Meyer Sound DS-4P User Manual

Keep these important operating instructions.

DS-4P Self-Powered Loudspeaker

Superior
engineering
for the art
and science
of sound.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

CONTENTS

Safety Summary 3
Introduction 4
AC Power 4
Amplification and Protection Circuitry 6
Rigging 7
Complete Systems 8
Measurement and Systems Integration Tools 9
Driver Troubleshooting 9
Controls and Connectors 10
Specifications 11
Dimensions and Contact Information 12

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ACCORDING TO ISO/IEC GUIDE AND EN 45014

The Manufacturer:

M

EYER SOUND LABORATORIES, INC.

2832 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, California 94702-2204, USA

Declares that the product:

DS-4P

Conforms to the following Product Specifications
Safety: EN60065: 1994
EMC: EN55103-1 emmission

1

EN55103-2 immunity

2

0° to + 45°
<-40°C or > +75°C
to 95% at 35°C
to 4600 m (15,000 ft)
to 6300 m (25,000 ft)
30g 11 msec half-sine on each
of 6 sides
10Hz to 55Hz (0.010m
peak-to-peak excursion)

Office of Quality Manager
Berkeley, California USA April 21, 1999

Operating Temperature

Nonoperating Temperature

Humidity

Operating Altitude

Nonoperating Altitude

Shock

Vibration

E

NVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR MEYER SOUND ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS:

This device complies with the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73 / 23 / EEC and the EMC Directive 89 /
336 / EEC.
This device also complies with EN 55103-1 & -2. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

European Offices:
Meyer Sound Lab. GmbH
Carl Zeiss Strasse 13
56751 Polch, Germany

Made by Meyer Sound Laboratories
Berkeley, California USA

UL and CSA compliance is pending.
Call Meyer Sound for current status.

Protective earth ground

Terre de protection

Die schutzerde

Tierra proteccionista

Frame or chassis

Masse, châssis

Rahmen oder chassis

Armadura o chassis

Important operating

instructions

Pour indequer important

instructions

Zu wichtige betriebs-

anweisung und unter-

haltsanweisung zeigen

Para indicar importante

funcionar y mantenimiento

instrucciones

Dangerous voltages:

risk of electric shock

Pour indiquer les risques résultant

de tensions dangereuses

Zu die gefahren von

gefährliche spanning zeigen

Para indicar azares provengo

de peligroso voltajes

THESE SYMBOLS INDICATE IMPORTANT SAFETY OR OPERATING FEATURES IN THIS BOOKLET AND ON THE CHASSIS.

!

SYMBOLS USED

2

3K59 COMMERCIAL

AUDIO SYSTEM

3

ENGLISH

• To reduce the risk of electric shock,
disconnect the loudspeaker from the
AC mains before installing audio
cable. Reconnect the power cord only
after making all signal connections.

• Connect the loudspeaker to a two­pole, three wire grounding mains
receptacle. The receptacle must be
connected to a fuse or circuit breaker.
Connection to any other type of
receptacle poses a shock hazard and
may violate local electrical codes.

• Do not install the loudspeaker in wet
or humid locations without using
weather protection equipment from
Meyer Sound.

• Do not allow water or any foreign
object to get inside the loudspeaker.
Do not put objects containing liquid
on, or near, the unit.

• To reduce the risk of overheating the
loudspeaker, avoid exposing it to
direct sunlight. Do not install the unit
near heat-emitting appliances, such
as a room heater or stove.

• This loudspeaker contains potentially
hazardous voltages. Do not attempt
to disassemble the unit. The unit
contains no user-serviceable parts.
Repairs should be performed only by
factory-trained service personnel.

FRANÇAIS

• Pour réduire le risque d’électrocution,
débrancher la prise principale de
l’haut-parleur, avant d’installer le
câble d’interface allant à l’audio. Ne
rebrancher le bloc d’alimentation
qu’après avoir effectué toutes les
connections.

• Branchez l’haut-parleur dans une prise
de courant à 3 dérivations (deux
pôles et la terre). Cette prise doit être
munie d’une protection adéquate
(fusible ou coupe-circuit). Le
branchement dans tout autre genre de
prise pourrait entraîner un risque
d’électrocution et peut constituer une
infraction à la réglementation locale
concernant les installations
électriques.

• Ne pas installer l’haut-parleur dans un

endroit où il y a de l’eau ou une
humidité excessive.

• Ne pas laisser de l’eau ou tout objet
pénétrer dans l’haut-parleur. Ne pas
placer de r´cipients contenant un
liquide sur cet appareil, ni à proximité
de celui-ci.

• Pour éviter une surchauffe de l’haut­parleur, conserver-la à l’abri du soleil.
Ne pas installer à proximité
d’appareils dégageant de la chaleur
tels que radiateurs ou appareils de
chauffage.

