Up to now, arriving at the optimum curvature to achieve the most even coverage for a particular venue has been a largely hit-and-miss process. The problem is too complex to be solved by simple reasoning alone, and analytical tools that simulate the acoustic properties of each element in the array are required to determine the overall directional characteristics of the entire array. With each acoustic element in the model driven by a ‘virtual’ crossover and EQ, the frequency response of the entire array at any point in the audience vertical plane can then be predicted.
At the start of the summer Martin Audio derived such an analytical model for the elements of the W8L and confirmed its validity in practical trials in many different venues. While very time consuming - taking about a day to calculate each venue - this analytical process has provided the company with the ground rules for curving a W8L line array, and established that a progressively-curved array gives much more even coverage than a J-shape array.
ViewPoint has three screens and a Help function: Venue Screen - shows the array in the venue for design and editing: Array Screen - shows the array rigging in detail from the side: Pitch Screen - shows how the array is zoned and the controller set-up.
When using ViewPoint the first step is to enter the venue dimensions, vertical coverage start/stop points, trim height and number of cabinets. By clicking on the ‘Design Array’ button, ViewPoint will then automatically calculate the optimum array configuration, including the overall tilt of the array and the splay angles between each cabinet. The array can then be manually edited or ‘nudged’ if required. Once an array design has been completed the array/venue/patch configuration can be printed out and saved to disk.
ViewPoint takes the guesswork out of line array curvature and beta tests have confirmed that it is a useful and welcome addition to the W8L line array toolbox.
(Lee Baldock)
