Bose Panaray 502A, Panaray 502B, Panaray 502C User Manual

Technical Information

Bose® Panaray

®

Sound System

®

(502

• New 5-driver array design–optimized for
smooth coverage at all frequencies

• Modular components for system design
flexibility

• Bose-patented Acountimass
enclosure

• Sleek, elegant design for architectural
compatibility

• Full line of Bose-designed accessories for
easy installation

• New electronic systems controller

• Available in two colors, plus paintable

A, 502B, 502C)

®

bass

502A Controlled Array

Frequency range

130Hz – 15kHz

Active equalization (with 502C)

Required

Nominal Impedance

8Ω

Maximum acoustic output

112dB-SPL average; 121dB-SPL peak

Recommended amplifier power

150-600 Watts continuous into 8Ω

Sensitivity

2

90dB-SPL (1W, 1m), 130Hz to 15kHz

Beamwidth (-6dB point)

120° horizontal; 70º vertical

Long-Term power handling

150 Watts continuous

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: 23.5" H x 5.75" W x 6.75" D
(59.7 cm H x 14.6 cm W x 17.1 cm D)

Weight: 15 pounds (6.8 kg)
Mounting points: Six (6) 8mm threaded

inserts, 11mm depth
Fuse: 4-ampere AGC 4 (Buss) or 3AG

(Littelfuse)
Connectors: Two (2) parallel-wired barrier

4

strips

1

3

502B Acoustimass® Bass
Enclosure

Frequency range

55Hz – 150Hz

Active equalization (with 502C)

Required

Nominal Impedance

8Ω

Maximum acoustic output

115dB-SPL average; 122dB-SPL peak

Recommended amplifier power

450-1200 Watts continuous into 8Ω

Sensitivity

2

90dB-SPL (1W, 1m), 55Hz to 150Hz

Long-Term power handling

450 Watts continuous

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: 31.0" H x 14.0" W x 15.5" D
(78.7 cm H x 35.6 cm W x 39.4 cm D)

Weight: 85 pounds (38.6 kg)
Mounting points: Eight (8) 8mm threaded inserts,

20mm depth
Fuse: 7-ampere AGC 3AG (Littelfuse)
Connectors: Two (2) parallel-wired barrier strips

1

3

502C Systems Controller

Number of audio channels

Two

Operating Modes

502A Full-range, bi-amp; option (w/option
card)

Rear panel connectors

Balanced input x 2 (barrier strip)
Balanced high freq. output x 2 (barrier strip)
Balanced low freq. output x 2 (barrier strip)

Crossover

140Hz in bi-amp mode (with 502B);
rolloff slope: -18dB/octave

Rear panel controls

Mode switch
Input sensitivity switch x 2 (-10dB-V, +4dB-V)
Bass level control (range -18dB to +3dB)
Bass mono switch (norm/sum)

Electrical specifications

Channel separation: >60dB @ 1kHz
Input impedance: 2.4kΩ nominal
Output impedance: 600Ω nominal
Output level: 8.0 V RMS max. into 600Ω

Mechanical Specifications

Dimensions: 120 V/barrier strip –1.75" H x

4

19.0" W x 8.75" D

(4.4 cm H x 48.3 cm W x 22.2 cm D)
220-240 V/XLR – 1.75" H x 19.0" W x 8.0" D

(4.4 cm H x 48.3 cm W x 20.3 cm D)
Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)

4

1

Full bandwidth pink noise is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a level at the speaker terminals corresponding to the long-term rated power handling of the
speaker. The average sound pressure level (dB-SPL) is measured at 1 meter from the speaker in an anechoic environment. The peak maximum acoustic output is the peak SPL
possible with the maximum recommended amplifier power using musical program material.

2

Full bandwidth pink noise is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a level at the speaker terminals corresponding to one Watt as referenced to the nominal
impedance. The average sound pressure level (dB-SPL) is measured at 1 meter from the speaker in an anechoic environment.

3

Full bandwidth noise, meeting the International Electrotechnical Commission standard #268-5, is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a voltage at the speaker
terminals corresponding to the power handling of the speaker. The speaker must show no visible or measurable loss of performance after 100 hours of continuous testing.

4

International versions use XLR-type connectors.

System Description

The Bose® Panaray® Sound System is a
fully modular system which represents
significant advances in loudspeaker
array, low frequency transducer, and
system control technology. The basic
Panaray system consists of two 502
controlled arrays, one 502B Acousti-

®

mass

bass enclosure, and one 502C

®

A

system controller, and provides up to
122dB peak SPL (at 1 meter, driven with
maximum recommended amplifier
power) over the 55Hz to 15kHz range.

