Garmin EVA-2082S-906, EVA-2082S-920, EVA-2082S-126 User Manual

EVA Series

User Manual

EVA-2082S/906 EVA-2082S/920 EVA-2082S/126 EVA-2082S/1220

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual

Table of Contents

Rigging-Safety Warning ....................................................................................................................................................3

1.0 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................4

2.0 Tool List ......................................................................................................................................................................7

3.0 Designing an EVA Array ...........................................................................................................................................7

3.1 Applications for which EVA Arrays are Most Appropriate ...................................................................7

3.2 Typical Number of Arrays .............................................................................................................................7

3.3 Determining EVA Array Configuration with EVADATM (EVA Design Assistant) Software .............8

3.4 Other Design Examples ............................................................................................................................ 14

3.41 Dealing with the Relatively High Low-Frequency Variation of Short Arrays..................14

3.42 A Five-Module Array Example .................................................................................................. 15

3.43 An Eight-Module Array Example .............................................................................................16

4.0 Preparing EVA Modules for Installation ................................................................................................. 17

4.1 Recommended Preflight Procedures .................................................................................................... 17

4.2 Module Configuration ................................................................................................................................ 17

5.0 EVA Rigging System ............................................................................................................................................... 20

5.1 Overview of the EVA Flying System ....................................................................................................... 20

5.2 Deciding which Grid Configuration to Use with an EVA Array ........................................................ 21

5.21 Standard Grid with or without Second Spreader Bar ....................................................... 21

5.22 Extended Grid with or without Second Spreader Bar ....................................................... 22

5.23 Use of Two Standard Grids ...................................................................................................... 23

5.3 Assembling and Flying an EVA Array ..................................................................................................... 24

6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors .................................................................................................. 25

6.1 Working-Load Limit and Safety Factor Definitions ............................................................................. 25

6.2 Structural-Rating Overview ...................................................................................................................... 26

6.3 Simplified Structural-Rating Guidelines ................................................................................................ 27

6.4 Electro-Voice Structural-Analysis Procedures .................................................................................... 30

7.0 Rigging Inspection and Precautions ................................................................................................................... 31

8.0 References ................................................................................................................................................................ 32

8.1 Rigging (Printed) ........................................................................................................................................ 32

8.2 Mechanical Engineering (Printed) .......................................................................................................... 32

8.3 Rigging (Websites) .................................................................................................................................... 33

Notes .................................................................................................................................................................................. 34

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual

Rigging-Safety Warning

This document details general rigging practices appropriate to the entertainment industry, as they would apply to the rigging of Electro-Voice EVA loudspeaker systems. It is intended to familiarize the reader with standard rigging hardware and techniques for suspending EVA loudspeaker systems overhead. Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques should attempt to suspend any sound systems overhead. Prior to suspending any Electro-Voice EVA loudspeaker systems overhead, it is essential that the user be familiar with the strength ratings, rigging techniques and special safety considerations outlined in this manual. The rigging techniques and practices recommended in this manual are, of necessity, in general terms to accommodate the many variations in loudspeaker arrays and rigging configurations. As such, the user is expressly responsible for the safety of all specific EVA loud-

speaker array designs and rigging configurations as implemented in practice.

All the general rigging material contained in this manual is based on the best available engineering information concerning materials and practices, as commonly recognized in the United States, and is believed to be accurate at the time of original printing. As such, the information may not be directly applicable in other countries. Furthermore, the regulations and requirements governing rigging hardware and practices may be superseded by local regulations. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that any Electro-Voice loudspeaker system is suspended overhead in accordance with all current federal, state and local regulations.

All specific material concerning the strength ratings, rigging techniques and safety considerations for the EVA loudspeaker systems is based on the best available engineering information concerning the use and limitations of the products. Electro-Voice continually engages in testing, research and development of its loudspeaker products. As a result, the specifications are subject to change without notice. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that any Electro-Voice loudspeaker system is suspended overhead in accordance with the strength ratings, rigging techniques and safety considerations given in this document and any manual update notices. All non-Electro-Voice associated hardware items necessary to rig a complete EVA loudspeaker array (chain hoists, building or tower supports and miscellaneous mechanical components) are the responsibility of others.

