APL-10, APL-12, & APL-SB SELF-POWERED CONCERT SUBWOOFER SYSTEM MANUAL © 2003 Apogee Sound International, LLC Specifications subject to change without notice. A 42-0835 / B 55-0040-01C Printed in U.S.A.
Notice Every effort was made to ensure that the information in this guide was complete and accurate at the time of printing. However, information is subject to change. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: To Reduce The Risk of Fire Or Electric Shock, Do Not Expose This Apparatus To Rain Or Moisture. Always 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. follow these basic safety precautions when installing and using the unit: Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings.
Table of Contents Precautions & Safety Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Concept of Integration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 AC Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Audio Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Precautions & Safety Notes English • To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect the AC mains power cable before installing audio cable. Reconnect the power cord only after making all signal connections. • Connect the loudspeaker only to a three-pole, three-wire grounding mains receptacle. The receptacle must be connected to a fuse or circuit breaker. Connection to any other type of receptacle poses a shock hazard and may violate local electrical codes.
• Ce haut-parleur contient des circuits haute tension présentant un danger. Ne jamais essayer de le démonter. Il n’y a aucun composant qui puisse être réparé par l’utilisateur.Toutes les reparations doivent être effectuées par du personnel qualifié et agree par le constructeur. Deutsch • Um die Gefahr eines slektrischen Schlages auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren, den Lautsprecher vom Stromnetz trennen, bevor ggf. Ein AudioSchnittstellensignalkabel angeschlossen wird.
• No instale el altoparlante en lugares donde haya agua o humedad excesiva. • No deje que en el altoparlante entre agua ni ningún objeto extraño. No ponga objetos con líquidos encima de la unidad ni cerca de ella. • Para reducir el riesgo de sobrecalentamiento, no exponga la inidad a los rayos directos del sol ni la instale cerca de artefactos que emiten calor, como estufas o cocinas. • Este altoparlante contiene niveles de voltaje peligrosos en potencia.
Introduction Apogee Powered Loudspeaker Systems are highly-engineered products that combine advanced-technology amplifiers, sophisticated signal processing, and state-of-the-art drivers housed in rugged, roadworthy loudspeaker enclosures. They are suitable for a wide variety of applications, ranging from portable use for shows and events in all types of venues to permanent installations in auditoriums, churches, theaters, stadiums, meeting rooms, boardrooms, and similar locations.
• An integrated speaker system is able to use current sensors as well as voltage sensors (VIProtect™) to provide information to the processor’s protection circuits. The result is more accurate control of the drivers’ mechanical and thermal limits, and therefore better protection under abusive conditions. • The amplifier output cables are kept to very short lengths, thereby reducing cable losses to nearly zero.
AC Power Requirements (1) AC Power Connector and Cable The APL-10, -12, and -SB use a PowerCon® 3-pole AC mains connector for their power inlet (see Figure #1). When joined to the mating PowerCon connector supplied with the AC line cord, the connector pair locks in place to prevent inadvertent disconnection. PowerCon connectors are durable, inexpensive, and readily obtainable.
Hot Ground Figure 3 Neutral Interior of PowerCon connector showing the wiring terminal All AC power plugs must always be of the 3-pole grounding type. DO NOT DEFEAT THE GROUND CONNECTION BY USING AN AC GROUND LIFT ADAPTER, OR BY CUTTING THE GROUND PIN OF THE AC POWER PLUG. (2) Voltage Range The APL-10, -12, and -SB are manufactured for nominal line voltages of either 120V AC or 230V AC. NOTE:The 120V AC model is suitable for use at 100V AC with only a small reduction in power capability.
(3) Current Requirements All power amplifiers require sufficient current for proper operation and the amplifiers designed into Apogee powered loudspeakers are no exception. Chart #1 shows the required current for one APL-10, -12, or -SB at three standard international working voltages (120, 240, & 100V AC).
Chart 2 applies to three-conductor portable cordage of the types S, SO, SP, SPT, SJ, and SJO, which are typically rated at a maximum operating temperature of 140°F (60° C). (NOTE: Operating temperature is the heat generated within the cable from the voltage drop added to the ambient temperature.) Chart 2 covers ambient temperatures of 86°F (30°C), 104°F (40°C), & 122°F (50°C). For safety reasons, the maximum ratings in the table below should never be exceeded.
POWER CABLE VOLTAGE DROP (IN PERCENTAGE OF NOMINAL VOLTAGE) Chart 3 #14 AWG, 120V AC Length in Feet 5A 25' 0.6% 50' 1.2% 75' 1.8% 100' 2.4% 125' 3.0% 150' 3.6% 175' 4.3% 200' 4.9% 225' 5.5% 250' 6.1% 275' 6.7% 300' 7.3% 10A 1.2% 2.4% 3.6% 4.9% 6.1% 7.3% 8.5% 9.7% 10.9% 12.2% 13.4% 14.6% 15A 1.8% 3.6% 5.5% 7.3% 9.1% 10.9% 12.8% 14.6% 16.4% 18.2% 20.1% 21.9% 20A 2.4% 4.9% 7.3% 9.7% 12.2% 14.6% 17.0% 19.5% 21.9% 24.3% 26.8% 29.2% #14 AWG, 240V AC Length in Feet 5A 25' 0.3% 50' 0.6% 75' 0.9% 100' 1.
