A1 Mainframe F-Series, M2, M1220 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! A1 Mainframe, F-series, M2, M1220 User Manual Version 4.0 E, 02/2001, D2100.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).
Only carry out work specified in this manual and always disconnect the mains power supply. WARNING! All other work should be performed by trained service staff, especially in the following cases: - Mains power cable or plug has been damaged - Objects or liquids have entered the unit - The unit is not operating normally - The unit was dropped or the housing is damaged Information regarding use of loudspeakers Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a high level.
CAUTION! Only use loudspeakers in the F-Series and the M2 and M1220 monitors with the A1 mainframe fitted with the correct controller modules. 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.
Configuration switches These switches depend on the type of loudspeaker. They are described individually for each system in the section "Loudspeakers". CUT 1220-CO MON OV HI L FC Displays and controls of mainframe These elements are described in the section "A1 mainframe". A1 PWR OV LO TEMP GR HI PROT L O ID GR L O MUT E ISP 0 HI REM 0 REM L OCK ON OFF -6 -18 -12 -3 +3 dB HI dB Displays and controls of controller modules These elements are common to all modules.
Contents Safety precautions 1. 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. Introduction ................................................... 1-1 System concept......................................................................... 1-1 d&b active systems design...................................................... 1-2 Block diagram .......................................................................... 1-2 2. 2.1. 2.1.1. 2.1.2. 2.1.3. 2.1.4. 2.1.5. 2.1.6. 2.1.7. 2.1.8. 2.2. 2.3. 2.4. 2.5. 2.6. A1 mainframe .......................
1. Introduction This user manual describes the facilities, functions and operation of d&b active controller loudspeaker systems and covers the operation of the A1 mainframe, controller modules and loudspeakers used in these systems. d&b publishes additional application and technical information notes (TI). A d&b publications list and order form is appended to this manual and we will gladly send you any of the listed publications on request.
1.2. d&b active systems design Their are two types of d&b active loudspeaker system - active subwoofers and full range, 2 way, active loudspeakers. Each type of active system is driven by an A1 mainframe fitted with a single, loudspeaker specific controller module. The different loudspeaker controller modules house the signal processing electronics, connectors, controls & indicators appropriate to the different types of loudspeaker.
2. A1 mainframe The A1 mainframe is housed in a 3 rack unit high, 353 mm (13.9") deep, 19" rack mount enclosure. The A1 is designed to accept a single d&b active system controller module and includes power supplies, separate LF and HF power amplifiers, protection circuits with their indicators and a remote control interface. All mainframe facilities and functions and those of the controller modules can be remotely interrogated and altered via the d&b Remote Interface Bridge (RIB). 2.1. Features 2.1.1.
2.1.3. SpeakerID A built-in SpeakerID circuit ensures that signal can only be connected to a loudspeaker if it matches the controller module fitted to the mainframe. When the SpeakerID circuit senses that the correct loudspeaker is connected to the mainframe output then the internal power amplifier outputs are fed to the mainframe speaker output connector(s) and the green ID LED on the controller module front panel illuminates. With no cabinet connected, the ID LED remains unlit.
FUSE T2A FAIL FUSE T8A FAIL 220V-240V 50-60 Hz ∼ 2.1.5. Mains overvoltage protection To protect against mains overvoltage damage the A1 is fitted with an efficient, self-resetting mains overvoltage protection circuit.
Remote operation using the d&b Remote Interface Bridge (RIB) The d&b RIB is housed in a 1 RU high, 19 rack mount enclosure. Combinations of 1 to 12 mainframes (A1 or P1200A) up to 500 m away can be directly connected to a RIB I/O port by a twin wire bi-directional serial link. From the front panel of the RIB each mainframe can then be remotely powered on and off and its power and error status monitored.
PWR 2.2. TEMP PWR - Power (green) − On. when the mainframe is connected to the mains supply, switched on and ready for use. PROT LO HI REM REM LOCK ON OFF A1 front panel A1 controls & indicators − Off. The mainframe is not connected to or powered from the mains supply. The mains overvoltage protection has triggered (see above) or the mainframe is not switched on.
