Electro-Voice Merlin ISP-100 Owner's Manual

Special Applications

Merlin ISP-100 Integrated Signal Processor

for Electro-Voice X-Array™ Install Loudspeakers

OWNERS MANUAL

Rev-B

Merlin X-Array Install Manual

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Merlin X-Array Install Manual

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. DESCRIPTION of X-ARRAY INSTALL SYSTEMS ................................................................................................. 4

2.1. X-Array Install Two-Way Systems............................................................................................................ 4

2.1.1. Xi-1122/85: ....................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.2. Xi-1152/64: ....................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.3. Xi-1152/94: ....................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2. X-Array Install Three-Way Systems ................................................................................................................ 4

2.2.1. Xi-1153/64: ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.2. Xi-1183/64: ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.3. Xi-2153/64: ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.2.4. Xi-2183/64: ....................................................................................................................................... 5

2.3. X-Array Install Subwoofer ............................................................................................................................... 5

2.3.1. Xi-1191: ............................................................................................................................................ 5

3. OVERLAP vs. NON-OVERLAP CONFIGURATIONS: A METHOD TO INCREASE DIRECTIVITY ....................... 5

3.1. Description...................................................................................................................................................... 5

3.2. Examples ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

3.2.1. Xi-1153/64 and Xi-1183/64 Normal Three-way vs Overlap (Dipole) Three-way Operation .............. 5

3.2.2. Xi-2153/64 and Xi-2183/64 Normal Three-way vs Overlap (Tripole) Three-way Operation.............. 6

4. QUICKMAPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

4.1. Stereo Two-Way System with Dual Subwoofers ............................................................................................. 7

4.2. Stereo Three-Way System with Dual Subwoofers .......................................................................................... 8

4.3. QuickMAP Timing, System Synchronization, and Latency ............................................................................. 8

4.4. QuickMAP Input and Output Assignments ..................................................................................................... 9

5. PROJECTS AND QUICKSETS ........................................................................................................................... 10

5.1. Two-Way Projects ......................................................................................................................................... 10

5.1.1. Stereo Xi-1122/85 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 10

5.1.2. Stereo Xi-1152/64 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 10

5.1.3. Stereo Xi-1152/94 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 10

5.2. Three-Way Projects ...................................................................................................................................... 10

5.2.1. Stereo Xi-1153/64 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 10

5.2.2. Stereo Xi-1183/64 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 11

5.2.3. Stereo Xi-2153/64 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 11

5.2.4. Stereo Xi-2183/64 with Dual Xi-1191 Subs .................................................................................... 11

5.3 Optimizing Gain Structure for Minimum Noise.............................................................................................. 11

5.3.1 Adjusting the Gain Structure for the T wo-Way Systems ................................................................. 12

5.3.2 Adjusting the Gain Structure for the Three-Way Systems.............................................................. 12

6. DRIVER EXCURSION PROTECTION................................................................................................................. 13

6.1. Protection Method ........................................................................................................................................ 13

6.2. Protection Parameters .................................................................................................................................. 13

6.2.1. Limiter ............................................................................................................................................ 15

6.2.2. Excursion Filter .............................................................................................................................. 15

6.2.3. Look-Ahead Delay.......................................................................................................................... 15

6.3. Gain Structure .............................................................................................................................................. 15

6.3.1. Power Amplifier Gain Setting.......................................................................................................... 15

6.3.2. ISP-100 Output Gain Setting.......................................................................................................... 15

6.4. Setting the Limiter Threshold Level .............................................................................................................. 15

6.4.1. Threshold Determined by Lookup Table......................................................................................... 16

6.4.2. Threshold Calculation Given Amplifier Gain................................................................................... 16

7. SOFTWARE AVAILABILITY .................................................................................................................................. 17

7.1. Direct from Factory ....................................................................................................................................... 17

7.2. Download from the INTERNET..................................................................................................................... 17

7.3. Bundled with New Merlin ISP-100 ................................................................................................................ 17

8. INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................... 17

8.1. Loading the Software .................................................................................................................................... 17

9. OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

10. TECHNICAL SUPPORT ...................................................................................................................................... 18

11. UE-IT File System................................................................................................................................................ 18

11.1. Files Used by VUE-IT Projects .............................................................................................................. 18

11.2. Location of Files .................................................................................................................................... 18

11.3. Archiving Projects.................................................................................................................................. 18

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Merlin X-Array Install Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

This manual describes the use of the Merlin™
ISP-100 Integrated Signal Processor for use as an
audio signal processing device for the Electro-Voice
X-Array™ fixed installation systems (X-Array
Install™). The Merlin ISP-100 is a general-purpose
one-rack-height DSP-based device which provides
capabilities for crossovers, filters, equalization,
compressors/limiters, monitoring, gain setting,
signal routing, and speaker excursion protection,
among others. The Merlin ISP-100 is controlled by
an attached PC connected to the ISP-100 through
a serial connection.

2. DESCRIPTION OF X-ARRAY INSTALL
SYSTEMS

Electro-Voice’s X-Array Install™ series is a family of
sound-reinforcement speakers based on EV’s
X-Array™ touring speaker systems. The X-Array
Install systems are intended for small-to-medium
sized array configurations and fixed installations of
any size.

All the Electro-Voice X-Array Install loudspeaker
systems can be controlled by the Merlin ISP-100.
Various ISP-100 QuickMAPs™, projects, and
associated QuickSETS™ (see the glossary section
of the ISP-100 Software Guide for definitions of
these terms) have been created to support each of
the X-Array Install loudspeaker systems. In addition
to normal crossover functions, the ISP-100 can
provide driver overexcursion protection and
amplifier clipping protection. These systems include
models: Xi-1122/85, Xi-1152/64, Xi-1152/94, Xi­1153/64, Xi-1183/64, Xi-2153/64, Xi-2183/64, and
Xi-1191.

These systems are described as follows:

2.1. X-Array Install Two-Way

Systems

The X-Array Install two-way systems include
models Xi-1122/85, Xi-1152/64, and Xi-1152/94.
The two-way systems all have direct-radiator
vented-box low-frequency enclosures. The smaller
Xi-1122/85 uses a 12-inch woofer, while the larger
Xi-1152/64 and Xi-1152/94 systems use a 15-inch
woofer.

The Xi-1152 systems are offered in two different
versions that offer either 60° (Xi-1152/64) or 90°
horizontal coverage (Xi-1152/94). All the two-way
systems have narrower HF vertical coverage (55°
for the Xi-1122/85, and 40° for the Xi-1152/64, Xi­1152/94). All are crossed over at 1500 Hz.

The two-way systems are described as follows:

2.1.1.Xi-1122/85:

A 12-inch woofer two-way system with 80° x 55°
constant-directivity HF horn and vented-box direct-

radiator low end. Rated frequency response of 60 to
20,000 Hz.

Dimensions: 584 mm (23.00 in.) High (H), 375 mm
(14.75 in.) Wide (W) (front), 199 mm (7.84 in.) W
(back), 356 mm (14.00 in.) Deep (D).

Net weight: 31.3 kg (69 lb).

2.1.2. Xi-1152/64:

A 15-inch woofer two-way system with 60° x 40°
rotatable constant-directivity HF horn and vented­box direct-radiator low end. Rated frequency
response of 50 to 20,000 Hz.

Dimensions: 759 mm (29.88 in.) H, 450 mm (17.73
in.) W (front), 248 mm (9.75 in.) W (back), 413 mm
(16.28 in.) D.

Net weight 40.8 kg (90 lb).

2.1.3. Xi-1152/94:

A 15-inch woofer two-way system with 90° x 40°
rotatable constant-directivity HF horn and vented­box direct-radiator low end. Rated frequency
response of 50 to 20,000 Hz. This system is
identical to the previous Xi-1152/64 system but with
wider horizontal coverage.

