Line Array Coverage Calculator: Angle, SPL and Distance Tips
- Line Array Coverage Calculator: Angle, SPL and Distance Tips
- Quick overview of line array speakers and coverage goals
- Understanding sound propagation for line array speakers
- Point source vs line source behavior and why it matters
- Attenuation comparison: point source, real line array and ideal line source
- How SPL drops with distance for different sources
- Calculating SPL change: simple formulas for your calculator
- Use quick SPL math for line array speakers
- Choosing vertical and horizontal coverage angles
- Vertical angle selection tips for line array speakers
- Horizontal angle selection tips for line array speakers
- Practical inputs for a line array coverage calculator
- Key parameters to enter for accurate results
- Interpreting calculator outputs and safety margins
- How to read SPL contours and set conservative limits
- Real-world factors that change calculated coverage
- Audience absorption, temperature, and ground effects
- Tuning and optimization techniques
- Splay schedules, EQ, and delay fills for consistent SPL
- Example calculation: small outdoor festival using line array speakers
- Scenario inputs and predicted SPLs
- Why choose T.I Audio line array speakers for your events
- Manufacturer expertise and product breadth
- Checklist: using a coverage calculator with T.I Audio line array speakers
- Step-by-step practical checklist before showtime
- FAQ
- Q: How accurate are coverage calculators for line array speakers?
- Q: At what distance do line array speakers stop behaving like a line source?
- Q: Should I always aim for cylindrical (−3 dB) spreading in my calculator?
- Q: How do splay angles affect SPL and coverage?
- Q: Can I rely on manufacturer SPL specs for coverage planning?
- Q: Where can I get help tuning a system with T.I Audio line array speakers?
Line Array Coverage Calculator: Angle, SPL and Distance Tips
Quick overview of line array speakers and coverage goals
When planning a live event, using a line array coverage calculator helps you predict where your line array speakers will throw sound, how much SPL you can expect at given distances, and which vertical or horizontal angles to set. This article gives concise, practical tips for angle selection, SPL vs distance calculations, and real-world adjustments to help your team get reliable results fast.
Understanding sound propagation for line array speakers
Point source vs line source behavior and why it matters
Sound propagation rules change depending on whether the system behaves like a point source (single loudspeaker) or a line source (stacked array). For line array speakers, the array approximates a cylindrical wavefront over a certain range, reducing the rate of SPL loss with distance compared to a single speaker. Knowing which model applies at which distance is the first step to accurate coverage calculations.
Attenuation comparison: point source, real line array and ideal line source
How SPL drops with distance for different sources
Below is a clear comparison to use in your calculator and planning. Each paragraph and refers to line array speakers to keep practical focus.
| Source type | SPL change per doubling of distance | Typical behavior for line array speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal point source (spherical) | −6 dB | Single speaker or small cluster at far-field |
| Ideal line source (cylindrical) | −3 dB | Long arrays in their near/transition field |
| Real-world line array speakers | Between −3 dB and −6 dB | Depends on array length, frequency and audience geometry |
Calculating SPL change: simple formulas for your calculator
Use quick SPL math for line array speakers
Two formulas are most useful in a calculator. For spherical (point) spreading: ΔL = −20 * log10(r2 / r1). For cylindrical (line) spreading: ΔL = −10 * log10(r2 / r1). Use the cylindrical formula as a starting approximation for line array speakers in the array's near-field. Remember to switch to spherical behavior for far distances or when the array is short relative to the throw.
Choosing vertical and horizontal coverage angles
Vertical angle selection tips for line array speakers
Vertical coverage determines how you split energy between the front rows and the back rows. Typical vertical module splay settings are small: 0°, 2°, 4°, 6° or larger, depending on audience rake and distance. For long throws use tighter splay between modules to create a more cylindrical wave. When covering short venues, use wider splay and aim lower so the near field isn't overloaded. Always verify with a coverage calculator that models audience plane distances and listener heights for line array speakers.
Horizontal angle selection tips for line array speakers
Horizontal coverage is controlled primarily by the cabinet horizontal dispersion pattern and box count. For FOH control, choose speakers with matched horizontal directivity (e.g., 90° or 110°) and set arrays to avoid spill onto reflective side walls. When the venue width exceeds the array’s horizontal throw, use delay fills or fill speakers to keep SPL consistent across the audience.
Practical inputs for a line array coverage calculator
Key parameters to enter for accurate results
To get useful predictions from a coverage calculator for line array speakers, input these parameters: array model and cabinet directivity, number of elements, inter-cabinet splay angles, FOH height, audience plane slope, listener height, desired SPL at target points, and frequency band or weighting (A or C). Including audience absorption and ground reflections improves accuracy.
Interpreting calculator outputs and safety margins
How to read SPL contours and set conservative limits
When the calculator shows SPL contours for line array speakers, focus on the usable frequency-weighted SPL across the audience plane, not just low-frequency output. Apply headroom of 3–6 dB above predicted levels for dynamic peaks and system losses. For concerts, SAS (sound level limits) may enforce maximum SPLs; plan to meet local regulations while preserving clarity.
