USER MANUAL
LA8V2
Professional Line-Array Element
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Content
INTRODUCTION - 2 -
SAFETY FIRST - 2 -
UNPACKING - 3 -
LA8V2 OVERVIEW - 3 -
CONNECTIONS AND ELECTRIC DIAGRAM - 4 -
AMPLIFICATION - 6 -
CABLE SELECTING - 7 -
RIGGING SYSTEM - 7 -
TROUBLESHOOTING - 11 -
WARRANTY - 11 -
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - 12 -
LA8V2 SPARE PARTS - 13 -
CONTACTS - 13 -
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a NEXT LA8v2 Line-Array. This manual will provide you
with useful and important information about your NEXT LA8V2 system. Please devote some
time reading this manual, and keep it at hand for future reference. NEXT-Proaudio is
concerned with your safety and well-being, so please follow all instructions and heed all
warnings. Also, a better understanding of some specific features of the LA8V2 Line-Array
system will help you to operate your system to its full potential.
SAFETY FIRST
It’s important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner. Please take
some time to review the following points concerning safe use of the NEXT LA8V2 line-array
element.
DANGER – HEARING DAMAGE
LA8V2 line-array systems are capable of producing extremely high sound pressure
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 levels.
Ground Stacking
Always ensure that the floor or structure where the stack will be placed is even
and can withstand the weight of the complete stack. Do not stack speakers too high,
especially outdoors where winds could topple the stack. Place cables in a way that they do
not present a trip hazard. Do not place any objects on top of the stack, they can fall
accidentally and cause injuries. Do not attempt to move the enclosures while connected. Try
not to operate the LA under heavy rain or moisture, it is weather-resistant but not completely
“weather-proof”. Also do not expose the systems to extreme heat or cold conditions to
prevent component damage.
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Rigging and suspension
Before rigging or suspending NEXT LA8V2 systems, inspect all components and all
hardware for any signs of damage or missing parts. If you find any damaged, corroded or
deformed parts, do not use them, replace them immediately. Do not use hardware that isn’t
load rated or that its’ rating is not enough to handle the system’s weight with a good safety
factor. Don’t forget that the hardware won’t just hold the systems weight. It has to be sturdy
enough to handle dynamic forces like winds without any part deformation. NEXT-Proaudio
advises customers to contact a licensed, professional engineer regarding equipment
installation.
NEXT LA8V2 system installation should only be carried out by qualified personnel.
Always use adequate protective clothing and equipment to prevent possible injuries. Only
install the systems on solid, levelled ground and isolate the surrounding area during
installation and operation, to prevent general public presence near the systems. Also, be sure
you understand all local and national regulations regarding equipment installation. Failure to
comply with these instructions may result on injury or death.
UNPACKING
Each NEXT LA8V2 line-array element is built in Europe (Portugal) by NEXTProaudio, to the highest standard and thoroughly inspected before it leaves the factory.
When unpacking the NEXT LA8V2, examine it carefully for any signs of possible transit
damage and inform your dealer immediately if any such damage is found.
It is suggested that you retain the original packaging so that the system can be
repacked in the future if necessary. Please note that NEXT-Proaudio and its authorized
distributors cannot accept any responsibility for damage to any returned product through the
use of non-approved packaging.
LA8V2 OVERVIEW
The LA8V2 is a full-range, wide angle line-array speaker designed for a multitude
of situations. From concert halls to nightclubs, theatres to ball-rooms, you are sure to have a
versatile system. This line-array system features an open natural sound and an exceptional
120º horizontal dispersion pattern.
The LA8V2 mid-low section comprises two high power 8” drivers housed in a
compact, vented trapezoidal enclosure. To ensure smoothest response in the critical mid-
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range, the LA8V2 incorporates a special crossover circuit, at the lowest frequencies, both
drivers combine to reproduce a powerful coherent bass, while in the mid frequencies the
crossover feeds only one of the drivers. This special technique was developed to attenuate
the interference between drivers in the mid frequencies region. Besides that, this speaker
reproducing the mid frequencies’ band is loaded in a special phase plug that widens
dispersion on the horizontal coupling plane while narrowing it on the vertical plane.
