Martin Audio WAVEFRONT COMPACT - APPLICATIONS GUIDE Specifikace

MARTIN AUDIOLONDONThe Martin ExperienceWavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideAll material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without noti

Section 1Wavefront W8C 3-Way SystemContents1.1 Introduction1.2 Specifications1.3 Pin-outs and cabling1.4 System patching1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management

4.3 Pin-outs and cablingWSXNL8 WSX-1 Driver -+1 Driver +-2 Driver -+2 Driver +-3 n/c+3 n/c-4 n/c+4 n/c(See Section 1.3 for connector pin-out drawing)A

4.3.1 Cable and panel connector part numbersPlease note the following part numbers when ordering loudspeaker connectors tomake up cables and patch pan

Loudspeaker Management System. The following illustrates a DX1 set up to controlan active (3-way) Wavefront W8C system with floor-stacked WSXs augment

WSX - assuming 600Wcont - 1200Wpk into 8ΩΩ power amplifiers:Best-fit Initial DX1Amplifier Amplifier Amplifier Output GAINExample Sensitivity Gain When

To ensure transparent limiter operation without obvious distortion or pumping, theDX1 limiter attack and release times are factory preset to be invers

NOTE!Use lower settings (or more subwoofers!) if your power amplifiers indicate clippingon more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may also b

Amplifier load toleranceAn efficient subwoofer system in live concert conditions can act as a surprisinglydynamic and complex load. Most modern tourin

Level controlsThe front panel level controls should be turned down (fully counter clockwise) untilFOH-to-Amp rack lines have been checked and controll

WSX horns flare away from the label end. They can be symmetrically coupled byplacing them label-to-label …Symmetrically coupled 2-wide columns show a

4.7.1Array shapes vs coverageWSXs may be stacked and arrayed to increase sound pressure and tailor coverage.The sound pressure increase is intuitive b

Wavefront W8C 3-Way System1.1IntroductionThe award-winning Wavefront W8C 3-Way System is a very compact, light weight,high performance 3-way loudspeak

4.7.2 Coverage angle for tightly packed flat fronted arrays-6dB CoverageHere is a simplified formula for calculating the main coverage angle of a tigh

A note on coverage nullsIt is useful to be able to calculate where these first response nulls will occur forvarious frequencies as they indicate areas

Vertical Boundary effectsA solid floor will act as a reflector. This will cause a vertical stack to perform as if itwere double the length, giving a u

WSXs Wide Horizontal coverage(standing upright) 40Hz 80Hz 160Hz3 Wide Wide 98º4 Wide Wide 69º8 Wide 69º 33º16 69º 33º 16ºWith WSXs standing upright, f

The following formula gives the pressure ratio p(h) (wrt to the on-axis pressure) forany off-axis angle of a regularly spaced linear array:Far field p

The following tables give the maximum recommended gap (between WSX sides) forthe relevant frequency range.WSXs standing uprightGap Smooth coverage ran

WSXs Wide Horizontal coverage(On sides. Splayed with Radius = width) 40Hz 80Hz 160Hz2 Wide 90º 60º4 90º 60º 30º8 60º 30º 36º16 30º 36º 40ºNote that

4.8WSX application examplesThe following sketches show how WSXs may be deployed for a wide range ofproductions and types of venue. All productions and

(3) WSX set-up for very high power dance/rock production innarrow arenaGives narrow horizontal & vertical coverage up to 120Hz - allowing for grou

(5) Alternative set-up for wide venuesSplayed WSX arrays for wide horizontal coverage.Example 5 shows a set-up for a TV shoot in a similar wide venue

Maximum SPL: 129dB continuous, 135dB peakImpedance: Low-mid 8 ohms nominalHigh-mid 16 ohms nominalHigh 16 ohms nominalCoverage (-6dB): 55º horizontal,

4.9Further examplesThrust stagesExamples 6 and 7 show typical set-ups for large, thrust stage productions.(6) WSX set-up for high power variety/orches

(7) WSX set-up for very high power dance/rock production on largethrust stagefront viewside viewGives narrow vertical & wide horizontal coverage u

4.10 Spaced systemsWhenever two or more loudspeaker systems are fed with the same signal and theircoverage overlaps, sound addition and subtraction wi

Addition & SubtractionThe above shows how two pairs of sine waves (with identical amplitude andfrequency characteristics) will sum. Pair (a) are i

Polar variations with frequencyWhether particular frequency components add or subtract in the far field will dependon the loudspeaker system spacing,

changed dramatically around the sides. There are now strong lobes at the sidesbecause the spacing is now an even number of half-wavelengths at this pa

