What is the difference between a line array and a point source speaker?

A line array is a system of multiple speaker cabinets rigged vertically in a curved column. Each cabinet covers a specific vertical slice of the audience, and the combined array delivers consistent volume and clarity from the front row to the back of a large venue. Line arrays are the standard for concerts, festivals, large general sessions, and any event where the audience extends deep into a room.

A point source speaker is a single cabinet (or a pair) that radiates sound from one location. Point source systems work well for smaller rooms, side fills, under-balcony delays, and distributed audio throughout a venue. They're simpler to deploy but don't project as evenly over long distances as a properly configured line array.