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6.8  BEAMENGINE – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  If I’m adjusting Master Beta, what LF driver utilization compromises do I suffer in adjusting to less than “1”? 

 

A.

 

Master multiplication factor to apply to regularization factors beta given in global A.wf(woofer) and A.tw(tweeter).    

 

Normally masterbeta = 1, but it can be reduced to 0.1, trading some SPL for sharper directivity at the lower end of  

 

each sub-array’s (tweeter or woofer) working range. The default settings will be fine in almost all applications.

Q.  Why do some SPL plots of different surfaces further into the room start from the X=0 position?
A.  The SPL-curves report the sound pressure along the venue items. For curves of ceiling venue items (pointing 

 

 

downwards) it does not make sense to position these along the x-axis, so all ceiling items start at x=0.

Q.  I noticed that I can skew the coverage pattern of the array by putting in differing SPL values for any SPL surfaces.   

 

Any caveats in doing so? I’m just trying to steer a bit more energy onto the balcony front where the sound booth 

 

A.  You can vary the intensity of each beam separately as well as adjust the intensity from the front to the rear of each  

 

audience plane. You should also treat the target SPL inputs (SPL (x1) & SPL (x2)) as a tool to vary the intensity of  

 

the respective beams.

6.9  SOME DESIGN TIPS

In many applications a larger QFlex model at the front of the building will suffice. A single QFlex model has the capability 

of generating a number of independent beams and creating even SPL distribution over very large areas, so no need for 

delay loudspeakers.

Beware of mounting the loudspeaker too low. The venue will most probably be empty when demonstrating or commission 

the project. Remember that people stand up and sit. Make sure that when people stand they are not masking the sound 

at the back of the room.

For effective vocal reinforcement in venues with very long reverberation times, do not be tempted to use too small an 

array.  A QFlex 16 has effective steering control above 700Hz.The content of many vowel sounds occur below 700Hz. If 

the RT60 is particularly high, consider using a larger QFlex array.

Even in highly reverberant environments QFlex is capable of directing sound in a laser like manner. Sometimes to create 

some ambience it may be necessary to widen the beam slightly to create a natural sounding experience.

In very large venues where there may be features of the building which shadow the direct sound, for instance columns. 

Using smaller delayed QFlex models may be necessary to provide complete coverage. Remember – there is 1000ms of 

delay on board.

For more upbeat program materiel including music it may be necessary to compliment the QFlex with a subwoofer. As 

part of the VNET family QFlex can be networked with a VNET Subwoofer if necessary.

Summary of Contents for Qflex

Page 1: ...u s e r m a n u a l...

Page 2: ...such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat 9 Only use attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer 10 Refer all servicing to qualified s...

Page 3: ...circulation d air autour du panneau arri re Veiller ce qu il y ait un espace d au moins 100 mm tout autour du produit pour sa ventilation 5 Les l ments QFlex doivent tre assembl s ou d sassembl s uni...

Page 4: ...d Questions 6 9 Some Design Tips INSTALLING VNET SOFTWARE PODWARE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 USING VNET SOFTWARE PODWARE 8 1 Overview 8 2 Layout 8 3 Menus 8 4 Toolbar 8 5 Communications 8 6 Launching a Panel 8 7 C...

Page 5: ...Bracket Mounting Centres QFlex 24 QFlex 32 10 5 QFlex 40 Assembly 10 6 Wall Bracket Mounting Centres QFlex 40 10 7 QFlex 48 Assembly 10 8 Wall Bracket Mounting Centres QFlex 48 SYSTEM CONNECTIVITY AUD...

Page 6: ...tion of QFlex products It is intended to be used in conjunction with the VNET BeamEngine Windows software packages Please read this user manual to get the optimum performance from your QFlex loudspeak...

Page 7: ...ules should be of version 7 7 Otherwise install the provided package in parallel 3 2 MATLAB RUNTIME LIBRARY MCR The MatLab Runtime Library MCR needs to be installed separately This MatLab Runtime Libr...

Page 8: ...e double click on the MCRInstaller_v77 exe The following window will appear Click on Run to start the installer Choose the setup language and click Ok to start the InstallShield wizard The InstallShie...

Page 9: ...Install to begin the Installation The installation will begin Due to the file size this may take some time Click Finish to complete the installation There is no need to start this programme as it resi...

