Electro-Voice XF EDS User Manual
Xf
X-Array™ Two-Way,
MB/HF System
• Unprecedented acoustic output in
small, lightweight package
• Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™)
provides accurate transient detail
• Neodymium ND5 HF and
MB drivers
• Unique rear-hinge rigging
• Enclosure shell and rigging
identical to all of the full-size
X-Array™ systems
• Far-field, 40° x 20° coverage
pattern
Description
™
The X-Array
tant advancements in concert-sound-reinforcement technology. The design goals
called for the highest-acoustic output capability with the highest fidelity in lightweight,
compact enclosures that were easy to array.
The development began with a clean sheet
of paper and took an integrated approach.
The individual loudspeaker drivers, horns,
enclosures, rigging hardware and system
configurations were designed from the
ground up specifically for this high-performance application.
The Xf is an active far field, two-way,
MB/
HF loudspeaker system with a
40° H x 20° V
full-size X-Array
high-frequency and mid-bass sections are
horn loaded with two drivers in each frequency band, and the high-frequency
horn/driver combination is mounted coaxially
inside the mid-bass horn. The horns
and drivers were designed as part of the
Xf development and represent a step forward in state-of-the-art loudspeaker design in terms of high acoustic output with
low distortion and low power compression.
Electro-Voice engineers developed a new
technology dubbed Ring-Mode
Decoupling (RMD
product line represents impor-
coverage pattern utilizing the
™
enclosure shell. The
™
) to substantially im-
prove clarity and intelligibility by reducing both linear and nonlinear resonance
modes that color the sound.
The high-frequency driver in the Xf is the
ND5 which is a 35.6-mm (1.4-in.) exit highfrequency compression driver that features
a powerful neodymium motor structure that
was optimized for maximum efficiency and
reduced power compression. A new
76.2-mm (3.0-in.) diameter titanium diaphragm assembly provides increased instantaneous peak output capability and reduced
dome breakup. The ND5’s are mounted on a
unique tandem pair of 40° H x 20° V constant-directivity horns. This combination results in substantially improved vocal clarity
and presence with a smooth response
throughout the vocal range up to 20,000 Hz.
The horns and drivers are nested inside the
mid-bass phase plug assemblies to minimize
interference in the mid-bass band.
The mid-bass driver in the Xf is the ND12A,
which is a 30.5-mm (12-in.) mid-bass driver
that features a powerful new neodymium
motor structure that was optimized for maximum horn-loaded efficiency and reduced
power compression. A new Kevlar
forced cone assembly provides a smooth response with reduced cone break up. The
ND12A ’ s are mounted on a dual-throat midbass horn that has a coverage pattern that
transitions smoothly into the 40° H x 20° V
®
-rein-
high-frequency pattern. The mid-bass phase
plug provides optimal loading for the
ND12A driver, delivering smooth response
and extended efficiency up to 2,000 Hz. This
combination results in improved vocal intelligibility and clarity with a smooth response from the lower-to-mid vocal range.
Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD
nique utilized and named by Electro-Voice
to describe a process used to improve sound
quality in loudspeaker systems. RMD
offers a solution to a very fundamental
problem. It has long been recognized that
two different loudspeaker systems can
sound different even though they both may
be equalized to have the same frequency
response. This difference is due to a variety of resonances, or ring modes, that color
the sound. Although this ringing may be
very low in level compared to the program
material, it is still audible. The source of
these resonances may be mechanical or
acoustical in nature, or a combination of
both. In addition, they may be linear or
nonlinear, resulting in their character
changing with level. Furthermore, these
ring modes may be aggravated when multiple loudspeaker enclosures are assembled
into arrays. The result is a coloration that
decreases intelligibility and clarity, with the
nature of that coloration varying with level.
Often, the listener perceives that colora-
™
), is a tech-
™
Xf T w o- W ay , MB/HF System
tion as imbalance in the frequency response, and will attempt to electronically
adjust the system to restore the spectral
balance. However this electronic equalization has the negative effect of changing
the program material itself.
Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD
mechanical resonances with mechanical solutions, and acoustical resonances with
acoustical solutions. In the Xf development, RMD
™
was applied at every level –
to the individual high-frequency and midbass drivers and horns, the mid-bass enclosure chambers, the interaction between
Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
the high-frequency and mid-bass frequency bands and the interaction between
multiple enclosures. The design process
included, for example, the driver diaphragm,
cone, suspension and phase-plug geometry and materials, horn geometry and materials, enclosure geometry and materials,
absorptive materials, etc. The result is a
dramatic improvement in clarity and with a
much more neutral sound (a lack of coloration), with the loudspeaker system maintaining its sonic integrity from the verylowest sound-pressure levels, to the veryhighest sound-pressure levels. This means
that the front-of-house engineer will not
have to retune the EQ and level settings as
the SPL is increased throughout the show.
This also means that the sound system
performance will remain consistent in different array configurations and from venue
to venue.
The X-Array
™
systems utilizes a unique rigging system. A hinge assembly is used to link
cabinets together at their rear corners, while
wire-rope/fitting assemblies are used at the
front to adjust the relative angle between
systems. (See the Flying the X-Array
tems section for more details.)
The durable Xf enclosure is constructed of
18-mm, 13-ply birch plywood and has a
wear-resistant black, textured paint finish.
The system is trapezoidal, forming an 18°
wedge and includes a heavy-duty steel grille
with a water-resistant charcoal-gray foam interlining. The enclosure features vinyl
bumper pads on the front corners and feet
on the bottom to resist wear.
A variety of accessories are available for the
X-Array
2
™
loudspeaker systems, including
™
) addresses
™
Sys-
rigging hardware, dollies, covers, electronic
crossovers, amplifier racks and speaker ca-
™
bling. Consult the X-Array
Accessories
section for a complete listing of the available accessories.
Applications
The X-Array
™
loudspeaker systems were
designed for optimal performance in both
concert-sound and permanent-installation
applications where studio-monitor sound
quality is required at concert-sound levels. The X-Array
™
loudspeaker systems
work well individually, in small arrays and
in large arrays. The high acoustic output
from these compact, lightweight systems
provide the highest acoustic-power-toweight ratio, the highest acoustic-powerto-frontal-area ratio, and the highest acoustic-power-to-bulk-volume ratio in the industry. That means that X-Array
™
systems
will be considerably smaller and lighter
compared to competitive systems having
equivalent acoustic output. The 40° H x
20° V coverage pattern of the Xf makes it
ideal for sound-reinforcement applications
with long-throw requirements. With its response from 125-20,000 Hz, is recommended for mid-bass-/high-frequency applications and should be used with an
X-Array
™
bass box (like the Xb, Xds or
Xcb) for full-range applications. The Xf may
be used individually or in multiples to construct arrays. In addition, the Xf may be
used with the MB/HF or LF/MB/HF
X-Array
™
loudspeaker systems (like the Xn
or Xcn) to construct large full-range arrays.
The Xf enclosure shell and rigging are identical to the other full-size X-Array
™
systems
for easy array integration. The 40° H x 20° V
coverage pattern offers precise pattern control, and would be well suited for front-ofhouse, front-fill, side-fill and delay applications.
The Xf is a two-way active system that requires an active electronic crossover. Both
the Electro-Voice Dx38 and Klark Teknik
DN8000 digital crossovers are recommended for signal control. (See the Cross-
over, Equalization and Signal Delay Controller section.) The Electro-Voice P3000
amplifier is recommended for powering the
Xf. (See the Amplifier Recommendations
section.)
Power-Handling Capabilities
The Xf systems are rated as per the
“ANSI/EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker PowerRating, Full-Range Test,” which uses a
shaped-random-noise signal to simulate typical music to test the mechanical and thermal
capabilities of the loudspeakers. A digital
crossover was used to provide the appropriate filtering and equalization. The test parameters are as follows:
High-Frequency Section:
PE
: 150 watts
(MAX)
Test Voltage: 30.1-volts rms
60.2-volts peak
R
(1.15 RE): 6.04 ohms
SR
Mid-Bass-Frequency Section:
PE
: 600 watts
(MAX)
Test Voltage: 45.5-volts rms
91.0-volts peak
R
(1.15 RE): 3.45 ohms
SR
Amplifier Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings
are recommended for use with the Xf loudspeaker systems:
HF: 800 watts per channel
into 8 ohms
93-volts peak
MB: 800 watts per channel
into 8 ohms
93-volts rms short term
132-volts peak
Xf loudspeakers may be paralleled with other
Xf systems as long as the amplifiers can drive
the lower impedances. To maintain a sufficient damping factor with long cable runs,
amplifier loads of four ohms per channel are
recommended. The Electro-V oice P3000 amplifiers are ideal for powering the X-Array
systems.
