EAW N T L 7 2 0, Owner'S Manual

Page: 10 / 36

4 OVERVIEW
4 . 1 I n t r o d u c t i o n
The NTL720 loudspeaker is intended for professional use. The construction, components, and
hardware have been designed to provide robust, reliable performance for its intended application.
Please ensure that you fully understand proper installation and operation before use.
4 . 2 D e s c r i p t i o n
The NTL720 is a compact format line array system that represents true breakthrough technology for
arrayable loudspeakers. NTL720 arrays are intended for listener distances up to about 150 ft / 46 m and
where vertical pattern control is a primary concern. NTL720 arrays can be configured for a wide range of
vertical patterns by varying the quantity of loudspeakers in and curvature of the array. The NTL720 Array
Wizard automatically produces an array design to fit the particular, user-entered audience dimensions.
The lightweight and revolutionary rigging design facilitates assembling and deploying arrays.
A major design innovation is the use of EAW’s new DSP (digital signal processing) technology
Gunness Focusing™, named after its inventor David Gunness. Gunness Focusing corrects physical
anomalies inherent to compression driver phase plugs, horns and LF driver cone behaviors, as well as
other sources of phase non-linearities within and between elements of the array. The result is sound
being projected to listeners literally in sharp focus throughout the nominal horizontal and vertical
patterns. Gunness Focusing improves consistency across the vertical pattern and provides the uniform
horizontal performance from a line array that is normally associated only with single loudspeakers.
Gunness Focusing, along with the highest quality amplification, affords sonic performance
comparable to the highest quality, direct radiating, studio monitors but at much higher output levels
and with a well-defined projection pattern.
NTL720 loudspeakers are designed to meet the requirements and demands of portable applications.
While physically configured for temporary installation, arrays can be permanently installed. The
integral electronics are based on proven, high-efficiency amplifier technology, with field-replaceable
amplifier modules. The loudspeakers need to be connected to an AC mains supply and a line-level
audio signal. The internal Gunness Focusing DSP is factory preset to provide correct and consistent
performance in terms of array directionality, phase linearity, subsystem operating ranges, and
maximum output limiting.
The NTL720s are computer-controlled using the EAWPilot software that provides the user with
standard DSP filter and delay functions for adjusting the overall array for the particular venue, program
content, or personal taste in the voicing.
NTL720s are normally connected to the computer as a complete array. This is done by connecting the
computer to one NTL720 via its USB port, or via the U-Net connection on an EAW UX8800 processor.
The other NTL720s are connected to this one and each other using EAW’s U-Net network. The
NTL720 connected to the computer (or UX8800) functions as a gateway to the U-Net network allowing
EAWPilot to control individual elements within the array and the entire array as a whole.
While a single NTL720 may be a functional loudspeaker, it is properly characterized as an array
module. As such it is engineered to be used in arrays of at least four NTL720s in order to achieve the
designed performance for most applications.
NTL720s are designed so they can be easily replaced even when suspended in an array. The rigging
hardware consists of two assemblies, each fastened to one side of the NTL720 enclosure with four
panel screws. The screws can be released from each side, completely detaching the loudspeaker
enclosure from the rigging. In this way, an NTL720 enclosure can be removed from the front of an array
and replaced with another NTL720 without lowering the array or altering its structural integrity.
Page
4