EAW KF730, SB730 User Manual

5 (1)

KF730 & SB730 LOUDSPEAKER

OWNER’S MANUAL

Including KF730P & SB730P

EAW Part: RD0169

Page 2 of 28 RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

1.

READ THIS FIRST................................................................................................................

4

1.1

EC Statement Of Conformity .............................................................................................

4

1.2

Safety Precautions ............................................................................................................

4

1.3

General Precautions..........................................................................................................

4

2.

INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................

5

2.1

KF730 and SB730 .............................................................................................................

5

2.2

KF730P and SB730P ........................................................................................................

5

3.

UNPACKING.........................................................................................................................

5

3.1

Contents ............................................................................................................................

5

3.2

Shipping Damage ..............................................................................................................

5

3.3

Returning Products To EAW .............................................................................................

5

4.

KF730 ARRAY DESIGN .......................................................................................................

6

4.1

KF730 Wizard....................................................................................................................

6

4.2

Fill Coverage......................................................................................................................

6

4.3

Ground Stacking................................................................................................................

7

4.4

Subwoofers........................................................................................................................

7

5.

ARRAY OPERATION............................................................................................................

9

5.1

Overview............................................................................................................................

9

5.2

Engineering Design ...........................................................................................................

9

5.3

System Block Diagram ......................................................................................................

9

5.4

Signal Processing..............................................................................................................

9

5.5

Amplifier Gain Settings ....................................................................................................

10

5.6

User Adjustments ............................................................................................................

10

5.7

Amplifier Power Requirements........................................................................................

10

5.8

Input Connections............................................................................................................

12

6.

RIGGING.............................................................................................................................

15

6.1

Rigging Warnings ............................................................................................................

15

6.2

Suspension Load Rating - Working Load Limit (WLL) ....................................................

15

6.3

Fly-Bar Rigging Recommendations.................................................................................

16

6.4

Attaching Enclosures To The Fly-Bar..............................................................................

16

6.5

Pallets ..............................................................................................................................

19

6.6

Initial Rigging Preparation ...............................................................................................

19

6.7

Suspension Procedures ..................................................................................................

20

6.8

Ground Stacking Procedures ..........................................................................................

22

7.

CONTACTING EAW ...........................................................................................................

25

7.1

Operating Questions........................................................................................................

25

7.2

Service Information..........................................................................................................

25

7.3

Literature and Specifications ...........................................................................................

25

7.4

General ............................................................................................................................

25

8.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE.........................................................................................

26

8.1

General Service...............................................................................................................

26

8.2

Rigging Service................................................................................................................

26

8.3

Basic Field Troubleshooting ............................................................................................

26

8.4

Inspection ........................................................................................................................

26

8.5

Maintenance ....................................................................................................................

27

Page 3 of 28 RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL

1.READ THIS FIRST

1.1EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY

This document confirms that the range of products of Eastern Acoustic Works bearing the CE label meet all the requirements in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the Member States Council for adjustment of legal requirements, furthermore the products comply to the rules and regulations referring to the electromagnetic compatibility of devices from 30 August 1995.

The authorized declaration and compatibility certification resides with the manufacturer and can be viewed upon request. The responsible manufacturer is the company:

Eastern Acoustic Works

One Main St.

Whitinsville, MA 01588 USA

Tel: 508-234-6158

Fax: 508-234-8251

E-mail: info@eaw.com

Whitinsville, MA USA 2004 March

1.2SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

The terms “Caution,” “Warning,” and “Danger” are used throughout this manual to alert the reader to important safety considerations. If you have any questions about any aspects of these precautions, contact your local dealer, distributor, or EAW. The following are the descriptions of the safety precautions.

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 cause damage to the equipment or injure the user.

DANGER: describes an operating condition or user action that will immediately damage the equipment or be extremely dangerous or possibly life-threatening to the user.

1.3GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: Some aspects of rigging and other related fields for which EAW manufactures, sells, or distributes equipment are potentially hazardous. Any people using this equipment are personally responsible for their own safety. EAW transactions are made with the assumption that the purchaser is a qualified individual or will have only qualified individuals perform work with the equipment. EAW will not be liable for any damages arising from the use of equipment sold to purchaser.

WARNING: Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques should attempt to suspend KF730 and SB730 loudspeaker systems overhead. Failure to follow this precaution may result in damage to the equipment, injury, or death.

Page 4 of 28 RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL

2.INTRODUCTION

The KF730 Line Array represents EAW’s latest technology for arrayable loudspeakers. The KF730 is a small format line array system for venues with listener distances up to about 200 ft / 65 m. The KF730 Series is designed to provide the highest output possible from a compact line array format. The Series includes the 3-way, bi-amplified KF730 full-range and the complementary dual 12 in SB730 subwoofer.

