Line Array Systems: performance and innovation in Live Sound

As summer approaches, the squares of Italy’s major cities are transformed into open-air stages, ready to welcome thousands of spectators. To ensure an audio experience that meets expectations, it's essential to use loudspeaker systems that deliver clear, powerful, and evenly distributed sound. Line Array systems are the ideal solution: thanks to their modular configuration, they provide optimal sound dispersion, minimize vertical spread, and enhance intelligibility even at a distance from the stage. In this article, we’ll explore how they work, their advantages over traditional point source systems, and the latest technological innovations—starting with Harmonic Design’s HybridLineSource—that are redefining the world of live audio reinforcement.

A Line Array is a speaker system made up of a vertical column of loudspeakers, precisely spaced to create constructive interference between the individual drivers. This design increases throw distance compared to traditional speaker setups while ensuring more uniform sound coverage.

This system can be implemented in various forms—column speakers widely used for conferences, presentations, and DJ sets, or in clusters, which are high-efficiency modular systems designed for large-scale live performances and long-distance coverage.

In a typical Line Array cluster, multiple speaker modules are stacked and aligned to behave as a single coherent sound source. The vertical coupling of the modules generates cylindrical wavefronts that travel farther with less signal degradation—just a 3 dB drop in SPL per doubling of distance, compared to the 6 dB loss typical of spherical wave propagation.

This is one of the main advantages of Line Array systems over point source speakers, which emit sound spherically and are therefore limited in coverage range. Point source systems tend to deliver fatiguing sound for nearby listeners and underwhelming results for those farther away. That said, they remain popular due to their lower cost and ease of use.

While Line Array clusters can be deployed horizontally in certain configurations, their primary orientation is vertical. This results in a narrow vertical sound dispersion that’s highly effective for directing audio toward the audience, without wasting energy on ceilings or empty space. Notably, the more modules added to the array, the more directional the system becomes in that same vertical axis.

Subwoofer arrays placed along the front edge of a concert stage can also function as horizontal line arrays. Depending on the configuration—omnidirectional, cardioid, or end-fire—they use progressive delay settings to control low-frequency dispersion more effectively than traditional subwoofer arrangements.

Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, let’s take a closer look at three standout Line Array-based systems offered by Audio Effetti.

Harmonic Design HLS 24 and the groundbreaking Hybrid Line Source technology

HLS stands for Hybrid Line Source, and the HLS 24 is the largest model in Harmonic Design’s HLS series, which includes a variant (HLS24-LT) and two other compact models. This proprietary hybrid technology combines the benefits of point source systems with those of traditional line arrays, reducing footprint (and thus transport costs) while enhancing audio quality through even coverage and ultra-low distortion.

Harmonic Design’s exclusive concept features a horn-loaded hybrid line source, utilizing two 12” woofers for low frequencies and four 1.4” compression drivers with custom polymer diaphragms for the high frequencies. All drivers are equipped with neodymium magnets.

The four compression drivers, paired with waveguides, produce a cylindrical wavefront with a 40° vertical dispersion. Electrical load on each driver is reduced by up to 25%, allowing operation at 12 dB below their typical level for the same SPL—resulting in significantly lower distortion and a more neutral sound. At the same time, this system retains substantial headroom for long-throw applications.

HLS24 units can be used either as standalone speakers or as part of an array. Their compact size, high efficiency, and undistorted maximum SPL of 144 dB make them a top-tier solution for demanding live environments.

MOJOcurveXL: Audiophony’s curved array PA solution

The MOJOcurveXL is a high-performance, active PA speaker system and an enhanced version of the MOJO 2200 Curve. It features a curved array for the mid-high section, made up of three integrated yet distinct angled modules. Each houses an 8” mid-woofer and four 1” tweeters—for a total of 3 woofers and 12 tweeters—delivering smooth and consistent sound coverage.

Due to its three-module limit, vertical dispersion is 70°, while horizontal dispersion reaches 100°. This curved array design ensures controlled coverage, long throw, and high SPL—ideal for a wide range of performance scenarios.

The three array modules are passive; all amplification is housed in the 15” active subwoofer below. This sub delivers 1400 WRMS for low frequencies and 800 W @ 4 ohms for the high-frequency section. Signal and power are transferred to the top unit via a pneumatic telescoping pole, allowing height adjustment.

MOJOcurveXL is well-suited for music and speech reinforcement. It's a powerful and portable option for DJs, small-scale live shows, private parties, and wedding events.

elokance SLA System: a portable active Line Array with professional performance

The elokance SLA System is a new stereo Line Array solution composed of four SLA 206A satellite modules and two SLA 115SA subwoofers. It represents the pinnacle of portable Line Array design, offering an all-in-one, ready-to-use package for professional users.

Unlike traditional Line Arrays, which are typically passive and require external amplification, this system is fully active. Each SLA 206A satellite features dual 6.5” woofers, providing 350 WRMS (700 W peak), a wide horizontal dispersion of 100°, and a focused 15° vertical coverage. Frequency response ranges from 100 Hz to 20 kHz, and maximum SPL reaches 134 dB.

The 15” subwoofers deliver deep, punchy bass with 1000 WRMS (1800 W peak), housed in rugged plywood enclosures for enhanced durability.

Integrated DSP allows for advanced sound shaping—including bass filtering and remote configuration via Audio RS485 software—while a passive cooling system ensures stable performance even under demanding conditions.

Thanks to its accuracy, flexibility, advanced signal processing, and power, the elokance SLA System is a preferred choice among event organizers, sound engineers, and professional musicians alike.

Want to know more?

Email us at international@audioeffetti.it