• Ce haut-parleur contient des circuits
haute tension présentant un danger.
Ne jamais essayer de le démonter. Il
n’y a aucun composant qui puisse être
réparé par l’utilisateur. Toutes les
réparations doivent être effectuées
par du personnel qualifié et agréé par
le constructeur.

DEUTSCH

• Um die Gefahr eines elektrischen
Schlages auf ein Minimum zu
reduzieren, den Lautsprecher vom
Stromnetz trennen, bevor ggf. ein
Audio-Schnittstellensignalkabel
angeschlossen wird. Das Netzkabel
erst nach Herstellung aller
Signalverbindungen wieder
einstecken.

• Der Lautsprecher an eine geerdete
zweipolige Dreiphasen-Netzsteckdose
anschließen. Die Steckdose muß mit
einem geeigneten Abzweigschutz
(Sicherung oder Leistungsschalter)
verbunden sein. Der Anschluß der
unterbrechungsfreien Stromversorgung
an einen anderen Steckdosentyp kann
zu Stromschlägen führen und gegen
die örtlichen Vorschriften verstoßen.

• Der Lautsprecher nicht an einem Ort
aufstellen, an dem sie mit Wasser
oder übermäßig hoher
Luftfeuchtigkeit in Berührung
kommen könnte.

• Darauf achten, daß weder Wasser
noch Fremdkörper in das Innere den
Lautsprecher eindringen. Keine
Objekte, die Flüssigkeit enthalten, auf
oder neben die unterbrechungsfreie
Stromversorgung stellen.

• Um ein Überhitzen dem Lautsprecher
zu verhindern, das Gerät vor direkter
Sonneneinstrahlung fernhalten und
nicht in der Nähe von
wärmeabstrahlenden Haushaltsgeräten
(z.B. Heizgerät oder Herd) aufstellen.

• Im Inneren diesem Lautsprecher herr­schen potentiell gefährliche
Spannungen. Nicht versuchen, das
Gerät zu öffnen. Es enthält keine vom
Benutzer reparierbaren Teile.
Reparaturen dürfen nur von
ausgebildetem Kundenienstpersonal
durchgeführt werden.

ESPAÑOL

• Para reducir el riesgo de descarga
eléctrica, desconecte de la red el
altoparlante antes de instalar el cable
de señalización de interfaz de la
segnale. Vuelva a conectar el
conductor flexible de alimentación
solamente una vez efectuadas todas
las interconexiones de señalizatción.

• Conecte el altoparlante a un
tomacorriente bipolar y trifilar con
neutro de puesta a tierra. El
tomacorriente debe estar conectado a
la protección de derivación apropiada
(ya sea un fusible o un disyuntor). La
conexión a cualquier otro tipo de
tomacorriente puede constituir peligro
de descarga eléctrica y violar los
códigos eléctricos locales.

• No instale el altoparlante en lugares
donde haya agua o humedad excesiva.

• No deje que en el altoparlante entre
agua ni ningún objeto extraño. No
ponga objetos con líquidos encima de
la unidad ni cerca de ella.

• Para reducir el riesgo de
sobrecalentamiento, no exponga la
unidad a los rayos directos del sol ni
la instale cerca de artefactos que
emiten calor, como estufas o cocinas.

• Este altoparlante contiene niveles de
voltaje peligrosos en potencia. No
intente desarmar la unidad, pues no
contiene piezas que puedan ser repardas
por el usuario. Las reparaciones deben
efectuarse únicamente por parte del
personal de mantenimiento capacitado
en la fábrica.

SAFETY SUMMARY

!

The self-powered DS-4P is an arrayable
mid-bass loudspeaker system which
provides high power and extremely low
distortion. It was developed to
supplement the 70-200Hz band in full­range systems, affording additional mid­bass headroom.The DS-4P is most
effective when used in multiples within
an array, and it can easily be
incorporated into conventionaly powered
or self-powered systems. The DS-4P uses
two 12-inch cone drivers in a true horn
enclosure. The horn’s flare provides
maximum energy transfer in the mid­bands with minimum frequency response
ripple.

The DS-4P’s trapezoidal shape facilitates
the creation of loudspeaker arrays that
maximize the coverage area and SPL for
the size of the array. Two types of
rigging hardware (aircraft pan fittings
and L-Track fittings) are available to
safely suspend the DS-4P.

The DS-4P can be equipped to operate
with the Remote Monitoring System
(RMS) interface network and software
application. RMS displays signal and
power levels, driver and cooling fan
status, limiter activity, and amplifier
temperature for all loudspeakers in the
network on a Windows-based PC.

