Biamp R6-51, R6-BASSHORN User guide

R SERIES

Installation and
Operation Manual

R6-51

R6-BASSHORN

Weather-Resistant,

High-Fidelity, High Output

Loudspeaker Systems

EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY

EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY

This document c onfirms that the range of products of Community Professional Loudspeakers bearing the CE
label meets all of t he r equir em ents in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the M ember States Council for
adjustment of legal r equirements. Furthermore, the products comply with the rules and regulations referring to
the electromagnetic compatibili ty of devices from 30-August-1995.

The Community Prof essional Loudspeaker products be ar ing the CE label comply with t he following harmonized
or national standards:

DIN EN 55013:08-1991

DIN EN 55020:05-1995

DIN EN 55082-1:03-1993

The authorized declaration and compatibility certification resides with the manufacturer and c an be vi ewed upon
request. The responsi ble manufacturer is the com pany :

Community Light & Sound
333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013
USA

TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

Chester, PA USA Februar y 2016

FIND THE LATEST ONLINE

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this manual was complete and
accurate at t he time of printing. However, due to ongoing t echnical adv ances, changes or m odifications m ay
have occurr ed that are not cover ed in this publicati on. The latest v ersion of this manual and t he most recent
product inf ormation published by Communtiy is al ways available at www.comm unitypro.com.
The publicati on date can be found on the rear cover of this document.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 2

WELCOME TO COMMUNITY

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE AND

INNOVATION... SPANNING MORE THAN 40 YEARS!

Since the founding of our company in 1968, Community has been a constant developer and i nnovator of
loudspeaker technology. Many of our engi neeri ng ac hiev em ents were undertaken to solve probl ems, when no
prior soluti ons existed, while others were the result of simply seeing a better way to do thi ngs.

Over the years our technologies have been imitated, and our methods have become c ommon practice
throughout the pr ofessional sound industry. However, developments lik e c ar bon fiber diaphragm compression
drivers still stand alone, and well ahead of the competi tion. J ust a few of Community’s unique accom plishments
include the following:

 First successful fi ber glass mid-frequency, high-frequency, and large-format bass horns.
 First compression loaded m id-range horn for touring systems - the LMF.
 First suspension-less diaphragm HF driver - the VHF100.
 First mid-range, full-dec ade ( 200 Hz - 2 k Hz) high-power c ompression driver - the M4.
 First carbon fiber diaphr agm c om pr ession drivers - M4, EM280, EM282.
 First Ferroflui d-cooled professional woofer s - t he VBS Series.
 First product series wit h all dr ivers Ferrofluid-cooled.
 First air-cooled l oudspeakers for touring system s - AirForce.
 First three-way cinema loudspeaker systems - Param ount Ex ec utive Studio Theatre, W arner Br os.

screening theatre and dubbing rooms.

 First electro-acousti c system to equal the sound level of pneumatic warning sirens.
 First to provide loudspeaker coverage over an entir e country - Denm ar k Em er genc y System.
 First comprehensive, calibrated data acquisition of sound reinforc em ent produc ts.
 First integral signal-aligned three-way sound reinforcement system s - RS Series.
 First pro audio company wit h an Int er net W eb site.
 First all horn-loaded, high-fidelity, weather-resistant loudspeakers - R2 Series.

In line with our history of excellence and innovation, each Communit y product is manufactured in accordance
with a complic ated and exac ting chain of procedures that ensure absol ute quality and unif ormit y .

Wit h our unique desi gns, our sophi sticated techniques, and our proprietary m aterials and transducers, we are
committed to bringing only the finest audio produc ts to the many thousands of professional sound engi neers,
perform er s, and end users who rel y on them daily.

Community Professional Loudspeakers

333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]
www.communitypro.com

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOP ICS

EC Statement of Conformity .................................................................................................... Page 2

Welcome to Com munity .......................................................................................................... Page 3

Important Safety Information ................................................................................................... Page 5

Unpacking, Inspection, and Damage Claims ........................................................................... Page 6

Introduction / Features ............................................................................................................ Page 7

Product Descriptions .............................................................................................................. Page 8

Quick Start- up Gui de / Basic Features .................................................................................... Page 9

Signal Processing ................................................................................................................. Page 10

Power Amplification ...................................................................................................... Pages 10 - 11

Use of Protective Lim iti ng ...................................................................................................... Page 11

Electrical Installation / Connecting to the Loudspeaker .......................................................... Page 12

Mounting Point Dimensions ................................................................................................... Page 13

Mechanical Installation ................................................................................................. Pages 14 - 15

Rigging Considerations ................................................................................................ Pag es 16 - 17

Dimensioned Drawi n gs ......................................................................................................... Page 17

System Optimizati o n ............................................................................................................. Page 18

Internal Wiring Guide ............................................................................................................. Page 19

In Case of Difficulty ............................................................................................................... Page 20

Warranty / Service In for m ati on ..................................................................................... Pag es 21 - 22

Installation Notes ................................................................................................................... Page 23

Contact Information ............................................................................................................... Page 24

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 4

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Always foll ow these basic safety precautions when using or installing R-Series l oudspeakers an d ac c es sories:

Read these instructions.
Keep these instruct ions.
Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions, particular ly those pertaining to rigging, mounting, suspension of the product, and electrical
connections.

The terms IMPORTANT, CAUTION, and DANGER are used throughout t his manual to alert the reader t o
important safety considerations. If you have any questions or do not understand the m eaning of these terms, do
not proceed with installation. Contact your loc al dealer, distributor, or c all Community directly for assistance.
These terms are defi ned below:

IMPORTANT: describes an operating condit ion or user action that may expose the equipment or
user to potenti al dam age or danger .

CAUTION: describes an operating condition or us er action that will likely cause damage to the
equipment or injury t o the user or to others in the vicinity.

