Line Array Speakers

Abstract

A linear array loudspeaker (150) has a first group of acoustic drivers (152), the first group of acoustic drivers including a first plurality of acoustic drivers (160-165) each including an axis, the axes being parallel. There is a second plurality of acoustic drivers (170-175) each including an axis, the axes being parallel. The first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged so that projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers intersect at a first fixed articulation angle. There is a second group of acoustic drivers (154) adjacent to the first group of acoustic drivers. The second group of acoustic drivers includes a third plurality of acoustic drivers (180-183) each including an axis. The drivers of the second group are arranged so that projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers intersect at a varying articulation angle.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to linear array loudspeakers.

[0002] Linear array loudspeakers are known, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent 7,936,891, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. A linear array loudspeaker comprises multiple acoustic drivers in an array. Typically, the array is approximately linear. In some cases, the drivers are hinged. That is, the drivers do not all radiate in the same direction. If the hinge angle (i.e., the angle between the axes of the drivers) is wide, a listener close to the array may hear more sound from one driver than from the others. In extreme cases, the sound may be attenuated when a listener is in the near field and located off-axis from any of the drivers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0004] In one aspect, a linear array loudspeaker includes a first set of acoustic drivers comprising a first plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis, arranged such that their axes are parallel. A second plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis, are also present, arranged such that their axes are parallel. The first and second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that the projections of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers onto an azimuth plane intersect with the projections of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers onto an azimuth plane at a first fixed hinge angle. A second set of acoustic drivers is present, adjacent to the first set of acoustic drivers, and includes a third plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis. The projections of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers onto an azimuth plane intersect with a varying hinge angle.

[0005] Examples may include one or any combination of the features described above and / or below. The first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers may be staggered along the length of the first set of acoustic drivers. The projection of the axis of the first pair of acoustic drivers in the second set of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane may intersect at a second hinge angle different from the first hinge angle. The projection of the axis of the second pair of acoustic drivers in the second set of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane may intersect at a third hinge angle different from both the first and second hinge angles. The first pair of acoustic drivers in the second set of acoustic drivers may be the closest acoustic driver from the second set to the first set. The second pair of acoustic drivers in the second set of acoustic drivers may be adjacent to the first pair of acoustic drivers in the second set of acoustic drivers. The third hinge angle may be smaller than both the first and second hinge angles. The second hinge angle may be smaller than the first hinge angle.

[0006] Examples may include one or any combination of the features described above and / or below. The second set of acoustic drivers may be arranged along a curve. The curve may have a constant radius of curvature. The first set of acoustic drivers may be arranged along the same curve as the second set of acoustic drivers. The curve may be continuously curved. The curvature may increase continuously along the entire length of the linear array.

[0007] Examples may include one or any combination of the features described above and / or below. At least some of the acoustic drivers in the first set and the second set of acoustic drivers may be configured to be positioned such that the angle of their axes relative to a horizontal plane can be changed. The axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers may be coplanar in a first plane, and the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers may be coplanar in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane may intersect at a plane intersection angle. The plane intersection angle may be an acute angle. Each acoustic driver may be configured to output a sound having amplitude and phase, and the linear array loudspeaker may further include a processor configured to change at least one of the amplitude and phase of the sound from the plurality of acoustic drivers.

[0008] On the other hand, a linear array loudspeaker includes a first set of acoustic drivers, comprising a first plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis, and a second plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis, arranged such that their axes are parallel, and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that their axes are parallel. The first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that the projections of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect with the projections of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane at a first fixed hinge angle. The first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are staggered along the length of the first set of acoustic drivers. The second set of acoustic drivers is adjacent to the first set of acoustic drivers and includes a third plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis. The projections of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect with a varying hinge angle. The projections of the first pair of acoustic drivers in the second group of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect at a second hinge angle smaller than the first hinge angle, and the projections of the second pair of acoustic drivers in the second group of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect at a third hinge angle smaller than both the first and second hinge angles. The first pair of acoustic drivers in the second group of acoustic drivers is the closest acoustic driver in the second group to the first group, and the second pair of acoustic drivers in the second group of acoustic drivers is adjacent to the first pair of acoustic drivers in the second group of acoustic drivers.

