The benefits of a line array are high sensitivity,
wide horizontal dispersion, and a high degree of vertical pattern control. Can you
get those benefits from a line array that doesn't run from the floor to the
ceiling? The answer is yes. The SLA, Short Line Array, takes the line source
concept to the small end of the scale.
Here's a review, by builder Gavin Humphrey:
Well, I'm finally done building my pair of SLAs. They look awesome! Had my
audiophile buddy give them a listen they other day and thought they sounded
GREAT, smooth through all the frequencies. Great plans, fun build! Over the
summer I'll build an auto tuba to go along with them.
The standard SLA may be built with four 4" midbasses in a 19 inch high cabinet,
or with six 4" midbasses in a 28 inch high cabinet. If space is at a premium
build it 15.5 inches high, loaded with four 3" drivers. Also included is a
two driver surround speaker version.
If your room won't allow for a vertical home theater center the CurveArray
version gives the widest possible dispersion from a horizontal multi-driver
cabinet.
The CurveArray may be built with six 4" midbasses in a 31 inch wide
cabinet, or nine 4" midbasses in a 46 inch wide cabinet that will
meet the center channel output needs of any home theater. At the opposite end
of the size range it can be built with four 3" drivers at 16.5 inches wide by
6.5 inches high.
All seven versions are contained in the SLA plans.
Construction Degree of Difficulty: 4
Performance Quotient: 8
Suggested subwoofers: Tuba 18, Auto Tuba, Table Tuba, Tuba HT.
Equivalent Retail Value: $799 for the four 4" driver version.
Plans are $19.95, delivered within 24 hours as email attachment in MS Word
format. 18 pages, with over forty construction diagrams. PDF version available
on request.
The plans are absolutely complete, showing detailed pictures of
every construction step. Included are lists of parts, recommended drivers,
and T/S driver spec requirements for driver substitution. Also included is a
detailed 3D model, showing cutaway views of every version and every part,
right down to the wiring.
SLA PRO PA TOP
The SLA Pro is the smallest line array format PA cab available, delivering
high output with extreme clarity in a compact package.
The standard six inch woofer version may be built with two Eminence Alpha 6 in
a 15 inch high cab, or four Alpha 6 in a 29 inch high cab. The micro four and
five inch woofer versions may be built with two Eminence Pro 5W in a 13 inch
high cab, or four Alpha 4 or Pro 5W in a 25 inch high cab.
It's the right size for smaller gigs, like weddings and corporate events, or
for DJ monitoring. For larger gigs they can be stacked, in both straight and
spiral array configurations, for either maximum throw or maximum horizontal
dispersion. For Line array speakers dominate the world of pro-touring sound,
because they work better. SLA Pro puts the advantages of line arrays within the
reach of every band and DJ.
Construction Degree of Difficulty: 4
Performance Quotient: 8
Suggested subwoofers: Tuba 24, 30 and 45, Titan 39.
Equivalent Retail Value: Two midbass version $599, four midbass version $1099.
Plans are $19.95, delivered within 24 hours as email attachment in MS Word
format. 17 pages, with over 40 construction diagrams. PDF version available on request.
The plans are absolutely complete, showing detailed pictures of
every construction step. Included are lists of parts, recommended drivers,
and T/S driver spec requirements for driver substitution.
The SLA and SLA PRO are two separate plans. If you want the SLA PRO you must
specify SLA PRO on your order, otherwise you will be sent the standard SLA.