Dimensions: 759 mm (29.88 in.) H, 450 mm
(17.73 in.) W (front), 248 mm (9.75 in.) W (back),
413 mm (16.28 in.) D.

Net weight 40.8 kg (90 lb).

2.2. X-Array Install Three-Way Systems

The X-Array Install three-way systems include
models Xi-1153/64, Xi-1183/64, Xi-2153/64, and
Xi-2183/64. All the three-way systems utilize the
same mid-high module composed of a 12-inch­driver mid-bass horn and a coaxially mounted high­frequency horn coupled to a large-format
compression driver.

The systems are offered in two different bass
configurations: single woofer (Xi-1153/64,
Xi-1183/64), and dual woofer (Xi-2153/64, and
Xi-2183/64). The dual-woofer versions have the
bass drivers located on opposite ends of the
cabinet straddling the mid-high module.

The systems are further differentiated by the size of
the woofer: 15 inch (Xi-1153/64, Xi-2153/64) and 18
inch (Xi-1183/64, Xi-2183/64). Note that the
respective 15-inch- and 18-inch-woofer systems are
exactly the same size and shape, i.e. the Xi-1153/
64 and Xi-1183/64, or the 2153/64, and Xi-2183/64
look exactly the same from the outside. The
systems only differ in woofer driver size and the
details for mounting the drivers. The only way you
can tell the difference between the systems from
the outside is either by looking at the input panel
label or by physically sticking your hand in the bass
output slot and touching the drivers.

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Merlin X-Array Install Manual

All the three-way systems have identical horizontal
coverage. In addition above 800 Hz, all the three­way systems provide identical 60° (H) x 40° (V)
coverage. Below 800 Hz, the vertical coverage of
the three-way systems depends on the specific
system and the crossover used to drive it. The
Merlin ISP-100 provides processing that allows the
vertical coverage of the systems to be narrowed in
the upper bass and lower midrange (see the
following section on overlap versus non-overlap
configurations for details).
The three-way systems are described as follows:

2.2.1. XI-1153/64:

A 15-inch woofer three-way system with a 12-inch
horn-loaded midrange driver and 60° x 40° rotatable
constant-directivity HF horn.
Rated frequency response of 50 to 20,000 Hz.
Dimensions: 914 mm (36.00 in.) H, 586 mm (23.07
in.) W (front), 354 mm (13.93 in.) W (back), 759 mm
(29.88 in.) D.
Net weight 93.0 kg (205 lb).

2.2.2. Xi-1183/64:

An 18-inch woofer three-way system with a 12-inch
horn-loaded midrange driver and 60° x 40° rotatable
constant-directivity HF horn.
Rated frequency response of 40 to 20,000 Hz.
Dimensions: 914 mm (36.00 in.) H, 586 mm (23.07
in.) W (front), 354 mm (13.93 in.) W (back), 759 mm
(29.88 in.) D.
Net weight 93.0 kg (205 lb).

2.2.3. Xi-2153/64:

A dual 15-inch woofer three-way system with a 12­inch horn-loaded midrange driver and 60° x 40°
rotatable constant-directivity HF horn.
Rated frequency response of 40 to 20,000 Hz.
Dimensions: 1233 mm (48.54 in.) H, 586 mm (23.07
in.) W (front), 354 mm (13.93 in.) W (back), 759 mm
(29.88 in.) D.
Net weight 113.4 kg (250 lb).

2.2.4. Xi-2183/64:

A dual 18-inch woofer three-way system with a 12­inch horn-loaded midrange driver and 60° x 40°
rotatable constant-directivity HF horn.
Rated frequency response of 40 to 20,000 Hz.
Dimensions: 1233 mm (48.54 in.) H, 586 mm (23.07
in.) W (front), 354 mm (13.93 in.) W (back), 759 mm
(29.88 in.) D.
Net weight 113.4 kg (250 lb).