This manual provides information about the design, configuration, and operation of KF730 Line Arrays. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the KF730 Wizard Windows®-based software. Please thoroughly familiarize yourself with this manual. The more you learn and understand the KF730 Line Array the easier you will find it to use. This is not so much because of any inherent complexities, but because it is actually easier to use than most, if not all, array systems.

2.1KF730 AND SB730

The KF730 and SB730 are physically configured for temporary installation. Rigging information for this purpose is provided in this manual

2.2KF730P AND SB730P

The KF730P and SB730P are physically configured for permanent installation. Rigging information for the KF730P and SB730P is provided with the KF730P and SB730P Splay Brackets Kits. All non-rigging information provided herein applies to the KF730P and SB730P.

3.UNPACKING

3.1CONTENTS

KF730

(1)KF730 loudspeaker

(6)Quick Release Pins

(1)Owner’s Manual

SB730

(1)SB730 loudspeaker

(4)Quick Release Pins

(1)Owner’s Manual

3.2SHIPPING DAMAGE

After unpacking, if the loudspeaker is found to have shipping damage, 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.

3.3RETURNING PRODUCTS TO EAW

If the loudspeaker must be returned to EAW, contact the EAW Service Department for a Return Authorization (See Chapter 7). Use the original shipping carton and packing materials. If the shipping carton is damaged, contact EAW for a new carton, for which there will be a small charge. EAW will not be responsible for damage caused by inadequate packing.

RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL Page 5 of 28

4.KF730 ARRAY DESIGN

4.1KF730 WIZARD

Use the KF730 Wizard for designing KF730 arrays. It can be found in the Downloads/Software section of the EAW website (www.eaw.com). The Wizard’s primary function is to determine the configuration that will provide the best vertical performance for a given application. Various venue dimensions are entered that allow the Wizard to calculate the resultant array performance. Given this information, the Wizard works in either of two basic ways, with both displaying the resulting coverage.

Automatic Mode: The Wizard will select the optimum number of enclosures, enclosure splays, array aiming angle, and fly-bar pick point. This can also be done for a given inventory of KF730s and SB730s. There are variable adjustments for application-specific output levels and for level consistency for near-to-far listeners.

Manual Mode: This provides complete control over the array’s configuration. The number of enclosures, enclosure splays, array aiming angle, and fly-bar pick point can be entered manually.

For complete instructions about operating the KF730 Wizard, click on the About/Help menu when running the Wizard.

4.1.1Computer Requirements

The Wizard requires an IBM compatible PC with the Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® 2000, Windows® ME, Windows® XP, or Windows NT® operating systems. It is not designed to work with Windows® 3.x, Windows® 95, or Macintosh® operating systems.

4.1.2Wizard Results

Graphical representations of the array and the venue

Aiming splay angle between each pair of enclosures

How to set the enclosure-to-enclosure rigging

On-axis aiming angle for each enclosure as a difference from 0° horizontal

Various angles and throw distances calculated from the venue’s dimensions

Difference between the array beamwidth angle and the needed coverage angles

Height of the array and trim height to the bottom of the array from the floor

Pick Point on the Fly-Bar to achieve the calculated array angle when suspended

Weight of the array

4.2FILL COVERAGE

4.2.1Up-Fill

Some applications, such as theaters and small arenas, can require up-fill coverage from the array. In this case, the array is designed to tilt back for up-firing coverage from the topmost enclosures.

4.2.2Down-Fill

Many applications require extreme down-fill coverage. In this case, the array is designed to have enough curvature for the bottom KF730 to provide coverage almost directly beneath the array.

4.2.3Horizontal Coverage and Side-Fill Arrays

Regardless of the length of the array, a KF730 array has a horizontal beamwidth (-6 dB points) of approximately 110°, with pattern control maintained to a very low frequency.

Page 6 of 28 RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL

The horizontal pattern also features “soft shoulders” that provide consistent frequency response to well beyond the nominal -6 dB points. These soft shoulders can provide up to 150° of “usable” horizontal coverage, albeit at somewhat reduced level. This off-axis performance also provides good acoustic integration with side-fill arrays. In some cases, these shoulders may be sufficient for side-fill purposes.

4.2.4KF730 Series as Side-fill Arrays

KF730 side fill arrays can be hung adjacent to the mains, extending the coverage to over 180° for wrap-around audience coverage.

4.3GROUND STACKING

Normally, a ground-stacked KF730 main array is used where suspension is not possible, too difficult, or too time consuming. Additional uses are as stage side fills and audience front fill.

