α α USER MANUAL VERSION :1.
P2 CONTENT INTRODUCTION 4 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING 5 1. 8 ALPHA SERIES DESCRIPTION 1.1. LOUDSPEAKERS 8 1.2. NEXO TDCONTROLLERS 8 1.3. THE X-BOW FLYING SYSTEM 8 2. GENERAL SETUP INSTRUCTIONS 2.1. 9 SPEAKER WIRING 9 2.1.1. Connectors 9 2.1.2. Cables 2.2. 10 FLYING THE SYSTEM 11 2.2.1. Flown Systems Safety 11 2.2.2. Ground Stacks Safety 12 TDCONTROLLERS SETTINGS 13 2.3. 2.3.1. SubTDcontroller + S2 parameter board 13 2.3.2. AlphaTDcontroller 13 2.3.
P3 3.4. DIRECTIVITY - COVERAGE 19 3.4.1. Directivity of Multiple Sources - What Happens ? 19 3.4.2. Small Arrays (less than 4 Alphas M3 / M8) 20 3.4.3. Large Arrays (4 Alphas M3 / M8 and above) 20 4. AMPLIFIERS 21 4.1. RECOMMENDED POWER 21 4.2. CURRENT CAPABILITY 21 4.3. VOLTAGE GAIN 21 II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 22 4.4. ALPHA S2 22 4.5. ALPHA B1-15 / B1-18 23 4.6. ALPHA M3 / M8 24 4.7. ALPHA EM / EF 25 4.8. DIRECTIVITY TABLES 26 5. CURVES 27 5.1.
P4 Introduction Thank you for selecting NEXO Alpha Series. This manual is intended to provide you with necessary and useful information about your Alpha System: • S2 • B1-15, B1-18 • M3, M8 • EM, EF Please devote some attention to reading this manual. A better understanding of some specific features of the Alpha Series will help you to operate your system to its full potential. This manual is intended to be comprehensive, and we hope that it will satisfy your requirements.
P5 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING BASIC PRECAUTIONS Do not open the speaker system or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way. The speaker system contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should appear to be malfunctioning or damaged, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected by qualified NEXO service personnel. Water exposure: Do not expose the speaker system to direct rain, do not use it near water or in wet conditions.
P6 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEXO TD CONTROLLERS NEXO ANALOGUE PSTDCONTROLLERS, NX242 DIGITAL CONTROLLER, NXAMP4x1 AND NXAMP4x4 POWERED CONTROLLERS ARE CLASS 1 APPARATUS AND MUST BE EARTHED. THE GREEN AND YELLOW WIRE OF THE MAINS CORD MUST ALWAYS BE CONNECTED TO AN INSTALLATION SAFETY EARTH OR GROUND. THE EARTH IS ESSENTIAL FOR PERSONAL SAFETY AS WELL AS THE CORRECT OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM, AND IS INTERNALLY CONNECTED TO ALL EXPOSED METAL SURFACES. - Read these instructions. - Keep these instructions.
P7 HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient period of time. The U.S.
P8 1. Alpha Series description 1.1.
P9 The X-BOW flying system includes four main components, references are: • ALXBOW : main chassis (1) ; • ALXKIT : hinge (1) and cable links (2) ; • ALXBRIDLE : D-ring (1) and leg chains (3); • ALXCASE : flight-case for a complete X-BOW flying kit (capacity :4 X-Bows). 2. General Setup Instructions 2.1. SPEAKER WIRING 2.1.1. CONNECTORS The loudspeakers are connected via SPEAKON connectors, NL4FC and NL8FC (not supplied).