DANGER: describes an op erat ing condition or user action that will i mmedi at ely damage the
equipment and/or be extremely dangerous or life threatening to the user or to others in the
vicinity.

RIGGING AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY

DANGER: The loud speakers de scrib ed in this manual are designed and int end ed to be
‘flown,’ mounted, or suspended for maximum acoustical performance using a variety of
rigging hardware, means, and methods. Installation of the loudspeakers should only be
performed by trained and qualified personnel. It is strongly recommended that a licensed and
certified pro f essional structural engineer app rove the mounting design. Severe injury and/or
loss of life may occur if these products are improperly installed.

DANGER: R-Series rigging fittings are rated at a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 100 lbs
(45.4kg) with a 10: 1 safety marg in. No single rigging fitting shoul d ever b e subj ect ed to a load
that is greater than this stated limit. Failure to heed this warning could result in severe injury
and/or loss of life.

IMPORTANT: Refer to the sections on installation and connections later in this manual for additional

information on rigging and electrical safety.

IMPORTANT: The stainless steel mounting bolt s that com e installed in each enclosure must eit her
be used to mount the Accessory Mounting Yoke or they must be kept in place to seal the enclosure
from air leaks. If the rigging fittings do not remain sealed, air leaks will occur in the enclosure that
will compromise the loudspeaker’s weather-resi st anc e and its low frequenc y performance.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 5

UNPACKING

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

R-Series loudspeakers are inherently r ugged and ar e carefully packed in sturdy c artons. However, it’s wise to
thoroughly inspect eac h unit after it has been remov ed from the packaging, as damage may have occurred
during shippi ng.

SHIPPING CLAIMS

Please note that onc e the shipm ent has left your dealer or the Community factory, the responsibility for damage
is always borne by the freight company. If damage has occur r ed dur ing shipping, you must fil e a cl aim directly
with the freight company. It’s very import ant t o contact the freight company as soon as possibl e after receiving
your shipment, as most f r eight companies have a short time limit within whi c h they will investigate cl aim s. Make
sure to save the carton and t he pac ki ng m aterials, as damage claims can be deni ed if t hese materials are not
retained. If t her e is evidence of physical damage to the carton upon arrival, be very careful before signing a
delivery rec eipt. Often, the fine print in a delivery receipt will waive your right to file a claim for damage, or loss,
after you sign it.

Your Community dealer and the factory will try to hel p in any way they can, but it is the responsibility of the party
receiving the shipment to file the damage claim. This is a provision of law in the USA and in most countries.

It’s always a good idea to retain the carton and packing mat eri als indefinitely, if possible, in the event that the
product may need t o be retur ned to your dealer or distributor for repair in the future.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Each shipping car ton contains the following item s:

 (1) R6-BASSHORN

or

 (1) R6-51 full-Range Loudspeaker
 (1) Installation/Operation Manual
 (1) Warranty Card

PURPOSE OF THIS MANUAL

This manual is intended t o help you install and use the R6-BASSHORN and the R6-51 loudspeakers safely and
effectively. It provides useful inf ormation to help you obtain the best perform anc e, sound quality, and reliability
from these systems.

We’ve provi ded a Quick-Start diagram to enable you to install and operate the products imm ediately, but we
recommend that you read t his manual in its entirety to ensure that your installation meets the highest possible
standards.

While every attempt has been made to ensure this information is correct and up-to-date, Comm unity
continuously inc or por ates worthwhile im provements to each product which may include c hanges and/or
modifications not contained in this manual. Please visit us on the web at http://www.c o mmunitypro.com to ver i fy
that you have the most up-to-date information.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 6

INTRODUCTION / FEATURES

INTRODUCTION TO THE R6-BASSHORN
AND THE R6-51BIAMP LOUDSPEAKERS

All-Weather, All-Purpose

The R6-BASSHORN and R6-51 are large-format, very high-power loudspeakers intended for use i n demanding
applications that require extreme out put levels. They are designed to handle the har shest out door environmental
conditions, but it should be kept in mind that they are often the ideal choice for indoor environm ents as well.

Both models are fully horn-loaded, manufactured from hand-laid fiberglass, and powered by industry-leading
electro-mechanical drivers. Horn-loading provides the highest possi ble efficiency, ex c ellent transient response,
and predictable pattern control - all of which equate to superior sound quality.

Fiberglass construc tion ensures that these loudspeakers can withstand conti nual exposure to the element s and
are free from the dec om posi tion that can occur over time with wood-based produc ts.

Community ’s proprietary drivers provi de superb sonic quality and are engineered f or dur ability and longevity.
They exhibit exc eptional resistance to potentially damaging environmental conditions, as do the enc losures
themselves. B oth models meet the needs of numerous applic ations, some of which are listed below:

TYPICAL APPLICAT IONS

 Stadiums
 Athletic Fi elds (f ootball, soccer, baseball, tennis)
 Sports Arenas
 Music Pavilions
 Racetracks & Mot or Speedways
 Gymnasiums & Field Houses
 Theme Parks and Amusem ent Par k s
 Swimming Pools and Water Parks
 Ski Slopes
 Cruise Sh ips
 Carillons
 Fairgrounds
 Rodeos
 Air Shows
 Skating Rink s
 Convention Center s
 Factories & War ehouses
 Portable Sound for Live Outdoor & Indoor Events

Please see our comprehensive 60 page R-Series Application Guide for advice and information on how to
best utilize the R6-51 and R6-BASSHORN, as well as how to utilize other R-Series loudspeakers. The
Guide contain s a wealth of knowl edg e, along with numerous examples of successful installations.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 7

PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS

R6-BASSHORN PRODUCT DESCRIP TIO N

The R6-BASSHORN is a high-output low frequency system designed for long t hrow appli c ations in sports
arenas, stadium s, and other large facilities that require high power levels coupled with superb clarity.
The R6-BASSHORN has been designed to work in an array with like units. As more units are employed, the
control of acoustic dispersion becomes i nc r easi ngly more directional and more eff ec tive at focusing the sonic
energy. Additionally, mutual coupling of adjacent enclosures will r esul t in higher efficiency at l ower fr equenc ies.