The minimum configuration of two DS­4Ps have the following acoustical
specifications:

Operating Range 60 – 250Hz
Frequency Response* 70 – 200Hz

(±4dB)

Phase Response* ±70° 70–200Hz
Dynamic Range >120dB
Coverage 120°H

120°V

*Measured with one-third octave

frequency resolution in fixed ISO
bands.

4

DS-4P: INTRODUCTION

When AC power is applied to the DS-4P,
the Intelligent AC™ supply
automatically selects the correct
operating voltage, allowing the DS-4P to
be used worldwide without manually
setting a voltage switch. The Intelligent
AC power supply also performs surge
suppression for high voltage transients
(up to 275V), minimizes inrush current,
and filters EMI. Continuous voltages
above 275VAC may damage the unit! The
DS-4P uses a NEMA L6-20P or IEC 309
male power inlet and satisfies UL, CSA,
and CE safety standards.

VOLTAGE REQUIREMENTS

The DS-4P operates safely and without
audio discontinuity if the AC voltage
stays within the ranges 85–134V or
165–264V, at 50 or 60Hz. Immediately
after applying AC power, the green
Active LED on the user panel illuminates
and the proper operating voltage is
automatically selected, but the system
is muted. During the next three seconds,
the primary fan turns on, the main
power supply slowly ramps on, and the
system is enabled to pass audio signals.

TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: If the Active

LED does not illuminate or the system
does not respond to audio input after
ten seconds, remove AC power to
avoid possible damage to the unit.
Experienced electronics technicians
with access to a test bench can verify

proper operation for the power supply
and amplifier system with The Meyer
Sound Self-Powered Series MP-2 and
MP-4 Field Verification Procedure
(part #17.033.066.01); contact Meyer
Sound to receive this document). All
other users should contact Meyer
Sound or an authorized Meyer Sound
service center.

If the voltage decreases below the lower
bounds of either operating range
(known as a brownout period), the
supply uses current from its storage
circuits and continues to function
briefly. The unit turns off if the voltage
does not increase above the threshold
before the storage circuits are depleted.
The length of time that the DS-4P
continues to operate during brownout
depends on how low the voltage drops
and the audio source level during this
period.

If the voltage fluctuates within either
operating range, automatic tap selection
stabilizes the internal operating voltage.
This tap selection is instantaneous and
there are no audible artifacts. If the
voltage increases above the upper
bound of either range, the power supply
turns off rapidly, preventing damage to
the unit.

If the DS-4P shuts down due to either
low or high voltage, the power supply

automatically turns on after three
seconds if the voltage has returned to
normal operating range. If the DS-4P
does not turn back on after ten seconds,
remove AC power and refer to the
TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE previously in
this section.

CURRENT REQUIREMENTS

The DS-4P presents a dynamic load to
the AC mains which causes the amount
of current to fluctuate between quiet
and loud operating levels. Since
different types of cables and circuit
breakers heat up (and trip) at varying
rates, it is essential to understand the
types of current ratings and how they
correspond to circuit breaker and cable
specifications.

The maximum continuous RMS current
is the maximum RMS current over a
duration of at least 10 seconds. It is
used to calculate the temperature
increase in cables, which is used to
select cables that conform to electrical
code standards. It is also used to select
the rating for slow-reacting thermal
breakers.

The maximum burst RMS current is the
maximum RMS current over a one
second duration. It is used to select the
rating for most magnetic breakers.

The maximum instantaneous peak

AC POWER

current during burst is used to select
the rating for fast-reacting magnetic
breakers and to calculate the peak
voltage drop in long AC cables according
to the formula

Vpk

drop

= Ipk x Rtotal cable

Use the table below as a guide to select
cables and circuit breakers with
appropriate ratings for your operating
voltage.

DS-4P Current Ratings

The minimum electrical service
amperage required by Meyer Sound
loudspeaker systems is the sum of their
maximum continuous RMS currents. We
recommend allowing an additional 30%
above the minimum amperage to
prevent peak voltage drops at the
service entry.

TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: In the un­likely case that the circuit breaker trips
(the white center buttons pop out), do
not reset the breaker! Contact Meyer
Sound for repair information.

SAFETY ISSUES

Pay close attention to these important
electrical and safety issues.

Use a power cord adapter to
drive the DS-4P from a
standard 3-prong outlet
(NEMA 5-15R; 125V max).

The DS-4P requires a grounded
outlet. Always use a grounding
adapter when connecting to
ungrounded outlets.

Do not use a ground-lifting
adapter or cut the AC cable
ground pin.

Keep all liquids away from
the DS-4P to avoid hazards
from electrical shock.

Do not operate the unit if
the power cables are frayed
or broken.

