Electro-Voice X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems Application Notes Rev.: 4.
PREFACE This document, the Electro-Voice X-Array™ Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes provide useful information for setting up and operating the X-Array loudspeaker systems. These notes cover amplifier recommendations, digital signal processing, loudspeaker service information and available XArray accessories.
Table of Contents 0. INTRODUCTION 1. LOUDSPEAKER-SYSTEM INFORMATION 1.1 Loudspeaker-Component Impedance 1.2 Loudspeaker-System Wiring & Connections 1.3 Loudspeaker-System Polarity 1.4 Power-Amplifier Requirements X-Array Systems Recommendations Xw Systems Recommendations 1.5 Identifying & Marking Enclosures 2. GENERAL DIGITAL-SIGNAL PROCESSING 2.1 Signal-Processing Overview 2.2 Loudspeaker-System Considerations 2.3 Signal-Processing Zones 2.4 Amplifier Considerations 2.5 Equalization Parameters 2.
Loudspeaker-Component Alignment Loudspeaker-System Alignment Enclosure-Misalignment Compensation D.8 Limiter Parameters D.9 Compressor Parameters D10 Gate (Expander) Parameters D.
0. INTRODUCTION The X-Array™ product line represents important advancements in concert-sound technology. The design goals called for the highest acoustic output capability with the highest fidelity, in lightweight, compact enclosures that were easy to array. The development began with a clean sheet of paper and took an integrated approach.
Figure 2 indicates the nominal system impedance of each section as well as the DC resistance of each section. The DC resistance of the drivers inside the enclosure may be measured with a standard voltohm meter (VOM) at the input panel. The DC resistances are useful for troubleshooting individual loudspeaker systems without opening up the loudspeaker enclosure. 1.
Xn: Two semi-paralleled 8-pin Neutrik Speakon connectors are used for electrical connection on the input panel. Note that one connector is specifically labeled for input connection and the other for output connection. Pins 3 and 4 are paralleled between the two connectors; however, Pins 1 In are connected to Pins 2 Out, while Pins 2 In are connected to Pins 1 Out.
4-pin connectors on each end of the enclosure that can be used to minimize stage-wiring clutter. See Figure 2 for wiring diagrams of all of the systems. 1.
HELPFUL HINT: When checking the polarity of the main X-Array loudspeaker systems, the most accurate readings will be measured with the test signal applied to the loudspeaker-system input panel, with the MB and HF sections having normal (positive) polarity and the LF and SUB sections having inverted (reversed) polarity.
1.5 Identifying and Marking Enclosures For ease of identification, the input-panel labels on all of the main X-Array™ enclosure have different colors that are readily visible from a distance. All SUB systems (Xds) are green, all LF systems (Xb and Xcb) are black, all near-field systems (Xn and Xcn) are red, and all far-field systems (Xf) are blue. This color system makes it easy to quickly identify enclosures from the rear, facilitating fast array set-ups and wiring.
Because of its extremely small size, the LF section of the Xn loudspeaker system is capable of only moderate bass performance compared to the Xb or Xcb. In many of the digital presets presented here, the LF section of the Xn shares the same drive signal as the Xb and Xcb. This presents no problem to the Xn at low to moderate drive levels; however, when very-high drive levels are used, the amplifiers powering the Xn LF drivers should be turned down 6 dB to maintain maximum reliability of the Xn woofers.
2.5 Equalization Parameters The equalization in the outputs of the digital controllers is used for two purposes – to achieve a nominally flat frequency response for a single loudspeaker system, and to compensate for acoustic interaction between multiple systems and the acoustic environment. Typically, each output section has multiple equalization filters that have been set up as parametric filters with their center frequencies distributed across the operating frequency range of that output.
