E-PAC (V02) E-Series Systems, C6, MAX User Manual
References in the manual WARNING! This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which may lead to personal injury. CAUTION! This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which may lead to damage to the equipment. IMPORTANT! This refers to a situation which may cause the equipment to malfunction. Symbols on the equipment Please refer to the information in the operating manual. WARNING! Dangerous voltage! General Information E-PAC (V02) User Manual Version 4.0E, 09/1999, D2010.E.
Safety precautions Before you use our products, read the manual carefully and observe all the safety precautions. They will protect you and help to avoid equipment failures. Keep this manual in a safe place so that it is available for future reference. If you supply d&b products, please draw the attention of your customers to these safety guidelines. Enclose the relevant manuals with the systems. If you require additional manuals for this purpose, you can order them from d&b (order form on the last page).
Always disconnect the mains power supply when replacing a defective fuse. Only use the type of fuse listed in the specifications. WARNING! Only carry out work specified in this manual and always disconnect the mains power supply.
CAUTION! Only use loudspeakers in the C and E-Series with the P1200A mainframe fitted with the correct controller modules or with a correctly configured E-PAC. The contoller monitors cone excursion and voice coil temperature of the drivers. When loudspeakers are operated without the correct controller, in addition to losses in tone, there is a risk of damage to the components. Any defects arising from operation other than those specified in this manual will be excluded from any warranty claims.
E-PAC O +6 6 ERR ISP 12 ON POWER OFF SPEAKER OUT E3 MIX IN INPUT E9 LINEAR C6 E12-SUB E18-SUB / / SPKR CONFIG. 220V-240V~ 50-60Hz T3.
Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................... 1-1 1.1. System concept .......................................................................1-1 1.2. E-PAC based systems .............................................................1-2 1.3. Block diagram.........................................................................1-2 2. E-PAC power amplifier controller ....................... 2-1 2.1. Digital controller..........................................................
1. Introduction This user manual describes the facilities and functions of d&b systems which are operated with the E-PAC power amplifier controller. It covers the operation of the E-PAC and the loudspeakers used in these systems. d&b publishes additional application and technical information notes (TI). Examples for different applications and combinations of d&b C-Series and E-Series systems are given in TI 326.
1.2. E-PAC based systems E-PAC, the E-Series Power Amplifier Controller, is a single channel amplifier with an internal controller for operating E-Series systems. Unlike the modular design of the controller modules for P1200A and A1 mainframes, the internal controller is based on Digital Signal Processing, DSP. The E-PAC is pre-programmed for E-Series and C6 loudspeakers and their different operational modes, the configurations are selected by setting DIP-switches on the rear panel.
2. E-PAC power amplifier controller The E-PAC incorporates a power supply, single channel power amplifier, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), all necessary protection circuits, a remote interface, controls and indicators. The E-PAC is housed in a 2 RU high, rugged enclosure and can be operated as a stand alone unit. Optional accessories allow installation of a single E-PAC in a standard 19“ equipment rack, or a pair mounted side by side. 2.1.
2.2. Power amplifier The single channel power amplifier of the E-PAC maintains high linearity throughout it’s operational range even into adverse loads. With fast response to, and recovery from overload conditions, stability and accurate performance is guaranteed. A two stage power supply keeps the losses through heat emission low. The E-PAC can deliver 200 W continuous sine wave output power into a 16 ohm load or 300 W into an 8 ohm load.
2.5. Remote control & monitoring The E-PAC is fitted with a remote interface for various levels of remote control and system supervision. The remote interface connection is opto-coupled and floating. Basic-Remote The Basic Remote is the simplest way to implement a remote control system. E-PAC can be remotely powered on by simply applying an 18 28 VDC control voltage to the terminals of its remote interface connector.
A detailed description of remote control with the d&b RIB is given in the RIB user manual (d&b code D2903.E). The E-PAC object addresses for programming are to be found in section 2.14. 2.6. Controls and indicators Mute/Standby switch (green LED) When the rear panel mains power switch is set to the on position, the combined Mute/Standby switch can be used to place the E-PAC either in mute or standby mode.
2 The has The Level control detented level control adjusts the E-PAC input sensitivity and a 18 dB range, -12 dB to +6 dB, calibrated in 0.5 dB steps. level control is normally set to 0 dB. 3 ISP LED- Input Signal Present (green) − Illuminates when the E-PAC input signal exceeds -36 dBu. The ISP indication is unaffected by the setting of the level control and the MUTE function but will not operate in STANDBY mode.