Crossover, Equalization and Signal
Delay Controller
The Xf is a two-way active loudspeaker system requiring an active crossover, equalization and signal delay controller. For basic applications, the Electro-Voice Dx38
2-in/4-out controller is recommended. For
more sophisticated applications, the Klark
™
Xf T w o- W ay , MB/HF System
Teknik DN8000 2-in/5-out controller is recommended. Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters
with a minimum slope of 24 dB per octave
at 125 Hz and 1,760 Hz are recommended.
Both the Dx38 and the DN8000 offer appropriate filtering, equalization and signal
delay capabilities to provide optimum performance of the X-Array
™
loudspeaker
systems. Digital parameter settings for
both controllers are avaialble upon request.
Electrical Connection and System
Wiring
Two paralleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon
®
connectors are used for electrical connection to
the Xf loudspeakers with the following pin
assignments:
HF: Pins 4 Paralleled
MB: Pins 3 Paralleled
The Xf wiring diagram is shown in
Figure 7. Since the connectors are paralleled,
it does not matter which connector is used
as the input or output when paralleling Xf
systems. Although Pins 1 and 2 are not used
by the Xf systems, they are paralleled on the
input panel. This allows an X-Array
™
bass
box (like the Xb – which uses Pins 1 and 2,
but not Pins 3 and 4) to be paralleled with
an Xf, allowing all eight conductors to be
used with a single cable run to the amplifiers. Note that, when two Xf systems are
jumped from one to another via the input/
output connections, the amplifier homerun cable will have four high-frequency
drivers on Pins 4 (for a 4-ohm load) and
four mid-bass drivers on Pins 3 (for a 4ohm load).
Flying the X-Array™ Systems
™
The X-Array
loudspeaker systems all utilize the same rigging hardware and have the
same structural strength ratings. Thus, different systems may be mixed in an array to
achieve the best acoustic results. The rigging
system allows for the smallest possible spacing between adjacent enclosures, and utilizes quick-release rigging fittings for fast
installation and tear down.
When flown, the X-Array
™
enclosures are
linked together by two removable hinges on
the rear of the enclosures at the top and
bottom. This arrangement enables the enclosures to pivot vertically from the rear
corners. The relative vertical angle between
adjacent enclosures is adjustable and set
by two removable rigging straps on the
front of the enclosures at the top and bottom. Both the rear rigging hinges and the
front rigging straps are installed when enclosures are sitting on top of one another.
For ease of installation of the hinges and
straps, the enclosures self align using feet
and cups mounted on the top and bottom
of the enclosures. The relative horizontal
angle between adjacent columns of loudspeakers is set by adjustable grids at the
top of the array (or by custom-building attachment supports in permanent-installation applications where grids are not used).
The removable proprietary rear rigging
hinges utilize all-steel construction and are
secured into a proprietary track assembly on
the enclosure (similar to the heavy-duty aircraft L-track). The aluminum track is extruded as a single-piece track/angle-bracket
assembly and ties into the top, bottom and
rear of the enclosure. Metal bars inside the
enclosure tie the top and bottom track/
angle-bracket assemblies together, minimizing the load applied to the wooden enclosure. The rear extrusion will accommodate
the New Haven 32102-2 aircraft-type
double-stud locking fitting instead of the
hinge for applications requiring a lowerstrength rating.
The removable, front strap assemblies utilize all-steel New Haven 32102-2 aircrafttype double-stud locking fittings and wire
rope and are secured into another proprietary track similar to the heavy-duty aircraft L-track. The track is extruded as a
single-piece track/angle-bracket assembly
that ties into the front and side of the enclosure. The track/angle-bracket assembly extends from the top to the bottom of the enclosure, eliminating the load applied to the
wooden enclosure.