Electro-Voice December 2008

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual

1.0 Introduction

The Electro-Voice® EVA (Expandable Vertical Array) loudspeaker systems or line-array modules represent an important step in line-array technology for small- and medium-scale fixed-installation sound reinforcement. The four models are designed to significantly simplify the physical assembly of a line array. Also, arrays of EVA modules are designed to be powered from one amplifier channel, the necessary crossover and EQ functions accomplished with sophisticated passive networks. The individual loudspeaker drivers, Hydra™ plane-wave generators, acoustic waveguides, enclosures and rigging hardware were all designed specifically for the EVA product line to not only achieve the highest acoustic output with the highest fidelity but also produce a precise wavefront from each element to achieve state-of-the-art line-array performance. A brief description of the product line is included below. The EVA modules are shown in Figure 1 with key dimensions and features.

Although the EVA modules shown in Figure 1 are not physically symmetrical, their acoustic polar responses are substantially symmetrical. Thus, stereo left and right arrays or left-center-right arrays may be constructed with the modules in their normal right-side-up orientation as shown in Figure 1. However, should the user desire, the module attachment points are such that mirror-image left-right arrays can be made by constructing one array with its modules turned upside down with respect to the views of Figure 1.

Each EVA module contains two separate, vertically stacked line-array elements.

EVA-2082S/906: two-way, LF/HF line-array module with a 90° horizontal x 6° vertical coverage pattern (for long throws) and passive crossover/HF-shading/EQ network. The enclosure is trapezoidal in the vertical plane with a 6° total included angle. The two line-array elements contained in the module are vertically splayed by 3°.

EVA-2082S/920: two-way, LF/HF line-array module with a 90° horizontal x 20° vertical coverage pattern (for short throws) and passive crossover/HF-shading/EQ network. The enclosure is trapezoidal in the vertical plane with a 20° total included angle. The two line-array elements contained in the module are vertically splayed by 10°.

EVA-2082S/126: two-way, LF/HF line-array module with a 120° horizontal x 6° vertical coverage pattern (for long throws) and passive crossover/HF-shading/EQ network. The enclosure is trapezoidal in the vertical plane with a 6° total included angle. The two line-array elements contained in the module are vertically splayed by 3°.

EVA-2082S/1220: two-way, LF/HF line-array module with a 120° horizontal x 20° vertical coverage pattern (for short throws) and passive crossover/HF-shading/EQ network. The enclosure is trapezoidal in the vertical plane with a 20° total included angle. The two line-array elements contained in the module are vertically splayed by 10°.

EVA-AM: this optional attenuation module mounts on the inside of an EVA input panel, and attenuates the entire module by 3, 6 or 9 dB. The nominal impedance of an EVA module is 16 ohms. Up to six paralleled EVA modules can be driven from a single amplifier channel capable of driving a 2.7-ohm nominal impedance (16 ohms ÷ 6 modules = 2.7 ohms).

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual

1.0 Introduction (cont’)

Up to eight paralleled modules can be driven from a single amplifier channel capable of driving a 2.3-ohm nominal impedance if at least two of the modules have the optional EVA-AM attenuation modules installed.

All EVA modules contain two vertically stacked EVS2008 8-inch (203 mm) LF drivers and two pairs of DH2005 1.25-inch-diaphragm (32 mm) HF drivers. Each driver pair is mounted on a Hydra™ plane-wave generator, the two of which are vertically stacked. The internal shading network can attenuate either the upper or lower HF driver pair by 3 dB.

The standard EVA indoor versions are finished in tough EVCoat™. In addition, all EVA modules are available in two levels of weather resistance. The FG versions, e.g., EVA-2082/906-FGB, are designed for full weather exposure and feature a fiberglass-finished enclosure, stainless-steel hydrophobic grille and the CDG dual-gland-nut input-panel cover. The PI versions, e.g., EVA-2082S/906-PI, are rated for indirect outdoor exposure only in protected areas, such as under a roof overhang, and feature a stainless-steel hydrophobic grille and CDG dual-gland-nut input-panel cover on an enclosure finished in standard EVCoat. External fasteners on all EVA systems are stainless steel.

All EVA modules are available in black or white and are supplied with the hardware necessary to fasten one module to another and two cosmetic end caps, which give the finished array a smooth and uncluttered appearance. (The end caps on FG fiberglass versions are also finished in fiberglass.) Black is indicated by BLK or B at the very end of the complete model number and white is indicated by WHT or W at the very end of the complete model number, e.g., EVA-2082S/906-BLK and EVA-2082S/906-PIB.

EVA-SG-BLK and EVA-SG-WHT: standard grids for typical down angles with small arrays, or top and bottom suspension for extreme down angles in large arrays.