2.7. Mains power switch The on/off switch is located on the rear panel and isolates the mains power supply to the E-PAC. The switch on the front panel has the functions ON/MUTE/STANDBY and does not isolate the E-PAC from the mains power supply. 2.8. Mains power connection and fuse protection A 3-pin IEC socket with an integrated fuse holder is provided for connecting the E-PAC to the mains power supply. A suitable power cable is supplied.
Switches 3 to 5 - SPKR (SPEAKER) Switches 3 to 5 configure the controller for specific loudspeaker types. The switch positions are listed on the configuration sticker at the rear of the device. Refer to the chapters on the individual loudspeaker systems for more details on the various modes. Switch 6 - LO IMP If LO IMP is selected, the speaker output of the E-PAC is set for driving low-impedance loads.
2.10. Connections INPUT and INPUT LINK The E-PAC signal input connector is a 3 pin female XLR. Below and wired in parallel is a 3 pin male XLR input link connector used to feed the input signal on to the next device in the system signal chain. Pin 2 (pos. signal) Pin 1 (GND) Pin 3 (neg. signal) MIX IN A 3 pin female XLR connector provides a MIX IN input. A second signal fed to this input is summed to the main INPUT.
2.11. Installation A single E-PAC, or a pair side by side, may be installed in a standard 19" equipment rack or flightcase. E-PACs require two rack units and, including connectors, a minimum rack depth of 40 cm (15.7 "), mounting ridge to rack rear panel. The single rack mount kit (Z2501) allows one E-PAC to be mounted either to the left or the right hand side.
The E-PAC enclosure can get hot during operation, therefore allow an air gap of at least 2 cm (3/4") between an E-PAC and the rack top/bottom panels, or other equipment above or below. This is not necessary between adjacent E-PACs. IMPORTANT! When installing E-PACs always allow sufficient free air flow around the enclosure and never block or cover the rear panel air intake vent or the front panel air outlet vent.
2.13. Power consumption and power loss Signal waveform The power required from the mains supply and the waste heat produced by the amplifiers power loss are variable figures depending on the load impedance and the signal levels and characteristics (e.g. speech, music). Crest factor Square wave 1 Sine wave 1.4 Pink noise, compressed music 3.
2.14. REMOTE addressing The basic structure of the E-PAC object addresses in the d&b RIB is identical to the A1 (LO channel) or P1200A (channel A) addresses. Compared with Version 1, the E-PAC Version 2 has an extended functionality (programmable delay and additional system configurations). All Version 1 functions and object addresses are retained unchanged on Version 2. Thus an E-PAC Version 2 can be operated with a RIB/ROPE control, which was set up for E-PAC Version 1.
2.15. Technical specifications Nominal output power................................................ 1 x 200 watts - 16 ohms (THD < 0.1%, sine wave).......................................................... 1 x 300 watts - 8 ohms LO IMP setting ........................................................................... 1 x 150 watts - 4 ohms Frequency response (–1 dB) ....................................................... 20 Hz ... 20 kHz Distortion (THD+N) ..................................................
3. Loudspeaker systems On the following pages you will find data sheets for the d&b systems which can be operated with the E-PAC. The data sheets contain information about the loudspeakers and operation with their respective E-PAC and P1200 controller settings. E3 E9 C6 / C690 MAX E12-SUB E18-SUB (4.
3-2 E-PAC (V02) User Manual
E3 The E3 cabinet is a full range, two way bass-reflex enclosure. Fitted with a single 6.5" LF driver passively connected to a 1" HF compression driver coupled to a constant directivity horn with a 90° x 60° dispersion. Illustrated in the drawing on the left is an E3 with the standard 90° horizontal horn configuration. The horn can be rotated through 90° for a reversed 60° x 90° (h x v) dispersion. 90 The E3 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood with an impact resistant paint finish.
Connections 1+ 1– 2+ 2– The E3 cabinet is fitted with a pair of Speakon-NL4 connectors. All four pins of both connectors are wired in parallel. The E3 uses the pin assignments 1+/1–. Pins 2+/2– are designated to active d&b subwoofers. Using one connector as the input, the second connector allows for direct connection to additional loudspeakers. The connector plate is fitted to the E3 rear panel. Next to it, on the left hand side panel, is a metal blank plate with the cabinet details and serial number.
REMOTE LO IMP 1234 DELAY ON REMOTE LO IMP ON ON 1 2 3 4 5 6 Operation with E-PAC To drive E3 cabinets the E-PAC has to be configured to E3 mode by setting the appropriate DIP switches on the rear panel. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 SPKR HFA CUT E-PAC version 1 E-PAC version 2 E-PAC Configuration for E3 The E-PAC can drive up to two E3 cabinets at full output power. The rear panel LO IMP switch configures the E-PAC to drive a maximum of four E3 loudspeakers with a 6 dB reduction of input level to the speakers.