A complete line of flying-hardware accessories is available for the X-Array
™
loudspeaker systems, including a grid, rigging
hinges and rigging straps. The variety of rigging hinges and front rigging straps available include those for linking two enclosures
together, securing the top enclosure in a column to a grid and for picking up the top enclosure in a column without a grid. Consult
the X-Array
™
Accessories section for a com-
plete listing of the available rigging accessories.
The total weight of a column of X-Array
loudspeaker systems that may be supported
by the X-Array
™
rigging system varies from
454-726 kg (1,000-1,600 lb) depending on
the rigging configuration details. An
X-Array
™
Flying Manual is available from
Electro-Voice and is included with each
X-Array
™
system shipment. The manual
should be consulted for complete structural
specifications and detailed instructions for
safely suspending and using the X-Array
systems.
Field Replacement
Normal service for the Xf requires only a #2
Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch hex-key
wrench. The drivers may be accessed as follows:
HF: First remove the grille, then remove the
screws securing the front flange of the highfrequency horn. Lift the horn and driver out
of the shroud assembly. In the event of failure, the diaphragm assembly can be replaced
with the driver attached to the horn.
MB: Remove the screws securing the hatch
on the back of the enclosure, and lift the
hatch out. Remove the screws securing the
12-inch driver and lift the driver out of the
enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire driver must be replaced or reconed.
The following service parts are available
from the service department in Buchanan,
MI USA:
HF: #84233-XX 16-ohm ND5-16
diaphragm kit
#827-2973 ND5-16 complete driver
MB: #812-2858 ND12A complete driver.
The complete drivers are available only for
repair replacement and are not available
for general sale.
Architects’ and Engineers’
Specifications
The loudspeaker system shall be a two-way,
active, coaxial, MB/HF system with a frequency response from 125-20,000 Hz with
crossover frequencies at 125 and 1,760 Hz,
and a 40° H x 20° V constant-directivity coverage pattern. The loudspeaker system shall
have two high-frequency compression
™
Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
™
3
Xf T w o- W ay , MB/HF System
X- Array
TM
Xf T wo- W ay , MB/HF System
drivers mounted on two 40° x 20° constantdirectivity horns, and each shall have a
16-ohm, 76.2-mm (3-in.) diameter voice coil,
a 76.2-mm (3-in.) titanium dome, a 35.6-mm
(1.4-in.) exit, a neodymium magnetic motor
structure, and a 75-watt power rating.
The loudspeaker system also shall have two
305-mm (12-in.) mid-bass drivers mounted
on a dual-throat mid-bass horn, and each
shall have a 16-ohm, 63.5-mm (2.5-in.) diameter voice coil, a neodymium magnetic
motor structure, and a 300-watt power rating. The loudspeaker shall have a rigging
system enabling a column of loudspeakers
Xf Two-Way, MB/HF System
to be hinged at their back corners, with relative downward angles set by adjustable rigging straps at the front. The enclosure shall
be constructed of 18-mm thick, 13-ply birch
plywood, and shall be trapezoidal, forming
an 18° wedge, and be 914 mm (36.00 in.)
high, 584 mm (23.00 in.) wide at the front,
354 mm (13.93 in.) wide at the back and 759
mm (29.88 in.) deep, and shall weigh 87.1
kg (192 lb). The loudspeaker system shall
be the Electro-Voice Xf.
