Handbook for Sound Engineers

Sound System Design 1257

have become the most popular choice for packaged

loudspeaker systems.

34.3.1.4 Packaged Loudspeaker Systems

Manufacturers now offer a wide variety of packaged
loudspeaker systems, designed for many different appli-
cations. The overwhelming popularity of packaged
loudspeaker systems is due to several factors. First, a
packaged loudspeaker combines two or more loud-
speaker components in a single enclosure to cover a
wider frequency range. As such, a packaged loud-
speaker becomes a wide-range component for cluster
design. Second, packaged loudspeaker systems com-
monly include suspension hardware, which makes them
easy to install a cluster in the field. Third, packaged
loudspeaker systems are usually trapazoidal in shape
which makes it easy to arrange them in a tight, efficient
cluster. Fourth, packaged loudspeaker systems are gen-
erally more attractive than raw components, which is
important in appearance-sensitive installations. Finally,
some packaged loudspeakers are self-powered and

include sophisticated DSP processors that optimize their

performance and help protect the loudspeaker. These

electronics simplify system design. For all of these

reasons, many designers choose packaged loudspeaker

systems for their cluster designs, Fig. 34-12.

There are at least two disadvantages to packaged

loudspeaker systems. First, in comparison to component

horns, packaged loudspeaker systems offer a limited

choice of coverage patterns. For example, it’s unusual to

find a true long-throw horn in a packaged loudspeaker

system. Second, designers minimize the size of pack-

aged loudspeaker system for efficient cluster packing

and for appearance reasons. However, the smaller horns

in these packaged loudspeaker systems have reduced

pattern control in comparison to the larger horns avail-

able as separate components. In some packaged loud-

speaker systems, a three-way design with a midrange

horn helps to offset this disadvantage.

At least one manufacturer now offers a packaged

loudspeaker system where each model is designed to

cover an entire room from a single cluster location. The

design achieves this goal by using a specially designed

mid/high-frequency horn that has a wide horizontal

coverage angle aimed at the front of the room tapering

gradually to a narrow coverage angle for the rear of the

room. These special-purpose loudspeaker systems work

best in rectangular rooms with a specific ratio of length

to width. Consult with the manufacturer for additional

application advice, Fig. 34-13.

34.3.1.5 Line Arrays

There are two primary styles of line array loudspeaker

systems. One is the modular line array. also known as a

concert line array. This type of line array uses multiple

Figure 34-11. A family of constant directivity horns and
compression drivers. Courtesy Bosch/Electro-Voice.

Figure 34-12. A family of packaged loudspeaker systems.

Courtesy Community Professional.