Array Application Guide v07 ® A Guide to Assist in the Specifying of JBL Precision Directivity 6000 Series and AE Series Application Engineered Products. With Pre-Designed Arrays, Venue Examples and Array Optimization Tips.
Table of Contents Introduction Suspending Loudspeaker Arrays Array Applications: House of Worship/Speech Systems Performing Arts Venue Speech & Music Systems High-Impact Music and Dance Club Systems Indoor Arena Systems Outdoor Stadium Systems Array Tips: Modeling Arrays in Rooms Optimizing Long-Throw/Downfill Systems Signal Processing Low Frequency Pattern Control Subwoofer Cardioid Configurations Array Examples: Vertically Arrayed Enclosures Horizontally Arrayed Enclosures Vertical Arrays using Rotated En
Introduction This edition in the Array Application Guide series focuses on how Precision Directivity TM PD6000 Series loudspeakers offer solutions in constructing arrays that offer exceptional coverage and performance for a wide range of venue sizes and applications. The arrays in this guide, as in earlier editions, are organized by configuration and orientation. These configurations help emphasize the versatility of the PD Series loudspeakers as the arrays are upgraded in terms of coverage and output.
Suspending Loudspeaker Arrays IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING! The information in this section has been assembled from recognized engineering data and is intended for informational purposes only. None of the information in this section should be used without first obtaining competent advice with respect to applicability to a given circumstance. None of the information presented herein is intended as a representation or warranty on the part of JBL.
The installation of the hardware and method of attachment must be carried out in the manner specified by the Professional Engineer. Improper installation may result in damage, injury or death. Inspection & Maintenance Suspension systems are comprised of mechanical devices and, as such, they require regular inspection and routine maintenance to insure proper function ability. JBL AE Series and PD Series loudspeakers must be inspected for fatigue at least annually.
Array y Applica ations The arrrays describe ed in this gu uide are deve eloped to me eet the perfo ormance goa als of a wide e variety of applicatio ons. Array re ecommendattions are larg gely dictated d by the intended functio on of the sou und system along a with th he size and geometry g of the audiencce area.
Figure 3: 3 Array G (p. ( 24) used d as an exp ploded cluster in n a fan-sha aped room For larg ger center clusters arrayys C - F mayy be considered. For thre ee- and four--cluster systtems as desccribed above e (see Figure e 3), verticall arrays of ro otated enclossures, arrayys G, H, and I are particularly useful given g their exxcellent verttical directivity characterristics.
Figure 4: Array A H (p. 25) with de elay locations used in an exploded configurration in an auditorium m Fig gure 5: Arra ay A (p. 17)), with horn patterns sh hown, used d in an exploded configuratio c on. Red are eas show minimal m overrlap. Some of the e array typess described incorporate subwoofers integrated into the arrayy; others do no ot.
High-Impact Music and Dance Systems While these systems are also sometimes used for speech, their primary purpose indicates that the arrays must produce high SPL Levels and have extended bandwidth by integrating subwoofers – whether flown or ground supported – into the system. Rectangular and auditorium shapes can have enhanced L/R only systems or exploded cluster systems – the center channel sometimes being optimized for speech.
Indoor Arena Systems Designing PD6000 Series enclosures into an indoor arena/field house facility can be addressed in several manners depending on the size of the facility. For larger capacity bleacher seating units that run the length of a court, using horizontally oriented PD6212/xx or PD6322/xx enclosures distributed along the length of the bleacher seats works well. Ideally these distributed speaker positions will orient in front of the first seating row.
Outdoor Stadium Systems Using PD6000 Series enclosures as the main components for a pole mounted or press box roof oriented system for small to mid-size stadiums is easily accomplished with the variety of available horn patterns. For systems that are speech oriented with less emphasis on music playback and low frequency impact the PD6212/xx enclosures are suggested.
ARRAY TIPS Modeling Arrays in Rooms The arrays included in this array guide have been developed to provide good coverage consistency throughout their specified range and balanced power response throughout their bandwidth. They are arranged to produce systems that are easy to rig and meet common coverage and performance needs. To better understand how these arrays will work in a particular room, it is always preferred to model the room with EASE, CATT acoustic or a similar type of predictive analysis tool.
balanced system and better LF polar characteristics. However, this means that the final low-frequency EQ must be done with all devices on. Note: Below 250 Hz, treat all components of the array as one device with the same EQ filters. This proven procedure provides very good, consistent results for this common arrangement.
4) JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement by John Eargle and Chris Foreman (Hal Leonard Publications, 2002). These papers describe some of the most popular and effective low-frequency arraying techniques for performance systems including: Frequency-shaded or Bipole arrays Gradient or Cardiod arrays Filtered Array Technology (FAT) arrays Forward Steered arrays Each of these arrays may be realized using product from the AE and PD series of loudspeakers.
d Spherica al Array exa amples Planarr Array and The followin ng 3-D mode eling plots sh how the effect mentioned above whe ere unwante ed energy from m the outer enclosures e off a planar arrray is directted onto the side walls of o a room (fig. 8). The rear delay d clusterr is also a pla anar array which w exhibitts the same problems. Planar P arrayss refer to tho ose clusters that have a flat top and bottom array surface. Figure 8: 8 Planar arra ays used forr main and dela ay center loccations.
