Martin audio WT3, WR2, WT15 user manual

Martin Audio – WAVEFRONT THEATRE SERIES

CONTENTS (ENGLISH) Page No

1 INTRODUCTION 2
2 UNPACKING 2
3 OVERVIEW 2

3.1 WT15 3

3.2 WT2 3

3.3 WT3 3

4 SAFETY FIRST 3

4.1 Tripod Mounting 4

4.2 Stacking 4

4.3 Rigging and suspension 4
5 AMPLIFICATION 5
6 CONNECTIONS 6
7 CABLE LENGTHS 7
8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS 7
9 WARRANTY 8
10 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9

The Martin Experience

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

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MARTIN AUDIO

LONDON

1 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio Wavefront Theatre Series system.
The Theatre Series is a dedicated range of powerful yet compact
loudspeakers designed to meet the unique demands of theatre sound
reinforcement.

2 UNPACKING

Each Martin Audio loudspeaker is built to the highest standard and
thoroughly inspected before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the
system, examine it carefully for any signs of transit damage and inform your
dealer if any such damage is found. It is suggested that you retain the
original packaging so that the system can be repacked at a future date if
necessary.

Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any
responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of
non-approved packaging.

3 OVERVIEW

The Wavefront Theatre Series consists of the WT15 miniature speaker, the
WT2 compact full-range system and the WT3 compact 3-way system. For
optimum performance it is recommended that Wavefront Theatre Series
loudspeakers are used with the WX3A or MX5 System Controllers or an
appropriate digital controller such as the Martin Audio DX1. Please refer to
the controller user guide for information on connections and limiter settings.

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This equipment conforms to the requirements of the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC
and 93/68/EEC and 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

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3.1 WT15

The miniature WT15 is only 11" (280mm) high, yet is capable of producing
extended bandwidth and high output levels. Its twin 5" (125mm) drivers are
arranged in an innovative 2-way configuration in which a 5" (130mm) ICT
(Inductively Coupled Transducer) full-range device is augmented by a
second 5" driver operating over the bass and mid-range region.

The WT15 features externally switchable 4 or 16 ohm operation. Its input
configuration is also switchable, allowing daisy-chaining of cabinets – even
when fed with different input signals.

It is fitted with 3/8" threaded inserts to enable its use on a microphone
stand or with an under-balcony yoke.

3.2 WT2

The WT2 is a powerful theatre system which has been designed to meet
the industry requirement for a high performance, compact 2-way system. It
features a 12" (305mm) bass driver and a 70 x 40 degree high frequency
horn. Active or passive operation is selected by a switch on the rear of the
enclosure. The WT2 is capable of extremely smooth reproduction with
good articulation at all power levels.

3.3 WT3

The WT3 is an innovative full-range system achieving true three-way
performance from an enclosure only 28" (711mm) high. The low frequency
driver is a powerful 15" (380mm) device cooled by a heat exchange system
to reduce power compression.

Midrange is produced by a unique 6.5" (165mm) mid horn developed to
overcome the power and distortion limitations of traditionally used large
format compression drivers whilst high frequencies are produced by a 1"
(25mm) compression driver. Mid and HF dispersion patterns are 65 x 40
degrees. Aswitch on the rear panel of the WT3 selects either 3-way bi-amp
(650Hz active and 3.3kHz passive crossover) or full 3-way tri-amp
operation.

4 SAFETY FIRST

It is important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner.
Please take some time to review the following points concerning safe use
of Wavefront Theatre Series loudspeakers.

Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound
levels and should be used with care. Hearing loss is cumulative and can
result from levels above 90dB if people are exposed for a long period.
Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at high level.

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4.1 Tripod Mounting

The WT2 and WT3 incorporate a pole mounting socket to facilitate
mounting on tripod stands between each speaker. When using stands, the
following precautions are advised:
Ensure that that stand will support the weight of the speaker by checking
the stand manufacturers rating.

Make sure that the stand is placed on a level surface and that its legs are
fully extended.

Do not place more than one speaker on each stand.
Run cables so that they do not present a trip hazard which could pull the

speaker over.
When used outdoors in the wind, it may be necessary to add some weight
to the base of the stand.

When using a pole mount with a sub-bass system, observe similar
precautions.

4.2 Stacking

Ensure that the floor or stage is level and solid.
Do not stack speakers too high outdoors where winds could topple the

stack.
Be aware that speakers producing very high power levels can move or

creep. To avoid this, place friction material between the floor and speaker
and between each speaker.

4.3 Rigging and Suspension

W

ARNING: Suspending the system should only be done by qualified
personnel following safe rigging practices. Secure fixings to the
building structure are vital. Seek help from architects, structural
engineers or other specialists if in any doubt.

