VLF Series Versatile Low Frequency Systems Models: VLF208B / VLF208W VLF212BI / VLF212WI VLF212BP Operation Manual
EC STATEMENT OF CONFORMITY This document confirms that the range of products of Community Professional Loudspeakers bearing the CE label meet all of the requirements in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the Member States Council for adjustment of legal requirements. Furthermore, the products comply with the rules and regulations referring to the electromagnetic compatibility of devices from 30-August-1995.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 4 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.............................................................................. 4 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION .................................................................................... 5 VLF SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................ 7 ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER OPTIONS......
VLF SERIES OPERATION MANUAL INTRODUCTION Thank you for selecting Community’s Versatile Low Frequency (VLF) Series. VLF is a series of powerful and innovative new low frequency subwoofers that feature a compact, low-profile design ideal for theaters, restaurants, auditoria, houses of worship, schools and other venues, fitting into areas where larger subwoofers are impractical. VLF Series loudspeakers are designed for demanding day-to-day use in a wide range of fixed and portable installations.
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION VLF loudspeakers are inherently rugged and are carefully packed in sturdy cartons. However, it is wise to thoroughly inspect each unit after it has been removed from the packaging, as damage could occur during shipping. Please note that once the shipment has left your dealer or the Community factory, the responsibility for damage is always borne by the freight company. If damage has occurred during shipping, you must file a claim directly with the freight company.
Figure 1: Physical Features of a VLF208 RECESSED FOOT-MOUNTING LOCATIONS (4) FOR WHEN THE VLF208 IS USED VERTICALLY Figure 2: Physical Features of a VLF212I Figure 3: Physical Features of a VLF212P 8 MOUNTING POINTS (4 ON EACH SIDE) Community VLF Series – Operation Manual - Page 6
VLF SPECIFICATIONS Model VLF208 VLF212I VLF212P Loudspeaker Type Compact Subwoofer Compact Subwoofer Compact Subwoofer Driver Complement LF: 2 x 8" LF: 2 x 12" LF: 2 x 12" Operating Range 55 Hz – 400 Hz 35 Hz – 200 Hz 35 Hz – 200 Hz Frequency Response 60 Hz – 160 Hz ±1dB processed 43 Hz – 160 Hz ±2dB processed 43 Hz – 160 Hz ±2dB processed Input Ratings 300W RMS 750W PGM 300W RMS 750W PGM 300W RMS 750W PGM Sensitivity 1W/1m 95 dB SPL (63 Hz – 160 Hz 1/3 octave bands)1 97 dB SPL (50
ELECTRONIC CONTROLLER OPTIONS VLF subwoofers are intended to be controlled by a digital signal processor (DSP) that directly precedes the power amplifier in the signal chain. The controller processes the audio signal to provide an optimized signal to the loudspeaker under all operating conditions. This results in improved frequency response, maximized power handling, lower distortion and increased protection for the loudspeaker components.
Recommended DSP Settings for the VLF212 High-Pass Filter: Butterworth 48 dB/Oct, 35 Hz Low-Pass Filter: Butterworth 48 dB/Oct, 200 Hz (Varies based on the full-range system used) Filter Type Frequency Gain Slope/Q PEQ1 38 Hz +4.5 dB 0.20 Oct PEQ2 45 Hz +2.5 dB 0.19 Oct PEQ3 62 Hz -3 dB 0.5 Oct PEQ4 110 Hz +1 dB 1 Oct PEQ5 200 Hz -7 dB 0.
DYNA-TECHTM SUBWOOFER PROTECTION SYSTEM VLF208 and VLF212 loudspeakers employ Community’s advanced technology DYNA-TECH driver protection system. Functioning as a multi-stage limiter, DYNA-TECH circuitry provides precise and repeatable protection by reducing excessive power to the drivers under abusive conditions. The limiting protects the drivers from damage due to excessive power levels being applied. This limiter is based on an electromechanical relay driven through a voltage sensing circuit.
HIGH-PASS FILTERS The use of an external, active high-pass filter to protect the cone drivers from excessive low-frequency excursion is strongly encouraged. A high-pass filter will eliminate the potential of low-frequency modulation from wind noise, turntable rumble, stage vibration, and other causes that result in a poorly defined and ‘muddy’ bass response.
Figure 11: VLF212I Input Panel The loudspeaker is intended to be connected directly to the amplifier. PIN Designations For all models the pin designation is as follows: NL4 Pin 1+ or the terminal screw labeled (+) connect to the positive (red) output of the amplifier. NL4 Pin 1- or the terminal screw labeled (-) connect to the negative (black) output of the amplifier. Note that the NL-4 and the terminal strip are wired in parallel, and that Pins 2+ and 2- on the NL4 connector are not utilized.