P 10 SP8 #1 SP8 #2 1 ± - - In VLF (S2) In / Out VLF (S2) 2 ± - - In / Out LF (B1) In / Out LF (B1) 3 ± - - In / Out MF 4 ± - 1 ± - - In VLF (S2) In VLF (S2) 2 ± - - In / Out LF (B1) In / Out LF (B1) 3 ± - - In / Out MF 4 ± - P : In / Out MF+HF A : In / Out MF P : Not connected - In / Out HF A : In / Out HF P : In / Out MF+HF A : In / Out MF P : Not connected - In / Out HF A : In / Out HF P = MF-HF passive / A = MF-HF active 2.1.2.
P 11 2.2. FLYING THE SYSTEM Alpha Series loudspeakers are equipped with steel anchor plates that can be fitted with the corresponding Fly Rails. The X-Bow flying system is supplied as an accessory. The X-Bow Flying Manual must be read before flying the system. The following points are designed to remind the user of safe practice when flying the X-Bow system.
P 12 • Correct training is fundamental to safe practise when working with loudspeakers flying systems. NEXO recommend that users contact local industry associations for information on specialist course. Information for UK and International training agencies can be obtained by contacting : The Production Services Association (PSA), School Passage, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT1 SDU Surrey, ENGLAND tel : +44 (0) 181 392 0180 2.2.2.
P 13 2.3. TDCONTROLLERS SETTINGS The Alpha Series speakers do not work properly without their associated TDcontrollers. Sound quality, reliability are totally dependent on the proper use of the TDcontrollers, in agreement with Nexo instructions. • SubTDcontroller : Alpha S2 ; • AlphaTDcontroller : Alpha B1-15, B1-18, M3 & M8 ; • AlphaETDcontroller : B1-18, EM & EF ; • NX241 Digital TDcontroller : all current Nexo speakers. These device manuals must be read before set-up. 2.3.1.
P 14 down to 40Hz). On the contrary, if the system includes Alpha S2 sub-bass cabinets, and the required SPL level in the LF region is important, it is then recommended to switch to the “X-Over” mode. It is also possible to overlap the S2 and B1 responses by switching the AlphaTDcontroller to “Wideband” mode : the radiated energy will increase in the 40 Hz – 80 Hz range, but the Alpha B1 power capability will decrease. 2.3.3.
P 15 2.4. INITIAL SET-UP PRECAUTIONS When starting up a system including brand new cabinets, NEXO recommends gradual power ramp up. The loudspeaker components may need stabilising during his very first hours of usage. This is particularly true for adhesives within the speaker’s moving assemblies. In all cases, it is advisable to connect the loudspeakers only after all the other components have been wired and are operating correctly. This is particularly important for the amplifiers and the TDcontroller.
P 16 • At high frequencies, wavelength being short in relation to the size of the cabinet, the gain level is smaller : no gain will be obtained for cabinets angled at their nominal coverage, maximum gain will be obtained for n cabinets pointing in the same direction. Therefore, the gain will range from 0 to 3 dB per doubling ; for n Alpha M3, M8, EM or EF : 0 ≤ LGSPL(1kHz-10kHz) ≤ 10 log10(n) • The Alpha TDcontroller Array EQ is derived from array measurements to compensate the array coupling effect.
P 17 For example, if the level measured at 1 meter is Lp(1m) = 100 dBSPL, the level at 2 meters will be 94 dBSPL, 80 dBSPL at 10 meters and so on. Note that under these conditions of small source and open air, the sound pressure level will be decreasing by 6 dB when doubling the distance. 3.3.2. STRAIGHT VERTICAL ARRAY (LONG THROW) Some open-air applications might require loud level on a wide frequency range at a long distance. It is then recommended to stack a large number of Alpha M3/M8/EM vertically.
P 18 3.3.4. HYGROMETRY AND TEMPERATURE - AIR ABSORPTION Under usual conditions, air absorption : − increases when relative humidity decreases ; − increases when temperature decreases. Air absorption gives a linear attenuation, i.e. a constant value of loss of dB per meter : if 1 dB is lost from 10 to 20 meters, 2 dB will be lost from 20 to 40 meters, 4 dB from 40 to 80 meters and so on...