40 Hz reduced spacingThe above shows what happens at 40Hz if we reduce the spacing between thesubwoofers to 4.3m.We get better central coverage withou

In the following example, listeners over a wide central area will hear a warm bassnote rich in harmonics whereas those around the sides (in line with

Note that it is important to keep the subwoofers tightly packed to avoid polaranomolies caused by spacing.ProcedureThe normal procedure is to measure

This means that our delay increment (in ms) = tan 30º x 0.572 x 1000 340= 0.577 x 0.572 x 2.94= 0.97mS or 970uS.The following delay line ta

1.3 Pin-outs and cablingW8CConnector type W8C modeEP8 NL8 W8C Active* W8C Passive*1 -1 Low Mid - Low Mid -2 +1 Low Mid + Low Mid +3 -2 High Mid - High

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGLISH ONLY

Section 5 Application Guide Wavefront W8L Series Line Arrays W8L, W8LC & W8LM plus W8LS and WLX Sub-woofers Simply need controller and amplifi

Wavefront W8L Series Line Arrays 5.1 Introduction Martin Audio W8L Series line arrays are next generation line array systems which combine innov

with a range of Martin Audio sub-woofers including the Martin Audio W8LS direct radiating sub-woofer system or the Martin Audio WLX horn-loaded &am

W8L rear rigging Caution: W8L Series columns should be rigged and flown by professional riggers or trained personnel under professional riggers

5.2 W8L, W8LC, W8LM line array element specifications (single enclosure) Specification W8L W8LC W8LM Type Full-range 3-way line array element

134dB cont., 140dB peak. HF: 136dB cont., 142dB peak. 129dB cont., 135dB peak. HF: 129dB cont., 135dB peak. 125dB cont., 131dB peak. Passive 12

W8L & W8LS outline dimensions (W8L shown) All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<&g

W8LC outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGLISH

W8LM outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGL

1.3.1 Cable and panel connector part numbersPlease note the following part numbers when ordering loudspeaker connectors tomake up cables and patch pan

W8LX outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGLISH O

W8L polar plot W8L beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGL

W8LC polar plot W8LC beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDE

W8LM polar plot W8LM beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDE

5.3 Classic line array behavior Although the vertical coverage of a single point source may be wide, when arrayed in a straight line, multiple so

Point Sources The effects of geometric spreading are well known for the three idealised sound sources; the point, line and plane. The behaviour of

SPL = SWL(line) - 10log(4 p r) For a line source this results in only a 3dB reduction in sound pressure level per doubling of distance in the nea

Stacked general purpose horns vs low curvature line array elements The following illustrations compare the poor coverage characteristics of vertic

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>PRINTGUIDESENGLISH ONLY

The listener hears the vector sum of more and more cabinets as he moves further away from a straight line array. These increasing contributions part

without feedback and without stressing its mechanical, electrical or electro-acoustic components.3) Be divided into easily understood sections (eg Mai

Irregular coverage from a J-Shaped Array Smoother coverage from a Martin Audio Progressive Curvature Array ViewPointtm calculates the ma

5.4 How many do I need? There are four major factors to take into account when specifying line array columns for a specific application. 1) Wil

The transition distance is not the system’s maximum throw. It is the distance that the system’s near-field characteristic will reach – or, if you

Model and quantity for a balanced spectral response A spectrally balanced system will provide a useful far-field response within an octave of the p

Example 1 12 x W8L (at 1°) per side festival system in side wings for 100m throw Example 2 16 x W8L per side arena system Upper 12 cabinets at

Example 3 12 x W8LM per side 41m concert hall system All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.CONTENTS<>

5.4.2 Maximum far-field on-axis SPL Calculations Simplified maximum far-field on-axis spl estimates for a single column may be made using the foll

Quantity (splayed at 1°) W8L Max dB spl cont. pk W8LC Max dB spl cont. pk W8LM Max dB spl cont. pk 1 134 140 129 135 125

Horizontal off-axis attenuation Off-axis figures will be less than single column on-axis figures at mid and high frequencies as follows: Horizonta

5.5.17 Saving a design 5.5.18 Loading a design 5.5.19 Printing ViewPointtm 5.5.20 Exiting the programme 5.5.21 ViewPointtm support

Recommended W8C pairs:Inner Farfield Outer FarfieldInner Midfield Outer MidfieldInner Nearfield Outer NearfieldInner Downfield Outer DownfillControlle

5.5.3 Using ViewPointtm Once you have installed ViewPointtm, it will be visible as a shortcut in All Programs via your Windows Start button.

