EM Acoustics X3-DFSP User Manual
X3-SP/X3-DFSP User Manual
v1.0 May 2012
Page 2 of 36
Contents
Declaration of Conformity Page 3
Safety Instructions Page 4
1.0 - Introduction Page 7
2.0 – X3 System Elements Page 8
3.0 – Mains Power Requirements Page 9
3.1 – Power Supply Page 9
3.2 – AC input connector Page 9
3.3 – AC output connector Page 9
3.4 – Looped Mains connections Page 9
3.5 – Powering Up Page 10
Electrical Safety Issues Page 10
4.0 – Amplification and Audio Page 11
4.1 – Audio Inputs Page 11
4.2 – Linking Audio Signals Page 12
4.3 – DSP Menu Structure Page 12
4.4 – Remote Monitoring & Control Page 13
4.5 – Drive Unit Test System Page 14
5.0 – Flying X3 Systems Page 15
5.1 – Safety Considerations Page 15
5.2 – System Components Page 18
5.3 – Assembling Flown Arrays Page 21
5.4 – Adding Downfills Page 23
6.0 - Servicing Information Page 25
Appendix A – Array Tilt Angles Page 28
Appendix B – Technical Specifications Page 30
Appendix C – Spare Parts Page 34
Appendix D – Warranty Information Page 35
X3-SP User Manual
v1.0 May 2012
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The product contained within this manual conform to the
requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by
92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC, and to the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC amended by 93/68/EEC.
Products Covered:
X3-SP
X3-DFSP
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EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:2002
Notes:
1.This device may not cause harmful interference.
2.This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
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
1
2
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.
X3-SP User Manual
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these instructions completely before use.
Please keep the user manual in a safe place during the lifetime of the product - the
user manual forms an integral part of the product.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this product near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a
swimming pool).
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not cover or obstruct the heatsink – install this product only in accordance with
the instructions in this manual.
Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other
apparatus that produce heat.
Protect the power cable from being walked on, pinched or damaged in any way.
Pay particular attention to plugs and the point where they exit the loudspeaker.
This product may only be used in accordance with the information provided within
this manual. Before and during the usage of this product please ensure that all
recommendations, especially those relating to electrical safety, are adhered to.
The loudspeaker can only be disconnected from the power supply by removing the
plug, which must remain freely accessible at all times.
Unplug the loudspeaker from the mains power supply during electrical storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
Disconnect the mains plug before disconnecting the power cable from the
loudspeaker.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Servicing is required when:
o The power supply cable has been damaged
o Liquid has been spilled into the loudspeaker
o The loudspeaker has been exposed to rain or moisture
o The loudspeaker has been dropped or suffered damage in any way
o The loudspeaker exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or
performance for undetermined reasons.
SERVICING
Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose
you to dangerous voltages or other hazards – the amplifier module should only be opened
by qualified personnel. Please refer any service issues to your local EM Acoustics
representative. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, please ensure
your dealer or distributor has performed safety checks to determine the loudspeaker is in
proper operating condition.
ENVIRONMENTAL USE
Use this product only in E1, E2, E3 or E4 environments according to EN55103-2
“Electromagnetic compatibility – product family standard for audio, video, and audio-visual
and entertainment lighting control apparatus – Part 2: Immunity”.
VENTILATION AND HEAT SINK
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The heatsink and cooling fans are provided to ensure reliable operation of the
loudspeaker, and to protect it from overheating. The heatsink and fans must not be
blocked or covered. This product should only be installed with adequate ventilation
around the rear of the unit.
WATER AND MOISTURE
Do not use this product anywhere near water, or place any liquid-containing-vessels near
to the unit where spillage could occur.
CLEANING
Clean the loudspeaker only with a dry cloth. Disconnect the loudspeaker from the mains
before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
POWER CABLE PROTECTION
Power supply cables should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked upon,
pinched or damaged by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to
cables and plugs where they connect to the mains supply and to the loudspeaker itself.
LIGHTNING
For added protection of the product during lightning storms, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, disconnect it from the mains supply. This will
prevent damage due to lightning and power line surges. Disconnection from the mains
power supply can only be achieved by removing the plug from the mains socket and by
external disconnection of all poles from the mains.
INTERFERENCE OF EXTERNAL OBJECTS AND/OR LIQUIDS
Never push any object of any kind into this product through its openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the loudspeaker.
ACCESSORIES
Only use accessories supplied by EM Acoustics specifically for use with this product.
