Planars in line arrays

[jerrald]

A LONG time ago someone asked if fullrange/extended range planar drivers, could be used in a line array. I don't remember the response so I will offer this idea and see what responses I get.
Since planar drivers radiate over their entire surface and have no center point, like conventional cone-type drivers, the effects of comb filtering are not as noticable. This will hold true for both round and rectangular drivers.
The rule of mounting them as close as possible still apply but at least the comb filtering effect will be reduced. This was sparked by an old interest I had of using the Manger in a line array- BEFORE I found out how much they cost.

[marlboro]

These are often used in line arrays. Part of the issues is the research done by Jim Griffin, and the use of mid range speakers above the size of about 5.5 inches. Using these makes many line arrays to be two-ways, and virtually requires the use of ribbons and planars as opposed to domes due to the lowered crossover. It doesn't mean that you can't use planars/domes with a higher cross, and many do, including a newly developed system by Selah Audio which uses them with smaller 3 inch HiVi mid ranges, in a three way format.

Its just that everything has to fit together "JUST SO". Planar/ribbons for the upper frequencies does give more options.

Marlboro