Page 10: ...w will appear The QFlex Setup wizard will start click Next to continue Accept the terms of the licence agreement to continue with the installation Click Next to continue Approve the suggested file loc...

Page 11: ...Click on Install to begin the Installation Check Launch QFlex if you wish to begin using the software immediately Click Finish to complete the setup...

Page 12: ...ich the installer left on your desktop On the very first run of the program you will be prompted to select your preferred units of measurement These settings can be modified at any time in the menu op...

Page 13: ...ns Preferences Optimizer Tab Default Property Silent and Don t Care is explained in the menu The Master Beta function Master multiplication factor to apply to regularization factors beta given in glob...

Page 14: ...Which QFlex system you specify depends on a number of criteria Distance Farther areas you wish to reach will require a larger QFlex column Typically as a rule of thumb a QFlex 16 will be used to dist...

Page 15: ...e sound beam across the specified venue plane Normally the goal is to achieve an even SPL distribution across the whole venue plane Hint Where even coverage is required over large areas splitting the...

Page 16: ...s feature will allow the programme to factor for any inclinations in the mounting surface 12 The SPL scale can be referenced against the resultant SPL maps 13 Optimize Will generate the steering algor...

Page 17: ...ncreased to mach the SPL of the first venue plane Both beams can be independently manipulated in this way Additional venue planes can be added as necessary 2 By specifying a Silent venue plane in this...

Page 18: ...ss each venue plane is shown at 3a 6 6 SAVING STEERING FILE When you are ready to save your steering file click on the Steering File tab The name of the file automatically defaults to the QFlex model...

Page 19: ...evaluate QFlex coverage in 3D you can export a configuration file from BeamEngine which can be used in Ease and CATT Acoustic Click on the Balloon File tab The name of the file automatically defaults...

Page 20: ...SOME DESIGN TIPS In many applications a larger QFlex model at the front of the building will suffice A single QFlex model has the capability of generating a number of independent beams and creating ev...

Page 21: ...any existing versions 1 Having downloaded the software double click on the Setup exe icon The welcome screen will appear Click Next 2 Select your destination Folder Click Next 4 If you accept the lic...

Page 22: ...manipulate When devices are arranged in the main window their default representation is a Monicon an Icon which conveys basic monitoring status indication This Icon can usually then be opened up to t...

Page 23: ...communication with devices on the network Go Offline Stops communication with devices on the network Com Port Allows you to select which serial COM port you wish to use Launch Panels Launches the con...

Page 24: ...und See The Selected Device 8 5 COMMUNICATIONS PodWare communicates with a device using a serial COM port as a network connection This will usually be the COM port associated with the RS232 Serial por...

Page 25: ...n icon for the device will appear in the Panels node of the Tree Once the panel appears the application will take a few seconds while it copies the settings in the device to the control panel as indic...

Page 26: ...BAR The area in the status bar at the bottom right of the application window will indicate progress of some operations A coloured bar will extend to fill the extreme right hand box indicating progress...

Page 27: ...l bar with buttons for executing commonly used functions such as File Open File Save Locate and Help see ToolBar Main Control Panel The EQ Delay tab allows you to adjust the cabinet equalisation High...

Page 28: ...a to clipboard The data could then be pasted into a spreadsheet for further analysis Your dealer may ask you to do this is you have experienced a problem Note that in addition to showing amplifier pro...

Page 29: ...d by the beam design software will be for a given box The box number will usually be appended to the name of the file The number of each box is shown to the right of the device name in the Monicon It...

Page 30: ...on in focus You can bring a control into focus either by tabbing to it using the Tab key or by clicking on it with the mouse Focus is often shown as a dotted rectangle around part of the control or by...

Page 31: ...arameters with the computer mouse directly on the Response Panel If you click anywhere in a Response Panel you will see a set of drag handles appear at the apexes of the individual filter response cur...

Page 32: ...t the steering data will be overwritten PodWare will always try to protect your data warning you if you are attempting an action that could cause loss of data 8 20 LOADING FACTORY SETTINGS Using the F...

Page 33: ...as the edited mode will changes you make be heard Note however that if you make adjustments on the control panel when the active mode is different to the edit mode the settings are changed and stored...

Page 34: ...Input A muted...

