The MONARC MLA3 is targeted towards operators who regularly
work both in smaller venues like traditional theaters
and performance spaces, up to larger events with arena
and festival size audiences. 2000-12000 seats would
be a fair approximation of the kind of events that would
suit a MLA3 purchase. Operators who regularly work larger
venues (5000+) may want to consider the MLA6.
IS
THERE SOFTWARE AVAILABLE TO CALCULATE ARRAY COVERAGE?
Yes. McCauley Sound has developed robust
line array calculator software which allows tour operators
to quickly build venue geometry and calculate coverage,
heights and splay angles. Additionally, McCauley Sound
has EASE 4.0/4.1
.dll plug ins available, for contractors or consultants
considering these products for permanent installation.
Both a free and available now from the downloads section
of this web site.
I
AN INTERESTED IN BUYING A LINE ARRAY. HOW CAN I HEAR
THE MONARC SYSTEM?
Demo-rigs are traveling the country now for this very
purpose. Contact
a MONARC support specialist to arrange for a hands-on
demonstration on the technology.
HOW
DOES THE MONARC MLA3 compare to...
MONARC line arrays are designed to be the most versatile
and flexible line array systems on earth. No other system
rigs as easily, or can offer as many possible configurations
from the same standard hardware. Acoustically, MONARC
systems stand out for their tonal balance, clarity and
exceptionally consistent coverage in both the horizontal
as well as the vertical plane. Click
here for an overview of the MLA3's features.
Does
the MONARC MLA3 groundstack?
Yes. The MLA3 is designed to groundstack easily. In
fact, unlike most line arrays, the MLA3’s Integrated
Rigging System will allow users to groundstack right
off the standard bumper without the need for any special
equipment or additional hardware.
What
degree of splay can you achieve with the MONARC MLA3?
Each cell can achieve up to 7 degrees of splay relative
to the cell it is attached to.
What
kind of hardware do I need to fly a MONARC rig?
All of the rigging hardware is self-contained within
the MLA3s rigging system, with the obvious exception
of the MS3 bumper, chain motors and chain.
How
do I adjust array curvature?
Adjusting array curvature is very simple with the MLA6’s
Integrated rigging system. Just lower the array until
the rear-sides of the cells collapse, and reset the
rear pin. Each pin takes approximately 15 seconds to
pull and re-pin, so depending on the size of the array,
this process could take up to four minutes.
How
many MLA3 cells can be safely flown in a single column?
Up to 24 MLA3 cells can be flown at a 7:1 load factor.
Not every country requires such stringent strength testing,
so please check with your local authorities for more
information about such regulations prior to attempting
to fly a MONARC line array system.
How
many people do you need to rig and fly a MLA3 array?
The MLA3’s Integrated rigging system is so efficient
and easy to use, that two people could completely interconnect,
set the splay angles and raise the array in under 10
minutes without any tools, without and hand-lifting,
and without the need to tether or strap the array. You
could have more people there if you really wanted to,
but they would not have anything to do... answer is
2.
Does
an MLA3 array need to be facing the right direction
before it is hoisted?
No. MONARC MLA3 cells can be facing just about any direction
when the initial assembly is being done. Once the hoist
operator begins lifting the array, the column will swing
about until it is facing the proper direction. This
makes assembling an MONARC array very easy, even in
awkward quarters.
Do
the MLA3 cells need be assembled Directly below the
rigging pointS?
No. MONARC MLA3 cells can be assembled anywhere on the
deck, prior to rig points ever being dropped. Once the
front-side connection is established, the column can
be rolled into place like a train.
Can
the MLA3 form rigid arrays?
Rigid arrays are often necessary when the rig needs to
be flown high and out of the way of television cameras
(ala Academy Awards) or for other specialized situations.
The MLA3’s Integrated Rigging System is unique in
that it is instantly convertible between a fully collapsible
operating mode, which is of most useful for general flying,
and a completely rigid, inflexible curvature, which is
most useful for groudstacking, flown installations, or
these unique coverage needs. Regardless, no tools are
needed to make the conversion.
Can
MLA3 rigging be pre-configured prior to arrival at
the venue?
MB3 bumpers can be configured as roll-in carts, which
can allow MLA3 cells to be pre-set and rolled into place
for groundstack applications. See the feature tour for
an in-depth look at this option.
What
kind of chain motors should I use?
A MONARC array requires two chain motors per column.
If flying an array of 8 cells or less, two 1-ton motors
will be more than enough. For columns of 9 cells or
more, McCauley Sound recommends two 2-ton motors per
column.
What
is the MLA3 enclosure made of?
12-ply Fin birch is the primary enclosure material while
all the fittings and hardware are made from stainless
steel and aluminum. Enclosures elements are cut by computer
controlled saws and routers to insure absolute consistency.
PROCOAT elastomeric weatherproofing finish is applied
to the assembled sub-structure prior to any fittings to
seal and protect the construction.
Is
the MLA3 weatherproof?
Every MLA3 cell features McCauley’s PROCOAT elastomeric
finish, which is a highly resilient, moisture and temperature
proof enclosure sealant. Additionally, all fittings
and hardware are stainless steel, and moisture re-directing
foam protects the frontal complements.
How
does the MLA3 truck pack?
The MONARC MLA3 was designed to pack easily in both
European and American style trucks. Because the MLA3’s
cell geometry is trapezoidal along the x-axis, cells
will self-align in the truck when stood on end.