The R6-BASSHORN employs six high-sensitivity 12-inch drivers designed with powerful , heavy-duty mot or
structures. These drivers are mounted to a one-piec e fiber glass 42 Hz flare rate horn (t his equates to the lowest
note on a bass guitar), and are surrounded by a rigid fiberglass weatherproof cap. The R6-BASSHORN is
designed as the ultimate low frequency complem ent t o Community’s horn loaded full-range systems (such as
the R2 and other R-Seri es products).

Please note that proper implementation with an associated full-range system will require an electronic c r ossover,
signal alignment delay, and appropriate equalization in order to optimi z e the pot ential of this product.

R6-51 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The R6-51 is essentially the same as the R-6 BASSHORN, but with the addition of high-power mid-frequency
and high-frequenc y sect ions. Internally, t he driver components are arranged in three distinct line-array
formations. T his gives the R6-51 the same long-throw capabilities as that of separate, discreet line array
enclosures but contained in a single, easy to install pac k age that is capable of sustaining long-term outdoor use.

The R6-51 is Communit y ’s l ar gest ‘one- piece’ solution for the m ost dem anding of applications. It features a high­fidelity , wide-r ange r espon se that’s capable of ac c ur ately reproducing any musi c al genr e, while simultaneously
providing superb pr ojection of clear and intelligible speech with very low dist or tion. The R6-51 BIAMP is the ideal
primary system for applications requiring high-impact, long throw full- r ange per formance.

For applications that require a combinati on of bot h long- throw and short-throw loudspeaker systems, the R6-51
can readily be augmented with other R-Series loudspeak er s, as wel l as any of the models in the WET Series II
product family,

CROSSOVER

The mid-frequenc y and high- frequency drivers are acoustically mated thr ough the use of a high quality two-way
passive cr ossover usi ng 250V M yl ar capac itors and precision wound induct or s. No c r ossover is provided
between the low-fr equenc y and m id-frequency secti on because t his product is designed to use an outboard
electronic c r ossover to divide the frequency bands prior to amplification; hence the nam e “ R6-51 BI A M P.”

CAUTION: The R6-51BIAM P louds peak er M US T be used with an external electronic cr os s ov er t o
provide separate low-frequency and mid/high frequency outputs. Any att em pt to operate this system
without the requir ed c r os s ov er will r es ult in rapid failure of the mid and high frequency drivers.

WEATHER-STOPTM GRILLE

Both the R6 BASSHORN and the R6-51 loudspeakers are fitted with Community’s proprietary Weather-Stop™
protective grille. These grilles consist s of a c or rosion-resistant outer layer of perforated steel with a proprietary
zinc-ric h epox y dual-layer powder coat fini shed i n light grey. A center layer of UV-resistant reticulated foam and
an inner layer of fine-mesh screen made from a UV-resistant synt hetic material blocks rain and fights
rusting. Thi s grille assembly resists water intrusion, while providing t he pr oper degr ee of acoust ical
transparency.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 8

QUICK START-UP GUIDE

PHYSICAL FEATURES OF THE R6 & R6-51

NOTE: The numerical callouts show the typical location of the primary physical features of the R6 and R6-51 loudspeaker enclosures.
Not all mounting points, grille fasteners, or supplementary mounting holes are shown in order to make the illustration as clear as pos­sible.

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

1

Mounting/Rigging Points

2 Suppleme ntal Mounting Point s

3 Weather-Stop™ Grille

4 Mid-Hig h Fr e quency Horn Mounts

5 Input Cable

6 Structural Support

Four tot al; t w o on th e re ar and one each on the top and bottom. Riggi ng p oin t s are 1/2"-13
captiv e st ain l ess st eel bolts fitt ed wit h l ock , flat and rubb er w as h ers. Used f or att ac hi ng to
customer-supplied mounting system.

Ten 5/16” holes on front mounting flange intended to provide additional support.
CAUTION: NOT FOR USE AS PRIMARY SUPPORT OR FOR SAFETY CABLES.

Perf orated steel wit h a zinc-rich epoxy dual - l ay er powder- coated finish. Back ed b y a lay er
of UV-resistant reticulated foam and a woven poly mesh. Avoids damage to drivers by
resisti ng inc l em ent weath er .

The grille assembly is retained by 28 #6 stainless steel SMS screws.
Three 3/8”-16 stainless steel hex head bolts each on the top and bottom. Used to retain

the mid-hi gh frequ ency horn assem bly to the hor n enc l os ure.
CAUTION: NOT FOR ENCLOSURE SUSPENSION/MOUNTING

Connects the amplifier to the loudspeaker. The R6-BASSHORN uses a single cable
consisting of 12 feet of 16-2 SJOW retained by a factory-sealed gland-nut.

The R6-Biamp uses two cables, one for low frequencies and one for mid/high frequencies.
The R6-Triamp uses three cables, one for low frequencies, one for mid frequencies, and

one for high frequencies.
Four 1/4”-20 stainless steel bolts on each side used as structural support between shell

and flare.

CAUTION: NOT FOR USE AS PRIMARY SUPPORT OR FOR SAFETY CABLES.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 9

SIGNAL PROCESSING

HIGH-PASS FILTER

The R6-51 and the R-6 BASSHORN use fully horn-loaded low frequency driv ers. The specifi ed low f r equency
response is 45 Hz. Any attem pt t o r epr oduc e significant levels below this frequency can result in over-excursion
of the low frequency drivers. For this reason a 45 Hz electronic high-pass filter with a minimum slope of 12 dB
per octave must be employ ed. Its usage will protect the drivers from much of the extreme low frequency content
found on certain CDs and other program sources. The high-pas s filter will also protect against unwanted low
frequency energy that can originate from microphone wind noise - an important consi der ation for outdoor
applications.

