Point source speakers send sound out in all directions, while line

array speakers direct sound to specific areas.

In a line source/line array there’s either a very long single driver (see Carver
Amazing) or an array of identical drivers arranged in a line (see also Infinity
Reference Standard).
A point source is often also a "coaxial." Meaning you have the tweeter sitting in
the center of the mid/woofer.

The goal of coaxial and line sources is rather similar, to present a single point in
space from which your ear receives the sound. Line arrays do so with the added
advantage of having very narrow vertical dispersion, which can often yield
better interaction with the room. An advantage to both is that as your ears
move around the room, there's no change in relative distances between the
tweeter and mid or mid-woofer, so the phase relationships of all frequencies
remain constant.

Traditional multi way speakers are neither line arrays nor point-sources, and as
you move, by standing up, sitting down or just shifting left to right on the couch,
the distance to the tweeter, midrange and woofer is constantly changing.

Usually you’ll see combinations, like a coaxial or line array down to a few
hundred Hz, then they’ll switch to a single woofer.
The main difference between point source and line array speakers is how they
spread sound. Point source speakers send sound out in all directions, while line
array speakers direct sound to specific areas. Point source speakers are more
common in smaller events, while line array speakers are better for larger
venues or outdoor spaces.
Point Source Speakers
Point source speakers are a traditional and versatile option for delivering sound
in various applications. They are designed as individual, self-contained units
with a single sound source, typically consisting of a cone or horn driver. Here
are some points to consider when choosing point source speakers:
 Sound Dispersion: Point source speakers offer a wide dispersion
pattern, making them suitable for small to medium-sized venues or events
where you want even sound coverage throughout the area.
 Ease of Setup: Point source speakers are relatively easy to set up and
require less complexity in terms of rigging and cabling. This makes them
a practical choice for portable or temporary setups.
 Cost-Effective: They are often more budget-friendly compared to line
arrays, which can be a significant factor for smaller venues or
organizations with limited budgets.
  Flexibility: Point source speakers come in various sizes and
configurations, allowing you to choose the right one for your specific
needs, whether for live music, presentations, or public address systems.
Line Arrays
Line array speaker systems have gained popularity in larger venues and events
due to their ability to provide focused sound coverage over long distances. They
consist of multiple speaker elements vertically stacked to form a line. Here’s
what you need to know about line arrays:
 Long-Range Coverage: Line arrays are designed for long-throw sound,
making them ideal for large venues, outdoor concerts, and events where
you need to reach the back of the audience with consistent sound quality.
 Sound Control: Line arrays offer precise control over sound dispersion,
allowing you to steer the sound where you want it and minimize sound
spillage into undesired areas.
 Scalability: Line array systems are modular and can be easily scaled up
or down to match the size and requirements of the event. This
adaptability is a significant advantage for professional audio setups.
 Complexity: Setting up and configuring line arrays can be more complex
and may require skilled technicians. Additionally, they often require
rigging and suspension systems for proper installation.
 Cost Considerations: Line arrays are generally more expensive than
point source speakers, both in terms of equipment and setup, so they are
typically reserved for larger events with specific audio requirements.

POINT SOURCE SPEAKERS

“Point source,” “point-and-shoot” and “traditional” are common ways of
referring to the same kind of loudspeakers. They are typically rectangular, come
in a variety of sizes and usually contain a horn designed to cover a specific
vertical and horizontal angle. They are often used individually, but can be
arranged as part of a larger array or cluster.
Advantages of Point Source Speakers
Versatility of Size and Deployment – Point source speakers can be a great
option when room dimensions, aesthetics and budget need to be taken into
consideration. They are available in a variety of sizes and provide PA system
solutions for many kinds of worship spaces. Some of the smaller models are
portable and floor standing, so they can be moved around as needed. Often,
point source speakers can be concealed and still correctly deployed.
Pattern Coverage – Point source speakers achieve pattern coverage based on
their size, with the size and shape of the horn primarily being the determining
factor, dictating how wide or how narrow the mid and high frequencies cover.
The bigger the horn, the better the pattern control. Many times, the pattern
control of traditional cabinets is all that is needed for small- to medium-sized
rooms. Most people’s experience with point source speakers involves systems
that use small cabinets with small horns, but various size options are worth
exploring.
Horizontal Coverage – With point source speakers, the horns are capable of
controlling the horizontal as well as vertical coverage. Vertical line arrays and
column speakers tend to provide good control of the vertical coverage, but
provide a predetermined horizontal. Depending on the aspect ratio of the room
and the horizontal reverberation character of the space, point source speakers
can perform better than a line array in this regard.
Expense – Because there are fewer individual enclosures and each box contains
fewer components, point source speakers are often more cost-effective than line
arrays.
Disadvantages of Point Source Speakers
Low-Frequency Limitations to the Pattern Control – Point source speakers
are generally shorter (smaller vertically) than line array systems, so their
vertical pattern control for low frequencies doesn’t extend as low in frequency
as with line array systems.
Arraying Challenges – It takes skill to design a good array with speakers that
are dual-purpose, designed both for individual use and for arraying. Arrays may
work better at some frequencies than at others, resulting in acoustic lobing at
some frequencies as well as interference at the seams between the coverage
patterns of the multiple cabinets. For example, a common configuration for
point source speakers (called “long-throw/short-throw”) has a top narrow
loudspeaker projecting toward the back of the church tight-packed to a bottom
wider-coverage loudspeaker for the closer seats. Unless designed with an eye
toward the real beamwidth characteristics of each cabinet at each frequency,
this can result in unexpected interference between the two loudspeakers. This
is why a skilled sound engineer is recommended when arraying point source
speakers.
Throw Distance – Depending on the depth of the church, sometimes point
source speakers cannot project all the way to the rear area, so delay speakers
are occasionally installed partway back to augment the frequency response for
the rear seats. This arrangement, however, can also result in inconsistencies
within the listening space, because mid and low frequencies from the delay
speakers can wrap around the typically small cabinets and interfere with the
clarity at the front of the room.
VERTICAL LINE ARRAYS
A vertical line array is what you are likely to envision at a large concert
environment with a long J-shaped series of speakers suspended on either side of
the stage. In the past 10 years or so, vertical line arrays—systems with multiple
cabinets (each with multiple drivers) arranged in a vertically connected
configuration—have gained popularity with large venues.
Advantages of Vertical Line Arrays
Preventing Drop Off With Distance – A major advantage of a line array
system is that you can achieve much more consistent sound levels from the
front to the back of the listening area. Line arrays are made up of multiple
modules, so by adjusting the physical angle and the amplitude of individual
modules, a higher sound level can be projected toward the back of the room
than toward the front, resulting in more consistent coverage throughout the
space.
Vertical Pattern Control – The taller the line array, the better the control of
the vertical coverage of the low frequencies emitted from it. This is important,
as it reduces how much sound is sent toward the ceiling, which can cause
unwanted reflections back into the listening areas. They can also reduce the
amount of sound that leaks onto the stage or chancel area, which in turn,
decreases the level of sound regenerated through open mics on stage, thereby
cleaning up the overall sound and increasing GBF.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Capability – Some line array systems have a
large number of drivers inside each cabinet of the array, allowing a single
coherent wave front to be produced. Because of all these drivers, line arrays
often have the capability of producing a higher SPL than is required, enabling
systems to operate well below their stress point. If your church’s worship style
requires concert-level sound reinforcement or hosts visiting national acts, the
SPL capability of certain line array models can be an advantage.