EVA-EG-BLK and EVA-EG-WHT: extended grids for extreme down angles in small to medium arrays and typical down angles in large arrays.

The two different grid options (EVA-SG and EVA-EG) are sold separately. Consult EVADA software

for proper grid selection.

EVA-GXB-BLK and EVA-GXB-WHT: optional second spreader bars for the standard and extended

grids, to be used when two-point front-to-back hangs are desired. Note: the need to maintain sufficient pressure on the forward rigging point will limit the amount of down angle available with the standard EVA-GRID in this configuration.

CDG: optional dual-gland-nut input-panel cover to protect the input connections from water. Note that this cover is supplied with the weather-resistant versions of EVA modules.

CSG: optional single-gland-nut input-panel cover to protect the input connections from water.

CDNL4: optional input-panel cover equipped with dual Neutrik Speakon® NL4M connectors, providing a

quick-disconnect alternative to the standard Phoenix screw-terminal input connectors.

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual 5

1.0 Introduction (cont’)

Top View

Spreader Bar Attach Holes

Left View

Front View

Right View

Bottom View

Figure 1a:

EVA-2082S/906 or EVA-2082S/126 dimensioned views

Spreader Bar Attach Holes

Top View

Rear View

Left View

Front View

Right View

Bottom View

Figure 1b:

EVA-2082S/920 or EVA-2082S/1220 dimensioned views

Rear View

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual6

2.0 Tool List

Listed below are the tools required to assemble an EVA array:

1. Phillips #2 screwdriver (for attaching cosmetic end panels).

2. 6-mm Allen (hex) wrench (for attaching tie plates and assembling grids).

3. 3/16-inch flat-blade screwdriver (for attaching signal wires to input-panel connectors).

3.0 Designing an EVA Array

3.1 Applications for Which EVA Arrays Are Most Appropriate

The total included vertical angles of the EVA modules in side view (6° for long throw and 20° for short throw) were determined after making many array simulations with the EVA Design Assistant (EVADA™) software (described in some detail below). Optimum maximum throw distance for uniform front-to-back coverage is 100 ft ±25 ft.

In side view, a quick rule of thumb for aiming a three- or four-box array in a venue with a flat floor is to have a line running through the intersection of the top two modules intersect the head of the person in the last row. This situation is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2:

Rule-of-thumb for aiming three- and four-module EVA arrays

3.2 Typical Number of Arrays

Line-array systems usually consist of vertical columns of multiple independent line-array elements. The most common implementation is probably a stereo sound reinforcement system with two columns (left and right). Additional columns are sometimes added to cover different seating sections of a venue, e.g., seating areas that wrap around the side or back of a stage. An additional column is also used in left-center-right configurations, with the center channel for speech. In some venues, where stereo is not desired, good coverage can be obtained with a singe array. A variation of such a monaural system is the exploded array, where two or more widely spaced (on the order of 10 ft or more) arrays are used to provide the horizontal coverage required. Also, a large number of arrays may be used in distributed systems, such as in an arena.

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual 7

3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’)

3.3 Determining EVA Array Configuration with EVADA™ (EVA Design Assistant) Software

EVADA™ is Excel-spreadsheet-based software for determining optimum array configurations for a given venue and trim heights. The latest version of EVADA is downloadable from the Electro-Voice Web site (www.electrovoice.com).

Briefly, one models the room along the horizontal aiming axis of the array, then builds the array of longand/or short-throw modules that produces the most even coverage front to back. (As described above, EVA modules come in two horizontal coverage angles, 90° and 120°. Following industry convention, these angles are defined where output is 6 dB down from the maximum [usually on axis] output. Chose the horizontal angle that provides good coverage of the audience in plan view but minimizes energy directed on reflective wall surfaces, which energizes the room and lowers the intelligibility of the sound system.)

EVADA displays coverage in three frequency bands. The default bandwidth is one-third octave. The default frequencies are 500 Hz, 3,000 Hz and 8,000 Hz. 3,000 Hz is very important for voice intelligibility. 8,000 Hz is important for “sparkle.” 500 Hz (and below) is important for maintaining a good spectral balance throughout the venue. Longer arrays provide low-frequency uniformity closer to the mid- and highfrequency performance of the array. These effects can be easily seen in EVADA. In addition, the frequencies and bandwidths can be modified by the designer.

EVADA includes an extensive help file but the following overview will provide a good introduction.