Many power amplifier manufacturers off er pl ug-i n input modules that include high-pass filters. This is an
excellent way to pr ov ide the necessary high-pass filter and to make the system relatively tamperproof.
Alternately, an outboard loudspeaker controller will provide the necessary crossover functions while also
(typically) offering an adjustabl e high-pass filter that will fulf ill this requirement.

IMPORTANT: Operating t he R6-51 or the R-6 BASSHORN loudspeakers without the recommended
high-pass fil ter will reduce its low frequency power handling, and may result in physic al dam age to the
low-frequency drivers.

EQUALIZATION

Small amounts of fr equenc y boost can brighten-up the higher frequenc ies and round out the lower frequencies,
but they should be restr ic ted to no more than approximatel y +3 dB in order to avoid damage to the drivers.

Equalization cuts c an be v er y eff ec tive for removing the effects of room r esonance and ot her unwanted
acoustical artifacts, but here again should be k ept t o a minimum . Extr em e EQ cuts (or att enuation) will not
cause driver damage, but should be used with discretion to avoid acoustic ‘holes’ in the audible spectrum.

External equaliz ation can be used to "voice" the loudspeaker for particular applications and is especially
effective in attenuating feedback-prone frequencies.

CAUTION: Do not att em pt to boost frequencies at, or below 40 Hz with an equalizer (either gr aphic or
parametric). This will counteract the effec t of the high-pass filter disc us s ed abov e, pot entially causing
damage to the driver s .

POWER AMPLIFICATION

Power amplifiers for the R6-51 and the R-6 BASSHORN should be capable of providing enough power to
properly driv e the loudspeaker without the amplifiers entering into a state of clipping.

Clipping occurs when an amplifier runs out of power. The peaks of the reproduced waveform begi n to ‘clip’ and
resemble a square wave instead of the typical sine waves and saw-tooth waves that form the basis of m ost
speech and music. Clipping leads to rapid driver failure because the driver is no longer m ov ing as it’s designed
to. When power is flowing into a driver, but movement is limited bec ause of amplifier clipping, much of the
energy is conv erted to heat which will soon cause the driver ’s voice coil to burn out.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 10

POWER A MPLIFICATION

POWER RATING

Power handling of the Low Frequency section of the R6-51BIAMP and the R-6 BASSHORN is rated at 1200
Watts continuous and 3000 Watts program. An amplifier that is capable of providi ng a conti nuous output of 2500
Watts to 3000 Watts into a 4 ohm load is recommended. It is better to oversize the amplifier than to undersiz e it.

The Mid/High Fr equenc y secti on of the R6-51BIAMP is rated at 450 Watts conti nuous and 1100 Watts program.
An amplifier that is capable of providing a continuous output of 900 Watts to 1400 Watts into an 8 ohm load is
recommended. Here again, it is better to oversiz e the amplifier than to undersize it.

PROTECTIVE LIMITING

We recommend the use of a high quali ty signal limiter to help prevent loudspeaker damage due to sudden tr an­sients (dropped microphones, etc.) and/ or dam age from amplifier clipping. The limiter should be connected as
the last device in the signal chain before the power amplif ier. Alternately, m ost modern DSP based l oudspeaker
processors (also called loudspeaker controllers or loudspeaker management systems) have built-in dynamic
capabilities that can provide the recomm ended lim iting functionality .

The limiter should be set to a limiting ratio of 20:1 (or greater) , thereby providing near ‘br ic k-wall’ protection
against amplifier clipping. The limiter should also restrict output voltages to a maximum of 69VRMS for the
R6-BASSHORN and the low frequency section of the R6-51BIAMP full-range. The Mid/High section of the
R6-51BIAMP shoul d be r estr ic ted to a maximum of 60VRMS.

AMPLIFIERS WITH BUILT-IN LIMITING

Power amplifier manufacturers have introduced amplifiers with built-in lim iting. These limit er s are usually de­signed to prevent the amplifier from clipping. This type of limiting is acceptable to use in lieu of a stand-alone
limiter bec ause i t is easy to set-up, is specifically designed for the amplifier, and i n most cases is tamper-proof.
This assumes that the am plifier output is sized as recommended in “Power Amplificati on” that begins on
page 10.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 11

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

CONNECTING THE LOUDSPEAKER

The R-6 BASSHORN has a 12 ft (3.6m) 16-2 SJOW-type neoprene jacketed cable attached to its enclosure with
a weather-tight gland-nut. R6-51BIAMP has two of t hese same c ables, one for its low frequency sect ion and one
for its mid/high-frequency section. I n both products these ‘pigtails’ (as they’re sometimes called), are for
connection t o the am plifier(s). This cable may be connected to the amplifier’s speaker cabl ing using solder, a
terminal bloc k , crimped connections, or wire-nuts. Mak e sure t o provide all connections wit h a weather-resistant
treatment if used outdoors or in potentially harsh indoor env ironments. This can take the form of a weatherproof
junction box ( r ec ommended), do not remove the gland nut that att ac hes t he c able to the lower rear of the
loudspeaker, as thi s will compromise the weather integrity of the enclosure. All terminations should conform to
local electri c al c odes and i ndustr y best pr ac tices.

Connector Cable Polarity:

The white jacket ed c onduc tor is the positive or + signal wire and the blac k i s the negative or – signal wire.
Positiv e voltage applied to the + wire produces positive acoustic pressure at the mout h of t he loudspeaker.

