Tannoy I6 AW, i6T AW User Manual

i6 AW & i6T AW

USER MANUAL

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Unpacking

3. Connectors/Cabling

4. Polarity Checking

5. Amplification & Power Handling

6. Power Selection

7. Equalisation

8. Dimensions

9. Hardware

10. Performance Data

11. Technical Specifications

12. Troubleshooting Guide

13. i6 Recommended Service Parts & Accessories

14. Warranty

15. Declaration of Conformity

1. Introduction

Designed for a wide variety of sound reinforcement applications the Tannoy i6 AW (All
Weather) is an ultra compact loudspeaker system capable of delivering high sound
pressure levels with extremely low distortion, resulting in outstanding clarity, definition
and detail. A truly universal solution, the i6 AW offers outstanding durability and
resistance to scuffs and knocks. Able to deliver consistent performance under a wide
range of adverse conditions the i6 AW is suited to applications indoors or out, whether
it be a theme bar or theme park. Available in dark grey or white the i6 AW will
effectively blend into most backgrounds.
Utilisation of the point source Dual Concentric loudspeaker allows the i6 AW to be
mounted on a wall or ceiling in either horizontal or vertical orientations without
affecting its performance. A range of hardware options ensures simple and effective
installation. Also available with built in line transformer (i6T AW).

The i6 AW comprises one 6.5 inch (165mm) 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. The sophisticated CAD designed waveguide combines 90 degree conical
dispersion and excellent acoustic impedance characteristics.

For applications requiring extended low frequency enhancement, a range of Tannoy
sub-bass systems are available and can be used in conjunction with the i6 AW.

2. Unpacking

Every Tannoy i6 AW product is carefully inspected before packing. After unpacking
your loudspeakers, 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 i6AW has two 4mm binding posts for connection to the amplifier, these are gold
plated in order to improve electrical conductivity and to prevent oxidisation. These
terminals are capable of accepting cables with a conductor diameter of up to 6mm.

Red is Positive
Black is Negative

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)

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

CABLE
RESISTANCE ΩΩ

% POWER LOSS
INTO 8ΩΩ LOAD

% POWER LOSS
INTO 4ΩΩ LOAD

10 2.5

4.0

6.0

0.14

0.09

0.06

1.7

1.1

0.73

3.5

2.2

1.5

25 2.5

4.0

6.0

0.35

0.22

0.14

4.3

2.7

1.8

8.6

5.4

3.6

50 2.5

4.0

6.0

0.69

0.43

0.29

8.6

5.4

3.6

17.0

11.0

7.2

100 2.5

4.0

6.0

1.38

0.86

0.58

17.0

11.0

7.2

35.0

22.0

14.0

4. Polarity Checking

It is most important to check the polarity of the wiring. 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 the red speaker terminal and likewise the -ve leg of the battery to the black speaker
terminal

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.

5. Amplification & Power Handling

As with all professional loudspeaker systems, the power handling is a function of
voice coil thermal capacity. Care should be taken to avoid running the amplifier into
clip (clipping is the end result of overdriving any amplifier). Damage to the
loudspeaker will be sustained if the amplifier is driven into clip for any extended period
of time. Headroom of at least 3dB should be allowed. When evaluating an amplifier, it
is important to take into account its behaviour under low impedance load conditions. A
loudspeaker system is highly reactive and with transient signals it can require more
current than the nominal impedance would indicate.

Generally a higher power amplifier running free of distortion will do less damage to the
loudspeaker than a lower power amplifier continually clipping. It is also worth
remembering that a high powered amplifier running at less than 90% of output power
generally sounds a lot better than a lower power amplifier running at 100%. An
amplifier with insufficient drive capability will not allow the full performance of the
loudspeaker to be realised.

It is important when using different manufacturers amplifiers in a single installation
that the have very closely matched gains, the variation should be less than +/- 0.5dB.
This precaution is important to the overall system balance when only a single
compressor/limiter or active crossover is being used with multiple cabinets; it is
therefore recommended that the same amplifiers be used throughout.

6. Power Selection (i6T AW)

Determine the maximum power in watts needed at each speaker location. The i6 AW
transformer can be tapped at 30w, 15w, 7.5w, & 3.75w via the rotary switch located on
the metal plate at rear of the loudspeaker. When the relevant tappings have been
selected add the individual wattages required at all speakers and select an amplifier
with a rating equal to or exceeding the total wattage required. All of the transformer
primaries should be connected in parallel to the output of this amplifier. If for example,
you select the 7.5-watt transformer tap, it means that at full rated amplifier output the
speaker will receive the full 7.5 watts. If the amplifier gain is reduced each speaker will
receive a proportional amount of power, maintaining the overall system balance.