The WT2 and WT3 are provided with threaded inserts to allow the
suspension of a single enclosure. Never suspend one enclosure from
another to form an array or cluster using these fittings. The enclosures
are provided with optional MAN flying points for array construction.

The common practice of using commercially available eye bolts for
suspension should only be undertaken with great caution. Eye bolts are
strongest along the thread axis. Angling the enclosures will result in an
angle pull and it is important to use eye bolts that are safe in these
circumstances. Only forged shoulder eye bolts should be considered and it
is important that the thread length is at least 30mm. Aflat washer should be
inserted between the eyebolt and the enclosure. Formed eye bolts i.e.

those which are formed from a steel rod bent into an eye should be
avoided.

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5 AMPLIFICATION

Wavefront Theatre Series loudspeakers are designed to be used with
professional power amplifiers capable of producing the following power
outputs into 4 ohms:

WT15 4 ohm 50-100W
WT15 16 ohm 200-400W
WT2 400-600W
WT3 400-800W

Care should be taken to avoid amplifier clipping. It is important to
understand that a low power amplifier driven into clipping is more likely to
damage a loudspeaker than a higher power amplifier used within its ratings.
This is because music signals have a high peak-to-average "crest" factor.
When an amplifier is severely overdriven, its output waveform is clipped (its
peaks are squared off) – reducing the crest factor. In extreme cases, the
waveform can approach that of a square wave. An amplifier is normally
capable of producing far more power under these conditions than its
undistorted rated power output.
The use of very high power amplifiers with outputs greater than those
recommended is discouraged.

Care should be taken to avoid switch-on surges, which can result in
momentary power peaks in excess of specified ratings. When powering up
a sound system it is important to switch on the amplifiers after the mixer
and control electronics have stabilised. When powering down the system,
reverse the sequence and switch off the amplifiers first.

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6 CONNECTIONS

Each connector panel has two Neutrik Speakon connectors (NL4 for WT15
and WT2, NL8 for WT3) wired in parallel with each other. The second
connector allows use of a short link lead to power another parallel
loudspeaker. The connectors are wired as follows:

NL4 Pin WT15 - Inputs switchable

1- Input 1 -ve
1+ Input 1 +ve
2- Input 2 -ve
2+ Input 2 +ve

NL4 Pin

WT2 Passive WT2 Active

1- Input -ve Low -ve

1+ Input +ve Low +ve

2- N/C High -ve

2+ N/C High +ve

NL8 Pin

WT3 Bi-amp WT3 Tri-amp

1- Low -ve Low -ve
1+ Low +ve Low +ve
2- Mid/High -ve Mid -ve
2+ Mid/High +ve Mid +ve
3- N/C High -ve
3+ N/C High +ve
4- N/C N/C
4+ N/C N/C

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7 CABLE LENGTHS

When connecting loudspeaker systems to an amplifier, it is recommended
that the return resistance of the cable used is less than one tenth of the
nominal impedance of the system or systems in parallel. The table below
gives an indication of the maximum permissible cable runs for various
conductor cross-sectional areas.

Conductor CSA Maximum Cable Run

4 ohms 8 ohms 16 ohms

1.0mm

2

11m 22m 44m

1.5mm

2

17m 34m 68m

2.0mm

2

22m 44m 88m

2.5mm

2

29m 58m 116m

4.0mm

2

44m 88m 176m

6.0mm

2

66m 132m 264m

8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS

The WT15, WT2 and WT3 may be used to cover the full-frequency range –
either distributed singly or arrayed in multiples. The WX3A and DX1
controllers provide appropriate system-specific low frequency equalisation
for full-frequency operation. Where additional low frequency output is
required, a WS2A sub-bass system driven from a separate amplifier fed
from the sub-bass output of a WX3A or DX1 controller can be added.

Wavefront Theatre Series loudspeakers combined with the appropriately
configured controller exhibit an essentially flat on-axis frequency response.
Equalisation to compensate for a particular acoustic environment may be
performed where required. Where loudspeakers are arrayed, they may
benefit from a degree of equalisation to reduce the effect of the low/mid
build up and tilting of the response inherent in the use of multiple arrayed
enclosures.

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9 WARRANTY

Martin Audio Wavefront Theatre Series products are warranted against
manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years
from the date of original purchase. During the warranty period Martin Audio
will, at it's discretion, either repair or replace products which prove to be
defective provided that the product is returned in its original packaging,
shipping prepaid, to an authorised Martin Audio service agent or distributor.

Martin Audio Ltd. cannot be held responsible for defects caused by
unauthorised modifications, improper use, negligence, exposure to inclement
weather conditions, act of God or accident, or any use of this product that is
not in accordance with the instructions provided by Martin Audio.
Martin Audio is not liable for consequential damages.

This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.

