Xf
X-Array™ Two-Way,
MB/HF System
•Unprecedented acoustic output in small, lightweight package
•Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) provides accurate transient detail
•Neodymium ND5 HF and MB drivers
•Unique rear-hinge rigging
•Enclosure shell and rigging identical to all of the full-size X-Array™ systems
•Far-field, 40° x 20° coverage pattern
Description
The X-Array™ product line represents important advancements in concert-sound-rein- forcement 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. The individual loudspeaker drivers, horns, enclosures, rigging hardware and system configurations were designed from the ground up specifically for this high-perfor- mance application.
The Xf is an active far field, two-way, MB/HF loudspeaker system with a 40° H x 20° V coverage pattern utilizing the full-size X-Array™ enclosure shell. The high-frequency and mid-bass sections are horn loaded with two drivers in each frequency band, and the high-frequency horn/driver combination is mounted coaxially inside the mid-bass horn. The horns and drivers were designed as part of the Xf development and represent a step forward in state-of-the-art loudspeaker design in terms of high acoustic output with low distortion and low power compression. Electro-Voice engineers developed a new technology dubbed Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™ ) to substantially im-
prove clarity and intelligibility by reducing both linear and nonlinear resonance modes that color the sound.
The high-frequency driver in the Xf is the ND5 which is a 35.6-mm (1.4-in.) exit highfrequency compression driver that features a powerful neodymium motor structure that was optimized for maximum efficiency and reduced power compression. A new 76.2-mm (3.0-in.) diameter titanium diaphragm assembly provides increased instantaneous peak output capability and reduced dome breakup. The ND5’s are mounted on a unique tandem pair of 40° H x 20° V con- stant-directivity horns. This combination results in substantially improved vocal clarity and presence with a smooth response throughout the vocal range up to 20,000 Hz. The horns and drivers are nested inside the mid-bass phase plug assemblies to minimize interference in the mid-bass band.
The mid-bass driver in the Xf is the ND12A, which is a 30.5-mm (12-in.) mid-bass driver that features a powerful new neodymium motor structure that was optimized for maximum horn-loaded efficiency and reduced power compression. A new Kevlar® -rein- forced cone assembly provides a smooth response with reduced cone break up. The ND12A’s are mounted on a dual-throat midbass horn that has a coverage pattern that transitions smoothly into the 40° H x 20° V
high-frequency pattern. The mid-bass phase plug provides optimal loading for the ND12A driver, delivering smooth response and extended efficiency up to 2,000 Hz. This combination results in improved vocal intelligibility and clarity with a smooth response from the lower-to-mid vocal range. Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD™ ), is a technique utilized and named by Electro-Voice to describe a process used to improve sound quality in loudspeaker systems. RMD™ offers a solution to a very fundamental problem. It has long been recognized that two different loudspeaker systems can sound different even though they both may be equalized to have the same frequency response. This difference is due to a variety of resonances, or ring modes, that color the sound. Although this ringing may be very low in level compared to the program material, it is still audible. The source of these resonances may be mechanical or acoustical in nature, or a combination of both. In addition, they may be linear or nonlinear, resulting in their character changing with level. Furthermore, these ring modes may be aggravated when multiple loudspeaker enclosures are assembled into arrays. The result is a coloration that decreases intelligibility and clarity, with the nature of that coloration varying with level. Often, the listener perceives that colora-
Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
tion as imbalance in the frequency response, and will attempt to electronically adjust the system to restore the spectral balance. However this electronic equalization has the negative effect of changing the program material itself.
Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™ ) addresses mechanical resonances with mechanical solutions, and acoustical resonances with acoustical solutions. In the Xf development, RMD™ was applied at every level – to the individual high-frequency and midbass drivers and horns, the mid-bass enclosure chambers, the interaction between the high-frequency and mid-bass frequency bands and the interaction between multiple enclosures. The design process included, for example, the driver diaphragm, cone, suspension and phase-plug geometry and materials, horn geometry and materials, enclosure geometry and materials, absorptive materials, etc. The result is a dramatic improvement in clarity and with a much more neutral sound (a lack of coloration), with the loudspeaker system maintaining its sonic integrity from the verylowest sound-pressure levels, to the veryhighest sound-pressure levels. This means that the front-of-house engineer will not have to retune the EQ and level settings as the SPL is increased throughout the show. This also means that the sound system performance will remain consistent in different array configurations and from venue to venue.
The X-Array™ systems utilizes a unique rigging system. A hinge assembly is used to link cabinets together at their rear corners, while wire-rope/fitting assemblies are used at the front to adjust the relative angle between systems. (See the Flying the X-Array™ Systems section for more details.)
