Owner`s manual

Page 10 of 28 RD0169 (A) CAF730 & SS730 OWNER’S MANUAL
5.4.1 Factory Signal Processing Settings
The signal processing adjustments determined by woodworxmax for the CAF730 Series Array should be
fully implemented “as is.” These settings are determined from extensive measurements in typical
venues as well as the theory of curved sources from the acoustical work of physicists Harry Olsen
and Leo Beranak. As such, they will normally provide excellent results in a variety of venues.
The signal processor settings are provided in the CAF730 Wizard. The Wizard can upload settings
to woodworxmax MX8700 Series processors and
selected third party DSP processors.
5.4.2 Non-woodworxmax Digital Signal Processors
Even though they can be set to numerically equal values, the actual transfer function (magnitude
and phase) of the processing depends on the particular digital processor. The reason is that
different algorithms can be and are used to implement the same processing functions. The
factory settings were determined using woodworxmax MX
8750 Digital Signal Processor. If you will be
using a non-woodworxmax DSP, contact woodworxmax about its
compatibility with the woodworxmax factory settings.
5.5 AMPLIFIER GAIN SETTINGS
In order for Divergence Shading to work properly, all amplifiers for all passbands must be set to
the same voltage gain, regardless of their power output ratings. Among other things, equal
amplifier gains are required to maintain array coherence throughout the venue.
NOTE: This does NOT mean the same input sensitivity, but the same input to output voltage
gain. Consult your amplifier manufacturer if this cannot be readily determined. Do not selectively
boost or attenuate loudspeaker levels at the amplifiers in order to achieve consistent SPL at
various distances. This is achieved by adjusting the array curvature as described above.
5.6 USER ADJUSTMENTS
5.6.1 Equalization
woodworxmax recommends that 1/3 octave or careful use of parametric equalization be used to modify
performance to accommodate a particular program, venue characteristics, or personal taste.
5.6.2 Array Measurements
SMAART - The SmaartLive program from SIA Software Company is an ideal tool to use to
measure and optimize aCAF730 array for a particular venue. This is a fast, yet sophisticated,
process that will indicate problem areas due to particular venue characteristics. Usually it is a
matter of applying small amounts of 1/3 octave or parametric equalization to adjust significant
anomalies. A demo version of SmaartLive is available at www.woodbox-tech.com.
5.7 AMPLIFIER POWER REQUIREMENTS
As is true of all professional loudspeaker systems, the performance of the CAF730s and SS730s
depends on amplifiers delivering an adequate supply of clean power. Determining the appropriate
power amplifier wattage for a given loudspeaker and application is a subject of some debate. In
fact, there are three distinct issues regarding amplifier power as discussed in the next sections:
“Power Ratings,” “Selecting an Appropriate Amplifier Size,” and “Operating Limits.”
For more information on selecting amplifiers, please consult woodworxmax Technical Paper on Amplifier
Power, available on the woodworxmax web site; or
contact woodworxmax Applications Support Group.
5.7.1 Power Ratings
The CAF730 is a bi-amplified loudspeaker, requiring one LF and one MF/HF amplifier channel. The
SS730 has two drivers (SUB 1 and SUB 2) wired separately to the input connectors. This means
the drivers can be connected in parallel to a single amplifier channel or each can be connected to
a separate amplifier channel.