When calculating amplifier wattage requirements for a system, it is recommended that
a generous wattage safety margin (3dB of headroom) be left so that the system does
not have to operate continuously at its full rated output

7. Equalisation

The i6AW loudspeaker is designed to need no equalisation or correction to overcome
system limitations. As a result, it will only need equalisation to compensate for difficult
acoustic environments.

Over equalisation can reduce system headroom, and introduce phase distortion
resulting in greater problems than cures. If equalisation is required then it should be
applied gently and smoothly. The i6AW loudspeaker is a point source, phase coherent
design and violent equalisation will be detrimental to the overall sound quality.

8. Dimensions

9. Hardware

The i6AW can be wall or ceiling mounted using the MB6 (optional) bracket (fig 1.)
which is designed to offer the maximum flexibility in selecting the desired angles.
The MB6 is supplied with M8 bolts for fixing to the loudspeaker (fig1.& 2). After fixing
the bracket to the wall or ceiling remove the plastic plugs from the top and bottom of
the loudspeaker. Position the cabinet at the required angle as shown and tighten the
M8 Bolts to fix the loudspeaker in position.
The loudspeaker can be mounted either horizontally or vertically using the MB6
bracket (fig1.& 2.). This product has four M6 threaded holes in the rear of the cabinet
for other bracketry.

Fig 1.

Fig 2.

Fig 3.

NOTE: The installation of this product
must be carried out in conformity with
local building codes and standards. If
necessary consult your local safety
standards officer before installing any
product. Alternatively, check any laws
or bylaws.Tannoy will not be held
responsible for any damages caused
by the improper installation of any
bracket or loudspeaker.

10. Performance Data

Anechoic Frequency Response, 1watt @ 1m

Impedance

---- Hororizontal
___Vertical

500Hz

1k

2k

4k

8k

16k

11. Technical Specifications

Frequency response (1) +/- 3dB 70Hz - 20kHz
Recommended Amplifier Power up to 180 watt / 8 ohm
Power Handling Average(2) Programme Peak (10ms)

90 watt 180 watt 360 watt

Sensitivity (1)

2.83 volt @ 1m 90dB 93dB (half space)
Maximum SPL (3) Average Peak Average (half space) Peak (half space)

@ 1m 109dB 115dB 112dB 118dB

Maximum SPL (3) With THP30 Transformer Average Peak Average (half space) Peak (half space)

@ 1m 104 dB 110dB 107dB 113dB

Transformer (i6T AW) Max. Insertion loss 1.1 dB 35Hz – 21kHz +/- 2dB

Primary Taps 30,15, 7,1.5 watt
Voltage Taps 70.7V & 100V

Impedance Nominal 8 ohm

Minimum 6 ohm

DI Averaged (PCQ) 7.41, 250 Hz - 16 kHz

@ 1kHz (ISO) 6.1
@ 2kHz (ISO) 6.3
@ 4kHz (ISO) 9.7
@ 8kHz (ISO) 9.6
@ 16kHz (ISO) 13.6

Q Averaged (PCQ) 7.74, 250 Hz - 16 kHz

@ 1kHz (ISO) 4.1
@ 2kHz (ISO) 4.3
@ 4kHz (ISO) 9.3
@ 8kHz (ISO) 9.1
@ 16kHz (ISO) 22.9

Driver Complement 1 x 6.5” (165mm) Constant Directivity Dual Concentric

Crossover Point 1.6 kHz
Enclosure 11 litre, vented polyethylene
Finish Charcoal or White
Protective Grille Perforated Aluminium
Connectors 2 x 4mm binding posts
Fittings 2 x M8 inserts for Yolk Bracket

4 x M6 inserts on rear of cabinet

Dimensions 344mm (H) x 250mm (W) x 225mm (D)

13.54” (H) x 9.84” (W) x 8.86” (D)

Weight 5.5 Kg (12.1 lbs)
Shipping Dimensions 400mm (H) x 500mm (W) x 300mm (D)

15.75” (H) x 19.69” (W) x 11.8” (D)

Shipping Weight 13Kg (28.6 lbs.)
NOTES: (1) Average over stated bandwidth. Measured at 1m on axis, in an anechoic chamber.

