Nexo RS18, User Manual

Page 1: ...Ray Sub Series RS18 Subwoofer User Manual RS18 Subwoofer User Manual V1 02 Date 31 08 2010 ...

Page 2: ...rs provide an elegant solution to the above issues based on a technology that is a simple transposition to sound sources of what has been applied for decades in microphones radiated field derives from pressure differences generated from two or more sources Rear radiation is lowered by more than 12 dB which benefits to stage as well as to neighbours Direct to reverberant ratio is increased by nearl...

Page 3: ... direction and cancel in the rearward direction Used as a single cabinet RAY SUB Technology allows the same cabinet to be configured for any polar pattern omnidirectional as a standard direct radiating subwoofer when speakers are facing the audience or highly directional when cabinet is rotated speakers sideways or upwards Used in arrays RAY SUB subwoofers can be set back to back front to front in...

Page 4: ...rsonnel if the device installation requires construction work and make sure to observe the following precautions Mounting precautions choose mounting hardware and an installation location that can support the weight of the speaker system do not use speaker system handles for suspended installation do not expose speaker system to excessive dust or vibration or extreme cold or heat to prevent possib...

Page 5: ...replacement of the obsolete outlet US market Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus Only use attachments accessories specified by the manufacturer Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servi...

Page 6: ...excess of the limits as set forth above To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT This symbol on the product o...

Page 7: ...ontrollers 21 4 1 1 NXAMP connectors 21 4 1 2 RS18 and NXAMP recommended configurations 21 4 2 RS18 setups on NXAMP TDControllers 21 5 Connection diagrams 22 5 1 RS18 with NX242 ES4 TD Controller Stereo Omni or Directional Mode 22 5 2 RS18 with NXAMP4x4 Stereo Omni or Directional Mode 23 6 RS18 Rigging Instructions 24 6 1 SAFETY FIRST 24 6 1 1 Flown Systems Safety 24 6 1 2 Ground Stacking Safety 2...

Page 8: ... 43 9 1 Are the NX Digital TDcontrollers properly configured 43 9 2 Are the amplifiers properly configured 43 9 3 Are the amps and the NX properly connected 43 9 4 Are the speakers properly connected 43 9 5 Final Pre Sound Check Check 44 10 RS18 Technical Specifications 45 10 1 System specifications 45 10 2 Dimensions 46 10 3 RS18 Accessories 47 10 3 1 RS18 BUMPER 47 10 3 2 RS18 Push Pins 47 10 3 ...

Page 9: ...drivers mounted in a dual volume vented enclosure with aerodynamic profiled vents its coverage ranges from omnidirectional to highly directional and its frequency response extends from VLF to LF ranges Two versions are available Touring and Fix installations with two finishing for both versions carpeted or painted a full range of accessories that provides safe flexible and simple means of transpor...

Page 10: ...viding full control and amplification for RS18 in multiple configurations Both devices feature 4 analogue inputs and 4 speaker outputs When equipped with optional card 4 digital inputs in EthersoundTM digital audio network format as well as remote control for all units in the network become available For a complete description of these controllers please refer to User Manuals The NX242 and NXAMP D...

Page 11: ...ing Plate IMPORTANT IN ORDER TO PREVENT SCREWS FROM GETTING LOOSE USE BLOCKING LIQUID LOCTITETM 243 OR EQUIVALENT FOR ALL SCREWS USED WITH RS18 ACCESSORIES 1 1 1 RS18 Painted Tools Allen Key 6mm Remove the twelve screws on each side of RS18 Remove the four screws on each side of RS18 ...

Page 12: ...r equivalent Tighten the 6 screws alternately at the rate of 4 revolutions per screw Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent Insert the 8 handles washers and screws and tight them INSTALLING PAINTED RS18 RIGGING PLATES IMPORTANT RS18 handles must not be used to fly RS18 s through illegal use of straps for example ...

Page 13: ...RS18 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS Page 13 54 1 1 2 RS18 Carpeted Tools Allen Key 6mm Remove the twelve screws on each side of RS18 Remove the four screws on each side of RS18 ...

Page 14: ... screws alternately at the rate of 4 revolutions per screw Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243TM or equivalent Insert the 8 Handles washers and screws and tight them INSTALLING CARPETED RS18 RIGGING PLATES IMPORTANT RS18 handles must not be used to fly RS18 s through illegal use of straps for example ...

Page 15: ...AT RS18 S CAN BE SECURED TOGETHER 2 RS18 DOLLY IS DESIGNED FOR UP TO 3 RS18 S AND BUMPER NEVER EXCEED THESE QUANTITIES The first RS18 must be locked to the RS18 dolly using 4 push pins according to below drawing Subsequent RS18s are stacked on top using four push pins per additional cabinet to secure the assembly Bumper is to be attached to the top cabinet ...