The durable Xf enclosure is constructed of 18-mm, 13-ply birch plywood and has a wear-resistant black, textured paint finish. The system is trapezoidal, forming an 18° wedge and includes a heavy-duty steel grille with a water-resistant charcoal-gray foam interlining. The enclosure features vinyl bumper pads on the front corners and feet on the bottom to resist wear.
A variety of accessories are available for the X-Array™ loudspeaker systems, including
rigging hardware, dollies, covers, electronic crossovers, amplifier racks and speaker cabling. Consult the X-Array™ Accessories section for a complete listing of the available accessories.
Applications
The X-Array™ loudspeaker systems were designed for optimal performance in both concert-sound and permanent-installation applications where studio-monitor sound quality is required at concert-sound levels. The X-Array™ loudspeaker systems work well individually, in small arrays and in large arrays. The high acoustic output from these compact, lightweight systems provide the highest acoustic-power-to- weight ratio, the highest acoustic-power- to-frontal-area ratio, and the highest acous- tic-power-to-bulk-volume ratio in the industry. That means that X-Array™ systems will be considerably smaller and lighter compared to competitive systems having equivalent acoustic output. The 40° H x 20° V coverage pattern of the Xf makes it ideal for sound-reinforcement applications with long-throw requirements. With its response from 125-20,000 Hz, is recommended for mid-bass-/high-frequency applications and should be used with an X-Array™ bass box (like the Xb, Xds or Xcb) for full-range applications. The Xf may be used individually or in multiples to construct arrays. In addition, the Xf may be used with the MB/HF or LF/MB/HF X-Array™ loudspeaker systems (like the Xn or Xcn) to construct large full-range arrays. The Xf enclosure shell and rigging are identical to the other full-size X-Array™ systems for easy array integration. The 40° H x 20° V coverage pattern offers precise pattern control, and would be well suited for front-of- house, front-fill, side-fill and delay applications.
The Xf is a two-way active system that requires an active electronic crossover. Both the Electro-Voice Dx38 and Klark Teknik DN8000 digital crossovers are recommended for signal control. (See the Crossover, Equalization and Signal Delay Controller section.) The Electro-Voice P3000 amplifier is recommended for powering the Xf. (See the Amplifier Recommendations
section.)
Power-Handling Capabilities
The Xf systems are rated as per the “ANSI/EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker PowerRating, Full-Range Test,” which uses a shaped-random-noise signal to simulate typical music to test the mechanical and thermal capabilities of the loudspeakers. A digital crossover was used to provide the appropriate filtering and equalization. The test parameters are as follows:
High-Frequency Section: |
|
PE(MAX): |
150 watts |
Test Voltage: |
30.1-volts rms |
|
60.2-volts peak |
RSR (1.15 RE): |
6.04 ohms |
Mid-Bass-Frequency Section:
PE(MAX): |
600 watts |
Test Voltage: |
45.5-volts rms |
|
91.0-volts peak |
RSR (1.15 RE): |
3.45 ohms |
Amplifier Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings are recommended for use with the Xf loudspeaker systems:
HF: 800 watts per channel into 8 ohms
93-volts peak
MB: 800 watts per channel into 8 ohms
93-volts rms short term
132-volts peak
Xf loudspeakers may be paralleled with other Xf systems as long as the amplifiers can drive the lower impedances. To maintain a sufficient damping factor with long cable runs, amplifier loads of four ohms per channel are recommended. The Electro-Voice P3000 amplifiers are ideal for powering the X-Array™ systems.
Crossover, Equalization and Signal
Delay Controller
The Xf is a two-way active loudspeaker system requiring an active crossover, equalization and signal delay controller. For basic applications, the Electro-Voice Dx38 2-in/4-out controller is recommended. For more sophisticated applications, the Klark
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Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
Teknik DN8000 2-in/5-out controller is recommended. Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters with a minimum slope of 24 dB per octave at 125 Hz and 1,760 Hz are recommended. Both the Dx38 and the DN8000 offer appropriate filtering, equalization and signal delay capabilities to provide optimum performance of the X-Array™ loudspeaker systems. Digital parameter settings for both controllers are avaialble upon request.
Electrical Connection and System
Wiring
Two paralleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon® connectors are used for electrical connection to the Xf loudspeakers with the following pin assignments:
HF: |
Pins 4 Paralleled |
MB: |
Pins 3 Paralleled |
The Xf wiring diagram is shown in Figure 7. Since the connectors are paralleled, it does not matter which connector is used as the input or output when paralleling Xf systems. Although Pins 1 and 2 are not used by the Xf systems, they are paralleled on the input panel. This allows an X-Array™ bass box (like the Xb – which uses Pins 1 and 2, but not Pins 3 and 4) to be paralleled with an Xf, allowing all eight conductors to be used with a single cable run to the amplifiers. Note that, when two Xf systems are jumped from one to another via the input/ output connections, the amplifier homerun cable will have four high-frequency drivers on Pins 4 (for a 4-ohm load) and four mid-bass drivers on Pins 3 (for a 4- ohm load).
