Electro-Voice XN EDS User Manual
Xn
X-Array™ Three-Way ,
LF/MB/HF System
• Unprecedented acoustic output in
small, lightweight package
• Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™)
provides accurate transient detail
• Near-field 60° x 40° rotatable
coverage pattern
• Neodymium ND5 HF and ND12A
MB drivers and EVX-180B woofer
• Unique rear-hinge rigging
• Enclosure shell and rigging
identical to all of the full-size
X-Array™ systems
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 Xn is an active near-field, three-way,
semi-full-range LF/MB/HF loudspeaker
system with a rotatable 60° x 40° coverage
pattern. The high-frequency and mid-bass
sections are horn loaded with one driver in
each frequency band, and the HF horn/
driver combination is mounted coaxially inside the mid-bass horn. The low-frequency
section has one driver in a slot-loaded enclosure. The woofer, horns and drivers were
designed as part of the Xn development
and represent a step forward in state-ofthe-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-
™
to substantially improve clarity and intelligibility by reducing both linear and nonlinear resonance modes that color the
sound.
The high-frequency driver in the Xn is the
ND5, which is a 3.56-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 is mounted on a
60° x 40° rotatable constant-directivity horn.
This combination results in substantially
improved vocal clarity and presence with a
smooth response throughout the vocal range
up to 20,000 Hz. The horn and driver are
nested inside the mid-bass phase plug assembly to minimize interference in the mid-bass
band.
The mid-bass driver in the Xn 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 is mounted on a mid-bass horn that
has a coverage pattern that transitions
)
®
-rein-
smoothly into the rotatable 60° x 40° highfrequency 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.
The low-frequency driver in the Xn is the
EVX-180B, which is a high-excursion
457-mm (18-in.) woofer that has distinguished itself as an industry standard for
high-power, low-frequency reproduction.
The single slot-loaded, low-frequency
woofer in the Xn is less efficient than the
horn-loaded mid-bass- and high-frequency
sections and, as such, can provide low-tomoderate levels of low-frequency reproduction. For high levels of low-frequency
reproduction, addditional woofer systems
must be added (Xb, Xcb and/or Xds). 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 longer mechanical lifetime.
In the Xn, the woofer is slot loaded in a
sealed enclosure optimized for maximized
output from 48-160 Hz with minimized distortion. Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD
is a technique utilized and named by
Electro-Voice to describe a process used
™
development, the ther-
™
)
Xn Three-W ay LF/MB/HF System
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
Xn Three-Way, LF/MB/HF System
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
™
) addresses
mechanical resonances with mechanical solutions, and acoustical resonances with
acoustical solutions. In the Xn development,
RMD was applied at every level – to the individual HF , MB and LF drivers, the HF and
MB horns, the LF and MB enclosure chambers, the interaction between the HF , MB and
LF 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 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
™
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
Systems section for more details.)
The durable Xn 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
™
loudspeaker systems, including
rigging hardware, dollies, covers, electronic
crossovers, amplifier racks and speaker
cabling. Consult the X-Array
™
Accessories
section for a complete listing 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-to-weight ratio, the
highest acoustic-power-to-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 60° x 40° coverage pattern of the Xn
makes it ideal for sound-reinforcement
applications with short- to medium-throw
requirements. With its response from
48-20,000 Hz, is recommended for fullrange applications where a moderate level
of bass is required. Where very-high levels
of deep bass are required, maximum performance may be achieved with the addition of
an X-Array
™
bass box (like the Xb, Xcb or
Xds). The Xn may be used individually or
in multiples to construct arrays. In addition, the Xn may be used with the MB/HF
X-Array
™
loudspeaker systems (like the Xf
or Xcn) to construct large full-range arrays.
The Xn enclosure shell and rigging are identical to the other full-size X-Array
™
for easy array integration. The rotatable
horn pattern offers tremendous flexibility
to tailor the pattern to the application. For
example, the 60°H x 40°V orientation would
be well suited for front-of-house, front-fill
and side-fill applications while the
40°H x 60°V would be well suited for downfill applications.
The Xn is a three-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
Xn. (See the Amplifier Recommendations
section.)
