Arraying, MFLA, DV12

MFLA & DV12 Arraying (Coherence & SPL)

Q: Being that the MFLA is rated to sustain 136dB, would invert-arraying a pair of DV12's get me to 136dB from 126dB as a non arrayed DV12? Would arraying 2 MFLA cabinets together add 10dB and would adding 2 more MFLAs effectively double the volume once again?

Arraying a pair of speakers ordinarily results in an increase of 6dB if their output is coherent, which an array of DV12s, an array of MFLAs and an array of most subs would be. An array of 2 "point-source" speakers (such as AT212s, DiaMons, AT312s and most other non-line-array speakers in the world) would result in a 6dB increase at low frequencies, where the output would be coherent, and an increase of only 3dB where their output would tend to be incoherent, in other words, where their outputs would begin interfering with each other. (aka comb-filtering.)

The woofers in the MFLA are more efficient than the woofers in the DV12, so they can sustain a higher SPL. Two DV12s would get you to 132dB. (The low-frequency drivers are usually the limiting factor in the output SPL, which is why some manufacturers claim such high SPL capabilities for their line-arrays and tops: They measure the maximum SPL that the tweeter can provide, or at 1kHz, where both woofers and tweeters are contributing, without considering that if the woofer(s) can't keep up at the bottom end, the sound character changes and the result doesn't sound good at all.)


    • Related Articles

    • Why is the sustained and max SPL so different on the DiaMon?

      Q: Looking at the specs of the diamon 112 it shows the max sustained spl is 123 and the max output is 133db. I would have thought 6db down from max would put the sustained output around 127db. Is this box capable of that output at all or really maxes ...
    • What are the pros, cons, and theoretical tradeoffs of flown subs?

      Q: I'm wondering the pros, cons, and theoretical tradeoffs of flown subs as well as what's possible with BASSBOSS subs. Boundaries and proximity are the relevant points here. Subs on the floor are near the boundary that is the floor. Outdoors, subs ...
    • What are the benefits of higher Rail Voltage/output voltage from an amplifier?

      The net effect of increased rail voltages is the ability to produce higher peak SPL. Watts are the product of voltage and current. Amplifiers are voltage amplifiers. The driver effectively determines the demand for current via its impedance. If you ...
    • Does my sub hit less hard the longer I use it in a night?

      Q: I took out my subs and as the night went on I heard it hit less and less does that mean that it will compress and lower in volume? It def wasn‚'t hitting as hard as the beginning. The short answer to your question is no. The processing will not ...
    • BASSBOSS Pre-MK3 top amp removal

      Tops Amp Removal: There are 8 Allen head screws (10 on AT312 and MFLA) around the perimeter of the heat sink. Pre-2021 models have button-head screws that require a 3mm Allen key. Later models have socket-head bolts that require a 4mm Allen key. ...