i-Series
User Manual – v2.0
i-1
i-2
i-8
i-12
EM Acoustics Loudspeakers
Building 74, Dunsfold Park
Cranleigh, Surrey
GU6 8TB, UK
Phone +44 (0) 1483 266520
Fax +44 (0) 1483 275619
www.emacoustics.co.uk
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright EM Acoustics 2006
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i-Series User Manual
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CONTENTS
Introduction
Thank you ...…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Unpacking ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Declaration of Conformity ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Product Range Overview
i-1 ultra-compact satellite enclosure …………….……………………………………………………………….4
i-2 ultra-compact fullrange enclosure …………………………………………………………………………….4
i-8 ultra-compact subwoofer enclosure ………………………………………………………………………….5
i-12 compact subwoofer enclosure …………………………………………………………………………….….5
System Set-up
Safety Considerations……………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Cabling & Amplifier selection …………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Mounting & Rigging Options
Rigging Hardware & Accessories ……………………………………………………………………………………..8
Permanent Installations ……………………………………………………………………………………………………8
i-1 Rigging Accessories …………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
i-2 Rigging Accessories …………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
DA-1 Amplifier Installation
i-12 Subwoofer ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..11
Maintenance
i-1 Drive Unit Service ………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
i-2 Drive Unit Service ………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
i-8 Drive Unit Service …………………………………………………………………………………………………..…13
i-12 Drive Unit Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Warranty ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15
Appendix A – Technical Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………….16
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you
Thank you for purchasing a product from the i-Series from EM Acoustics. The i-Series products have been
carefully designed and rigorously tested to ensure years of flawless operation and unprecedented sonic quality.
Designed primarily for discreet installation use, the i-Series products find applications from cafes and bars through
to museums, nightclub infills and themed attractions.
Please ensure that you read this manual carefully before use, and that you keep it to hand should you need it for
further reference. Furthermore, should you have any difficulties please do not hesitate in contacting your EM
Acoustics dealer, or email info@emacoustics.co.uk
for further assistance.
Unpacking
Every EM Acoustics product is built to the highest standard and thoroughly tested before it leaves our factory.
After unpacking your loudspeaker, please inspect it carefully for any signs of transit damage. If such damage is
found, please notify the carrier at once to instigate a claim. It is suggested that you retain all packaging for future
re-shipment.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The products contained within this manual conform to the requirements of the EMC
Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC and to the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC amended by 93/68/EEC.
Standards Applied: EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:1993
RECYCLING
This product and its packaging constitute the applicable product according to the WEEE directive.
Please ensure that at the end of the working life of this product, it is disposed of sensibly in
accordance with local and national recycling regulations. The packaging supplied with this product
is recyclable. Please retain all packaging, however if disposing of this packaging please ensure
that you comply with local recycling regulations. These products also all comply to the RoHS
Directive 2002/95/EC.
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PRODUCT RANGE OVERVIEW
i-1 Ultra-Compact Satellite Loudspeaker
The i-1 is a compact, satellite mid/high loudspeaker, designed for a wide variety of discreet sound reinforcement
applications from museums and themed attractions through to infills in nightclubs and bars. It contains a single 4”
(102mm) titanium cone drive unit, with integral passive circuitry for unprecedented sonic performance from an
enclosure type where compromises are usually made. Small enough to be easily concealed, yet with enough SPL
output to be of use in low to medium SPL applications.
As with all EM Acoustics products, no external equalisation is required to make the i-1 perform as specified. A
high-pass filter set at 125Hz (24dB/Octave minimum) is recommended to prevent the drive unit from over-
excursion.
i-2 Ultra-Compact Fullrange Loudspeaker
The i-2 is an ultra-compact fullrange loudspeaker, designed specifically for applications where controlled, accurate
dispersion is required. The use of a 4” x 1” planar wave drive unit for HF allows the i-2 to produce a coverage
pattern of 90° x 20°, which can be rotated to allow use in any orientation. Innovative passive crossover technology
creates perfect time alignment between the three components, and avoids the interference lobing normally
encountered with such designs.
