RCF TTL31-A, Owner'S Manual

Page: 39 / 56

39
ARRAY SYSTEMS DESIGN
TTL33-A/ TTL31-A allow users to choose from different face-to-face angle adjustments to create arrays with varying
curvature. Thus, designers can create arrays custom-tailored to each venue’s profile.
The basic approach to array design dependent on three factors:
• Number of Array Elements
• Vertical Splay Angles
• Horizontal Coverage.
Determining the number of elements to use is critical: the number of elements greatly affects the SPL available from the
system as well as the uniformity of coverage in both SPL and frequency response. The number of elements profoundly
effects the directivity at lower frequencies. The next easy equation, works as an approximation for flat listening planes.
Coverage (x)
≈
10n (m)
Coverage distance required = x (metres)
≈
6n (N) Number of boxes = n (TTL33-A/TTL31-A enclosures)
Changing the splay angles between cabinets has a significant impact on vertical coverage for the high frequencies, with
the result that narrower vertical splay angles produce a higher Q vertical beamwidth, while wider splay lowers the Q at
high frequencies. In general, the splay angles do not affect the vertical coverage at lower frequencies.
The curved array system design can be summarized as:
• flat-front TTL33-A/TTL31-A s for long throw sections
• increase curvature as distance decreases
• add more enclosures for more output.
This approach focuses more transducers mounted on long-throw horns at the farthest seat, gradually focusing fewer
transducers as distance decreases. As long as the no gap rule is maintained, arrays constructed according to these principles
will provide even SPL and a consistent sonic character throughout the venue without requiring complex processing.
This approach, where the same amount of acoustic energy is spread over a larger or smaller vertical angle depending on
required throw, typically have the following objectives:
• even horizontal and vertical coverage
• uniform SPL
• uniform frequency response
• sufficient SPL for the application
This discussion represents, of course, just a basic approach. Given the infinite variety of venues and performers, users will
find themselves needing to solve specific problems in specific situations. RCF Shape Designer software designed to help
calculate optimum splay angles, aiming angles, and fly-bar pick points (crucial in aiming the array) for a given venue, will
be explained later in this Guide.
RCF SHAPE DESIGNER SOFTWARE
INSTALLING RCF SHAPE DESIGNER
RCF Shape Designer is supplied in a zip folder which contains a setup executable file:
Double-click on this and follow the on-screen prompts.