Tannoy T12, I12 User Manual

T12 & i12

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. T12 & i12 Recommended Service Parts & Accessories

13. Warranty

14. Wall Mounting Bracket - Assembly Instructions

15. Declaration of Conformity

1. Introduction

The Tannoy T12 and i12 professional loudspeakers have 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 T12 and i12 comprises one 12 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.

The T12 features a recessed carrying handle, stand mount and a rugged, multiple-ply hardwood
cabinet with structural integrity 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.
The T12 can also be used as a low profile stage monitor. Its conical coverage pattern gives the
performer greater freedom of movement than allowed by conventional horn loaded designs.

While delivering the same performance as the T12 and utilising the same transducer and high
power, low-loss crossover components the i12 is designed for fixed installations. Featuring the
same flying system as the T12 the i12 is constructed from medium density fibreboard (MDF), for a
high level of acoustic damping.

For applications requiring extended low frequency enhancement, a range of Tannoy sub-bass
systems are available and can be used in conjunction with the T12 and i12.

2. Unpacking

Every Tannoy T12 and i12 product 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 loud speaker again requires packing and shipping. In the
event that damage has been sustained in transit notify your dealer immediately.

3. Connectors/Cabling

T12 and i12 are 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 the T12 and i12 products :-

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 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.