When multiple systems are arrayed, the lower frequencies tend to build up due to mutual coupling and increased directivity, resulting in the SUB and LF acoustic output being higher than that of the MB and HF sections. The difference will depend on the number of subwoofer and bass boxes compared to the number of mid/high boxes, the acoustic coupling of multiple subwoofer and bass boxes, and the acoustic coupling of the subwoofer and bass boxes with the room (for example, flying versus ground stacking).
from occasional clipping is not acoustically reproduced. Thus, repeated occasional clipping in the LF or SUB signal paths will neither reduce the life of the drivers nor produce audibly objectionable sounds. As a matter of general principle, clipping should be minimized in the LF and SUB sections; however, it is not as critical as in the MB or HF sections.
one loudspeaker enclosure to another in these configurations is provided by the delays in the output sections. The LF section of the Xn, the Xb and the Xcb do not require any signal delay to bring the three systems into alignment. In addition, the LF section of the Xn, the Xb and the Xcb do not require any signal delay to bring the systems into alignment with the MB sections of the Xf, Xn and/or Xcn systems.
would typically be much closer to the Xn ground stack than the overhead array. Therefore, the Xn ground stack would have to be delayed to bring it into alignment with the overhead array in the seating areas where their coverage patterns overlap. Failure to delay the ground stack would result in decreased intelligibility in the overlap region. Furthermore, the apparent sound image would shift from the overhead array to the ground stack as one walked through the listening area.
capability with reasonable degree of loudspeaker protection. The digital-limiter thresholds may be adjusted lower, but should not be increased because of the increased risk of loudspeaker failure. If amplifiers other than the Electro-Voice P3000 are used (other Electro-Voice P-series amplifiers or amplifiers from other manufacturers), the limiter thresholds must be calibrated for those amplifiers as described below.
age shown in the table below, turn the controller-limiter threshold down so that the amplifier voltage is reduced to that shown in the table below. If the amplifier is limiting at a voltage less than that indicated in the table below, turn the controller-limiter threshold up by the number of dB indicated in the table below. X-Array™ Systems – Calibrate the Digital Limiter for These Amplifier Output Voltages: HF: 74 volts rms or 2 dB below HF amplifier clipping (whichever is lower) at 5000 Hz.
theatres, churches, outdoor stages, outdoor amphitheatres, etc.), venue sizes and venue seating details.
APPENDICES A. SERVICING THE X-ARRAY™ SYSTEMS A.1 General Information Normal service for the X-Array loudspeaker systems requires only a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16inch hex-key wrench. All of the LF, MB and HF drivers and mounting hardware are common throughout the systems. To facilitate service, a hex-key wrench and several spare screws are shipped with each loudspeaker system. In addition, there are wiring diagrams at key locations in the loudspeaker systems to facilitate service.
LF Driver for Xw15: HF-Horn Front-Flange Screw: HF-Horn Front-Flange Washer: HF-Driver-to-Horn Screw: HF-Driver-to-Horn Washer: HF-Driver Diaphragm Screw: LF-Driver Mounting Screw : Grille S/A for Xw12: Grille Screw for Xw12: Grille Washer for Xw12 Grille S/A for Xw15: Grille Screw for Xw15: Grille Washer for Xw15 Input Panel Screw: Neutrik® NL4MPR Connector: 815-3075* L607224-CP 38865 63036-CP 4097-AE 62933 63338-CP 84444 63344-CP 38865 85559 L607236-CP 38809 63054-CP 17306 * Note: Complete drivers are a
A.4 Xw12 AND Xw15 Specific Service Instructions HF Repair: The compression driver must be serviced through the woofer baffle-board cutout because the high-frequency compression driver is larger than the high-frequency horn. First remove the grille, then remove both the screws and washers securing the front flange of the high-frequency horn and the screws securing the woofer. Remove the woofer from the enclosure.
New Haven NH32102-2 Fitting: The New Haven NH32102-2 swivel-ring, double-stud fitting recommended for attachment to both the front and rear X-Array rigging track is available for the user to make custom rigging attachment hardware. ATM Fly-ware, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310-834-5914 or Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336 Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA, 213850-5042.
