V SERIES
Installation and
Operation Guide
VLF208
VLF208LV
Models
VLF208
VLF208LV
communitypro.com
VLF208LV
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Always follow these basic safety precautions when using or installing V SERIES loudspeakers and
accessories:
• Read these instructions prior to assembly.
• Keep these instructions for reference.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions, particularly those pertaining to rigging, mounting, hanging and electrical
connections.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Only use attachments and accessories that are specified and approved by the manufacturer.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
The terms CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER may be used in this manual to alert the reader to
important safety considerations. If you have any questions or do not understand the meaning of
these terms, do not proceed with installation. Contact your local dealer, distributor, or call Community
directly for assistance. These terms are defined as:
CAUTION: describes an operating condition or user action that may expose the equipment
or user to potential damage or danger.
WARNING: describes an operating condition or user action that will likely cause damage
to the equipment or injury to the user or to others in the vicinity.
DANGER: describes an operating condition or user action that will immediately damage
the equipment and/or be extremely dangerous or life threatening to the user or to others
in the vicinity.
These installation instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions
unless you are qualified to do so.
UNPACKING / INSPECTION
Community V SERIES VLF subwoofers are
engineered and manufactured to be rugged
and they are carefully packed in sturdy cartons.
However, it is recommended to thoroughly
inspect each unit after it has been removed from
the packaging, as damage could occur during
shipping.
Please note that once the shipment has left
your dealer or the Community factory, the
responsibility for damage is always borne by
the freight company. If damage has occurred
during shipping, you must file a claim directly
with the freight company. It’s very important to
contact the freight company as soon as possible
after receiving your shipment, as most freight
companies have a short time limit within which
they will investigate claims. Make sure to save
the carton and the packing material, as most
claims will be denied if these materials are not
retained. Your Community dealer and the factory
will try to help in any way they can, but it is the
responsibility of the party receiving the shipment
to file the damage claim.
It is always a good idea to retain the carton and
packing materials, if possible, in the event that
the unit may need to be returned to your dealer
or distributor for repair in the future.
IN THE CARTON
Each shipping carton contains the following:
• VLF subwoofer (fully assembled)
• Rubber feet and attachment hardware
(VLF208 only)
• Information packet
RIGGING AND ELECTRICAL SAFETY
IMPORTANT: The loudspeakers described in this manual are designed and intended to be
mounted to diering building surfaces using a variety of rigging hardware, means and
methods. Installation of loudspeakers should only be performed by trained and qualified
personnel. All electrical connections must conform to applicable city, county, state, and
national (NEC) electrical codes.
DANGER: All rigging fittings must be fully tightened and secured. Any missing fasteners or
parts will compromise the structural integrity of the enclosure and constitute a safety
hazard. Do not suspend this loudspeaker unless all fasteners are securely in place!
. DANGER: It is possible to experience severe electrical shock from a power amplifier.
Always make sure that all power amplifiers are in the “OFF” position and unplugged from
an AC Mains supply before performing electrical work.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the sections on installation and connections later in this manual for
additional information on rigging and electrical safety.
IMPORTANT: The flat-head hex-drive rigging screws that come installed in each enclosure
must either be replaced with rigging brackets and threaded fasteners, 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 low-frequency
performance with distortion, reduced output, and premature driver failure.
DANGER: VLF model rigging fittings
are rated at a Working Load Limit
(WLL) of 100 lbs (45.4 kg) with a 10:1
safety margin. No single rigging fitting should
ever be subjected to a load that is greater than
this stated limit. Failure to heed this warning
could result in injury or death!
CAUTION: Installation of
VLF loudspeakers should only
be performed by trained and
qualified personnel. It is strongly
recommended that a licensed and
certified professional structural
engineer approve the mounting.
Severe injury and/or loss of life may
occur if this product is improperly
installed.
Page 2 VLF Owner's Guide V SERIES models
PRODUCT REPRESENTATION
VLF208 SUBWOOFER
Rear
Input panel
Rubber Feet (4) (User installed)
M10 mounting points (8)
4 -top, 2 each side panel
Attach feet here
when used vertically
VLF208LV SUBWOOFER
Rear
Rubber Feet (4)
(Factory-installed)
IMPORTANT: All technical drawings with
dimensions, mounting points, etc. are
available as a pdf, dwg or dxf file from the
downloads section of the website. The
technical drawing is also represented on
the spec sheet (download from website).
