Fender 2915C, 2912C User Manual

TOUR SERIES

LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS

From Fender Pro Audio

Owner's Manual for
2912(c), 2915(c)

P/N 050757

Fender Musical Instruments
7975 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 U.S.A.

Fender knows the importance of sound reinforcement. From the simple box-top mixer
to today's professional touring concert systems, the need to communicate, to make the
connection between the performer and the audience is foremost in Fender's mind.

Perhaps no other single piece of gear can make or break your band's sound. You see,
your sound system is more than just a combination of dials, wires and speakers. It is
an integral part of the audio chain and should be treated with special care and attention
to detail.

At Fender, we know what building quality musical instruments and sound reinforcement
equipment is all about. In fact, many of the world's best sounding electric musical
instruments and sound reinforcement equipment proudly wear the Fender name.

Whether you need a simple box top powered mixer for your Saturday afternoon jam, or
a professional full-size concert system, Fender has the sound reinforcement equipment
to meet your needs.

Wishing you years of enjoyment and a heartfelt thank you,

Bill Schultz

Bill Schultz
Chairman
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation

INTRODUCTION

TOUR SERIES 2912(c) / 2915(c)

PROFESSIONAL LOUDSPEAKER

SYSTEM

13-Ply Baltic Birch Cabinet

Controlled Dispersion

™

(60˚ or 90˚) Constant

Directivity Horn

4-pole Speakon

™

Connectors and High

Current 1/4” Phone Jacks

Built-in passive 4th Order Linkwitz-Riley
crossover

Cast Frame Woofer

B & C 1" (2.55cm) Exit Compression Driver

Reinforced for Flying Applications
(except "c" versions)

Thank you for purchasing a Tour Series 2912(c) /
2915(c) Loudspeaker System from Fender®Pro Audio.
We are sure you will find it both a unique and effective
sound reinforcement product, providing years of
trouble-free service.

The 2912(c) /2915(c) is a professional, full-range, two­way, compact loudspeaker designed for the most
demanding concert sound and sound contracting
requirements. With a scientifically derived trapezoidal
shape and equipped with fly-points for use with the
Fender RigSafe™rigging and flying hardware (except
"c" versions), the speakers are designed for use as a
single unit or as part of a larger loudspeaker array. The
RigSafe system is compatible with both the JBL
S.A.F.E.™and the ATM Flyware™components.

Featuring a passive Linkwitz-Riley crossover, bi-amp
capability, high power handling and variable horizontal
coverage patterns, the 2912(c) /2915(c) is designed
to form the basis of anything from a P.A. system for a
band to a full-size concert sound tour system. After
moisture sealing, the 2912 / 2915 cabinets are painted
with an environmentally friendly tough black finish for
long life and lasting looks. The 2912c / 2915c are
covered in a rugged black carpet with the addition of
metal corners and feet. These speakers are ideal for
use as a two-way system or as the mid / high pack in
a three-way set-up incorporating a 118s(c) or 215s(c)
subwoofer loudspeaker system.

CAUTION: Almost all speakers produce strong
magnetic fields which may interfere with the
normal operation of nearby electronic devices,
including televisions and computer video
monitors. To reduce or eliminate interference,
increase the distance between this product and
other nearby electronic devices.

3

CONNECTIONS

SETUP SUGGESTIONS

In normal operation (using the passive internal
crossover), the 1/4" jacks and the Speakon
Connectors are wired in parallel allowing any one of
the connectors to be used as an input and any other
as an output. This allows "daisy chaining" of multiple
loudspeakers, eliminating the need for several long,
cumbersome runs of speaker cable. During normal
mode, the connections are as follows:

Polarity Phone Jack Speakon

Positive (+) Tip 1+ and/or 2+
Negative (-) Sleeve 1- and/or 2-

When the switch on the back of the speaker is in the
bi-amp mode, the internal crossover and high
frequency attenuator are disabled. Thus, an external
crossover must be used with the speaker and two
channels of power amplification will be required: one
for the low frequencies and another for the high
frequencies. In bi-amp mode, the connections are as
follows:

Phone Jacks

Frequency

Lows

Lows
Highs
Highs

IMPORTANT: If the crossover switch is set to
external, DO NOT plug a full range signal into the
High Frequency input. Doing so will destroy the
compression driver.

Polarity

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

Positive (+)

Negative (-)

Left
N/A

N/A
Tip
Sleeve

Right
Tip

Sleeve
N/A
N/A

™

Speakon

1+

1-

2+

2-

The placement of any speaker can dramatically affect

™

its sound. Thus, there are several considerations to
review when placing loudspeakers.