[0009] Examples may include one or any combination of the features described above and / or below. The second set of acoustic drivers may be arranged along a curve with a constant radius of curvature. The first set of acoustic drivers may be arranged along a straight line. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B These are the side and front views of the acoustic driver.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a top view of the two hinged drivers of a linear array loudspeaker.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a linear array loudspeaker.

[0013] Figure 4A The first set of acoustic drivers for a linear array loudspeaker is shown.

[0014] Figure 4B It shows including Figure 4A It is part of the first set of acoustic drivers in a linear array loudspeaker.

[0015] Figure 5This is a perspective view of a linear array loudspeaker.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a linear array loudspeaker.

[0017] Figures 7A to 7B This is a schematic side view of a linear array of loudspeakers arranged in a "J" configuration.

[0018] Figure 7C This is a schematic side view of a linear array of loudspeakers arranged in a "C" configuration.

[0019] Figure 7D This is a schematic side view of a linear array of loudspeakers arranged in a "spiral" configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0020] A linear array loudspeaker has a first set of acoustic drivers, comprising a plurality of first acoustic drivers, each including an axis, arranged such that their axes are parallel. A second plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis, are also present, arranged such that their axes are parallel. The first and second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that the projections of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect with the projections of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers at a first fixed hinge angle. A second set of acoustic drivers is present adjacent to the first set of acoustic drivers. This second set of acoustic drivers includes a third plurality of acoustic drivers, each including an axis. The drivers of the second set are arranged such that the projections of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect with a varying hinge angle. The hinge angle of the second set of drivers can be smaller than the hinge angle of the first set of drivers. The second set of drivers provides more consistent sound coverage in the near field close to the linear array. For venues where the audience can sit near the stage, the second set of drivers can be pointed to the front row to provide good sound quality at the appropriate loudness.

[0021] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Some aspects of the acoustic actuator are shown. The acoustic actuator 10 includes a motor structure 12 configured to move the pressure wave radiating surface 14 back and forth along a motion axis 18 of the radiating surface 14. This motion generates sound pressure. The radiating surface 14 may be generally conical, as shown, but need not be. The acoustic actuator may or may not have a dust cover 16. Acoustic actuators and different configurations of acoustic actuators are well known in the art and are therefore not fully described herein.

[0022] Figure 2This is a top view of a pair of 20 hinged acoustic drivers 22 and 26 as part of a linear array loudspeaker. Driver 22 has an axis 24 and driver 26 has an axis 28. Since the two drivers are hinged (i.e., their axes are not parallel), axes 24 and 28 form an angle of 30°, which is designated as Φ. In typical prior art linear array loudspeakers, this angle is fixed along the length of the array. In some examples, the axes of the first plurality of drivers of this linear array point in the same direction, so these axes are coplanar in a first plane. The axes of the second plurality of drivers of this linear array point in the same direction, but in a different direction than the first plurality of drivers. Therefore, the axes of the second plurality of drivers are also coplanar, but lie in a second plane that intersects the first plane at an angle that may be called the hinge angle. Typically, the drivers are staggered, such that a driver in the second plurality of drivers is located between every two drivers in the first plurality of drivers. In a particular prior art linear array loudspeaker, the angle Φ is approximately 42 degrees. When such an array is positioned on a performance stage, the drivers can act as individual sources. Compared to off-axis positions, the sound patterns can be inconsistent when listeners near the array (in the near field) are in an axial position (e.g., in front of the array without any drivers pointing directly forward), depending in part on the hinge angle. Listeners near the array will hear more of one driver than the others. In extreme cases, when listeners are in the near field and in an axial position, the sound volume may be reduced because there are no drivers pointing directly at them.

