d&b audiotechnik A1 Mainframe F-Series User Manual Download Page 14

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2-4

A1 User Manual

Remote operation using the d&b Remote Interface

Bridge (RIB)

The d&b RIB is housed in a 1 RU high, 19 rack mount enclosure.

Combinations of 1 to 12 mainframes (A1 or P1200A) up to 500 m

away can be directly connected to a RIB I/O port by a twin wire

bi-directional serial link.
From the front panel of the RIB each mainframe can then be remo-

tely powered on and off and its power and error status monitored.

A group of mainframes can be switched directly by the RIB front

panel MASTER ON/OFF switch or remotely via a connection to an

opto-isolated input port on the rear panel of the RIB. Remote indi-

cation of the error status of a mainframe group can also be re-

layed by the RIB.

Computer/MIDI control

The RIB can be controlled by a computer (RS232, RS422 or MIDI in-

terface) running suitable control software or by a MIDI control de-

vice. Under computer control, the following remote control and dis-

play options become available:

Remote control

−

Power On/Off switching of mainframe

−

Level control from +0 to -63.5 dB in 0.5 dB steps.

−

MUTE switching

−

Configuration switching e.g. CUT, MON, etc.

Remote status information

−

Configuration switch status

−

Mute switch status

−

Level control setting

−

Front panel indicator status (ISP, GR, OVL etc.)

−

SPEAKER ID status

−

Protect status (DC protect, short circuit protect, thermal protect)

−

Heatsink temperature in °C

−

Available headroom (pre-limiter)

−

Gain reduction (due to limiter operation)

Summary of Contents for A1 Mainframe F-Series

Page 1: ...A1 Mainframe F Series M2 M1220 User Manual ...

Page 2: ...audiotechnik AG prior to inclusion in any addi tional documentation d b audiotechnik AG Eugen Adolff Strasse 134 D 71522 Backnang Telephone 49 7191 9669 0 Fax 49 7191 95 00 00 WARNING CAUTION IMPORTANT References in the manual This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which may lead to personal injury This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which may lead to damage to the equipment...

Page 3: ...connected plugs for all signal terminals INPUT INPUT LINK MONO OUT The following information is intended to prevent fires and possible electric shocks The mainframe is a protective class 1 unit Make sure that the earth ground contact is attached when the unit is in operation A missing earth ground contact may lead to dangerous voltages in the housing and controls To reduce the possibility of audib...

Page 4: ...revent accidents when deploying loudspeakers on the ground or when flown please take note of the following When setting up the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands make sure they are standing on a firm surface If you place several systems on top of one another use straps to secure them against movement Only use accessories which have been tested and approved by d b for assembly and mobile deployment...

Page 5: ...rising from operation other than those specified in this manual will be excluded from any warranty claims Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even if they are not connected or are not in use Therefore make sure when erecting and transporting loudspeakers that they are nowhere near equipment and objects which may be impaired or damaged by an external magnetic field Generally speaking a dis...

Page 6: ...T H HIGH OUT 1220 Configuration switches These switches depend on the type of loudspeaker They are described individually for each system in the section Loudspeakers Displays and controls of controller modules These elements are common to all modules They are described in the section Controller modules Displays and controls of mainframe These elements are described in the section A1 mainframe Outp...

Page 7: ... 4 Mainframe installation 2 7 2 5 Power consumption and power loss 2 8 2 6 Technical specifications 2 9 3 Controller modules 3 1 3 1 Features 3 1 3 2 Controls indicators 3 2 3 3 Module exchange and replacement 3 3 4 Loudspeaker systems 4 1 4 1 Connections 4 2 4 2 Data sheets for the loudspeakers 4 3 F1220 F1222 M1220 M2 F2 B1 SUB B2 SUB 5 System operation 5 1 5 1 Setting up stacking the loudspeake...

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Page 9: ...veloped a complete system concept incorporating the loudspeaker the loudspeaker specific control electronics the controller and the power amplifier Fundamental to the performance of the loudspeaker is the care taken in the development of individual components resulting in well controlled dispersion high efficiency and excellent dynamic response The controller creates the optimum mix of output leve...

