Electro-Voice ZLX-12, ZLX-15, ZLX-15P-US, ZLX-12P-US User manual

ZLX Series

Loudspeaker

Owner’s Manual

ZLX-12P ZLX-15P ZLX- 12 ZLX- 15

Important Safety Instructions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR.

WARNING: CONNECT ONLY TO MAINS SOCKET WITH

PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

13. Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped

14. To completely disconnect AC power from this apparatus, the power supply cord must be unplugged.

15. Do not expose this apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on this apparatus.

16. The AC plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.

The lightning ﬂash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufﬁcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

The asterisk within an equilateral triangle is intended to inform the user to necessary installation or removal instructions regarding equipment or hardware use relating to the system.

Management of WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) (applicable in Member States of the European Union and other European countries with individual national policies on the management of WEEE) The symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product may not be treated as regular household waste, but has to be disposed through returning it at an Electro-Voice dealer.

FCC Information

IMPORTANT: Do not modify this unit! Changes or modiﬁcations not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s

authority, granted by the FCC, to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the

FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual

Precautions

If ZLX series loudspeakers are used outdoors on a sunny day, place the loudspeakers in a shaded or covered area The loudspeaker ampliﬁers have protection circuits that temporarily shut the loudspeaker off when extremely high temperatures are reached. This can happen on hot days when the loudspeaker is in direct sunlight.

Do not use ZLX series loudspeakers in an environment where temperatures exceed +40°C (104°F).

Never expose a ZLX series loudspeaker to rain, water, or high moisture.

Electro-Voice ZLX series loudspeakers are easily capable of generating sound pressure levels sufﬁcient to cause permanent hearing damage to anyone within normal coverage distance. Caution should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 90 dB.

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2

FCC Information .......................................................................................................................................................................................................2

Precautions ................................................................................................................................................................................................................3

Description ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Quick Setup ................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

System Features .......................................................................................................................................................................................................5

Tripod and Floor Monitor Operation ......................................................................................................................................................................6

Ampliﬁer Controls ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

LCD DSP Controls ....................................................................................................................................................................................................9

Recommended Conﬁgurations ............................................................................................................................................................................ 11

Speciﬁcations .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Dimensions ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Frequency Response Graphs .............................................................................................................................................................................. 18

ZLX Series Model Reference Table .................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Warranty Information .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual

Description

Thank you for choosing an Electro-Voice ZLX series powered and passive loudspeaker systems. Please take time to consult this manual to understand all the features built into your Electro-Voice system and fully utilize its performance capabilities.

ZLX models cut through the competition with the most complete and innovative package of features in their class–all of which work together to make it quicker and easier than ever to take control of your sound, whatever the gig. When choosing a loudspeaker, it’s always wise to ask “What’s inside the box?” Then take a listen and hear the EV difference for yourself. Featuring custom drivers housed in an innovative new cabinet design, the two compact and versatile ZLX models make EV’s renowned sound quality and rugged reliability more accessible than ever before.

Quick Setup

The Electro-Voice ZLX series loudspeakers are fully integrated audio systems with carefully matched electronics and transducers. These products make it easy to setup a high quality sound system quickly with a minimum amount of cables and external electronics.

To get the ZLX series loudspeaker into operation as quickly as possible, please observe the following steps:

Step Illustration

1. Connect the AC power cord from a grounded line

receptacle to MAINS IN.

2. Switch POWER to ON.

3. Connect the 3.5 mm mini jack, XLR or TRS cable

from an audio source to AUX IN, INPUT 1 or INPUT2.

4. Push and hold DSP knob to select application

MODE and LOCATION.

5. From the DSP home screen increase the input

gain knob while viewing the VU meters.

6. Slowly adjust MASTER VOL to the desired

volume.

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual

System Features

ZLX-12P & ZLX-15P—Powered Loudspeaker Systems The only loudspeaker in its class that matches EV-engineered drivers with a custom-built Class-D ampliﬁer module and powerful DSP. Whether pole-mounted or used as a ﬂoor monitor, ZLX delivers stunning sonic impact and intelligibility—the legendary “EV Sound” the pros trust.

• ZLX-12P: 50 Hz–20 kHz; 126 dB max SPL; 1000 W (Class D).

