Hi Uncle John,
I've been debating with myself whether or not I'm smart enough to reply, and I'm not, but I will anyway.
I'm not familiar with the modeler software, though I understand it is very useful for permanent installs and big systems in large spaces. As for its practicality for coverage comparison of two similar but different speakers, I don't know.
I think first one has to understand the difference between the L1s and the MSA12X beyond the steerable feature.
The L1s is designed to be used with a bass module. While the MSA12X when used for spoken word or light duty music does not require a bass module.
Your modeler comparison of the MA12 to the MSA12X I doubt gives a true representation of what a L1s might do in the same space, in normal use.
I have been been using the portable line arrays since shortly after their introduction. Inside, outside, big and small spaces, bar rooms, Churches, living rooms, banquet halls. There have been times that I tilted the L1, both up and down without negative impact.
All of the L1 series have some variance in sound from side to side, it's the nature of the beast, but all of them are far and away better than a conventional point source speaker. If you move around in the sound field, a critical ear will hear subtle change from center to side, but if you are seated within the sound field the difference between center and left or right is not critical to the listening experience.
The MA12 was available with a mounting bracket that permitted it to be hung on a typical tripod based speaker stand. The MSA12X being more complex, I don't know if that feature is available.
For my time and money I would try a Model II or Model 1s before committing to the additional complexity of the MSA12X.
Wish you luck with your endeavor. Let us know your final choice and how it works out for you.
O..