W8L W8LC W8LM 5.5.4 Entering venue data Choose metric or imperial units using the Units box on the Venue page. Click on the button adjac

Overlayed ViewPointtm display (front fills not shown) There are 3 methods for entering venue Dimensions. 5.5.4.1 Direct If you have the venue

The following pop-up window will appear. Enter R and A in the right hand boxes and click on Get X-Y. Click on Close and Update to copy the X an

It also details the height of your distance measuring device above plane 1. If the stage is raised then include this height as well as the height of

5.5.6 Array Type The choice of loudspeaker type depends on the application. See W8L Series Applications Guide Section 5.4 If a mixed system is

5.5.8 Designing a flown array Minimum trim height This is the low limit for the array and is defined as the smallest allowable distance from th

Example Venue view – inefficient design Array too high and, therefore, too curved for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation Array view – in

Venue view – efficient design Lower curvature - for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation Array view – efficient design Lower curvature f

Number of cabinets The default value is 10 cabinets and this is a good starting point for most situations. Click the Design button to see covera

Initial inner level settingsInitial inner level settings can be calculated for each row as follows:All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to c

Set Stage Height to the vertical distance from the first plane to the floor of the stage. The Add Subs button allows the stack to be mounted on po

A. The auto calculation routine will tend to aim the top cabinet slightly beyond the coverage stop distance to give maximum vector summation at the

Q. The cabinet rays are spaced further apart in the 45 – 75m area. Surely this means that just one cabinet is covering more than fifteen meters of

that the W8LS cabinets are pointing downwards - or consider a parallel (side) W8LS or WLX sub-woofer array. W8LS side arrays Matching a W8LS side

5.5.14 Manual array editing (experts only!!!) Should you wish to ignore ViewPointtm’s accurate coverage advice, continue with great caution, as f

3) Use the mouse buttons as described to change the angle. This is useful when the blue squares at the end of the uppermost rays lie outside the di

Note: the top corner of the top cabinet is always positioned above the reference point on the venue view. This is shown by the blue vertical line

The cabinet grid position can be selected as either Front or Rear depending on the amount of system tilt required. The rear positions makes more dow

Adjusting the array height slightly on the Venue page will often position the system on a suitable hole or narrow the gap between the required angle

A two-motor lift from a lifting bar will… Enable more extreme up-tilts and down-tilts because the lifting bar extends beyond the front lifting po

The farfield inner power amplifier channels are the reference...Initial outer level settingsSimilarly, initial outer level settings can be calculated

When designing ground-stacked arrays, inspect the array view and check that the center of gravity is in a safe place. Stack stability Red stabil

5.5.16 Processor page The Processor page shows a controller-to-amplifier patch table and indicates which controller settings to use for the

In practice, multipurpose racks are more easily configured for a wide variety of array sizes by driving the arrays in the opposite direction - from

A typical large scale system will have its LF sections driven in unison, its MF split into upper (far-field) and lower (near-field) zones and its HF

Appendix 1Wavefront W8 3-Way SystemContentsA1.1 IntroductionA1.2 SpecificationsA1.3 Pin-outs and cablingA1.4 System patchingA1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Manag

Wavefront W8 3-Way SystemA1.1IntroductionThe Wavefront W8 3-Way System is a high performance 3-way loudspeaker systemin a trapezoidal cabinet. The Wa

Rated power: Low-mid 400W AES, 1600WpkHigh-mid (active/passive) 150WAES, 600WpkHigh (active) 60W AES, 240WpkSensitivity: Low-mid 106dB/WHigh-mid 108dB

A1.3Pin-outs and cablingW8Connector type W8 modeEP8 NL8 W8 Active* W8 Passive*1 -1 Low Mid - Low Mid -2 +1 Low Mid + Low Mid +3 -2 High Mid - High Mid

A1.3.1 Cable and panel connector part numbersPlease note the following part numbers when ordering loudspeaker connectors tomake up cables and patch pa

electro-acoustic components.3) Be divided into easily understood sections (eg Main, midfield, downfill etc)and clearly labelled so that adjustments ma

The attenuation rate shown here is 2dB per cluster row. The actual rate of verticalattenuation will depend on the cluster height which in turn will de

Recommended W8 pairs:Inner Farfield Outer FarfieldInner Midfield Outer MidfieldInner Nearfield Outer NearfieldInner DownfieldOuter DownfillController

