Electro-Voice ZX5 User Manual

Zx5 Series

Loudspeaker

Owner’s Manual

Zx5-60
Zx5-90

ELECTRO-VOICE® Zx5 Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

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.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

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.

Zx5 Series Owner’s Manual

Thank you for choosing the Electro-Voice® Zx5 series loudspeaker system. This system is the

culmination of EV’s 75 years of 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.

ELECTRO-VOICE® Zx5 Owner’s Manual1

Table of Contents

Important Safety Instructions ....................................................................................................... 1

Zx5 Series Owner’s Manual ......................................................................................................... 1

Safety First ................................................................................................................................... 3

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

System Features - Zx5 ................................................................................................................. 4

System Coverage - Zx5 ................................................................................................................ 4

Suspending Zx5 Speaker Systems .............................................................................................. 5

Zx5 Stage Monitor Positions........................................................................................................11

Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 12

Dimensions ................................................................................................................................ 13

Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................ 13

Frequency Response, Beamwidth, and Directivity ..................................................................... 14

Zx5 Rigging Accessory Reference Table.................................................................................... 15

Painting Zx5 Speaker Systems .................................................................................................. 16

Notes .......................................................................................................................................... 17

ELECTRO-VOICE® Zx5 Owner’s Manual 2

Safety First

When setting up, installing and using the Electro-Voice® Zx5 speaker system, there are a number
of precautions that you should follow:

· When Electro-Voice

positioned directly on the floor, make sure that the floor or stage is solid and secure.

· Electro-Voice

®

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 Zx5 system, only do so safely with the correct hardware and

accessories.

®

Zx5 speakers are used for portable applications in which they will be

Zx5 speakers include 1-3/8 inch stand mounts to allow mounting on tripod stands.

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 Zx5
speakers be suspended taking into account all current national, federal, state and
local regulations. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that Zx5 speakers are
safely installed in accordance with all such regulations. If Zx5 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 Zx5 speakers outdoors without protection

from rain or in high moisture environments.

· Electro-Voice

®

Zx5 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® Zx5 Owner’s Manual3

Description

The Electro-Voice® Zx5 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 Zx5 anywhere near it’s size
and weight.

System Features - Zx5

· Full-face grille for a clean, professional look.

· DVX3150 15” woofer with 500 watts continuous power handling.

· ND2 2” voice coil, 1” exit neodymium compression driver.

· 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 - Zx5

Coverage Patterns and Applications

Zx5-60 60° x 60° coverage for long-throw and cluster applications
Zx5-90 90° x 50° for wider coverage or shorter distances

Figure 1a:

3D EASE Directivity Balloon,

Zx5-60, 60° x 60° Coverage

ELECTRO-VOICE® Zx5 Owner’s Manual 4

3D EASE Directivity Balloon,

Zx5-90, 90° x 50° Coverage

Figure 1b:

Suspending Zx5 Speaker Systems

Zx5 enclosures have 5 steel anchor points internally mounted on the top, bottom, and rear. 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 five additional M8 threaded points; two on the handle side, and
three on the rear. These points can be used for suspending Zx5s vertically, horizontally,
individually, in clusters, or to attach to EV mounting brackets. Working load limits for the Zx5 and
fittings are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2:

Working Load-Limit Rating of Zx5 Speaker System

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, 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 Zx5 systems.

ELECTRO-VOICE® Zx5 Owner’s Manual5