C. LF & SUB POLARITY WIRING The X-Array™ 18-inch woofers were wired with inverted polarity in the enclosures to match the same inverted wiring of the 18-inch woofers in the Electro-Voice MTL (Manifold Technology) concert-sound loudspeaker systems because it was thought that MTL loudspeaker enclosures might occasionally be mixed with X-Array™ loudspeaker enclosures.
Xb, Xn & Xn - Mono (Also for Xcb & Xcn): This program should be used with the Xb and Xn loudspeaker systems for mono, short/mid-throw applications where multiple coverage zones are employed (two per DN8000). Typical applications would include near-field systems in large front-of-house systems, small front-of-house systems, side-fill, down-fill and front-fill systems.
Xw15 & Xcb: This program should be used with the Xw15 and Xcb loudspeaker system for drum monitor applications. The Xb low-frequency system may be substituted for the Xcb system. Important Note Concerning Operating-System Revisions: The user should note that changes were made in the factory presets when the DN8000 operating system was upgraded from revision 1.19 to revision 1.20.
meters for "dB from Limit," the meter peak hold for "Auto Clear," and the maximum output voltage for "2.45v: Power Amps." HELPFUL HINT: When setting up an X-Array system, the DN8000 global options settings should be programmed as indicated above. If a higher output-voltage drive is required, the "9.75v: Line Level" may be used. The user is cautioned that, when the output-voltage drive is changed, the compressor and limiter thresholds are automatically changed in addition.
HELPFUL HINT: When setting up an X-Array system, if the console and/or drive electronics are clipping and the DN8000 input-level LEDs indicate a low input level, turn up the DN8000 input-level knob. The input-level LEDs indicate dB from clipping.
HELPFUL HINT: When tuning an X-Array system, the user should adjust the input levels so that instantaneous program peaks occur at –5 to –10 dB on the input-level display. Selecting the “2.45v Power Amp” configuration from the “Options” menu will typically result in the best signal-to-noise performance. Excessive digital gain or digital EQ boost should be avoided to minimize any in-process digital clipping.
HELPFUL HINT: When tuning an X-Array system, the user should always maintain the relative output signal delays required for alignment of the components within the loudspeaker enclosures. Failure to time align the components can result in uneven frequency response and uneven pattern coverage. The user is cautioned that changes in crossover filters, subsonic filters can have a significant affect on component time alignment values.
if one loudspeaker was suspended directly above another. (The most common example would be the Xds subwoofer systems sitting on the ground with the Xf, Xn, Xb, Xcn and Xcb systems suspended overhead.) Whenever enclosures are physically misaligned, signal delay must be introduced to compensate for the misalignment. Consider the case of an array of Xf, Xb and Xn systems suspended in an array overhead (for the primary coverage of the venue) with a ground stack of Xn systems (for front-fill coverage).
In the X-Array™ Touring DN8000 Parameters spreadsheet the DN8000 limiter thresholds are set for 2 dB below P3000 amplifier limiting in the HF outputs, 2 dB above P3000 amplifier limiting in the MB outputs and 4 dB above P3000 amplifier limiting in the SUB and LF outputs. These settings will allow would allow some amplifier limiting to occur in the SUB, LF and MB sections, but would prevent most limiting and clipping from occurring in the HF sections.
per personal preference. Because the compressor is pre output level, compressor gain reduction will not be affected by output-level adjustments. D.10 Gate (Expander) Parameters The DN8000 provides an expander noise gate on each output. These noise gates allow the outputs to fade to digital black for extremely low-noise performance when the drive signals drop below the gate thresholds. The audibility of the gate settings are very much dependent upon the program material.
Figure 1a - Loudspeaker Systems (Xf & Xn) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 30
Figure 1b - Loudspeaker Systems – (Xb & Xds) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 31
Figure 1c - Loudspeaker Systems (Xcn & Xcb) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 32
Figure 1d - Loudspeaker Systems (Xw12 & Xw15) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 33
Figure 2a - Wiring Diagrams (Xf, Xn & Xb) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 34
Figure 2b - Wiring Diagrams (Xcn, Xcb & Xds) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 35
Figure 2c - Wiring Diagrams (Xw12 & Xw15) X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 36
