Re: Mini Line Array
Just read thread for the first time now - a few points I'd like to share if I may.. (normally only actually post on psw).
Our SPL expectations in South Africa are not particularly dissimilar from anywhere else as far as I have experienced.
Having read the OP's various posts he seems to fit the profile of a lot of operators in the country at the moment: "Sound Companies" (most of them deserve the inverted commas, some not as much), that have developed from DJ businesses where the operators use a large number of inexpensive generic-chinese point source boxes at relatively informal events (Pax number various from 0-2000 or thereabouts). Quality is non-exsistant, volume is fairly brutal, safety is ignored and the audience does not care. The cash tends rolls in quickly and they now want to "go up a level". Armed with a healthy purchasing account and an eye on the large, well organized and extremely popular EDM parties (usually trance, often held in the countryside, lots of arty deco and illegal substances), these "sound companies" look towards what the big companies use - line arrays. Like many markets worldwide, ours is VERY brand sensitive and a single VRX active box over the VRX active sub (per side) often wins a bid over a decent standard SOS point source system. These companies unfortunately give the industry a bad image, are dangerous and take business from real pro's.
Not saying the OP is one of these companies at all. Just giving some background on a growing trend in SA that bears similarity to the OP's position.
To the OP, enquire with AudioWarehouse/Sound&Light City about the FBT gear they are currently pushing. That is a popular solution to your current position - or look at the DB Tech systems.
For those who do not know: "Hybrid" in South Africa is a very popular OEM brand of awful (and cheap) loudspeakers hated by those in the know.