System information

X-Array Touring Loudspeaker Systems – Applications Notes – Page 5
HELPFUL HINT: When checking the polarity of the main X-Array loudspeaker systems, the most accu-
rate 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. When checking the polarity of the Xw floor monitors, the most accurate readings will
also be measured with the test signal applied to the loudspeaker-system input panel, with both the LF
and HF sections having normal (positive) polarity.
1.4 Power-Amplifier Recommendations
X-Array™ Systems Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings are recommended for use with the X-Array loudspeaker sys-
tems:
Recommended X-Array™ SUB, LF, MB and HF Amplifier Ratings:
800-900 watts per channel into 8 ohms
(90-100 volts rms short-term continuous, 130-140 volts instantaneous peak)
This recommended power rating is identical for all frequency bands – SUB, LF, MB and HF. Optimal
performance of the X-Array loudspeaker systems is obtained when they are powered by Electro-Voice
P3000 amplifiers. This power capability enables both maximum acoustic output and dynamic range to be
obtained from the loudspeaker systems. Smaller amplifiers may be used (such as the Electro-Voice
P2000) when maximum output and maximum dynamic range are not required.
Xw Systems Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings are recommended for use with the Xw floor-monitor systems:
Recommended Xw12 LF and HF Amplifier Ratings:
500-600 watts per channel into 8 ohms
(70-80 volts rms short-term continuous, 100-110 volts instantaneous peak)
Recommended Xw15 LF and HF Amplifier Ratings:
800-900 watts per channel into 8 ohms
(90-100 volts rms short-term continuous, 130-140 volts instantaneous peak)
This recommended power ratings are identical for both the LF and HF bands. Optimal performance of
the Xw12 systems is obtained when they are powered by Electro-Voice P2000 amplifiers, while optimal
performance of the Xw15 systems is obtained when they are powered by Electro-Voice P3000 amplifiers.
These power capabilities enable both maximum acoustic output and dynamic range to be obtained from
the loudspeaker systems. Smaller amplifiers may be used (such as the Electro-Voice P1200) when
maximum output and maximum dynamic range are not required.
Caution: The user is cautioned that the large amplifiers described above have a very-high-voltage capa-
bility that can damage the loudspeaker drivers if the user is not careful. The X-Array™ loudspeaker sys-
tems are capable of handling such large, clean, instantaneous-voltage peaks from those amplifiers; how-
ever, the drivers cannot withstand repeated clipping from those amplifiers (140-volt square waves!). Al-
though the SUB, LF and MB drivers are somewhat tolerant of such abuse, the HF compression drivers
are considerably less tolerant of such abuse. To minimize the possibility of loudspeaker failure, the user
must make sure that the limiter thresholds in the digital crossover are calibrated to minimize amplifier
clipping. See the Limiter Parameters section for a discussion of limiter parameters and limiter calibration.
NOTE: When operating an X-Array sound system with very-large power amplifiers, the user must be
careful not to drive the amplifiers into repeated clipping. To minimize the possibility of loudspeaker failure
from overdriving the loudspeakers, the limiter thresholds in the digital crossover must be calibrated to the
amplifiers.