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.
Zx3 Series Owner’s Manual
Thank you for choosing the Electro-Voice® Zx3 series loudspeaker system. This system is the culmina-
tion of EV’s experience in transducer design. Please take time to consult this manual so that you can
understand all the features built into your EV system and fully utilize all its performance capabilities.
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ...........................................................................................................................................1
Zx3 Series Owner’s Manual .............................................................................................................................................1
Safety First ..........................................................................................................................................................................2
System Features - Zx3.......................................................................................................................................................3
System Coverage - Zx3 ....................................................................................................................................................3
Suspending Zx3 Speaker Systems ................................................................................................................................4
Frequency Response ......................................................................................................................................................12
Beamwidth and Directivity ............................................................................................................................................. 13
Zx3 Models and Accessories Reference Table ........................................................................................................ 13
Painting Zx3 Speaker Systems .....................................................................................................................................14
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Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Page 3
Safety First
When setting up, installing and using the Electro-Voice® Zx3 speaker system, there are a number of precautions that you should follow:
· When Electro-Voice® Zx3 speakers are used for portable applications in which they will be positioned
directly on the floor, make sure that the floor or stage is solid and secure.
· Electro-Voice® Zx3 speakers include 1-3/8 inch stand mounts to allow mounting on tripod stands.
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.
· If you intend to hang or fly the Zx3 system, only do so safely with the correct hardware and accessories.
WARNING: Suspending any object is potentially dangerous and should only be attempted by
individuals who have a thorough knowledge of the techniques and regulations of rigging objects overhead. Electro-Voice® strongly recommends that Zx3 speakers be suspended taking
into account all current national, federal, state and local regulations. It is the responsibility of
the installer to ensure that Zx3 speakers are safely installed in accordance with all such regulations. If Zx3 speakers are suspended, Electro-Voice® strongly recommends that the system be
inspected at least once a year. If any sign of weakness or damage is detected, remedial action
should be taken immediately. There are data sheets for each EV Suspension and Array Kit that
should also be consulted prior to suspending speakers.
· Electro-Voice® does not recommend use of Zx3 speakers outdoors in direct exposure environments.
· Electro-Voice® Zx3 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.
Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
2
Page 4
Description
The Electro-Voice® Zx3 is a unique, lightweight package of pro audio performance, versatility and aesthetics. You won’t find a speaker system available on the market that offers the unbelievable sound,
incredible flexibility and tremendous output capability of the Zx3 anywhere near it’s size and weight.
System Features - Zx3
· Full-face grille for a clean, professional look.
· DVX3121 12” woofer with 500 watts continuous power handling.
· Two models: 60° x 60° or 90° x 50° coverage patterns.
· Adjustable monitor angle built into enclosure.
· Integral rigging points and inserts for multiple flying options.
· Full line of accessories for any installation.
· Passive and biamp selectable.
System Coverage - Zx3
Coverage Patterns and Applications
Zx3-60 60° x 60° coverage for long-throw and cluster applications
Zx3-90 90° x 50° for wider coverage or shorter distances
Figure 1a:
3D EASE Directivity Balloon,
Zx3-60, 60° x 60° Coverage
3
3D EASE Directivity Balloon,
Zx3-90, 90° x 50° Coverage
Figure 1b:
Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Page 5
Suspending Zx3 Speaker Systems
Zx3 enclosures have 4 steel anchor points internally mounted on the top and bottom. Single stud fittings
can be attached to these anchor plates and used as suspension points. Each of these anchor plates also
has a M8 thread to accept rated forged M8 shoulder eyebolts. In addition to these points there are three
additional M8 threaded points; two on the handle side, and one on the rear. These points can be used
for suspending Zx3s vertically, horizontally, individually, in clusters, or to attach to EV mounting brackets.
Working load limits for the Zx3 and fittings are shown in Figure 2.
Prior to each use, inspect the grid assembly or suspension point(s)
and associated hardware for any cracks, deformations, broken welds,
corrosion, missing or damaged components which could reduce the
grid assembly or suspension point(s) strength. Replace any damaged
hardware. Never exceed the limitations or maximum recommended
load intended for grid assembly design or suspension point(s). As an
added safety measure, it is suggested that the user install a second
suspension point back to the grid (or building structural supports).
This redundant safety point should have as little slack as possible
(less than one inch is preferable). Prior to each use, inspect the
loudspeaker enclosures for any cracks, deformations, missing or damaged components, which could reduce enclosure strength. Inspect
the bracket assembly on the enclosures for any cracks, deformations,
Figure 2:
Working Load-Limit Rating
of Zx3 Speaker System
missing or loose screws which could reduce the flying hardware
strength. Replace any loudspeaker systems that are damaged or
missing hardware. Never exceed the limitations or maximum recommended load for the Zx3 systems.
Zx3 M8 Suspension Points
Metric (M8) inserts are equipped on the top and bottom of the enclosure, around the handle, and on the
back of the enclosure for a total of 7 points. The inserts can be used to attach forged eyebolts or rigging
brackets.
