APL-10 & APL-12 SELF-POWERED CONCERT SUBWOOFER SYSTEM MANUAL © 2003 Bogen Communications Specifications subject to change without notice.
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 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
These engineering advancements result in the following benefits: • All aspects of the loudspeaker system’s performance are maximized. Sonic quality, power output capability, flatness of response, distortion, and behavior under abusive conditions meet remarkably high standards. • Reliability is increased because the internal amplifiers deliver appropriate power levels to the drivers, without danger of over-powering or underpowering.
AC Power Requirements (1) AC Power Connector and Cable The APL-10/12 speakers 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.
Line 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 speakers use advanced, high efficiency, intelligent power supplies. A convenient external switch allows for easy conversion between 115V AC and 230V AC.
(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 or APL-12 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: Function XLR Pin # 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.
(3) Indicators The APL-10/12 speakers have a green LED labeled PWR (Power) that indicates AC mains power is applied and the power supplies are functioning properly. A green Signal LED is above the level control. An amber LED just above the power LED indicates clipping. A red LED labeled PROT (Protect) is provided to indicate that the amplifier has gone into protect mode.
Installation When installing and using the APL-10/12, some simple precautions should be followed. These include: (1) Maintain Proper Air Flow The APL-10/12 speakers are radiant- and convection-cooled devices.The aluminum heat-exchanger mounted on the rear surfaces provides primary cooling of the system. Care must be taken to locate the units away from heat registers, heat-generating appliances, lighting equipment, and any other apparatus that could raise the temperature of the nearby air.
Here’s a hypothetical example of what to look out for. An APL-12 might be set up outdoors in 85°F (29°C) temperature with sunlight shining partially on the rear panel. Let’s assume it is tested during a 30-minute sound check and all is well. Later that day, the ambient temperature rises to 99°F (37°C) and the sunlight is now shining directly on the rear of the loudspeaker. The show starts, featuring dance tracks with no pause between song titles.
A clipping LED indicator is located on the rear panel. This LED will illuminate when the speaker is several dB into limiting and indicates maximum operating level has been reached. It is not uncommon to see the LED illuminate regularly, such as on downbeats and crescendos. If the LED appears to be "ON" more than "OFF" (i.e., if they are continuously flashing or glowing at a steady state), the loudspeaker system is being pushed too hard for its size and power output capability.
Using the APL-10/12 (1) Overview The APL-10/12 can be used in many ways and for many applications. In its simplest form, one APL-10/12 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 speakers, properly positioned, can provide intense low-frequency power for large-scale concerts, both indoors and out.
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). Finally, when located at the junction of three walls (eighth space), power output increase a full 9 dB (see Figure 7). It’s not always possible to utilize walls and corners for extra power.
(3) Configurations of Multiple Units When the APL-10/12 is 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 speakers 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 speakers 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 – (2) Placement" (pg. 20).
(4) Flying the APL-10/12 For many applications, the APL-10/12 subwoofer may need to be flown. This commonly occurs with television award shows, political conventions, and other events where the audience is located too close to the stage to allow the subwoofers to be placed in the typical side or front-of-stage position. APL-10/12 speakers perform perfectly well when flown; in fact, the sound quality is often perceived as being superior when the speakers are in the air as opposed to on the ground.
Consult an experienced rigger or engineer when it comes to rigging practices, methods, required materials, or other details. The kinetic energy from a 214 lb. object falling 40 feet onto a solid surface is truly astounding. Injury or loss of life could occur, even to those who are not in close proximity, let alone the injuries or deaths that may result from a panicked crowd.
To verify if a driver has failed, remove the front grille and listen to the system at a moderate level. By lightly touching each driver while playing program material, you can readily tell if it is actively radiating or passively responding to the other driver’s pressure. Before attempting to replace any parts in the APL-10/12, be certain to disconnect the power cable from the unit.
(3) Amplifier Removal & Replacement Before attempting service work, be certain to disconnect the power cable from the unit. Lethal voltages are present inside the enclosure when the unit is connected to an AC mains supply! The amplifier package consists of the power supply, amplifiers, and processing electronics. It is held in place by twelve (12) 8/32 Phillips drive fasteners. Once the fasteners are free, the amplifier assembly can be easily disconnected from the drivers.
Troubleshooting PROBLEM SUGGESTIONS • 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. POWER LED illuminates but audio is not present • Make sure the signal feed cable is securely mated with the XLR input connector. • Substitute an alternate cable to determine if the cable is at fault. • Disconnect the input cable.
Main AC Protection Fuse AC Input Connector, Neutrik Powercon NAC3FCA AC Line Voltage Selection Switch AC Output Connection, Neutrik Powercon NAC3FCB 3 4 5 4 2 3 Power Switch 2 1 1 5 Line AC Panel of an Apogee APL Subwoofer Amplifier Back Panel
7 6 4 3 2 1 9 8 5 Ch 1 Mute Switch Balanced Line Audio Input, XLR Balanced Line Audio Loop-through, XLR 8 9 Ch 2 Mute Switch Volume Control System Power Indicator Amplifier Clip Indicator System Protection Indicator Signal Presence Indicator 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Audio Input Panel of an Apogee APL Subwoofer
Specifications Enclosure Type Format Frequency Response APL-10 APL-12 20° Trapezoidal, optimally-vented bass Rectangular, optimally-vented bass Self-contained dual power amplifiers with integrated processing electronics 34 Hz to 100 Hz ± 3 dB (on axis) Dispersion Max. SPL Dimensions Drivers Input 32 Hz to 100 Hz ± 3 dB (on axis) Omni-directional 131 dB cont./ 137 dB peak (@1m) 134 dB cont./ 140 dB peak (@1m) 32" W X 22.5" H X 24" D (813 X 572 X 610mm) 44.75" W X 30" H X 22.
APL-10 SELF-POWERED SUBWOOFER Line Drawings 32
APL-12 SELF-POWERED SUBWOOFER
LIMITED WARRANTY; EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES Apogee Sound International's self-amplified speaker 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.
50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446, USA Tel. 201-934-8500, Fax: 201-934-9832 www.apogeesound.