For high frequency reproduction, the LA8V2 is equipped with two 1” compression
drivers mounted on an ICWG wave converter loaded into a 120º constant directivity wave
guide.
The LA8V2 was designed to be used in arrays of four or more units, producing a
symmetrical and predictable polar pattern with a uniform power response, virtually free of
comb-filtering problems.
CONNECTIONS AND ELECTRIC DIAGRAM
The LA8V2 is connected through Neutrik® Speakon® NL4FC plugs (not
supplied). A wiring description is printed on the connections panels located on back of the
cabinet.
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The 4 pins of the 2 Neutrik® NL4 Speakon® sockets are wired in parallel within
the enclosure. Either connector can be used to connect to the amplifier or another LA8V2
element. Please notice that LA8V2 line-array element is bi-amp only. Despite having a
crossover network it wasn’t designed to work in full-range. See the table and the diagram
below:
NL4 PIN
Description
1+
Bass/mid POS
1-
Bass/mid GND
2+
High POS
2-
High GND
Electric Diagram
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AMPLIFICATION
Normally, LA8V2 systems are also supplied with NEXT power-rack
mounts already configured for optimum performance, according to the
configuration chosen by the customer. NEXT-Proaudio recommends using only
NEXT-Proaudio approved amplifiers and signal processing units, and only
provides signal processing configuration files for approved signal processing
units.
The LA8V2 element is an active two way system, where one of those is a passive
two way system. The high frequency band is reproduced by two 1” drivers connected in
serial, having a combined nominal impedance of 16Ω. The mid/low frequency is reproduced
by a passive two-way system composed by two 8” drivers and a passive crossover that will
behave like a dynamic impedance system going from 4Ω nominal impedance in the lower
frequencies to approximately 8Ω nominal impedance in the higher working frequency range.
This passive system achieves some predefined goals. In the lower frequencies,
both speakers reproduce, achieving a higher impact on the bass range. In the mid
frequencies, virtually only one speaker is reproducing, reducing the dipole effect both
speakers would create, providing an outstanding response linearity to the LA8V2 within its’
dispersion field.
Acoustically speaking, the LA8V2 line-array element was designed to work in a
minimum of four unit arrays. Only then can you achieve enough vertical dispersion for the
system to be usable. Also line-array effect will be reduced with less than 4 units. In terms of
powering, the elements are best used in groups of two. When wired in parallel, the mid/bass
speakers will have a nominal combined impedance of 2Ω at the lowest frequencies. That’s
the lowest impedance most amplifiers can withstand. Taking this into consideration, see the
table below:
1
- Power ratings are indicated according to the specific load conditions described. For more accurate
information on NEXT amplifiers, visit www.next-proaudio.com.
2 LA8V2 Line-Array elements
Input
Recommended Amplifier (1 channel)1
HF
NEXT MA900 - 200W at 8Ω
MF/LF
NEXT MA3200 - 1600W at 2Ω
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CABLE SELECTING
Selecting a cable consists of calculating the correct cable section (size) in relation
to the load impedance and the required cable length. A small cable section will increase its
serial resistance, which will induce power-loss and response variations (damping factor).
The following table indicates, for 3 common sizes, a cable length with a
maximum serial resistance equal to 4% of the load impedance (damping factor = 25):
Cable section
Maximum Length related to load impedance
8 Ω
4Ω
1.5 mm²
12 m [40 ft]
6 m [20 ft]
2.5 mm²
20 m [64 ft]
10 m [32 ft]
4 mm²
32 m [104 ft]
16 m [52 ft]
RIGGING SYSTEM
The LA8V2 has a simple and intuitive four-point rigging system. It has 2
articulated joints on the front and 2 rear adjustable joints. The rear joints let you define the
angle between two elements.
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In order to suspend a LA8V2, you’ll need to use the NEXT NC18502 frame. This
suspension frame is built specifically to suspend the LA8V2 and/or LAs1152 elements. It
makes possible the suspension of up to 12 LA8V2 elements.