Both KF730s and SB730s may be ground-stacked alone or in combination. In combination, always stack the KF730s on top of the SB730s. The recommended minimum and maximum array quantities are:

Array

Min

Max

KF730 alone

2

6

SB730 alone

1

4

KF730 / SB730

2/1

6 / 4

WARNING: Ground-stacked arrays, especially the maximum recommended arrays, requires assembly by personnel qualified to ensure adequate stability from tip over for the particular application. See Section 6.8 for correct array assembly. Mechanical assistance will be required to lift and position enclosures for arrays taller than approximately 5 feet.

4.4SUBWOOFERS

4.4.1General Considerations

Although the impressive low frequency performance of KF730 Series arrays allows them to be used without subwoofers for some events, subwoofers will normally be used for live musical performances. The recommended subwoofer is EAW’s SB730, specifically designed to complement KF730 line arrays.

NOTE: Bass performance is often highly program or venue-dependent, as well as subjective as to quantity and quality. For this reason the type, quantity, and disposition of subwoofers may vary considerably with the application. The quantity recommendations below are for general purposes, providing a balanced system for most music applications. Quantities may need to be adjusted up or down for specific situations.

4.4.2SB730 Subwoofers

SB730 subwoofers are designed to complement the KF730 loudspeakers to both extend the low frequency response and provide more output for the upper low frequencies. The SB730 subwoofers may either be ground stacked, flown as part of a KF730 array, or flown separately alongside a KF730 array.

A general recommendation is to use KF730s and SB730s in a ratio of three KF730s to two SB730s.

4.4.3Suspending SB730 Subwoofers

The SB730 enclosure rigging is designed to directly couple to a KF730 Fly-Bar and KF730 enclosures. As such, the SB730 can be rigged seamlessly with KF730s.

RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL Page 7 of 28

When flown as part of a KF730 array, the SB730s should be the uppermost enclosures in the array. In this application, the SB730s are suspended flat-fronted, with the KF730s suspended below in the curvature determined by the KF730 Wizard.

When flown separately, SB730s should be flown so that the spacing between the line of SB730 enclosures and KF730 enclosures is about 1 ft / 0.3 m. The SB730 should be suspended in a flatfronted configuration.

4.4.4Other Subwoofers

Other subwoofers, such as the EAW’s SBX220, SB600z SB1000z, or BH760, can also be used with KF730s. Recommended quantities of KF730 for each subwoofer are:

Model

Subwoofer

KF730

SBX220

2

3

SB600z

1

2

BH760

1

4

SB1000zR

1

2

4.4.5Signal Delay on Subwoofers

If SB730s are flown or stacked with KF730s as configured in the KF730 Wizard, use the factory signal delay settings.

For other configurations or subwoofers, it will usually be necessary to determine the signal delay settings by measurement.

Page 8 of 28 RD0169 (A) KF730 & SB730 OWNER’S MANUAL

EAW KF730, SB730 User Manual

5.ARRAY OPERATION

5.1OVERVIEW

The operation of a KF730 Series system involves:

1.Understanding the principles on which it operates.

2.How to electronically configure it for a specific task.

5.2ENGINEERING DESIGN

How a KF730 Array works: Divergence Shading

In almost any venue, there are significant differences in distance from the loudspeaker array to the nearest and farthest audience members. The idea is to turn up the output level of the array aimed towards the farthest audience members, and then progressively turn it down for audience members closer to the array. These differences in distance are accompanied by changes in the array’s vertical aiming angle.

Rather than use amplifier input levels, the volume controls for a KF730 array is a combination of the shape of its curvature and the quantity of KF730s that make up the array. A shallow curve means more loudspeakers are facing a given direction, putting more energy within a given vertical angle. A more radical curvature for the same number of loudspeakers spreads the energy over a wider vertical angle, reducing the energy at any particular point. Simply put, less curvature turns the volume up and more curvature turns the volume down.

If you understand this point, you understand how a KF730 array works. Specifically:

1.More splay at the rear of the enclosures turns the volume up (adds less curvature to the array)

2.Less splay at the rear of the enclosures turns the volume down (adds more curvature to the array).

3.More enclosures provide a greater vertical coverage angle.

4.Fewer enclosures provide less vertical coverage angle.

The KF730 Wizard uses the above variables to determine the quantity of enclosures and the variation in curvature along the length of the array that will optimize coverage for the audience distances and angles the array must address.

5.3SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM

The block diagram shows the signal flow for a single KF730 and SB730. A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with three outputs is required. Use the same processor outputs for additional KF730s and SB730s.

5.4SIGNAL PROCESSING

WARNING: Do not under any circumstances use “generic” or your “favorite” crossover settings. Always use EAW’s recommended processor settings. KF730 array performance, in terms of frequency response, beamwidth consistency, output level capability, and wavefront coherency is dependent on the EAW engineered crossover and other processing settings.

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