Looks like the evolution of the line array continues. Check out what the new EAW line array can do.
Each driver in the line array has it's own amplifier and DSP. Using EAW's Pilot software the arrays vertical dispersion is steerable.
Verticle coverage is adjustable from 15 to 120 degrees. They have a really neat video that illustrates how the sound can be steered.
This speaker is aimed towards small to mid sized venues.
Robert L
Steerable Line Array

quote:

This speaker is aimed towards small to mid sized venues.

that are permanent installations.

Didn't see anything of interest to me as one who performs live music.

edit: much removed as the preceding pretty much says it all.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ST,

Well, I probably don't need this either, but it sure is interesting reading, Thanks Robert L.

I bet the Bose folks are watching and reading too. It would seem this is competition for the MA12 installed systems and perhaps other Bose components.

It would seem the new feature is the "steerable" part of the equation, though Bose has already done something similar with the MB4 and the Panaray controller, and in the laymans mind it would seem the harder task to accomplish. (to steer bass vs. mids and highs)

I also found it interesting they used an extruded aluminum channel for the cabinet with fitted plastic endcaps. Where have we seen that before?

If anything to us here on the Bose Personalized Amplification System Forum, this is just more validation that the path we have chosen is the one that leads to the future........and for an Oldghm stuck somewhere in the past that's not the easiest thing to admit or accept.

Oldghm

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Oldghm,

Steerable line arrays are a powerful tool, but their usefulness depends on how familiar you are the concepts.

The only thing "steerable" is the vertical directivity (horizontal is fixed), and you can basically control the direction and width of the main beam. However, since sound doesn't behave like light, there are a lot of (mostly undesirable) side effects, like "lobing" and "aliasing". I'm sure that the EAW steering software is designed to minimize these effects but you still will end up with very complex directional patterns.

The only way that I know of how to evaluate the effectiveness of these patterns is using sophisticated room-acoustics/sound-system-design computer modeling programs such as Bose Modeler(tm) or Auditioner(tm). These programs allow you to plug any directivity pattern into your sound system design and model it's interaction with room and the audience.

Due to the work involved, it's only practical to use those programs for installed sound systems, and, so I guess, is the use of steerable arrays.

Other points to consider are price and performance. In my experience, most array configurations decrease efficiency by various amounts.