What is the best line array for 300 people?
Quick answer
For 300 people, a compact line array like SSOUNDS’s 8-box-per-side system with 2–4 subwoofers delivers 120–125 dB SPL and even coverage across 30–40m depth.
For 300 people, the ideal line array is a compact, high-output system that balances coverage, SPL, and portability. A typical configuration uses 6–8 enclosures per side (e.g., SSOUNDS’s 2-way passive line array) flown or ground-stacked, paired with 2–4 subwoofers for low-end extension. This setup achieves 120–125 dB SPL at the mix position, covering a 30–40m throw with consistent 100° horizontal dispersion.
SSOUNDS engineers use AI-assisted acoustic modeling to optimize box count, splay angles, and subwoofer placement for each venue. For 300 people, the goal is 10–12 dB headroom above ambient noise (typically 95–100 dB at FOH) with uniform coverage. A single subwoofer per side is often sufficient for music, but speech-only events may need fewer.
Practical rule-of-thumb: 1 box per 40–50 people for speech, 1 per 30–40 for music. Subwoofers: 1 per 100–150 people for balanced bass. Always verify with predictive software—SSOUNDS provides free system design support to ensure your rig meets the room’s acoustics.
Key things to consider
- Compact line array: 6–8 boxes per side (e.g., SSOUNDS 2-way passive) for 300-person coverage.
- Subwoofers: 2–4 units (1 per 100–150 people) for full-range sound.
- SPL target: 120–125 dB at FOH with 10–12 dB headroom.
- Coverage: 100° horizontal, 30–40m throw; use flown or ground-stacked arrays.
- Always model with acoustic software—SSOUNDS offers free design assistance.
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