Front
M10 mounting points
Input panel
M10 mounting points (12)
4 -top, 4-bottom,
2 each side panel
Front
V SERIES models VLF Owner's Guide Page 3
CONNECTIONS AND INSTALLATION
USE THE CORRECT WIRE OR CABLE
The VLF subwoofers are intended to be connected directly to the amplifier. The
VLF208 and VLF208LV come with two methods of connecting the amplifier
to the subwoofer; a terminal strip and an industry standard NL4-type locking
connector. These two connectors are wired in parallel with each other, on all
models.
If connecting to the terminal strip, terminating the wires with a spade or ring
connector (Figure 1a) is recommended for secure connections. The maximum
width of the ring or spade lug should be 0.375" (9.5mm), or less. The terminal
screws are #8 (M4). The maximum wire size that can be accommodated for
bare wire connections is 10 AWG (5.26 mm2).
Note: Wire insulation colors may vary depending upon region or manufacturer. Be consistent with
conductor color use throughout the system.
NL4-TYPE CONNECTORS
Terminations may be soldered, or made by means of their built-in screw and
pressure clamp (Figure 1b). If using the pressure clamp, it’s important to tighten
it fully, then to wait about ten minutes (longer is better), then to tighten it again.
This is because copper wire flows under pressure. After initially tightening the
screw clamp, some minutes later the screw will no longer be as tight due to the
eect of the compression on the copper. Typically, only one cycle of “tighten –
wait – re-tighten” is required for a secure connection.
The VLF208 has one (1) NL4-type locking connector, and the VLF208LV has two
(2) NL4-type locking connectors (Figure 2).
Ring
terminal
Spade
terminal
Figure 1a. Wire Connectors
+
from
Amplifier
–
Figure 1b. NL4-Type Connector
1+
1–
2–
2+
DANGER: When wiring the amplifier(s) to the loudspeaker(s), always power-down
the amplifier(s) and disconnect their AC Mains plug(s). Many high power amplifiers
can deliver enough voltage and current to cause a harmful or lethal electric shock.
Shocks from very low frequencies, such as kick drums, can cause the human heart to stop
beating at relatively low power levels.
WARNING: After wiring the amplifier(s) to the loudspeaker(s), first power up all
devices that are upstream of the amplifier, such as mixers, equalizers, compressor/
limiters, etc., before powering-up the amplifier. This is to avoid passing any clicks
or pops that may originate in the upstream devices to the loudspeakers. The amplifier
should initially be powered-up with its gain controls turned all the way down. After
making sure that a continuous signal is present, such as music source playing, slowly
raise the level of the gain controls to establish that the wiring has been installed correctly.
Only then should the loudspeaker be operated at normal output levels.
IMPOR TANT: All electrical installation connections for loudspeaker lines are subject to all applicable
governmental building and fire codes. The selection of appropriate electrical hardware to interface with
the V SERIES loudspeaker lies solely with the installation professional. Community recommends that an
appropriately licensed engineer, electrician, or other qualified professional identify and select the appropriate
conduit, fittings, wire, etc. for the installation.
Page 4 VLF Owner's Guide V SERIES models
CONNECTIONS AND INSTALLATION
52.38 mm
77.79 mm
78.74 mm
61.79 mm
CONNECTION: SUBWOOFER INPUT PANELS
VLF208
Figure 2. Input panels and labels
OPTIONAL RUBBER FEET (VLF208 onLy)
Four (4) rubber feet and screws are included with the VLF208. There are 4
circular depressions in the bottom of the cabinet, and on one side panel for
vertical installation. Place a foot in each depression on the appropriate side and
screw it to the cabinet.
VL F208LV
Figure 3. Screw rubber feet to the cabinet,
V SERIES models VLF Owner's Guide Page 5
RIGGING / SUSPENSION AND SAFETY
The terms “rigging”, “flying” and “suspension” are often used interchangeably
in describing methods of installing loudspeaker systems at elevated positions.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON RIGGING LOUDSPEAKERS
There are three areas of responsibility for rigging loudspeakers. The first is
the building structure. Always consult with the building architect or structural
engineer to assure the ability of the structure to support the loudspeaker
system. The second area of responsibility is the loudspeaker itself. Community
certifies its loudspeaker systems and rigging accessories for suspension when
they are properly installed according to our published guidelines. The third
area of responsibility is everything between the loudspeaker and the building
structure and the actual process of installation. The installing contractor
assumes this responsibility. Loudspeaker rigging should be performed only by
certified rigging professionals using certified rigging hardware chosen for the
specific application. Prior to installation, the contractor should present a rigging
plan, with drawing and detailed parts list, to a licensed structural engineer (P.E.)
or architect for written approval.