Tie-wrap anchors on the amplifier
chassis provide strain relief for the
power and signal cables. Insert the
plastic tie-wraps through the anchors
and wrap them around the cables.

POWER CONNECTOR WIRING
CONVENTIONS

Use the following AC cable wiring
diagram to create international or
special-purpose power connectors:

AC cable color code

If the colors referred to in the diagram
don't correspond to the terminals in
your plug, use the following guidelines:

• Connect the blue wire to the terminal
marked with an N or colored black.

• Connect the brown wire to the
terminal marked with an L or colored
red.

• connect the green and yellow wire to

the terminal marked with an E or
or colored green or green and yellow.

AUDIO INPUT

The DS-4P presents a 10 kOhm balanced
input impedance to a three-pin XLR
connector wired with the following
convention:

Pin 1 220 kWto chassis and earth

ground (ESD clamped)

Pin 2 Signal
Pin 3 Signal
Case Earth (AC) ground and chassis

Shorting an input connector
pin to the case can form a
ground loop and cause hum.

Pins 2 and 3 carry the input as a
differential signal; their polarity can be
reversed with the input polarity switch
on the user panel. If the switch is in the
up position, pin 2 is hot relative to pin
3, resulting in a positive pressure wave
when a positive signal is applied to pin

2. Use standard audio cables with XLR
connectors for balanced signal sources.

TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: If abnormal

noise (hum, hiss, popping) is
produced from the loudspeaker,
disconnect the audio source from the
loudspeaker. If the noise stops, then
the problem is not within the
loudspeaker; check the audio input
and AC power.

A single source can drive multiple DS­4Ps with a paralleled input loop,
creating an unbuffered hardwired loop
connection. The input impedance for a
single DS-4P is 10kW; if n represents
the number of DS-4Ps in use, cascading
n DS-4Ps will produce a balanced input
impedance of 10kWdivided by n. To
avoid distortion from the source, make
sure that the source equipment can
drive the total load impedance
presented by the paralleled input
circuit. For most source equipment it is
safe to drive circuits whose input
impedance is no smaller than 10 times
its output impedance. For example,
cascading 10 DS-4Ps produces an input
impedance of 1000 Ohms (10kWdivided
by 10). The source equipment should
have an output impedance of 100 ohms
or less. This is also true when
connecting in parallel (loop out) DS-4Ps
to 650-Ps, MSL-4s, or any other Meyer
Sound self-powered loudspeaker system.

The LD-1A is highly recommended when
driving systems using multiple loudspeakers.
(See Complete Systems, page 8.)

5

Differential Outputs

V511

8

SMRsuounitnoC.xaMAAA

SMRtsruB.xaMAAA

22 11 25

tsruBgniruDkaePxaMAAA

4

15 8 18

V00

1

V032

10

blue =
neutral

yellow/green =
earth ground
(chassis)

brown = hot

6

AMPLIFICATION AND PROTECTION CIRCUITRY

Each driver in the DS-4P is powered by
one channel of the Meyer Sound MP­2/DS-4P, a 1240W RMS amplifier (620W
RMS/ch) utilizing complementary power
MOSFET output stages (class AB/H). The
following sections discuss the MP-2’s
limiting circuitry and the two-fan
cooling system.

TRUPOWER™ LIMITING SYSTEM

Conventional limiters assume that the
resistance of a loudspeaker remains
constant and set the limiting threshold
by measuring voltage only. This method
is inaccurate because the loudspeaker’s
resistance changes in response to the
frequency content of the source material
and thermal variations in the
loudspeaker’s voice coil and magnet.
Conventional limiters begin limiting
prematurely, which under-utilizes system
headroom and deprives the loudspeaker
of its full dynamic range.

The TruPower limiting (TPL) system
accounts for varying loudspeaker
impedance by measuring current, in
addition to voltage, to compute the
power dissipation and voice coil
temperature. TPL improves performance
before and during limiting by allowing
the loudspeaker to produce its maximum
SPL across its entire frequency range.
TPL also extends the lifetime of the
drivers by controlling the temperature of
the voice coil.

When the safe continuous power level is
exceeded, a single limiter engages,
affecting both amplifier channels
equally. TPL activity is indicated by the
Low Limit LED on the user panel. The
limiter ceases operation when the power
level returns to normal and does not
affect the signal when the LED is
inactive.

The DS-4P performs within its acoustical
specifications and operates at a normal
temperature if the TPL LED is on for no
longer than two seconds, and off for at

least one second. If the LED remains on
for longer than three seconds, the DS-4P
is hard limiting with these negative
consequences:

• Increasing the input level will not
increase the volume.

• The system distorts due to clipping
and nonlinear driver operation.

• The life-span of driver and amplifier
components is reduced because they
are subjected to excessive heat.