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram schematically depicts the first group of 40 acoustic drivers for a linear array loudspeaker. In this non-limiting example, all drivers (from top to bottom, drivers 42, 50, 44, 52, 46, and 54) are arranged along a straight line 56. However, the drivers can be arranged in other ways, for example, they can be arranged along a curve, or partially along a straight line and partially along a curve. The different arrangements of the drivers are explained further below.

[0024] Group 40 includes a first plurality of actuators 42, 44, and 46 having axes 43, 45, and 47 located in plane 62. The azimuth projections of these axes (i.e., plane 62) intersect azimuth plane 64 along line 63. Group 40 also includes a second plurality of actuators 50, 52, and 54 having axes 51, 53, and 55 located in plane 60. The azimuth projections of these axes (i.e., plane 60) intersect azimuth plane 64 along line 61. Lines 61 and 63 intersect at an angle 70, which is designated as θ. Angle 70 is a fixed hinge angle of the transducers constituting the first group 40. Angle 70 is preferably, but not necessarily, an acute angle.

[0025] Figure 4ADrivers 42, 50, 44, and 52 are shown in more detail. A motor structure 83 moves the radiating surface 82 of driver 42 along drive axis 123. A dust cover 84 may be included. A mounting flange 85 is a structure for mounting the driver to a speaker housing; see [link to documentation]. Figure 4B Similarly, motor structure 93 moves the radiating surface 92 of driver 50 along drive axis 124. A dust cover 94 may be included. Mounting flange 95 is a structure for mounting the driver to a speaker housing. Similarly, motor structure 103 moves the radiating surface 102 of driver 44 along drive axis 130. A dust cover 104 may be included. Mounting flange 105 is a structure for mounting the driver to a speaker housing. Similarly, motor structure 113 moves the radiating surface 112 of driver 52 along drive axis 132. A dust cover 114 may be included. Mounting flange 115 is a structure for mounting the driver to a speaker housing.

[0026] Figure 4B Component 118 is shown, which includes a speaker housing structure 119 for holding drivers in place within a linear array, wherein the drivers are spaced apart along line 56 (in this non-limiting example, the line passes through a dust cover on the driver). Optional separate driver mounting structures are also shown (structure 126 for holding driver 50 and structure 128 for holding driver 52 can be seen in the figures). These separate driver mounting structures can be coupled to the linear array speaker housing structure 119. Note that... Figure 4A and Figure 4B Only one of many possible alternatives for holding the drivers in an array is disclosed, wherein there is a fixed hinge angle between the staggered drivers.

[0027] Figure 5 A linear array loudspeaker 150 is shown. The linear array loudspeaker 150 includes sixteen drivers arranged generally vertically, as shown. A loudspeaker housing 158 holds the drivers in place. Electronics in a lower support module 156 provide controlled amplified audio signals to each driver. The linear array loudspeaker 150 has a first group of drivers 152, which, in this non-limiting example, includes twelve interleaved acoustic drivers. Group 152 includes six acoustic drivers 160-165, each acoustic driver including an axis (not shown). As described above relative to... Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B The drivers 160-165 are arranged such that their axes are parallel. Group 152 also includes six additional drivers 170-175 intersecting with the drivers 160-165. Each of the drivers 170-175 also includes an axis (not shown). As described above relative to... Figure 3 , Figure 4Aand Figure 4B The actuators 170-175 are arranged such that their axes are parallel. The actuators 160-165 and 170-175 are arranged such that the projection of the axis of the actuator 160-165 onto the azimuth plane intersects the projection of the axis of the actuator 170-175 onto the azimuth plane of the axis of the actuator 170-175 at a fixed hinge angle (42 degrees in this non-limiting example).