Flying the X-Array™ Systems
The X-Array™ loudspeaker systems all utilize the same rigging hardware and have the same structural strength ratings. Thus, different systems may be mixed in an array to achieve the best acoustic results. The rigging system allows for the smallest possible spacing between adjacent enclosures, and utilizes quick-release rigging fittings for fast installation and tear down.
When flown, the X-Array™ enclosures are linked together by two removable hinges on the rear of the enclosures at the top and bottom. This arrangement enables the enclosures to pivot vertically from the rear
corners. The relative vertical angle between adjacent enclosures is adjustable and set by two removable rigging straps on the front of the enclosures at the top and bottom. Both the rear rigging hinges and the front rigging straps are installed when enclosures are sitting on top of one another. For ease of installation of the hinges and straps, the enclosures self align using feet and cups mounted on the top and bottom of the enclosures. The relative horizontal angle between adjacent columns of loudspeakers is set by adjustable grids at the top of the array (or by custom-building attachment supports in permanent-installa- tion applications where grids are not used). The removable proprietary rear rigging hinges utilize all-steel construction and are secured into a proprietary track assembly on the enclosure (similar to the heavy-duty aircraft L-track). The aluminum track is extruded as a single-piece track/angle-bracket assembly and ties into the top, bottom and rear of the enclosure. Metal bars inside the enclosure tie the top and bottom track/ angle-bracket assemblies together, minimizing the load applied to the wooden enclosure. The rear extrusion will accommodate the New Haven 32102-2 aircraft-type double-stud locking fitting instead of the hinge for applications requiring a lowerstrength rating.
The removable, front strap assemblies utilize all-steel New Haven 32102-2 aircrafttype double-stud locking fittings and wire rope and are secured into another proprietary track similar to the heavy-duty aircraft L-track. The track is extruded as a single-piece track/angle-bracket assembly that ties into the front and side of the enclosure. The track/angle-bracket assembly extends from the top to the bottom of the enclosure, eliminating the load applied to the wooden enclosure.
A complete line of flying-hardware accessories is available for the X-Array™ loudspeaker systems, including a grid, rigging hinges and rigging straps. The variety of rigging hinges and front rigging straps available include those for linking two enclosures together, securing the top enclosure in a column to a grid and for picking up the top enclosure in a column without a grid. Consult
the X-Array™ Accessories section for a complete listing of the available rigging accessories.
The total weight of a column of X-Array™ loudspeaker systems that may be supported by the X-Array™ rigging system varies from 454-726 kg (1,000-1,600 lb) depending on the rigging configuration details. An X-Array™ Flying Manual is available from Electro-Voice and is included with each X-Array™ system shipment. The manual should be consulted for complete structural specifications and detailed instructions for safely suspending and using the X-Array™ systems.
Field Replacement
Normal service for the Xf requires only a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch hex-key wrench. The drivers may be accessed as follows:
HF: First remove the grille, then remove the screws securing the front flange of the highfrequency horn. Lift the horn and driver out of the shroud assembly. In the event of failure, the diaphragm assembly can be replaced with the driver attached to the horn.
MB: Remove the screws securing the hatch on the back of the enclosure, and lift the hatch out. Remove the screws securing the 12-inch driver and lift the driver out of the enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire driver must be replaced or reconed.
The following service parts are available from the service department in Buchanan, MI USA:
HF: #84233-XX 16-ohm ND5-16 diaphragm kit
#827-2973 ND5-16 complete driver MB: #812-2858 ND12A complete driver. The complete drivers are available only for repair replacement and are not available for general sale.
Architects’ and Engineers’
Specifications
The loudspeaker system shall be a two-way, active, coaxial, MB/HF system with a frequency response from 125-20,000 Hz with crossover frequencies at 125 and 1,760 Hz, and a 40° H x 20° V constant-directivity coverage pattern. The loudspeaker system shall have two high-frequency compression
System MB/HF Way,-Two Xf
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Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
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X-ArrayXfTwoTM-XfWay,TwoMB/HF-Way, MB/HFSystemSystem
drivers mounted on two 40° x 20° constantdirectivity horns, and each shall have a 16-ohm, 76.2-mm (3-in.) diameter voice coil, a 76.2-mm (3-in.) titanium dome, a 35.6-mm (1.4-in.) exit, a neodymium magnetic motor structure, and a 75-watt power rating. The loudspeaker system also shall have two 305-mm (12-in.) mid-bass drivers mounted on a dual-throat mid-bass horn, and each shall have a 16-ohm, 63.5-mm (2.5-in.) diameter voice coil, a neodymium magnetic motor structure, and a 300-watt power rating. The loudspeaker shall have a rigging system enabling a column of loudspeakers to be hinged at their back corners, with relative downward angles set by adjustable rigging straps at the front. The enclosure shall be constructed of 18-mm thick, 13-ply birch plywood, and shall be trapezoidal, forming an 18° wedge, and be 914 mm (36.00 in.) high, 584 mm (23.00 in.) wide at the front, 354 mm (13.93 in.) wide at the back and 759 mm (29.88 in.) deep, and shall weigh 87.1 kg (192 lb). The loudspeaker system shall be the Electro-Voice Xf.
