User manual MARTIN AUDIO W8S

[. . . ] The result is a remarkably clean, transparent sound which can produce extremely high levels without distress. The high-mid and high frequency sections of the W8 can be driven actively from separate amplifier channels, or passively using a single amplifier channel. Active or passive operation is selected by a switch on the rear panel. 2 Martin Audio ­ WAVEFRONT TOURING SERIES CONTENTS < 3. 2 > W8S ENGLISH PRINT APPLICATIONS GUIDE GUIDES The W8S is a matching sub-bass system designed for use with the W8 in situations where low frequency enhancement is required. [. . . ] It is essential that every MAN flying system user has the opportunity to read the user guide and we would strongly recommend that every user be properly trained in the safe use of the flying system before constructing and deploying the system in a working situation. 3 Martin Audio ­ WAVEFRONT TOURING SERIES CONTENTS < 5 > ENGLISH PRINT APPLICATIONS GUIDE GUIDES AMPLIFICATION Wavefront Touring loudspeakers are designed to be used with professional power amplifiers capable of producing the following power outputs into 4 ohms: W8 W8S 450-650W 550-1000W Care should be taken to avoid amplifier clipping. It is important to understand that a low power amplifier driven into clipping is more likely to damage a loudspeaker than a higher power amplifier used within its ratings. This is because music signals have a high peak-to-average "crest" factor. When an amplifier is severely overdriven, its output waveform is clipped (its peaks are squared off) ­ reducing the crest factor. In extreme cases, the waveform can approach that of a square wave. An amplifier is normally capable of producing far more power under these conditions than its undistorted rated power output. The use of very high power amplifiers with outputs greater than those recommended is discouraged. Care should be taken to avoid switch-on surges, which can result in momentary power peaks in excess of specified ratings. When powering up a sound system it is important to switch on the amplifiers after the mixer and control electronics have stabilised. When powering down the system, reverse the sequence and switch off the amplifiers first. 4 Martin Audio ­ WAVEFRONT TOURING SERIES CONTENTS < 6 > ENGLISH PRINT APPLICATIONS GUIDE GUIDES CONNECTIONS The rear panels of the W8 and W8S are fitted with two Neutrik Speakon NL8 connectors and two EP8 female connectors. EP8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 EP8 1&3 2&4 5&7 6&8 NL8 -1 +1 -2 +2 -3 +3 -4 +4 NL8 -1 & -2 +1 & +2 -3 & -4 +3 & +4 W8 Active Low Mid Low Mid + High Mid High Mid + High High + N/C N/C W8S 18" sub -ve 18" sub +ve 15" low -ve 15" low +ve W8 Passive Low Mid Low Mid + High Mid/High High Mid/High + N/C N/C N/C N/C 7 CABLE LENGTHS When connecting loudspeaker systems to an amplifier, it is recommended that the return resistance of the cable used is less than one tenth of the nominal impedance of the system or systems in parallel. The table below gives an indication of the maximum permissible cable runs for various conductor cross-sectional areas. Conductor CSA 1. 0mm2 1. 5mm2 2. 0mm2 2. 5mm2 4. 0mm2 6. 0mm2 Maximum Cable Run 4 ohms 8 ohms 16 ohms 11m 22m 44m 17m 34m 68m 22m 44m 88m 29m 58m 116m 44m 88m 176m 66m 132m 264m 5 Martin Audio ­ WAVEFRONT TOURING SERIES CONTENTS < 8 > ENGLISH PRINT APPLICATIONS GUIDE GUIDES SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS Wavefront Touring enclosures can be used with dedicated analogue controllers such as the Martin Audio MX5 which performs system specific equalisation, crossover and limiter functions. More complex set-ups will benefit from the use of a digital controller such as the Martin Audio DX1. [. . . ] Wavefront Touring systems combined with the appropriately configured controller exhibit an essentially flat on-axis frequency response. Equalisation to compensate for a particular acoustic environment may be performed where required. Where loudspeakers are arrayed, they may benefit from a degree of equalisation to reduce the effect of the low/mid build up and tilting of the response inherent in the use of multiple arrayed enclosures. 6 Martin Audio ­ WAVEFRONT TOURING SERIES CONTENTS < 9 > ENGLISH PRINT APPLICATIONS GUIDE GUIDES WARRANTY Martin Audio Wavefront Touring Series products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years from the date of original purchase. [. . . ]