(2) Long term power handling capacity as defined in EIA standard RS - 426A.
(3) Unweighted pink noise input, measured at 1m

Tannoy operates a policy of continuous research and development. The introduction of new materials or manufacturing methods will always equal
or exceed the published specifications which Tannoy reserve the right to alter without prior notice.
Please verify the latest specifications when dealing with critical applications.

12. Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom Possible Cause Action

No Output From Speakers Broken Speaker Cables(s)

Amplifier

Check the electrical continuity of
the loudspeaker cables, and
replace if necessary.

Check the gain controls on the
amplifier are turned up.

Be sure the amplifier is receiving
an input signal (check the
“signal” indicators on the amp).

Connect the loudspeaker cable
which has no output to another
amplifier channel you know is
working, make sure signal is fed
to the new amplifier channel. If
output is obtained from the
loudspeakers(s) then the
problem is with the amplifier
channel or input signal leads. If
this is not the case then the fault
may lie in the cabling or the
loudspeaker.

Intermittent Output Poor Connection Check the loudspeaker cabling

has a good electrical connection
with amplifier outputs and
loudspeaker inputs. A bad
connection can increase
resistance which will substantially
reduce the output, or make
“cracking” noises which are
unrelated to signal content

If using multi-strand loudspeaker
cable, be sure no strands of
cable are causing short circuits
between the positive and
negative terminals of the
amplifier outputs and/or

loudspeaker inputs.
Poor Low Frequency
Output

“Out of phase” connection When two speakers are

connected “out of phase”, the low

frequencies will virtually be

cancelled out. Check the

connections at the

amplifier/speaker paying

attention to polarity. (see section

4).
Irregular sounds such as
buzzing and humming
emanating from the
loudspeaker

Poor system grounding

Faulty electronic device in
the signal chain

Check and correct system
grounding.

The speaker cannot generate
these sounds on its own. It is
most likely there is a fault with a
piece of electronic equipment in
the signal path.

13. I6 AW Service Parts & Accessories

Part Number Description

7900 0411 Driver Kit
7900 0412 Recone Kit
7900 0725 HF Diaphragm Kit
7300 0684 Crossover Kit - 1282
8000 0920 Yoke Bracket

14. Warranty

No maintenance of the i6 AW loudspeaker is necessary.
All Tannoy professional loudspeaker products are covered by a 5 year warranty from

the date of manufacture subject to the absence of misuse, overload or accidental
damage. Claims will not be considered is the serial number has been altered or
removed. Work under warranty should only be carried out by a Tannoy Professional
dealer or service agent. This warranty in no way affects your statutory rights. For
further information please contact your dealer or distributor in your country. If you
cannot locate your distributor please contact Customer Services, Tannoy Ltd at the
address given below.

Customer Services
Tannoy Ltd.
Rosehall Industrial Estate
Coatbridge

Strathclyde

ML5 4TF
Scotland
Telephone: [phone] (National)

[phone] (International)

Fax: [phone] (National)

[phone] (International)

E-Mail: [e-mail]

DO NOT SHIP ANY PRODUCT TO TANNOY WITHOUT PREVIOUS AUTHORISATION

Our policy commits us to incorporating improvements to our products through
continuous research and development. Please confirm current specifications for
critical applications with your supplier.

EASE Data for Tannoy Professional products available on request.

Declaration of Conformity

The following apparatus is/are manufactured in the United Kingdom by Tannoy Ltd of
Rosehall Industrial estate, Coatbridge, Scotland, ML5 4TF and conform(s) to the
protection requirements of the European Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
and Directives relevant to Domestic Electrical Equipment. The apparatus is designed
and constructed such that electromagnetic disturbances generated do not exceed
levels allowing radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to
operate as intended, and, the apparatus has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity
to electromagnetic disturbance to enable operation as specified and intended.

Details of the Apparatus: Tannoy Contractor Loudspeaker

Model Number: i6

Associated Technical File: EMCi6

Applicable Standards: EN 50081-1 Emission

EN 50082-1 Immunity

Signed:

Position: Technical Manager

Tannoy Professional

Date: 26 Apr. 99

Tannoy Loudspeakers are manufactured
in Great Britain by :

Tannoy Ltd, Rosehall Industrial Estate, Coatbridge,
Strathclyde, ML5 4TF, SCOTLAND
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Internet: http://www.tannoy.com

Tannoy North America Inc. 335 Gage Avenue, Suite 1, Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA, N2M 5E1
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Tannoy Nederland BV, Anthonetta Kuijistratt 19, 3066GS, Rotterdam THE NETHERLANDS
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Issue 1 Part No. 6481 0307

GH 19th April 1999