How
much does the MLA3 weigh? WHAT ABOUT THE BUMPER?
MLA3 is 145 lbs, The MB3 aircraft-aluminum bumper can
support 24 cells and weighs an additional 55 lbs.
What
is the InterCell Summation Aperture?
The InterCell Summation Aperture is the primary wave
shaping device and is the technology responsible for
integrating mid and high frequency energy into a single,
vertically continuous wavefront. Because the ICS Aperture
was designed to eliminate physical disruptions form
one to cell to the next, it does not suffer from the
same diffraction-induced distortions in the mid and
high bands that are common with interrupted or gapped
line array designs. A complete review of this technology
is available in the features/acoustic section of this
site.
What
kind of speakers are in the MLA3?
McCauley Sound has long been a manufacturer of both
professional loudspeaker components and complete systems,
so we enjoy somewhat of an unfair advantage over the
competition. Every component in the MLA3 was specifically
engineered to meet the design and performance goals
as determined by the MONARC engineering team. An in-depth
review of the various technologies is available in the
features tour section of this site.
How
many MLA3 cells do I need?
While the number of cells needed will always depend
on the size of venue and coverage required, McCauley
Sound recommends a minimum of (4) cells per side. Using
less than (4) cells in a column will defeat the beneficial
summation effects that MONARC technology provides.
What
is Carbon-Nomex Honeycomb Technology?
HX32 Carbon-Nomex Honeycomb Cone technology was developed
to bridge the gap between the two different approaches
to midrange reproduction. On the one hand, many manufacturers
were using multiple, small-sized drivers, chosen mainly
for their “hi-fi”-ish tonality. We discovered
these drivers were both too fragile and produced too
much harmonic distortion when loaded into an enclosure.
On the other hand, traditional larger midrange drivers,
while much tougher, did not have the fidelity or responsiveness
needed to achieve our design goals. HX32 Carbon-Nomex
Honeycomb Cone technology was developed as a solution
which is the best of both worlds, offering both extraordinary
strength and industry-best mid band response.
What
kind of processor does the MLA3 NEED?
A basic processing set-up for the MONARC array would
require a processing solution with (2) channels in and
(8) out, since a MONARC array is essentially a four-way
system with the addition of subwoofers. McCauley Sound
offers a complete processing solution, based on our
latest DSP, the MCS2.6, which has MONARC MLA3 settings
built-in. Of course, factory approved settings
for the MONARC MLA3 are available for all of the top-tier
professional processors out there today. Contact a MONARC
team member for more information about any processing
questions you may have.
Can
you hang more than one column per side for sidefills?
Yes. MONARC line arrays produce a highly defined horizontal
pattern, making planning coverage zones very easy. Since
there are no “soft shoulders” at the edge
of the arrays horizontal coverage, there is very little
acoustic interference from neighboring columns.
What
kind of amplifiers should I use?
McCauley Sound recommends that only top-tier professional
touring amplifiers be used to power a MONARC array.
All of our in-house testing and field systems use LABGRUPPEN
amplifiers. Whatever the case, and whatever your brand
preference is, always be sure to have plenty of headroom
for the size array you plan to deploy.
WhAT
DOES "MONARC" MEAN?
MONARC is an abbreviation which represents the system’s
defining attribute: it’s ability to create one
(MON) single, vertically continuous (ARC) of full-bandwidth
energy.
What
acts are using the MONARC system now?
The MONARC MLA5 was introduced officially at the AES
show in NYC in 2001, and has been the backbone for thousands
of events since. For the latest tally, check the news
section of this site. The MONARC MLA3 was previewed
at AES 2003... stayed tuned for news!
Do
I need subwoofers? What kind of subwoofer does the
MLA3 need?
The MLA3 is a full range system and does feature an extraordinary
well defined and punchy LF section. Depending of the specific
requirements of the event, subwoofers can be considered
optional. For purely ground staked applications, the McCauley
CSM88 is an excellent choice. Of course, there are numerous
existing subwoofer technologies already in many production
company inventories.. just make sure they can keep up.
What
is THE HORIZONTAL COVERAGE OF THE MLA3?
A MONARC array will produce a full-bandwidth sound field
which exhibits no audible drop-offs in any band anywhere
within and out to a forward 90 degree arc. With very little
“soft-shoulder”, the MLA3’s sound field
is highly predictable and extremely consistent out to
90 degrees.
What
is the vertical dispersion of the MLA3?
Vertical dispersion is completely array-dependant. However,
an MLA3 array is unique in that it is capable of achieving
an unusually high degree of array curvature without
sacrificing the seamless vertical summation effect that
MONARC technology provides.
How is the MLA3 wired?
The MLA3 uses a NL8 connector, with LF1 on pins 1, LF2
on pins 2, MF1 & MF2 on pins 3, and HF on pins 4
How much does a MONARC
MLA3 array cost?
Specific pricing is not published online, but suffice
it to say, MONARC line array technology is positioned
to be VERY AFFORDABLE, especially when compared against
other mid-sized line array designs. Contact
your MONARC team member for details of pricing and
financing.
Are
turn-key MONARC systems available?
Yes. Complete turn-key packages, including amplification,
processing, cabling, amp racks and MONARC MLA3 cells are
available through McCauley Sound’s MONARC account
specialists. Contact
your MONARC team member for complete details on pricing
and financing.
Is
there a financing program available?
Several attractive financing options are available for
qualified buyers. Contact
a MONARC team member today to begin the application
process.