Page 16: ... GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS 1 1 4 RS18 Wheel Board Pull wheel board lockers inwards Maintain lockers while positioning wheel board on RS18 front panel Release lockers IMPORTANT ENSURE WHEEL BOARD IS PROPERLY LOCKED TO RS18 ...

Page 17: ...e rigging plates Connection side is always opposite to FOH main lobe direction CONNECTOR PLATE IN DIRECTIONAL MODE Omni Mode it is recommended to install the connector panel on the side opposite to the drivers factory default configuration CONNECTOR PLATE IN OMNI MODE 1 2 2 RS18 connectors RS18 is connected through Speakon NL4FC plugs not supplied Either connector can be used to connect an amplifi...

Page 18: ...elow indicates these values for 3 common sizes Load Impedance Ω 2 4 8 Cable section Maximum Length meters 2 5 mm AWG 12 5 10 20 4 mm AWG 10 8 16 32 1 2 4 Example Each RS18 driver has a 8 Ohms nominal impedance in omni mode both loudspeakers can be driven in parallel on one amplifier channel presenting therefore a 8 2 4 Ohms load impedance The maximum acceptable 2x2 5 mm2 AWG 12 cable length Lmax f...

Page 19: ...g test by loading the amps with twice the number of cabinets considered for the application 2 speakers per channel instead of one 4 instead of 2 and running the amps up to the onset of clipping If the signal does not noticeably deteriorate the amplifier is well adapted overheating after approximately ten minutes is normal but thermal protection must not operate too quickly after starting this test...

Page 20: ...pically only channel 1 input is active Positive and negative output connections vary depending on amplifier manufacturers NEXO does not recommend Bridge Mono Mode unless amplifier power is clearly not sufficient IMPORTANT When in Bridge Mono mode check your amplifier user manual for proper connection of outputs 1 and 2 in relation to input phase Parallel mono the output terminals of the two channe...

Page 21: ...utputs on RJ45 connectors with optional card 4 speaker level outputs on NL4FC connectors Figure below shows connectors implementation on the rear panel 3 1 2 RS18 and NXAMP recommended configurations OMNI MODE DIRECTIONAL MODE 1 x RS18 1 channel of NXAMP4x1 in Bridge Stereo Mode 1 channel of NXAMP4x4 in 4 channels mode 2 channels of NXAMP4x1 in Bridge Stereo Mode 2 channels of NXAMP4x4 in 4 channe...

Page 22: ...th NX242 ES4 TD Controller Stereo Omni or Directional Mode LEFT RIGHT OUT LEFT FRONT OUT LEFT REAR IN RIGHT IN LEFT TO AMPLIFIERS STEREO FROM AMPLIFIERS LEFT REAR LEFT FRONT 2 1 STEREO 3 4 OUT RIGHT FRONT OUT RIGHT REAR RIGHT REAR RIGHT FRONT SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 ...

Page 23: ...CONNECTION DIAGRAMS Page 23 54 4 2 RS18 with NXAMP4x4 Stereo Omni or Directional Mode SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 SP4 IN A IN B OUT C OUT A ...

Page 24: ...ences Used and maintained correctly the RS18 Rigging System will give many years of reliable service in portable systems Please take the time to read and understand this manual 5 1 1 Flown Systems Safety Always inspect all the rigging components and cabinets for damage before assembly Pay special attention to the lifting points and safety clips If you suspect that any of the components are damaged...

Page 25: ...eath PA wings to inspect the deck support and if necessary ask for the stage scrims and dressings be removed to allow access If the stage surface slopes as it does in some theatres ensure that the system is prevented from sliding forwards due to vibration This may require the fitting of timber battens to the stage floor For outdoor systems ensure that that the system is protected from wind forces ...

Page 26: ...with loudspeaker flying systems NEXO recommend that users contact local industry associations for information on specialist courses Information for International training agencies can be obtained by contacting either The Production Services Association PSA School Passage Kingston upon Thames KT1 SDU Surrey ENGLAND Telephone 44 0 181 392 0180 Rigstar Training and Testing Center 82 Industrial Dr Uni...

Page 27: ...ick release pins 10x25mm included N Pair of RS18 Rigging Plates RST FPLATES18 for N cabinets 4xN quick release pins 10x25mm included 5 2 1 Hoist Rating N being RS18 quantity within a cluster cluster weight is given by Wcluster 30kg 66lbs Nx 131kg 289lbs including cable weight up to 5kg 11lbs per RS18 Hoist rating is Up to 3 RS18 cluster ton hoist 4 to 6 RS18 cluster 1 ton hoist 7 to 12 RS18 cluste...