[0028] The second group of acoustic drivers 154, 180-183, is adjacent to the first group of drivers 152. This second group of acoustic drivers includes multiple acoustic drivers, each comprising an axis. In this non-limiting example, there are four drivers 180-183 in group 154. The drivers in this second group are arranged such that the projections of the axes of the second group of drivers onto the azimuth plane intersect at varying hinge angles. The hinge angles of the second group of drivers may (but do not necessarily) be smaller than the hinge angles of the first group of drivers. In this example, group 154 ​​includes a first pair of drivers 180 and 181 and a second pair of drivers, the first pair of drivers being closest to group 152 and hinged at approximately 21 degrees, and the second pair of drivers being adjacent to the first pair of drivers 180 and 181 and hinged at approximately 10 degrees. Because the hinge angles of the drivers in the second group are smaller than those of the drivers in the first group, the second group of drivers provides more consistent sound coverage in the near field near the linear array. In addition, especially for use in venues where the audience can sit near the stage, the second set of drivers can be pointed to the front row to provide good sound quality at the appropriate loudness.

[0029] Figure 5 A "J"-shaped linear array is also shown, in which all the drivers of group 152 are arranged along a straight line, and the drivers at the bottom (group 154) are arranged along a curve such that they all point slightly downward from the horizontal. As described elsewhere in this document, the drivers of group 154 ​​provide better sound coverage for listeners near and below the linear array loudspeaker 150.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a functional block diagram relating only to aspects of a linear array loudspeaker 200 operating as described herein. An audio signal source 202 provides an audio signal reproduced by a plurality of drivers of the linear array, labeled drivers 1-n (block 206). A processor 204 is enabled to act on the audio signal to achieve a desired result. For example, the processor 204 may implement software executing on the processor to cause changes in the amplitude and / or phase of one or more drivers. In one example, the sound coverage pattern of the vertical linear array loudspeaker can be altered. Continuous tandem loudspeaker arrays are known in the art.

[0031] Figures 7A to 7DSeveral options for a linear array loudspeaker are schematically shown, in which the drivers are arranged along a straight line and / or a curve. The drivers (not shown) are arranged such that some drivers are at a fixed hinge angle, and others are at a variable hinge angle. Figure 7A The linear array loudspeaker 210 includes a portion 212 that includes a set of drivers (not shown) staggered at a fixed hinge angle (such as... Figure 3 , Figure 4A and Figure 4B (As shown). The lower part 214 of the driver is adjacent to part 212 and includes a second set of drivers (such as...) with varying hinge angles. Figure 5 (As shown). The hinge angle can be considered as the angle between the axes of two adjacent drives, or it could be the angle between the axes of two drives in a set of drives (whether or not the two drives are adjacent to each other). In section 214, the hinge angle is not fixed. Instead, the hinge angle varies with the length of section 214. As shown... Figure 7A In a non-limiting example of the configured linear array loudspeaker shown, the fixed hinge angle in section 212 can be 42 degrees. That is, the angle between the axes of the drivers pointing in different directions in section 212 is 42 degrees. In section 214, the two drivers closest to section 212 are hinged at a 21-degree angle, and the two adjacent (and last) drivers are hinged at a 10-degree angle. There may be more or fewer drivers in section 214, and the hinge angle in section 214 can be varied as needed. For example, two or more different hinge angles can be implemented in the group. Additionally, hinges can be made between drivers that are not adjacent to each other.

[0032] One consequence of having two pairs of drivers at the bottom of the linear array with hinge angles smaller than the fixed hinge angles in section 212 is that listeners in the near field, but not on the flanks of the theater (i.e., near the linear array), will receive a sound with good amplitude, blended by at least two drivers. Additionally, having the narrowest hinge angle at the bottom of the linear array helps ensure the same results for listeners seated closest to the linear array.

[0033] The “J” curvature of the linear array 210 (where the top portion 212 is linear and the bottom portion 214 is positioned along a curve, which may or may not have a constant radius of curvature) creates a general (not exact) forward sound envelope defined by arrows 216 and 217. If the array 210 is positioned above the nearest audience (e.g., on a raised stage at the front of the performance space), the partially downward-facing drivers in portion 214 help project sound downwards to those in the front rows or near the stage, while the smaller hinge angle helps prevent those seated in front of the linear array from being in areas reached only by the peripheral sound envelope from the drivers, which could affect amplitude.

