I know that shows of this magnitude are at the other end of the pool from where I swim, so this question is posed in near complete ignorance...
Why would someone choose to deal with deploying a line array when a single J3 at 432 pounds will average 101db at 128 meters, needs one NL8 connection, can be driven and processed by one amplifier and is a point source cabinet?
There are lots of reasons.
The rental company can charge more money.
It currently meets "rider" requirements.
People "think" it is more scaleable.
It is easier to rent more boxes and "think" you are getting louder. But it takes A LOT more boxes than people think to make any noticeable difference in SPL
People like to think that 16 boxes that are 150lbs is easier to move than 1 that is 450lbs.
People like to hire more crew to set it up, so they can bill the promoter more for more hands.
Some people like the idea that they can "blame the wind" for blowing the sound around, when they cannot mix. It doesn't have to be that way.
I have heard people say that they don't like a system that responds to every little change you make on the console. They prefer a system that you have to make large changes on the console to hear it.
Loudspeaker companies like line arrays because they can sell more boxes.
Loudspeaker driver manufacturers like line arrays because they sell more drivers.
If you notice something common here-money