Page 28: ... the bumper remains horizontal within 1 Adding cabinets will improve this tolerance Adjusting 0 along the cabinet depth Adjusting horizontality along cabinet depth is done by properly selecting bumper hole GRIDS SAME SIDE 5 2 4 Flying subsequent RS18s Lift assembly to sufficient height in order to connect a second RS18 Position and align second RS18 below assembly Remove the 4 quick release pins f...

Page 29: ...the way downwards into the second RS18 rigging system Insert the 4 quick release pins into the FLOWN position of second RS18 ensure quick release pins are properly locked Repeat above steps for subsequent RS18 s Lift cluster up to defined rigging height and secure it horizontally to prevent rotation ...

Page 30: ...IMPORTANT Do not attempt to make any change to the bumper rigging point once the cluster is lifted IMPORTANT The requirements for secondary safety systems vary with territories However the secondary safety steel MUST have a SWL equivalent or greater than that of the rigging system ...

Page 31: ... the grid screws attaching the grid to the cabinet the screws attaching the connecting plates to the cabinet These fasteners should be regularly checked and tightened as necessary Cleaning The exterior of the cabinet and the rigging system can be cleaned with a damp cloth soaked in mild soapy water On no account use solvent based cleaners which may damage the finishing of the cabinet After cleanin...

Page 32: ...venues Stereophonic implementation of subwoofers introduces very strong interference patterns these are related to Left and Right path length difference to listener location while pressure levels are comparable for Left and Right arrays while always maximum at the center where distance to Left and Right arrays are equal pressure level can severely drop at locations where path length equals half th...

Page 33: ...cy from first to last rows will be important Flying cabinets above centre stage will reduce first to last rows discrepancies significantly CENTRE STACKED DIRECTIONAL SUBWOOFER CENTRE FLOWN DIRECTIONAL SUBWOOFER When using a larger amount of cabinets these can then be installed all across the stage provided distance between units does not exceed half the wavelength of the upper frequency limit 1 7m...

Page 34: ...ds Therefore main axis efficiency must be orientated outwards through use of delays or curving the array outward as in below figure Such arrays must be experimented playing one side only to check if above condition is fulfilled and then summed left and right for interference evaluation see below drawings Although pressure level will still drop in the centre vicinity overall level in the audience a...

Page 35: ...ZONTAL COVERAGE IN OMNI MODE VERTICAL COVERAGE IN OMNI MODE 7 1 2 RS18 arrays IMPORTANT RS18s arrays must be installed with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0 Design procedure should be in agreement with what has been described in the preceding section See following section on Steered Arrays 7 2 Directional Mode 7 2 1 Single RS18 Single RS18 have an asymmetrical pattern in the horizonta...

Page 36: ... RS18s in directional mode one side back to back and face to face 50cm 20 between grids All of these configurations have symmetrical patterns with a smooth 15dB attenuation at the rear over the entire RS18 bandwidth but significantly different horizontal coverage one side configuration has a constant 3 dB coverage of 120 from 31 5 Hz to 80 Hz back to back configuration has a 3dB coverage which dec...

Page 37: ...ent A 10 RS18 cluster flown at 10m 30ft will provide a 3dB pressure level deviation at 100Hz over an audience area 75m 200ft deep while maintaining 15 to 20dB attenuation on stage see figure below 10 RS18 CLUSTER OVER 75M 200FT 7 3 Steered RS18s arrays 7 3 1 Steering technique RS18s arrays must be flown vertically with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0 Coverage adjustments can be effic...

Page 38: ...ollowing formula τ h sin θ C metric τ is the value to be applied to the second pair h is the height of tilted elements 1 04m for 2 RS18s 1 56m for 3 RS18s C is the speed of sound 343m s 7 3 2 Delay values implementation If the coverage is to be tilted down then top group delay should be set at 0ms and delay should progressively increase on lower groups If the coverage is to be tilted up then lower...

Page 39: ...rage control over distance with a steering delay sequence corresponding to a 15 tilt down 10 RS18 CLUSTER OVER 75M 200FT STEERED 15 DOWN 7 4 Aligning RS18s with main system 7 4 1 NEXO systems acoustic reference point The NX TDControllers factory presets are optimised to provide the best possible crossover between the RS18s and the Main NEXO system These crossover algorithms are defined for speaker...

Page 40: ...er is fed with two signals coming from different sources If those two sources MAIN output AUX send are not exactly in phase delay is introduced into the crossover between main system and RS18s It is then mandatory to use proper measurement tool to optimize phase response IMPORTANT Before using different outputs of a mixing desk ensure that MAIN and SUB outputs are in phase Never add additional low...