Extensive research has yielded new
technology in array design which, using a
proprietary arrangement of Bose 4.5 inch
full range drivers, results in tightly
controlled horizontal and vertical
beamwidth, and extemely smooth band­to-band directivity. The system also
features a new, compact low frequency
enclosure using Bose-patented Acousti­mass technology. The Panaray sound
system is a highly aesthetic voice or
music sound reinforcement system for
permanent audio installations in theaters,
auditoriums, churches, nightclubs,
transportation facilities, and other places
where people gather to be entertained,
enlightened, or informed.

Component Description

The 502A Controlled Array is a mid-high
frequency component of the Bose
Panaray system. It features five new­design 4.5" (11.4 cm) helical voice coil
drivers in a slim, elegantly-designed
enclosure. The result is natural sounding,
extremely even coverage at all frequen­cies over the entire listening area. It can
be used either with the 502B Acousti­mass bass enclosure for full frequency
sound reinforcement, or separately for
voice-only reinforcement systems. The

300˚

200˚

nominal horizontal

100˚

80˚

Beamwidth*
(-6 dB point)

* Beamwidth is the -6dB point, in each one-third octave band, on a polor plot representing the

average within ten degrees of the horizontal and vertical planes about the array.

502A array is designed for installability in
a variety of configurations, using its
integral 10x safety-rated attachment
points and Bose suspension and mount­ing accessories. The baffle and rear panel
are constructed of high strength structural
foam, and the speaker grille is construct­ed of a durable perforated steel. It is
available in both Professional Gray and
Arctic White, and both the enclosure and
grille are fully paintable to match interior
decor.

The 502B Acoustimass bass enclosure
uses a single high power handling, high
reliability 12" (30 cm) woofer. This new
Bose-designed low frequency transducer
features a high temperature 4" (10.2 cm)
voice coil, cast aluminum basket, and a
high durablility rubber surround. The
502B provides clear, deep bass reinforce­ment from a small enclosure, as a result
of Bose-patented Acoustimass speaker
technology. Its low crossover frequency
results in a non-localizable sound source,
which allows it to be unobtrusively install­ed apart from the 502A arrays. The enclo­sure is fitted with 10x safety-rated attach­ment points (top and bottom) for mount­ing in a variety of orientations.

nominal vertical

60˚

40˚
30˚

20˚

10˚

100 500 1,000 5,000 10,000

Beamwidth* vs. Frequency of 502A Controlled Array

Two-point suspension is easy to
accomplish using the Bose CSB-5B
suspension bracket. The 502B is
available in both Professional Gray and
Arctic White, and is covered with a
scratch resistant vinyl, which can be
painted to match any decor.

The 502C systems controller is a single
rack space device which provides
cross-over functions, active electronic
equalization, and dual channel signal
processing for both the 502A and
502B. It features -10/+4dB-V input
sensitivity switches, all-balanced inputs
and outputs, -18/+3dB bass level
control, bass mono sum switch,
automatic output muting on turn-off,
and a secure, rear-panel operating
mode switch.

An optional plug-in card is available for
the 502C which allows 502A controlled
arrays to be combined in a sound
system design with the Bose Acoustic

®

Wave

Cannon system.

The Panaray system includes a com­plete line of accessories for suspending
or mounting both the 502A and 502B in
a wide variety of configurations.

Frequency [Hz]

100

Directivity (Q)*

10

1

100 500 1,000 5,000 10,000

Directivity vs. Frequency of 502A Controlled Array

* Directivity is the ratio, in each one-third octave band, of the average response in the nominal 120º x 70º polar window, to the average response

over the entire solid angle about the source.

Frequency [Hz]

System Configurations

Figure 1: Basic Panaray system

The Bose® Panaray® system provides a
flexible, building-block approach to fit
the sound reinforcement requirements of
many types of applications, from night
clubs to cathedrals. Detailed installation
and system design guidelines for the
Panaray System are provided in the
Panaray System Owner's Guide. For
illustrative purposes, here are some
typical system configurations.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the
basic Panaray System, consisting of one

®

502

B, two 502A's, one 502C, and three
channels of amplication for a stereo
system. This system provides 115dB
SPL @ 1 m average acoustic output.
Additional low frequency output can
easily be achieved by locating the
cabinet against large hard surfaces.
(There is also bass volume adjustment
possible through the rear-panel control
on the 502C).