Page 10: ... am plifier and a 350 W 4 Ohm high frequency amplifier In the case of the full range 1220 System a single A1 fitted with a 1220 con troller module can drive two 1220 cabinets With the higher output full range F2 System each F2 cabinet needs to be driven by its own A1 F2 controller module combination The full range systems can of course be supplemented with B1 or B2 subwoofers Each active subwoofer...

Page 11: ...irflow 2 1 2 SenseDrive The accuracy of a loudspeaker s signal reproduction both level and transient response is influenced by dynamic damping factor the ra tio of the load to source impedance Especially at low frequencies the impedance of a loudspeaker will va ry markedly with frequency This impedance variation will significantly affect the system response Whilst amplifier source impedance remain...

Page 12: ... these are independently monitored and separa tely switched However to alert the user connecting just one wrong cabinet will mute both output connectors 2 1 4 Fan A fan draws in air through a filter behind the rear panel air intake The fan speed is governed by the temperature of the output module heat sink and the momentary output level This arrangement ensures a minimum of fan noise since the fan...

Page 13: ...mainframe and allows several mainframes connected to the same mains supply circuit to be switched on together without temporarily overloading the supply circuit and causing a breaker to trip The inrush current at switch on is limited to 5 A 230 V version Note that repeatedly and rapidly switching a mainframe on and off will overheat and stress the inrush current limiter circuit a rear panel fuse p...

Page 14: ...te indi cation of the error status of a mainframe group can also be re layed by the RIB Computer MIDI control The RIB can be controlled by a computer RS232 RS422 or MIDI in terface running suitable control software or by a MIDI control de vice Under computer control the following remote control and dis play options become available Remote control Power On Off switching of mainframe Level control f...

Page 15: ...s An external fault has switched off the affected power amplifier channel Typical faults producing this indication are shorted speaker cables or a load impedance which is too low for the amplifier to drive Once the cause of the fault has been identified and removed either muting and un muting the controller module or powering the mainframe off and on again will reset the mainframe fault protection...

Page 16: ...The input balancing transformer gives electrical isolation between the source output e g mixing console and controller inputs and therefore prevents ground loops A 22 kohms coupling resistor prevents electrostatic loading of the mainframe REMOTE CONTROL The A1 is fitted with a two wire serial remote control interface The 3 pin female DIN remote control connector is located on the left of the A1 re...

Page 17: ...he mounting holes provided on the mainframe rear mounted rack ears do not just rely on fixing and supporting mainframes by their front panels This advice is particularly important if mainframes are being racked up for touring use Since the P1200A power amplifiers can generate a lot of heat please ensure whatever the mounting or racking arrangement that adequate cool airflow is provided to avoid a ...

Page 18: ...ed from the mains supply and the waste heat produced by the amplifiers power loss are variable figures depending on the load impedance and the signal levels and characteristics e g speech music In practice the theoretical peak power consumption of a system will only be sustained for a short period of time Basing mains current and air conditioning plant requirements on the peak power consumption of...

Page 19: ...load Crosstalk 55 dBr Protection circuits Mains inrush current limiter 5 A Switch on delay 2 s Overvoltage DC output overtemperature and short circuits INPUT XLR 3 pin female Input impedance 44 kohms electronically or transformer balanced optional INPUT LINK XLR 3 pin male parallel to input C4 OUT B2 CO only XLR 3 pin male balanced output load impedance 600 ohms OUTPUT 8 pin CA COM male Pin assign...

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Page 21: ...lps to maintain a linear low frequency response while protecting the loudspeakers from extreme sub bass signals Subwoofer crossover filters The controller modules for the subwoofer systems incorporate a lowpass filter as an active crossover to a full range TOP system Conversely the full range systems have a switchable highpass filter for use with an additional subwoofer system Thermal limiter An i...

Page 22: ...ignal too high On Illuminates when the controller limiters reduce gain by more than 12 dB input signal too high On Illuminates when the amplifier gain is reduced because the output current is too high e g perhaps due to a cable or connector short circuit GR HI LO Gain Reduction yellow On Illuminates when the controller limiters for the channel indicated reduce gain by more than 3 dB ID SPEAKER ID ...

