does not have interference issues like crossed-over drivers?"

There are all kinds of phase cancellation issues unless the array is much longer than the lowest wavelength produced.

They don't have floor and ceiling reflections which is a big advantage but I like point source.

[Josuah]

Thanks for your comments. I guess there really aren't real advantages in terms of sound quality to going with a line array after all, as the issues mentioned can all be addressed in other ways.