Modular Point Source Array Modules
Associated 15 Inch Subwoofer
VA101-7 & VAX101-7 Series
VA101-15 & VAX101-15 Series
VA101-22 & VAX101-22 Series
VA15S & VAX15S Subwoofer
Users Manual
Point Source Array Modules
Page 2
Introduction To VARIA
The VARIA loudspeaker family includes 3 fullrange array modules and a 15 inch subwoofer.
All have been designed to offer the ultimate in
versatility and performance.
When used as a stand alone loudspeaker each
array module is a powerful 10 inch loudspeaker
that can be easily mounted on a tripod stand or
pole mounted on the associated subwoofer.
The Varia VA / VAX101-7 is often referred to as
the long throw module since it features closely
controlled 7.5 degree vertical dispersion ideal
for many long throw applications. It is most
commonly used at the top of high power vertical
arrays.
The VA / VAX101-15 with 15 degrees of vertical
coverage is considered to be a medium throw
module and is most often used in the center of
vertical arrays or in stand alone systems.
The VA / VAX101-22 has 22.5 degrees of vertical
coverage and is probably the most versatile of the
array modules. In vertical arrays it is used at the
bottom of the array to provide near eld coverage,
Stood upright and mated with other modules, it
becomes a compact but powerful horizontal array.
All 3 models offer a wide range of horizontal
coverage options. A 90 degree waveguide is
standard but 60
o
and 120o are also available
along with revolutionary 60
o
to 90o and 120o
to 90
o
transitional waveguides.
The new transitional waveguides produce a
trapezoidal coverage pattern ideally suited
for many square and rectangular rooms and
often eliminate the need for additional side
or down ll loudspeakers. For more details
on these new and unique devices and a
complete listing of the horizontal coverage
patterns available please go to page 6 and to
page 21.
The VA / VAX15S is a powerful 15 inch
subwoofer that doubles as a mounting base
for oor mounted systems or as a suspension
platform for own vertical arrays.
Varia loudspeakers may be self powered with
a powerful built-in bi-amplier equipped with
RHAON digital signal processing, control and
supervision or they may be a passive unit that
relies on external amplication and includes a
passive cross-over.
The VARIA Concept
The VARIA approach is based on the use of 3 different shape cabinets each having a vertical
coverage pattern that is complementary to the cabinet shape. Thus, the VA/VAX101-7 has 7.5º
sides and 7.5º vertical coverage. The -15 modules have 15
o
sides and provide 15o coverage and
the -22 modules have 22.5
o
sides.
The closely controlled vertical coverage allows the output of modules in "tight packed"vertical ar-
rays" to sum coherently; thus three 15
o
modules provide 45
o
of vertical coverage, just as two 22.5
modules provide 45
o
of vertical coverage.
The 7.5, 15 and 22.5 waveguides are available with several different horizontal coverage patterns
to suit different applications. Please refer to pages 19, 21 and 23 for details.
Introduction to VARIA 2
Stand Alone Applications 4
Ground Stacked & Pole Mounted Systems 4
Vertical Line Arrays 6
Horizontal Arrays 8
EASE Focus and RHAON 9
High Frequency Control Settings 10
Rear Panel Connections 11
Tech. Specs VA /VAX101-7, -15 -22 Array Modules 12
Dimensional Information 14
Tech Specs VA / VAX15S Subwoofer 15
DSP Settings for VA /VAX101-7 & VA / VAX15S 16
DSP Settings for VA /VAX101-15 & VA / VAX15S 18
DSP Settings for VA /VAX101-22 & VA / VAX15S 20
Safety Warnings 22
The VARIA Hardware Concept
The array modules have heavy metal side channels and each module is provided with 2 heavy
joining bars (one for each side) and associated quick release pins so it can easily be stacked with
similar modules For example , -7 modules with other -7 modules.
Joining unlike modules, for example joining -7 modules with -15 modules requires special joining
bars, called "biscuits". See list below.
The VA /VAX15S subwoofer uses the same technique, only it has 2 metal channels on each side
of the cabinet, one towards the rear and one towards the front. The two in the front channels are
hinged to allow the subwoofer to be used with either -7, -15 or -22
array modules. The connecting bars in the rear channels are simple single piece bars. Their
purpose is to help lock two subwoofers rmly together when they are stacked.
Part Number Used to Join
ICB-VA101-715 VA/VAX101-7 to VA/VAX101-15
ICB-VA101-722 VA/VAX101-7 to VA/VAX101-22
ICB-VA/101-1522 VA/VAX101-15 to VA/VAX101-22
Page 3
Point Source Array Modules
Table of Contents
Page 4
“Stand Alone” Applications
VARIA array modules are equipped with dual Metric M10 attachment points top and bottom so they
can be easily own using eye bolts. Multi-angle
pole sockets bottom mounted and side mounted
ying hardware add further to their versatility.
The associated 15-inch subwoofer has top and
bottom mounted M20 threaded pole sockets and
side mounted ying hardware allowing it to be
used as a base for array modules either with or
without a pole.
Threaded 20 mm pole sockets on the subwoofers
and the multi-angle pole sockets on the full range
cabinets allow one or two of the full range array
modules to be pole mounted on the subwoofers.
Safety is always a consideration in any setup and
consideration must be given to the strength and
stability of the surface on which the ground stack
will be placed. Pole mounted stacks should be
limited to no more than 2 array modules.
Multiple full range array modules can also be
stacked on the ground or oor without a mounting
pole using one or more of the matching subwoofers as a base.
