Tannoy B400 User Manual

B400

USER MANUAL

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Unpacking

3. Connectors/Cabling

4. Polarity Checking

5. Amplification & Power Handling

6. Crossovers

7. Equalisation

8. Positioning

9. Dimensions

10. Rigging

11. Performance Data

12. Technical Specifications

13. Recommended Service Parts & Accessories

14. Warranty

15. Declaration of Conformity

1. Introduction

The Tannoy B400 is a horn loaded subwoofer with very high output capability
designed to provide maximum low frequency impact in conjunction with Tannoy
Superdual loudspeakers.

Characterised by a tight and “punchy” sound, the B400 adds depth and dramatic
impact to a wide variety of sound reinforcement applications. This powerful
loudspeaker is capable of delivering remarkable sound pressure levels with
extremely low levels of distortion and power compression while maintaining a
uniform frequency response throughout its dynamic range. This makes the B400
capable of consistent intelligibility and tonal quality at any listening level. Its small
,compact size, only 570mm(H) x 555mm(W) x 650mm(D) [22.4”(H) x 21.85”(W) x

25.6” (D)], enables the box to be placed in permanent or portable applications
without being obtrusive.

The rugged cabinet construction utilises 18mm multiple-ply hardwood and features
carrying handles, inserts for castors, optional load certified MAN flying points which
provide a quick and secure flying system, and a top-mounted stand socket that
serves as a base for locating the main full range or mid/high speakers in the air, and
by using 35mm tubing, a tripod can be eliminated.

2. Unpacking

Every Tannoy product is carefully inspected before packing. After unpacking your
B400 please inspect for any exterior physical damage, and save the carton and any
relevant packaging materials in case the loudspeaker again requires packing and
shipping. In the event that damage has been sustained in transit notify your dealer
immediately.

3. Connectors/Cabling

The B400 is fitted with 4-pole Speakon connectors. Speakon has the following
advantages over EP and XLR type connectors: All termination’s are solderless, this
makes life easier at the time of installation or when field servicing is required.
Contacts will accept 6 sq. mm wire with an outside diameter of up to 15mm and a
current rating of 30 Amps. The pins of the 2 Speakon sockets identified input/output
on the rear of the input panel are paralleled within the enclosure. Tannoy have
adopted the following wiring standard for all Superdual products :-

SPEAKON
CONNECTOR
Pin 1+ Passive Full Range +

Pin 1- Passive Full Range -

Pin 2+ Active High +

SIGNAL

Active Low/Mid +
Low/Sub +

Active Low/Mid ­Low/Sub -

Pin 2- Active High -

Should you encounter any problems obtaining Speakon connectors, please contact
Neutrik or its distributors directly on the following numbers:-

UK: NEUTRIK MARKETING: 0171 792 8188
USA: NEUTRIK USA INC.: [phone]

For a worldwide list of distributors, please contact Neutrik directly: ­NEUTRIK AG: [phone]
Cable choice consists mainly of selecting the correct cross sectional area in relation

to the cable length and the load impedance. A small cross sectional area would
increase the cables series resistance, inducing power loss and response variations
(damping factor).

Connectors should be wired with a minimum of 2.5 sq. mm (12 gauge) cable. This
will be perfectly satisfactory under normal conditions. In the case of very long cable
runs the wire size should exceed this, refer to the following table for guidance:-

CABLE RUN
(m)

10 2.5

25 2.5

50 2.5

100 2.5

4. Polarity Checking

It is most important to check the polarity of the wiring before the speaker system is
flown. A simple method of doing this without a pulse based polarity checker for LF
units is as follows: Connect two wires to the +ve and -ve terminals of a PP3 battery.
Apply the wire, which is connected to the +ve terminal of the battery to the speaker
cable leg, which you believe to be connected to pin 1+ of the speaker connector and
likewise the -ve leg of the battery to pin 1-.

C.S.A. OF EACH
CONDUCTOR (mm)

4.0

6.0

4.0

6.0

4.0

6.0

4.0

6.0

CABLE
RESISTANCE ΩΩ

0.14

0.09

0.06

0.35

0.22

0.14

0.69

0.43

0.29

1.38

0.86

0.58

% POWER LOSS
INTO 8ΩΩ LOAD

1.7

1.1

0.73

4.3

2.7

1.8

8.6

5.4

3.6

17.0

11.0

7.2

% POWER LOSS
INTO 4ΩΩ LOAD

3.5

2.2

1.5

8.6

5.4

3.6

17.0

11.0

7.2

35.0

22.0

14.0

If you have wired it correctly the LF drive unit will move forward, indicating the wiring
is correct. All that remains now is to connect the +ve speaker lead to the +ve
terminal on the amplifier and the -ve lead to the -ve terminal on the amplifier. If
however the LF driver moves backwards, the input connections need to be inverted.

If problems are encountered, inspect the cable wiring in the first instance. It should
also be noted that different amplifier manufacturers utilise different pin configurations
and polarity conventions, if you are using amplifiers from more than one
manufacturer, check the polarity at the amplifiers as well as the loudspeakers.