Martin Audio Wavefront W8CT, Application Manual

Page: 26 / 247

Use lower limiter settings (or more loudspeakers!) if your power amplifiers indicate
clipping on more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may also be caused by
cable faults or an inadequate mains supply. See
Section 1.6
The DX1 may be user-programmed to many more touring and fixed installation
configurations based on its 2 input + sum, 6 output matrix. This operation is best
completed by an audio technician who is familiar with DSP-based pro-audio.
(See separate DX1 Speaker Management System Operating User's Guide for details)
1.6 Power amplifier recommendations
Wavefront Compact Series loudspeaker systems have been designed and
manufactured for very high performance and arrayability. The systems are very easy
to use - particularly if power amplifier racks and controller settings are standardised
within a system.
Power capability
W8Cs will provide full performance when driven by professional power amplifiers
capable of delivering undistorted output power into a range of loads as follows:
W8C
250-300W(AES) into 8 ohms,
500-600W(AES) into 4 ohms
and
1,000-1,200W(AES) into 2 ohms.
Please note:
Amplifiers with inadequate headroom before clipping may age high frequency
components due to excessive signal density.
Amplifiers with excessive output may damage voice-coils or age driver suspensions
due to excessive heat dissipation and excursion.
A note about power amplifier output specifications
Most power amplifier manufacturers keep their costs down by using unregulated
supply rails which sag under load. To allow for this sag, manufacturers set their rails
high so that they still meet their quoted output into specified loads. These high rail
voltages allow such power amplifiers to provide outputs 1.5 - 2 times their quoted
power for short-term bursts. Martin Audio products will withstand this potential
doubling of instantaneous power -
with suitably set controller limiters - but further,
long-term increases caused by oversized amplifiers should be avoided.
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.