QSC SB-2180 User Manual

Cinema Loudspeaker
Systems

User Guide

SB-2180 Dual-18" Subwoofer

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EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS

The term “WARNING!” indicates instructions regarding personal safety. If the instructions are not followed the result may be bodily injury or death.

The term “CAUTION!” indicates instructions regarding possible damage to physical equipment. If these instructions are not followed, it may result in
damage to the equipment that may not be covered under the warranty.

The term “IMPORTANT!” indicates instructions or information that are vital to the successful completion of the procedure.

The term "NOTE" is used to indicate additional useful information.

The intent of the exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is to alert the user to the presence of important safety, and operating
and maintenance instructions in this manual.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Do not submerge the apparatus in water or liquids.

7. Do not use any aerosol spray, cleaner, disinfectant or fumigant on, near or into the apparatus.

8. Clean only with a dry cloth.

9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

12. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.

13. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when any doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment installation.

Warranty

For a copy of the QSC Limited Warranty, visit the QSC's website at www.qsc.com

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1079.5 mm

42.5"

841.8 mm

33.14”

419.1 mm

16.5"

9.9 mm
.39"

831.9 mm

32.75"

157 mm

6.2"

205.3 mm

8.1"

Introduction

The SB-2180 is a specially designed cinema subwoofer, featuring dual 18”
(460 mm), low-frequency transducers, mounted in a ported enclosure. The
enclosure is tuned to 29 Hz.

The two custom 18” transducers were developed especially for cinema use.
The woofers feature 4” (100 mm) voice coils and vented pole pieces to ensure
cool operation, even at high power levels. Cooler temperatures increase driver
lifespan and decrease problematic power compression at high drive levels.
Undercut pole pieces provides a Symmetrical Magnetic Gap (SMG), reducing
second harmonic distortion.

Enclosures are constructed of high quality MDF panels and feature Single
Woofer Chambers (SWC). The separate chamber for each transducer makes
the enclosure stronger, provides rigidity, and prevents cone over-excursion
in the rare event of a driver failure (enclosure “loading” is not lost for the
remaining transducer).

Large, Fully Radiused Ports (FRP) ensure smooth air flow through the
ports, especially at higher drive levels. This prevents potentially audible port
turbulence noise. Both internal and external port openings are fully radiused.

With Symmetrical Port Loading (SPL) bass ports are evenly spaced on each
side of the transducers, making internal pressure more uniform across the
back surface of the transducer.

This prevents the cone from being displaced to one side or another by
unbalanced air pressure, reducing the chance of driving the voice coil out of
the center of the gap at high drive levels.

WARNING!: Enclosure is not designed to be suspended,
flown, or rigged. Do not suspend, fly, or rig this enclosure.

This product is capable of producing sound pressure levels that
can permanently damage human hearing. Always keep sound
pressure levels in the listening area below levels that can damage
human hearing.

Install in accordance with QSC’s instructions and a licensed,
professional engineer. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in
any way.

WARNING!: Before placing or installing, any speaker
product, inspect all hardware, cabinets, transducers and
associated equipment for damage. Consult a licensed,
professional engineer when any doubt or questions arise
regarding a physical equipment installation.

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— Figure 1 —

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Connections

Normal Connection

The SB-2180 has barrier strip screw terminals for connection. The terminals accept
up to #10 AWG stranded loudspeaker wiring. Use the largest wire size and shortest
wire length possible for a given installation. Observe the polarity markings and keep
polarity consistent throughout the system for best performance.

CAUTION!: Use an amplifier capable of driving 4 Ω loads.

INPUT/SPK1* SPK2*

*NOTE
SPEAKERS INTERNALLY CONNECTED IN PARALLEL FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONNECTION: REMOVE PANEL, CUT YELLOW
AND BLUE JUMPER WIRES.

(For insturctions see User Manual)

— Figure 2 —

Connecting a Second SB-2180 in Parallel

The terminals marker SPK2 may be used to connect another
SB-2180 in parallel. Connect the wires as shown in the illustration,
at right. Note: If the internal wiring of the SB-2180 has been
modified in any way, this may not function. If this is the case,
remove the terminal cup and verify the presence of the factory
yellow jumper and blue jumper wires; correct as required or have
the loudspeaker serviced.

CAUTION!: Use an amplifier capable of driving
2 Ω loads.

INPUT/SPK1* SPK2*

*NOTE
SPEAKERS INTERNALLY CONNECTED IN PARALLEL FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONNECTION: REMOVE PANEL, CUT YELLOW
AND BLUE JUMPER WIRES.

(For insturctions see User Manual)

— Figure 3 —

INPUT/SPK1* SPK2*

*NOTE
SPEAKERS INTERNALLY CONNECTED IN PARALLEL FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONNECTION: REMOVE PANEL, CUT YELLOW
AND BLUE JUMPER WIRES.

(For insturctions see User Manual)

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Individual Transducer Connection (requires modification)

The transducers are wired in parallel inside the enclosure. If individual transducer
connection is required, remove the terminal cup and remove the yellow and the
blue jumper wires that are connected between the SPK1 and SPK2 terminals.
Replace the terminal cup and mark the enclosure with a note of the modification.

CAUTION!: Requires removal of the terminal cup then cutting the
yellow and blue jumper wires connecting the SPK1 and SPK2 terminals

INPUT/SPK1* SPK2*

*NOTE
SPEAKERS INTERNALLY CONNECTED IN PARALLEL FOR
INDIVIDUAL CONNECTION: REMOVE PANEL, CUT YELLOW
AND BLUE JUMPER WIRES.

(For insturctions see User Manual)

— Figure 4 —

SB-2180 Specifications

Frequency Range1 (-10 dB)

Rated Noise Power

Sensitivity

Maximum continuous SPL

Maximum peak SPL

Impedance 4 Ω

Recommended Amplifier Power 2200 W

Transducer Two 18 in. (457 mm) woofers, 4 in. voice coils

Enclosure Details

Input Connector 4-position barrier strip

Enclosure Material MDF, 19 mm

Grille None

Dimensions (HxWxD) 33.15 x 42.5 x 16.5 inches (842 x 1080 x 420 mm)

Net Weight 187 lb (89 kg)

1 Half-space (2 pi), unprocessed, -10 dB from on-axis sensitivity
2 AES2-1984 noise signal for 2 hours
3 On-Axis, free-field sensitivity, 2.83 V, 1 m
4 Calculated from rated noise voltage and sensitivity

2

3

4

25 Hz to 150 Hz

1100 W

100 dB

4

130.4 dB

136.4 dB

NOTE: Specifications subject to change without notice.

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Mailing Address:

QSC, LLC

1675 MacArthur Boulevard

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1468 USA

Telephone Numbers:

Main Number: [phone]

Sales & Marketing: [phone] or toll free (USA only) [phone]

Customer Service: [phone] or toll free (USA only) [phone]

Facsimile Numbers:

Sales & Marketing FAX: [phone]

Customer Service FAX: [phone]

World Wide Web:

www.qsc.com

E-mail:

[e-mail]

[e-mail]

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