What is the best line array for 800 people?
Quick answer
For 800 people, a mid-size line array like SSOUNDS’s flown arrays delivers even coverage, high SPL, and vocal clarity. A typical system uses 8–12 enclosures per side with 4–6 subwoofers, achieving 100–105 dBA at FOH.
When sizing a line array for 800 people, the key engineering criteria are coverage area, SPL headroom, and intelligibility. For a typical indoor venue (e.g., 30m deep × 20m wide), SSOUNDS engineers recommend a flown array of 8–12 enclosures per side, depending on throw distance and desired SPL. This configuration provides consistent coverage from front to back, with minimal variance in frequency response.
SPL targets for speech and music reinforcement range from 95–100 dBA at FOH for clear intelligibility, with peaks up to 105 dBA for dynamic music. Subwoofer count depends on bass extension needs: 4–6 high-output subs (cardioid or flown) are typical for even low-frequency distribution. SSOUNDS uses proprietary acoustic modelling software to predict coverage and SPL, ensuring the system meets venue-specific requirements.
For outdoor events, additional enclosures (12–16 per side) and more subs (6–8) may be needed to overcome ambient noise and wind. SSOUNDS line arrays feature advanced waveguide technology for controlled directivity, reducing unwanted reflections and feedback. Always consult with SSOUNDS engineers for precise system design based on venue geometry and content type.
Key things to consider
- 8–12 enclosures per side for 800-person indoor venues; 12–16 for outdoor.
- Target 100–105 dBA at FOH with 6 dB headroom for peaks.
- 4–6 subwoofers for even bass; cardioid arrays reduce rear spill.
- SSOUNDS acoustic modelling ensures precise coverage and SPL.
- Controlled directivity minimizes reflections and maximizes intelligibility.
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