LOUDSPEAKER CABLE

The resistance of the cable that connects the loudspeak er to the amplifier will affec t t he performance of the
loudspeaker. Cabl e with too high of a resistance will c ause power los se s and impair the frequency perf ormance
of the system by reducing the electrical damping f actor . To minimize these issues it is desirable to keep the total
cable resistance under 0.2 ohm. However, for lengths ov er 100 feet, the wire gauges needed to meet t his
requirement ar e usual ly not a prac tical choice for both physical and cost reasons. Theref or e #10 AWG
(American Wir e Gauge) is rec om m ended as the m ost pr ac tical gauge for installations that require 100’ (or
greater) di stanc es.

Both stranded and soli d c onduc tors are acceptable, although cable with stranded conductor s i s of ten easier to
work with. The length of both conductors has been calcul ated into the total resistanc e i n the table shown below.
Note that the lower the gauge number, the larger the wire size.

Run Length

10 ft. (3m) 16 AWG 0.08 ohm

25 ft. (8m) 14 AWG 0.13 ohm
50 ft. (15m) 12 AWG 0.16 ohm
75 ft. (25m) 10 AWG 0.15 ohm

100 ft. (30m)

Minimum Wire Gauge

(American Wire Gauge)

Contact Technical Application Team (TAG) Team

for recommended wire gauge.

Total Resistance

Recommended Wire Gauge vs. Distance

It is always desirable t o locate amplifiers as close to t he loudspeakers a s po s si ble, thereby minimizi ng the cost
of the loudspeaker cabl e, as well as reducing the inherent electrical losses that result from long cable runs.

When install ed outdoors, cable insulati on shoul d be r esi stant to water, temperature, and ultraviolet exposure.
Recommended cable compositions include pol y ethylene, neoprene, Teflon™ , Silicon™, and Hypalon™. Cable
compositi ons that are NOT recommended are Rubber, PVC, pol y pr opy lene, polyurethane, and nylon.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 12

MOUNTING POINT DIMENSIONS

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 13

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

GENERAL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

The R6-51 and the R-6 BASSHORN are each equipped with four primary mounting points. Each point consists
of a 1/2”-13 threaded inset. In all cases, a minimum of two points - on opposite sides of the enclosure - ( total of
four points) shoul d be used to m ount R6-51 or R-6 BASSHORN loudspeaker.

ACCEPTABLE MOUNTING POINT LOADING

The mounting poi nts should always be used so that either (1) shear force is applied perpendi c ul ar to t he
direction of t he m ounting hole or (2) tension force is appli ed perpendicular to the enclosure surface. They should
be tightened to a setti ng of 35 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

DANGER: Use the four mounting points only as described herein and depicted in the
ILLUSTRATION below. Failure to follow these instructions could result in immediate failure of the
mounting points wi th resultant damage to the loudspeaker, and serio us injury or loss of life to
personnel.

MOUNTING AN R6-51BIAMP OR R6 BASSHORN

Mounting requirements for large loudspeaker s such as the R6-51 and R6-BASSHORN vary widely depending on
the needs of the applic ation. For this reason Community does not supply a yoke, fasteners, or any ot her
mounting hardware with the R6-51 or R6-BASSHORN. The installer must supply all such hardware and is

responsible for designing a secure mounting system for the loudspeaker. In the USA, the overal l
mounting system shou ld be app roved by a licensed P.E. (Professional Engineer) or other competent
authority. Out sid e of th e US A, a prof essio nal mechanical engineer, competent in his or her field of
jurisdict io n, should approve/certify on the design of t he mounting system prior to installation.

The R6-51 and R6-BASSHORN have four primary mounting points consisting of ½” x 13-TPI stainless steel
inserts. These are suit able for suspension of t he loudspeaker. Two are located on the rear; one is l oc ated on the
top, and one on the bottom . T he R6-51 and R6-BASSHORN both provide an addit ional 10 holes in the front
enclosure fl ange intended for supplemental support . These holes are not designed for primary suspension,
nor are they suitable for saf ety-cable attachmen t. They are i ntended for use ONLY as supplemental
mounting poi nts for support of the front of the loudspeaker. Note that on the R6-51 three bolts on the top and the
bottom of the enclosure are used to fasten the mid-high pack t o the insi de of the loudspeaker. These bolts are

not suitable for suspension or for safety-cable attachment. They should NOT be utilized in any way for
mount ing or rigg ing.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 14

MECHANICAL INSTALLATION

For many applicati ons the top and bottom mounting points, used together, are sufficient for secure mounting of
these loudspeakers. When a safety-cable m ounting point is required, one or both of the rear m ounting points
may be used. In applic ations where the loudspeaker may be subjected to high wind loads or other unusual
stresses, Comm unity recommends that the loudspeake r be m ounted from the top, the bottom, and at least one
of the rear mounting points. The remaining rear mounting poi nt will then be available f or attac hing a safety cable.
For additi onal support in stressful applications it is strongly recommended that the mounting structure pr ov ided
by the installation contractor should utilize the front mounting poi nts for suppl em ental support. In all cases, it is
highly recomm ended to use as many mounting points as possible (top/bottom, rear, front ) . W hen in doubt,
consult with a licensed P. E . or other competent and certified professional who can review and approve the
design.

CAUTION: All of the m ounting bolts supplied with the R6-51 or R6-Bas s hor n that are not used for
mounting must be left in plac e with their rubber washers and fir m ly tight ened to maintain the integrity of
the weatherproof ing.

MAINTAINING WEATHER-RESISTANCE

There are several c onsi der ations that must be observed when install ing an R6-51BIAMP or R6-BASSHORN, in
order to maintain its weather-resistant integrity for outdoor use.

1. We recommend directing the loudspeaker downw ard at least 15 degrees so as to reduce the possibility
of rain and other preci pitation that might com promise the performance of the loudspeaker over time.

2. All mounti ng holes must be sealed off with the stainless steel bolts, steel washers, and rubber washer s t hat
are supplied with the product. The rubber washers must always seat tightly agai nst the enclosure.

