Electro-Voice XI-2181, 2181F User Manual
Description
The X-Array
sents important advancements in concertsound-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 Xi-2181 is a manifolded, vented-box
bass system utilizing two 457-mm (18-in.)
woofers. The two woofers face each other
in a manifold chamber at the center of the
enclosure. This manifolding technique (U.S.
Patent Number 4,733,749) increases the
acoustic loading, resulting in increased lowfrequency efficiency (at slightly above box
tuning) and reduced distortion compared to
conventional direct-radiating designs. The
woofers were designed as part of the Xi-2181
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
Install™ product line repre-
™
(RMD
) to substantially improve clarity and
intelligibility by reducing both linear and
nonlinear resonance modes that color the
sound.
The low-frequency driver in the Xi-2181 is
the EVX-180B. An improved version of the
industry-standard EVX-180A high-excursion 467-mm (18-in.) woofer that has distinguished itself as an industry standard for
high-power, low-frequency reproduction.
During the X-Array
mal conduction of the motor was improved
and the suspension was redesigned, giving
the EVX-180B even lower power compression and a longer mechanical lifetime. In the
Xi-2181, the woofers are manifolded in a
vented enclosure optimized for maximized
output from 37-160 Hz with minimized distortion.
Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD
nique utilized and named by Electro-Voice
to describe a process used to improve sound
quality in loudspeaker systems. RMD
fers 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
™
development, the ther-
™
), is a tech-
™
of-
Xi-2181/2181F
X-Array™ Install
Bass System
• Unprecedented acoustic output in
a small, lightweight package
• Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD)™
provides accurate transient detail
• EVX-180B woofers
• Unique rear-hinge rigging
• Flying and non flying configuration
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
coloration 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 Xi-2181 development, RMD
to the individual low-frequency drivers, the
low-frequency enclosure chambers and the
interaction between multiple enclosures. The
design process included, for example, the
driver cone, suspension 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 maintain-
™
was applied at every level –
™
) addresses
Xi-2181 Bass System
ing its sonic integrity from the very-lowest
sound pressure levels to the very-highest
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
Install™ systems utilizes full
top/bottom L-track.
The durable Xi-2181 enclosure is con-
Xi-2181 Bass System
structed 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.
Applications
The X-Array
Install™ 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
Install™ 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-power-tofrontal-area ratio, and the highest acousticpower-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. With its response from 37200 Hz, the Xi-2181 is recommended for
low-frequency applications where very-high
levels of bass are required from a compact
enclosure. Specifically, the Xi-2181 has been
optimized to provide low-frequency reinforcement for the Xi 2153, 2183, 2123, 1123,
1153, 1 152, 1122 systems. The Xi-2181 may
be used individually or in multiples to construct low-frequency arrays, or may be used
with the mid-bass-/high-frequency or low-/
mid-bass-/high-frequency X-Array
loudspeaker systems to construct large fullrange arrays. The Merlin ISP100 as well as
the Electro-Voice Dx34A and Klark Teknik
DN8000 digital crossovers are recommended
for signal control. (See the Crossover, Equal-
2
Install™
ization and Signal Delay Controller section.)
The Electro-V oice P3000 amplifier is recommended for powering the Xi-2181. (See the
Amplifier Recommendations section.)
Power-Handling Capabilities
The Xi-2181 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:
Low-Frequency Section (Pins 1 and 2 paralleled):
P
: 1,200 watts
E(MAX)
Test Voltage: 58.7-volts rms
117.4-volts peak
RSR (1.15RE): 2.88 ohms
Amplifier Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings
are recommended for use with the Xi-2181
loudspeaker systems:
LF: 800 watts into 8 ohms
91-volts rms short term
130-volts peak
Xi-2181 loudspeakers may be paralleled with
other Xi-2181 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 Xi-2181 is intended to be used with
other X-Array
Install™ loudspeaker systems
to construct full-range arrays as an active system requiring an active crossover, equalization and signal delay controller. For basic
applications, the Merlin ISP100, or the Electro-V oice Dx34A 2-in/4-out controller is recommended. The Klark Teknik DN8000 2in/5-out controller is also recommended.
Linkwitz-Riley crossover filters with a minimum slope of 24 dB per octave at 125 Hz
are recommended, and infrasonic filter pro-
tection at 32 Hz or higher with a minimum
slope of 12-dB/octave is recommended in the
low-frequency section. The ISP100 as well
as the Dx34A and the DN8000 offer appropriate filtering, equalization and signal delay capabilities to provide optimum performance of the X-Array Install™ loudspeaker
systems. Digital parameter settings for all
controllers are available upon request.
Electrical Connection and System Wiring
Two paralleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon® connectors are used for electrical connection to
the Xi-2181 loudspeakers with the following pin assignments:
LF1: Pins 1 Paralleled
LF2: Pins 2 Paralleled
The Xi-2181 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
Xi-2181 systems. Although Pins 3 and 4 are
not used by the Xi-2181 systems, they are
paralleled on the input panel. This allows an
X-Array
Install™ MB/HF box to be paralleled with an Xi-2181, allowing all eight conductors to be used with a single cable run to
the amplifiers. Note that, when two Xi-2181
systems are jumped from one to another via
the input/output connections, the amplifier
home-run cable will have two woofers on
Pins 2 (for a 4-ohm load) and two woofers
on Pins 1 (for a 4-ohm load).
