When to use line array or not?

Hi,

Quite a few of the sound companies I know use line array systems and I'm wondering when you would use a line array system over a standard two/three way top speaker over sub/s?
What are the advantages / disadvantages of using line array systems over standard systems?

(Remembering that the OP isn't looking to purchase a line array, just asking about the selection criteria)

As Keith alluded to, it's another "Tool In The Tool Box." Line arrays aren't a "one-system-to-meet-all-needs" sound solution, and to think so is silly.

What Tim mentioned- if you're not going to do it right (As he'll say, a "Dash Array" is NOT the same as a "Line Array") then you'd be better off using a good point source rig.

However, sometimes a new company (or even an established one) sees line arrays as a way to get new business, and increase billing to old clients, and will go whole hog into one and skip the good, utility point source rig that would fit in the middle of what their old system does and what this new system does. Now, they're either trying to charge too much for that old system to fit the needs of these in-between gigs, or they're sending out the line array package for not enough money (or it's overkill for the gig it's on!) -- neither of which is good for long term business health and (honestly, more importantly) a quality show.

You'll find lots of posts on here regarding deployment of line array systems-- the manufacturers (I use JBL, so it's JBL Line Array Calculator) all provide deployment and prediction software. So, it SHOULD be super easy to set up a good sounding system-- but there are still idiots out there who ignore or don't even use the tools they are given to do their job right.

Another consideration is deployment time: Rigging and flying a 12-box VerTec rig as opposed to a flown PS system of 12-16 boxes? I do appreciate VerTecs/line array boxes with the integral rigging hardware; motor up, pin, motor up, pin, wham bam.

One final thought: Sometimes it's the client who decides. The venue might be JUST FINE with a point source package, but the client is HELL BENT on spending the extra money and having a line array. At that point, take the damn check and call it a day. 

-Ray

(Remembering that the OP isn't looking toa line array, just asking about the selection criteria)As Keith alluded to, it's another "Tool In The Tool Box." Line arrays aren't a "one-system-to-meet-all-needs" sound solution, and to think so is silly.What Tim mentioned- if you're not going to do it right (As he'll say, a "Dash Array" is NOT the same as a "Line Array") then you'd be better off using a good point source rig.However, sometimes a new company (or even an established one) sees line arrays as a way to get new business, and increase billing to old clients, and will go whole hog into one and skip the good, utility point source rig that would fit in the middle of what their old system does and what this new system does. Now, they're either trying to charge too much for that old system to fit the needs of these in-between gigs, or they're sending out the line array package for not enough money (or it's overkill for the gig it's on!) -- neither of which is good for long term business health and (honestly, more importantly) a quality show.You'll find lots of posts on here regarding deployment of line array systems-- the manufacturers (I use JBL, so it's JBL Line Array Calculator) all provide deployment and prediction software. So, it SHOULD be super easy to set up a good sounding system-- but there are still idiots out there who ignore or don't even use the tools they are given to do their job right.Another consideration is deployment time: Rigging and flying a 12-box VerTec rig as opposed to a flown PS system of 12-16 boxes? I do appreciate VerTecs/line array boxes with the integral rigging hardware; motor up, pin, motor up, pin, wham bam.One final thought: Sometimes it's the client who decides. The venue might be JUST FINE with a point source package, but the client is HELL BENT on spending the extra money and having a line array. At that point, take the damn check and call it a day.-Ray