The TPL LED can indicate an imbalance
in a system of loudspeakers by
functioning like a spectrum analyzer. If
drivers in a subwoofer, mid-bass, or mid­hi subsystem begin to limit before
reaching the required operating level for
the entire system, then that subsystem
needs to be supplemented with
additional loudspeakers.

NOTE: Although the TPL limiters exhibit

smooth sonic characteristics, we do
not recommend using them for
intentional compression effects. Use
an outboard compressor/limiter to
compress a mixed signal.

FANS AND COOLING SYSTEM

The DS-4P uses a forced-air cooling
system with two fans to prevent the
amplifiers from overheating. The fans
draw air in through ducts on the front of
the cabinet, over the heatsinks, and out
the rear of the cabinet. Since dust does
not accumulate in the amplifier circuitry,
its life-span is increased significantly.

A foam insert filter, in combination with
the entire front grill surface, acts as an
air filter for the cooling system. Despite
the filtering, extensive use or a dusty
operating environment can allow dust to
accumulate along the path of the
airflow, preventing normal cooling. We
recommend periodically removing the
grill, filter, and amplifier module and
using compressed air to clear dust from
the grill, filter, fans, and heatsinks. Make
sure that the air ducts are clear and that
there is at least six inches clearance for
exhaust behind the cabinet.

A variable-speed primary fan runs
continuously with an inaudible
operating noise of 22 dBA at 1 m at its
slowest speed. The speed of the primary
fan begins increasing when the
temperature of the heatsinks reaches
42°C. The fan reaches full speed at 62°C
and is barely audible near the cabinet,
even without an audio signal.

In the unusual event that the heatsink
temperature reaches 74°C, the
secondary fan turns on; it turns off
when the temperature decreases to
68°C. The secondary fan is audible at
close proximity without an audio signal
and turns on in response to

• primary fan failure (check its status
immediately);

• accumulation of dust in the cooling
system path;

• a prolonged period of high source
levels in hot temperatures or direct
sunlight;

• driver failure.

TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: In the highly

unlikely event that the secondary fan
does not keep the temperature below
85°C, the DS-4P automatically shuts
down until AC power is removed and
reapplied. If the DS-4P shuts down
again after cooling and reapplying AC
power, contact Meyer Sound for
repair information.

7

Two types of rigging hardware are
available to fly the DS-4P loudspeaker
system: Aircraft pan fittings and the
optional L-Track system. Additionally,
weather protective treatment is available
for the DS-4P. With the exception of the
optional rain hood, all rigging hardware
is installed and tested exclusively at
Meyer Sound Laboratories. The DS-4P is
available with aircraft pan fittings only,
L-Track only, or with both aircraft pan
fittings and L-Track rigging hardware.

AIRCRAFT PAN FITTINGS

The DS-4P with only aircraft pan fittings
weighs 163 lbs (74 kg), or 169 lbs (77
kg) when carpeted. The maximum
recommended load for a single cabinet
with these fittings is 600 lbs (273 kg).
This working load is based on a 5:1
safety factor. The DS-4P has six rigging
fittings (three on top and bottom). Each
fitting is capable of supporting the full
working load of the cabinet.

There are four types of interchangeable
rigging fittings, each fastened by six
Phillips screws:

• aircraft pan fittings (ring and stud)

• 3/8”-16 nut plates

• M-10 x 1.5 metric nut plates

• blank plates (if no rigging fittings are
requested)

NOTE: Units with nut plates are rated for

the weight of one cabinet only.

Rigging load ratings assume a straight
tensile pull and that the cabinet is in
new condition with aircraft pan fittings.
If these conditions are not met, the load
ratings can be reduced significantly.

Load ratings can also be reduced by age,
wear, and damage. It is important to
inspect the rigging hardware regularly
and replace worn or damaged
components immediately.

THE DS-4P WITH OPTIONAL L-TRACK
RIGGING SYSTEM

The DS-4P equipped with the L-Track
rigging system weighs 182 lbs (83 kg).
The carpeted version of a DS-4P with L­Track weighs 188 lbs (86 kg). The
maximum recommended load for an L­Track-equipped DS-4P at vertical pull

using any 2 points is 1500 lbs (682
kg). We strongly recommed using all

four rigging points per end. This working
load is based on a 5:1 safety factor1.

L-Track provides eight rigging points
(four on the top and bottom end of
each cabinet); the maximum working
load of each individual point is

dependent on the direction in which the
cabinet is being pulled at each
particular point. Figure 1 on the
following page shows the working loads
for each point as they vary depending
on cabinet pull angle.

When flying the DS-4P using
the L-Track system, it is
absolutely imperative that you
do not exceed either the
maximum recommended
working load for an entire
cabinet or the working load of
any individual rigging point.

