What is the best line array for 300 people?
Quick answer
For 300 people, a compact 2-way line array like SSOUNDS' 8-inch systems delivers clear coverage and headroom; typical deployment is 4-6 boxes per side with 2-4 subwoofers.
For an audience of 300, you need a system that provides even coverage, sufficient SPL (around 95-100 dB average with 10 dB headroom), and good intelligibility. A compact line array with 8-inch drivers per enclosure is ideal. SSOUNDS engineers typically recommend 4 to 6 boxes per side for the main hangs, depending on room geometry and throw distance.
Subwoofer count depends on desired low-end impact. For general music or speech, 2 to 4 subwoofers (single 18-inch or dual 15-inch) placed in a cardioid or end-fire array will provide solid bass extension without excessive boom. SSOUNDS uses acoustic modelling software to predict coverage and SPL distribution, ensuring even sound across the entire audience area.
Practical rule-of-thumb: for 300 people in a typical indoor venue (e.g., 30m deep, 20m wide), aim for 6 dB of system headroom above target SPL. A single SSOUNDS 8-inch line array box can cover about 120° horizontal and 10° vertical per box; with 4 boxes you get 40° of vertical coverage, adjustable via rigging. Always verify with prediction software for your specific space.
Key things to consider
- Use compact 2-way line arrays (8-inch drivers) for 300-person audiences.
- Typical deployment: 4-6 boxes per side, 2-4 subwoofers.
- Target 95-100 dB average SPL with 10 dB headroom.
- SSOUNDS engineers perform acoustic modelling for precise coverage and SPL.
- Horizontal coverage ~120°, vertical adjustable via box count and angles.
Need the right system specced for your venue?
SSOUNDS designs, supplies, installs and tunes professional AVL across Nigeria & Africa.