Electro-Voice XN EDS User Manual

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Electro-Voice XN EDS User Manual

Xn

X-Array™ Three-Way,

LF/MB/HF System

Unprecedented acoustic output in small, lightweight package

Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) provides accurate transient detail

Near-field 60° x 40° rotatable coverage pattern

Neodymium ND5 HF and ND12A MB drivers and EVX-180B woofer

Unique rear-hinge rigging

Enclosure shell and rigging identical to all of the full-size X-Array™ systems

Description

The X-Array product line represents important advancements in concert-sound reinforcement 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 Xn is an active near-field, three-way, semi-full-range LF/MB/HF loudspeaker system with a rotatable 60° x 40° coverage pattern. The high-frequency and mid-bass sections are horn loaded with one driver in each frequency band, and the HF horn/ driver combination is mounted coaxially inside the mid-bass horn. The low-frequency section has one driver in a slot-loaded enclosure. The woofer, horns and drivers were designed as part of the Xn 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 improve clarity and intelligibility by reducing both linear and nonlinear resonance modes that color the sound.

The high-frequency driver in the Xn is the ND5, which is a 3.56-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 is mounted on a 60° x 40° rotatable constant-directivity horn. This combination results in substantially improved vocal clarity and presence with a smooth response throughout the vocal range up to 20,000 Hz. The horn and driver are nested inside the mid-bass phase plug assembly to minimize interference in the mid-bass band.

The mid-bass driver in the Xn 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 is mounted on a mid-bass horn that has a coverage pattern that transitions

smoothly into the rotatable 60° x 40° highfrequency 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.

The low-frequency driver in the Xn is the EVX-180B, which is a high-excursion 457-mm (18-in.) woofer that has distinguished itself as an industry standard for high-power, low-frequency reproduction. The single slot-loaded, low-frequency woofer in the Xn is less efficient than the horn-loaded mid-bass- and high-frequency sections and, as such, can provide low-to- moderate levels of low-frequency reproduction. For high levels of low-frequency reproduction, addditional woofer systems must be added (Xb, Xcb and/or Xds). During the X-Array development, the thermal conduction of the motor was improved and the suspension was redesigned giving the EVX-180B even lower power compression and longer mechanical lifetime. In the Xn, the woofer is slot loaded in a sealed enclosure optimized for maximized output from 48-160 Hz with minimized distortion. Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD) is a technique utilized and named by Electro-Voice to describe a process used

Xn Three-Way, LF/MB/HF System

Xn Three-Way LF/MB/HF System

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 coloration 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 Xn development, RMD was applied at every level – to the individual HF, MB and LF drivers, the HF and MB horns, the LF and MB enclosure chambers, the interaction between the HF, MB and LF 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 very-lowest sound-pressure levels, to the very-highest 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 Xn 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 the available accessories.

Applications

The X-Array loudspeaker systems were designed for optimal performance in both con- cert-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 acoustic-power-to-bulk-vol- ume 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 60° x 40° coverage pattern of the Xn makes it ideal for sound-reinforcement applications with shortto medium-throw requirements. With its response from 48-20,000 Hz, is recommended for fullrange applications where a moderate level of bass is required. Where very-high levels of deep bass are required, maximum performance may be achieved with the addition of an X-Array bass box (like the Xb, Xcb or

Xds). The Xn may be used individually or in multiples to construct arrays. In addition, the Xn may be used with the MB/HF X-Array loudspeaker systems (like the Xf or Xcn) to construct large full-range arrays. The Xn enclosure shell and rigging are identical to the other full-size X-Array systems for easy array integration. The rotatable horn pattern offers tremendous flexibility to tailor the pattern to the application. For example, the 60°H x 40°V orientation would be well suited for front-of-house, front-fill and side-fill applications while the 40°H x 60°V would be well suited for downfill applications.

The Xn is a three-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 Xn. (See the Amplifier Recommendations section.)