Figu ure 9: Spherrical array ussed for main clusster location with distribu uted delay encllosures show wing reduced side wall energy and bettter coverage e. In this room m exam mple the sph herical arrayy allows bettter cove erage to the three front seating s area as than n is possible with the pla anar array.
Array A Full Range array with Integrated, Bipole Low Frequency Precision Directivity 3-way loudspeaker with Application Engineered vertically splayed mid-high downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is an excellent choice for larger rooms as part of a Left/Right or exploded cluster system where high SPL levels and excellent gain before feedback are required. Spaced-Source dipole low-frequency driver arrays combine with the large mid-frequency waveguide to maintain pattern control through 125Hz.
Array B Full Range array with Integrated Bipole Low Frequency Precision Directivity 3-way loudspeaker array with companion spaced-source low frequency enclosure ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is an excellent choice for larger rooms as part of Left/Right or exploded clusters where exceptional gain before feedback is required. Spaced-source low-frequency drivers combine with the large mid-frequency waveguide to maintain pattern control through 125Hz.
Array B Application Notes A sometimes unanticipated problem in sound system design is excessive low frequency energy beneath the flown array. Related to this can be poor low frequency coverage into the audience area and a system with excessive ‘lobing’ onto the performance area. This is usually caused by arranging low frequency devices in such a way they do not work together in an efficient manner. A single low-frequency device by itself has very little directivity.
Array C Two-element Horizontal Array Precision Directivity 2-way 12” loudspeakers horizontally splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This array can be used for medium to large-sized rooms as a center cluster, or as part of an exploded cluster design utilizing multiple arrays. Provides a cost-effective solution with defined coverage at medium to high SPL levels for speech, or music systems utilizing auxiliary subwoofers.
Array D Three-element Horizontal Array in a Wide Coverage Configuration PD6200 Mid/High loudspeakers vertically oriented with PD5125 Low Frequency Enclosure ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a very good choice for medium to large rooms as a center cluster speech system offering very high intelligibility and excellent pattern control.
Array E Two-element Horizontal Array with Downfill Precision Directivity 3-way loudspeakers horizontally splayed with vertically splayed Application Engineered mid-high downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a very good choice for medium to large rooms as a center cluster or as part of a high-impact Left/Right or exploded cluster system. The four 12” low frequency drivers combine to provide solid LF response and improve horizontal directivity.
Array F Two-element Horizontal Array with Bipole LF and Downfill Precision Directivity 3-way loudspeakers horizontally splayed with spaced-source LF and downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is an excellent choice for medium to large rooms as a center cluster or as part of a high impact Left/Right or exploded cluster system. Spaced source 12” drivers (PD6322 + PD5122) create directivity through 125 Hz to improve gain before feedback and optimize evenness of coverage. (See JBL Technote Volume 1, No.
Array G Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Precision Directivity 3-way loudspeakers horizontally configured and vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This low-profile array is an excellent choice for larger L/R, exploded cluster, or dance systems. The four, stacked low-frequency drivers provide useful pattern control through 200Hz to increase gain before feedback and provide even room coverage. H.F. waveguides are rotated 90o from standard.
Array H Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Precision Directivity 3-way with Application Engineered 2-way loudspeaker downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This low-profile array is a very effective choice for mid to large L/R or exploded clusters. The stacked low-frequency drivers provide vertical pattern control to increase gain before feedback. High frequency waveguides are rotated 90o from standard.
Array I Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Precision Directivity 2-way 12” loudspeakers horizontally configured and vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a very good choice for larger L/R or exploded clusters. High-frequency waveguides are rotated 90o. This is an excellent array for high-powered speech systems and may be augmented with subwoofers to create true full-range music reproduction (e.g. ASB6128 or ASB6128V).
WEATHER RESISTANT Configurations for AE, PD & VLA Series JBL offers two standard levels of weather resistance for AE, PD and VLA Series loudspeakers. WRC is intended for outdoor placement where the loudspeaker will be sheltered from direct exposure to the elements. WRX is best suited for direct exposure to the elements or any extreme environment such as tropical climate, beach areas, or other locations with high or low temperature extremes, salt air, high humidity or rapid change in temperature.
Painting AE and PD Series Loudspeaker Enclosures JBL AE and PD Series loudspeakers are available in black, white or unfinished. When ordering, the default color is always black. White is signified by a –WH suffix on the model number. Unfinished models are signified with a –UF suffix and are delivered “paint ready”. JBL recommends that for custom color installations, the unfinished versions (-UF) should be ordered and painted as required.
Reattach the backing securely using 3M Super 77 or similar spray adhesive, sprayed onto the back of the metal grille (spray only a minimal amount onto the backing because otherwise the backing could tend to pick up dust from the air). If the backing is damaged in the removal process it will be necessary to order a replacement – either from JBL or from a third-party foam or grille cloth provider -- if indeed a backing is required for your application.
AE/PD Series Connector Pin-Out Guide Connectors: All models contain one (1) Neutrik Speakon® connector (either NL4 or NL8, specified below) AND one (1) set of terminal strips. Terminal strips are marked with same pinout labels as below (1+ / 1-, etc). Speakons and terminal connections are in parallel with each other and can be used for loop-through purposes.
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