All working load limit ratings assume
the cabinet, fittings, and L-Track are in
new condition. If not, the load ratings
can be reduced significantly. It is
important to inspect the rigging
hardware regularly and replace worn or
damaged components immediately.

RIGGING

1. Depending upon your geographic location a different safety factor may be required. All
Meyer Sound products must be used in accordance with local, state, federal, and industry
regulations. It is the owner’s and/or user’s responsibility to adhere to local regulations and
evaluate the reliability of any rigging method for their application. Rigging should be done
only by experienced professionals.

2. Results from tests of the L-Track rigging system using the New Haven Part #NH47556-12.

!

!

8

ALL-WEATHER RIGGING EQUIPMENT

The cabinet, exposed electronic circuitry,
and its accompanying drivers can receive
protective treatment while still in the
factory that permits safe use in wet
conditions. Additionally, a rain hood can
be fitted to shield cables and

electronics. Do not install a unit

outdoors without weather protection!

Contact Meyer Sound for more
information.

NOTE: All Meyer Sound products must be

used in accordance with local, state,

federal, and industry regulations. It is
the owner’s and/or user’s
responsibility to evaluate the
reliability of any rigging method for
their application. Rigging should be
done only by experienced
professionals.

Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker
systems are designed complementarily in
frequency and phase to maximize power
through each crossover point in a
complete system.

DS4-P / MSL-4 / 650-P
RECOMMENDED SETUP

We strongly recommend using a
minimum of two DS-4Ps in the same
array. A complimentary ratio of one
Meyer Sound MSL-4 to one DS-4P will
give users extra power headroom in the
70Hz to 200Hz band pass.

To integrate different types of Meyer
Sound self-powered loudspeakers into a
complete system, we recommend using
the Meyer Sound LD-1A Line Driver. The
LD-1A has two channels equipped to
control a full-range main system, and six
auxiliary channels for down-fill, front­fill, and delay systems. The LD-1A
maintains signal integrity for long cable
paths.

The LD-1A’s filters have been designed
to compliment and work with the
internal filters in Meyer Sound’s self­powered products in order to minimize
time offset while maximizing power
addition when these products are added
together. The LD-1A further gives users
the ability to balance level between the
products within a system.

Figure 1 illustrates the recommended
settings for the DS-4P’s use with MSL-4s
and 650-P Subwoofers. The DS-4P has
been engineered in both frequency and
phase response to work with the LD-1A’s
filters when used in a co-planar
configuration. All of the products
contain their own active bandlimiting
networks, however these additional
filters are required when the three
products are added together.

The DS-4P has been optimized for the
LD-1A’s Array EQ in combination with
the Low Cut filter IN on the Mid-High
output. These two filters allow the MSL­4/DS-4P to add together in phase
response through their crossover range
to give you optimal power addition.

A typical system configuration will be
MSL-4s flown in the same array with DS­4Ps and subwoofers on the ground in
half space. If the subwoofer arrays are
offset vertically to the MSL-4/DS-4Ps,
then some minor delay compensation
may be required to optimize the
system’s crossover range between the
DS-4Ps and the subwoofers.

COMPLETE SYSTEMS

NOTE: In a typical flown array with a

one-to-one ratio of MSL-4s to DS-4Ps,
a gain adjustment of +/- 2dB should
be expected depending on the array’s

splay angles. If the DS-4Ps are put on
the ground (in half space), the relative
levels will change to approximately
6dB less gain to the DS-4Ps.

Figure 1

Figure 2 is the electrical
response of the LD-1A with all
three filters engaged, and
polarity options equal (non­inverted) as recommended in
the previous (Figure 1)
diagram.

NOTE: The LD-1A’s DS-2P

output provides a special

eq filter to minimize time
offset in the VLF range. The
Sub Output as well as the
Hi-Pass filter are gentle
slopes (about 12 dB per
octave) in order to
minimize time offset of all
three products working
together through the 30 to
200 Hz passband.

9

Figure 2

MEASUREMENT AND SYSTEMS INTEGRATION TOOLS

It is essential that even the
most carefully assembled
sound systems be analyzed
with precise measurement
tools. We recommend using
the Meyer Sound SIM® System

II Sound Analyzer and CP-10
Parametric Equalizer to

• assist the process of
choosing and configuring
loudspeaker systems;

• measure propagation delays
between subsystems to set

the correct polarity and
delay times;

• measure and equalize
variations in frequency
response caused by the
acoustical environment and
the placement and
interaction of loudspeaker
systems.

Contact Meyer Sound for
assistance with your
application.

