I guess there are an
array of things that qualify as arrays, but the vogue at present seems to have it refer to a
line array in most cases.
Can not any
cluster of loudspeakers be called an
array, and not necessarily be a
line array?
Yes, definitely and has been that way as long as I can remember. A personal perspective but when I see the term "
cluster" I think more of horns with compression drivers and separate
bass bins than of multiple 'arrayed' boxes. Then you have things like Bessel arrays, curvilinear arrays,
subwoofer arrays and so on.
As to the original question, several
amplifier manufacturers make products specifically intended for different markets, in some cases even different versions of the same product for different markets. One pretty common situation is to have amp models intended specifically for applications such as installed systems or cinemas. This may be reflected in the
amplifier's ratings, such as being rated for driving 70V systems or being THX rated, or in aspects such as the input and output connections used. In some cases, the output connections used in 'install' amplifiers relate to code and certification compliance requirements for installed systems in the countries where the product is sold. You may also have functions or capabilities specifically related to the different applications. For example, an 'install' amp may have the
level controls on the rear panel or have it where the knobs can be removed or covered to prevent tampering. It might also have inrush limiting or random
power on delay to help support remote
power control.
In some cases particular models may only be available to Contractors and not available to MI or retail dealers or vice versa, manufacturers restricting availability of certain products to those meeting certain related qualifications is not unusual. This may also affect warranty, perhaps not the length of the warranty period but rather how warranty issues are handled. When I was working for a Contractor in the rare occasion when an 'install' or 'contractor' amp would fail it was quite common for a new amp to be sent overnight from the manufacturer and then we'd ship the failed amp back in that packaging. No questions, just get it replaced and then the dealer and manufacturer can deal with it later. A retail product may apply a different approach, such as needing to
return the 'bad' product before a replacement can be shipped.
In the case of the QSC amps noted, the CX and PLX2 amps are quite similar and are effectively install and touring versions, respectively. The CX does have some of the features noted above such as removable
terminal strip input connectors and covered,
barrier strip output connectors as well as an integrated security
cover for the
level controls. The CX models do have a data port that the PLX2 models do not, that port can be used for some of the lower cost 'plug-in'
DSP modules that QSC also offers or they can also be used for remote
power control and monitoring. I have used the ports on the CX for these purposes but they may or may not be applicable to a specific application.
I will admit that some
amplifier,
speaker and other product manufacturers offering separate install products is sometimes used to assist in limiting who is likely to bid on the work. Specifying or quoting QSC CX amplifiers will likely tend to discourage companies from bidding on the project unless they are a qualified dealer for those specific 'install' products and that can represent some value. You also have to be careful when comparing prices, if bidders have priced the competing models and that is what is being compared that is one thing but comparing the prices online or mass retailers show for touring/MI and install products may not give an accurate representation of the prices you would pay for those same products as part of a
system bid. Retailers may have to show full list price for any Contractor products they offer when a Contractor may pay much less for those products. Conversely, a Contractor may not be able to
purchase or offer some 'retail' products at as low a price as the retailers. So comparing the online prices for comparable CX, PLX2 and RMX amps most likely does not accurately reflect the actual costs that would be applied as part of an installed
system bid.