(2) M8 Suspension Points
(Single-Stud Anchor Plate
Removal Required)
(2) M8 Suspension Points
(Removal of Handle Bolts
Required)
Zx3 M8 Suspension Points
(Top, Handle, Rear)
Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Figure 3a:
(2) M8 Suspension Points
(Decal Removal Required)
(1) M8 Suspension Points
(Decal Removal Required)
Figure 3b:
Zx3 M8 Suspension Points
(Bottom)
The shaft length of the
eyebolts cannot exceed
20mm on bottom M8
suspension points
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Page 6
Suspending Zx3 Speaker Systems (cont’)
Suspending the Zx3 using optional Electro-Voice Single-Stud Rigging Kits
The Zx3 is shipped with two single-stud anchor plates for rigging with single-stud rigging. There are two
more locations on the bottom to mount single-stud anchor plates for flying the Zx3 upside-down or horizontally. All of these locations can facilitate M8 Eyebolts if desired as well.
The Zx3 is capable of being suspended horizontally from the side with the use of M8 Eyebolts.
Step 1: Remove Handle
Bolts
Assembling Eyebolts to Handle for Horizontal
Kit Used - EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)
Figure 7:
Suspending the Zx3 Horizontally from Handle
Using Optional Forged Eyebolt Kit
Kit Used - EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)
Step 2: Attach Eyebolts
Figure 6:
Suspension
Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
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Page 8
Suspending Zx3 Speaker Systems (cont’)
Suspension of the ZX3 to a Truss
The Zx3 is capable of being suspended from a truss in
permanent and semi-permanent applications using the
TMK-ZX3 truss mount kit. The kit allows the ZX3 to be
quickly attached to a truss and rotated horizontally and
vertically for the proper coverage. Please consult the
TMK Series user instructions for more information.
Suspending the Zx3 from a Truss Using
the Optional Truss Mount Kit
Kits Used -
TCA-1 Truss-Clamp Adaptor (x1)
Figure 8:
HA-3 Handle Adaptor (x1)
VSA-1 Strong-Arm Mount (x1)
Suspension of the ZX3 to a Wall or Ceiling
The Zx3 is capable of being suspended directly from a wall or ceiling using the MB3 Wall/Ceiling Mounting Bracket. The mounting bracket attaches to the top and bottom suspension points on the ZX3, and is
rotatable for proper coverage. Please consult the MB3 user instructions for more information.
Figure 9:
Suspending the Zx3 from a Wall or Ceiling Using the
Optional Wall/Ceiling Mounting Bracket
Kit Used -
MB3 Wall/Ceiling Mounting Bracket (x1)
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Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Page 9
Suspending Zx3 Speaker Systems (cont’)
Using the ZX3 in an Array
The Zx3 can be used in arrays of up to 6 loudspeakers by using the CB5 Array Bracket. The bracket can
be used for both 60° or 90° splay angles. Please consult the CB5 user instructions for more information.
Figure 10a:
Arraying Two Zx3’s Using the Optional Array
Bracket Kit
Kits Used -
CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x1)
SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x1)
Figure 10b:
Arraying Three Zx3’s Using the Optional Array
Bracket Kit
Kits Used -
CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x2)
NOTE: Do not
exceed work-
ing load limit for
individual rigging
points when ar-
raying the Zx3.
See Figure 2,
Page 4
Figure 10c:
Arraying Two Zx3’s Two Enclosures High Using
the Optional Array Bracket Kit
Kits Used -
CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x2)
SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x1)
EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)
Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Figure 10d:
Arraying Three Zx3’s Two Enclosures High
Using the Optional Array Bracket Kit
Kits Used -
CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x2)
EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)
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Page 10
Zx3 Stage Monitor Positions
Zx3 as a Monitor
By design the Zx3 is a perfect solution for stage monitors. As different stage sizes require different monitor angles, the Zx3 offers two angles without any additional accessories.
Step 1: Remove Monitor Foot
Screws
Switching the Monitor Feet from the 45° to 55° Positions
CAUTION: When flipped to 55° the feet protrude from the enclosure. Care should be taken
when moving the enclosure, since damage to the feet or enclosure might occur if the system is
dropped or slid across a rough surface. It is recommended that the feet be returned to the 45°
position for transport.
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Electro-Voice® Zx3 Owner’s Manual
Page 11
Specifications
Freq. Response1 (-3 dB):58 Hz - 15 kHz
Freq. Range
Rec. Hipass Frequency:50 Hz
Max. Calculated SPL:131 dB
Coverage (Horiz. x Vert.):90° x 50° or 60° x 60°
Power Handling (Passive):600W Continuous, 2400W Peak
LF Power Handling (Biamp):500W Continuous, 2000W Peak
HF Power Handling (Biamp):40W Continuous, 160W Peak
The Zx3 Loudspeaker Enclosures are made of a high performance Polypropylene material. For best paint
adhesion, we recommend a “Plastic Adhesion Promoter” be applied before any paint. Sherwin Williams
Plastic Adhesion Promoter UP07226 is a good example (See Telex document number LIT000066-000 for
further details.) Once Plastic Adhesion Promoter is applied follow the manufacturer’s painting directions
as you would normally.
Painting a Zx3 Grille
Remove grille from loudspeaker and remove the backing material & logo from grille prior to painting. Once
the paint is dry, reapply the backing material and logo to the grille. Spray adhesive such as 3M Super 77
may help adhere the backing material to the grille.
Additional Precautions to be Taken
Prior to painting, be sure to take precautions not to get paint into the transducers. This can be done by
masking the grille, temporarily removing the grille and masking the transducers, or by temporarily removing
the grille and temporarily removing the transducers. Precautions must also be taken not to get paint into
any exposed electrical components by masking them off prior to painting. It is also recommended that any
exposed rigging points, warning labels, or instruction labels be masked off for ease of future operation.