You will also need the NEXT VP60052 lock pins.
Never use any lock pins but the ones supplied by NEXT-Proaudio. These pins are
built to withstand the system’s weight with a good safety factor. They are also
built with very specific dimensions. Also, before you suspend the system, please
read the instructions in the “Safety first” chapter.
2
For information about NEXT LAs115 please look into LAs115 manual or visit www.next-proaudio.com
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After reading and understanding the “Safety first” chapter, do as follows to rig the system:
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Here’s an example of a four element system with 2º, 5º and 7º angles:
:
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Simple troubleshooting does not require sophisticated measurement equipment
and can be easily undertaken by users. The technique should be to segment the system in
order to identify the faulty system component: signal source, controller, amplifier,
loudspeaker or cable? Most installations are multi-channel. It is often the case that one
channel works and others do not. Trying different combinations of system elements can
usually help to isolate and locate the fault.
Some cabinet faults can be quite easily identified and corrected by the user. A
simple sweep with a sine wave generator can be very helpful though it MUST be made at a
fairly low level to prevent damage to the speakers. A sine wave sweep can help find:
Vibrations due to loose screws.
Air-leak noises: check that no screws are missing, particularly where the accessories
attach to the cabinet.
Vibrations due to a front grille badly positioned on the quick release fixings.
Foreign object that has fallen into the cabinet after repair or through the ports.
Internal connection wires or absorbing material touching the loudspeaker diaphragm:
check by removing the bass loudspeaker.
Loudspeaker not connected or phase reversed following a previous inspection, test or
repair.
WARRANTY
NEXT products are warranted, by NEXT-proaudio, against manufacturing defects in
materials or craftsmanship over a period of 2 years from the date of original purchase.
During the warranty period NEXT-proaudio will, at its own 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 authorized NEXT-proaudio service agent or distributor.
NEXT-proaudio cannot be held responsible for defects caused by unauthorized 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 NEXTproaudio. NEXT-proaudio 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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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
LA8V2 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Design
2.5-way front loaded line-array element
Frequency Response (+/-3dB)
70Hz to 19KHz
Horizontal Coverage (-6dB)
120º
Vertical Coverage (-6dB)
7º
Components
LF - 1 x 8” Speaker
LF/MF - 1 x 8” Speaker
HF - 2 x 1” Compression Driver
Power Handling (Continuous program)
LF/MF - 800W Cont. 1600W Peak
HF - 100W Cont. 400W Peak
Impedance
LF - 4Ω (Freq. < 250 Hz)
MF - 8Ω (Freq. > 250 Hz)
HF - 16Ω
Sensitivity (1W/1m Half-space)
LF/MF - 98dB
HF - 106dB
Max. SPL (calculated)
LF/MF - 124dB Cont. 127dB Peak
HF - 126dB Cont. 129dB Peak
Crossover Frequencies
2250 Hz Active
Connectors
2 x NL4
Rigging
Integrated, adjustable 0º - 7º
Enclosure Material
13-ply birch plywood
Finish
Semi-mate textured paint (Black/White)
Grille
Black-powder coated perforated grille
Dimensions W x H x D (mm)
786 x 247 x 338
Weight
27Kg
Dimensions
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LA8V2 SPARE PARTS
Reference
Description
NCS05502
LA8 Connection Patch
PB00016
LA8 LF Crossover Network
BB05030
LA8 8” LF - LF/MF Speaker
BB05031
LA8 8” HF Compression Driver
NCS01502
LA8 Front-Left Suspension Assembly
NCS02502
LA8 Front-Right Suspension Assembly
NCS03502
LA8 Rear-left Suspension Assembly
NCS04502
LA8 Rear-Right Suspension Assembly
CONTACTS
In case of any doubts or any information just:
Write us:
NEXT-proaudio
Rua da Venda Nova, 295
4435-469 Rio-Tinto
Portugal
Contact us:
Tel. +351 22 489 00 75
Fax. +351 22 480 50 97
Send an e-mail:
info@next-proaudio.com
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