Array Application Guide A Guide to Assist in the Specifying of JBL Application Engineered TM Series Products With Pre-Designed Arrays, Array Optimization Tips, Room Examples, and more v06
Table of Contents Introduction Suspending Loudspeaker Arrays Array Applications: Speech Systems Combination Speech & Music Systems High-Impact Music Systems Gymnasium Systems Array Tips: Modeling Arrays in Rooms Optimizing Long-Throw/Downfill Systems Signal Processing Low Frequency Pattern Control Subwoofer Directional Control Planar Array Frames Array Types: – Two-Element Vertical Array Examples with Vertical Orientation – Two-Element Horizontal Spherical Array Examples – Three-Element Low-Profile Horizont
Introduction This edition of the Array Application Guide focuses on how Application Engineered TM Series loudspeakers can provide the building blocks to construct arrays that will offer exceptional coverage in a wide range of room sizes and applications. The arrays in this guide, as in earlier editions, are categorized by configuration and orientation.
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 Applications The arrays described in this guide are developed to meet the performance goals of a wide variety of applications. Array recommendations are largely dictated by the intended function of the sound system along with the size and shape of the room. For this discussion we will divide the function of the sound system into three broad categories: Speech, Speech & Music, and High-Impact Music, and describe some typical solutions to three common room types. Referenced array types begin on page 16.
Figure 3: Array 14 (p. 27) used as an exploded cluster in a fan-shaped room For larger center clusters arrays 10, 11, or 12 may be considered. For three- and four-cluster systems as described above (see Figure 3), the vertical arrays of rotated enclosures, arrays 13, 14, and 15, are particularly useful given their low profile and excellent polar characteristics.
Figure 4: Array 15 (p. 29) with delay locations used in an exploded configuration in an auditorium Figure 5: Array 15 (p. 28), with horn patterns shown, used in an exploded configuration. Red areas show minimal overlap. Some of the array types described incorporate subwoofers integrated into the array; others do not.
High-Impact Music 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.
Depending on the height of the bleacher sections and associated vertical coverage requirements the horn may be left in its standard orientation with the enclosure rotated as mentioned above. With a 60o x 40o model this would allow the 60o pattern to cover the bottom to uppermost row when used with a short to medium height bleacher section. A 60o x 60o horn pattern can also be considered to reduce the required number of enclosures.
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.
5) If both loudspeakers are full-range devices, the addition of the down-fill device will affect the long-throw response by increasing level in the LF region. This is usually beneficial since the overall array will provide greater LF levels, producing a more 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.
3) Loudspeaker Array Low-Frequency Pattern Control using Filtered Array Technology; JBL Professional Application Note. 4) JBL Audio Engineering for Sound Reinforcement by John Eargle and Chris Foreman (Hal Leonard Publications, 2002).
Planar Array Frames and Rigging Brackets Planar Array Frames (PAFs) provide a pre-engineered solution to rig several of the arrays found in this guide. Please refer to the AE Series Bracket and Array Frame Handbook for more details. When tilting an array that utilizes a PAF frame downward at angles greater than about 35 degrees, understand that the center section of the array will end up with more down-tilt than the outside sections.
The second example shows the same three enclosures arranged in a spherical array with independent aiming capabilities (fig. 9). Note that the direct side wall energy is lessened with this array type which also uses distributed delay enclosures for the three rear audience areas. This distributed delay configuration will also offer better localization to the stage for the respective seating areas. This is the preferred design direction.
Array 1 Two-element Vertical Array in Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Application Engineered 2-way Mid-High loudspeakers vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good choice for small to medium-sized rooms as part of a center cluster when augmented by an additional low frequency enclosure, a Left/Right, or as a delay system.
Array 2 Two-element Vertical Array in Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Application Engineered 3-way 15” and Mid-High loudspeakers oriented and splayed vertically ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good choice for small to medium-sized rooms as part of a Left/Right or exploded cluster system. The configuration is particularly appropriate for use left and right of the proscenium opening for speech or speech + music program requirements. This system may be augmented with ground supported subwoofers. (e.
Array 3 Two-element Spherical Array Application Engineered 2-way 12” loudspeakers horizontally splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good solution for a simple Center or Left/Right cluster in small to medium-sized rooms for both speech and speech + music systems.
Array 4 Two-element Spherical Array Application Engineered 2-way 15” loudspeakers horizontally splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good solution for a simple Center or Left/Right cluster in small to medium-sized rooms for both speech and speech + music systems.
Array 5 Two-element Horizontal Array with Subwoofer Application Engineered 2-way 12” loudspeakers horizontally splayed plus subwoofer ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a great choice for small to medium-sized rooms as a center cluster. Provides a cost-effective center cluster solution with excellent coverage at medium SPL levels for speech and fullrange program material.
Array 6 Three-element Horizontal Array in a Wide Coverage Configuration Application Engineered Mid/High loudspeakers horizontally splayed with Low Frequency Enclosure ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a very good choice for small to medium-large rooms as a center cluster speech system offering very high intelligibility, yet maintaining a low vertical profile. Provides a cost-effective center cluster solution for good coverage and full-range program.
Array 7 Two-element Horizontal Array with Subwoofer Application Engineered 3-way 15” loudspeakers horizontally splayed plus Subwoofer ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good choice for medium to large rooms as a center cluster or as part of a Left/Right or exploded cluster system. Full bandwidth 4-way system is excellent for high-impact musical program requirements. Flown subwoofer rigged with available PAF-2K array frame allows for an easy to install, preengineered system.
Array 8/9 2-Way Vertical Enclosures with Subwoofer Application Engineered 2-way 12” or 15” loudspeakers with ASB6112 or ASB6115 Subwoofer ARRAY OVERVIEW These configurations are a good choice for small to medium rooms as a center or left/right element where full frequency response and high impact is required from minimal cubic footage. Full bandwidth 3-way system is excellent for high-impact musical program requirements.
Two-element Horizontal Array with Downfill Array 10 Application Engineered 3-way 15” loudspeakers horizontally splayed with vertically splayed Application Engineered mid-high downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good choice for medium-sized rooms as a center cluster or as part of a Left/Right or exploded cluster system. High-powered three-way system provides a full-bandwidth music system. Array may be augmented with flown or ground stacked ASB6128V subwoofers (see Array D1).
Array 12 Two-element Horizontal Array with Additional LF and Downfill Application Engineered loudspeakers horizontally splayed with vertically splayed Application Engineered mid-high downfill ARRAY OVERVIEW This array is a good choice for medium-sized rooms as a center cluster or as part of a Left/Right or exploded cluster system.
Array 13 Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Application Engineered 2-way 12” loudspeakers horizontally configured and vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This low-profile array is a good choice for smaller L/R or exploded clusters. The stacked low-frequency drivers provide additional vertical pattern control to increase gain before feedback. H.F. waveguides are rotated 90o from standard.
Array 14 Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Application Engineered 2-way 15” loudspeakers horizontally configured and vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This low-profile array is a good choice for smaller L/R or exploded clusters in speech + music systems. The stacked low-frequency drivers provide additional vertical pattern control to increase gain before feedback. H.F. waveguides are rotated 90o from standard.
Array 15 Two-element Vertical Array in a Long-Throw/ShortThrow Configuration Application Engineered 3-way 15” loudspeakers horizontally configured and vertically splayed ARRAY OVERVIEW This low-profile array is a good choice for mid to large L/R or exploded clusters in speech + music systems. The stacked low-frequency drivers provide additional vertical pattern control to increase gain before feedback. H.F. waveguides are rotated 90o from standard.
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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