Page 23: ... resonances may occur and even absorption of low frequency sound energy as the undamped loudspeakers act like a bass trap To permanently mute single cabinets of an array it is therefore preferable to turn down or disconnect the input signal of the corresponding controllers instead of using the MUTE switch When the mainframe is connected to the d b remote control system d b RIB and PC it is possibl...

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Page 25: ... using the controller can maximum loudspeaker performance be achieved Ignoring these basic requirements can adversely influence sound quality and risk damage to the loudspeakers Without the correct thermal and LF displacement limiters in operation LF drivers are particularly susceptible to damage Please note that driving an active series loudspeaker cabinet with out a suitable controller will void...

Page 26: ...4 2 A1 User Manual ...

Page 27: ...information about the loudspeakers and operation with their respective A1 controller settings The following data sheets are a compilation of the individual data sheets for the d b loudspeakers Please note that the version number for the individual data sheets shown as a footnote on the respective pages can differ from the version number of this manual F1220 F1222 M1220 M2 F2 B1 SUB B2 SUB ...

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Page 29: ...220 is recommended for applications where high quality sound reinforcement particularly of speech and vocals is a critical requirement The neutral reproduction suberb transient response and precise imaging of the 1220 system stems from the use of very low distortion drivers The system is able to cleanly reproduce high level programs and when used with active subwoofers forms a formidable front of ...

Page 30: ...and 3 kHz The CUT and LFC switches will still function whatever the setting of the MON switch The MON switch should not be selected when driving F1220 cabinets LFC switch and indicator LFC stands for low frequency correction With the LFC switch selected bass level boost is applied to compensate for the LF loss encountered when cabinets are deployed in full space flown or stand mounted The LFC swit...

Page 31: ... diagram Dispersion characteristics The diagrams below show dispersion angle vs frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure isobars at 6 dB and 12 dB The nominal 60 horizontal dispersion is maintained from 17 kHz down to 2 kHz ...

Page 32: ...o 16 kHz Max sound pressure 1 m 134 dB SPLmax peak test signal pink noise with crest factor 4 Input level for max sound pressure 15 dBu Input level for 100 dB SPL 1 m 13 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF HF F1220 loudspeaker Nominal impedance LOW HIGH 8 16 ohms Power handling capacity LOW RMS peak 10 ms 300 1200 W Power handling capacity HIGH RMS peak 10 ms 50 200 W Nominal dispersio...

Page 33: ...f speech and vocals is a critical requirement The neutral reproduction suberb transient response and precise imaging of the 1222 system stems from the use of very low distortion drivers The system is able to cleanly reproduce high level programs and when used with active subwoofers forms a formidable front of house system Angled rear side panels allow a pair of F1222 cabinets to be placed side by ...

Page 34: ...e 1220 switch configures the controller module to drive F1220 loudspeakers This setting is identical to the basic setting of the 1220 controller module HI level control The HI level control has a 3 dB range and cuts or boosts HF response above 1 kHz For a linear frequency response the HI level control should be set to its 0 dB position Recommended subwoofer level control settings With the 1222 CO ...

Page 35: ...F1222 Data Sheet F1222 F1222 60 x40 isobar diagrams Dispersion characteristics The diagrams below show dispersion angle vs frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure isobars at 6 dB and 12 dB ...

Page 36: ... 16 kHz Max sound pressure 1 m 134 dB SPLmax peak test signal pink noise with crest factor 4 Input level for max sound pressure 18 dBu Input level for 100 dB SPL 1 m 13 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF HF F1222 loudspeaker Nominal impedance LOW HIGH 8 16 ohms Power handling capacity LOW RMS peak 10 ms 300 1200 W Power handling capacity HIGH RMS peak 10 ms 50 200 W Nominal dispersion...

Page 37: ... use of low distortion drivers ensures neutral reproduction suberb transient response and precise imaging A pair of M1220 cabinets side by side with angled side panels together forms an 80 horizontal coverage stage monitor array M1220 cabinets can also be used as flown delays or as a centre cluster when flown because of the position of the flying tracks the cabinets are suspended upside down An ex...

Page 38: ... SUB active subwoofer systems MON switch and indicator With the MON switch selected the controller module is configured to drive the M1220 stage monitor The MON setting introduces a 1 5 dB lift between 500 Hz and 3 kHz The CUT and LFC switches function whatever the setting of the MON switch The MON switch should not be selected when driving the F1220 LFC switch and indicator LFC stands for low fre...