• ZLX-15P: 42 Hz–20 kHz; 127 dB max SPL; 1000 W (Class D).

• 12 inch and 15 inch woofer for low-end punch in a compact enclosure and 1.5 inchhigh-frequency titanium

compression driver.

• LCD display and 1-knob DSP control with presets for precise and speedy setup.

• Input level meters and independent ampliﬁer control to ensure optimal gain structure.

• Front LED for “power on” and “limit” indication.

• Patented split-bafﬂe design for superior driver time alignment.

• Durable composite construction with innovative hi/lo grip design for easy pole mounting.

• LCD display allows for application and location EQ optimization.

• Innovative industrial design allows for professional look to match professional sound.

• Three handles including hi/lo grip ultimately makes for the most portable professional sound speaker on the market.

• Composite structure is built to last and provides road tested ruggedness.

• EV offers the best-in-class sound, design, and control using LCD controlled DSP that is inspired by EV’s concert tour

grade products.

ZLX- 12 —12 inch Passive Loudspeaker System A compact and versatile loudspeaker featuring EV-engineered drivers in a rugged enclosure. Whether pole-mounted or used as a ﬂoor monitor, ZLX delivers stunning sonic impact and intelligibility—the legendary “EV Sound” the pros trust.

• 12 inch woofer for low-end punch in a compact enclosure and 1.5 inch high-frequency titanium compression driver.

• Durable composite construction with innovative hi/lo grip design for easy pole mounting.

• Exclusive split-bafﬂe design for superior driver time alignment.

• 55 Hz–20 kHz frequency range.

• 250 W continuous and 1000 W peak power handling.

• 95 dB SPL sensitivity; 125 dB max SPL.

ZLX- 15 —15 inch Passive Loudspeaker System A compact and versatile loudspeaker featuring EV-engineered drivers in a rugged enclosure. Whether pole-mounted or used as a ﬂoor monitor, ZLX delivers stunning sonic impact and intelligibility—the legendary “EV Sound” the pros trust.

• 15 inch woofer for extended low-frequency response and 1.5 inch high-frequency titanium compression driver.

• Durable composite construction with innovative hi/lo grip design for easy pole mounting.

• Exclusive split-bafﬂe design for superior driver time alignment.

• 44 Hz–20 kHz frequency range.

• 250 W continuous and 1000 W peak power handling.

• 96 dB SPL sensitivity; 126 dB max SPL.

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual

Tripod and Floor Monitor Operation

Floor Monitor

Electro-Voice ZLX series loudspeakers may be used as a ﬂoor monitor by placing the speaker on the integral monitor angle. Make sure to:

• Place the speaker on a level, stable surface that is solid and secure.

• Route cables so that performers, production crew and audience members will not trip over the cables. Secure cables

with wire ties or tape whenever possible.

See Figures 1a and 1b for optimal coverage areas in front of the loudspeaker when in monitor position.

60º

OPTIMAL

COVERAGE

Figure 1a:

ZLX Optimum Coverage

(Front View)

90º

OPTIMAL

COVERAGE

Figure 1b:

ZLX Optimum Coverage

(Side View)

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual

Tripod and Floor Monitor Operation (cont.)

Tripod

Electro-Voice ZLX series loudspeakers include 35 mm (1-3/8 in) stand mounts to allow mounting on tripod stands or above an ELX118P. Make sure to:

• Check the speciﬁcations of the speaker stand to be certain it is capable of supporting the weight of the speaker.

• Check that the speaker stand is placed on a ﬂat, stable surface and be sure to fully extend the legs of the stand.

Do not try to make the stand “taller” and compromise its structural integrity.

• Route cables and position the stand so that performers, production crew and audience members will not trip over the stand or cables and pull the speaker system over. Secure cables with wire ties or tape whenever possible.

• Do not attempt to suspend more than one speaker on a stand designed for a single speaker.

• Unless you are conﬁdent that you can safely handle lifting the weight of the speaker onto the stand, ask another person

to help you place it.

Figure 2a:

ZLX on Tripod Stand

Electro-Voice ZLX Series Owner’s Manual 7

ZLX Full-Range/Sub Stack with Pole Mount

Figure 2b:

+ 15 hidden pages