If you have ever gone to a big concert or maybe even a festival that had a band or big show happening. You might have also noticed those big lines of speakers hanging from the top of the stage or ceiling of a concert hall or auditorium. The large, loud and spectacular sound comes from what they call a line array speakers. Usually, set to bring out the best sound for the audience and performer out of a high performing P.A. system. Line array speakers are the only way to give a large audience a balanced sound throughout the show. With a line array speaker set up, the sound being delivered from this enormous P.A. system can be easily adjusted to pan the sound wave up or down. This helps direct the sound where it will be needed most on a big stage.
If you look at a normal stage set-up. You might see that the line of speakers is usually split into two, three, four or as big as six sets of lined speakers. All to make the show as spectacular as possible depending on the size of the audience and the need for clear sound to be delivered on both sides of the stage. These speakers come in many different styles and sizes. They are able to hook to one another as the top speaker is pulled up by a chain motor. Another speaker is locked on to the joining locks on the bottom of the speaker. Then raised up for the attachment of the next speaker. This process is repeated until the whole line of speakers is completed to the quality specifics of the show.
The sound quality for a live venue is as good as it will ever be at the moment. The sound may be a science to some. But one thing is for sure, not much has changed in the science of the P.A. since the 1970s. The main goal for any soundman, of course, is to tune-in and deliver the best clearest sound he/she can get from the available sound P.A. Though how to get the sound you want and the clearest sound at a large venue can be very difficult. It is still not an exact science and we still are waiting to see that tool or piece of technology that will change perfect sound setups for good.
Until that happens no one will know exactly how good the sound can be at a Live venue, gig, or show. I guess we will have to stick around and be satisfied with the sound we get out of the help of set-ups like the line speakers. Just remember these speakers are set to be loaded upfront and not so loud in back. The next time you get to see these sets of speakers in action. You should know that if the sound is too loud. Then you are in the target area of one of these speakers. Please always use the proper caution when going to big venues, shows, gigs, or concerts. Your hearing can’t be fixed so take and try not stand in front of one of these speaker sets for too long. Sound is a powerful thing so don’t test sound against the only hearing you’ve got. Try and remember to bring earplugs when going to a loud event. Because most likely everything you will be hearing at a big event will be coming out of a grand speaker set-up.