2ch power amplifier allocations:Farfield inner & outer high Farfield inner & outer himid Farfield inner & outer lomidMidfield inner &

Initial inner level settingsInitial inner level settings can be calculated for each row as follows:The farfield inner power amplifier channels are the

Initial outer level settingsSimilarly, initial outer level settings can be calculated for each row as follows:Again, the farfield inner amplifier sett

Again, the vertical layout is...In a narrower venue, we may require the outer sections to be attenuated a little,particularly in the farfield section,

A1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management SystemMartin Audio can provide factory set configuration cards for a variety of off-the-shelfcrossover systems (contac

driven in pairs).Passive Mode (DX1 factory presets 20 & 22)In Passive mode the W8 high-mid and high drivers share a power amplifier channelvia a p

A1.5.1 DX1 specificationsInputs 2 electronically balanced. >10k ohmsCMRR >65dB 50Hz - 10kHzOutputs 6 electronically balanced. <60 ohmsMin.

1.5.2 DX1 Output Gain and Limiter settings for the W8Standardising on one good model of power amplifier (preferably the Martin AudioMA2.8) and correct

Limiter settingsThe Rated Power specifications in Section A1.2 show that the maximum allowablepower dissipation depends on the driver/s being driven.

Wavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideContentsIntroduction Wavefront Compact Series OverviewSection 1 W8C 3-way SystemSection 2 W8CT & W8CM Li

1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management SystemMartin Audio can provide factory set configuration cards for a variety of off-the-shelfcrossover systems (contact

The following DX1 output limiter settings will avoid voice coil overheating andminimise amplifier clipping for high quality, trouble free operation.W8

The DX1 may be user-programmed to many more touring and fixed installationconfigurations based on its 2 input + sum, 6 output matrix. This operation i

rails also ensure maximum performance under the real-world concert conditions ofless-than-optimum mains supplies and parallel cabinets. See Section A1

Gain or level settingsGain switchesIf you are lucky enough to have amplifiers with user gain switches, set them all toidentical positions. A voltage g

FeaturesØ Switch mode power supplyØ Superior sonic performanceØ Light weightØ Advanced protection circuitsØ Efficient copper cooling systemØ Minimum l

Minimum Load Switches (MLS™)Because the SMPS is regulated, the maximum power available for the output stagescan be adjusted without increased heat dis

MA2.8 SpecificationsInput Impedance 20kohms (balanced) 10kohms single endedGain select switch 38dB (I/P sens 0.775V), 32dB (I/P sens 1.55V)CMRR at 1kH

A1.7 General operational summary1) Always use the same model system controller and power amplifier for aparticular Wavefront product. This avoids conf

Single W8 on W8S subwooferThis very compact stack may be used as one side of a main system for a folk bandconcert in a small venue, one corner of a sm

This very compact stack may be used for as one side of a small venue main system,one corner of a dance system, high power stage side fills, drum fills

Ø Improved high-mid/high limiter actionThree Martin Audio MA2.8 power amplifiers will drive four W8Cs (assuming W8Csdriven in pairs).Passive Mode (DX1

A1.9 Coverage calculationsSingle W8 columnHere is an example of a 1-wide, 3 deep column of Wavefront W8s.The horizontal coverage is, of course, that o

Double W8 columnHere is a 2 wide, 4 deep column of Wavefront W8s.Vertical coverage of a W8 cluster = the vertical coverage of a single W8 (30º) +the s

Wide coverage cluster4 or 6 wide, 4 deep W8 clusters may be rigged for very wide coverage. Coverage maybe calculated as follows:6 wide cluster6 wide,

Column ViewNote that the 90º coverage allows foldback to be provided to the ice-dancers. Thecentre hole may be filled by flying a smaller cabinet unde

A1.10 W8s as front fillsWavefront W8s may be used as stage apron fills for high power rock concerts. Whencarefully placed on radii converging at the c

those propagation times, the sound will appear to come from an area in between thetwo systems for the listener shown.Apron fill delay line setting = t

A1.12 W8s in distributed (delay) systemsWavefront W8s make very good high power distributed systems or delay elements asthey project sound smoothly an

Synchronising flown central delaysSynchronising flown outer delaysIdeally, the sound should be perceived as coming from the stage over the wholeaudien

Aiming delay tower loudspeakersMultiple delay tower loudspeakers should be tilted so that they aim towards headheight at the next tower to mask off-ax

A1.13 Combining W8s with other Wavefront systemsThe full-sized Wavefront W8 3-way loudspeaker is a member of the comprehensiveWavefront 8 family which

