EVA Series User Manual EVA-2082S/906 EVA-2082S/920 EVA-2082S/126 EVA-2082S/1220 Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual
Table of Contents Rigging-Safety Warning.....................................................................................................................................................3 1.0 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................4 2.0 Tool List ..............................................................................................................................
Rigging-Safety Warning This document details general rigging practices appropriate to the entertainment industry, as they would apply to the rigging of Electro-Voice EVA loudspeaker systems. It is intended to familiarize the reader with standard rigging hardware and techniques for suspending EVA loudspeaker systems overhead. Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques should attempt to suspend any sound systems overhead.
1.0 Introduction The Electro-Voice® EVA (Expandable Vertical Array) loudspeaker systems or line-array modules represent an important step in line-array technology for small- and medium-scale fixed-installation sound reinforcement. The four models are designed to significantly simplify the physical assembly of a line array. Also, arrays of EVA modules are designed to be powered from one amplifier channel, the necessary crossover and EQ functions accomplished with sophisticated passive networks.
1.0 Introduction (cont’) Up to eight paralleled modules can be driven from a single amplifier channel capable of driving a 2.3-ohm nominal impedance if at least two of the modules have the optional EVA-AM attenuation modules installed. All EVA modules contain two vertically stacked EVS2008 8-inch (203 mm) LF drivers and two pairs of DH2005 1.25-inch-diaphragm (32 mm) HF drivers. Each driver pair is mounted on a Hydra™ plane-wave generator, the two of which are vertically stacked.
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2.0 Tool List Listed below are the tools required to assemble an EVA array: 1. 2. 3. Phillips #2 screwdriver (for attaching cosmetic end panels). 6-mm Allen (hex) wrench (for attaching tie plates and assembling grids). 3/16-inch flat-blade screwdriver (for attaching signal wires to input-panel connectors). 3.0 Designing an EVA Array 3.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) 3.3 Determining EVA Array Configuration with EVADA™ (EVA Design Assistant) Software EVADA™ is Excel-spreadsheet-based software for determining optimum array configurations for a given venue and trim heights. The latest version of EVADA is downloadable from the Electro-Voice Web site (www.electrovoice.com).
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) Figure 4 shows the EVADA Main tab, where the array is built and its performance evaluated in the three frequency bands mentioned above. This tab is full of information and things to enter: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. In the top middle of the view is where the number of suspension points (one or two, front to back), array trim height and distance downstage from front of rig are chosen.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) Producing the most uniform front-to-back coverage is an iterative process. In general, it will be found that: 1. The top-most module will be aimed above the last-row heads. This may appear to aim array output at the back wall, which if reflective could produce audible delayed signals in the front of the room. However, reference to the 3,000- and 8,000-Hz vertical polar responses shows that maximum array output is aimed at the rear-most heads, not at the rear wall.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) Figure 5 shows the Picture tab of the EVADA spreadsheet, with a side view of the array and its suspension. The array is drawn to scale, in feet or meters as selected in the Units tab on the Venue page (English or metric, respectively). The grid tilt angle may be adjusted in this tab. One- or two-point rigging can be selected. Diagnostic messages will appear in the Messages cell, as needed.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) Figure 6 shows the Report tab of the EVADA spreadsheet, showing such details as hang points (in this example, pinholes 18 and 0 on the extended grid), type of hang point (main or pullback), load (lb), modules in the array and their vertical aiming angles (note that the module inclination angle is the rear panel of the module).
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) The Cable Loss tab allows the user to enter the combined impedance of an EVA array and the length and gauge (AWG) of the wire feeding it, in order to calculate the level lost (dB) in the cable feeding the array. See Figure 7. Figure 7: EVADA Cable Loss tab, calculates the dB level lost in speaker wiring as a function of the wire gauge (AWG) and length TM The Notes tab is a place to enter comments on the particular design.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) 3.4 Other Design Examples 3.41 Dealing with the Relatively High Low-Frequency Variation of Short Arrays The example of Figure 4 is a three-module array addressing a flat floor from a trim height of 23 ft, with the first row 10 ft away from the array and the last row 80 ft away.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) 3.42 A Five-Module Array Example Figure 9 shows another, five-module array in an 80-ft-deep venue with the front row five ft from the array and whose floor begins to rise about halfway back. The three frequencies not only track very well but nearly all of the venue is within ±3 dB front to back. This desirable situation is helped by not only the 3-dB attenuation of the top module but also by the array being longer than the three-module examples above (4.4 ft versus 7.
3.0 Designing an EVA Array (cont’) 3.43 An Eight-Module Example Figure 10 shows an eight-module array in a large theater with two balconies. Note that this array cannot be driven from one amplifier channel because only one of the modules uses the optional EVA-AM attenuation module. (An eight-module EVA array can be driven from an amplifier capable of driving a 2.3-ohm nominal impedance if two of the modules have attenuation modules installed.
4.0 Preparing EVA Modules for Installation 4.1 Recommended Preflight Procedures For any installed sound system, certain checks made at the installer’s place of business can prevent expensive on-site delays. A short-list follows, and sets the stage for proper array performance: 1. 2. 3. 4. Unpack all loudspeakers in the shop. Check for proper model numbers. Check the overall condition of the loudspeakers. Check for continuity at the loudspeaker inputs.
4.0 Preparing EVA Modules for Installation (cont’) To attenuate the top HF element, remove the switch card by drawing it toward you using the central finger hole. (The switch can also be removed with the end of a flat-blade screwdriver, by placing the blade end in the switch hole and using the adjacent edge of the input panel as a fulcrum. To facilitate this operation, there is a small recess in the edge of the input panel adjacent to the hole in switch card.