P 19 The speed of sound C varies with temperature according to the formula below : C = 20 t° + 273 where t° is the temperature in °C The delay time between two sources spaced at a distance d is then : ∆t = C/d 3.4.
P 20 • resulting directivity At low frequencies, because wavelength is much larger than the spacing between sources, interference cannot result in cancellation ; however, directivity index will increase. In the mid and high frequency range, where wavelength is comparable to spacing between sources, the directivity polar plots will show dips and lobes. The amplitude of these lobes will depend on the directivity of the individual sources and on their angulation.
P 21 4. Amplifiers 4.1. RECOMMENDED POWER For best results, NEXO specifies a range of amplifier powers relative to the capacity of the cabinets (see « Technical Specifications »). The use of amplifiers with lower power rating has no justification other than budgetary. On the contrary, high power amplifiers (within reasonable limit) present no real technical problem (bearing in mind that the servo-control system limits the delivered power when needed), but may simply represent an unnecessary expense. 4.
P 22 II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 4.4. ALPHA S2 SYSTEM SPECS Frequency Response [a] ALPHA S2 with SubTD Controller 32(?) Hz – 64 Hz ± 3 dB Usable Range @-6dB [a] 29 Hz – 180 Hz Sensitivity 1W @ 1m [b] 105 dB SPL Peak SPL @ 1m [b] 140 dB Peak Nominal Impedance 3 ohms (2.7 min) Recommended Amplifiers 1800 to 2400 Watts into 3 ohms FEATURES ALPHA S2 Components 2 x 18’’ (46cm) long excursion 6 ohms drivers, high efficiency acoustic load.
P 23 4.5. ALPHA B1-15 / B1-18 SYSTEM SPECS ALPHA B1-15 ALPHA B1-18 Frequency Response [a] Wideband : 42 Hz – 180 Hz ± 3 dB Xover : 80 Hz – 190 Hz ± 3 dB 40 Hz – 230 Hz ± 3 dB Usable Range @-6dB [a] 39 Hz – 600 Hz 38 Hz – 600 Hz Sensitivity 1W @ 1m [b] 106 dB SPL 107 dB SPL Nominal Peak SPL @ 1m [b] 140 dB Peak 142 dB Peak Nominal Impedance 6 ohms (5.2 mini) 6 ohms (4.
P 24 4.6. ALPHA M3 / M8 SYSTEM SPECS ALPHA M3 ALPHA M8 Frequency Response [a] 190 Hz – 19 kHz ± 3 dB 190 Hz – 19 kHz ± 3 dB Usable Range @-6dB [a] 150 Hz – 20 kHz 150 Hz – 20 kHz Sensitivity 1W @ 1m [b] 110 dB SPL 108 dB SPL Peak SPL @ 1m [b] 145 dB Peak 143 dB Peak Dispersion [c] 35° x 35° 75° x 45° (HF Horn Rotatable) Directivity : Q & DI [c] Q = 32 – DI = 15 dB (Nominal f > 630 Hz) Q = 20 – DI = 13 dB (Nominal f > 630 Hz) Nominal Impedance MF : 12 ohms (15.5 min) HF : 12 ohms (8.
P 25 4.7.
P 26 4.8. DIRECTIVITY TABLES Off-Axis Attenuation from On-Axis Frequency Response (dB) 125 Hz Angle / dB 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 B1+M3 hor 0.0 0.5 1.3 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.3 4.5 5.0 4.8 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.8 6.3 7.0 6.3 B1+M3 vert 0.0 0.3 0.5 1.5 2.0 2.8 3.5 4.3 4.8 5.5 6.0 6.8 6.8 6.0 7.0 6.5 6.0 B1+M8 hor 0.0 0.5 1.3 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.3 4.5 5.0 4.8 6.0 6.0 6.5 6.8 6.3 7.0 6.3 5.8 5.5 B1+M8 vert 0.0 0.3 0.5 1.
