EAW 425017 User Manual

EAW LOUDSPEAKER
OWNER’S MANUAL

Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual

Congratulations on the purchase of your new EAW loudspeaker. You now
own one of the finest professional audio products available - the result of
exceptional engineering and meticulous craftsmanship. Please read these
instructions to get the maximum performance from your new loudspeaker.

Section 1 Read This First

1.1 Rigging Precautions

Prior to suspending any EAW loudspeaker enclosures, it is essential that the user be familiar
with the load ratings, rigging techniques, and special safety considerations appropriate for this
use. Use only the mounting/rigging points on the loudspeaker enclosure intended for this
purpose. The user must determine the load requirements, dynamic loading and any other
contributing factors affecting the flown loudspeakers. The user must determine the proper
safety factor for specific applications and the required load rating of the connection to
structure. EAW strongly recommends that all rigging be done by qualified personnel in
accordance with and in compliance with all federal, state and local regulations, relative to
properly securing suspended loads.

NOTICE: The user assumes liability for proper design, installation and use of rigging systems.

EAW strongly recommends the following rigging system practices:

1. Documentation: Thoroughly document the rigging design with detailed drawings and
parts lists.

2. Analysis: Have a licensed structural engineer, registered architect or other qualified
professional review and approve the rigging design before its implementation.

3. Installation: Have a qualified professional rigger install and inspect the rigging system.

DANGER: Loudspeakers should be suspended only by persons with a knowledge of proper
hardware and rigging techniques. When stacking or pole-mounting loudspeakers, be sure they
are stabilized and secured from falling over or being accidentally pushed over. Failure to follow
these precautions may result in damage to the equipment, personal injury or death.

Section 2 Unpacking

2.1 Shipping Damage

You should have visually inspected the outside of the shipping carton and noted any damage on
the shipping bill you signed. After unpacking, if you find concealed damage to the loudspeaker,
save the packing materials for the carrier’s inspection, notify the carrier immediately and file a
shipping damage claim. Although EAW will help in any way possible, it is always the responsibility of

the receiving party to file any shipping damage claim. The carrier will help prepare and file this claim.

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2.2 Returning Products to EAW

If this loudspeaker must be returned to EAW, contact the EAW Service Department for a Return
Authorization. Use the original shipping carton and packing materials. If the shipping carton is

damaged, contact EAW for a new carton at a nominal cost. EAW will not be responsible for
damage caused by inadequate packing.

Section 3 Description

3.1 System Overview

This loudspeaker is intended for professional use. The construction, components and hardware
have been designed to provide robust, reliable performance for its intended application. Please
ensure that you fully understand its proper installation and operation before use.

Section 4 Operation

4.1 Amplifier Power Requirements

There is no exact answer to the question of what amplifier size you should use for a loudspeaker.
The power rating in EAW’s specifications only means it has passed our standard noise test,
providing a rating that can be used as a point of comparison with other loudspeakers. This rating
does not necessarily correspond to the best amplifier size to use. Rather, the amplifier should be
sized according to both the sound levels required and the type of audio signals that will be
reproduced. If you are unsure of how to determine this, consult with a qualified professional or
contact EAW’s Application Support Group (see paragraph 4.5). Preventing damage to the
loudspeaker is a function of operating your audio system so that the loudspreaker is not stressed
beyond its design limits. If operated improperly, such as driven into clipping, even an amplifier
sized below EAW’s power rating can cause damage to your loudspeaker.

4.2 Audio Signal Connections

The input connector on the loudspeaker will be one of the following types with the pin
connections as listed. Because of possible prodution changes, check the input panel labeling to
verify proper connections. For barrier strips, the proper connections are marked for each terminal
on the loudspeaker input label.

2+

NL8

4+

3–

1

4

2

3+

2–

3

AP4

2+

2–

1–

1+

4–

1+

1–

NL4

Cable Connector Views From Wiring Side

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4.3 Two Connectors

If the loudspeaker has two connectors for the same mode of operation, they are wired in parallel
so you can “daisy chain” multiple loudspeakers together to a single amplifier channel.

4.4 Loudspeaker Cable

To minimize power losses and provide a sufficient damping factor (DF) for low frequency drivers,
use loudspeaker cable with conductor sizes per the following chart. For cable lengths over 200 feet
at 8 ohms and over 100 feet at 4 ohms, the conductor sizes needed for an adequate damping factor
are rarely practical for physical and cost reasons. For these situations, 10 AWG / 25 metric gauge are
recommended as the most practical sizes.

