Compact Portable PA Systems - Should You Choose Column PA System?

Music has become an essential part of any event, whether it’s a small gathering or a large concert. The quality of sound is crucial to ensure that the audience enjoys the music to the fullest. Portable PA systems have made it possible to deliver high-quality sound wherever it’s needed.

Indeed, within the realm of portable PA systems, two primary options dominate: traditional point source speakers and the more recent emergence of compact column or line array systems. The latter, characterized by their tall, slender design, has gained prominence at events, touting themselves as the ultimate all-in-one solution for various applications. But do they truly deliver on this promise?

If you’re not a sound expert, you might wonder what the differences between these two systems are. In this post, we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each system to help you choose the right one for your event.

In the world of live sound reinforcement, the choice of PA system can have a significant impact on the quality and delivery of sound in any event or venue. Two prevalent contenders in this domain are Point Source PA Systems and Portable Column/Line Array PA Systems, each offering distinct advantages and applications. To understand these systems better, it's essential not only to grasp their technical specifications but also to comprehend the underlying principles of sound propagation and the evolution of PA technology.

Sound is a mechanical wave that propagates through a medium, typically air, as vibrations. In the realm of sound reinforcement, the goal is to amplify and distribute these vibrations effectively to ensure optimal listening experiences for audiences. Early sound reinforcement systems relied on simple horn-loaded loudspeakers, which provided basic amplification but lacked precision and control over sound dispersion. As audio technology advanced, experts sought innovative solutions to address the challenges of delivering clear, balanced sound across diverse environments and audience sizes. This pursuit led to the development of Point Source PA Systems and later, Portable Column/Line Array PA Systems, each representing significant milestones in the evolution of live sound reinforcement.

Point source speakers have been a staple in the audio industry for decades. These speakers are designed to emit sound from a single point, which means they are a great option for small to medium-sized venues, such as conference rooms, classrooms, and small concert halls. They come in both active and passive configurations. Passive point source speakers require an external amplifier to produce sound, while active point source speakers have an amplifier built right into the speaker cabinet.

Most point source speakers have a two-way design, which means they have a single larger speaker that handles the low-frequency and mid-range content and a compression driver that's attached to a horn for the high-frequency content. The larger speaker is typically called a woofer, and it produces the low and mid-range frequencies of the audio signal. The compression driver, on the other hand, is responsible for producing high frequencies. The horn helps to direct the sound waves in a specific direction, which can help to improve the overall sound quality.

Some current examples of point source active speakers include the Bose S1 Pro, the JBL EON range, and the Turbosound iQ, and iX lineup. These speakers are designed to provide high-quality sound in a wide range of applications. They are easy to set up and use, and they offer a great balance of portability, reliability, and affordability. Whether you're a musician, DJ, public speaker, or audio professional, a point source speaker can be an excellent choice for your audio needs.

The two-way arrangement mentioned above is a popular choice for many sound engineers. It is known for its ability to fill a large room with sound, making it ideal for events, parties, and other gatherings. Moreover, it is a great option for outdoor spaces as it can throw high-frequency content quite far, ensuring that everyone can hear the music or speech clearly.

Even without a subwoofer, the two-way arrangement can produce a pretty good bass response, especially if the box is equipped with either a 12-inch or 15-inch driver. This makes it a versatile option for those who do not want to invest in a subwoofer. However, if you want to enhance the low-end and low-frequency content, you can expand the point source system to a three-way system by adding a subwoofer. This will result in a more balanced and powerful sound, making it a great choice for music concerts, DJ gigs, and other professional events.

When setting up an audio system, it is crucial to take certain factors into consideration to ensure that the listening experience is of high quality. One of the most important factors to keep in mind is the mid-range, which can suffer in certain situations, particularly in the absence of a subwoofer. This is because the one speaker in the two-way box has to work incredibly hard to reproduce frequency content across a wide spectrum. As a result, the mid-range can become muddled, distorted, or even completely lost, leading to an unsatisfactory listening experience.

Another factor that can impact the listening experience is point source speakers. These speakers, as their name implies, are directional, which means that they may not have a wide dispersion. Even if they do have a wide dispersion, that dispersion may not be even across the frequency spectrum, which can lead to an uneven listening experience. Some frequencies may be more prominent than others, leading to an unbalanced sound. Therefore, it is essential to consider the dispersion pattern of the speakers when setting up an audio system to ensure that the sound is evenly distributed across the frequency spectrum.

Column array speakers, also known as portable line array systems, originated from contemporary sound reinforcement technology that is widely used in touring scenarios. In the late 1950s, Henry Olson's discovery of placing several drivers on top of each other resulted in an extraordinary effect on their combined sound. When drivers are arranged in a column, sound travels vertically in a tight beam and horizontally in a broad beam, giving a cylindrical shape instead of a spherical one.

This speaker arrangement is a regular feature at festivals and stadium concerts, where long strings of cabinets are hung vertically on either side of the stage. Churches also use this technology, as the large, cavernous spaces produce reverb that renders normal PA systems completely unintelligible.

Obviously these systems are a lot smaller than their touring counterparts but they share a lot of the same qualities from a design standpoint. They're equipped with several drivers in an array in the case of the Bose F1 and L1 Pro systems, the JBL PRX and EON One series, and the Turbosound iP series, their drivers are oriented slightly in opposite directions which results in a really wide horizontal coverage.