TROUBLESHOOTING WITH TPL

The TPL LED can indicate potential
driver problems, if interpreted correctly.
If one DS-4P in a system exhibits
substantially more TPL activity than
others receiving the same audio signal,
then one or both drivers in that unit
may have a short circuit. This is a
potentially dangerous condition for the
electronics; shut the DS-4P down
immediately.

The TPL circuit does not activate if there
is no power dissipation in the driver,
regardless of the input signal level.
Therefore, if all DS-4Ps in a system
receiving the same audio signal exhibit
TPL activity except one, then that unit
may have an open voice coil; disconnect
it and contact Meyer Sound for
replacement information.

NOTE: The Remote Monitoring System

(RMS) provides precise information
about peak power, peak voltage, and
average voltage (VU) for each
amplifier channel, enabling a more

complete driver diagnostic than the
TPL LEDs. Contact Meyer Sound for
more information about RMS.

DRIVER REPLACEMENT

To determine whether a driver is
functioning properly, or replace a
damaged driver, contact Meyer Sound to
obtain the Low Driver Inspection and
Evaluation Procedure for Self-Powered
Series Products (part # 17.033.120.01).

VERIFYING DRIVER POLARITY

Incorrect driver polarity impairs system
performance and may damage the
drivers. All Meyer Sound loudspeakers
are shipped with the drivers in correct
alignment. However, if the driver or
circuit wiring has been removed or
disassembled in any loudspeaker in a
system for any reason, it is essential to
check the polarity between drivers in
the same cabinet and between adjacent
loudspeakers.

We do not recommend using phase
poppers to analyze driver polarity. The

phase response for all drivers varies, to
some degree, over the frequency range
in which it operates. Since the phase
popper, a popular but inaccurate tool,
does not discern variations in phase
response with respect to frequency, it
provides no useful information about the
phase response through the crossover,
the most important consideration for
determining correct driver polarity.

Phase poppers are, therefore, not useful
for performing phase measurements on
an individual loudspeaker or a full-range
sound system containing one or more
crossovers. If necessary, apply a phase
popper only to loudspeakers with
identical drivers without a crossover, and
check the system’s overall phase
response with a frequency analyzer
and/or listening test.

NOTE: Since polarity reversal causes ex-

cessive driver excursion at high
source levels, use moderate levels for
these tests.

DRIVER TROUBLESHOOTING

DRIVER POLARITY IN THE SAME
LOUDSPEAKER

Use the following test procedure to
verify polarity between drivers in the
same loudspeaker:

1. Place a measurement microphone 3 ft
from the front of the loudspeaker at
the midway point between the two
drivers.

2. Connect a signal source to the loud­speaker and note the frequency
response.

The polarity is correct if the frequency
response is ±4dB 50–160 Hz. Can­cellation greater than 6 dB in the same
range indicates polarity reversal.

POLARITY BETWEEN ADJACENT
LOUDSPEAKERS

Use the following test procedure to
verify the polarity between adjacent
loudspeakers of the same type:

1. Position two loudspeakers adjacent to
each other.

2. Place a measurement microphone 3 ft
from the speakers on the axis
between them.

3. Connect a signal source to one loud­speaker and note the frequency
response and overall level.

4. Apply the same signal to the second
loudspeaker with the first loudspeaker
still connected.

The polarity is correct if the frequency
response remains constant with a
significant increase in amplitude.
Broadband cancellation (decreased
overall level) indicates polarity reversal.

NOTE: Do not attempt to check more

than two adjacent loudspeakers in
one test. Detecting polarity reversal
among more than two loudspeakers is
difficult and may damage the drivers
in the cabinet with reversed polarity.

10

CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS

UU

LL

CC

UU

LL

®®

LISTED

3K59
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO SYSTEM

ATENCIÓN: ACCESO INTERNO S

A PERSONAL TÉCNICO CALIFICADO

ACHTUNG: GEHÄUSE NICH

WARTUNG UND REPARATUR
ELEKTROFACHKRÄFTE

ATTENTION: ENTRETIEN E

INTERNES NE SONT AUTORISEES
TECHNIQUE QUALIFIÉ

UK WARNING: THIS APPARAT

NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

WARNINGS:

This surface may reach high temperat
To ensure proper operation, allow a
clearance from this surface and adeq
To reduce the risk of electric shoc
No operator serviceable parts insid
qualified personnel.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric
this appliance to rain or moisture.

P

U

S

H

R

E

-

C

I

R

K

-

I

T

Pin 1 Earth / Chassis
Case Earth / Chassis

Input

Loop

Pin
2 +
3 +

!