4.5 Signal Processing

Many EAW loudspeakers are designed to be used with an electronic signal processor such as
EAW’s MX Series Close Coupled™ Processors.: the analog MX250 or digital MX8700 and
MX8750. Contact EAW’s Application Support Group to determine the correct processor and
settings for your loudspeaker.

Eastern Acoustic Works
EAW Applications Support Group Tel [phone] (USA only)
One Main Street Tel [phone]
Whitinsville, MA 01588 USA e-mail [e-mail]

Web Site www.eaw.com

NL4 Full Range:

Pin 1- Negative
Pin 1+ Positive
Pin 2- No connection
Pin 2+ No connection

Except KF300e:
pin 2– = negitive
pin 2+ = positive

NL4 MQ LF Systems:

L-Pin 1– Driver 1 negative
L-Pin 1+ Driver 1 positive
L-Pin 2– Driver 2 negative
L-Pin 2+ Driver 2 positive
R-Pin 1– Driver 3 negative
R-Pin 1+ Driver 3 positive
R-Pin 2– Driver 4 negative
R-Pin 2+ Driver 4 positive

L–Pin = Left NL4; R–Pin = Right NL4
3 Drivers: 1-3 = top to bottom
4 Drivers: 1- 4 = top to bottom

NL4 Bi-amplified:

Pin 1- Low or Low/Mid negative
Pin 1+ Low or Low/Mid positive
Pin 2-

Mid/High or High negative

Pin 2+

Mid/High or High positive

NL8 Tri-amplified:

Pin 1– No connection
Pin 1+ No connection
Pin 2–

Low negative
Pin 2+ Low
Pin 3– Mid negative
Pin 3+

Mid positive
Pin 4– High negative
Pin 4+ High positive

positive

NL4 One Driver Subs:

Pin 1- Driver negative
Pin 1+ Driver positive
Pin 2-

Loop through

Pin 2+

Loop through

Except LA118 & LA400:
pin 2– = negative
pin 2+ = positive
pins 1–/+ = loop through.

AP4 Full Range:

Pin 1 Negative
Pin 2 Positive
Pin 3 No connection
Pin 4 No connection

Except KF300:
pin 1–/+ = no connection
pin 3 = negative
pin 4 = positve

NL4/AP4 Two Driver Subs:

Pin 1-/1 Driver 1 negative
Pin 1+/2 Driver 1 positive
Pin 2-/3 Driver 2 negative
Pin 2+/4 Driver 2 positive

Except DCS2, FR250z & LA128:
pin 2– = negative
pin 2+ = positive
pins 1–/+ = loop through.

AP4 Bi-amplified:

Pin 1 Low negative
Pin 2 Low positive
Pin 3

Mid/High negative

Pin 4

Mid/High

positive

Cable Length

10 ft / 3 m
25 ft / 8 m

50 ft / 15 m

Over 75 ft / 25 m

8 ohm Loudspeakers

AWG / Metric Gauge

16 / 14

14 / 16
12 / 20
10 / 25

4 ohm Loudspeakers

AWG / Metric Gauge

14 / 16

12 / 20
10 / 25
10 / 25

Minimum Loudspeaker Cable Conductor Sizes

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4.6 Operating Tips

• Do NOT drive any of your electronic equipment into clipping, particularly the power

amplifiers. This can easily damage the loudspeaker.

• If driven into clipping, even the amplifier with a power output rating lower than EAW’s
power rating can cause damage to a loudspeaker.

• Avoid sustained microphone feedback. This can quickly cause failure of mid and
high frequency drivers.

• Avoid extreme boosts on equalizers as these can cause excessive input to the drivers
at the boosted frequencies. Generally, cutting frequencies is preferred to correct for
frequency response problems. These problems include attenuating feedback
frequencies or reducing excessive energy at certain frequencies due to room acoustics.

• With appropriate signal processing, your loudspeaker should produce exceptionally
good sound. If used in a room with problematic acoustics, there is little you can do
to overcome room problems with electronic adjustments. Your best solution is careful
placement and aiming of the loudspeaker so that most of the sound is directed only at
the audience.

• EAW loudspeakers are capable of sound levels that can be damaging to human
hearing. Take precautions so that audiences are not exposed to such levels. If you must
expose yourself to these kinds of volume levels, wear adequate hearing protection.

• Take care when moving or lifting the loudspeaker. Injury to you or damage to the
loudspeaker can result from careless handling.