Unsuitable accessories for mounting or flying this loudspeaker could fail, causing serious
physical injury and/or damage to the loudspeaker.
CONNECTIONS
When connecting this product, perform all connections before connecting the unit to the
mains power. Failure to do so may cause electric shock and serious personal injury and/or
damage to the loudspeaker.
MAINS POWER PRECAUTIONS
When mounting or connecting this product, always disconnect it from the mains supply.
Only connect the product to an appropriate AC circuit and outlet, according to the
requirements stated on the panel on the rear of the loudspeaker.
If a power cut occurs when the unit is switched on, it will restart automatically once the
power supply is restored. All settings prior to the loss of power will be maintained.
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IMPORTANT: Always connect the product to the mains using the blue PowerCON MAINS
IN connector.
IMPORTANT: Only connect additional products to the white PowerCON MAINS LINK
connector, keeping within the specified current rating.
IMPORTANT: When disconnecting this product from mains power, always disconnect the
mains end first before disconnecting the PowerCON connector. Similarly, when connecting
this product always connect to the loudspeaker first, before applying mains power at the
supply.
ONLY CONNECT THIS PRODUCT TO MAINS POWER USING THREE CORE MAINS
POWER CABLE WITH A SUITABLE GROUNDING CONNECTION. REMOVAL OF
THE GROUNDING CONNECTION IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND MAY
VIOLATE LOCAL ELECTRICAL CODES OF CONDUCT.
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1.0 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the X3-SP system from EM Acoustics. The entire X3 system
family has been designed and rigorously tested to give you the utmost in sonic
performance and many years of reliable, trouble-free operation. Please take the time to
read this user manual thoroughly to ensure you get the best performance from your
system and to ensure you set it up correctly and safely. If you have any questions or are
in any doubt whatsoever about any aspect of your new system, please do not hesitate to
contact us directly or your local EM Acoustics representative.
The X3-SP system is one of the most accurate and powerful loudspeakers on the market
today. The marriage of tried-and-tested horn-loaded technology with a state-of-the-art
amplifier and control electronics package creates an ideal solution to a variety of
applications. X3 units can be tight-packed together to deliver precise coverage which is
proportional to the number of elements in the array, giving incredible flexibility in use for
both installations and rental applications. Added to this is the incredibly intuitive flying
system, and the one-to-one customer support that EM Acoustics is known for and you
should be congratulated for purchasing one of the finest loudspeaker products on the
market today.
This manual contains all the information you should need on topics of set up, connection,
flying & stacking and basic service. If you feel we have missed anything, or you have a
question not covered by this manual, please visit our website www.emacoustics.co.uk and
send us a message or give us a call – we’re only too happy to help.
Unpacking
Please take care when unpacking your loudspeaker system. Once unpacked, please
inspect each enclosure thoroughly for any transit damage and in the case of any damage
please notify your carrier immediately. It is the responsibility of you, the consignee , to
instigate any claim. Please retain all original packaging in case of future re-shipment.
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2.0 – The X3 System Elements
The X3-SP is the self-powered variant on the X3 loudspeaker, and as such follows all the
same principles in design and operation. The system comprises two loudspeakers and a
variety of flying hardware, all designed to work together and all utilizing a similar
amplification and control electronics package.
a) X3-SP three way tri-amplified high-Q loudspeaker
The X3-SP enclosure is a self-powered, three-way fully horn loaded loudspeaker.
Precise horn loading techniques offer not just incredible efficiency, but highly
predictable coverage. As such, X3-SP arrays offer the user coverage angles that
are directly proportional to the number of elements in the array. The X3-SP boasts
a wide operating frequency range of 55Hz – 20kHz.
b) X3-DFSP downfill loudspeaker
The X3-DFSP is a self-powered two-way loudspeaker, utilizing the same midrange
and high frequency sections as the X3 system, and is intended for mounting
directly below X3 clusters to increase the vertical coverage angle of flown systems.
c) FC-X3 enclosure lifting beam
The FC-X3 is designed to mount between pairs of X3 enclosures for basic array
lifting. Up to four X3 enclosures can be safely suspended from a single FC-X3 with
a 10:1 safety factor.
d) MFB-X3 master flying beam
The MFB-X3 is required for X3 arrays which utilize more than one FC-X3 beam, yet
require a single pick-up point.