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10 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

WT15

TYPE Ultra-compact, two-way ICT™
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 120Hz-20kHz ± 3dB
LOW FREQUENCY LIMIT -10dB @ 80Hz
DRIVERS 1 x 5" (125mm) full-range ICT™driver

1 x 5" (125mm) bass/mid driver
RATED POWER 75W AES, 300W peak
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 50-100W into 4 ohms (16 ohms)
SENSITIVITY 91dB 1 Watt/1metre
MAXIMUM SPL 108dB continuous, 114dB peak
IMPEDANCE Externally switchable 4 or 16 ohms
DISPERSION 80 degs horizontal, 80 degs vertical (-6dB)
CONNECTORS 2 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MP

Input externally switchable between pins 1&2
FITTINGS 2 x 3/8" flush mounted nut plates on base

and top

2 x M4 inserts for Omnimount 50
DIMENSIONS (W) 172mm x (H) 282mm x (D) 172mm

(W) 6.8ins x (H) 11ins x (D) 6.8ins
WEIGHT 5kg (11lbs)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W) 390mm x (H) 370mm x (D) 200mm
(Packed in pairs) (W) 15.4ins x (H)14.5ins x (D) 7.9ins
SHIPPING WEIGHT 9kg (19.8lbs)
(Packed in pairs)

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WT2

TYPE Compact 2-way trapezoidal, switchable

active/passive
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 70Hz-18kHz ± 3dB
LOW FREQUENCY LIMIT -10dB @ 52Hz
DRIVERS 12" (305mm) dia. / 3" (75mm) voice coil

1" (25mm) exit HF compression driver
RATED POWER LF/FR: 400W AES, 1600W peak

HF: 60W AES, 240W peak
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-600W into 4 ohms
SENSITIVITY LF/FR: 98dB 1 Watt/1 metre

HF: 107dB 1 Watt/1 metre
MAXIMUM SPL 123dB continuous, 129dB peak
IMPEDANCE FR, LF & HF: 8 ohms nominal
DISPERSION 70 degs horizontal, 40 degs vertical (-6dB)
CROSSOVER 2kHz active or internal passive
CONNECTORS 2 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
FITTINGS 8 x M8 threaded inserts

1 x pole mounting socket

2 x MAN blanking plates

2 x rear kelp fittings

2 x front lid fittings
DIMENSIONS (W) 365mm x (H) 554mm x (D) 364mm

(W) 14.4ins x (H) 21.8ins x (D) 14.3ins
WEIGHT 24.5kg (54lbs)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W) 460mm x (H) 660mm x (D) 460mm

(W) 18.1ins x (H) 26ins x (D) 18.1ins
SHIPPING WEIGHT 24kg (52.9lbs)

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WT3

TYPE Compact 3-way trapezoidal, switchable

bi-amp/tri-amp
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 55Hz-18kHz ±3dB
LOW FREQUENCY LIMIT -10dB @ 45Hz
DRIVERS 15" (380mm) dia. / 3" (75mm) voice coil

6.5" (165mm) horn loaded mid-range

1" (25mm) exit HF compression driver
RATED POWER LF: 500W AES, 2000W peak

MF/(MF+HF bi-amp): 150W AES, 600W peak

HF: 60W AES, 240W peak
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-800W into 4 ohms
SENSITIVITY LF: 100dB 1 Watt/1 metre

MF/(MF+HF bi-amp): 107dB 1 Watt/1 metre

HF: 105dB 1 Watt/1 metre
MAXIMUM SPL 127dB continuous, 133dB peak
IMPEDANCE LF: 8 ohms nominal

MF/(MF+HF bi-amp): 16 ohms nominal

HF: 16 ohms nominal
DISPERSION 65 degs horizontal, 40 degs vertical (-6dB)
CROSSOVER Bi-amp 650Hz, 3.3kHz internal passive

Tri-amp 650Hz, 4kHz
CONNECTORS 2 x Neutrik Speakon NL8MPR
FITTINGS 8 x M8 threaded inserts

1 x pole mounting socket

2 x MAN blanking plates

2 x rear kelp fittings

2 x front lid fittings
DIMENSIONS (W) 435mm x (H) 708mm x (D) 425mm

(W) 17.1ins x (H) 27.9ins x (D) 16.7ins
WEIGHT 32kg (70.5lbs)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W) 550mm x (H) 790mm x (D) 550mm

(W) 21.7ins x (H) 31.1ins x (D) 21.7ins
SHIPPING WEIGHT 36kg (79.4lbs)

Due to our policy of continuous improvement all specifications are subject to
change without notice.

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Wavefront Theatre Series

WT15/WT2/WT3

Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP12 3SL, England.

Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone]

Web: www.martin-audio.com E-mail: [e-mail]

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MARTIN AUDIO

LONDON

The Martin Experience

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Wavefront Theatre Series

WT15/WT2/WT3

User’s Guide

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

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MARTIN AUDIO

LONDON