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5.0 EVA Rigging System 5.1 Overview of the EVA Flying System The external rigging parts supplied with each EVA line-array module attach to metal parts internal to each module, so that a finished array places no stress on the wooden enclosure parts. The rigging simplification inherent in the EVA modules is based on the final array being assembled in a fixed manner. The EVA enclosures are vertically trapezoidal—taller at the front than at the back.
5.0 EVA Rigging System (cont’) While 80-90% of EVA applications will be accommodated with arrays of three or four modules. Up to eight EVA modules may be suspended together up to a combined maximum loudspeaker column weight of 720 lbs. 5.2 Deciding Which Grid Configuration to Use with an EVA Array 5.21 Standard Grid with or without Second Spreader Bar The EVA-SG standard grid is shown in Figure 15. This grid is appropriate for those 80-to-90% of applications covered by a three- to four-module array.
5.0 EVA Rigging System (cont’) A second spreader bar, EVA-GXB, is available. The second spreader bar is used when two front-to-back pickup points are desired/required. Figure 16 shows an EVA-SG grid with a second spreader bar. When two spreader bars are used, one is attached to the extreme front hole positions in the side arms and the other is attached to the extreme rear position. This gives the most control over the vertical aiming of the array.
5.0 EVA Rigging System (cont’) 5.23 Use of Two Standard Grids Two EVA-SG standard grids may also be used with an EVA array, one attached to the upper module and the other attached to the lower module, acting as a pull-up grid. This is a way to achieve extreme down angles, such as might be encountered in a distributed arena system. Figure 18 shows this configuration. When using two grids in this fashion, the angle between the suspension lines must never be allowed to exceed 60°.
5.0 EVA Rigging System (cont’) 5.3 Assembling and Flying an EVA Array On each end of an EVA module are a pair of upper and lower connection points that accept the supplied M10 flathead bolts to either (1) attach the side arms of an EVA-SG standard grid or an EVA-EG extended grid to the top of the upper array module (or bottom of the lower array module as well) or (2) attach the tie plates supplied with each module so that the modules can be attached to each other. Figure 14 identifies these parts.
6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors 6.1 Working-Load Limit and Safety Factor Definitions The structural ratings for all of the EVA rigging components and complete loudspeaker systems are based on test results in which parts were stressed to failure. Manufacturers typically present the structuralstrength ratings of mechanical components or systems as either the working-load limit (WLL) or the ultimate-break strength.
6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors (cont’) 6.2 Structural Rating Overview Designing a safe structural array is ordinarily a very complex process best left to experienced professionals. To make EVA systems both safe and easy to use, Electro-Voice engineers have chosen to treat EVA arrays as a single unified structure rather than individual components.
6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors (cont’) 6.3 Simplified Structural-Rating Guidelines The simplified structural-rating guidelines for EVA loudspeakers are shown in Figure 19. These guidelines were determined based on the: 1. 2. 3. Vertical elevation possible with EVA-SG and EVA-EG grids. Total weight of all enclosures in the array plus accessories, cabling and rigging. Angled forces acting on rigging components and enclosures.
6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors (cont’) WHEN APPLYING THE STRUCTURAL RATING GUIDELINES TO ANY EVA LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM SUSPENDED OVERHEAD, THE USER MUST OBEY THE FOLLOWING RULES: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Never exceed 720 lb (327 kg) total column weight of suspended loudspeakers, accessories and cabling. (Typically 8 EVA 2082S modules) If a second grid is used at the bottom of the array, the angle between the suspension lines must never be allowed to exceed 60° as shown in Figure 18.
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6.0 Rigging-Strength Ratings and Safety Factors (cont’) 6.4 Electro-Voice Structural-Analysis Procedures Electro-Voice maintains a structural pull-test facility in Burnsville, Minnesota USA which includes load cells with digital-electronic display and recording. The load cells are calibrated annually by an independent laboratory to a standard traceable to the United States National Bureau of Standards.
7.0 Rigging Inspections and Precautions Electro-Voice EVA Loudspeaker Systems: Prior to each use, inspect the enclosures for any cracks, deformations or missing or damaged components that could reduce enclosure strength. Inspect the tie plates between enclosures for cracks, corrosion or other deformations that could reduce their strength and integrity. Check to be sure there are no missing screws and that all M10 rigging bolts are securely tightened.
8.0 References 8.1 Rigging (printed) [1] W.E. Rossnagel, L.R. Higgins & J.A. MacDonald, Handbook of Rigging for Construction and Industrial Operations, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York, NY, USA (1988). [2] H. Donovan, Entertainment Rigging, http://www.riggingbooksandprograms.com, Rigging Seminars, Seattle, WA, USA (2002) [3] J.O. Glerum, Stage Rigging Handbook, Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale, IL, USA (1987). [4] P. Carter, Backstage Handbook, Broadway Press, New York, NY, USA (1988).
8.0 References (cont’) 8.3 Rigging (Web sites) [1] http://www.rigging.net [2] http://www.cmworks.com/ [3] http://catalog.thecrosbygroup.com/maininterface.
Notes 34 Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual
Notes Electro-Voice® EVA Series User Manual 35
Electro-Voice® 12000 Portland Avenue South, Burnsville, MN 55337 Phone: 952/884-4051, Fax: 952/884-0043 www.electrovoice.com © Bosch Communications Systems Part Number LIT000350 Rev 1 12/2008 U.S.A. and Canada only. For customer orders, contact Customer Service at: 800/392-3497 Fax: 800/955-6831 Europe, Africa, and Middle East only. For customer orders, contact Customer Service at: + 49 9421-706 0 Fax: + 49 9421-706 265 Other Internatonal locations.
