Tannoy I15 User Manual

i15

USER MANUAL

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Unpacking

3. Connectors/Cabling

4. Polarity Checking

5. Amplification & Power Handling

6. Crossovers

7. Equalisation

8. Dimensions

9. Rigging

10. Performance Data

11. Technical Specifications

12. i15 Recommended Service Parts & Accessories

13. Warranty

14. Wall Mounting Bracket - Assembly Instructions

15. Declaration of Conformity

1. Introduction

The Tannoy i15 professional loudspeaker has been designed for a wide variety of
sound reinforcement applications requiring extended frequency response from a
compact system, capable of delivering high sound pressure levels with extremely low
distortion, resulting in outstanding clarity, definition and detail.

The i15 comprises one 15 inch Dual Concentric driver in which the low frequency
(LF) and high frequency (HF) sources are coincidentally aligned to a point source,
resulting in a smooth uniform frequency response over a wide area of coverage
either as a portable stand alone system or in a multi-cabinet array. The sophisticated
CAD designed waveguide combines 60 degree conical dispersion and excellent
acoustic impedance characteristics. As the system is a point source, clusters and
arrays have minimal lobing. These features are inherent and achieved without the
use of any electronic signal processing

Designed for fixed installations, the i15 is constructed from medium density
fibreboard (MDF), for a high level of acoustic damping. The structural integrity of the
enclosure is further enhanced by internal steel braces which double as the flying
points accepting M8 eyebolts, strategically placed to distribute the weight of the
enclosure evenly.

For applications requiring extended low frequency enhancement, a range of Tannoy
sub-bass systems are available and can be used in conjunction with the i15.

2. Unpacking

Every Tannoy i15 is carefully inspected before packing. After unpacking your
loudspeaker, 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 i15 is fitted with two 4-pole Speakon connectors. Speakon has the following
advantages over EP and XLR type connectors: all terminations 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 Speakon sockets identified as input/output on the rear of the input
panel are paralleled within the enclosure.

Tannoy have adopted the following wiring standard for the i15 :-

Pin 1+ is Positive
Pin 1- is Negative

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 world wide 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
used. 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.