3. The gland-nut securing the loudspeaker cable t o the enclosure is sealed at the fact ory. Do not attempt to
remove this nut or t he weather- tight seal will be broken. If it is desired to replace the gland-nut with a
detachable el ect r ic al c onnec tor, such connector must be of a weather - pr oof design and sealed to the
enclosure with silicone caulk or other suitable weather-tight sealant. NOTE: The gland-nut should be at

the bottom when inst all in g the loudspeaker. It is also advisable to leave a “drip loop” so water will
not migrate toward the loudspeaker.

4. The grille assembly is designed to prevent normal and wind-driven rain from dir ectly entering the mouth of
the loudspeaker. The grille is not designed to withstand direct spray from a pressure hose, such as when
personnel are cleaning a facility. Theref or e, such action should be avoided.

5. If any hardware is used in place of the stainless steel screws, bolts, nuts, and washers that are supplied,
such hardware should al so be of a high grade of stainless steel.

CAUTION: If t he above instructions are not observed, the weather-resistant integrity of the loudspeaker
can be compromised. This m ay result in damage or failure of the hardwar e or inter nal c omponents
which will void the warr anty.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 15

RIGGING CONSIDERATIONS

RIGGING SAFETY

DANGER: The loud speakers de scrib ed in this manual are designed to be ‘flown’ or suspended
for maximum acoustical performance using a variety of rigging hardware, means, and methods.
It is essential that all installation work invo lving the suspension of these loudspeaker products
be performed by competent, knowledgeable persons who understand safe rigging practices.
Severe injury and/o r lo ss of li f e may occur if these products are improperly in stalled.

Important Notes on Rigging Loudspeakers

There are three ar eas of r esponsibility when rigging loudspe ak ers. The first i s the building structure. Always
consult with t he building architect or structur al engineer to assure the ability of the structure to support the
loudspeaker system. The second area of responsibility is the loudspeaker it self. Community certifi es i ts
loudspeaker systems for suspension when they are properly installed accor ding to our published guideli nes. The
third area of responsibility encompasses everything between the l oudspeaker and the building struc ture, along
with the actual pr oc ess of installation. The installer assumes this responsibility. Loudspeaker rigging sho ul d

be performed only by certi f ied rigging professionals using certified rigging hardware th at is properl y
sized for the specific application. Prior to installation, the contractor sho ul d present a rigging plan, with
drawings and a detailed parts list, to a licensed structural eng in eer ( P.E .) or other authoritive body for
written appro val.

Safe Rigging Practices

In virtually all circumstances where an object is suspended overhead, a secondary ‘safety’ cable (or other means
of backing-up the primary suspension system) should be pr ov ided by the party responsible for life-safety
matters. Nearly all local building codes, as well as state and federal regulations, r equire safety cables, chains, or
other secondary support s, in the event that the prim ar y support m ay fail due to seismic concerns, exc essive
wind loads, or any other r easons.

Safety attac hm ent points should not be located at insert points on opposite sides of the R6 or R6-51 enclosures
to prevent significant forces that could pull the insert points away fr om each ot her . All safety cables, chains, or
other restrai ning hardware must be installed so that the line is taut and positioned to minimize dynamic loading
of the attachment points (falling, bouncing, swinging, etc.) in the ev ent that the loudspeaker’s primary support
system fail s. Even a short drop can generate a large force that could cause the safety hardware, or the
attachment poi nts, to fail dramatically. It is the installer’s task and responsibility to procure and util iz e appr opr iate
hardware, m anufactured from suitable mat eri al and sold by reputable suppliers, to insure a safe installation.

Shoulder Eyebolts are often used to provide a means of attac hing a safety cable to the loudspeaker enclosure
(normal eyebolts should NOT be used). Shoulder eyebolts should be rated for overhead ‘liv e-l oad’ usage and
carefully installed. Stainless steel i s recommended for outdoor applications and for indoor appli c ations such as in
factories, swimming pools, etc. Each shoulder eyebolt must be screwed in and firmly seated (do not over tighten)
with the shoulder of the eyebolt making contact with the rubber washer on the exterior of the loudspeaker
enclosure. A rubber washer should be use d between the eyebolt and the cabinet to maintain weather-r esi stanc e.
Shims (washers) may be used between the eyebolt and the rubber washer to position the eye so that it is i n the
same plane as the suspension cable or chain. Eyebolt s must not be stressed laterally; only in the long-ax is of
the eye do they provi de appr opr iate strength.

Hoist Rings provide a method of attachment that has advantages over eyebolts. They permit more flexibility in
regard to the pull/l oad direction of the safet y li ne, t hough at a higher cost. Hoist Rings include a hinged “ ey e”

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 16

RIGGING CONSIDERATIONS

which allows the load applied to the threaded inserts on the loudspeaker enclosure to minimiz e off-axis stresses,
thus preserving the integrity of the insert poi nt. When using Hoist Rings the same precautions should be taken to
properly seat t he Hoist Ring as when seating a shoulder eye-bolt . Hoist Rings are not normally found in
hardware stores but can r eadily be obtained from indust r ial suppliers.

IMPORTANT: As with all aspects of mounti ng and r igging loudspeakers, the use of eyebolts, hoist
rings, and other safety cabling hardware should be i ncluded i n a ri gging plan that has been reviewed
and approved by a licensed P. E. ( P r ofessional Engineer).

IMPORTANT: The mounting bolts that are supplied and installed in each enclosure must either be used
for mounting or they m ust r em ain in pl ac e. If the rigging fittings are not seal ed, air leaks will occur in the
enclosure that will compromise the loudspeaker ’s weather-resistance and it s l ow frequency
performance.