2.3. Connections INPUT and INPUT LINK The mainframe has a 3 pin XLR female input connector. Beneath and wired in parallel is a 3 pin male XLR connector to provide an input link - sometimes called a pass-through connector - used to feed the input of the next device in the system signal chain. INPUT INPUT LINK Transformer balanced input (option) To prevent system ground loops, the P1200A can be supplied with transformer balanced inputs.
2.4. Mainframe installation P1200A mainframe enclosures are designed to fit a standard 19" equipment rack or cabinet. The front panel vent slot serves as a useful handle for lifting and moving mainframes in and out of racks. The front panel switches are flush-fitted and the level control(s) and mainframe power switch are recessed to protect them from accidental damage and unintentional adjustment.
2.5. Power consumption and power loss 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). In practice, the theoretical peak power consumption of a system will only be sustained for a short period of time.
2.6. Technical specifications Nominal output power............................................... 700 / 200 watts - 8 ohms (THD+N < 0.1%, both channels driven)..........................1200 / 350 watts - 4 ohms Frequency response (1 dB) ............................................................. 20 Hz - 50 Hz measured at rated output power, both channels driven Harmonic distortion (THD+N)................................................ < 0.05 % / 0.03 % from 0.
3. Controller modules The different controller modules include all the signal processing electronics, front panel controls and indicators needed to control and operate a specific matching active loudspeaker system. Shown opposite is the 1220-CO used with the F1220 and M1220 loudspeakers. The actual controller circuitry, controls, indicators and rear panel connectors will of course vary depending upon the requirements of the loudspeaker design they are intended to drive 3.1.
drivers in the F1220 and F2 speaker cabinets. Each signal path, high & low, uses equalisers and limiters specifically adjusted to the electroaccoustic requirements of the different speaker designs. HF Level setting As well as an overall level control, both active system controllers, 1220 and F2, provide a front panel HF level control to fine tune the balance between the cabinet high and low drivers at different listening distances.
MUTE (red) This switch mutes the system output without having to alter any of the system level settings. The mute circuit acts by electronically disconnecting the mainframe power amplifier output. The red LED next to the MUTE switch illuminates to verify that the switch has been selected. If cabinets used in an array are muted, the movement of the loudspeaker cones in those cabinets is no longer damped by the influence of the mainframe power amplifier output.
4. Loudspeakers d&b active systems consist of full range speaker cabinets fitted with separate high and low frequency drivers and actively driven by an A1 mainframe. A full range active system may be supplemented with additional active subwoofer systems. All of the full range cabinets feature CD dispersion. CD stands for Constant Directivity and indicates that the coverage angle of the loudspeaker is largely unaffected by frequency.
4-2 A1 User Manual
4.2. Data sheets for the loudspeakers On the following pages you will find data sheets for the d&b loudspeakers which can be operated with the A1 mainframe. The data sheets contain information about the loudspeakers and operation with their respective A1 controller settings. The following data sheets are a compilation of the individual data sheets for the d&b loudspeakers.
F1220 The F1220 is a compact, actively driven, 2-way full-range loudspeaker which uses a 12" LF driver and 2" HF compression driver in an arrayable bass reflex cabinet. The HF driver is coupled to a 60° x 40° (h x v) constant directivity (CD) horn. The F1220 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant paint. Recessed handles are fitted along with a rigid steel grill and acoustically transparent foam front.
1220-CO - Controls & indicators Standard setting On the top left of the module front panel are three configuration switches. Yellow LEDs next to each switch illuminate when a switch is selected. With no configuration switches selected, the connected 1220 loudspeakers will operate as a main, front-of-house system without subwoofer support. A more balanced bass response is obtained when the cabinets are deployed as a twin cabinet cluster or operated in half space, placed on a stage or mounted on a wall.
Dispersion characteristics The diagrams below show dispersion angle vs frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB. The nominal 60° horizontal dispersion is maintained from 17 kHz down to 2 kHz.
Technical specifications F1220 System data Frequency response F1220 (5 dB) ...................................................... 60 Hz to 16 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m)........................................................................................134 dB (SPLmax peak, test signal pink noise with crest factor 4) Input level for max. sound pressure.....................................................................+15 dBu Input level for 100 dB-SPL / 1 m...........................................
