i7 Contour & i7T Contour
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.i7 Contour Recommended Service Parts & Accessories
14.Warranty
15.Declaration of Conformity
1. Introduction
Introducing the Tannoy i7 Contour infinite baffle installation loudspeaker, designed for
use in applications requiring high quality music and speech where wide, yet controlled,
coverage is needed.
The i7 Contour comprises four 4-inch (mm) low frequency (LF) drivers and one high
frequency (HF) unit. The LF and HF sources are placed in an array, resulting in a wide
horizontal dispersion and narrow vertical dispersion. These are combined with a smooth
uniform frequency response and excellent acoustic impedance characteristics.
With its slim-line cabinet the i7 Contour’s shallow profile allows discreet vertical or
horizontal mounting close to a wall or ceiling and is available in dark grey or white to
effectively blend into most backgrounds. Utilisation of the dispersion characteristics
(110°×70°) of the loudspeaker allows the i7 Contour to be used in highly reverberant
environments, by directing the sound into the desired space whilst minimising
reflections from adjacent walls or ceilings. An optional mounting bracket ensures simple
and effective installation.
Also available with a built in THP 60 low insertion loss transformer the i7T Contour
provides a more dynamic performance with greater bandwidth than other 70/100V line
systems.
For applications requiring extended low frequency enhancement, a range of Tannoy
sub-bass systems are available and can be used in conjunction with the i7 Contour.
2. Unpacking
Every Tannoy i7 Contour 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 i7 Contour has two screw terminals for connection to the amplifier, these are goldplated 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 mm2 (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
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
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 that 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 units 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
drivers 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 (i7T Contour)
Determine the maximum power in watts needed at each speaker location. The i7
Contour transformer can be tapped at 15W, 30W & 60W (left to right positions
respectively) via the rotary switch located on the rear of the loudspeaker cabinet. 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 15-watt transformer tap, it means that at full
rated amplifier output the speaker will receive the full 15 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 i7 Contour 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.
8. Dimensions
NOTE: The installation of this product must
building codes and standards. If necessary
The i7 Contour can be wall or ceiling mounted using the MB7 (optional) bracket (fig 1.)
which is designed to rotate about its axis. The MB7 is supplied with M6 bolts for fixing to
the loudspeaker. After fixing the bracket to the wall or ceiling, position the cabinet at the
required angle as shown (fig. 2) and tighten the M6 bolts to fix the loudspeaker into
position.
The loudspeaker can be mounted either horizontally or vertically using the MB7 bracket
(fig. 2. ).
9. Hardware
Figure 1
Figure 2
be carried out in conformity with local
consult your local safety standards officer
before installing any product. A lternatively,
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
Frequency Response
Impedance
OCTAVE BAND POLAR
CHARACTERISTICS
11. Technical Specifications
Frequency response (1) +3/- 6dB 90Hz - 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 89dB 92dB (half space)
Maximum SPL (3) Average Peak Average (half space) Peak (half space)
@ 1m 108dB 114dB 111dB 117dB
Maximum SPL (3) With THP60 Transformer Average Peak Average (half space) Peak (half space)
@ 1m 106 dB 112dB 109dB 115dB
Impedance Nominal 8 Ω
Nominal Dispersion 70° Vertical
Voltage tap ratings for 100V-line Position Watts Ω
transformer version Left 15 677
Transformer (i7T Contour) Insertion loss 0.9 dB
Driver Complement 1 × 1” Neodinium HF unit
Crossover Point 1.8, 2.5 kHz
Enclosure 7 litres
Finish Dark grey or White
Protective Grille Perforated Stainless Steel
Connectors 2 × 4mm binding posts
Fittings 2 × M6 inserts for MB7 Bracket
Dimensions 560mm (H) × 130mm (W) × 146mm (D)
Weight 8.1kg (17.86 lbs.)
Shipping Dimensions 650mm (H) × 210mm (W) × 220mm (D)
25.61” (H) × 8.27” (W) × 8.67” (D)
Shipping Weight 9kg (19.84 lbs.)
NOTES: (1) Average over stated bandwidth. Measured at 1m on axis, in an anechoic chamber.
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.
Minimum 6.2 Ω
110° Horizontal
Middle 30 333
Right 60 166
Primary Taps 60, 30, 15 Watt
Voltage Taps 100, 70, 25 Volts
4 × 4” LF drivers
22.06” (H) × 5.12” (W) × 5.75” (D)
(2) Long term power handling capacity as defined in EIA standard RS - 426A.
(3) Unweighted pink noise input, measured at 1m
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. i7 Contour & i7T Contour Service Parts & Accessories
Part Number Description
3121 0039 LF Driver Unit
3121 0062 HF Driver Unit
7300 0705 Crossover Kit - 1295 (for i7 Contour)
7300 0711 Crossover Kit - 1296 (for i7T Contour)
8001 1120 MB7 Bracket - Black
8001 1130 MB7 Bracket - White
14. Warranty
No maintenance of the i7 Contour 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 if 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
Professional Division
Tannoy Ltd.
Coatbridge
Scotland
ML5 4TF
Telephone: 01236 420199 (National)
+44 1236 420199 (International)
Fax: 01236 428230 (National)
+44 1236 428230 (International)
E-Mail: prosales@tannoy.com
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 reques t and from Tannoy’s
web site: http://www.tannoy.com
15. 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: Model Number: i7 Contour
Associated Technical File: EMCi7
Applicable Standards: EN 50081-1 Emission
EN 50082-1 Immunity
Signed:
Position: Electro-acoustics Development Engineer
Tannoy Professional
Date: 24 Aug. 99
For Tannoy Ltd
Tannoy Loudspeakers are manufactured
in Great Britain by :
Coatbridge, Scotland. ML5 4TF.
Telephone: +44 (0)1236 420199 Fax: +44 (0)1236 428230
Tannoy Ltd,
Internet:http://www.tannoy.com
TGI/Tannoy, 300 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA, N2M 2C8
Tannoy Nederland BV, Anthonetta Kuijistratt 19, 3066GS, Rotterdam THE NETHERLANDS
Telephone: (519) 745 1158 Fax: (519) 745 2364
Telephone: (015) 2124034 Fax: (015) 2125213
Tannoy is a member of the Group of Companies Issue 1 Part No. 6481 0307
th
ML 24
August 1999
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