Quote Originally Posted by AMC View Post
I have read through that in the past. Very interesting and historical. In the end of it I was left with the conclusion that there is no perfect system. Every type has it's limitations and in the end you are left with the task of selecting the compromises that you can tolerate best. (of course that sums up sound reproduction in general)
Kudos for that.
I would encourage that others read the entire Gtaust series as it puts things in proper perspective. Later chapters of the series note that the resurgence of array concepts and commercial development was due to advances in electronics that allowed for sophisticated signal manipulation and pattern control.
A later chapter states "The big conventional array is not dead." and lists some of the criteria for when it is appropriate.
Bob McCarthy ( re Sound System Design ) appreciates and pragmatically accepts that sound systems have performance parameters that can be quantified. He notes repeatedly that is a matter of "the right tool for the job".
He also notes ( also noted later in the GTAUST series ) that the audio industry is subject to advertising hype that will often tout a design as a panacea, rather than objectively noting performance characteristics that determine appropriateness and aid correct setup and usage.
Anecdotal he lists situations when there has been pressure to use and implement the wrong design for the situation from those who don't know better.
Any design poorly implemented/operated sounds bad: I've heard the same line arrays setup and operated by different individuals produce dramatically different sound outcomes.