Multi-angle
pole socket
Threaded
adjustable
pole
VA/VAX101-7 Array Module
VA/VAX101-7 Array Module
pole mounted on
VA/VAX15S 15” Subwoofer
Point Source Array Modules
VA / VAX15S Subwoofer
Point Source Array Modules
Page 5
Stand Alone Applications (cont)
The array modules and the subwoofers are joined together
with heavy-duty tie bars and quick-disconnect pins that
provide quick and easy assembly along with metal-to-metal
reliability. Ground stacks of this type can easily handle up
to 3 array modules and two subwoofers.
Assembling a ground stack is as easy as A,B,C.
A. First position the subwoofer and then set the next cabi-
net on top of it making sure the metal channels are aligned
See Figure 1.
B. Then remove the top quick disconnect pins from the bottom of the upper cabinet’s heavy metal channels and use
the knurled knobs to slide the connecting bars down into
place in the subwoofer.
C. Then insert the quick disconnect pins into the top of the
lower cabinet’s metal channels to secure the tie bars in
place and bind the cabinets together. See Figure 2.
D That is all, except to repeat the procedure if you have a
third cabinet to mount on top of the second one.
Be aware that if you are joining different array module
models together in an array you will need to use biscuits.
Please refer to page 3 for details.
Typical Ground Stacks
Figure 2
Figure 1
Point Source Array Modules
Most vertical line arrays are not assembled in a
straight line as their name implies. Instead they
are constructed in either a curved or a J shape
or a combination of both shapes to obtain the
proper sound coverage.
The shape of the array is typically determined
by the ying hardware and the splay between
the cabinets can easily be different than what is
optimum from an acoustical standpoint.
The VARIA approach is based on the use of 3
different shape cabinets each having a vertical
coverage pattern that is complementary to the
cabinet shape. Thus, the VA/VAX101-7 has 7.5º
sides and 7.5º vertical coverage. As a long throw
cabinet, its normal position is at the top of multi-
cabinet arrays.
The subwoofers can also be used as a platform
for ying the full range modules beneath them.
Up to 6 full range modules and two subwoofers
can easily and safely be own in this fashion.
Please refer to page 3 for a list of connecting
bars.
VARIA also offers a choice of horizontal cover-
age patterns; 90º is standard, but 60º is offered
for when the audience are is long and narrow
and 120º for when a broader pattern is needed.
Please refer to pages 17, 19 and 21 for listings
of available coverage patterns.
VARIA also recognizes that in many cases a
trapezoidal pattern is needed; one wider in the
front of the room and narrower in the rear and
offers waveguides that transition smoothly from
60º to 90º and from 90º to 120º.
Subwoofers aren’t ignored either and the VA/
VAX15S subwoofer that served as a base for
ground stacked arrays can also be used as a
suspension platform for own arrays
Typical Array Flown from Subwoofer
Vertical Line Arrays
Std Conn. Bar
Std Conn. Bar
ICB-VA101-715
Biscuit
Std Conn. Bar
ICB-VA101-715
Biscuit
Page 6
"-7"
"-7"
"-15"
"-15"
"-22"
Sub
Point Source Array Modules
Assembling Vertical Line Arrays
1. Attach the RHANG101LA Flybar to the top cabinet
using the quick release pins. Note the bridle construction
which allows you to move the suspension bar laterally
and adjust the array’s tilt (aiming angle). Move the bridle
toward the rear of the cabinets for more tilt.
If you are using a VA / VAX15S subwoofer as a suspen-
sion platform, you will also need to remove the four feet
from the sub to allow it and the top array module to t
snugly together.
2. Attach the lifting device (chain hoist, fork lift, etc) you
will use to raise the cabinet into position to the ybar.
One commonly used arrangement is shackles and a
sling.
3 Raise the cabinet high enough to let you roll or slide
the next cabinet into position beneath it and lower the
rst cabinet into position over the second cabinet and
use the quick release pins and joining bars to lock the
two cabinets together. Move the joining bars from the
upper cabinet down into the lower cabinet.
5. Repeat the procedure until the array is complete and
then lift (hoist) the array into position and secure it. Note
that you will need to use special connecting bars called
biscuits to join two unlike array modules, such as the 7.5
degree -7 and the 15 degree -15 modules.
Transitional wave guides are also available to assist in
shaping the array's horizontal coverage to t the audience area without introducing discontinuities between
the array modules.
Transitional
Coverage Balloon
Page 7
0° = A1
1.5
°
= B1
3.0
°
= C1
4.5
°
= A3
6.0
°
= B3
7.5
°
= C3
A
B
C
1
2
3
One of the situations you may run into is you want to use a number
of 7
.5 degree modules at the top of a tall vertical array , but the 7.5
degree tilt provided when two -7 modules are tight packed provides to
much tilt.
Fortunately, the VA101-7's connecting bar is hinged and allows you
to vary the aiming angle from 7.5 degrees down to 0 degrees in half
degree steps.
The assembly procedure is the same as the one outlined on the previ-
ous page. The difference is in the adjustable connecting bar. One end
of it is on a swivel and the bar has more location holes than the normal
connecting bar. See drawing below. This allows you to raise and lower
the rear of the cabinet to change its aiming angle.
1. Decide what aiming angle you need and from the chart on the metal
channel determine which numbered hole location you should use.
2. Remove the quick disconnect pin that is holding the hinged connecting bar in position and use the knurled knob to move the bar down
to that location and insert the quick disconnect pin into the bar to lock
it in position.
3. Move the next VA101-7 loudspeaker module into place, remove
its top quick disconnect pin and then lower the upper cabinet(s) into
position. Use the chart on the metal channel to to pick the correct lettered insertion Location to use. You may want to physically lift the rear
of the lower cabinet to help with the alignment.
5. Insert the quick disconnect pin and continue adding cabinets.
Point Source Array Modules
Page 8
Hinged connecting bar
VA101-7
metal channel
Assembling Vertical Line Arrays (continued)
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