Figure 2 illustrates how components can
be added to the basic Panaray system to
achieve a variety of SPL or coverage
requirements. One example of an
expanded system would be a small disco
dance area. In this application, four
arrays at the outer corners of the dance
floor, plus two 502B's on the floor
adjacent to the dance area, will deliver
approximately 118dB SPL average, with
130dB SPL peaks, all components driven
at maximum recommended amplifier
power.

Figure 3 shows how the Panaray compo­nents can be interconnected for a voice­only paging system. This system is ideal
for applications where voice reinforce­ment is needed over a large area, such
as an airport terminal or a train station.
Through the use of the Bose CVT-5
constant voltage transformer, multiple
502A's can be installed in a 70/100V
constant voltage distributed system.
(This system operates from 130Hz and
above only, and is not recommended for

use where music is an integral part of the
program material).

502 C

From
Pre­amplifier

L
R

High
Frequency
Output

WARNING:

INPUT LEVEL
–10 +4

SER. NO. D.O.M.

REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION
AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

DO NOT OPEN

NE PAS OUVRIR

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

INPUT

CH 1

CH 2

MODE SWITCH GUIDE

POSITION OPERATING MODE

4

2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION

(NOT USED)

3

STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)

2

VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)

1

HIGH

LOW

FREQ

FREQ

LOW FREQ

230V~AC

LEVEL

OUTPUT

L

R

.

.

.

-18

BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168
ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A.

.

0

OUTPUT MODE

.

.
.

NORM SUM

+3

OUTPUT

50/60Hz 12W

CH 1 CH 2

Low Frequency

Output

INPUT B

220 V

~

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

INPUT A

INPUT B INPUT A

BRIDGE

MADE IN USA

L

MODE

INPUT LEVEL

4
3

–10 +4

2

1

CH 1 CH 2

PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964

Figure 2: Expanded Panaray system

502 C

REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION

MODE SWITCH GUIDE

AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN

POSITION OPERATING MODE

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

4

2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION

DO NOT OPEN

NE PAS OUVRIR

(NOT USED)

3

STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)

2

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK

VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)

1

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

WARNING:

INPUT

HIGH
FREQ

LOW FREQ
LEVEL

OUTPUT

MODE

.

0

CH 1

INPUT B

INPUT B INPUT A

220 V

~

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

.

INPUT LEVEL

OUTPUT MODE

.

4

.

.

3

.

.

–10 +4

NORM SUM

2

+3

-18

1

BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168

CH 2

CH 1 CH 2

ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A.

PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964

INPUT A

BRIDGE

MADE IN USA

INPUT LEVEL
–10 +4

SER. NO. D.O.M.

Figure 3: Distributed voice-only system

502 C

REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION

MODE SWITCH GUIDE

AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN

POSITION OPERATING MODE

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

4

2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION

DO NOT OPEN

NE PAS OUVRIR

(NOT USED)

3

STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)

2

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK

VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)

1

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

WARNING:

INPUT

HIGH

LOW

FREQ

FREQ

LOW FREQ

230V~AC

LEVEL

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

MODE

.

0

50/60Hz 12W

.

INPUT LEVEL

OUTPUT MODE

.

4

.

.

3

.

.

–10 +4

NORM SUM

2

+3

-18

1

BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168

CH 2

CH 1 CH 2

CH 1 CH 2

ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A.

PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964

From

INPUT LEVEL

–10 +4

SER. NO. D.O.M.

CH 1

ON

OFF

CH 1 CH 2

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

LOW
FREQ
OUTPUT

INPUT B

INPUT B INPUT A

BRIDGE

220 V

~

MADE IN USA

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

ON

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

230V~AC
50/60Hz 12W

INPUT B

INPUT B INPUT A

INPUT B

INPUT B INPUT A

BRIDGE

BRIDGE

INPUT A

INPUT A

INPUT A

High Frequency
Amplifier Two

INPUT B

INPUT B INPUT A

220 V

~

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

Amplifier

ON

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

Amplifier

R

INPUT B

INPUT A

INPUT B INPUT A

BRIDGE

220 V

~

MADE IN USA

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

220 V

~

MADE IN USA

CAUTION

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.

ACHTUNG:

Um sichere Funktion zu gewährielsten, Gerät nicht in vollständig
geshlossenes Gehäuse einbauen. Abdeckung während des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gerätes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.

Serial No.:

Made in Germany

ON

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

Constant-Voltage

INPUT A

BRIDGE

MADE IN USA

Bass Amplifier

ON

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

502B

ON

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

High Frequency
Amplifier One

®

®

®

®

502A

502A

502B

502A

(Right)

502A
(Left)

CVT-5

502B

502A

502A

502A

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

®

High Frequency

CVT-5

CVT-5

502A

502A

®

®

®

®

CVT-5

502A

®

®

Panaray® Accessories

A full line of accessories has been
specially designed by Bose
the Panaray system components. These
accessories increase system configura­tion flexibility and provide simple
solutions for typical installation chal­lenges.