Power-Handling Capabilities
The Xn systems are rated as per the
“ANSI/EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker Power
Rating, 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:
P
: 75 watts
E(MAX)
Test Voltage: 30.1-volts rms
60.2-volts peak
R
(1.15 RE): 12.1 ohms
SR
Mid-Bass-Frequency Section:
P
: 300 watts
E(MAX)
Test Voltage: 45.5-volts rms
91.0-volts peak
R
(1.15 RE): 6.90 ohms
SR
Low-Frequency Section:
PE
: 600 watts
(MAX)
Test Voltage: 58.7-volts rms
117.4-volts peak
RSR (1.15 RE): 5.75 ohms
™
systems
2
Xn Three-W ay LF/MB/HF System
Amplifier Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings
are recommended for use with the Xn loudspeaker systems:
HF: 800 watts per channel
into 8 ohms
93-volts rms short term
132-volts peak
MB: 800 watts per channel
into 8 ohms
93-volts rms short term
132-volts peak
LF: 800 watts per channel
into 8 ohms
93-volts rms short term
132-volts peak
Xn loudspeakers may be paralleled with
other Xn 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 Xn is a three-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 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, and subsonic filter protection at
50 Hz or higher with a minimum slope of
12-dB/octave is recommended in the lowfrequency section. 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 available
upon request.
Electrical Connection and System Wiring
Two semiparalleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon
connectors are used for electrical connection
to the Xn loudspeakers with the following
pin assignments:
HF: Pins 4 In / Pins 4 Out
MB: Pins 3 / Pins 3 Out
LF: Pins 1 In / Pins 2 Out
The Xn wiring diagram is shown in
Figure 7. Note that one connector is specifically labeled for input connection only and
the other for output connection only. Also
note that Pins 1 In are connected to Pins 2
Out, and Pins 2 In are connected to Pins 1
Out. This facilitates wiring of multiple systems with amplifiers. When four Xn systems
are jumped from one to another via the
input/output connections, the amplifier home
run cable will have four HF drivers on
Pins 4 (for a 4-ohm load), four MB drivers
on Pins 3 (for a 4-ohm load), two LF drivers
on Pins 2 (for a 4-ohm load) and two LF drivers on Pins 1 (for a 4-ohm 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 angles 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
aluminum 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 lower strength rating.
The removable front strap assemblies utilize all-steel standard New Haven 32102-2
aircraft-type double-stud locking fittings
and wire rope, and are secured into another proprietary track similar to the heavyduty 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
complete listing 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 Xn requires only a
Xn Three-Way, LF/MB/HF System
™
™
3
Xn Three-W ay LF/MB/HF System
Xn Three-W ay , LF/MB/HF System
#2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch hexkey wrench. The drivers may be accessed
as follows:
HF: First remove the grille, then remove
the screws securing the front flange of the
high-frequency 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
woofer and lift the driver out of the enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire woofer
must be replaced.
Xn Three-Way, LF/MB/HF System
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 driver out of the
enclosure. In the event of failure, the entire
woofer must be replaced.
The following service parts are available
from the service department in Buchanan,
Michigan USA:
HF: #84423-XX 16-ohm ND5-16
diaphragm kit
#827-2973 ND5-16 complete driver
MB: #812-2858 ND12A complete driver
LF: #818-2883 EVX-180B complete driver
Architects’ and Engineers’ Specifications
The loudspeaker system shall be a threeway, active, coaxial, LF/MB/HF system with
a frequency response from 48-20,000 Hz
with crossover frequencies at 125 and 1,760
Hz and a rotatable 60° x 40° constant-directivity coverage pattern. The loudspeaker system shall have a high-frequency compression driver mounted on a
60° x 40° constant-directivity horn, and
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 a 305-mm (12-in.) mid-bass driver
mounted on a mid-bass horn, and 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 system also shall have a 457-mm
(18-in.) low-frequency woofer slot-loaded
4
in the enclosure and 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 18mm 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, 365 mm (14.38 in.)
wide at the back and 759 mm (29.88 in.)
deep and shall weigh 87 kg (192 lb). The
loudspeaker system shall be the ElectroVoice Xn.
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 Flyware™, 2100 S. Wilmington Ave., 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
sists of two precision-machined steel rigging-track fittings connected by an alloysteel chain. Part number 510-2999. ElectroVoice, 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
ATM grid is not used. Each hinge consists of one precision-machined steel rigging-track fitting with an alloy-steel chain.
Part number 510-3000. Electro-Voice, 600
Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA, 616/
695-6831 or 800/234-6831
Xrhl Linking Hinge: Two 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 heavyduty steel hinge. Part number 510-2998.
™
compatible grid. Each hinge con-
Electro-Voice, 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 A ve., Hollywood, CA 90068 USA,
213/850-5042 or ATM Fly-ware™, 2100 S.
Wilmington Ave., 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
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
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