Power-Handling Capabilities

The Xn systems are rated as per the “ANSI/EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker Power Rating, 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):

75 watts

Test Voltage:

30.1-volts rms

 

60.2-volts peak

RSR (1.15 RE):

12.1 ohms

Mid-Bass-Frequency Section:

PE(MAX):

300 watts

Test Voltage:

45.5-volts rms

 

91.0-volts peak

RSR (1.15 RE):

6.90 ohms

Low-Frequency Section:

PE(MAX):

600 watts

Test Voltage:

58.7-volts rms

 

117.4-volts peak

RSR (1.15 RE):

5.75 ohms

2

Xn Three-Way LF/MB/HF System

Amplifier Recommendations

Power amplifiers with the following ratings are recommended for use with the Xn loudspeaker systems:

HF:

800 watts per channel

 

into 8 ohms

 

93-volts rms short term

 

132-volts peak

MB:

800 watts per channel

 

into 8 ohms

 

93-volts rms short term

 

132-volts peak

LF:

800 watts per channel

 

into 8 ohms

 

93-volts rms short term

 

132-volts peak

Xn loudspeakers may be paralleled with other Xn 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 Xn is a three-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 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, and subsonic filter protection at 50 Hz or higher with a minimum slope of 12-dB/octave is recommended in the lowfrequency section. 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 available upon request.

Electrical Connection and System Wiring

Two semiparalleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon® connectors are used for electrical connection to the Xn loudspeakers with the following

pin assignments:

 

 

HF:

Pins 4

In / Pins 4 Out

MB:

Pins 3

/ Pins 3 Out

LF:

Pins 1

In / Pins 2 Out

The Xn wiring diagram is shown in Figure 7. Note that one connector is specifically labeled for input connection only and the other for output connection only. Also note that Pins 1 In are connected to Pins 2 Out, and Pins 2 In are connected to Pins 1 Out. This facilitates wiring of multiple systems with amplifiers. When four Xn systems are jumped from one to another via the input/output connections, the amplifier home run cable will have four HF drivers on Pins 4 (for a 4-ohm load), four MB drivers on Pins 3 (for a 4-ohm load), two LF drivers on Pins 2 (for a 4-ohm load) and two LF drivers on Pins 1 (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 angles 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-installation 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 aluminum 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 air- craft-type double-stud locking fitting instead of the hinge for applications requiring a lower strength rating.

The removable front strap assemblies utilize all-steel standard New Haven 32102-2 aircraft-type double-stud locking fittings and wire rope, and are secured into another proprietary track similar to the heavyduty 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 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 Xn requires only a

System LF/MB/HF Way,-Three Xn

3

Xn Three-Way, LF/MB/HF System

4

XnXnThreeThree-Way-Way,LF/MB/HFSystem

#2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch hexkey wrench. The drivers may be accessed as follows:

HF: First remove the grille, then remove the screws securing the front flange of the high-frequency 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 woofer and lift the driver out of the enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire woofer must be replaced.

LF: First remove the grille, then remove the screws securing the hatch on the front of the enclosure. Remove the screws securing the 18-inch woofer and lift the driver out of the enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire woofer must be replaced.

The following service parts are available from the service department in Buchanan, Michigan USA:

HF: #84423-XX 16-ohm ND5-16 diaphragm kit

#827-2973 ND5-16 complete driver MB: #812-2858 ND12A complete driver LF: #818-2883 EVX-180B complete driver

Architects’ and Engineers’ Specifications

The loudspeaker system shall be a threeway, active, coaxial, LF/MB/HF system with a frequency response from 48-20,000 Hz with crossover frequencies at 125 and 1,760 Hz and a rotatable 60° x 40° constant-di- rectivity coverage pattern. The loudspeaker system shall have a high-fre- quency compression driver mounted on a 60° x 40° constant-directivity horn, and 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 a 305-mm (12-in.) mid-bass driver mounted on a mid-bass horn, and 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 system also shall have a 457-mm (18-in.) low-frequency woofer slot-loaded

in the enclosure and shall have an 8-ohm, 101-mm (4-in.) diameter voice coil and a 600-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 18mm 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, 365 mm (14.38 in.) wide at the back and 759 mm (29.88 in.) deep and shall weigh 87 kg (192 lb). The loudspeaker system shall be the ElectroVoice Xn.

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 Flyware™, 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 rig- ging-track fittings connected by an alloysteel chain. Part number 510-2999. ElectroVoice, 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 precision-machined steel rig- ging-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 rig- ging-track fittings connected by a heavyduty 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

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, compressor- 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

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