[0034] In cases where there is a substantially opposite problem related to the listener (i.e., in the presence of listeners above the upper sound envelope boundary 216), the top portion of the array can be bent backward to extend the angular range of the sound envelope. Figure 7B An example is shown in linear array 220. An array comprising linear portions 222 and curved portions 224 can be used to create a sound envelope defined by arrows 226 and 227, forming a "J" shape, but with the curve at the top. Envelopes with even larger angles (defined by arrows 236 and 237) can be created by arranging the entire array along a convex curve, as shown in the example. Figure 7C The array 320 is shown, wherein all the drivers are in section 232, and wherein the drivers are arranged in a “C” shape with a constant (or at least substantially constant) radius of curvature R from the center point 234.

[0035] Another arrangement causes some or all of the drives to bend along one or more lines in a different way. Figure 7D A non-limiting example is shown where the driver array 240 comprises a spiral array of a type known in the art, capable of producing a sound envelope defined by arrow 244 at the top 243 of the array 242 and arrow 246 at the bottom 245 of the array. Many types of spiral arrays exist, providing various curvatures along the lines along which the drivers travel. Typically, in a spiral array, the drivers are arranged along a continuous curve, where the curvature increases with distance along the curve; there are no straight segments as in a “J”-shaped linear array. Thus, in this non-limiting example, the curvature at the top 243 is very small (possibly one degree) and increases to the bottom 245. The curvature may (or may not) vary at predetermined intervals along the length of the array. As a non-limiting example, an arithmetic spiral is one in which the angle between consecutive loudspeakers along the length of the array changes by a predetermined angle.

[0036] It should be noted that linear array loudspeakers typically (but not necessarily) consist of a roughly vertical array with only one driver at each height. Therefore, the drivers can be described as having their axes lie on a generally vertical line, which can be straight or curved.

[0037] For example, some or all of the drivers are held in the housing in a manner that allows for a change in the orientation of their axes; that is, the drivers can be slightly moved to change their axial angle relative to the horizontal plane. Examples include arrays in which the top and / or bottom of the array can be pushed in or pushed out to form either a J-curve or a C-curve. Such flexible linear array loudspeaker systems are known in the art and are exemplified by those from Bose Corporation, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. An example of the F1 Model 812 flexible array loudspeaker system.

[0038] Figure 6 The components are shown and described in the block diagram as discrete components. These components can be implemented as one or more analog or digital circuits. Alternatively or otherwise, they can be implemented using one or more microprocessors (e.g., processor 204) that execute software instructions. The software instructions may include digital signal processing instructions. Operation can be performed by analog circuits or by a microprocessor executing software that performs equivalent analog operations. Signal lines can be implemented as discrete analog or digital signal lines, discrete digital signal lines with appropriate signal processing capable of handling individual signals, and / or components of a wireless communication system.

[0039] When a process is represented or implied in a block diagram, steps can be performed by one or more elements. Steps can be performed together or at different times. Elements performing activities can be physically identical or close to each other, or they can be physically separated. A single element can perform actions from more than one block. Audio signals can be encoded or unencoded and can be transmitted in digital or analog form. In some cases, conventional audio signal processing equipment and operations are omitted from the diagram.

[0040] Examples of the systems and methods described herein include computer components and computer-implemented steps that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that computer-implemented steps can be stored as computer-executable instructions on a computer-readable medium, such as, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, flash ROM, non-volatile ROM, and RAM. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that computer-executable instructions can be executed on various processors, such as, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors, gate arrays, etc. For ease of illustration, not every step or element of the systems and methods described herein is described as part of a computer system; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that each step or element can have a corresponding computer system or software component. Therefore, such computer systems and / or software components are implemented within the scope of this disclosure by describing their corresponding steps or elements (i.e., their functions).