F1222 The F1222 is a compact, actively driven, 2-way full-range loudspeaker which uses a 12" LF driver and 2" HF compression driver in an arrayable bass reflex cabinet. The HF driver is coupled to a 60° x 40° (h x v) constant directivity (CD) horn. As an option the F1222 loudspeaker can be equipped with a 90° x 40° horn. The F1222 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant paint.
1222 controller module switches Standard setting With no configuration switches selected, the connected 1222 loudspeakers will operate as a main, front-of-house system without subwoofer support. CUT switch and indicator With the CUT switch selected, the frequency and phase response of 1222 loudspeakers is modified for operation with d&b B1-SUB, B2-SUB or E18-SUB active subwoofer systems.
Dispersion characteristics The diagrams below show dispersion angle vs frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB.
Technical specifications F1222 System data Frequency response (5 dB) ................................................................... 60 Hz to 16 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m)........................................................................................134 dB (SPLmax peak, test signal pink noise with crest factor 4) Input level for max. sound pressure.....................................................................+18 dBu Input level for 100 dB-SPL / 1 m....................................
M1220 The M1220 is a compact, actively driven, 2-way stage monitor which uses a 12" LF driver and 2" HF compression driver in an arrayable bass reflex cabinet. The HF driver is coupled to a 40° x 60°(h x v) constant directivity (CD) horn. Constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant pain, the M1220 cabinet is fitted with recessed handles and a rigid steel grill with an acoustically transparent foam front.
1220-CO Controls and indicators Standard setting On the top left of the module front panel are three configuration switches. Yellow LEDs next to each switch illuminate when a switch is selected. With no configuration switches selected, the connected 1220 loudspeakers will operate as a main, front-of-house system without subwoofer support. When using a mixture of F1220 and M1220 cabinets front-of-house, the greatest compatiblity in the mid to treble range is obtained with no configuration switches selected.
Technical specifications M1220 System data Frequency response M1220 (5 dB, free field) .................................70 Hz to 16 kHz Frequency response M1220 (5 dB, floor coupling) ........................60 Hz to 16 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m) ....................................................................................... 134 dB (SPLmax peak, test signal pink noise with crest factor 4) Input level for max. sound pressure....................................................................
M2 The M2 is a high performance 2-way active monitor system using two 12" LF drivers in an airflow-optimised bass-reflex cabinet. It contains a 1.4" HF driver using a compact but extremely strong neodymium magnet assembly, mounted on a low distortion horn optimized for monitor applications. The design allows the use of a low height cabinet while achieving a constant directivity from an unusual 600 Hz upwards with a nominal dispersion of 45° (h) x 60° (v).
M2-CO Controls and indicators CUT switch and indicator Set to CUT, a high pass filter with a 110 Hz cut-off frequency is inserted in the controller signal path. The yellow CUT LED illuminates. M2 is now configured for use with d&b C7-SUB active subwoofer. LFC level control The detented Low Frequency Coupling control adjusts the systems lo- and lo-mid response to different operating environments of the M2 system. The FLOOR position is the standard setting for a single M2, used as floor monitor.
Dispersion characteristics The diagram below shows dispersion angle v. frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at 6 dB and 12 dB. The nominal 45° horizontal dispersion angle is maintained from 800 Hz to 10 kHz.
Frequency response The graph below shows the frequency response of the M2 system in floor monitor position, measured in a height of 1.7m (listening pos. in monitor operation) on axis: 10 5 0 -5 -10 -15 -20 -25 -30 20 100 1k 10k 20k M2 frequency response, monitor operation Technical specifications M2 system data Frequency response (5 dB, free field) ..................................................56 Hz 17 kHz Frequency response (-5 dB, floor coupling).......................................
F2 The F2 is an actively driven, 2-way full-range loudspeaker which uses a pair of 12" LF/mid range drivers and a 2" HF compression driver in a horn loaded cabinet. The HF driver is coupled to a 60° x 40° (h x v) constant directivity (CD) horn. The F2 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant paint. Fitted to the cabinet sides are recessed handles and rigging stud plates. On the front is a rigid steel grill with an acoustically transparent foam cover.
