B-52 LX-18 Owner's Instruction Manual

Owner’s / Instruction Manual

Use shielded speaker cable with stranded conductors. Do not use
audio cable that is insufficiently rated for the amplifier’s maximum
output amperage. 16-gauge or larger wire is recommended. Longer
cable run distances require larger cable. Use of inappropriate cable
can create a fire hazard!

CABLING CAUTION

Thank you for choosing the B-52 LX-18 subwoofer. For best performance and
years of trouble-free operation, please read this Owner’s Manual before use.
Please follow and keep these instructions. Please heed all warnings.

1) Location of Subwoofer:

a. Avoid areas with high temperature (i.e. near heater).
b. Keep speakers out of extended or direct sunlight.
c. The LX-18 is intended for portable use in which the speaker should be

placed on the floor, stage or a solid platform. Do not place on
unstable or non-level surfaces.

d. The LX-18 can produce high-energy levels. When placed on slippery

surfaces, such as polished wood or smooth tiles, the subwoofer may
move because of its intense bass output. Precautions should be
taken to ensure the subwoofer does not fall off a stage or raised surface.

e. If a full-range cabinet is placed on top of the LX-18, it should be

secured to the subwoofer to prevent the speaker from falling off.

2) Hearing damage, prolonged exposure to excessive SPL:

B-52 Pro-Audio speakers, especially the LX-18s, are capable of pro­ducing sound pressure levels (SPL) sufficient to cause permanent
hearing damage to performers, production crews or people in the
audience! Adequate hearing protection devices are recommended.
Caution should be taken to avoid extended exposure to SPL i n
excess of 90 dBA or at a level that causes discomfort.

3) Do Not Suspend:

The LX-18 is not intended for suspension or hanging. Under NO
circumstance should you attempt to suspend or hang this subwoofer.

PRECAUTIONS:

1) Your system must be turned completely OFF before connecting or discon­necting the LX-18. Connecting or disconnecting the LX-18 while the sound
system in ON may damage the subwoofer and the audio components in your
sound system.

2) Make sure the gain or level control(s) on the amplifier(s) is turned all the way
down when turning the system on or off!

3) Disconnect the LX-18 prior to moving the sound system or the subwoofer.

POWER UP / DOWN YOUR SYSTEM:

MAXIMUM BASS

OUTPUT

The LX-18 should be
arrayed in groups of two
or four and placed adja ­cent to structural sur ­faces. This will act to
extend the horn wall of
the LX-18 and will en­hance low-frequency out ­put. Placing subwoofers
adjacent to each other
results in a coupling
effect, which will increase
the total bass output of
the system.

LX-18 Owner’s Manual

CHOOSING AN AMPLIFIER:

The LX-18 includes (2) 1/4” phone jacks
and one Neutrik NL4 Speakon input ter­minals. All three terminals are internally
connected in parallel. Each of the three
connections can be used as an input or
as an output.

1. Neutrik NL4 Terminal

2. 1/4” Phone Jacks

2

1

1/4” Phone Jack Wiring

NEUTRIK CONNECTOR

Pin 1 +............Subwoofer + (input or output)

Pin 1 - ............Subwoofer - (input or output)

Pin 2 +............Subwoofer + (input or output)

Pin 2 - ............Subwoofer - (input or output)

For optimal performance, it is extremely important that an elec­tronic crossover be used in the audio system. An electronic
crossover will provide a low-pass output allowing the LX-18 to only
play low frequencies. B-52 recommends setting your low-pass
crossover filter between 80 to 120 Hz, depending upon the venue
and sound desired. In case of doubt, set the low-pass crossover to
100 Hz.

It is highly recommended to use an electronic crossover with
24 dB per octave slopes or higher. If your amplifier or electronic
crossover provides a 30 Hz subsonic filter, make sure this filter is
turned ON. The subsonic filter will prevent the subwoofer from
reproducing frequencies below 30 Hz. At high SPL, frequencies
lower than 30 Hz can damage to the subwoofer.

USING AN ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER

LX-18 CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

STEREO CONNECTION

MIXER

ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER

LOW PASS OUTPUTS

L

AMPLIFIER

R

L

R

L

R

LX-18

LX-18

MIXER

ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER

LOW PASS OUTPUTS

L

R

BRIDGED CONNECTION

AMPLIFIER

BRIDGED OUTPUT

L or R Out

LX-18

LX-18

Connecting two LX-18 subwoofers in

parallel results in a 4 ohm load.

There are numerous other configurations available.
Please consult your Authorized B-52 Dealer or
contact B-52’s Customer Service.

STEREO OUTPUT

rating of the LX-18 (see specifications on back page).

choose an amplifier that delivers up to 750 watts @ 8 ohm
stereo or an amplifier that delivers up to 1500 watts @ 4 ohm
bridge (when connecting two LX-18 in parallel). Other combina­tions are possible– –consult your authorized dealer or call B-52
for additional details. See Connection Diagram (right) for details.

ble of putting out much more power than they rated for. The
amplifiers rating is specified as undistorted output (low
THD– – total harmonic distortion). Amplifiers are capable of pro­ducing much greater power that they are rated for when driven
into clipping.