First, the range of the horizontal coverage should be
determined. If the speaker will be used as a single unit,
as part of a pair, or as part of a group of widely spaced
enclosures, then maximum horizontal coverage will be
desired. Examples of these types of setups are
shown. No changes to the speaker are needed using
these configurations. The horn in this configuration
has a horizontal coverage angle of 90º and a vertical
coverage of 40º.

2915

Two speakers arranged as a mono or stereo
pair requiring maximum horizontal coverage

2912

Two speakers in a "loose pack" array

requiring maximum horizontal

Stage

Audience

30º

coverage

2915

2912

If the speaker is part of a tightly packed array (see figure
below), the coverage pattern should be modified to
reduce overlapping radiating patterns of multiple drivers.
(See the section on "Horn Inserts" for more information.)

2912

2912

A "tight-pack" array requiring a 60º

horizonal dispersion pattern

4

2912

A second consideration is for feedback and bass
performance. If the speaker is placed near a large, flat
wall, the bass output will be increased by approximately
6 dB. Placing the speaker near a wall can cause
feedback. If this occurs, the speaker must be moved.
In general, placing speakers near a wall works best if
the sources feeding the speaker are line level items.

A third consideration is to what degree the speaker
should be "heard and not seen", especially in
permanent installations. Flying (hanging the speakers
from the ceiling) is one option whereby the 2912 / 2915
can be integrated with a 118s subwoofer. In this
configuration, the speakers can be arranged in any
array of up to three rows (tiers), loose or tight pack,
with or without downward angling (splaying).

2915 2915

118s

HORN INSERTS

To change the dispersion pattern from 90º to 60º, first
remove the grille from the speaker. Using a small screw
driver, gently pry the grille away from the top and
bottom cleat. Next, gently pull outward at the center
of the grille; it should bend and pull out from under the
sides. If your insert has a plug on it, you may wish to
remove it for easier installation. To do so, carefully
cut it off with a razor blade. To attach the two horn
inserts, first place the wider end of the insert under the
front lip of the horn. Next, guide the smaller end of the
insert under the ribs near the throat of the horn. The
insert is secured in place by the 3 ridges.

Installing the 2912(c) / 2915(c) horn insert

2912 2912

118s

Flying speakers with the Fender RIGSAFE™ system

The Fender RigSafe™system is designed into both
speaker cabinets models to safely accommodate such
practices. This system is compatible with both the JBL
S.A.F.E.™and the ATM Flyware™rigging systems.
Nonetheless, flying loudspeakers above crowds is
dangerous and should only be undertaken by
experienced and insured riggers. For more information
on safe rigging practices, please refer to the "Flying
with Fender RigSafe™" brochure (p/n 049646) or
contact ATM FlyWare at [phone].

Reinstall the grille by placing one side of the grille under
the side cleat, then gripping the grille on the top and
bottom, bend the other end under the cleat at the
opposite end of the cabinet. With the inserts installed,
the horizontal coverage angle is reduced to 60º.

The high frequency driver for all enclosures is a
compression driver using high technology polymer
materials to handle large amounts of power. This
compression driver is mated to an innovative
Controlled Dispersion™horn that allows a single horn
to be used for a number of applications. The quick
placement or removal of the horn inserts can change
the horizontal coverage pattern from 60º to 90º. When
both inserts are installed, a 60º coverage pattern is
achieved. This is useful in multi-cabinet tight pack
arrays where a narrower consistent coverage pattern
is required. With the horn inserts removed, a 90º
coverage pattern is attained offering a wider horizontal
dispersion pattern.

5

NORMAL vs. BI-AMP OPERATION

Hours of testing and listening are used to determine
the crossover point and filter slopes for each speaker.
This information is then used to design the built-in
passive crossover. For versatility and increased
headroom, some users may wish to use an active
electronic crossover / processor, such as the Fender
PCN-2 or PCN-4, with the system. This electronic
crossover or processor will take the place of the internal
crossover of the speaker system. The "Normal / Bi­Amp" switch on the back of the cabinet must be set
to the "Bi-Amp" position. A typical set-up of a bi-amp
configuration is shown at right.

For those situations requiring a subwoofer, the 2912(c)
/ 2915(c) can still be amplified if a three-way electronic
crossover is used. An example of this configuration is
shown on the next page.

