WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MLA5 and the mla6?
The MONARC MLA5 was first introduced in 2001 and was McCauley Sound's first entry into large-format line array. The MONARC MLA6 is the successor to the MLA5, and is built on many of the same principles. Both share the same effortless rigging system, both rely on Intercell Summation Aperture technology to assure cohesive wavefront summation, among many other things. The MLA6 is different from the MLA5 in that
  • MLA6 features an improved castor board system which is easier to attach and more reliable
  • MLA6 packs in an all-NEODYMIUM 6-transducer complement, lightening the system from 250lbs per module to 199lbs per module
  • MLA6 features a redesigned steel grill which better protects the forward complement. This grill also features a quick-release camlock attachment points to make accessing the complement very quick and simple.
are MONARC mla5 and the mla6 cELLS compatible?
Yes. Both share the same rigging system and can be interconnected within the same array without concern. While the MLA6's complement was redesigned to be lighter and offer more HF output, it is also voiced to be measurably similar to the MLA5. With minimal processing, MLA5 cells and MLA6 cells can be deployed in the same array, allowing owners of MLA5 systems to cross-rent inventories with MLA6 owners.


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 AM 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 MLA6 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. For a overview and comparison of features, refer to this chart.


Does the MONARC MLA6 groundstack?
Yes. The MLA6 is designed to groundstack easily. In fact, unlike most line arrays, the MLA6’s POWERLINK rigging system will accommodate groundstacking without the need for any special equipment or additional hardware.


What degree of splay can you achieve with the MONARC MLA6?
Each cell can achieve up to 10 degrees of splay relative to the cell it is attached to. Therefore, with 9 cells, you could theoretically have the bottom cell pointing straight at the floor... with no strap or tethers. Obviously that example is extreme and impractical in a real-life application, but it does illustrate the flexibility of the array. This flexibility eliminates the need for special downfill cells (ala KF760/761).


What kind of hardware do I need to fly a MONARC rig?
All of the rigging hardware is self-contained within the MLA6’s rigging system, with the obvious exception of the MS6 bumper, chain motors and chain.


How do I adjust array curvature?
Adjusting array curvature is very simple with the MLA6’s POWERLINK rigging system. Just lower the array until the rear-sides of the cells collapse, and reset the POWERLINK’s 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 MLA6 cells can be safely flown in a single column?
Up to 20 MLA6 cells (16 MLA5 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 MLA6 array?
The MLA6’s POWERLINK 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 MLA6 array need to be facing the right direction before it is hoisted?
No. MONARC MLA6 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 MLA6 cells need be assembled Directly below the rigging point?
No. MONARC MLA6 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 MLA6 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 MLA6’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 MLA6 rigging be pre-configured prior to arrival at the venue?
MS6 bumpers can be configured as roll-in carts, which can allow MLA6 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 MLA6 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 MLA6 weatherproof?
Every MLA6 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 MLA6 truck pack?
The MONARC MLA6 was designed to pack easily in both European and American style trucks. Because the MLA6’s cell geometry is trapezoidal along the x-axis, cells will self-align in the truck when stood on end.


How much does the MLA6 weigh? WHAT ABOUT THE SUB? THE BUMPER?
MLA6 is 199 lbs, The MB6 aircraft-aluminum bumper can support 20 cells and weighs an additional 65 lbs. The MS6 flying sub woofer weighs 215lbs.


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 MLA6?
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 MLA6 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 MLA6 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. On the other hand, operator ABE V. SYSTEMS uses 40 cells to cover Madison Square Garden on a regular basis.


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 MLA6 use?
A basic processing set-up for the MONARC array would require a processing solution with (2) channels in and (6) out, since a MONARC array is essentially a four-way system with the addition of sub woofers. McCauley Sound offers a complete processing solution, based on our latest DSP, the MCS2.6, which has MONARC MLA6 settings built-in. Of course, factory approved settings for the MONARC MLA6 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.


Why 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 MLA6 and MS6 were previewed at AES 2003.


Do I need sub woofers.? What kind of sub woofer does the MLA6 need?
The MLA6 is a full range system and does feature an extraordinary well defined and punchy LF section. Depending of the specific requirements of the event, sub woofers. can be considered optional. For applications where flown sub woofers. are desirable, the MONARC MS6 is designed to fly with the array and is available now. For purely ground stacked applications, the McCauley CSM88 is an excellent choice. Of course, there are numerous existing sub woofer technologies already in many production company inventories which should suffice.. just make sure they can keep up.


Why does the MLA6 use 10” midrange drivers?
Our HX32 midrange drivers are substantially more durable, have better midrange tonality, exhibit near zero distortion levels, and are capable of delivering higher sound pressure levels, than every other commercially available solution. These special 10" drivers are also critical to the design and function of the Intercell Summation Aperture.


What is THE HORIZONTAL COVERAGE OF THE MLA6?
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 MLA6’s sound field is highly predictable and extremely consistent out to 90 degrees.


What is the vertical dispersion of the MLA6?
Vertical dispersion is completely array-dependant. However, an MLA6 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 MLA6 wired?
The MLA6 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 MLA5 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 top-tier 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 MLA6 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.