Rigging Accessories:
Grid: This ATM Fly-Ware™ “T” shaped,
all-steel-construction grid was specifically
designed as a single column of X-Array™
systems. Multiple grids can be linked together with couplers on front and back retractable arms, the position of which sets the
splay angle between adjacent columns. Part
number MEGS-4000-T. ATM Fly-ware™,
2100 S. Wilmington A ve., Carson, CA 90810
USA, 310/834-5914
Xrhg Grid Hinge: Two Xrhg grid rigging
hinges are used to attach the rear of the
top enclosure in a column to the rear of an
X-Array
™
compatible grid. Each hinge consists of two precision-machined steel riggingtrack fittings connected by an alloy-steel
chain. Part number 510-2999. Electro-V oice,
600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA,
616/695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrhp Pickup Hinge: Two Xrhp pickup rigging hinges are used to create custom rigging assemblies to attach to the rear of the
top enclosure in a column when an A TM grid
is not used. Each hinge consists of one precision-machined steel rigging-track fitting
4
with an alloy-steel chain. Part number
510-3000. Electro-V oice, 600 Cecil St.,
Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831
or 800/234-6831
Xrhl Linking Hinge: T wo Xrhl linking rigging hinges are used to link two enclosures
together at the rear. Each hinge consists of
two precision-machined steel rigging-track
fittings connected by a heavy-duty steel
hinge. Part number 510-2998. Electro-V oice,
600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA,
616/695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrsl Long Rigging Steel Straps: Two Xrsl
long rigging straps are used at the front of two
enclosures to adjust their relative vertical
angles. The Xrsl may also be used to attach
the front of the top enclosure to the ATM
grid when upward angles are not required.
Each all-steel strap consists of two New
Haven NH32102-2 double-stud fittings connected by black plastic-coated wire rope.
Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336 Primera Ave.,
Hollywood, CA 90068 USA, 213/850-5042
or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S. Wilmington
A ve., Carson, CA 90810 USA, 310/834-5914
Xrss Short Rigging Steel Straps: Two
Xrss short rigging straps are used to attach the front of the top enclosure to the
ATM grid. The Xrss may also be used at
the front of two enclosures when a limited
range of vertical angles are required. The
all-steel Xrss utilizes the same construction as the Xrsl. Sound Manufacturing Inc.,
3336 Primera Ave., Hollywood, CA 90068
USA, 213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™,
2100 S. Wilmington A ve., Carson, CA 90810
USA, 310/834-5914
New Haven NH32102-2 Fittings: The
New Haven NH32102-2 swivel-ring,
double-stud fitting recommended for attachment to both the front and rear X-Array™ rigging track is available for the user
to make custom rigging attachment hardware. Sound Manufacturing, Inc., 3336
Primera A ve., Hollywood, CA 90068, USA,
213-850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S.
Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA,
310/834-5914
General Rigging Supplies: A wide variety of standard and specialty rigging hardware components for both touring and permanent-installation applications is available. Sound Manufacturing Inc., 3336
Primera A ve., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA,
213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S.
Wilmington Ave., Carson, CA 90810 USA,
310/834-5914
Electronic Accessories:
Klark Teknik DN8000 Digital Control-
ler: The DN8000 digital electronic loud-
speaker controller has a two-in/five-out architecture, with each output having programmable high-pass and low-pass filters,
four-band equalization, signal delay, compressor-limiter-and noise-gate functions.
Program parameters for optimal performance of the X-Array™ systems are available. Klark Teknik, Klark Industrial Park,
Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster,
W orcestershire DY11 7HJ England, 44-156274-1515
Electro-Voice Dx38 Digital Controller:
The Dx38 digital electronic loudspeaker
controller has a two-in/four-out architecture, with each output having programmable high-pass and low-pass filters, fourband equalization, signal delay compressor and limiter functions. Program parameters for optimal performance of the
X-Array™ systems are available. ElectroVoice, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107
USA, 616/695-6831
Electro-Voice P3000 Power Amplifiers:
The stereo P3000 power amplifiers are rated
at 800 watts into 8 ohms, or 93-volts rms
short term. The amplifiers are 3-U high and
weigh 28 kg (62 lb) each. Electro-Voice,
600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA,
616/695-6831
X-Array™ Amplifier Racks: These 16-U
racks will hold four Electro-Voice P3000
power amplifiers, one Klark Teknik DN8000
digital controller, 1-U light module, and a
2-U multipin patch panel. The aluminumframe/wood-panel racks are vibration-isolation mounted on heavy-duty wheel
boards and come prewired for AC power,
audio and control signal sends and Neutrik
Speakon speaker connectors. db Sound,
L.P ., 1219 Rand Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
USA, 847/299-0357
X-Array™ Speaker Cables: Eight conductor cable with four #11 AWG conductors and four #13 AWG connectors. The
larger conductors are used in the LF bands
®
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