System information

X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 7
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 woof-
ers. If maximum acoustic output is necessary from the Xn woofers, the high-pass filter in the Xn LF sec-
tion should be raised to 80 Hz as shown in the digital presets indicating maximum Xn output.
2.3 Signal-Processing Zones
The configurations that Electro-Voice provides for the X-Array™ loudspeaker systems in the digital-
parameter spreadsheets may be used as is for smaller arrays, or may be combined as building blocks for
designing a large-scale-array, signal-processing matrix. In large-scale arrays, blocks of loudspeakers
may be used to cover various zones in a venue, and each one of those zones may have their own digital
processor with their own optimized drive signal. For example, long-throw Xf systems at the top of an ar-
ray would have different signal processing than the Xcn short-throw systems at the bottom of the array
because the different loudspeaker systems require unique equalization delay and level settings for opti-
mal performance. Furthermore, when multiple Xf systems are assembled in a tall column, each row of Xf
systems may have their own digital processor to enable individual equalization, signal delay and level
adjustments to be made to achieve even coverage in the venue from front to back. Another example
would be to utilize different signal processing for loudspeaker systems facing straight ahead in the venue
compared to the loudspeakers that wrap around the side of the stage.
2.4 Amplifier Considerations
All of the digital-processing spreadsheets that Electro-Voice provides for the X-Array™ loudspeaker
systems assume that all of the frequency bands (SUB, LF, MB and HF) of all of the loudspeakers are
driven by identical amplifiers having identical gain. Most specifically, these digital parameters have been
optimized for use with the Electro-Voice P3000 amplifiers having a gain of 42 dB.
The user is cautioned that amplifiers from different manufacturers usually have different gain structures.
In addition, “large” and “small” amplifiers from the same manufacturer will typically have different gains.
Furthermore, the gain of most amplifiers is increased by 6 dB when the amplifier is bridged. If the actual
amplifiers used do not have an identical gain of 42 dB, the user must make appropriate adjustments to
the digital controllers to compensate for those amplifier-gain differences.
The output-level settings in the digital-parameter spreadsheets provide a flat acoustical frequency re-
sponse from the loudspeaker systems if all of the amplifiers have identical gain. If amplifiers having dif-
ferent gains are used in the different frequency bands, compensating adjustments must be made to
achieve a flat acoustical response.
The digital gain structure has been optimized for maximum signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range when
used with the amplifiers having 42 dB of gain. When amplifiers having a different gain are used, the gain
structure of the digital controller (i.e., input and output levels) may have to be modified to minimize noise
and/or prevent controller clipping.
The limiter settings in the digital-parameter spreadsheets have been optimized for protection of the loud-
speakers when driven with the amplifiers having 42 dB of gain. When amplifiers having a different gain
are used, the limiter thresholds must be recalibrated.
HELPFUL HINT: The values in the digital parameter-spreadsheets have been optimized for the Electro-
Voice P3000 power amplifier having a gain of 42 dB. If an amplifier with a different gain is used, the limi-
ter thresholds must be recalibrated to protect the loudspeakers and the input/output gain structure may
have to be adjusted to minimize clipping or noise.