As with all EM Acoustics products, no external program or equalisation is required for the i-2 to function correctly.
However, for higher-SPL applications a high pass filter set above 50Hz is recommended.
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i-8 compound isobaric subwoofer
The i-8 is a subwoofer designed to create the depth and authority in low frequencies that is normally associated
with large systems, but in a compact package for ease of installation. Consequently, the i-8 has a frequency
response down to 35Hz yet is small enough to be concealed underneath sofas or in small wall cavities. The i-8 -
although small in size – has enough SPL output to be of use for nightclub or corporate applications, and even for
small FOH systems underneath EMS-81 enclosures. The i-8 subwoofer houses four 8” (203mm) long excursion low
frequency drive units, arranged as two isobaric pairs. This loading allows the enclosure to reproduce frequencies
not normally achieved from an enclosure of this size.
The enclosure is fitted with sixteen M10 threaded fixings, to allow overhead suspension in applications where floor
TM
space is not available. Standard connectors for the i-8 are Neutrik Speakon
NL4MP, although alternatives can be
supplied on request.
As with all EM Acoustics products, no external equalisation is necessary to get the enclosure to perform as
specified. An active low pass filter is however required below 150Hz for correct operation.
i-12 compound isobaric subwoofer
DA-1 Ready
The i-12 is the bigger brother of the i-8, and utilises the same enclosure technology. Four high power, long
excursion 12” (305mm) drive units are contained within the compact enclosure, again arranged in a compound
isobaric format. This loading allows the i-12 to effortlessly reproduce frequencies as low as 25Hz, with more SPL
available than the smaller i-8. The enclosure comes supplied with heavy-duty castors and steel bar handles as
TM
standard, and as with other EM Acoustics products is fitted with Neutrik Speakon
connectors as standard. The i-
12 can also accept the DA-1 digital power amplifier module.
As with all EM Acoustics products, no external equalisation is necessary to get the enclosure to perform as
specified. An active low pass filter is however required below 100Hz for correct operation.
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SYSTEM SET-UP
Safety Considerations
Loudspeaker systems are potentially dangerous objects if used incorrectly. Please ensure that you read this
section fully, and contact EM Acoustics or your local dealer should you be in any doubt over correct operation
procedures.
Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of producing damage-inducing sound pressure levels, and hence
care should be taken when setting your system up, particularly when it comes to loudspeaker placement within a
venue. Damage to the ear can result from levels above 90dB under prolonged exposure.
Stand Mounting
The i-1 yoke has a hole for microphone stand mounting, and the i-2 has two 3/8” threaded fixings for microphone
stand mounting. When mounting in this way, please consider the following:
• Ensure your stand height is locked off and the tripod legs are positioned so as to be stable.
• Check the weight loading of your stands before attempting to mount the loudspeaker.
• Do not stack a second loudspeaker on top of the stand-mounted one.
• Ensure cables are run so as to leave enough slack to enable neat wiring, and thus reduce the risk of the
speaker being pulled over. Loose cables should be covered or taped down wherever possible to reduce trip
hazards.
• If stands are being used outdoors, it may be necessary to add ballast to the base of the stand to prevent it
toppling over.
Ground Stacking
• Ensure that the floor or stage surface can withstand the weight of the system.
• Wherever possible, avoid high stacks and use ratchet straps to secure loudspeakers together. Please also
remember that vibrations from subwoofer systems can shake other loudspeakers out of place, which may
present a toppling hazard. The use of ratchet straps and non-slip material is recommended to prevent this.
Rigging and Suspension
There are a variety of different methods for suspending your i-Series enclosures – please see the detailed section
on Page 8 for further information.
WARNING: The overhead suspension of loudspeakers is a very serious issue with potentially lethal
consequences should anything go wrong. Rigging should only be carried out by experienced
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