It’s useful to note the benefit of operating a powered loudspeaker system at higher voltages (when possible). At 240V AC, current consumption is half that of 120V AC and the resultant voltage drop for a given cable size and length decreases by a factor of 4.This means that the cable can be four times longer when used at 240V AC than at 120V AC.
(2) Input and Output Connectors The input and output connectors are wired as follows: XLR Pin # Function Pin 1 Earth & Chassis Ground Pin 2 Signal + DIFFERENTIAL INPUT Pin 3 Signal DIFFERENTIAL INPUT Connector Case Earth & Chassis Ground A positive signal applied to pin 2 of the XLR will result in a positive acoustic pressure wave (excursion) appearing at the front of the drivers in the speaker system.
nal (unity gain), but with a high-pass filter applied. It is intended to be employed as a crossover, if desired, for the full-range speakers used with Apogee’s powered subwoofer(s).The output signal is balanced and filtered to avoid DC offset. It is designed to feed a +4 dBv (nominal) line-level input.The line driver in the APL-10, -12, and -SB is of an advanced design (Analog Devices SSM 2141) that can easily drive a load as low as 1000 ohms.
are working properly.The LED will illuminate only if the following three conditions are met: audio is present at the input connector; the amplifier(s) are operating properly, and the LF drivers are functioning properly.This indicator is especially useful as an aid in visually checking large systems, where failure of one subwoofer might otherwise go unnoticed.
SLEEP mode greatly extends the life of the components, and reduces power consumption at idle. It makes APL-10, -12, and -SB products appropriate for locations where it may be difficult to access the speaker for routine powerup and power-down. NOTE: If the system is to be left for long periods of time without use, it is recommended that power be removed as a safety measure. In some regions, power lines are subject to large voltage spikes from electrical storms or generator malfunction.
as well as by convection; and secondarily, by a small degree of air movement generated by the cone drivers. Because the heat output of the system is directly proportional to the duration and nature of the program material, the system may not reach thermal stability for several hours after it is activated. For this reason, it is important to test the system under actual conditions of use if questionable conditions are present.
Control limiting system.This system comprises three separate layers of protection triggered by an infinite variation of possible program conditions. Data is received on four independent sensor circuits, including Apogee’s exclusive VIProtect™ current sensors, and is processed by an analog computer to prohibit the drivers from over-excursion, excessive RMS levels, and excessive instantaneous peak levels.
Using the APL-10, -12, and -SB (1) Overview The APL-10, -12, and -SB can be used in many ways and for many applications. In its simplest form, one APL-10, -12, or -SB placed at each side of the stage will add dramatic low frequency impact to a typical full-range system in a club, church, or theatre. A full-blown array of fifty or sixty APL-10, -12, or -SBs, properly positioned, can provide intense low-frequency power for large-scale concerts, both indoors and out.
rear wall or ceiling (being careful not to restrict air flow to the heat exchanger), or in a corner. When located by a wall (half space), power output will increase by 3 dB (see Figure 4) when compared to placement in a free-field environment (see Figure 5).When located at the junction of two walls (quarter space), power output will increase by 6 dB over that of a free-field environment (see Figure 6).
(3) Configurations of Multiple Units When APL-10, -12, or -SBs are used in multiples, certain techniques can be applied to help achieve the desired results. To start with, the enclosures should be placed touching one another. Separating them, even a little, limits their power summation and can generate lobes and unwanted response anomalies. Multiple units configured in a line will exhibit increased directionality in the axis of the line.
APL-10, -12, and -SBs can also be combined in an L-format (See Figure 8). The L-format exhibits directional control in both axes, and is often the best choice for deploying a large number of speakers in sizeable venues. Figure 8 Finally, APL-10, -12, and -SBs can be configured into a block arrangement (See Figure 9).This arrangement also exhibits directional control in both axes, but it does not take full advantage of the boundary surface effect (see "Using the APL-10, -12, and -SB – 2-Placement" (pg.
(4) Polarity (Phase) The optimum polarity for the APL-10, -12, or -SB subwoofer is a function of its placement in relation to the full-range speaker(s) it is augmenting.This is known as the phase relationship of the two systems although absolute phase also plays a role in the equation, as we’ll see later. If the APL-10, -12, or -SB are directly under or over the full-range speaker(s), in nearly all cases the polarity should be normal; that is, the same as the fullrange speaker.
An easy way to determine the best phase relationship is to listen to a lowfrequency source while standing in front of the system and have someone change the setting of the Phase Reverse Switch from normal to reverse while you listen. In one setting you should hear a distinct increase in mid-bass, and in the other setting you should hear a distinct reduction in mid-bass. It’s important to listen in front of the speaker system for accurate acoustic evaluation.
