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HL-20A vs HL-30A Comparison & Buying Guide | Dual 10" Line Array

Update time : 2026-09-24 17:38:03

HL-20A vs. HL-30A: Which Dual 10-Inch Line Array Should You Buy?

Both the HL-20A and HL-30A are dual 10-inch active line array modules with the same 100° × 15° coverage and the same 705 mm cabinet width, which is why they get compared so often. They are not the same box at two prices — the HL-30A is a generation newer, with more power, networked control, linear-phase processing, less weight and a higher rigging ceiling.

In one line: if your hangs stay within 16 boxes and you don't need remote control, the HL-20A is the lowest cost per box in the family. If you need more than 16 boxes per hang, networked per-box control, long-throw headroom, or one 90–240 V box for global stock, choose the HL-30A.

Specifications at a glance

Spec	HL-20A	HL-30A	Why it matters
Total power	700 W RMS / 1400 W peak	1100 W RMS / 2200 W peak	+57% sustained headroom
HF / LF power	400 W / 1000 W peak	600 W / 1600 W peak	More headroom in both bands
Max SPL @ 1 m	135 dB	137 dB	+2 dB
Frequency response	55 Hz – 20 kHz	50 Hz – 20 kHz	Lower extension before subs
HF driver	2.0″ exit, 3.0″ voice coil	1.4″ exit, 4.0″ voice coil, titanium, neodymium	Larger diaphragm, lighter magnet
LF drivers	2 × 10″, 2.5″ voice coil	2 × 10″, 2.5″ voice coil, neodymium	Lower moving mass
Crossover	800 Hz	680 Hz	More of the vocal band handled by the HF driver
Coverage	100° × 15°	100° × 15° (4-PATH waveguide)	Same pattern, newer waveguide design
DSP / phase	Hardware preset switches; linear-phase FIR not specified	48 kHz / 32-bit DSP with linear-phase FIR filtering	No phase shift through the crossover region
Network control	None (XLR only)	Onboard, Ethercon	Remote monitoring and adjustment
Cooling	Convection, no fan	Forced	Silent operation vs. higher thermal headroom
Dimensions (H × W × D)	294 × 705 × 445 mm	293 × 705 × 502 mm	57 mm deeper per box
Net / shipping weight	30.2 kg / 33.2 kg	25.0 kg / 28.2 kg	5 kg less per box
Max boxes per flybar	16	20	4 more boxes per hang
Splay angles	Set per cabinet on rear bracket holes; first box fixed at 0°	Pre-set on the ground, auto-positions on hoist, from 0.2°	Faster, finer array shaping
Ground stack	Max 4 cabinets (±7.5° tilt available)	Dedicated stacking kit	—
Operating voltage	Two variants (220V / 110V)	90–240V universal	One SKU for global stock vs. two
Connectors	PowerCON IN/OUT	PowerCON IN/OUT + network Ethercon	—
Flyable sub partner	18-inch sub module	18-inch neodymium sub (3200 W, 136 dB)	Different sub ecosystems

The three differences that change your day

1. Power and headroom

2200 W ÷ 1400 W = 1.57, and 10·log₁₀(1.57) ≈ +1.96 dB — which is exactly the published 135 dB → 137 dB gap. The "+2 dB" is really a 60% larger power reserve, so the HL-30A works further below its limiter at the same loudness and keeps its composure longer at the end of a show.

The HL-30A also crosses over lower, at 680 Hz instead of 800 Hz, so a wider slice of the vocal band is reproduced by the compression driver — which has 50% more amplifier power behind it (600 W vs 400 W peak).

2. Control

The HL-20A is adjusted with four rear-panel switch groups: cluster size (2-3 / 4-6 / 7-9 / 10-16 boxes), HF near/far, high-curving, and indoor low-frequency correction. There is no network port — any fine adjustment means going up to the array or working from the console.

The HL-30A adds onboard networked control: groups, zone trims, delay and EQ from the software, with device status visible across the whole system, plus 3D coverage prediction to verify the design against the room before you fly it. On a multi-box hang, this is the difference you feel on every show.

3. Rigging and weight

The HL-30A lifts 20 boxes per flybar against 16 for the HL-20A, at 25 kg against 30.2 kg per box. At the same 16-box hang that is 83 kg less overhead — and because its splay angles are set on the deck and slip into position as the array is hoisted (from 0.2°), nobody has to climb the hang to re-set an angle.

One box, 90–240V: the same module in any market

The HL-20A is supplied in two mains voltage versions — 220–240V and 110V — and its manual reserves voltage setting to authorised service centres, with different mains fuses for each voltage. That is not a switch you flip on site: if the wrong version turns up, it becomes a service job at the worst possible moment.

The HL-30A is specified as 90–240 V on both regional part numbers. One version covers every market.

What that is worth in real terms:

One SKU instead of two. No need to forecast 110V and 220V demand separately, or to hold stock in both versions.

Cross-border rental and touring. Gear can move between 110V and 220V territories without a version problem.

Lower risk on the used market. Buying second-hand or exporting stock, there is no wrong-voltage trap to check.

Simpler fleet logic. One box, one part number, one set of spares to stock.

Which one should you buy?

Your situation	Choose	Why
Corporate events, theatres, banquet halls, worship, regional rental	HL-20A	Designed for jobs that don't need the long-throw characteristics of larger arrays, where fast and easy setup is a must
Your hangs stay within 16 boxes	HL-20A	The 16-box rigging ceiling is not a limit for you
You don't need remote monitoring	HL-20A	Lowest cost per box, fanless and plug-and-play
Festivals, touring, large theatres, hangs over 16 boxes	HL-30A	20-box flybar ceiling and a 60% larger power reserve
You need per-box remote control and 3D prediction	HL-30A	Networked control and simulation software
Crew-heavy load-ins, or weight-limited rigging points	HL-30A	5.2 kg lighter per box, 83 kg less at a 16-box hang
Cross-border rental fleet or resale value	HL-30A	One 90–240V SKU instead of two voltage variants

FAQ

Can I mix HL-20A and HL-30A in the same array?
Don't. The accessory list provides a link bar for the HL-20A and its 18-inch sub, but no link bar joining the HL-20A and HL-30A — they are not intended to share a hang. Acoustically, with different crossover points (800 vs 680 Hz), different HF driver geometry, and linear-phase FIR processing on one model but not the other, the overlap zone will not sum cleanly. Using HL-30A as the main hang with HL-20A as front fill or delays is fine — align and delay the fills from an external processor.

Can I daisy-chain 16 boxes on one circuit?
There is no published fixed number. The manual requires that total current stays within the admitted PowerCON rating and directs users to the service centre to confirm. Figures such as "16 boxes at 110 V on a 30 A fuse" circulate online but are not official. Have a licensed electrician size the distro per project.

Do I need an external DSP with the HL-20A?
No. The onboard presets cover cluster size, HF near/far, high-curving and indoor correction. What you don't get is networked, per-box control — that is what the HL-30A adds.

Do I need to order different versions for 110 V and 230 V?
With the HL-30A, no — it is specified as 90–240 V, so one version covers both. With the HL-20A, yes: it comes in 220V and 110V versions, the two are not interchangeable on site, and changing the voltage is reserved to authorised service centres. Check the label before buying used or export stock.

Is the HL-20A being phased out?
No. It is a current product and still the lowest cost per box in the family.

Why do some sources list 1200 W instead of 1400 W for the HL-20A?
The 1200 W figure comes from the original launch documentation; today's specification sheet reads 1400 W peak / 700 W RMS. When comparing used stock against older literature, always work from the current specification sheet.

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