Installation manual

Community S-Series - Operation and Installation Manual - Page 19
In PASSIVE mode one amplifier is used to power the entire loudspeaker. In BI-AMP mode
one amplifier is used to power the low frequency section and another is used to power the
high frequency section. The separation of high and low frequencies is done internally in the
loudspeaker, so no electronic crossover is required. Simply run full-range signals into the
amplifiers and connect the outputs to the appropriate HF and LF terminals on one of the
Neutrik input jacks. Use the amplifier input level controls to balance the HF to LF acoustic
outputs.
Alternatively, an electronic crossover can be used before the amplifiers in the signal chain
to optimize the bandwidth of audio supplied to the amplifiers. This would prevent, for
example, the high-frequency amplifier from being burdened with full-range (including low
frequency) content. Use of an electronic crossover can be helpful but is not necessary.
CAUTION: A system set up for either the passive or bi-amp mode of operation should
never be switched to the opposite mode without first appropriately re-wiring the system!
Damage to the high-frequency driver could readily occur. At best, the system will not
sound or perform properly. Make sure to always disconnect the amplifier and re-
configure the wiring before changing from one mode of operation to the other.
C-TIP: Bi-amping will almost always result in cleaner, more faithful reproduction of the
program content, particularly noticeable at high levels or when reproducing complex, full-
range material. If the budget permits, we recommend bi-amping as the best solution.
HIGH-PASS FILTERS
When operating in either the passive or the bi-amplified mode, we strongly recommend the
use of an external, active high-pass filter to protect the cone drivers from excessive low-
frequency excursion. High-pass filters will eliminate the potential of low-frequency
modulation from wind noise, turntable rumble, stage vibration, and other causes that result
in a poorly defined and ‘muddy’ bass response. Additionally, a high-pass filter will avoid
wasting amplifier power by stopping the amplifier from attempting to reproduce frequencies
below the loudspeaker’s intended operating range.
The table below shows the recommended filter settings:
Model High-Pass Filter
S-1296 Full-Range: 60 Hz, 24db/octave
S-1596 Full-Range: 50 Hz, 24db/octave
S-3294 Full-Range: 60 Hz, 24db/octave
S-3594 Full-Range: 55 Hz, 24dB/octave
S-215S Subwoofer: 30 Hz, 24db/octave
S-218S Subwoofer: 30 Hz, 24db/octave
CHOOSING ACTIVE CROSSOVERS
A wide variety of active crossovers and loudspeaker control systems are available from
numerous manufacturers. Most of today’s products use DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to
divide the frequency bands and provide equalization, protective limiting, and signal delay.
The use of a good quality DSP processor or ‘loudspeaker management tool’ as many such
devices are often referred to, is strongly encouraged. When properly utilized, a DSP
processor provides numerous benefits that contribute to better quality sound and longer
system life. Please contact Community or your Community dealer for up-to-date
recommendations regarding specific types and models of available DSP products.