Page 39: ...loor coupling 60 Hz to 16 kHz Max sound pressure 1 m 134 dB SPLmax peak test signal pink noise with crest factor 4 Input level for max sound pressure 15 dBu Input level for 100 dB SPL 1 m 13 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF HF M1220 stage monitor Nominal impedance LOW HIGH 8 16 ohms Power handling capacity LOW RMS peak 10 ms 300 1200 W Power handling capacity HIGH RMS peak 10 ms 50 ...

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Page 41: ... from one A1 mainframe The M2 cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish The cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill backed with an acoustically transparent foam Two fittings which accept Ball lock shackle pins are located on both sides of the cabinet allowing quick and flexible rigging Fitted on the rear panel are two CA COM connectors allowing linking...

Page 42: ...systems low end for operation without floor coupling e g flown Indicators These indicators give a three stage indication of the M2 Controller signal levels ISP Input Signal Present green illuminates when the signal presented to the controller input exceeds a 36 dBu threshold value The ISP circuit is unaffected by the setting of the controller mute switch and level control GR Gain Reduction yellow ...

Page 43: ...sobar diagram vertical Dispersion characteristics The diagram below shows dispersion angle v frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure isobars at 6 dB and 12 dB The nominal 45 horizontal dispersion angle is maintained from 800 Hz to 10 kHz ...

Page 44: ...on axis Technical specifications M2 system data Frequency response 5 dB free field 56 Hz 17 kHz Frequency response 5 dB floor coupling 50 Hz 17 kHz Max sound pressure level 1 m free field 143 dB SPLmax peak pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4 Input level SPLmax 18 dBu Input level 100 dB SPL 1 m 26 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF HF M2 loudspeaker Nominal impedance LOW HIG...

Page 45: ...tchet strap guides and countersunk M10 threaded inserts for attaching safeties and additional rigging With a frequency response extending from 80 Hz to over 16 kHz the F2 system can be used on its own for speech and vocal reinforcement Adding active subwoofers B2 SUB or C4 SUBs extends the capability of the F2 system to high level music reinforcement The relatively narrow dispersion and concentrat...

Page 46: ...itch and indicator With the CUT switch selected the frequency and phase response of F2 loudspeakers is modified for operation with d b B1 SUB B2 SUB C4 SUB or E18 SUB active subwoofer systems HI level control The HI level control has a 0 to 6 dB range and cuts the HF response above 1 kHz For distances beyond 20 m the control should be set to its 0 dB position For close coverage below 20 m a better...

Page 47: ...for max sound pressure 11 dBu Input level for 100 dB SPL 1 m 22 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF HF F2 loudspeaker Nominal impedance LOW HIGH 4 16 ohms Power handling capacity LOW RMS peak 10 ms 500 2000 W Power handling capacity HIGH RMS peak 10 ms 50 200 W Nominal dispersion angle hor x vert 60 x 40 Connection 8 pin CA COM female Pin assignments printed on the controller module re...

Page 48: ......

Page 49: ...stem subwoofer For a well balanced sound at full output two B1 SUBs to each F2 should be used The dimensions shape and the fittings used on the B1 SUB cabinet match those of the F2 cabinet making it particularly easy to deploy a mixed F2 B1 system stacked or flown B1 CO Controls indicators Since the B1 CO controller module is not fitted with any special controls or configuration switches its stand...

Page 50: ...B1 SUB cabinet dimensions in mm inch d b audiotechnik AG Eugen Adolff Str 134 D 71522 Backnang Germany Phone 49 7191 9669 0 Fax 49 7191 95 00 00 ...

Page 51: ...vel of 139 dB SPL The B2 system is therefore ideal for use with the F2 system to provide high SPL coverage in large venues B2 CO Controls indicators INFRA switch and indicator A single configuration switch INFRA is located on the top left of the module front panel A yellow LED next to the switch illuminates when it is selected Selecting the INFRA switch restricts the B2 fre quency response to a na...

