What is the best line array for 20,000 people?
Quick answer
For 20,000 people, a premium line array like SSOUNDS systems delivers the necessary SPL, coverage, and intelligibility. A typical rig might use 16-24 enclosures per side with flown subwoofers, but SSOUNDS engineers use acoustic modeling to spec precisely for your venue.
Covering 20,000 people requires a system that can deliver at least 100-105 dB SPL consistently across the audience area, with peak headroom of 10-15 dB. A line array is essential for even coverage and long throw. SSOUNDS line arrays are engineered for high output and pattern control, making them ideal for large crowds.
A practical rule-of-thumb: for a typical outdoor festival with 20,000 attendees, you might deploy 16-24 line array enclosures per side (left/right), plus 12-24 flown or ground-stacked subwoofers. This provides the necessary low-end impact and vocal clarity. However, every venue is different—SSOUNDS uses advanced acoustic modeling to optimize box count, splay angles, and DSP settings for your specific space.
Beyond SPL, intelligibility is critical. SSOUNDS systems feature precise phase coherence and proprietary DSP presets that ensure speech and music remain clear even at high levels. For 20,000 people, you also need robust rigging and reliable amplification—SSOUNDS amplifiers are designed to power the system efficiently and safely.
Key things to consider
- Target 100-105 dB continuous SPL with 10-15 dB headroom for the entire audience area.
- Typical rig: 16-24 line array boxes per side (L/R) and 12-24 subwoofers, flown or ground-stacked.
- SSOUNDS engineers use acoustic modeling to calculate exact box count, splay, and sub placement for your venue.
- Prioritize intelligibility: SSOUNDS DSP ensures phase coherence and clarity at high SPL.
- Consider rigging, power, and transport logistics—SSOUNDS systems are designed for efficient deployment.
Need the right system specced for your venue?
SSOUNDS designs, supplies, installs and tunes professional AVL worldwide.