Using a small amplifier and clipping its high output signal could
damage the subwoofer. Clipping the amplifier may distort the
signal and cause over heating of the voice coil.

CONNECTORS:

(Amp must be stable at 4
ohms in the BRIDGE mode)

Frequency Response: 30-250 Hz
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Power Handling - Continuous: 750 Watts

Peak: 1500 Watts
Nominal Dispersion: Omni Directional
SPL (1watt/1meter): 104 dB
Peak SPL: 135 dB
Components: (1) B-52 18-200L subwoofer. 4” diameter,

dual-aluminum former voice. Cast
aluminum frame. 200-oz magnet
structure.

Connections: (2) 1/4” Phone Jacks

(1) Neutrik Speakon NL-4 (4-Pin)
Connector

Enclosure: 3/4”, void-free plywood cabinet finished

with impact-forgiving black carpet.

Features: Metal bar handles, metal corners, rubber

feet, 4” casters & front-panel heat sink.
Dimensions (W x H x D): 24” x 36” x 24”
Weight: 160 Lbs.

WARRANTY

Thank you for choosing this B-52 Pro-Audio sound prod­uct. B-52 manufactures some of the world’s best sound­ing and most reliable professional speaker systems and
components. E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc., manufacturers
of B-52, takes great pride in thoroughly testing each B-52
product prior to shipment. Please read the warranty
terms and conditions below and carefully read the pro­vided Limited Warranty Card for additional terms and
conditions.

B-52 CABINETS: E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc. offers a
LIFETIME warranty to the original purchaser that B-52
cabinet’s construction will be free from defects in materi­al and workmanship. A dated sales receipt will establish
coverage under this warranty. The warranty does not
cover service or parts to repair damage caused by neg­lect, abuse, normal wear & tear and cosmetic appear­ance of the cabinetry not directly attributed to defects in
material or workmanship, or service & repair, modifica­tions to the cabinet which has not be authorized or
approved by E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc. If this product is
defective in materials or workmanship as warranted
above, your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement
as provided above. See provided Limited Warranty card
for additional terms and conditions.

LOUDSPEAKER AND MID-RANGE COMPONENTS:

E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc. warrants the original purchas­er that B-52 loudspeakers and/or midrange components
will be free from defects in material and workmanship for
a period of (5) FIVE YEARS from the original purchase
date. A dated sales receipt will establish coverage under
this warranty. This warranty will automatically terminate
(5) years after the original retail sales date. This (5) five­year warranty does not cover service or parts to repair
damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse,
burnt voice-coils, over-powering, negligence, inadequate
packing or shipping procedures and service, repair or
modifications of the component which has not been
authorized or approved by E.T.I.. This warranty is in lieu
of all other expressed warranties. If this product is defec­tive in materials or workmanship as warranted above,
your sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as pro­vided above.

INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE: In no
event E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc. be liable for any inci­dental or consequential damages arising out of the use
or inability to use of any B-52 product, even if, E.T.I.
Sound Systems, Inc. or a B-52 dealer has been advised
of the possibility of such damages, or any other claim by
any other party. Some States do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of consequential damages, so the above lim­itation and exclusion may not apply to you. This warran­ty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have
other rights that may vary from State to State. See pro­vided Limited Warranty card for additional terms and con­ditions.

RETURN PROCEDURES: In the unlikely event that a
defect should occur, follow the procedure outlined below.
Defective products must be shipped together with a proof
of purchase, freight prepaid and insured to th e
Authorized B-52 Dealer from whom you purchased the
product or directly E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc. If a product
must be returned directly to E.T.I. Sound Systems, Inc.
for warranty replacement/repair, a Return Authorization
Number (RAN) must be obtained from our Customer
Service Department prior to shipping the product. You
may obtain RAN by calling 800-344-4ETI.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Please complete and mail
the Purchase Information Card within (10) ten days of the
date of purchase so that we may contact you directly in
the event a safety notification is issued in accordance
with the 1972 Consumer Product Safety Act. In addition,
we ask that you complete the brief questionnaire so me
may analyze your answers and in this way, help us eval­uate our customer needs. See provided Limited Warranty
card for additional terms and conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS

E.T.I. SOUND SYSTEMS, INC.

3383 Gage Avenue, Huntington Park, CA, 90255

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

National: 1-800-344-4ETI

Internet: www.B-52PRO.com

E-mail: [e-mail]

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

For technical support, please call 800-344-4384 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Pacific
Standard Time). A B-52 representative will be happy to provide you with the assis­tance you need.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

E.T.I. Sound Systems is dedicated to product excellence and therefore continuously
attempts to improve each and every model we manufacture. This ongoing process
includes refinements in design, materials and workmanship, which may result in prod ­ucts that differ than those described in our literature. All features, specifications, and
prices are therefore subject to change without notice.