IMPORTANT: Eyebolts, brackets, and any other mounting hardware for outdoor usage with R-Series
loudspeakers m ust be c or r osi on r esistant steel, properly r ated for the load weight.

DIMENSIONS OF R6-51

DIMENSIONS OF R6-BASSHORN

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 17

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

COMMISSIONING THE SYSTEM

Commissioning is the process of optimizing the performance of a sound system after it has been installed. There
are several im portant steps in commissioning a system; these i nc lude the following:

1. Verifying the proper operation of each system c om ponent:

a) Every source such as mixers, microphones, CD pl ay ers, audio feeds from other loc ations, and so on,

should be tested independent ly of the newly installed system to insure that they are working pr oper ly.

b) All amplifiers should be tested independent ly of the main system to verif y that they ar e eac h r ec eiv ing

their intended signal (i.e. high-fr equencies, low-frequencies, delayed signal for ancillary speakers,
etc.). Many modern amplifiers have numerous modes in which t hey c an function; (i.e. stereo, dual
mono, bridging, hi-pass & lo-pass filt er s, limi ters, and sometimes much more). It’s extremely important
to make sure that each amplif ier in the system has the right settings applied in order to properly
perform its i ntended f unc tion in the system.

c) The DSP ‘front end’ ( also called a loudspeaker control ler , loudspeaker managem ent system,

crossover, etc.) must be set up carefully to insure that its int er nal routing and gain struct ur e are
correct f or the ov er all system r equirements. It’s possible t o alm ost instantly damage mid and high
frequency drivers if the LF and MF/HF outputs are accidental ly crossed.

d) After all electronic components and interconnects have been tested and verified, it’s then tim e to test

each loudspeaker element in the system. Such testing should be performed at VERY low audio levels
to avoid damage to driv er s fr om possibl e wir ing errors. Each loudspeaker section should be carefully
listened t o, in order to mak e sure it i s perf orming properly. It should then be chec k ed wi th a handheld
polarity tester to verify that no phase errors are present .

2. Next, the gai n str uctur e of the system should be established. Each component in the signal path should be
adjusted to provide the intended input and output l ev els. Gain structure is a somewhat complex subj ec t t hat
goes beyond the scope of this Manual. Moreover, ‘proper’ gain settings vary si gnificantly from one device to
another. We recomm end that you read the User’s Manual for each device that is present in the signal path,
and adjust according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, so that your system will operate the lowest
possible noi se floor and highest possible headroom .. .which is what gain structure is al l about.

3. Setting protective limiter s and high-pass filters. This subject is cover ed i n detail on page 11 of this manual.

4. Setting delay times (if any) to align one or more ancill ar y loudspeakers with the arrival time of the sound
from the prim ary source. If delayed speakers are used to augment the m ain source, their timing must be set
so that the sound arriv ing at the listener’s ears from each delay speaker will be in sync with the sound
arriving f r om the primary source. This is usually accompl ished with test & measurement i nstr um entation, but
in a pinch can be set by applying a short dur ation pulse to the system and establishing the delay time by ear.
An inexpensive electronic metronom e is a good source for adjusting delay times by ear.

5. Equalizing the system to achieve the best possible sound qualit y .

This last step in system commissioning is known as system equalization or “voicing.” Equalization is the
process of adjusting the frequency response of t he system, by use of an equalizer, to optimi z e v oic e
intelligibility, musical sound quality, or both. Note that all R-Series loudspeakers are fact or y voiced to
optimize speech intelligibility. F or this reason, many designers and installers find that they can minimi z e
overall system equalization and still ac hiev e ex c ellent voice intelligibility and high grade sonic pr oper ties.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 18

INTERNAL WIRING GUIDE

R6-51BIAMP WIRING

R6-BASSHORN WIRING

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 19

IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY

SYMPTOM

No Sound. Equ ipment is t urn ed off. Check and make sure that all equipment in the audio signal path is

No Sound. Bad or open connection. Make sure the signal and input wire connections for all connectors

No Sound. Crossover or all the drivers have

No sound or very low
volume.

Low volume level. System electronic gain is too low. Check to make sure that the audio signal to the amplifier is high

Low volume level. Signal or speaker wire connection

PROBABLE CAUSE

comp letely failed .

System control is turned down. Check to make sure that the audio signal to the amplifier is high

is shorted.

turned on. Amp lifiers should not be tur ned on until all equipment
before it is turned on.

in the system and all terminal screws are properly connected or
soldered. Make sure all wire and cables are intact and not severed
or damaged.

This would be an unusual cause but could occur with severe abuse
or an adverse amplifier failure. All other possibilities should be
explored before assuming this is the cause. If it is, replace or repair
the failed components.

enough to drive it properly. Check all volume/level controls and
gain switches in the system including the amplifier input attenuator.

enough to drive it properly. Check all volume/level controls and
gain switches in the system including the amplifier input attenuator.

Make sure the signal and input wire connections in all system
connectors are not shorted. Even one small wire strand shorting
the +/ - terminals can cause this prob lem.

WHAT TO DO

Sound cuts in and out. B ad connection. Check all connections and cabling for shorts or loose connections.
Distortion, low volume,

or no volume from any
or al l drivers.

Distortion from the
loudspeaker at higher
volume levels.

Distortion from the
loudspeaker at higher
volume levels.

Low volume for the
bass frequencies.

Low or no volume for
the high frequencies.

Noises from the
loudspeaker (buzzes
or rattles).

Cold/open solder joint on the
crossover or faulty wiring
connection.

Too little amplifier power. If the power rating of the amplifier being used is too low, it will clip

Driver is malfunctioning. Using a sine wave oscillator or wide range program at moderate

Low frequency driver or crossover
is malfunctioning.

High frequency driver or crossover
is malfunctioning.