Flying the X-Array Install™ Systems
A manual entitled the X-Array Install™ Flying Manual is available from Electro-Voice
and is included with each flying Xi loudspeaker system. A brief introductory overview is included here. The X-Array-Install™
Flying Manual should be consulted for complete structural specifications and detailed
information on safely suspending and using
the Xi systems.
The Xi-2181 loudspeaker system includes
flying hardware, a unique two-point flying
system that permits a wide range of vertical
angle adjustment, and offers maximum flexibility in array design for both touring sound
and permanent installations. The quick-release, aircraft-rated heavy-duty L-track type
hardware design allows arrays of loudspeakers to be assembled (and disassembled) very
Xi-2181 Bass System
quickly, and offers such flexibility in the
vertical angling of cabinets that pull-up
points are usually unnecessary. Furthermore,
all of the flying Xi loudspeaker models include the same rigging hardware, allowing
different models to be mixed as necessary
throughout an array.
The working-load limit (for an 8:1 safety factor) for each rigging point on the Xi loudspeaker enclosure is 227 kg (500 lb) for a 0°
pull angle and 170 kg (375 lb) for a 90° pull
angle when used with the New Haven
NH32101-2 double-stud fitting, and 113 kg
(250 lb) when used with the New Haven
NH8192-2S or Ancra 42546-10 single-stud
fittings with locking pins. The working-load
limit(for an 8:1 safety factor) for the overall
enclosure is 340 kg (750 lb). (Consult the
X-Array Install™ Flying Manual for specific
structural ratings and limitations.) The enclosures may be oriented with the rigging
track on the side of the enclosure, or on the
top and bottom, and may be daisychained together as long as the safety factor is 8:1 or greater and local regulations are
met. For fire safety and additional structural
strength in both flying orientations, top-tobottom and side-to-side metal straps link the
rigging track inside the enclosure.
CAUTION: The Xi loudspeaker system
should be suspended overhead only in accordance with the procedures and limitations specified in the X-Array Install™ Fly-
ing Manual and manual update notices.
Field Replacement
Normal service for the Xi-2181 requires only
a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch
hex-key wrench. The drivers may be accessed as follows:
LF: First remove the grille, then remove the
screws securing the hatch on the front of the
enclosure. Remove the screws securing the
18-inch woofer and lift the woofer out of
the enclosure. In the event of failure, the
entire woofer must be replaced or reconed..
The following service parts are available
from the service department in Buchanan,
Michigan USA:
LF #818-2883 EVX-180B 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 twodriver, manifolded, vented-box low-frequency system with a frequency response
from 37-200 Hz. The loudspeaker system
also shall have two 457-mm (18-in.) lowfrequency woofers and each shall have an
8-ohm, 101-mm (4-in.) diameter voice coil
and a 600-watt power rating. The loudspeaker shall have a rigging system enabling
a column of loudspeakers 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 83.5 kg (184 lb.)
Electronic Accessories:
Merlin ISP-100 Integrated Signal Proces-
sor: The ISP-100 is a 2-channel, modular,
signal processor configurable from 2 in/2 out
up to 2 in/8 out, or 4 in/ 2 out up to 4 in/6
out. Completely customizable by the designer from input to output; integrating,
crossovers, compressors, limiters, PEQ's,
high pass/low pass/all pass, gates, and routing/combining, etc. Program parameters (including factory designed topologies) for optimal performance of the X-Array systems
are available. Merlin, 600 Cecil St., Buchanan, MI, 49107, U.S.A., 616/695-6831.
Klark T eknik DN8000 Digital Controller:
The DN8000 digital electronic loudspeaker
controller has a two-in/five-out architecture,
with each output having programmable highpass 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, Worcestershire DY11 7HJ
England, 44-156-274-1515
Electro-Voice Dx34A Digital Controller:
The Dx34A digital electronic loudspeaker
controller has a two-in/four-out architecture,
with each output having programmable highpass and low-pass filters, two- or three-band
equalization, signal delay and limiter functions. Program parameters for optimal performance of the X-Array™ systems are available. Electro-Vioice, 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 91-volts rms
short term. The amplifiers are 3-U high and
weigh 28 kg (62 lb) each. Electro-V oice, 600
Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA,
616/695-6831
Uniform Limited Warranty
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in materials or workmanship for a specified period,
as noted in the individual product-line
statement(s) below, or in the individual product data sheet or owner’s manual, beginning
with the date of original purchase. If such
malfunction occurs during the specified period, the product will be repaired or replaced
(at our option) without charge. The product
will be returned to the customer prepaid.
Exclusions and Limitations: The Limited
W arranty does not apply to: (a) exterior finish or appearance; (b) certain specific items
described in the individual product-line
statement(s) below, or in the individual product data sheet or owner’s manual; (c) malfunction resulting from use or operation of
the product other than as specified in the
product data sheet or owner’s manual; (d)
malfunction resulting from misuse or abuse
of the product; or (e) malfunction occurring
at any time after repairs have been made to
the product by anyone other than ElectroVoice Service or any of its authorized service representatives. Obtaining Warranty
Service: To obtain warranty service, a customer must deliver the product, prepaid, to
Electro-V oice Service or any of its authorized
service representatives together with proof of
purchase of the product in the form of a bill of
sale or receipted invoice. A list of authorized
service representatives is available from
Electro-Voice Service at 600 Cecil Street,
Buchanan, MI 49107 (800-234-6831 or F AX
616-695-4743). Incidental and Consequential Damages Excluded: Product repair or replacement and return to the customer are the
only remedies provided to the customer. Elec-
Xi-2181 Bass System
3
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