The X3-SP and X3-DFSP loudspeakers are designed and manufactured in our UK
headquarters, and rigorously tested before they leave the factory. All flying hardware is
designed and manufactured to exacting standards for both ease of use and user safety.
X3-SP User Manual
v1.0 May 2012
3.0 – Mains Power Requirements
3.1 - Power Supply
Page 9 of 36
Both the X3-SP and X3-DFSP utilize UMAC
TM
Class-D amplifier modules with Power Factor
Correction (PFC) power supplies, ensuring universal mains voltage operation. The
amplifier modules can safely operate with voltage ranges from 100-120VAC and 200240VAC. Important Note – please be aware that using these products on 100-120VAC
will draw more current from the mains supply than using at 200-240VAC.
3.2 - AC Input Connector (BLUE)
The blue Neutrik PowerCON connector supplies mains power to the X3-SP and X3-DFSP.
This connector is rated at 20 amps and is locking to prevent accidental disconnection. Any
additional loudspeakers connected to the MAINS LINK (GREY) connector also take their
power from this primary input connector, and as such you must ensure the total load does
not exceed 20 amps.
3.3 - AC Link Connector (GREY)
The grey Neutrik PowerCON connector supplies mains power to additional loudspeakers in
the chain. The PowerCON connector is a locking design, which prevents accidental
disconnection. Cables used to connect additional loudspeakers should be of a suitable
gauge to support the potential current draw from multiple loudspeakers.
3.4 - Maximum Number of Looped Mains Connections
It is very important that the total current draw does not exceed 20 amps. Please
remember that any loudspeaker connected in the chain will draw its power from the blue
mains input connector on the first loudspeaker in the chain. Detailed below are the
maximum recommended numbers of X3-SP and X3-DFSP loudspeakers that can be
connected at different voltage and supply current limits.
20-amp supply limit:
Product 115VAC 230VAC
X3-SP 3 looped (4 total) 6 looped (7 total)
X3-DFSP 3 looped (4 total) 6 looped (7 total)
16-amp supply limit:
Product 115VAC 230VAC
X3-SP 2 looped (3 total) 5 looped (6 total)
X3-DFSP 2 looped (3 total) 5 looped (6 total)
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3.5 - Powering up the X3-SP
When mains power is supplied, the power supply automatically detects the supply voltage
and adjusts itself accordingly. Once the display has gone through the “initializing” stage,
the screen will show the unit name and current preset recalled, and is then ready for use.
Important Note: When connecting the X3-SP or X3-DFSP to mains power supplies,
always connect the PowerCON first, and then connect to the mains supply. Similarly when
disconnecting, always disconnect from the mains supply first. Failure to do this can cause
arcs within the PowerCON connector, which can cause the amplifier to detect a fault and
require resetting.
Electrical Safety Issues
Please pay close attention to the following electrical and safety issues:
a) The X3-SP and X3-DFSP require grounded mains outlets. Always use a grounded
outlet and plug.
b) Never use a ground-lifting adapter or cut the earth pin or cable.
c) Do not exceed the 20-amp current capability of the PowerCON input connector.
When connecting multiple loudspeakers together, consider the current
requirements of all loudspeakers in the circuit – including the first one.
d) Ensure that the AC power connector for the mains outlet has the appropriate rating
for the planned total current draw, and is also suitable for the area the loudspeaker
is being used in.
e) Do not use the loudspeaker if the power cables are frayed or broken.
f) Keep all liquids away from the units to avoid hazards from electrical shock.
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4.0 – Amplification and Audio
The X3-SP and X3-DFSP both include a highly advanced 64-bit DSP processing card to
handle all crossover points, system EQ, gain and delay settings, which are accessed by
means of preset programs that are factory installed into the unit. This DSP card feeds a
Class-D amplifier package (2 channel for the X3-DFSP, and 3-channel for the X3-SP)
providing ample power to drive your loudspeakers to their full potential. The amplifier and
DSP combination also provides full limiting and remote monitoring. Both the X3-SP and
X3-DFSP also include a drive unit test system to provide a quick on-site drive unit electrical
status report.
4.1 - Audio Inputs
The loudspeakers are supplied with female XLR input connectors, and male XLR link
output connectors. Both of these connectors are wired pin 1 screen, pin 2 positive, pin 3
negative. The X3-SP and X3-DFSP loudspeakers can accept both analog and digital
AES/EBU inputs. The factory default setting is analog – see later in this manual for details
on selecting digital input.
X3-SP User Manual
v1.0 May 2012
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