Technical specifications E3 system data Frequency response (–5 dB) .................................................................80 Hz ... 18 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field)................................................................. 122 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) ................................................................................................+9 dBu Input level (100 dB-SPL / 1 m)......................................
E9 The E9 cabinet is a full range, two way bass-reflex enclosure fitted with a single 12" LF driver passively connected to a 2" HF compression driver coupled to a vertically asymmetrical 90° x 50° CD horn. The asymmetry of the HF horn means that the E9 has a vertical coverage pattern with a downward tilt. The actual vertical dispersion is 20° above and 30° below the cabinet axis. The E9 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish.
Operation with P1200A Up to two E9 loudspeakers can be driven by each P1200A power amplifier channel. Fitting one E9-CO and one subwoofer controller module allows a single mainframe to drive two E9 and two active subwoofer cabinets (E18-SUB or C7-SUB). All cabinets can be linked together locally and fed by a single four-wire cable from either mainframe output connector. The E9 can also be used with the E15-BX bass extension cabinet.
DIP switches 1 and 2 respectively allow CUT and HFA settings to be selected. The characteristics of the CUT setting are explained on the previious page under the section "E9 controller module switches". The functions BX and SUB are not available with the E-PAC controller. HFA setting In HFA mode (High Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the E9 system is rolled off.
Technical specifications E9 system data Frequency response (–5 dB) .................................................................50 Hz ... 17 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A ........................................ 128 dB Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with E-PAC........................................... 126 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) ....................................................................................
C6 The C6 cabinet is a full range, two way bass-reflex enclosure fitted with a 12" LF driver passively connected to a 2" HF compression driver which is coupled to a 60° x 40° CD horn. The C6 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is fitted with a rigid metal grill covered with a replaceable acoustically transparent foam.
Operation with P1200A Up to two C6 loudspeakers can be driven by each P1200A power amplifier channel. Fitting one C6-CO and one subwoofer controller module allows a single mainframe to drive two C6 and two active subwoofer cabinets (E18-SUB, C4-SUB or C7-SUB). All cabinets can be linked together locally and fed by a single fourwire cable from either mainframe output connector.
10 HFA setting In HFA mode (High Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the C6 system is rolled off. The HFA circuit configures the C6 loudspeakers to provide a natural, balanced frequency response when a unit is placed close to listeners in near field or delay use. 5 0 -5 -10 High Frequency Attenuation begins gradually at 1 kHz, dropping by approximately 3 dB at 10 kHz.
Technical specifications C6 (C690) system data Frequency response (–5 dB) .................................................................70 Hz ... 17 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A ..............................133 (132) dB Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with E-PAC.................................131 (130) dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) .......................................................................................
MAX MAX is a 2-way floor monitor system and uses a 15“/2“ coaxial driver combination with a passive crossover. The driver design allows the use of a compact, low height cabinet. MAX can be driven actively or passively. Coaxially mounting the 2“ HF and 15“ LF drivers creates a very compact single driver whilst retaining the benefits of separate magnetic assemblies.
Only operate MAX loudspeakers with a d&b P1200A mainframe fitted with ampMAX or AMP-L controller modules or with an d&b E-PAC in linear configuration. As an alternative other high quality power amplifiers may be used, provided their output power does not exceed 500 watts into 8 ohms and an additional subsonic filter is used (25 Hz with 12 dB/octave minimum), otherwise there is a risk of damaging the loudspeaker components.
INPUT A AMP A INPUT B AMP B 1+ 1– 2+ 2– OUT A 1+ 1– 2+ 2– OUT B Operation with P1200A and ampMAX module P1200A with ampMAX, passive mode INPUT A Active Crossover Lo Hi INPUT B AMP A 1+ 1– 2+ 2– AMP B 1+ 1– 2+ 2– P1200A with ampMAX, active mode OUT A OUT B ampMAX is a two-channel controller module occupying both slots of a P1200A mainframe. The combination of P1200A and ampMAX allows MAX loudspeakers to be driven passively or in 2way active mode.
10 LFC switch and indicator When MAX cabinets are used without an active subwoofer selecting LFC, Low Frequency Compensation, extends the low frequency response of MAX cabinets down to 65 Hz. The yellow LFC LED illuminates. In active mode only the channel A LFC switch is functional. IS/GR indicators These indicators give a three stage indication of ampMAX signal levels. − Input Signal Present (green) illuminates when the signal presented to the controller input exceeds a -36 dBu threshold value.