SELECTABLE HIGH-PASS OUTPUTS: VLF212P The VLF212P subwoofer is equipped with an industry-standard NL4-compatible locking connector wired in parallel with a ¼” jack. A second NL4-compatible locking connector is provided, also wired in parallel to a ¼” jack. This second set of connectors is intended as OUTPUTS and are associated with the subwoofer’s SWITCHABLE HIGH-PASS OUTPUT.
In addition to presenting a more amplifier-friendly load, the HIGH-PASS OUTPUT also attenuates the lowfrequency energy that’s fed to the full-range loudspeaker. This reduces the demand on the full-range loudspeaker’s woofer, thereby freeing up some additional power and headroom in the upper part of the bass spectrum. Use of the HIGH-PASS OUTPUT will typically result in an overall flatter response, but with slightly less total power available in the mid-bass portion of the audio spectrum.
CONNECTING THE AMPLIFIER TO THE LOUDSPEAKER: VLF212P Figure 13: VLF212P Input Panel PIN Designations In the Parallel Output Mode the pin designation is as follows: NL4 Pin 1+ and the tip of the ¼” jack connect to the positive (red) output of the amplifier. NL4 Pin 1- and the sleeve of the ¼” jack connect to the negative (black) output of the amplifier. Internally, each of these pins are connected to the NL4 output connector, to the ¼” output jack, and to the drivers in the subwoofer.
WIRING NEUTRIK TYPE CONNECTORS The diagrams below show how connections are made to a Neutrik Speakon TM style loudspeaker connector. Terminations may be soldered, or made by means of their built-in screw and pressure clamp. If using the pressure clamp, it’s important to tighten it fully, then to wait about ten minutes (longer is better), then to tighten it again. This is because copper wire flows under pressure.
RIGGING / SUSPENSION AND SAFETY The terms “rigging”, “flying” and “suspension” are often used interchangeably in describing methods of installing loudspeaker systems at elevated positions. DANGER: The loudspeakers described in this manual are designed and intended to be suspended using a variety of rigging hardware, means, and methods.
VLF MOUNTING BRACKETS AND ACCESSORIES Below are descriptions of optional accessories manufactured by Community for use with VLF loudspeakers. In this section the terms “suspension” and “fly” mean the same thing: to elevate the loudspeaker enclosure above the ground surface. Consult the user’s guide included with each part for detailed safety instructions. It is the responsibility of the installer to insure that safe installation practices are followed.
Figure 17: VLF-SAB Steered Array Bracket with VLF212 DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS Figure 18: VLF208 Dimensions TOP VIEW 9.691"[246.16] 9.691" [246.16] (4) M10 HANG POINTS SPEAKER ACCESS PANEL 5.316"[135.03] 13.000" [330.2] 5.316"[135.03] 4.000" [101.6] 4.500"[114.3] 21.750" [552.45] 4.500"[114.3] 4.000" [101.6] M10 HANG POINTS FRONT FRONT M10 HANG POINTS PORT 8.250"[209.55] FOOT RECESS 4.465" [113.42] 4.465"[113.
Figure 19: VLF212I Dimensions 21.750"[552.45] 20.000"[508] 4.000"[101.6] 2.209"[56.1] 8.000"[203.2] TOP VIEW FACE 2.209"[56.1] 2.250"[57.15] (6) M10 HANG POINTS 20.000"[508] 10.299" [261.6] SPEAKER ACCESS PANEL 2.250"[57.
Figure 20: VLF212P Dimensions 21.750"[552.45] 10.875"[276.23] FOOT RECESS 20.000"[508] 10.000"[254] 2.209"[56.1] TOP VIEW 2.209"[56.1] FACE 2.250"[57.15] (4) M10 HANG POINTS 20.000"[508] SPEAKER ACCESS PANEL 2.250"[57.
WARRANTY INFORMATION AND SERVICE Transferable Warranty "(Limited)” Valid in the USA Only Community loudspeaker systems are warranted in the USA to be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five years, as determined by one of the following two methods, whichever is longer: Starting from the date of retail purchase, as noted on the sales receipt from an authorized Community dealer, OR Starting from the date of manufacture, determined by the serial number, if the sales rec
This Community warranty is not extended by the length of time which an owner is deprived of the use of the product. Repairs and replacement parts provided under the terms of this warranty shall carry only the remaining portion of the warranty. Community reserves the right to change the design of any product from time to time, without notice and with no obligation to make corresponding changes in products previously manufactured.
Community Professional Loudspeakers 333 East Fifth Street, Chester, PA 19013-4511 USA Tel: 1-(610) 876-3400 | Fax: 1-(610) 874-0190 www.communitypro.