Disadvantages of Vertical Line Arrays

Shallow Rooms – While line array systems can project sound long distances,
they may not be a good fit for rooms that are shallow. The coverage requirement
of a horizontal room can sometimes be difficult to match with a vertical line
array solution.
Height Requirement – Line arrays require substantial vertical height to
achieve pattern control. If there is not enough height for the line array to be
very tall, vertical pattern control can be lost, allowing low and mid frequencies
to project to the ceiling and stage, causing unwanted reflections or reduced
GBF at the stage area.
Sightlines – Another height consideration is sightlines. It’s important to
consider that depending on the shape of the room, a tall array may obstruct
congregants’ view of video screens or the stage area.
Expense – The price of a line array may exceed budget requirements. Line
arrays consist of a large number of modules with a larger quantity of drivers.
This can be a major point of consideration when budgeting and designing a PA
system.

COLUMN ARRAY SPEAKERS

Contemporary column speakers function similarly to line arrays. They also
feature multiple drivers, arranged vertically, but take the form of a single
narrow cabinet.
Since the middle of the last century, column speakers have experienced long
periods of popularity in houses of worship because of their high degree of
pattern control. This allows for greater clarity, especially in cathedrals with
cavernous designs and many reverberant surfaces. After falling out of favor for
a while, though, column speakers have recently experienced a resurgence of
popularity due to updated technology and expanded performance capabilities.
They have since expanded, to some extent, into more contemporary worship
spaces.
There are two main categories of column speakers, passive and powered. Each
offers specific advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Column Array Speakers
Aesthetics – Regardless of the type of column speaker, they can be a great
option when aesthetics are a concern. Because of their narrow width, they are
easily integrated into traditional churches and other spaces where the visual
impact of a loudspeaker system must be kept to a minimum. Their shape also
makes them suitable for mounting on architectural columns.
Coverage – Passive column speakers are a cost-effective way to provide vertical
pattern control. Certain models offer an extended bass response, and there have
been recent advancements in passive column speakers that allow users to
adjust coverage patterns, to some degree, to better match the shape of the
listening space. Passive column speakers tend to be preferable for outdoor
applications, simply to protect against exposing AC power to the elements. They
can be a good choice for outdoor overflow or reception areas.
With powered column speakers, the coverage is adjusted electronically, typically
from a remote computer. “Steered” aiming adjusts the direction of the coverage,
while more complex “Shaped” aiming precisely covers complicated
architectural configurations, such as balconies and multiple raked seating
planes. Better and more precise aiming provides increased speech intelligibility
—and music clarity—everywhere in the room.
Consistent Sound Levels Front-to-Back – Like full-sized vertical line arrays,
column speakers are capable of producing consistent sound levels from the
front to the back of the listening space, but without cumbersome multiple
enclosures.
Affordability – Housed in a single enclosure, the cost of a column speaker
tends to be much lower than vertical line arrays. The reduced number of
amplifier channels needed to drive most passive column speakers and the built-
in amplifiers inside the powered column speakers help make column arrays a
more affordable option in terms of total system cost.
Disadvantages of Column Array Speakers
Passive Column Aiming – Passive column speakers typically have to be aimed
physically, by tilting the column on the wall. The acceptability of having a down-
tilted speaker is an aesthetic consideration.
Volume – Column speakers don’t tend to be as loud as full-size vertical line
arrays.
Bass Output – Column speakers also tend have less bass output, although
that’s not always the case. If more bass is required, subwoofers can always be
added to the system.
Shallow Rooms – Like with large vertical line array systems, column arrays
provide less horizontal pattern control than point source speakers.