UNPOWERED MIXER

PCN-2

ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER

MAIN

OUT

IN

MONITOR

OUT

HIGH

OUT

A In

LOW

OUT

B In

It is strongly recommended that a fourth-order
"Linkwitz-Riley" or a digital FIR fourth-order active
crossover be used. The crossover frequency, for both
the 2912(c) / 2915(c), should be set at approximately
2000 Hz. Since the output sensitivity of the
compression driver is higher than that of the woofer,
the high frequency output of the system must be
decreased at either the crossover (if such a control is
provided) or at the power amplifier(s) that are used for
the high frequencies.

CAUTION: Be sure to connect the high frequencies
and low frequencies to their correct inputs
indicated on the back of the speaker cabinets.

SP A-13000

Hi

Low

POWER AMP

SWITCHES

2912(c)

or

2915(c)

Speakers operated in a bi-amp configuration

SET TO

EXTERNAL

CROSSOVER

A Out

B Out

Hi

2912(c)

or

2915(c)

Low

6

UNPOWERED MIXER

MONITOR

MAIN

OUT

OUT

INPUT

PCN-4 ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER

SP A-13000 POWER AMP

Hi Hi

2912(c)

or

2915(c)

Low

SWITCHES SET

TO EXTERNAL

CROSSOVER

A In

HIGH

OUT

A In

A Out B Out

2912(c)

or

2915(c)

Low

MID
OUT

B In

LOW

OUT

SP A-13000 POWER AMP

Bridge Mono Mode

Speakers operated in a bi-amp configuration with

Bridge Out

118s(c)

a subwoofer (tri-amping)

7

SPECIFICATIONS

MODEL 2912(c) 2915(c)
PART NUMBER 2912: 071-1330-000 2915: 071-1340-000

2912(c): 071-1330-100 2915(c): 071-1340-100

MAXIMUM dB SPL
OUTPUT LONG TERM 120 dB 121 dB

CABINET 3/4" (1.9 cm) 13-ply Baltic birch 3/4" (1.9 cm) 13-ply Baltic birch
CROSSOVERS 2000 Hz 4 pole low pass 2000 Hz 4 pole low pass

with phase compensation network with phase compensation network

2000 Hz 4 pole high pass 2000 Hz 4 pole high pass

CONNECTIONS (2) 1/4" Phone Jacks (2) 1/4" Phone Jacks

(2) 4-pole Speakon Jacks (2) 4-pole Speakon Jacks

DRIVER Low: 12" (30.5 cm) cast frame woofer 15" (38.1 cm) cast frame woofer

2.5" (6.4 cm) voice coil 3" (7.6 cm) voice coil
80 ounce (2.3 kg) magnet 80 ounce (2.3 kg) magnet
8Ω nominal impedance 8Ω nominal impedance

High: 1" Exit Throat 1" Exit Throat

Polymer Diaphragm Polymer Diaphragm
2" (5 cm) voice coil 2" (5 cm) voice coil

38 ounce (1.1 kg) magnet 38 ounce (1.1 kg) magnet
16Ω nominal impedance 16Ω nominal impedance

FREQUENCY
RESPONSE Axial +/- 3 dB: 60 Hz to 18 kHz 56 Hz to 18 kHz

AXIAL
SENSITIVITY SPL @ 1W/1m: 97 dB 98 dB

POWER EIA RS 426-A Noise: 150W for 8 hours 200W for 8 hours
HANDLING Program: 300W 400W

Peak: 600W 800W
Nominal Impedance: 8Ω 8Ω
Woofer: 300W program 400W program
Compression: 80W program 80W program

DIMENSIONS Weight 73 lbs. (33 kg) 75 lbs. (34.1 kg)

Height 25.6" (65 cm) 26.8" (68 cm)
Width (front) 21.9" (55.6 cm) 21.9" (55.6 cm)
Width (rear) 9" (22.8 cm) 9" (22.8 cm)
Depth 19.5" (50 cm) 19.5" (50 cm)

WARNING: (2912 / 2915 only) The length of the useful life of these cabinets will depend in substantial part upon how they
are treated in use. The user of this cabinet must periodically have this cabinet inspected to ensure that continued use has
not weakened the cabinet's structure, including the various joints which are fastened with glue and/or screws. Because
this cabinet is in some instances, suspended from heights in use and could cause serious injuries or fatalities if it falls, this
determination is important and must be attended to by the user.

For questions concerning flying your 2912 or 2915, please refer to the "Flying with Fender RigSafe
or contact ATM FlyWare at [phone].

A PRODUCT OF:

FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP.

CORONA, CA 91720 USA

™

" booklet (P/N 049646)