REMOTE LO IMP 1234 DELAY ON REMOTE LO IMP ON ON 1 2 3 4 5 6 AMP-L module switches CUT switch and indicator Set to CUT, a high pass filter with a 130 Hz cut-off frequency is inserted in the controller signal path. The yellow CUT LED illuminates. MAX is now configured for use with d&b C-Series active subwoofers.
Dispersion characteristics Due to the conical coverage pattern of the coaxial driver design, the horizontal and vertical dispersion characteristics of MAX are largely identical (slight differences which do occur are attributable to the asymmetric cabinet shape). The diagram below shows dispersion angle versus frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB. The nominal 60° dispersion angle is maintained from 4 to 10 kHz.
Technical specifications MAX system data, passive setup Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A.........................................133 dB Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with E-PAC ...........................................131 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) ..............................................................................................+13 dBu Input level (100 dB-SPL / 1 m) .............................................
E12-SUB The E12-SUB is a compact bass-reflex design employing a high excursion 12" driver. The large, specially shaped reflex port enables the E12-SUB to achieve high sound pressure levels with minimal power compression and breathing effects. The E12-SUB cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is fitted with a rigid metal grill covered with a acoustically transparent foam.
Technical specifications E12-SUB system data Frequency response (–5 dB) .................................................................50 Hz ... 120 Hz Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field)................................................................. 125 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) ............................................................................................. +14 dBu Input level (100 dB-SPL / 1 m)..................................
E18-SUB The E18-SUB is a compact, very low tuned bass-reflex design employing a single 18" driver. The E18-SUB loudspeaker cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is fitted with a rigid metal grill covered with a replaceable acoustically transparent foam. Also at the front, fittings at the top and bottom edges of the cabinet are used to secure an optional transport lid E7908.
E18 Operation with P1200A 160Hz Up to two E18-SUBs can be driven by each P1200A power amplifier channel. Fitting one E18-SUB-CO and one C or E-Series TOP controller module allows a single mainframe to drive two E18-SUB and two (E3: four) mid/high cabinets. All cabinets can be linked together locally and fed by a single four-wire cable from either mainframe output connector.
Technical specifications E18 system data Frequency response (–5 dB) .....................................................38 Hz ... 110 / 160 Hz Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A.........................................130 dB Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with E-PAC ...........................................128 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4) Input level (SPLmax) ..........................................................................................
4. System operation 4.1. Setting up/stacking the loudspeakers To get the best out of any high quality loudspeaker system it must be properly set up. Care and attention needs to be paid to the position of loudspeaker cabinets relative to each other and also to how they are angled and aimed towards the audience. Vertical aiming The aiming of the loudspeaker in the vertical plane is responsible for the coverage all the way from the stage to the furthest listening point.
Vertically stacking the cabinets, rather than horizontally arraying them is particularly useful in deep rooms where more than one cabinet has to be used because a single cabinet has insufficient throw for the level needed at the back of the room. This helps reduce interference in the horizontal plane and gives more vertical directivity. 4.2. Wiring In order to keep losses in tone and power low the length of cable run between mainframe and loudspeaker should be kept as short as possible.
4.3. Using the E-PAC MIX IN The E-PAC is a single channel amplifier controller, the rear panel connectors allow for use in different configurations. The illustration below shows two E-PACs driving E3 loudspeakers from a stereo source, a third E-PAC drives an E12-SUB in mono. The left and right signals are summed to mono using the MIX input on the third E-PAC. Please note that the resultant output will be 3 db higher (see section 2.10.) .
4.4. Level setting of mid-high and SUB systems With equal numbers of mid-high cabinets and corresponding active subwoofers the input gains of TOP and SUB controller will normally be set to the same level. This setting gives a correct sound balance and matches the characteristics of the active crossover filters in the controller modules.
5. Publications list A number of publications with supplementary information on our products are available. These publications are listed below along with their respective catalogue numbers. If you are interested in receiving any of the listed publications then simply fill in the order form on the last page of the User Manual, send it to d&b and we will send you the requested information by return of post. Title Cat. No. TI 212 A1/P1200A Basic Remote D5212.E.
6.
EU conformity of the E-PAC This declaration applies to the E-PAC power amplifier controller manufactured by d&b audiotechnik AG. − E-PAC Z2500 all versions All production versions of type E-PAC starting from version Z2500.000.01 are included, provided they correspond to the original technical version and have not been subject to any later design or electromechanical modifications.
E-PAC User Manual (4.
d&b audiotechnik AG, Eugen-Adolff-Str.
d&b audiotechnik AG, Eugen-Adolff-Str.134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany, Phone.
