Specifications

5.5.8 Designing a flown array

Minimum trim height

This is the low limit for the array and is defined as the smallest allowable distance

from the lowest point of the array to the ground below.

You should set the minimum allowable trim height by sight line considerations.

Work this out from venue information gathered from venue and stage set information.

Make sure the array does not restrict the audience view from 1. 8m above the highest

audience plane to 2m above the highest upstage artist position.

Maximum pick height

Set this to the maximum array height allowable (usually the highest part of the flying

frame).

The maximum pick height is usually chosen to allow for the maximum flying point

height minus a sensible allowance for any shackles, stingers, bridles or flying hooks.

1m should be allowed for a stinger between each grid flying lug and the relevant motor

hook to ensure that motor chain bags do not rest on the grid or top cabinet and upset its

tilt angle.

Array Height

Set the array height for best coverage. It refers to the highest point of the array but

does not include shackles, stingers, bridles or flying hooks.

Array height is an important aspect of line array system design.

A low flown system may interfere with sightlines and may be too straight to provide the

smooth coverage that would be provided by a progressively curved array. Low arrays

may also fail to cover high side seats. If in doubt, check with DISPLAY™.

A high flown system may provide smooth coverage – but at the expense of maximum

sound pressure level if the system curvature does not allow small enough inter-cabinet

splay angles for efficient far-field projection. See section 5.4 to relate maximum source

spl to loudspeaker quantity and curvature. Always check with DISPLAY™ if you can.

A system flown too high will be uncomfortable for the audience as the sound source

will not coincide with the performance area.

High arrays can also cause rear wall echoes

to reflect back into a lower audience area.