Martin Audio W8L Longbow Application Manual page 71

Smaller horizontal splay angles will tend to provide horizontal mid-band summation in
the far field. For instance, 45° between adjacent arrays will boost the inter-array area
by approximately 3dB. This can help the vocal projection to the far corners of arenas.
Matching array curvature
When specifying a system for very wide venues, try to keep inner and outer columns
lengths and shapes similar for a given vertical coverage. If you don't have enough
large cabinets to cater for everything, you can normally mix and match different W8L
series systems as follows:
For instance, 16 x W8LC outers will match 12 x W8L Longbows for the same vertical
coverage in a large venue or 15 x W8LM outers will match 10 x W8LC inners for the
same vertical coverage in a smaller venue. This will provide smooth inner-to-outer
transition.
Similar length and shape arrays – but different W8L series –
for the same coverage
Short stretch systems
A short stretch system is often all that is required to increase the main system's
horizontal coverage beyond the normal pattern control of a main W8L series line array
to cover extra upper side seats.
It is common practice to use a short array that matches the upper section of the main
inner array. This is then flown fly at the height to the main array to cover, for instance,
upper arena side seats.
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.