What Speaker Carries Sound Better? (Column Array vs Point Source)
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- Опубликовано: 13 сен 2024
- Join NLFX's Ben Stowe as he experiments to see which speaker has the best sound carrying capabilities. Will it be the Column Array Speaker or the Point Source Speaker? Watch as Ben tests two different EV speakers (Evolve50 vs EKX-12P) to find out.
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Thanks Ben! Always a good time. Thanks for all that you do for our community.
So we have two different speakers that have different applications. I own both types of setups. If I need things really loud such as a hip hop or rock music crowd, I go with point source. I am doing less and less of those events as an older DJ so I most use my column array system. So far it's been incredibly flexible. I have used it with singers and bands along with DJing with great results.
I also find that it's easier to setup and fit in tight spaces such as small bars and venues.
The low end does not hit like a subwoofer. But it's easy to hookup a subwoofer to the system if needed. I like adding an array with a 15 inch sub for some weddings if space permits. I also like adding one for outdoor events.
The big question becomes price. In my case I do enough events where the array system was paid for in less than a month from gigs.
The Evolve 50 is twice the price of an EKX-12P.
So my advice is that if all you have is a pair of great tops such as the 12P's shown here, just add 1 or 2 subs and you are good to go with a system that is as good or better than the Evolve.
If you do say 80% weddings and you need easy setup and tear down or maybe your vehicle is small, get the Evolve 50.
If you are a solo DJ without any helpers? It's a no brainer, get the Evolve 50. (I also own RCF equipment which is also great.)
I always believed that array carries the sound longer, but I was wrong. To me point source speakers usually make a lot of noise while arrays always to me have more sound quality, better frequency separation, and much more linear.
Interesting. How would this same test and same speakers do in an outdoor setting?
A column array will generally drop off less as the mic is moved further away. This test should have been done by setting each speakers output to the same level of lets say 90 db at 2 meters. Then move the mic back twice the distance and take a measurement of the drop off. Then measure twice the difference again. I estimate the point source would drop 6db each time the mic was moved back while the array would only see a 3db drop off each time.
We don't see that here because we are measuring the max output. EV claims a max output at 1 meter for the EKX or point source of 132db. It has a more powerful amplifier than the column array. The Evolve column array max output is 127db.
So this test shows that you can hit the same output with a point source setup by you will need a system with more power.
For us DJ's and performers this means that with point source the folks up front will get blasted with very high volumes with point source. With the array the sound will be more even as it makes it's way to the back of the room. With the array setup, it's easier for folks up front to talk and still hear the music. I like this a lot at weddings.
The very loud dance floor would be preferred at a high school dance, hip hop or rock music setting.
The EKX freq response shows a -3db on the low end at 60hz while the Evolve gets much lower down to 43hz.
The EKX needs to be paired with a subwoofer for most applications.
I was thinking the same thing...that the closest measurement mic should be a meter or two. Then double your distance from the the speaker for each subsequent measurement. With a "true" full size line array, this phenomenon would be easily observed, but not as noticeable with smaller column arrays.
Actually, the -3 dB dropoff per double distance for line/column arrays is only true in the near field. In the far field, every line array drops off with -6 dB/dd. Of course, the distinction isn't clear cut, but its a smooth transition.The border distance between near field and far field is very dependent on frequency and length of the array.
In this case, with an array length of 0.8 m, at 500 Hz the near field ends roughly 26 cm (0.85 ft) from the array. At 4 kHz the transition distance is at 3.8 m (12.5 ft). At higher frequencies, radiation becomes more complicated and depends on the specific design.
If you are interested in details, look at this paper from L'Acoustics: www.l-acoustics.com/en/wst_2003/ (It's academic, but on the readable side of things)
The other thing you need to think about: We are in a room and most of the energy picked up by our ears or the microphone is reverberation. The further you move away from the sound source, the lower the direct sound while the reverberation will stay roughly the same level. Therefore, when you move further away in a room, you will always get less dropoff than -6 dB/dd. Because the column array excites the room reverb less, it would be thinkable that it drops off faster with distance than the point source in some circumstances. I don't think this is the case here, though (see my top level comment).
Results were what I expected as far as which one probably would throw more over distance, but like you found out, 1db doesn't make any noticeable difference. Also, the EKX is good stuff for sure, they are not crap by no means, but interesting to see the frequency response of the Evolve compared to the EKX. Thanks for doing this!
So I take it you were not running the sub under the EKX correct? I'm guessing adding that might make the EKX top + sub seem louder than the Evolve with the added bass?
Paul Reedy - correct. We were not running the sub.
Thank you for posting the video very interesting as I am looking at replacing conventional top box and sub
And there ya go ! thx Ben
Surprising results 🙋
I use columns for anything sizable such as outdoors and larger rooms. Small to mid point source seems to be the most efficient
These are great Ben!
Thanks for the video! Would be interesting to see frequency results at the 90 deg and 120 deg dispersion angles. Im a solo acoustic guitarist/singer and require a smooth wide dispersion for my throw. Currently use a EV ZLX-15P which is nice (no sub) but an Evolve 50 would enable me to be softer but the sound penetrate better, more 3D I'm assuming, plus no need for a foldback apparently. Would that seem right?