Obviously, the phase integrity of the entire signal processing chain must be maintained for this to occur. Is absolute phase audible? Should you be concerned? Yes, it is audible and although subtle, it makes a big enough difference to warrant taking the time needed to insure that the signal chain is phasepositive throughout.You’ll hear an improvement in sonic impact, especially in the lower frequencies.We recommend that absolute phase be kept positive in all low-frequency devices whenever possible.
It is vitally important that all hardware used to suspend the APL-10, -12, or -SB be of the highest grade materials and construction.All bolts must be SAE Grade 7 or better. The American bolt-grade rating system is often depicted by a number of linear hash marks on the head of the bolt – five marks mean Grade 7, six marks mean Grade 8. If eyebolts are used, they must be forged and of the shoulder-type. Eyebolts are designed for a straight-line-of-force.
(7) Using the Built-in Mast Fitting Models APL-10, -12, and -SB are all equipped with a built-in stand fitting on their top surface. This fitting is designed to accept an adjustable mast, available from Apogee.The adjustable mast threads into the fitting and provides a means of support for an Apogee full-range loudspeaker, such as the AE-3,AE4,AE-5, FH-1, FH-2,APL-500,APL-220, and others.
makes them highly resistant to water damage.This compound has an important secondary purpose: the cones will not change mass due to moisture absorption in humid weather, making the system’s sonic qualities exceptionally stable when used in varying climactic conditions. Occasionally, due to mechanical shock or abusive operation, a driver may become dysfunctional. Drivers can fail completely, or they can fail in such a way that they continue to reproduce sound but their output becomes noticeably distorted.
After replacing the driver, power up the speaker system and play some program material through it before replacing the grille.Verify that the new driver is operating properly. If the system still exhibits problems, it may need additional service work. (3) Amplifier Removal & Replacement Before attempting service work, be certain to disconnect the power cable from the unit.
Troubleshooting SUGGESTIONS PROBLEM • Check to be sure that the signal feed cable has audio present. This can be done by plugging it into a speaker/amplifier that is known to work, or, by using a portable powered headphone/amplifier test set such as the Shure™ FP22. • Make sure the signal feed cable is securely mated with the XLR input connector. POWER LED illuminates but audio is not present • Substitute an alternate cable to determine if the cable is at fault.
Amplifier panel of an Apogee APL Subwoofer TM 1 2 POWER BREAKERS 3 MADE IN USA 4 STATUS REV INPUT LOOP THRU HI-PASS CAUTION HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. REFER SERVICE TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL LIMIT PIN 2+ SIGNAL SLEEP POWER 5 PIN 3+ 6 7 8 9 1 POWER - Neutrik Powercon® AC Inlet connector. 2 BREAKERS - Individual AC circuit protection for each amplifier. 3 SIGNAL LED - Indicates presence of audio input signal.
Specifications APL-10 Enclosure Type Format Frequency Response APL-12 20° Trapezoidal, optimally-vented bass Dispersion Max. SPL Dimensions Drivers Input Amplifier Output Power Rectangular, optimally-vented bass Self-contained dual power amplifiers with integrated processing electronics 38 Hz to 100 Hz ± 3 dB (on axis) APL-SB 32 Hz to 100 Hz ± 3 dB (on axis) Self-contained single power amplifier with integrated processing electronics 35 Hz to 100 Hz (on axis) 131 dB cont.
22.500 [571.50] 24.000 [609.60] FRONT VIEW W/GRILLE REMOVED 32.000 [812.80] 16.000 [406.40] 24.594 [624.70] OVERHEAD VIEW [266.70] 10.500 .750 [19.05] 21.000 [533.40] NUTPLATE MAST FITTING 15.500 [393.70] 2.625 [66.68] SIDE VIEW AMPLIFIER PANEL HANDLE HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS. REFER SERVICE TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL CAUTION MADE IN USA 0 000 000 00 SERIAL NO.
30.000 [762.00] 22.563 [573.07] 44.750 [1136.65] FRONT VIEW W/GRILLE REMOVED 24.250 [615.95] OVERHEAD VIEW .750 [19.05] 28.500 [723.90] MAST FITTING 9.000 [228.59] SIDE VIEW 14.000 [355.60] 15.000 [381.00] AMPLIFIER PANEL NUTPLATE 0 000 000 00 SERIAL NO. --------- HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS.
22.500 [571.50] 21.000 [533.40] 30.000 [762.00] FRONT VIEW W/GRILLE REMOVED 15.000 [381.00] OVERHEAD VIEW 1.500 [38.10] 19.500 [495.29] MAST FITTING 9.500 [241.30] SIDE VIEW 10.125 [257.18] AMPLIFIER PANEL 11.250 [285.74] NUTPLATE HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE. NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS. REFER SERVICE TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL CAUTION MADE IN USA 0 000 000 00 SERIAL NO.
LIMITED WARRANTY Apogee Sound International products are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under normal use and service, when installed and operated in accordance with product specifications, from the date of original purchase for a period of three (3) years. If any part of the equipment covered by this warranty malfunctions, it will be repaired or replaced, at our option, provided the equipment is shipped prepaid to an authorized Apogee Service Facility.
2180 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma, CA 94954, USA Tel. 707-778-8887, Fax: 707-778-6923 www.apogee-sound.
