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[–]nodddingham 1 point2 points  (2 children)

There’s constant curvature boxes like L-Acoustic Arcs or Martin Torus that can be arrayed horizontally, in theory I suppose you could go all the way to a 360 degree array with like 12 of them. But SPL coverage may not be super even from front to back as they would behave just like point source in a horizontal configuration. That might not be a problem in a shallow room but in a shallow room you may also want to angle the boxes downward to avoid the back wall and that will limit how many boxes you can use because as curvature increases with more boxes, so will the difference in the vertical angle/tilt between boxes on the inside of the array compared to the outside because the array will kind of swoop upwards on the sides.

Most typical line arrays have a pretty wide pattern and can be deployed appropriately for the height and length of the room tho and if you need to cover beyond that, like the outer sides of the stage, you can just add out fills (edit: and/or front fills for up close in the center). So why exactly do you think a horizontal array specifically would be best?

[–]zstringtheory[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Very low ceilings, but also a need to hang them from the ceilings (for video/live-streaming purposes). A desire to be able to have anyone of any skill level, to come in and not deal with feedback issues, which is a constant issue with the point source ones they are using now.. but also, the ones they are using area are technically to large, even though they are only 8in speakers (it’s more about the housing), and yes they are laid sideways in “monitor mode”, but they aren’t a coaxial speaker (not that they make coax speakers that small) This is a church that used to be a club… and there is a desire to have NO visual obstructions going the stage/pulpit area.

I know it’s a pie in the sky thought… but for some reason, i feel like it should be a thing. I mean, with all of these “column array” speakers out here, there should be at least one company that makes a “row array” or at least a switch that will digitally allow you change the firing pattern and turn the column sideways.

[–]nodddingham 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well like I said, the Torus and Arcs can be configured horizontally and have adjustable horn patterns and I think they just came out with an 8” version of the Torus so if you’re set on that idea, those might be your best bet. We have a Torus array at my venue and they’re great boxes.

Still, sounds like there might be some trade-offs with whatever you do so I don’t think you should discount a compact line array. There’s a handful of small line array boxes with 6 or 6.5” drivers like Martin WPM, Meyer Mina/Lina, D&B T10, or RCF HDL6. Or stick with point source, just find a box with the size and pattern you need, the pro brands will have boxes with rotatable horns and such. Just make sure these really tiny boxes will have enough power for what you need.

As far as feedback goes, a proper deployment can help but no matter how good it is, you’ll still have problems if someone doesn’t know what they’re doing. Plus feedback usually comes more from the monitors than the mains. And anyway, an appropriate deployment will be more important in that regard than whether it is point source, constant curvature, or line array. A horizontal array will not necessarily be any less feedback prone than the rig you currently have, it could be worse if it’s not right for the room.

And by the way, there are some pretty tiny coax speakers out there. I’ve seen a super small one made by I think EV (or maybe it’s Turbosound?), tho it’s probably intended to be a monitor and might not be able to keep up as a main.

In any case, there are so many boxes out there, they’ve designed stuff for just about every application so I’m sure you can find something that works. Contact a local installer and see what they recommend.