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.

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 or 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 active crossover is being used with
multiple cabinets, it is therefore recommended that the same amplifiers are used throughout.

6. Crossovers

The T12 and i12 are supplied as standard for passive operation via the internal crossover network.
If higher peak outputs are required then both models can be used in conjunction with the Tannoy
TX2 controller/crossover which provides high pass filtering and a degree of parametric
equalisation (see performance data section), as well as a fixed crossover point for use with sub­bass loudspeakers.

7. Equalisation

The T12 and i12 loudspeakers are designed to need no equalisation or correction to overcome
system limitations. As a result, they 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. T12 and i12 loudspeakers are point source, phase coherent designs and violent
equalisation will be detrimental to the overall sound quality.

7. Dimensions

8. Performance Data

11. Technical Specifications

Tannoy operate a policy of continuous research and development. The introduction of new materials or manufacturing methods will always equal or exceed the

Frequency response (1) +/- 3dB 70Hz - 25kHz

Recommended Amplifier Power 200 - 400 watt / 8 ohm
Power Handling Average(2) Programme Peak (10ms)

Sensitivity (1)

2.83 volt @ 1m 97 dB
Maximum SPL (3) Average Peak

@ 1m 120 dB 126 dB

Impedance Nominal 8.0 ohm

DI Averaged (PCQ) 8.3, 250 Hz - 16 kHz

@ 1kHz (ISO) 7.1
@ 2kHz (ISO) 9.3
@ 4kHz (ISO) 10.1
@ 8kHz (ISO) 12.6
@ 16kHz (ISO) 14.2

Q Averaged (PCQ) 9.5, 250 Hz - 16 kHz

@ 1kHz (ISO) 5.1
@ 2kHz (ISO) 8.5
@ 4kHz (ISO) 10.2
@ 8kHz (ISO) 18.2
@ 16kHz (ISO) 26.3

Distortion

0.1 Full Power 2nd Harmonic 3rd Harmonic
250 Hz 0.17% 0.14%
1000 Hz 1.00% 1.25%
10000 Hz 1.78% 0.04%

0.01 Full Power 2nd Harmonic 3rd Harmonic
250 Hz 0.08% 0.06%
1000 Hz 0.32% 0.89%
10000 Hz 0.56% 0.01%

45Hz - 25kHz (with Tx2 controller)

200 watt 400 watt 800 watt

Minimum 6.1 ohm

Driver Complement 1 x 12” (300mm) Constant Directivity Dual Concentric

Crossover Point Passive 1.5 kHz

Enclosure 38.7 litre vented, 15mm birch plywood (T12), MDF (i12)
Finish Textured black\grey paint
Protective Grille Perforated steel, black with 58% free air flow
Connectors 2 x Speakon NL4MPR IN/OUT
Fittings T12: 1 x Recessed carrying handle

Dimensions 486mm(H) x 370mm(W) x 385mm(D)

Weight 20 Kg (44 lbs)
NOTES: (1) Average over stated bandwidth. Measured at 1m on axis, in an anechoic chamber.

published specifications which Tannoy reserve the right to alter without prior notice.
Please verify the latest specifications when dealing with critical applications.

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

Type number 3142

2nd order high pass, 2nd order low pass
Halogen HF protection

T12: 1 x 35mm pole mounting socket
T12/i12: 8 x M8 flying inserts & 1x M8 pullback point

19.13ins(H) x 14.57ins(W) x 15.15ins(D)

12. T12 & i12 Service Parts & Accessories

Part Number Description

7900 0433 Driver Kit - 3142
7900 0441 Recone Kit - 3142
7900 0199 HF Diaphragm Kit
7300 0158 Crossover Kit - 1206
7900 0442 Paint - Touch up Black-Grey
8000 0644 Padded Protective Transit Cover (T12)
8000 0647 Flying Kit ( 3 x M8 Eyebolts )
8000 0648 Wall Mounting Bracket
8000 0630 Tannoy TX2 Active System Controller

13. Warranty

No maintenance of the T12 and i12 loudspeakers 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.

14. Wall Mounting Bracket - Assembly Instructions

A dedicated wall mounting bracket (Part No. 8000 0648) is available for the T12 & i12.The design
of the bracket allows the loudspeaker to mounted either in portrait or landscape orientation:-

Landscape mounting - Remove two of the original M8 countersunk screws on one side of the
cabinet, place the T- Bar in position and fix in place using the two cap- head bolts which are
included along with the bracket hardware, remembering to use the washers and locking washers
which are also provided. Assemble the bracket as shown on the diagram below. It is imperative
that the bracket is fixed soundly to the wall. Be sure to use the correct fixings (e.g. Rawbolt,
Rawplug) according to the wall type.

Portrait mounting - Using a hacksaw, cut along the indents on the T-bar. Carry out the above
instructions, removing two of the original M8 countersunk screws on top of the cabinet.

Exploded View of Bracket

Assembled View of Bracket

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: T12/i12
Associated Technical File: EMCT12/i12
Applicable Standards: EN 50081-1 Emission

EN 50082-1 Immunity
Signed:

Position: Technical Manager

Tannoy Professional
Date: 16

th

July 1998

For Tannoy Ltd

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 Kuijlstraat 19, 3066 GS, Rotterdam THE NETHERLANDS
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Issue 3 Part No. 6481 0266

GH 14th April 1997