Page 41: ...zontal angles in the venue An ideal product is the Calpac Laser projecting a dot version which costs approximately 60 Spirit level used to ascertain the trueness of the surface from which the angle measurements originate Rangefinder measuring device either a Disto type laser measure or an optical laser rangefinder can be used Devices such as the Bushnell Yardage Pro sports rangefinders provide suf...

Page 42: ...uch changes Audio Analysis Software recommended but not absolutely essential programs such as Easera SystuneTM SmaartTM or WinMLSTM enable rapid and detailed analysis of the installation Consider taking a training course in using one of these tools if you are not already competent with them it will pay dividends in increased performance of the system ...

Page 43: ...ctional Mode 2 values for recommended amplifier gain and power should be set in agreement with selected amplifiers specifications 3 Should be in agreement with implemented cluster acts on a shelving filter designed to compensate for LF coupling 4 Disabled when using digital inputs 8 2 Are the amplifiers properly configured Freq Band Mode Gain Switch Limiter High Pass All channels Stereo 26 dB None...

Page 44: ...bove checks Make sure that these series of modules sum properly with the modules above them 8 5 Final Pre Sound Check Check Play a CD track preferably generous and periodic in the LF content on the SUB output mono left mono right and then both sides both sides must sound strictly identical when listening at the center level must not decrease at the center when playing left and right simultaneously...

Page 45: ...lifier channels for directional mode operation each rated at 1000 to 2000 Watts into 8Ω per channel or 1 amplifier channel for omni mode operation rated at 2000 to 4000 Watts into 4Ω 2 amplifier channels for directional mode operation each rated at 1000 to 2000 Watts into 8Ω per channel SYSTEM OPERATION Electronic Controller NX242ES4 Digital TDcontroller NXAMP Powered Digital TDcontroller presets ...

Page 46: ... 46 54 RS18 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Usable range data frequency response capability with TD crossover slopes removed 9 2 Dimensions 1268mm 49 92 520mm 20 46 732mm 28 81 1403mm 55 24 520mm 20 45 732mm 28 81 ...

Page 47: ...RS18 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Page 47 54 1317mm 51 85 152mm 5 98 298mm 11 73 10mm 0 39 25mm 0 79 9 3 RS18 Accessories 9 3 1 RS18 BUMPER Dimensions 9 3 2 RS18 Push Pins Dimensions ...

Page 48: ...Page 48 54 RS18 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 193mm 7 60 496mm 19 52 81mm 3 20 57mm 2 25 9 3 3 RS18 FPLATES Dimensions ...

Page 49: ...RS18 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Page 49 54 1384mm 54 49 500mm 19 69 169 78mm 6 68 1498mm 58 98 183mm 7 19 765mm 30 12 9 3 4 RS18 FRONT WHEELBOARD Dimensions 9 3 5 RS18 DOLLY Dimensions ...

Page 50: ...tronically Balanced 50k Ohm 2 XLR 3F Connectors 4 Digital Ethersound Inputs with NXTension ES4 Card Sense Inputs 4 Amplifier Sense Inputs Floating 150 kΩ 18 bit converters 8 Pole Removable Strip Terminal Audio Outputs 4 Audio Outputs 24 bit converters Electronically balanced 50 Ohm 4 XLR 3M connectors 4 Digital Ethersound Outputs with NX ES4 Card enabled for compatible amplifiers only Processing 2...

Page 51: ... output current signal green LED Speaker protection yellow LED amp peak red LED Rear Panel 1 NXAMP4x1 or 2 NXAMP4x4 mains sockets RS232 serial communication connector GPIO port expansion slot for digital audio network extension card 4 XLR inputs 4 XLR links 4 Speakon NL4 Power Supply Dedicated versions for 100 120 V or 220 240 V Dimensions Weight NXAMP4x1 3U 19 Rack 457mm 18 Depth 16 5kg 33lbs net...

Page 52: ...Page 52 54 RS18 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9 5 2 Front and Rear Panel view ...

Page 53: ...NX242 ES4 GeoD Passive mode Crossover 80Hz Digital TDController with NX ES4 Card NXAMP4x1 Power Digital TDController 4x1300W 2Ω NXAMP4x4 Power Digital TDController 4x4000W 2Ω 10 2 Accessories List MODEL DRAWING DESCRIPTION RST BUMPER18 Main RS18 Bumper RST FPLATES18 Rigging plate pair RST WB18 RS18 Wheelboard single unit RST DOLLY18 RS18 Dolly 3 RS18 max ...

Page 54: ...Page 54 54 USER NOTES 11 USER NOTES France Nexo S A Parc d Activité de la Dame Jeanne F 60128 PLAILLY Tel 33 3 44 99 00 70 Fax 33 3 44 99 00 30 E mail info nexo fr www nexo sa com ...