F2-CO Controller module - Controls & indicators Standard setting A single configuration switch (CUT) is located on the top left of the module front panel. A yellow LED next to the switch illuminates when it is selected. With the configuration switch not selected, the F2 system is configured for speech and vocal reproduction without subwoofer support.
Technical specifications F2 System data Frequency responce (5 dB) ...................................................................80 Hz to 16 kHz Max. sound pressure (1 m) ....................................................................................... 136 dB (SPLmax peak, test signal pink noise with crest factor 4) Input level for max. sound pressure.................................................................... +11 dBu Input level for 100 dB-SPL / 1 m ......................................
B1-SUB The B1-SUB is an actively driven subwoofer which uses a pair of 15" LF drivers mounted in a bass reflex cabinet. The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant paint. Fitted to the cabinet sides are recessed handles and rigging stud plates. On the front is a rigid steel grill with an acoustically transparent foam cover. Catches to secure an optional protective transport cover are also fitted to the top and bottom front edges of the cabinet.
B1-SUB cabinet dimensions in mm [inch] d&b audiotechnik AG, Eugen-Adolff-Str.
B2-SUB The B2-SUB is an actively driven subwoofer which uses a pair of 18" LF drivers mounted in a bandpass horn cabinet. The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood coated with an impact resistant paint. Fitted each side of the cabinet sides are four recessed handles and, on the rear panel, four heavy duty wheels. On the front is a rigid steel grill with a replaceable acoustically transparent foam cover.
Using the C4-OUT socket to drive C4-SUBs Although the C4-SUB operates very effectively down to 50 Hz (5 dB), in some applications the ability to reproduce frequencies below this cut-off frequency can be an advantage. Using the B2 subwoofer, not only provides the desired LF extension, but also improves the low frequency headroom of the combined system.
Technical specifications B2-SUB system data (standard/INFRA) Frequency response (5 dB)................................ 37 Hz to 125 Hz / 32 Hz to. 68 Hz Max. sound pressure (1 m, full space) .................................................139 dB / 136 dB (SPLmax peak, test signal pink noise with crest factor 4) Input level for max. sound pressure.............................................. +16 dBu / +14 dBu Input level for 100 dB-SPL / 1 m ....................................................
5. System operation 5.1. 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 the loudspeaker cabinets relative to each other and also to how they are angled and aimed towards the audience. 5.1.1. Vertical coverage 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.
stances (the distances between the sources in the array are so small that any combing effect would only occur at relatively high frequencies) than with how closely defined and controlled the driver dispersion patterns are.
5.2. Wiring We recommend the use of good quality cables with a minimum 1.5 mm 2 conductor size - 2.5 mm2 is preferable. d&b can supply MC8 CA-COM terminated cables (8 x 2.5 mm 2) in various lengths. Especially for long cable runs, we recommend using d&b MC1220 cable. The coaxial construction of MC1220 minimises crosstalk and external signal interference.
5.3. Level setting for mixed systems A mixed system is one which uses a mixture of full range cabinets and subwoofers. If equal numbers of full range cabinets and subwoofers are used then the correct balance and crossover frequency between the full range and subwoofer systems is assured provided the recommended controller module level settings are used. These recommended settings, using various d&b subwoofer systems, are given in the sections of this manual describing the F1220 and F2 loudspeakers.
6. Troubleshooting n o so u n d P O W E R sw itch o n ? on o ff PO W ER LED tu rn P O W E R sw itc h o n fla sh in g o ff fla sh in g ID L E D no fu se s o .k.? no re p la c e fu se m a in s v o lta g e in 2 0 0 ..
7. 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 208 A1 Controller Module Exchange D5208.E.
8. EU declaration of conformity (CE symbol) EU conformity of loudspeakers This declaration applies to loudspeakers manufactured by d&b audiotechnik AG and includes the types listed in the table below: Type Typ No.
EU conformity of mainframes This declaration applies to the A1 mainframe manufactured by d&b audiotechnik AG consisting of the amplifier unit including the installed controller module. Type Type No. − A1 Z0070, version .10 and higher − Controller modules Z0080 - Z0085, all All production versions of type A1 are included, provided they correspond to the original technical version and have not been subject to any later design or electromechanical modifications.
A1 User Manual (4.
d&b audiotechnik AG, Eugen-Adolff-Str.