As I've been taught over the years about how intensity shading is bad for line arrays, what about fixed angles? I've read how most manufactures created a "fixed" angle line array to take out the calculations (aka dumb-a-fy) of doing a proper line array. But two boxes doesn't make a line array, as well as fixed angles. So why have portable line array's that are fixed angles? Just so you can offer a line array?
Your thoughts?
Great question Al,
There are several reasons that inter array gain shading is a bad idea. In no particular order.
The stability of the cancellation off axis (generally above and below) of the array. Generally speaking one of the significant advantages to a line source array is the stability in the coverage zone and the consistent rejection in the non-coverage zone.
The way a line source array works is that the further you move away the more of the line you get to hear. By gain shading the array you reduce the total potential of the array when you need it the most. This difference in potential offsets some of the local advantages (reduction in SPL) experienced in the targeted reduction zone.
These two trade offs (and a few more) need to be considered when choosing to shade the array. With any speaker the difference between the short and long throw is always of significant concern.
Like fire if you get to close it gets hot.
Scott Sugden
Head of Applications, Touring
USA + CANADA
L-Acoustics