1

1

2

3

1

3

2

8A RMS
20A Peak
95-125

~

50-60Hz
700W RMS MAX

Meyer Sound,

Auto-Voltage Select

Input Polarity

THIS PRODUCT MUST BE GROUNDED

P

U

S

H

R

E

-

C

I

R

K

-

I

T

PUSH

Made by:Meyer Sound,Berkeley,Ca. U.S.A.
European Office:
Meyer Sound Europe
14, Long Barn Lane,
Reading, Berkshire,
England RG2 7SZ

European User Panel with IEC 309 connector

Rear User Panel shown with the optional Remote Monitoring System (RMS) panel

11

A COUSTICAL

1

C OVERAGE

T RANSDUCERS

A UDIO I NPUT

A MPLIFIERS

AC POWER

P HYSICAL

DS-4P SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response

2

Phase Response

2

Maximum SPL

2

Dynamic Range

Type

Connector

Nominal Input level

Type

Burst Capability

3

THD, IM, TIM

Connectors

Automatic Voltage Selection

4

Operational Voltage Range

Max. Continuous RMS Current (>10s)

Max Burst RMS Current (<1s)

Max Peak Current During Burst

Soft Current Turn-on

Dimensions

Weight

Finish/Enclosure

Protective Grill

Rigging

70 - 200Hz (±4 dB)
± 70° from 70 - 200Hz
>142 dB SPL peak @1 meter
>120 dB

120° H; 120° V

(2) MS-12 12-inch cone drivers

10kWimpedance, electonically balanced
XLR (A-3) male and female
+4 dBu (1.23 Vrms)

Complementary power MOSFET output stages (class AB/H)
1240 Watts (620W per channel)
< .02%

250V NEMA L6-20P / IEC 309 male inlet
95-125V / 208-235V; 50-60Hz
Turn on: 85VAC; Turn off: 134VAC; 50-60Hz
Turn on: 165VAC; Turn off: 264VAC; 50-60Hz
@115V: 8A @230V: 4A @100V: 10A
@115V: 15A @230V: 8A @100V: 18A
@115V: 22Apk @230V: 11Apk @100V: 25Apk
Inrush current <12A @115V

Height: 36”; Width: 21.25”; Depth: 30”
(914mm H x 540mm W x 762mm D)

163 lbs (74 kg); shipping: 187 lbs (85 kg)
with carpet: 169 lbs (77 kg); shipping: 192 lbs (87 kg)
with L-Track: 182 lbs (83 kg); shipping: 206 lbs (94 kg)
with carpet and L-Track: 188 lbs (86 kg); shipping: 211 lbs (96 kg)
Black textured, multi-ply hardwood
Perforated steel grill, charcoal-grey foam
6 aircraft pan fittings (3 on top and bottom). Working load for each
fitting is 600 lbs (273 kg) based on a 5:1 safety factor with a
straight tensile pull.

Optional L-Track system: Working load at vertical pull using any two
points is 1500 lbs (682 kg) based on a 5:1 safety factor

5

. Working

load for individual points varies; please see the chart on page 7.

1. Acoustical specifications are for the minimum configuration of two DS-4P cabinets
and are measured on-axis at 2 meters. One meter figure is derived from this data.

2. Subject to half-space loading, measured with one-third octave frequency resolution
in fixed ISO bands.

3. Nominal 8

W

resistive load, pink noise, 100V peak.

4. The unit is rated at 95-125V and 208-235V, 50-60Hz, to satisfy EC standards for

-10% to 6% AC line voltage.

5. Based on New Haven Part Number NH47556-1 fitting.

Meyer Sound reserves the right to alter any specification
without notice. Please visit our web site at
www.meyersound.com for up-to-date information.

N OTES

© 1999 Meyer Sound
Laboratories, Inc.
All rights reserved

Meyer Sound Laboratories, Inc.

2832 San Pablo Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94702
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
http: www.meyersound.com

CONTACT INFORMATION

12

All units in inches.

2.63

13.16

22.00

30.00

36.00

20.10

21.25

13.45

12.34

36.00

Front

Side

Back

Top and Bottom

(Without Grille Frame)

WARNINGS:
THIS PRODUCT MUST BE GROUNDED

This surface may reach high tempuratures white in use.
To ensure proper operation, allow at least 6 inches
clearance from this surface and adequate ventilation.
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove cover.
No operator or serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

ATENCIN:

ACCESO INTERNO SOLO

AUTHORIZADO A PERSONAL TCNICO CALIFICO

ACHTUNG:

GEHˆUSE NICHT OFFENE WARTUNG

UND REPARATUR NUR DURCH ELEKTROFˆCHKRAFTE

ATTENTION:

ENTRETIENET REPARATIONS
INTERNES NE SONT AUTORISEES QU’AU

PERSONNEL TECHNIQUE QUALIFI

U.K. WARNING:

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
NO OPERATOR SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS

05.085.014.01 Rev C