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4. Connecting AE22 Passive
5. Connecting AE22 Active
Connecting passive AE22s to an amplifier is fundamentally a simple process.
However, there are some choices to be made and issues to consider concerning
speaker cable type.
Passive AE22s are fitted with a pair of binding-post terminals and a parallel Neutrik®
Speakon® socket. The binding-post terminals can accept stripped wires, spade
connectors, or 4mm plugs. Each of these termination methods is potentially equally
effective and the choice is likely to be influenced by the type of speaker cable used.
The Speakon socket and plug provides enhanced security and reliability of
connection and is the preferred option. An appropriate plug is supplied within
the packaging. Speakon plugs are also widely available from audio and electronic
component distributors and retailers. Either 2-pole (NL2FC) or 4-pole (NL4FC) plugs
may be used.
Diagram Two
illustrates the assembly and connection of a 2-pole Speakon plug.
Remember to thread the cable through the
Rear Housing
and
Clamp Ring
before
connecting it to the terminals. Strip approximately 6mm of bare wire and connect
to the screw terminals within the Speakon. If 4-pole Speakon plugs are used
connect to the terminals labelled
+1
and
-1
. Once the speaker cable is connected
to the terminals, the plug can be reassembled. The
Clamp Ring
secures the cable as
the
Rear Housing
is tightened.
To connect the speakers simply push the Speakon plug into the socket and twist
the plug clock-wise to lock. Twist counter-clockwise and pull to disconnect.
Take care not to connect any negative and positive terminals together and “short-
circuit” the amplifier. Always make connections with the amplifier switched off.
Connection Polarity.
It is important to ensure that each speaker is connected with the same polarity.
Positive
speaker terminals should always be connected back to amplifier
positive
terminals, and
negative
speaker terminals connected back to amplifier
negative
terminals. Performance will be degraded if connections are made with incorrect
polarity.
Neutrik® and the names of Neutrik® products referenced herein are either trademarks and/or service marks of Neutrik®.
Diagram Two
Plug Body
Clamp Ring
Rear Housing
Connect
Positive
Connect
Negative
Cable Choice.
Choice of speaker cable type will be influenced by the
characteristics of other components in your monitoring
system and your dealer or distributor will be able to
advise. There are however some simple guidelines to
consider:
•
The external cable diameters compatible with
Speakon plugs are as follows:
NL2FC (2-pole): 4mm - 0mm, NL4FC (4-pole)
5mm - mm (white Clamp Ring), NL4FC (4 pole)
9.5mm - 5mm (black Clamp Ring).
•
Cable runs to each speaker should be kept as
short as possible consistent with each being of
equal length.
•
Short cable runs are especially important if the
cable is of relatively small cross-sectional-area.
•
If the cable is advertised as “directional” care
should be taken to ensure that its orientation is
as recommended.
Amplifiers
The AE22 is a medium sensitivity speaker that demands
a relatively powerful amplifier for adequate monitoring
volume levels to be achieved in an average studio
room. A minimum of 75 and maximum of 200 Watts
into 8 Ohms per channel is recommended. AE22s offer
a relatively easy load to the amplifier and do not make
unusually heavy demands on its current delivery.
No overload protection systems are fitted to the AE22
so it is possible to cause damage through over-driving.
Such damage can occur regardless of the power rating
of the driving amplifier and is not covered by any
warranty. If ever the sound at high volumes becomes
distorted your AE22s are at risk of damage. In such
circumstances the volume must be reduced.