The Inverse Square Law

The inverse square law governs how sound pressure level (SPL) decreases as you move away from a point source of sound in an open field, without any reflecting surfaces. According to this law, for every doubling of the distance from the source, the SPL decreases by 6 decibels (dB). This means that if you move twice as far away from the source, the sound you hear will be 6 dB quieter. This behavior is commonly observed with speakers, where the sound diminishes rapidly as you move away from the source. However, it's important to note that while the inverse square law provides a general understanding of sound propagation, there are various factors and nuances that can influence how sound behaves in different environments.

However, the application of the inverse square law assumes that the speaker emits sound evenly in all directions, which is seldom the case except for very low frequencies. As distance increases, even speakers with directional characteristics tend to behave more like omnidirectional sources in terms of how the law applies.

Line arrays present a different scenario. Functioning as line sources rather than point sources, they do not exhibit the same rapid drop-off in SPL with distance. Theoretically, SPL would only decrease by 3 dB per doubling of distance from a line source, but practical considerations such as environmental factors and speaker design complexities influence the actual outcome.

Advantages

Column PA systems offer a convenient alternative to traditional monitoring setups, especially for smaller acts without a dedicated road crew. These systems are lightweight, starting at just 15 kg, making them ideal for bands on the rise or solo DJs. Their compact design and minimal footprint ensure they don't obstruct the view of performers on stage, enhancing the audience's sensory experience. Placing a column PA system behind you on stage can effectively replace traditional monitors, further streamlining your setup.

One of the key advantages of column PA systems is their high operating range and consistent sound radiation. Unlike traditional speaker setups, which can suffer from uneven sound distribution, column systems provide precise and even sound coverage. This wide horizontal radiation angle ensures that the sound reaches every corner of the venue, from the front row to the back, delivering a consistent listening experience for the entire audience.

Another major benefit of column PA systems is their resistance to feedback. Feedback can be a major issue during live performances, causing disruptions and discomfort for both performers and audience members. Column systems are designed to minimize feedback, allowing for easier positioning on stage and giving performers the freedom to move around without fear of causing unwanted howling sounds.

Additionally, column arrays are efficient systems that offer a wide dispersion of sound. Mounted above a powered subwoofer, they utilize proprietary mounts and spacers to handle connections, eliminating the need for excessive cables. The compact array drivers respond quickly and reproduce mid-range and high-frequency content smoothly, while the dedicated subwoofer ensures a deep and powerful low end.

Overall, column PA systems provide a range of benefits, including wide sound dispersion, reduced feedback, and efficient design. They offer a practical solution for performers looking to enhance their sound quality and stage presence, making them a valuable addition to any live performance setup.

Disadvantages

When it comes to sound distribution, portable line array systems excel at delivering even and detailed audio, though they might not be the best choice for filling large rooms or outdoor spaces. Their setup and portability, however, are unmatched. Conversely, point source systems offer modular potential, albeit with heavier and bulkier components, necessitating more cabling and additional considerations like speaker stands.

In terms of volume and bass performance, column speakers, while sleek in design, tend to offer lower power and bass compared to vertical line arrays. The compact nature of column PA systems limits their ability to deliver deep bass without the assistance of a subwoofer. Additionally, their horizontal sound pattern is less flexible in low rooms compared to larger vertical line array systems.

Ultimately, the choice between portable line arrays, point source systems, and column arrays depends on the specific needs of the venue and the desired sound quality. Each system offers its own set of advantages and limitations, catering to different preferences and requirements in audio production and reinforcement.

In determining the ideal sound system setup, several factors come into play, including the specific application, the characteristics of the sound to be projected (live music, DJ sets, speeches, etc.), and the spatial constraints of the venue. Column PA systems offer both limitations and opportunities in their design, catering to different needs. Here's a breakdown of considerations:

• Venue Size and Type: Small to medium-sized indoor spaces accommodating up to 150 individuals can generally be adequately served by column PA systems, contingent upon the acoustics of the room. Similarly, outdoor performances, such as those in small squares by singer-songwriters, can benefit from the versatility of these systems.

• Band Configuration: The selection of equipment hinges on the size and instrumentation of the band. For solo performers relying solely on an amplified acoustic guitar, a column PA system suffices, providing two distinct sound sources for vocals and guitar.

• Band Size and Complexity: Larger bands with multiple instruments necessitate a more comprehensive assessment. A six-piece ensemble comprising vocals, two electric guitars, electric bass, drums, and keyboard warrants careful consideration. While column PA systems typically offer limited bass power through full-range drivers and tweeters, they can adequately support traditional setups like guitar, bass, and vocals in smaller indoor stages. Additionally, mobile DJs find column PA systems equipped with robust subwoofers particularly suitable.

• Venue Requirements: For venues demanding substantial power output and coverage, especially for large indoor spaces or outdoor events excluding major concerts or festivals, a point source system emerges as the preferred choice. Conversely, for those prioritizing portability, user-friendly setup, and consistent sound reproduction in smaller to medium-sized environments, portable line array systems present an attractive option.

In essence, the choice between column PA systems and point source systems hinges on the specific needs of the application, venue characteristics, and the desired balance between performance, portability, and ease of use.