Line array question

ricardojoa · « **on:** 19 Jan 2012, 08:37 pm »

Hi Rick, i dont think there is anyone that knows line array better then you. So i would like to ask you a few questions.
What advantage does a line array type speaker have over convetional tower and monitors?
Does it have to have a minimum floorspace/area?
Is 11.5 feet wall to wall distance to short for line array?
Somehow i duddenly got interested in line arrays....

Thanks in advance.

Rick Craig · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Jan 2012, 10:51 pm »

Actually Don Keele knows them better than anyone.

It depends on what type of array you want to compare to - not all of them can be lumped together. The better array designs typically have higher output capability, lower distortion, and more lifelike imaging. A typical line source will lose 3db per doubling of distance versus 6db for a point source. The CBT arrays also have a better room interface as well.

The amount of footprint needed can vary just like any other speaker. Room size really isn't an issue; however, with a straight array the output of the drivers will sum differently depending on your listening distance. This is one big advantage of a CBT which is very uniform regardless of distance; in fact, you can listen to them at 3 ft. away if you want - try that with any other type of speaker!

Quote from: ricardojoa on 19 Jan 2012, 08:37 pm

Hi Rick, i dont think there is anyone that knows line array better then you. So i would like to ask you a few questions.
What advantage does a line array type speaker have over conventional tower and monitors?
Does it have to have a minimum floorspace/area?
Is 11.5 feet wall to wall distance to short for line array?
Somehow i suddenly got interested in line arrays....

Thanks in advance.

ricardojoa · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Jan 2012, 11:10 pm »

So i guess the Arcarray is a CBT design. But looking at the amount of raal tweeter used, i cant imagine the cost of those

Would there be a minimum of number of woofer that needed to be used in a line array? So far from your design, i see the least would be six woofers.
If im interested in a built line array from you, where do i start? Also, is there a amp requirement? Can i drive them with 2 channels amps or an avr/tube amp?

Thanks

Rick Craig · « **Reply #3 on:** 20 Jan 2012, 02:01 pm »

The Arcarray ($17K-$18K including DSP amps and powered subwoofers) uses some aspects of the CBT theory and I also am working with CBT designs that are licensed and / or designed by Audio Artistry. Don Keele is the founder of the CBT technology and works for Audio Artistry. Yes, I have some straight array designs using six ribbons or woofers per side but a CBT requires more than that. I have a design in the works with ten 4" woofers per channel and either thirty 3/4" domes or ten ribbon tweeters. There will be two price levels and two options for the ribbon used. The impedance will be around 4 ohms with good sensitivity so virtually any push-pull tube amp or solid state amp can be used. A passive crossover will be available or you can add two more amplifier channels and bi-amp with a DSP crossover. An enclosed DSP amp is also an option as well.

Quote from: ricardojoa on 19 Jan 2012, 11:10 pm

So i guess the Arcarray is a CBT design. But looking at the amount of raal tweeter used, i cant imagine the cost of those

Would there be a minimum of number of woofer that needed to be used in a line array? So far from your design, i see the least would be six woofers.
If im interested in a built line array from you, where do i start? Also, is there a amp requirement? Can i drive them with 2 channels amps or an avr/tube amp?

Thanks

ricardojoa · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Jan 2012, 06:19 pm »

Quote from: Rick Craig on 20 Jan 2012, 02:01 pm

The Arcarray ($17K-$18K including DSP amps and powered subwoofers) uses some aspects of the CBT theory and I also am working with CBT designs that are licensed and / or designed by Audio Artistry. Don Keele is the founder of the CBT technology and works for Audio Artistry. Yes, I have some straight array designs using six ribbons or woofers per side but a CBT requires more than that. I have a design in the works with ten 4" woofers per channel and either thirty 3/4" domes or ten ribbon tweeters. There will be two price levels and two options for the ribbon used. The impedance will be around 4 ohms with good sensitivity so virtually any push-pull tube amp or solid state amp can be used. A passive crossover will be available or you can add two more amplifier channels and bi-amp with a DSP crossover. An enclosed DSP amp is also an option as well.

Thanks,
Would you be able to provide an estimate price of the kit for the ribbons?