No question the Evolve would be much smoother outside of 90 degrees. See our Evolve video for 120 degree measurements on it, and see our sales team for an amazing price on it. Tell them Ben sent you. :)
@@benstowe7433 Oh thanks Ben! I hadn't realised i have seen it a while ago. Its a great video. Thanks again! Really needed one at last nights gig so might have to make it happen :)
BEN STOWE FOR PRESIDENT 2020! Hey Ben, I bought an EVOLVE 50 from you and I think its awesome. I use it for Wedding Ceremonies and Cocktail hour music only. I don't feel having 2 sets would beat my BOSE F1 system for my main speakers. As an Audio Geek, I would love to hear your thoughts on that. BOSE F1 or EVOLVE 50? I may get another EVOLVE from you and add 4 zxa-1 subs with it. How many ppl would that cover ? ( 2 EVOLVE 50's + 4 ZXA-1 subs?) I don't want the EKK15 like Katie uses, Thats too blocky to fit in my car. Plus I think adding another 12' sub would couple better with the EVOLVE sub, than a 15' or 18'.
There are some nuances here. Feel free to reach out to me via my contact info at NLFX and I'll be happy to discuss this privately with you.
So? Bose f1 vs evolve? Lol
Hey great video! What analysis software are you using for this experiment?
Ben I love your stuff, your always fair. And always are looking out for us DJ's. Now my real question is who broke your finger for flipping them off lol.
Dave Schoonover - you should see the other guy.
Hello NFLX Pro, how you doing ? Hope all is well.. Just wanted to ask, what equipment(computer software and miss you using for this tests).. Thanks and highly appreciate your reply..
Something is off here.
Look at the very low frequencies around 30 Hz. The Evolve 50 shows a level difference of about 1.5 dB. The EKX-12P shows a level difference of about 0.5 dB.
However, at those low frequencies both speakers should behave the same. This is because the wavelength at 30 Hz (11 m) is much larger than the subwoofer (0.3 m) hence both speakers will show point source behaviour. Imagine it like this: The speaker moves forward, creating overpressure in the air. But 30 Hz is really slow, so when he goes backwards, the wave is already really far away (5.5 m, to be exact) and he cannot do anything anymore to direct it in any specific direction.
Because both speakers should exhibit this point source behaviour, there should be no difference in the dropoff with distance.
The differences in your measurement could be explained by noise (were you talking while taking the measurements?) or by the different positions of the speakers, hence exciting different room modes.
If I were you I'd put both speakers in the same place and then average the measurements over multiple mic positions at the same distance.
Thumbs up for showing the spectra though and not just the levels! The column array will only behave different from a point source when it is roughly equal or longer than the wavelength in question. In this case, I'd estimate that the column behaves differently to the point source only above 400 Hz. We can only see this looking at spectra.
I love this stuff
Hi guys, I always rta with the measurement mic pointing at the speaker, not the ceiling, am I doing it wrong?
So these 'mini line array' with only 8 or so drivers do not behave like a true line array and and drop off less over distance? The only advantage is coverage width? I wonder if you did the same test with a column array that has a longer length like the HK elements with 3x E835 or the bose L1 then they would act more like a true line array with less drop off over distance?
ShaneG - Look at the 3:28 mark and you’ll see how flat and even the Evolve is even at distance. It does an excellent job of maintaining the integrity of the signal.
Both are great speakers, and each has its pros and cons.
@@benstowe7433 Thanks for the reply, the mini line arrays with 8 drivers tend to have less sensitivity rating or overall spl than a standard 12" box and horn, great point about the Evolve being flatter, I wonder if you did an MAX SPL test between them though that the flatness is at the expense of SPL? One of the selling points of these mini line arrays they should not follow inverse square law like a point source box like the EKX12P does where sound pressure decreases by 6dB for every doubling of distance. You have proved with your test that the mini line array Evolve 50 is following inverse square law and not dropping 3db for every doubling of distance. Id be interested to see the same test carried out with a longer mini line array like the bose l1 (not a fan) or the HK elements where there are 3 E835 so 24 Drivers in a row , I think only then is starts to act like a true line array should?
How does phase play into "throw"?
Loren Miller - phase is a fancy word for time basically. Clearly there is exceptional linearity on the Evolve and the EKX.
We decided to use simple SPL measurements rather than the transfer function that would take into account for phase, etc. Ultimately this was a fairly non-scientific but fun look at these boxes in this singular circumstance.
Hi, what software do you use to do the test?
SMAART
yay for science
Must comment on the phrase: "I can't stress enough that this is not scientific." Why? The term "scientific" means that something is measurable and repeatable. Why does everybody misuse the term "Not scientific" to mean that better equipment or conditions exist somewhere in a perfect world. You could say the measurements are not precise, or they are not accurate, but it's incorrect to say they are "not scientific." Also, why do you appologize for the variables that you did not measure? like appologizing for the room? I'm a Chemical Engineer, and I can list variables all day long that you didn't measure, but the fact that you didn't measure the partial pressures of all the gasses in the room does not mean your experiment is "not scientific." You also didn't run an IR map to look for thermal differences in the room. So what? With all due respect: You will sound more professional if you drop the appologies. They are not relevant.
Remind me never to invite you to my parties.
@@ACERASPIRE1I never get invited to parties. I wish I could get invited to just one party.
Wtf No music test???