R.5-MAX, R2-MAX, R6-MAX
Page 14
Installation and Operation Manual
COMMISSIONING THE SYSTEM
Commissioning is the process of optimizing the
performance of a sound system after it has been installed.
There are several important steps in commissioning a
system; these include the following:
1. Verifying the proper operation of each system
component:
a. Every source such as mixers, microphones, media
players, audio feeds from other locations, and so
on, should be tested independently of the newly
installed system to insure that they are working
properly.
b. All amplifiers should be tested independently of the
main system to verify that they are each receiving
their intended signal (i.e. HF, MF, LF, delayed, etc.).
Many amplifiers have numerous modes in which
they can function. It’s extremely important to make
sure that each amplifier in the system has the right
settings applied in order to properly perform its
intended function in the system.
c. The DSP ‘front end’ must be set up carefully to
insure that its internal routing and gain structure
are correct for the overall system requirements. It’s
possible to almost instantly damage mid and high
frequency drivers if the LF, MF and HF outputs are
accidentally crossed.
d. After all electronic components and interconnects
have been tested and verified, it’s then time to test
each loudspeaker element in the system. Such
testing should be performed at VERY low audio
levels to avoid damage to drivers from possible
wiring errors. Each loudspeaker section should
be carefully listened to, in order to make sure it is
performing properly. It should then be checked with
a hand-held phase checker to verify that no phase
errors are present.
2. Next, the gain structure of the system should be
established. Each component in the signal path
should be adjusted to provide the intended input and
output levels. Gain structure is a somewhat complex
subject that goes beyond the scope of this Manual.
Moreover, ‘proper’ gain settings vary significantly
from one device to another. We recommend that
you read the User’s Manual for each device that is
present in the signal path, and adjust according to
the manufacturer’s recommendations, so that your
system will operate will the lowest possible noise
floor and highest possible headroom – which is what
gain structure is all about.
3. Set protective limiters and high-pass filters.
4. Set delay times (if any) to align one or more ancillary
loudspeakers with the arrival time of the sound from
the primary source. If delayed speakers are used to
augment the main source, their timing must be set so
that the sound arriving at the listener’s ears from each
delay speaker will be in sync with the sound arriving
from the primary source. This is usually accomplished
with test and measurement instrumentation, but in a
pinch can be set by applying a short duration pulse to
the system and establishing the delay time by ear. An
inexpensive electronic metronome is a good source
for adjusting delay times by ear.
5. Equalize the system to achieve the best possible
sound quality. This last step in system commissioning
is known as system equalization or “voicing.”
Equalization is the process of adjusting the frequency
response of the system, by use of an equalizer, to
optimize voice intelligibility, musical sound quality,
or both. Note that all R SERIES loudspeakers are
factory voiced to optimize speech intelligibility as
well as musical sound quality. For this reason, many
designers and installers find that they can minimize
overall system equalization and still achieve excellent
voice intelligibility and high grade sonic properties.
