When selecting your column speakers, carefully consider the classic factors of procurement planning. Line arrays must be positioned with great care: the size of the area for which the sound is to be projected, the desired acoustic power, the environmental conditions and the technical requirements of the venue must also be taken into account.
Plastic cabinet vs. aluminium cabinet vs. wooden cabinet for line array speakers
The materials have different advantages and disadvantages:
Plastic as a material for speaker cabinets
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
- Less robust: plastic cabinets are usually not as strong as aluminium cabinets and are more susceptible to shock and vibration.
- Different sound: plastic cabinets can affect the sound quality as they are usually more resonant than aluminium cabinets.
Aluminium as a material for speaker cabinets
Advantages:
- Highly robust: aluminium cabinets are usually extremely robust and withstand high loads and vibrations.
- Good sound quality: aluminium cabinets usually have a very low level of resonance, which is very positive for the sound quality.
- Attractive appearance: aluminium cabinets often have an attractive, high-quality, modern appearance and are well suited for use in public spaces.
Disadvantages:
- Heavier weight: aluminium cabinets are usually heavier than plastic cabinets and can be more difficult to transport and install.
- Higher price: aluminium cabinets tend to be more expensive than plastic cabinets and may be less attractive to budget-conscious customers.
- Slightly more vulnerable to the elements: aluminium cabinets can be more susceptible to corrosion and discoloration due to the effects of the weather. It may be necessary to regularly maintain or protect them to safeguard their function and appearance.
Wood as a material for speaker cabinets
Advantages:
- Wood is an acoustically inert material. This means that it does not alter or affect the sound of the speakers.
- In contrast to plastics or metals, wood is able to dampen higher frequencies. This results in column speakers with natural sound reproduction.
- Wood is able to absorb vibrations. This helps to minimise unwanted resonance and distortion.
- Wood can offer an attractive and warm aesthetic that fits in well with many interior styles.
Disadvantages:
- Wood can crack or warp over time, especially when installed in humid surroundings. However, this can be counteracted by the right mix of materials and appropriate protective layers.
- Wooden cabinets are generally heavier and bulkier than cabinets made from other materials. This can make transport and placement more difficult.
- Wood is a relatively expensive material compared to plastics or metals.
- If the wood is not carefully selected and processed, it can introduce unwanted resonances and distortions that can affect the sound. However, we assure you: our wooden cabinets are designed to minimise this effect.