Page 52: ...ontrollers set to the same level the low frequency limit of the combined system is 37 Hz 5 dB With fewer than four C4 SUBs per B2 cabinet the headroom of the C4 system can be increased by altering the crossover point be tween the two bass systems simply by driving the C4 SUB systems from the C4 OUTPUT provided on the rear panel of the B2 CO controller The B2 CO controller C4 OUT socket provides a ...

Page 53: ...ax sound pressure 1 m full space 139 dB 136 dB SPLmax peak test signal pink noise with crest factor 4 Input level for max sound pressure 16 dBu 14 dBu Input level for 100 dB SPL 1 m 20 dBu 19 dBu Polarity to controller INPUT XLR pin 2 3 LF B2 SUB subwoofer Nominal impedance 4 ohms Power handling capacity RMS peak 10 ms 600 2400 W Connection 8 pin CA COM female Pin assignments printed on the contro...

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Page 55: ...ll and ceiling of a room increasing the reverberant component of the sound in the room In the worst ca se bad speaker aiming can create a highly audible slap echo from the rear wall of the room slightly tilting the loudspeaker cabinets down towards the audience can reduce and alleviate this problem 5 1 2 Arraying mid high cabinets With more than one loudspeaker source in a room comb filter ef fect...

Page 56: ... the type and operating principles of the subwoofer systems the basic relationships of coverage and array directivity at bass frequencies apply Vertical subwoofer arrays have better bass throw The increa sed vertical directivity of such arrays dissipates less energy in the vertical plane Wide subwoofer arrays with their greater horizontal directivity are more effective when trying to achieve a mor...

Page 57: ...iver Therefore the length of cable run between mainframe and loudspeaker should be kept as short as possible particulary when the full output capability of the sy stem is needed If in an installation very long cable runs are unavoidable a con ductor size greater than 2 5 mm2 may be needed to reduce power loss and to achieve an acceptable damping factor the ratio of the load impedance to the cable ...

Page 58: ...nd produce a deterioration in overall sound quality If to achieve a better balance a severe correction is neccessary it s much better to use an external equaliser in the signal path be fore both the full range and subwoofer systems so that the level correction is applied equally to both systems This allows the fre quency response of the whole system to be tailored to the acoustic environment witho...

Page 59: ... in try again ISP LED on C O M m uted C A C O M s fitted correctly PRO T LED on check signal w iring and signal source release M U TE sw itch w orks w ith other speaker cable w orks w ith other box cable failure speaker failure possibility of A 1 failure correct box connected w ire correctly press and release M U TE sw itch if still not o k turn PO W ER sw itch off w ait 2 m in turn PO W ER sw itc...

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Page 61: ...8 A1 Controller Module Exchange D5208 E TI 212 A1 P1200A Simple Remote Control Circuits D5212 E TI 302 MC1220 cable wiring with F systems D5302 INT TI 303 MC1220 cable wiring with B1 SUB D5303 INT TI 304 SOCAPEX CA COM adapter wiring D5304 INT TI 323 C4 System configurations D5323 E Rigging Accessories Manual D2905 E d b polar data disk for CADP2 D7501 000 d b polar data disk for EASE 2 x D7502 00...

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Page 63: ...tion requirements stipulated in Directive 90 336 EEC of the Council of the European Communities for harmonisation of the statutory regulations of the Member States governing Electromagnetic Compati bility The products also meet the provisions of the Law concerning the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Elec trical Appliances EMCA of 9 November 1992 as well as the First Amending Statute of the Law co...

Page 64: ...ucts conform to the protection requirements stipulated in Directive 90 336 EEC of the Council of the European Communities for harmonisation of the statutory regulations of the Member States governing electromagnetic compati bility The products also meet the provisions of the Law concerning the Electromagnetic Compatibility of Elec trical Appliances EMCA of 9 November 1992 as well as the First Amen...

Page 65: ...to d b audiotechnik AG Eugen Adolff Straße 134 D 71522 Backnang Germany Fax 49 7191 95 00 00 My address Please send me the following information Title Number I think the manual is informative I think the manual is well laid out Suggestions for improvements or comments on the manual and products ...

Page 66: ...d b audiotechnik AG Eugen Adolff Str 134 D 71522 Backnang Germany Phone 49 7191 9669 0 Fax 49 7191 95 00 00 ...

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