®

502

A Controlled Array Accessories

• CSB-5A Suspension Bracket (2-point

gravitational type, 0º–45º pitch range)

• WCB-5 U-bracket (for wall/ceiling
surface mounting, ±90º range)

• WBP-5 Bi-Pivot Bracket (single-point
surface mount, 0º–45º pitch, ±80º yaw)

• CVT-5 Constant Voltage Transformer
(70/100 volt distributed system trans­former and housing)

• PSA-5 Stand Adapter (compatible with
Bose SS-5 and SS-10 stands)

502B Acoustimass

®

Accessories

• CSB-5B Suspension Bracket (2-point

gravitational type, 0º–30º pitch range)

502C Systems Controller Accessories

• Acoustic Wave

®

Cannon system option

card for active equalization (not shown)

CSB-5A
Suspension
Bracket

WBP-5
Bi-Pivot
Bracket

PSA-5

Stand Adapter

®

for use with

Bass Enclosure

WCB-5
U-bracket

CVT-5 Constant Voltage Transformer

CSB-5B
Suspension

®

Brackets

Engineers' and Architects'
Specifications

502A Controlled Array:

The mid-high frequency device shall be a
multiple-driver system with matched
active equalization as follows:

The transducer complement shall
consist of five (5) high-sensitivity drivers
of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) diameter,
mounted vertically on a single baffle
assembly such that directional charac­teristics are optimized for smooth
response.

The input connector, located on the rear
of the array enclosure, shall consist of a
screw-type barrier strip.

The array enclosure shall be composed
of copolymer materials, with outer
dimensions of 23.5" H x 5.75" W x 6.76"
D (59.7 cm H x 14.6 cm W x 17.1 cm D);
its weight shall be 15 lbs (6.8 kg).

The array maximum acoustic output
shall be 112dB SPL from 130Hz to
15kHz, with measurements referenced to
full-bandwidth pink-noise input at 1
meter at the array's rated power. Its
power handling capacity shall be 150
Watts continuous referenced to IEC
noise for 100 hours. The nominal
horizontal beamwidth shall be 120º. The
nominal vertical beamwidth shall be 70º.

The loudspeaker shall be the Bose
Panaray 502A Controlled Array.

502B Acoustimass Bass Enclosure

The low frequency device shall be a dual
ported highly compact enclosure with
matched active equalization as follows:

The transducer complement shall consist
of one (1) high power handling driver of
30 cm diameter, mounted inside an
enclosure such that distortion is mini­mized as a result of acoustic filtering. Its
operating frequency range shall be below
150Hz so that non-localizability shall
allow a high degree of location place­ment flexibility.

The input connector, located on the rear
of the enclosure, shall be a screw-type
barrier strip.

The enclosure shall be made of high
strength, high density resin-impregnated
vinyl wrapped particle board, with outer
dimensions of 31.0" H x 14.0" W x 15.5"
D (78.7 cm H x 35.6 cm W x 39.4 cm D);
its weight shall be 85 lbs (38.6 kg).

The bass enclosure's maximum acoustic
output shall be 115dB SPL from 55Hz to
150Hz, with measurements reference to
a full-bandwidth pink-noise input at 1
meter at the enclosure's rated power. Its
power handling capacity shall be 450
Watts continuous referenced to IEC
noise for 100 hours.

The bass enclosure shall be the Bose
Panaray 502B Acoustimass Bass
enclosure.

502C Systems Controller:

The array and/or bass enclosure shall be
supplied with a fixed 2-channel, systems
controller which provides active elec­tronic equalization and crossover
functions, to be connected before the
input(s) of the system power amplifier(s).

The systems controller shall use screw­type terminal strips for balanced input
and output wiring connections, and shall
be rack mountable in a single space of a
standard 19" equipment rack.

It shall also include an operating mode
switch,input sensitivity switch, low
frequency output level control, and mono
sum switch.

The electronic controller shall be the
Bose 502C System Controller.

Warranty Information

The Bose Panaray 502A Controlled Array
and the 502B Acoustimass Bass Enclo­sure, are both covered by a five-year,
transferable limited warranty. The Bose
502C System Controller is covered by a
two-year, transferable limited warranty.

© 1995 Bose Corp oration, The Mountain, Framingham, MA
01701-9168 USA JN96508 PN171946-Rev. 1