SPL 30 Owner's Manual v 1.1 ©2004 ARX®
SPL 30 Owner's Manual v 1.1 ©2004 ARX®
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Introduction
Thank you for choosing this ARX SPL 30 Integrated Self-Powered Loudspeaker system.
We hope you enjoy using it as much as we enjoyed creating it. As with all ARX equip-
ment, it has undergone precise factory calibration, testing and ‘burn in’ before shipping.
To ensure continued trouble free use, please familiarise yourself with the contents of
this owner’s manual before using your SPL 30 system.
About the SPL 30
The SPL 30 represents a major change in the way we think of a speaker system. Its
three internal amplifiers are fully integrated with the speaker combination to create a
totally transparent, powerful and efficient ‘building block’ audio module with well defined
coverage parameters.
Low frequencies are handled by a 15” (380mm) driver, Mid frequencies by a horn
loaded 8” (200mm) driver, and High frequencies by a
FerroCooled*
2” throat
compression driver mounted on our new 60° x 40° consistent beamwidth horn flare. The
cabinet is built throughout from premium grade void free plywood, with a heavy duty
steel mesh protective grille, and is painted in multiple textured coats of catalysed
polyurethane.
Reinforced mounting plates and flying hardware are already factory fitted as standard.
Inside Information
The amplifier design inside the SPL 30 uses existing proven analog amplifier technology
for predictable operation in all professional applications.
Its transformer based power supply and Mosfet drive circuitry both enable a reduced
parts count for long term reliability. Plus, with their inherent self regulation, Mosfets are
accepted as being the most thermally reliable and predictable amplifier output stage
available.
Benefits
The acoustic and practical benefits of this amplifier/speaker combination are many:
• Improved speaker response. The close-coupled design delivers greater actual power
at the speaker and improves the damping factor. Frequency response is optimised
and phase response is idealised with no potential for mis-adjustment
• Thermal reliability. Thanks to our unique heat exchange/cooling design, the harder
the system is driven, the more efficiently the heat exchanger operates.
• There is no power loss caused by long runs of loudspeaker cable which can typically
be 30 metres (100’) or more. All the amplifier power is delivered to the speaker.
• An elegant all in one solution - amp, processor, speaker are combined in the one
cabinet. There are no amp racks to store and cool, no heavy speaker cabling to run.
• Reduced number of connections contributes to inherent low noise, and greatly
reduces the possibility of ground loops.
To sum up, the SPL series successfully combines state of the art design with practical,
proven technology to deliver an integrated speaker/amplifier solution with all the
dynamic impact and transparent audio that today’s audiences expect.
Other Features
• Locking AC power connectors. By using the Neutrik PowerCon design, the power
connector locks to the cabinet, avoiding the problem of a normal IEC connector
vibrating loose during a performance. This can be a nuisance when the system is
ground stacked, and a
real
problem when the system is flown!
• Noiseless turn on/turn off.
As well, an extra auxiliary AC power output is fitted as standard, so that systems can be
powered in a serial/daisy chain layout rather than radially from a central point, thus
reducing the cabling required. Maximum number of cabinets powered in this was will be
dependent on your AC power setup
At ARX we have designed the SPL series to be a true ‘building block‘ audio system.
• It is truly cost effective, with no need for speaker cabling, extra amplifiers or amp
racks.
• Ease of installation - simply connect AC power and a signal.
• The modular concept means total flexibility, with system inventory kept at the most
efficient level. To increase or decrease the size of the system, simply add or remove
cabinets as required.
CoolPort
TM
Technology
When designing the SPL 30, we paid extremely close attention to cooling. An analysis of
existing self powered speaker systems revealed that the majority use an external
heatsink on the rear of the cabinet. Testing showed that even under relatively mild use,
the heatsinks reached temperatures that caused some concern.
In an ideal world situation where the cabinet would be free standing, with a large enough
air space all around to allow free air thermo convection, this would probably be
acceptable. But in the real world speakers are often installed or mounted up against a
wall, or worse but extremely common - a wall and ceiling. This leaves the air no room to
circulate, and causes the heatsink to heat up to an unacceptable level.
Our solution was simple.
Since the front of a speaker cabinet is always exposed to free air, we thought - why not
mount the heatsink at the front? And while we’re at it, let’s use the considerable air
movement generated by the speaker cone movement to actively circulate air across and
through this heatsink.
We call this
CoolPort
technology
The air circulates across all heat producing surfaces, including the power supply and
toroidal transformer, and through the surface area of the heatsink. This ensures that the
drivers receive all the power they need, at all times, without the risk of exposed high
temperature components.