Figure 3 shows the Venue tab of the EVADA spreadsheet, where the room information is entered, including dimensions, head height, stage specs (optional) and the so-called “acoustic reference point.” This is the point in the venue where EVADA makes its sound-pressure level (SPL) calculations. The acoustic-reference point is typically the mixing position. If uncertain, enter a position in the middle of the main coverage area.

Figure 3:

EVADATM Venue tab, where room information is entered

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual8

3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’)

Figure 4 shows the EVADA Main tab, where the array is built and its performance evaluated in the three frequency bands mentioned above. This tab is full of information and things to enter:

1. In the top middle of the view is where the number of suspension points (one or two, front to back), array trim height and distance downstage from front of rig are chosen. Regarding trim height, be sure to allow for the height of the lifting mechanism(s) and attachment points.

2. At the top right of the view is where the three frequency bands and their bandwidths are shown. The default bandwidth is 0.33 octave and the default frequencies are 3,000 Hz, 500 Hz and 8,000 Hz. These can be changed by the user.

3. The Loudspeaker Stack column and table at the upper left allows the user to (1) pick the standard or extended grid (click on the default grid cell to access a selection menu), (2) adjust the grid tilt angle, and (3) pick any of the four EVA modules up to eight in number. The HF Attenuator column contains cells which show the effect of the internal 3-dB highfrequency attenuator (high-frequency shading): no attenuation or attenuation of either the upper or lower high-frequency driver pair. The Optional Attenuator column contains cells which show the effect of the optional EVA-AM attenuator module: 0 dB (not installed), or 3 dB, 6 dB or 9 dB (installed).

4. Once the elements of items 1 and 3 are complete, clicking on the yellow Update Prediction button will calculate array performance. This button appears in the Main Cluster geometry view (one is shown in Figure 9). The module vertical aiming angles are also displayed, with a different colored, slightly splayed line pair for each module (as noted in Section 1.0, there are two line-array elements in each EVA module, vertically splayed by 3° or 10°, depending on model). If the Show Polars box is checked under Options, the vertical polar responses of the array are also shown in this area, in the three frequency bands and bandwidths chosen. The acoustic reference point described earlier is the small plus sign shown near the rear of the seating area (approximately on the lower yellow module-aiming line).

5. The most important predicted information is shown in the Main Cluster SPL graph below the Main Cluster Geometry view. This shows the predicted coverage uniformity front (left) to back (right) in dB, where 0 dB is the value shown in the upper right-hand corner of the Main Cluster SPL view. (In Figure 4, this value is 112 dB SPL.) Note that SPL prediction is a complex function of the array maximum output versus frequency, the spectral distribution and peak-to-average ratio of the program material, the dynamic peak capability of the power amplifiers, and room acoustics. However, the EVADA calculated SPL value has been found to be close to the peak indications, e.g., peak pointer readings, on a sound level meter with C or F (flat) weighting in its fast averaging mode under the following conditions: (1) typical broadband contemporary music program, (2) two arrays operating in a reverberant environment and (3) using the power amplifiers recommended in the engineering data sheets (available at www.electrovoice.com). (A one-array design would reduce the predicted SPL by 3 dB.)

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual 9

3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’)

Producing the most uniform front-to-back coverage is an iterative process. In general, it will be found that:

1. The top-most module will be aimed above the last-row heads. This may appear to aim array output at the back wall, which if reflective could produce audible delayed signals in the front of the room. However, reference to the 3,000- and 8,000-Hz vertical polar responses shows that maximum array output is aimed at the rear-most heads, not at the rear wall.

2. The lower modules will be attenuated. This is required because the lower modules are so much closer to the seats they cover than are the upper modules.

Coverage uniformity of ±3 dB front to back is a good goal for mid and high frequencies. At 500 Hz and below, such uniformity may not be attainable, particularly for short arrays (see additional comments in Section 3.41).

Figure 4:

EVADATM Main tab, where the array is built and performance is displayed in three frequency bands

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual10

3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’)

Figure 5 shows the Picture tab of the EVADA spreadsheet, with a side view of the array and its suspension. The array is drawn to scale, in feet or meters as selected in the Units tab on the Venue page (English or metric, respectively). The grid tilt angle may be adjusted in this tab. One- or two-point rigging can be selected. Diagnostic messages will appear in the Messages cell, as needed.

Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual

Figure 5:

EVADATM Picture tab

+ 25 hidden pages