Rigging Accessories:
Grid: This ATM Fly-Ware™ “T” shaped, all-steel-construction grid was specifically designed as a single column of X-Array™ systems. Multiple grids can be linked together with couplers on front and back retractable arms, the position of which sets the splay angle between adjacent columns. Part number MEGS-4000-T. ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
Xrhg Grid Hinge: Two Xrhg grid rigging hinges are used to attach the rear of the top enclosure in a column to the rear of an X-Array™ compatible grid. Each hinge consists of two precision-machined steel riggingtrack fittings connected by an alloy-steel chain. Part number 510-2999. Electro-Voice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrhp Pickup Hinge: Two Xrhp pickup rigging hinges are used to create custom rigging assemblies to attach to the rear of the top enclosure in a column when an ATM grid is not used. Each hinge consists of one pre- cision-machined steel rigging-track fitting
with an alloy-steel chain. Part number 510-3000. Electro-Voice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrhl Linking Hinge: Two Xrhl linking rigging hinges are used to link two enclosures together at the rear. Each hinge consists of two precision-machined steel rigging-track fittings connected by a heavy-duty steel hinge. Part number 510-2998. Electro-Voice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrsl Long Rigging Steel Straps: Two Xrsl long rigging straps are used at the front of two enclosures to adjust their relative vertical angles. The Xrsl may also be used to attach the front of the top enclosure to the ATM grid when upward angles are not required. Each all-steel strap consists of two New Haven NH32102-2 double-stud fittings connected by black plastic-coated wire rope. Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336 Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA, 213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
Xrss Short Rigging Steel Straps: Two Xrss short rigging straps are used to attach the front of the top enclosure to the ATM grid. The Xrss may also be used at the front of two enclosures when a limited range of vertical angles are required. The all-steel Xrss utilizes the same construction as the Xrsl. Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336 Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA, 213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
New Haven NH32102-2 Fittings: The New Haven NH32102-2 swivel-ring, double-stud fitting recommended for attachment to both the front and rear X-Ar- ray™ rigging track is available for the user to make custom rigging attachment hardware. Sound Manufacturing, Inc., 3336 Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068, USA, 213-850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
General Rigging Supplies: A wide variety of standard and specialty rigging hardware components for both touring and per- manent-installation applications is available. Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336
Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA, 213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
Electronic Accessories:
Klark Teknik DN8000 Digital Controller: The DN8000 digital electronic loudspeaker controller has a two-in/five-out architecture, with each output having programmable high-pass and low-pass filters, four-band equalization, signal delay, com- pressor-limiter-and noise-gate functions. Program parameters for optimal performance of the X-Array™ systems are available. Klark Teknik, Klark Industrial Park, Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7HJ England, 44-156- 274-1515
Electro-Voice Dx38 Digital Controller:
The Dx38 digital electronic loudspeaker controller has a two-in/four-out architecture, with each output having programmable high-pass and low-pass filters, fourband equalization, signal delay compressor and limiter functions. Program parameters for optimal performance of the X-Array™ systems are available. ElectroVoice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831
Electro-Voice P3000 Power Amplifiers:
The stereo P3000 power amplifiers are rated at 800 watts into 8 ohms, or 93-volts rms short term. The amplifiers are 3-U high and weigh 28 kg (62 lb) each. Electro-Voice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831
X-Array™ Amplifier Racks: These 16-U racks will hold four Electro-Voice P3000 power amplifiers, one Klark Teknik DN8000 digital controller, 1-U light module, and a 2-U multipin patch panel. The aluminum- frame/wood-panel racks are vibration-iso- lation mounted on heavy-duty wheel boards and come prewired for AC power, audio and control signal sends and Neutrik® Speakon speaker connectors. db Sound, L.P., 1219 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016 USA, 847/299-0357
X-Array™ Speaker Cables: Eight conductor cable with four #11 AWG conductors and four #13 AWG connectors. The larger conductors are used in the LF bands
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