Page 35: ...ture is activated in PodWare This allows you to confirm which control panel in PodWare is dealing with which physical loudspeaker Summary of indication During Loudspeaker power up Indicator winks rapi...

Page 36: ...odel and Version in the Device Properties dialogue To update the firmware in a device see Menus or Device Context Menus At the bottom right hand side of the screen a blue bar will show the progress of...

Page 37: ...purchase If you have purchased a QFlex 8 or a QFlex 16 there are no connecting plates or other joining hardware Each QFlex carton is marked to show each modules position in the array QFlex modules mu...

Page 38: ...T command returning to operating mode either upon the detection of audio or a power up VNET command QFlex products have analog and AES audio inputs and use VNET for monitoring and control For mechanic...

Page 39: ...grub screws allow the QFlex to be locked at the desired horizontal angle Having the hinge points on either side of the QFlex column allow the loudspeaker to be rotated at 90 degrees to the mounting s...

Page 40: ...tted to the wall first When you are satisfied with the mounting locations fix the bracket to the wall using the instructions supplied with the bracket and ensuring that the installation complies with...

Page 41: ...t it into the female connector in the upper module Align the two columns together as shown below Having the hinge points on either side of the QFlex column allow the loudspeaker to be rotated at 90 de...

Page 42: ...tted to the wall first When you are satisfied with the mounting locations fix the bracket to the wall using the instructions supplied with the bracket and ensuring that the installation complies with...

Page 43: ...Take the flying RJ45 connector in the middle module and insert it into the RJ45 socket in the top module Take the flying AC mains connector in the middle module and insert it into the female connecto...

Page 44: ...d be fitted to the wall first When you are satisfied with the mounting locations fix the bracket to the wall using the instructions supplied with the bracket and ensuring that the installation complie...

Page 45: ...ert it into the RJ45 socket in the third module Take the flying AC mains connector in the second module and insert it into the female connector in the third module Take the flying RJ45 connector in th...

Page 46: ...fitted to the wall first When you are satisfied with the mounting locations fix the bracket to the wall using the instructions supplied with the bracket and ensuring that the installation complies wi...

Page 47: ...nagement in your installation The connectors will not be visible when installation is complete Connections are accessed by the removal of the lower rear access plate on a QFlex master which will requi...

Page 48: ...ONNECTIONS VNET in Link Interconnection between the network computer and the speakers is very straight forward using twisted pair cable and simple connectors The USB to VNET RS485 interface operates o...

Page 49: ...is therefore suggested that solid should be used for install applications while stranded is better suited to rental applications Cabinets can be daisy chained or linked in a star configuration or a c...

Page 50: ...domestic situations Mains power is to be supplied from a permanent hard wired feed The feed for each QFlex must be protected by a fuse or circuit breaker rated at no more than 10A It must be possible...

Page 51: ...mmed and selected by means of the Operating Mode control inputs Since input selection and input mixing may be automatically adjusted using Operating Modes this may be useful for emergency evacuation V...

Page 52: ...Type 1004 4 driver 7900 1076 Tweeter Array 7900 1077 Amplifier Master 8 Way 7900 1078 Amplifier Master 16 Way 7900 1079 Amplifier Slave 8 Way 7900 1080 Amplifier Slave 16 Way 7900 1081 Grille 8 Way 79...

Page 53: ...mn Height 840mm 33 744mm 29 3 1483mm 58 4 Column Width 171 5mm 6 7 171 5mm 6 7 171 5mm 6 7 Column Depth 150mm 5 9 150mm 5 9 150mm 5 9 Typical Application Distance 20m 66ft 25m 82ft 40m 131ft Sample Ra...

Page 54: ...grees 120 degrees 120 degrees Aiming Angle Limit 70 degrees 70 degrees 70 degrees LF Beam Control Limit 400Hz 250Hz 200Hz Maximum SPL 100ft 30m 100dB 100dB 101 5dB Column Height 1387mm 54 6 2127mm 83...

Page 55: ...ommitment is our after sales support which now incorporates our extended Limited Warranty In the event of any concern that is not addressed by this extended Limited Warranty we would ask you to contac...

Page 56: ...uous research and development The introduction of new materials or manufacturing methods will always equal or exceed the published specifications All specifications are subject to change without notic...

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