DANGER: Some of the loudspeakers described in this manual are may be
suspended using a variety of rigging hardware, means, and methods. It is
essential that all installation work involving the suspension of these
loudspeaker products be performed by competent, knowledgeable persons
who understand safe rigging practices. Severe injury and/or loss of life may
occur if these products are improperly suspended.
DANGER: All rigging fittings must remain sealed with the included flat-
head Allen screws or they must be fitted with properly rated optional
mounting hardware. Any missing fasteners will compromise the
structural integrity of the enclosure and constitute a safety hazard. Do not
suspend this loudspeaker unless all fasteners are securely in place!
WARNING - NON-COMMUNITY RIGGING HARDWARE: Non-Community
hardware used for rigging the V SERIES subwoofers must be certified by
the supplier for this use and must be properly rated for safety.
Page 6 VLF Owner's Guide V SERIES models
ACCESSORIES
VLF-Y208 MOUNTING YOKE BRACKET
The VLF-Y208 yoke bracket is designed to mount to the VLF208 subwoofer
in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. It is engineered to provide a high
margin of safety when supporting the VLF208 subwoofer. Yokes are steel,
finished with a durable double-layer powder coat in either black or white. Refer
to the VLF-Y208 Quick Start instructions accompanying the yoke.
Figure 4. VLF-Y208 mounted to VLF subwoofer
VLF-SAB STEERED ARRAY BRACKET
The VLF Steered Array Bracket enables the construction of cardioid bass
arrays, steered bass arrays, or vertical bass columns of compact VLF Series
subwoofers, or combinations thereof. Designated the VLF-SAB, it is intended
for use only with the VLF208 and/or VLF208LV subwoofer systems.
For more information, consult the VLF-SAB user’s guide for detailed safety
instruc tions. It is the responsibility of the installer to insure that safe install ation
practices are followed. Installation of loudspeakers should only be performed
by trained and qualified personnel. It is strongly recommended that a licensed
and certified professional structural engineer approve the mounting design.
IMPOR TA N T: All rigging fittings should remain sealed, otherwise air
leaks will occur in the enclosure that can compromise the low-frequency
performance with distortion and reduced output.
WARNING: VLF rigging fittings are rated at a Working Load Limit of 100
lbs (45.4kg) with a 10:1 safety margin. No single rigging fitting should
ever be subjected to a load that is greater than 100 lbs. Failure to heed
this warning could result in injury or death!
V SERIES models VLF Owner's Guide Page 7
PERFORMANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS
USE A DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR
For best performance, loudspeaker protection and system longevity, a digital
signal processor (DSP ) must be used with all V SERIES loudspeakers. Community's
dSPEC226 processor(s) and Resyn® sof tware contain all of the information (high
pass filters, limiters, factory tunings) and DSP settings to fully optimize your
system. For more information on installing and operating your VLF subwoofer,
please refer to Community’s website at communitypro.com, or contact our
Technical A pplications Group (TAG) at tagteam@communitypro.com, or by phone
at 610-876-3400 or toll-free (within the US and Canada) at 800-523-4934.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION
Full product specifications and current documentation (manuals, sales
literature) is available at communitypro.com. Additional technical information
to assist you in operating and optimizing your system or understanding more
about loudspeaker operation is also available on the website or by contacting
the Technical Applications Group (TAG).
WARRANTY INFORMATION
TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY “(LIMITED)” VALID IN THE USA ONLY
The V SERIES loudspeakers are designed and backed by Community Professional
Loudspeakers. For complete warranty information within the USA please refer
to www.communitypro.com/warranty. Please call 610-876-3400 or visit the
website to locate your nearest Authorized Field Service Station. For Factory
Service call 610-876-3400. You must obtain a Return Authorization (R/A)
number prior to the return of your product for factory service.
WARRANTY INFORMATION AND SERVICE FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE USA
To obtain specific warranty information and available service locations for
countries other than the United States of America, contact the authorized
Community Distributor for your specific country or region.
Note: Every eort has been made to insure that the information contained in this manual was complete and
accurate at the time of printing. However, due to ongoing technical advances, changes or modifications may have
occurred that are not covered in this manual. The latest version is available at communitypro.com.
©2018 Community Professional Loudspeakers VLF208/VLF208LV_Mnl v: 25JUN2018
Community Professional Loudspeakers
333 East Fifth Street, Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA
Phone (610) 876-3400 • Fax (610) 874-0190
www.communitypro.com
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