A new angle on steered sound QFlex
Main goal: Software-controlled directivity for optimal venue coverage and higher direct/reverberant ratio for improved intelligibility With state of the art algorithms and dense physical spacing of transducers, QFlex is the first product of its kind to realize full range beam steering capabilities, producing class leading performance for both vocal and music applications.
QFlex is able to focus the acoustical output in the target directions where it is needed, delivering significant improvements to speech intelligibility and musical clarity in reverberant spaces, i.e. increase the “Hall Radius” beyond which reverberant sound becomes dominant. Let’s begin with the basics. The architect designs a fantastic looking venue, both inside and out.
Where to use QFlex? Any reverberant space where speech intelligibility is difficult to achieve with standard and conventional methods. Where architectural constraints limit the preferred positioning of conventional loudspeakers.
The effects of aliasing The measurements below show an 8 element device with the high frequency elements spaced at 100 mm (4”) apart At 1 kHz the beam is well defined. At 3 kHz a very strong side lobes are evident though the main beam is still well defined, this can present many practical problems, not least when working in reverberant spaces. As low as 6 kHz multiple side lobes appear, effective beam control has now collapsed.
Example of a QFlex 16’s beam control characteristics At 1 kHz the beam is well defined. At 3 kHz the beam continues to be well defined with no evidence of aliasing. At 6 kHz there is still a well defined beam with no evidence of aliasing being maintained through a much wider range of frequencies than the coax configuration can achieve Even at 12 kHz the slight effects of aliasing (which are ultimately and eventually unavoidable) are still 10 dB lower than the main beam.
8 channel unit (QFlex 8) 16 channel unit (QFlex 16) QFlex model line up From an electronics pack point of view, there are four basic modules: 8 channel master unit (contains audio, power, and network inputs) 8 channel slave unit 16 channel master unit (contains audio, power, and network inputs) QFlex 64 16 channel slave unit To avoid shipping very long products it is possible to assemble the components of a larger column on site.
Which model do I Choose ? Which QFlex system you specify depends on a number of criteria:- Distance SPL Requirements Farther areas you wish to reach will require a larger QFlex column. Typically, as a rule of thumb a QFlex16 will be used to distances of 20 m (66 ft), and a QFlex 64 in excess of 100 m (328 ft). The larger QFlex arrays will have the ability to produce higher SPL levels. This is the case with all loudspeakers. as there are more drivers and amplifier channels in use.
Advanced Technology The QFlex system offers many unique performance advantages over both traditional loudspeaker designs as well as other ‘digitally steerable’ products on the market. In addition to the core array products, Tannoy has also developed a number of additional optional components or enhancements to provide unrivalled flexibility and capability in even the most demanding installed sound applications.
Amplifiers Each QFlex module incorporates 8 or 16 channels of high performance amplification. The choices available to the design team were traditional class AB, integrated Class D ‘chip amps’ or build a bespoke professional performance Class D multichannel amplifier from the ground up.
Better connected QFlex benefits from an extensive range of options where signal routing is concerned, with recent enhancements and optional interfaces greatly expanding on the standard analogue line-in. This ensures QFlex remains one of the most flexible and versatile digitally steerable systems on the market, easily integrated into any installed audio system design - both new or existing.
Protection and monitoring The last thing any of us want is for a QFlex loudspeaker to fail. To achieve longevity of operation in harsh or abusive situations requires an intelligent monitoring and protection system which prevents any of the system components from becoming stressed.
Extensive Diagnostics All elements of QFlex products are constantly monitored and logged. Fault conditions can be reported in various ways Via the built in onboard failure relay Via the VNet network on software Sentinel SM1 System Monitor Sentinel SM1 system monitor The optional standalone Sentinel SM1 System Monitor provides complete system-wide fault monitoring and reporting for mission-critical applications.
Hardware and ordering information The ordering process is simple simply choose the model you require. All of the necessary hardware and bracketry is included. Large QFlex modules are shipped in individual boxes for simple assemble on site. Design assistance is available for unusual mounting applications like soffit mounting.
All QFlex models are available with optional specification for custom paint colour finish as well as in weatherised ‘WP’ variant for operation in challenging environmental conditions. Custom colour finish Weather proof Tannoy offer custom paint finish on all QFlex models, in any standard RAL colour as well as advanced custom texture mapping.
Specifications QFlex 8 QFlex 16 QFlex 24 Sample rate 96 kHz 96 kHz 96 kHz Audio inputs Analogue & AES/EBU Analogue & AES/EBU Analogue & AES/EBU 15.25 kg (33.6 lbs) 14.25 kg (31.4 bs) 26.25 kg (58.4 lbs) Configuration 4” LF 8 8 3” LF 8 8 1” HF 8 8 No.
QFlex 32 QFlex 40 8 16 16 16 16 QFlex 48 QFlex 64 16 16 16 32 16 16 32 40 48 64 Variable between 5 - 100 degrees (Asymmetric & multiple beams may also be generated) 3) 130 Hz - 20 kHz 110 Hz - 20 kHz 110 Hz - 20 kHz 120 degrees 120 degrees 120 degrees +/- 70 degrees +/- 70 degrees +/- 70 degrees 400 Hz 250 Hz 200 Hz 100 dB 100 dB 101.5 dB 1387 mm (54.6”) 2127 mm (83.75”) 2967 mm (116.8”) 171.5 mm (6.7”) 171.5 mm (6.7”) 171.5 mm (6.7”) 150 mm (5.
Select Your QFlex Model QFlex Beam Engine We have developed a highly intuitive GUI called BeamEngine which doesn’t require a degree in acoustics to operate, and will achieve accurate and predictable results, quickly. This free to download design tool allows for simple modelling of single QFlex arrays in 2D. It allows the user to graphically represent and generate steering algorithms for:A sectional view (elevation) of the audience area. The mechanical aiming angle and mounting location of the QFlex array.
EASE and CATT Acoustic Where more than one QFlex array is deployed in an installation it may be necessary or demanded to conduct a more resolute acoustic simulation of a room in 3D. To facilitate this, BeamEngine will generate a DLL (balloon file) which can then be imported into EASE or CATT Acoustics. BeamEngine shows you QFlex vertical coverage, but not horizontal coverage.
VNET network applications features QFlex is a welcome and extremely versatile addition to the VNET family of products. The modular approach of amplifiers, processing, monitoring and drivers designed into each loudspeaker enables acoustic optimization for the speaker to perform as a unified whole. The intuitive setup software, integrated processing, tuning control, performance diagnostics and protection produces an easy to install and exceptionally high performance networkable loudspeaker.
An RS485 interface is used for the serial data, with a twisted pair to send and receive information to a high number of nodes over very long distances. Operating a shared bus system, so that a single computer can control any node on that bus, also means that status information can be gathered from any of the devices. The RS-485 differential signal is very robust, while its noise immunity and longdistance capability ensure it is one of the most popular communications methods used in industry.
6483 1084 / 1115 tannoypro.com Tannoy adopts a policy of continuous improvement and product specification is subject to change. Dual Concentric, VNET are trademarks of Tannoy Limited. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2015 Music Group Innovation SC Ltd. All rights reserved.