Section 5 Service and Maintenance

5.1 Warranty

Your EAW loudspeaker is warranted against factory defects for a period of six years (five years for
Weather Protected products) from the date of purchase. See your warranty card for the complete
warranty statement.

IMPORTANT: Retain your sales receipt as this is proof of your warranty coverage.

5.2 How to Contact EAW Service

Eastern Acoustic Works Tel [phone], ext. 6001 (USA only)
EAW Service Department Tel [phone], ext. 6001
One Main Street Fax [phone]
Whitinsville, MA 01588 USA e-mail [e-mail]

Web Site www.eaw.com

5.3 Literature and Specifications

Eastern Acoustic Works Tel [phone], ext. 253 (USA only)
EAW Literature Department Tel [phone], ext. 253
One Main Street Fax [phone]
Whitinsville, MA 01588 USA e-mail [e-mail]

Web Site www.eaw.com

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5.4 Maintenance

Your EAW loudspeaker normally requires no regular maintenance for normal use. However, you
can do several things to keep your loudspeaker in good operating and cosmetic condition.

1. Testing: Periodically test your loudspeaker for proper performance. A simple test is to
play a CD through it using well-defined, articulate, wide-range program material.
Listen to ensure all drivers are working properly and for any evidence of distortion or
other extraneous sounds. Test at several volume levels: very low, normal and high.

2. Mounting/Rigging: Any mounting or rigging hardware should be regularly inspected for
security, wear, deformation, corrosion, and any other circumstances that may affect the
load handling capability.

3. Cleaning: Cleaning the exterior of the enclosure will depend on the type of “dirt”.
Dust, food spills or similar can usually be removed with a cloth dampened with water
or a mild household cleaner. Avoid using any strong solvents as this may damage the
finish.

4. Scratches or Dents: Minor scratches on the enclosure can be painted over with an
outdoor latex paint or simply colored in with a “Sharpie” or artist’s marking pen. More
serious gouges or dents

should be sanded out, filled with wood putty and repainted.

Black touch-up paint in pints (part #

810050) or quarts (part #810049) is available
from the EAW Service Department. Tips for repainting are on EAW’s website:
http://eaw.com/pages/TechSuppo

rt/FAQs/RepaintInstructions.pdf.

Section 6 Troubleshooting

Loudspeaker difficulties usually fall into one of the following categories. The causes for each
problem are listed in the most likely order of probability.

6.1 No Sound or Low Output

1. Loudspeaker cables or connectors are mis-wired or faulty. Check all cabling. Refer to
these instructions for correct loudspeaker cable connections. The best way to check a
suspect cable is to swap it with a known good cable. Read the loudspeaker’s input
panel to verify correct cable connections.

2. Electronic equipment is not turned on or level controls are not adjusted properly. Make
sure that all equipment in the signal path is powered up and that all controls are set to
appropriate levels for normal operation.

3. Loudspeaker is not working. Connect the loudspeaker cable to a known good
loudspeaker leaving all equipment set to the same levels. If the problem disappears, the
loudspeaker is probably not working. Contact EAW Service for appropriate
troubleshooting.

6.2 Distorted Sound

1. The power amplifier is clipping. The signal level is exceeding the limits of your

system and you must reduce the level.

2. Other electronic equipment is clipping. Ensure that no equipment in the signal chain

is being overdriven. For example: input(s) or summing bus in the mixing console,

equalizers, etc.

3. Driver(s) not working properly. Contact EAW Service for appropriate troubleshooting.

6.3 Partial Sound (Some Frequency Bands Missing)

1. Incorrect EQ settings in the electronic equipment. Ensure all EQ settings and filters on
the mixing console or preamplifier and on other equipment are set for normal
operation. Ensure level controls on electronic crossovers and associated amplifiers are
correctly set and that all cables and connections for such equipment are working properly.

2. Incorrect processor configuration. Make sure the processor configuration is correct for

the

loudspeaker and its intended mode of operation.

3. Incorrect mode switch setting on the loudspeaker input panel. Ensure this switch is set
for the operating mode you are using: single, bi-amplified or tri-amplified.

4. Driver(s) not working properly. Contact EAW Service for appropriate troubleshooting.

5. The crossover network inside the loudspeaker is not working properly. Contact EAW
Service for appropriate troubleshooting.

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One Main Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588 tel: [phone] fax: [phone] web: www.eaw.com

The Laws of Physics | The Art of Listening

EAW is the worldwide technological and market leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance professional loudspeaker systems.

PN 425017 (0)