Line arrays are very popular for medium-to-long-throw reinforcement applications. But no line array manufacturer has fully recognized the limitations that physics imposes and addressed them with creative engineering.

Until now.

The Meyer Sound M3D is the first and only line array system to feature state-of-the-art BroadbandQ technology. BroadbandQ marries a remarkable new high-frequency manifold system with Meyer’s proprietary, award-winning directional low-frequency technology to precisely control vertical and horizontal coverage between 40 Hz and 18 kHz. The result is unprecedented: truly optimized line array behavior, affording performance that is markedly superior to conventional line array systems.

• Arrayable in multiple horizontal columns • Improved gain before feedback • Reverberation control for greatest clarity • Reduced onstage bleed from the PA • Consistent frequency response over long throws

Most manufacturers recognize that the high-frequency vertical coverage of each loudspeaker must be tightly controlled to minimize interference between units in the array. But the most common solutions, such as using long waveguides to collimate compression driver output, greatly increase distortion.

By contrast, the M3D employs a new, REM™ (Ribbon Emulation Manifold) to feed a Constant-Q horn from two Meyer-manufactured compression drivers. REM controls the output of the drivers and introduces it to the horn throat within a three-inch path length, dramatically minimizing distortion. The unique M3D horn design produces a coherent wave front that is characteristic of – but much more powerful than – a large ribbon driver. Vertical coverage is restricted to 10 degrees (±5 degrees) and interaction minimized; yet distortion remains extremely low.

The mid frequencies always pose a challenge to loudspeaker designers. Crucial to intelligible voice reproduction, this range must be smooth, powerful, coherent and distortion-free. Yet some line array systems attempt to reproduce mids using separate, multiple cone drivers – in some cases, even cross-firing the drivers. Such techniques risk phase problems due to multiple arrivals, and cross-firing can introduce undesirable combing and lobing – even potentially modulating the high-frequency signal.

To assure smoothest response in the critical midrange, the M3D incorporates a complex active crossover design. At the lowest frequencies, both front-facing 15-inch drivers combine to reproduce powerful, coherent bass. In the mid frequencies, the crossover feeds only one of the two drivers. This ingenious technique eliminates interference between the drivers that would otherwise occur at shorter wavelengths, and maintains optimal polar and frequency response characteristics.

At low frequencies, line arrays offer tighter vertical coverage than curved arrays – at least until the wavelength of the lower frequencies approaches the array length, at which point the line array becomes omnidirectional. But conventional line array systems fail to control low-frequency directivity in the horizontal, where individual cabinets lose directivity at low-mid frequencies. The consequences are reduced gain before feedback, increased spill onto the stage area and excessive low-frequency reverberation.

The Meyer Sound M3D employs a proprietary system of rear-facing low drivers, separately driven by a complex phase manipulation circuit, to generate a wave front that interacts with that produced by the front-facing low drivers. The result: directional low-frequency output to 40 Hz, with a 90-degree polar pattern, and 25 dB reduction in sound level behind the cabinet. No other line array system offers such low-frequency control.

patents pending