[0041] Several specific embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concept described herein, and therefore, other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A linear array loudspeaker, comprising: a first group of acoustic drivers, the first group of acoustic drivers comprising a first plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis and a second plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis, the first plurality of acoustic drivers being arranged such that their axes are parallel, the second plurality of acoustic drivers being arranged such that their axes are parallel, wherein the first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers intersect projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers at a fixed first articulation angle; as well as a second group of acoustic drivers, the second group being adjacent to the first group and comprising a third plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis, wherein projections onto azimuthal planes of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers intersect at varying articulation angles, Wherein projections on the azimuth plane of the axes of the first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers intersect at a second articulation angle, and the second articulation angle is smaller than the first articulation angle.

2. The line array loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are staggered along a length of the first group of acoustic drivers.

3. A linear array loudspeaker according to claim 1, wherein projections on the azimuth plane of the axes of the second pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers intersect at a third articulation angle that is different from both the first articulation angle and the second articulation angle.

4. The line array loudspeaker of claim 3, wherein the first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers are the acoustic drivers of the second group that are closest to the first group.

5. The line array loudspeaker of claim 4, wherein the second pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers is adjacent to the first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers. 6 . The line array loudspeaker of claim 5 , wherein the third articulation angle is smaller than both the first articulation angle and the second articulation angle.

7. The linear array loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein the second group of acoustic drivers are arranged along a curve. The line array loudspeaker according to claim 7 , wherein the curve has a constant radius of curvature.

9. The line array loudspeaker of claim 7, wherein the first group of acoustic drivers are arranged along the same curve as the second group of acoustic drivers.

10. The line array loudspeaker of claim 9, wherein the curve is continuously curved.

11. The line array loudspeaker of claim 10, wherein the curvature of the curve increases continuously along the entire length of the line array.

12. The line array loudspeaker of claim 1, wherein at least some of the first group of acoustic drivers and the second group of acoustic drivers are configured to be positioned so that the angle of their axes relative to a horizontal plane can be changed.

13. A linear array loudspeaker according to claim 1, wherein the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers are coplanar in a first plane, and the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers are coplanar in a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane intersect at a plane intersection angle.

14. The line array loudspeaker of claim 13, wherein the plane intersection angle is an acute angle.

15. The linear array speaker of claim 1, wherein the acoustic drivers are each configured to output sound having an amplitude and a phase, and wherein the linear array speaker further comprises a processor configured to change at least one of the amplitude and the phase of the sound from the plurality of acoustic drivers.

16. A linear array loudspeaker, comprising: a first group of acoustic drivers, the first group of acoustic drivers comprising a first plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis and a second plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis, the first plurality of acoustic drivers being arranged such that their axes are parallel, the second plurality of acoustic drivers being arranged such that their axes are parallel, wherein the first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are arranged such that projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the first plurality of acoustic drivers intersect projections on an azimuth plane of the axes of the second plurality of acoustic drivers at a fixed first articulation angle, and wherein the first plurality of acoustic drivers and the second plurality of acoustic drivers are staggered along a length of the first group of acoustic drivers; as well as A second group of acoustic drivers, the second group being adjacent to the first group and comprising a third plurality of acoustic drivers each comprising an axis, wherein projections on azimuth planes of the axes of the third plurality of acoustic drivers intersect at a varying articulation angle, wherein projections on the azimuth planes of the axes of a first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers intersect at a second articulation angle that is smaller than the first articulation angle, and projections on the azimuth planes of the axes of a second pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers intersect at a third articulation angle that is smaller than both the first articulation angle and the second articulation angle, wherein the first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers are the acoustic drivers of the second group that are closest to the first group, and the second pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers are adjacent to the first pair of acoustic drivers of the second group of acoustic drivers.

17. The line array loudspeaker of claim 16, wherein the second group of acoustic drivers is arranged along a curve having a constant radius of curvature.

18. The line array loudspeaker of claim 17, wherein the first set of acoustic drivers are arranged along a straight line.

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