P 27 5. CURVES 5.1. ALPHA S2 On Axis Response Alpha S2 With SubTD Controller (dB) Impedance Alpha S2 (Ohm) 10.000 50 0.0 10 -10.00 -20.00 -30.00 30 100 1k 10k 20k Frequency Response with SubTD Controller (dB) 5.2. 2 10 100 1k 10k 1k 10k 1k 10k Impedance (Ohms) ALPHA B1-18 On Axis Response Alpha B1-18 With AlphaETD Controller (dB) Impedance Alpha B1-18 (Ohm) 10.000 50 0.0 -10.00 10 -20.00 -30.00 30 100 1k 10k 20k Frequency Response with AlphaETD Controller (dB) 5.3.
P 28 5.4. ALPHA M3 On Axis Response Alpha M3 With AlphaTD Controller (dB) Impedance Alpha M3 (Ohm) 10.000 50 0.0 10 -10.00 -20.00 -30.00 20 100 1k 10k 2 20 20k Frequency Response with AlphaTD Controller (dB) 100 1k 10k 20k Impedance (Ohms) Black : MF, Grey : HF Directivity Index (dB) & Q Alpha M3 Coverage Angle Alpha M3 (Degree) 20.000 200 100 15.000 100 10 10.000 5.0000 1 0.
P 29 Alpha M3 - Horizontal Directivity ( 5dB / div.
P 30 Alpha M3 – Vertical Directivity ( 5dB / div.
P 31 5.5. ALPHA M8 On Axis Response Alpha M8 With AlphaTD Controller (dB) Impedance Alpha M8 (Ohm) 10.000 50 0.0 10 -10.00 -20.00 -30.00 20 100 1k 10k 2 20 20k Frequency Response with AlphaTD Controller (dB) 100 1k 10k 20k Impedance (Ohms) Black : MF, Grey : HF Directivity Index (dB) & Q Alpha M8 Coverage Angle Alpha M8 (Degree) 20.000 200 100 15.000 100 10 10.000 5.0000 1 0.
P 32 Alpha M8 – Horizontal Directivity ( 5dB / div.
P 33 Alpha M8 Vertical Directivity ( 5dB / div.
P 34 5.6. ALPHA EM On Axis Response Alpha EM With AlphaETD Controller (dB) Impedance Alpha EM (Ohm) 10.000 50 0.0 10 -10.00 -20.00 -30.00 30 100 1k 10k 20k Frequency Response with AlphaETD Controller (dB) 2 20 100 1k 10k 20k Impedance (Ohms) Directivity Index (dB) & Q Alpha EM Coverage Angle Alpha EM (Degree) 20.000 100 200 15.000 100 10 10.000 5.0000 1 0.
P 35 Alpha EM – Horizontal Directivity ( 5dB / div.
P 36 Alpha EM – Vertical Directivity ( 5dB / div.
400 [15.74"] α USER MANUAL VERSION :1.01 DATE : 06/10/10 754 [29 11/16"] 762 [30"] 889 [35"] 754 [29 11/16"] ALPHA EM 754 [29 11/16"] 1200 [47 1/4"] ALPHA EF e e 22.5° 688.77 [27 1/8"] e 22.5° 688.77 [27 1/8"] - Full Range System 762 [30"] 889 [35"] 762 [30"] 889 [35"] 754 [29 11/16"] 1200 [47 1/4"] ALPHA S2 754 [29 11/16"] 600 [23 5/8"] 22.5° 688.77 [27 1/8"] 22.5° 688.
VUE DE DESSUS 3175 [125"] α 2400 [94 1/2"] USER MANUAL VERSION :1.01 DATE : 06/10/10 VUE DE COTE B1-15 B1-15 M8 M3 B1-18 B1-18 EM EM ALPHA S2 ALPHA EF P 38 IV.
α Raccord SP4 Raccord SP4 USER MANUAL VERSION :1.
α e - Full Range System USER MANUAL VERSION :1.
