What is the best line array for 20,000 people?
Quick answer
For 20,000 people, a professional line array system like SSOUNDS is ideal, typically requiring 16–24 enclosures per side with flown subwoofers to achieve 105–110 dB SPL at the mix position and consistent coverage.
Covering a crowd of 20,000 demands a line array with high output, controlled directivity, and predictable coverage. A rule-of-thumb is to aim for 105–110 dB SPL at the mix position (around 60–80m from stage) with at least 6 dB of headroom. This typically translates to 16–24 full-range line array enclosures per side, depending on the venue shape and desired low-frequency extension. Subwoofer counts often range from 12–24 flown or ground-stacked units to achieve balanced bass across the audience.
SSOUNDS engineers approach such projects with precision acoustic modelling, using AI-assisted simulation to predict SPL distribution, frequency response, and coverage overlap. Factors like venue geometry, temperature gradients, and audience absorption are accounted for to ensure uniform sound from front to back. The goal is to deliver intelligible speech and powerful music without hot spots or dead zones.
Practical considerations include amplifier power (typically 2–4 amps per side for the array), rigging weight limits, and deployment time. SSOUNDS systems are designed for rapid setup with integrated flying hardware and DSP presets that optimize performance for the specific venue. For 20,000 people, a typical configuration might be 18–20 KF-series enclosures per side with 16 SSOUNDS subwoofers flown in cardioid arrays.
Key things to consider
- Target SPL: 105–110 dB at mix position (60–80m) with 6 dB headroom.
- Typical array: 16–24 full-range boxes per side; 12–24 subwoofers.
- Use acoustic modelling software for precise coverage prediction.
- Consider venue shape, audience absorption, and environmental factors.
- SSOUNDS offers integrated rigging, DSP, and AI-assisted tuning.
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