2.3. X-Array Install Subwoofer

2.3.1. Xi-1191:

A single 18-inch woofer vented-box subwoofer
system. Rated frequency response of 37 to 160 Hz
(normal mode) or 28 to 160 Hz (step-down mode).
Dimensions: 914 mm (36.00 in.) H, 586 mm (23.07

in.) W (front), 354 mm (13.93 in.) W (back), 759 mm
(29.88 in.) D.
Net weight 72.1 kg (159 lb).

3. OVERLAP VS. NON-OVERLAP
CONFIGURATIONS: A METHOD TO
INCREASE DIRECTIVITY

3.1. Description

The three-way systems (Xi-1153/64, Xi-1183/64, Xi­2153/64, and Xi-2183/64) can be operated in
standard three-way or overlap three-way
configurations. Overlapping increases the system’s
directivity and decreases the vertical beamwidth in
the important upper bass and lower midrange. It
does this by overlapping the operating ranges of the
woofer and midrange in the two-octave range
between 125 and 500 Hz. This directivity increase
much improves the lower-midrange punch of the
system in reverberant and semireverberant
environments.

Currently, the overlap configuration is offered only
for the 15-inch woofer three-way systems (Xi-1153/
64 and Xi-2153/64). A future release may include
support for the 18-inch woofer three-way systems
(Xi-1183/64 and Xi-2183/64).

As compared to the usual standard (non-overlap)
three-way configuration where the systems
woofer(s) is crossed over to the midrange at about
125 Hz, the overlap configuration lets the woofer(s)
operate two-octaves higher in frequency up to
about 500 Hz. This lets the woofer(s) and midrange
both operate in the 125 to 500 Hz range at the
same acoustical level and in phase with each other.
This significantly narrows the vertical coverage of
the system and increases the overall directivity
because the effective acoustic source size is larger.
The in-phase condition is very important because
this minimizes lobing error and keeps the directional
lobe faced straight ahead in the overlapped
frequency region. The Merlin ISP-100’s capability to
provide all-pass filters greatly contributed to
attaining this in-phase condition between the woofer
and midrange.

3.2. Examples

The following graphs show the beamwidth versus
frequency and directivity versus frequency data for
the three-way systems operated in standard three­way and overlap three-way modes. These
measurements were taken in EV’s large anechoic
chamber using an automated computer-operated
polar measurement setup.

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Merlin X-Array Install Manual

FIGURE 1 -

FIGURE 2 -

= HORIZONTAL
= VERTICAL

2. Correspondingly, an increase in directivity
ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 dB is noted over the same
range for the overlap condition.

3.2.2. Xi-2153/64 and Xi-2183/64 Normal Three­way vs Overlap (Tripole) Three-way
Operation

Figure 3 shows the beamwidth and directivity of the

dual-woofer three-way systems operating in the
normal three-way configuration. Figure 4 shows
the same systems operating in overlap mode.

As with the previous data, no significant difference
is noted in horizontal beamwidth. The vertical
beamwidth however, decreases significantly
between 160 and 800 Hz, reaching nearly 2 to 1 at
400 Hz. Some reduction in beamwidth is actually
noted at 80 Hz. Directivity increases by nearly 3 dB
between 315 to 630 Hz for the overlap mode.

FIGURE 3 -

3.2.1. Xi-1153/64 and Xi-1183/64 Normal Three­way vs Overlap (Dipole) Three-way
Operation

Figure 1 shows the beamwidth and directivity of the

single-woofer three-way systems operating in the
normal three-way configuration.

Figure 2 shows the data for the same systems
operating in overlap mode.

Discounting slight variations due to measurement
repeatability, Figures. 1 and 2 show that the
horizontal beamwidth is essentially the same for
both operating modes. The main effect of the
overlap is a significant reduction in vertical
beamwidth between 160 and 800 Hz. Maximum
reduction occurs between 250 and 500 Hz, where
the beamwidth decreases by factors of about 1.4 to

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FIGURE 4 -