Grill e or har dware is lo ose. Make sur e the front g r ille scr ew s are firm l y tig htened; that an y

Using an o hmmeter, check the continuity of the crimp connect ors,
all solder joints on the crossover and the wiring to the drivers. Also
visually inspect solder joints as cold joints may only malfunction
with higher current than an ohmmeter supplies. Repair as needed.

at higher volume levels. Reduce the volume level or use a more
powerful amplifier equal to the loudspeaker’s “Program” power
rating.

lev els, lis ten to each driver to i solate th e problem. Repai r or replac e
as n eeded.

Using an o hmmeter, measure the resista nce of t he inp ut ca bl e
(wi th the amplifi er disconnect ed). I f the meter read s 4–7 ohms, one
driver may not be working. Replace as needed.

While right in front of the loudspeaker, listen at low level to the high
fr equency dr i ver located nea r the top of the horn mouth. If some
sound is heard and it is not distorted, it is probably a crossover
problem. If distorted or no sound is heard, the driver may not be
working properly. Repair or replace as needed.

external mounting hardware is tightened or secured from vibrating
(especi all y if chains or wires are used in th e mount ing).

Noises from the
loudspeaker (buzzes
or rattles).

Driver is malfunctioning. Using a sine wave oscillator or wide range program at moderate

lev els, lis ten to each driver to i solate th e problem. Repai r or replac e
as n eeded.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 20

FIELD & WARRANTY SERVICE

FIELD SERVICE

Drivers and crossovers are accessible from the front of the enclosure by removing the screws around the edge of the
grille. For warranty repair, contact Community directly or ask us for the location of your nearest Authorized Service
Center.

TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY "(LIMITED)”

VALID IN THE USA ONLY

Community loudspeaker systems are warranted in the USA to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of five years, as determined by one of the following two methods, whichever is longer:

This warranty applies to the product; therefore, the remainder of the warranty period will be automatically transferred
to any subsequent owner.

This warranty applies only to failure of a Community loudspeaker caused by defects in materials and workmanship
during the stated warranty period. It does not apply to a unit that has been subjected to abuse, accident, modification,
improper handling/installation, or repairs made without factory authorization or by anyone other than authorized
Community Field Service Stations. This warranty is void if the serial number has been defaced, altered or removed.

Products covered by this warranty will be repaired or replaced at the option of Community, with out charge for materials
or labor, provided all the terms of this warranty have been met.

Starting from the date of retail purchase, as noted on the sales receipt from an authorized Community dealer,

OR

Starting from the date of manufacture, determined by the serial number, if the sales receipt is not available.

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

Warranty service may be obtained from the factory, or from an authorized Field Service Station.

To obtain factory or field warranty service for products purchased in the United States, return the product for inspec­tion to the address below, freight prepaid, in the original packaging. If the original packaging is not available, call or
write Community Warranty Service to obtain proper packaging materials or hand carry the product to the nearest Field
Service Station.

Factory Service Center:

Community Warranty Service
333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA

Call [phone] for parts, service information or the nearest Authorized Field Service Station.

For factory service, please call [phone] for a Return Authorization (R/A) number before shipping. The following
information must be included in the package:

 Owner’s complete name, daytime phone number, return street address and return authorization number.
 The serial number of the product being returned and a copy of the retail sales receipt, if possible.
 A complete description of the problem experienced, including a brief description of how the equipment is

being used and with what brand, model and output power of amplifier.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 21

WARRANTY SERVICE

Upon receipt, the service center will dete rmine if the problem is covered under warranty. If covered under this
warranty, the produ c t will be repaired or replaced, at Community’s option, and returned to the owne r freight prepaid. If
the problem is not covered under this warranty, the owner will be notified of the problem with an estimate of the repair
costs.

Exclusions from Warranty Coverage:

 Defects caused by operation of the Product outside the usage parameters stated in the applicable operations

manual, or, if no operations manual is available, outside of normal accepted use.

 Malfunctions caused by misuse or abuse, by improper installation, operation or maintenance, by improper

connections or peripherals, by service modifications or repairs performed by a person not authorized by Community,
or by other conditions not arising from defects in original Product materials and original workmanship.

 Damage or defects caused by exposure to corrosive environments.
 Damage or defects caused by lightning, storm, accidents or other ‘Acts of God.’
 Malfunction or failure caused by accidental or intentional damage.
 Theft, vandalism, fire, etc.
 Defects resulting from normal wear and tear.

Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with the Community factory.

This Community warranty is not extended by the length of time which an owner is deprived of the use of the product.
Repairs and replacement parts provided under the terms of this warranty shall carry only the remaining portion of the
warranty.

Community reserves the right to change the design of any product from time to time, without notice and with no
obligation to make corresponding changes in products previously manufactured.

While this warranty gives specific legal rights, there may also be other rights that vary from state to state. No action to
enforce this warranty shall be permitted ninety days after expiration of the warranty period.

WARRANTY INFORMATION AND SERVICE

FOR COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE USA

To o btain specific warrant y infor mation and availa ble servi ce locations fo r count ries oth er than the United States of Amer ica,
contact the authorized Community Distributor for your specific country or region.

This warranty applies only to failure of a Community loudspeaker caused by defects in materials and workmanship during the
stated warranty period. It does not apply to a unit that has been subjected to abuse, accident, modification, improper
handling/installation, or repairs made without factory authorization or by anyone other than authorized Community Field
Service Stations. This warranty is void if the serial number has been defaced, altered or removed.

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 22

INSTALLATION NOTES

NOTES:

——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
——————————————————————————————————————————————————

SYSTEM SETTINGS:

Project Name___________________________________
Location_______________________________________
Date__________________________________________
Amplifier Settings___________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
DSP Settings_______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
EQ_______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
OTHER___________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

Community R6 Installation / Operation Manual — Page 23

Community Professional Loudspeakers

333 East Fifth Street
Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

www.communitypro.com

© 2016 All Rights Reserved 18FEB2016