Real-world factors that change calculated coverage
Audience absorption, temperature, and ground effects
Human bodies and seating absorb mid and high frequencies; a dense crowd can reduce SPL at the back by a few dB compared to an empty venue. Temperature gradients and wind can bend sound, especially outdoors. Hard reflective surfaces create comb filtering or hotspots. Always measure with an SPL meter or RTA in system tuning to confirm the predictions for your line array speakers.
Tuning and optimization techniques
Splay schedules, EQ, and delay fills for consistent SPL
Use splay presets for the intended coverage zone: tighter splay for long rows, staggered splay for stadium-style stepped seating. Apply gentle low-mid EQ corrections to equalize the array’s natural frequency response across distance, and use delay fills to align SPL and timing for outfill speakers. For critical shows, run a walk-through measurement at multiple listening positions to confirm even coverage from your line array speakers.
Example calculation: small outdoor festival using line array speakers
Scenario inputs and predicted SPLs
Scenario: two hangs of 8× line array speakers per side, each cabinet rated 135 dB peak output at 1 m (single cabinet theoretical), array mounted 6 m high, audience plane from 7 m to 50 m. Using cylindrical spreading approximation for the main energy between 7–30 m and spherical for beyond 30 m, expected midband SPL at 30 m is approximately 6–9 dB lower than at 15 m depending on array coherence. Below is a concise table summarizing approximate values computed with the formulas in this article for planning; always verify with measurement before showtime.
| Listener distance | Approx SPL drop from 1 m (ideal) | Estimated midband SPL (dB, relative to cabinet rating) |
|---|---|---|
| 15 m | Using cylindrical approx: −10*log10(15/1) ≈ −11.8 dB | ~123 dB (peak, per array baseline) |
| 30 m | Doubling distance from 15 m, expect −3 to −6 dB → additional −3.0 dB (ideal line) to −6 dB (point) | ~120–117 dB |
| 50 m | Transition toward spherical spreading; total drop ≈ −20*log10(50/1) ≈ −34 dB | ~101 dB (if point-like at that distance) |
Why choose T.I Audio line array speakers for your events
Manufacturer expertise and product breadth
T.I Audio has 14 years of pro audio manufacturing experience in China and a portfolio that includes line array speakers, PA speakers, stage monitors, subwoofers, amplifiers, processors and wireless systems. With a seasoned engineering team and global sales presence in over 100 countries, T.I Audio designs line array speakers suitable for concerts, festivals, houses of worship and rental companies. Choosing a proven brand simplifies coverage prediction because product specs and beam patterns are documented and supported.
Checklist: using a coverage calculator with T.I Audio line array speakers
Step-by-step practical checklist before showtime
1) Select the exact T.I Audio line array model in your tool. 2) Enter number of cabinets and splay pattern. 3) Set listener plane heights and distances. 4) Include audience absorption and delays. 5) Apply realistic SPL targets and headroom. 6) Walk the venue with an SPL meter to confirm predictions from your line array speakers.
FAQ
Q: How accurate are coverage calculators for line array speakers?
A: Calculators are useful for planning but are approximations. Accuracy depends on quality of input data (cabinet directivity, splay angles, venue geometry) and whether you model audience absorption and ground reflections. Expect calculators to guide setup; always confirm with measurements and a tuning session.
Q: At what distance do line array speakers stop behaving like a line source?
A: There is no single distance — it depends on array length and frequency. Low frequencies often behave more like a point source sooner. As a rule of thumb, the array behaves more cylindrically up to distances approximately equal to the array length; beyond that, spherical spreading dominates and SPL loss approaches −6 dB per doubling of distance.
Q: Should I always aim for cylindrical (−3 dB) spreading in my calculator?
A: Use cylindrical spreading for mid/high frequencies and for distances where array coherence is maintained. For long distances or when the array is short, switch to spherical assumptions. Many calculators blend models across distance — choose that option if available for line array speakers.
Q: How do splay angles affect SPL and coverage?
A: Larger splay angles spread coverage over a shorter distance (wider vertical coverage) and reduce coherent long-throw energy. Smaller splay angles keep energy focused for long throws and create a more cylindrical field. Use the array module splay schedule to shape the coverage zone precisely for your audience plane.
Q: Can I rely on manufacturer SPL specs for coverage planning?
A: Manufacturer specs are the starting point but represent ideal conditions. Use them with real-world corrections for mounting height, audience absorption, and environmental conditions. T.I Audio’s product datasheets include directivity and sensitivity data that make coverage calculations more trustworthy.
Q: Where can I get help tuning a system with T.I Audio line array speakers?
A: Contact T.I Audio technical support or a certified local dealer for system design and on-site tuning. The company’s engineering team has over 20 years of pro audio systems experience and can assist with array presets, splay suggestions and measurement-based tuning for line array speakers.
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