See Section 2.4 for a full system example.1.5.1DX1 specificationsInputs 2 electronically balanced. >10k ohmsCMRR >65dB 50Hz - 10kHzOutputs 6 e

Combining SubwoofersThe following illustration shows WSX and W8S subwoofers combined for a largerevent as discussed.Combining Wavefront W8 and Wavefro

See Section 2 for further Wavefront W8CT/CM information.See Section A2 for guidance on W8/W8S combinations.All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subj

Appendix 2Wavefront W8S Hybrid™ SubwooferContentsA2.1 IntroductionA2.2 SpecificationsA2.3 Pin-outs and cablingA2.4 System patchingA2.5 DX1 Loudspeak

Wavefront W8S Hybrid™ SubwooferA2.1IntroductionThe Martin Audio Wavefront W8S Hybrid™ Subwoofer combines a horn-loaded 15"driver with a ported 18

Rated Power: 800W into 8 ohms, 3200W peakSensitivity: 104dB/WMaximum SPL: 131dB continuous, 137dB peakImpedance: 8 ohms nominal per driverConnectors:

A2.3Pin-outs and cablingW8SEP8 NL8 W8S1 -1 18" Driver -2 +1 18" Driver +3 -2 18" Driver -4 +2 18" Driver +5 -3 15" Driver -6

A2.3.2 Recommended loudspeaker cableCable run vs copper core cross sectional area Single W8S Two W8S’ paralleled at the cluster.Up to 50m 2.5mm

A2.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management SystemNote:W8S systems may be driven 2-way for maximum performance. Time aligning theW8s' 18" reflex-loaded

Standardising on one good model of power amplifier (preferably the Martin AudioMA4.2) and correctly set-up controller (preferably the Martin Audio DX1

The following initial DX1 output limiter settings will avoid voice coil overheatingand minimise amplifier clipping for high quality, trouble free oper

1.5.2 DX1 Output Gain and Limiter settings for W8CsStandardising on one good model of power amplifier (preferably the Martin AudioMA2.8) and correctly

Use lower limiter settings (or more subwoofers!) if your power amplifiers indicateclipping on more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may also

dynamic and complex load. Most modern touring power amplifiers claim 2 ohmcapabilities but make sure your amplifier is also capable of driving reactiv

Level controlsThe front panel level controls should be turned down (fully counter clockwise) untilFOH-to-Amp rack lines have been checked and controll

FeaturesØ Switch mode power supplyØ Superior sonic performanceØ Light weightØ Advanced protection circuitsØ Efficient copper cooling systemØ Minimum l

Efficiency is also maximised. With much smaller transformers than a conventionalsupply, there is much less loss due to transformer resistance and much

DC and VHF ProtectionBoth DC voltages and high power VHF signals can cause damage to loudspeakers.The MA4.2 amplifier incorporates protection circuits

continuous power. Power in watts(EIA 1kHz, 1% THD)Weight 10kg (22lbs)Dimensions (W) 483mm x (H) 88mm x (D) 347mm(W) 19ins x (H) 3.5ins x (D) 13.7insA2

The following iconic layout may be used to represent the above cluster:Important reminder:Splay angles are always quoted axis-to-axis - not between ca

Multiple rows of W8S'Multiple rows of W8S’ increase low frequency headroom for higher power rock,dance club applications. Flying W8S’ in rows kee

For very high power rock or dance applications, the above W8S’ may be configuredas flown mid-bass elements (crossed in at 80Hz and out at 150Hz) to au

Balancing the system using gain controls in the signal path before the poweramplifiers will cause the higher signal level upper row of a big cluster t

Again, coverage would be 145º Horizontal x 70º Vertical.A2.8 W8S Ground ArraysW8S Hybrid™ subwoofers provide maximum coherence when flown with the mai

* = approximate speed of sound in m/s. Varies with temperature (see Section 2a).Arcsin means “the angle whose sin is ...”Flat fronted cluster coverage

A note on coverage nullsIt is useful to be able to calculate where these first response nulls will occur forvarious frequencies as they indicate areas

For instance, a 4 high ground-stack of W8S' will act like the top half of an 8 highstack. (Important: see safety note above)Note that flexible fl

Again, a flexible side wall may absorb sound at certain low frequencies. Boundariesshould always be treated with caution.SpacingIt is possible to spac

Wide spacing will cause off axis irregularities (combing) because time offsets start tobecome significant. See Section 4.10 for a more detailed explan

Horizontal splaysSplaying W8S' arrays horizontally will widen their mid-bass coverage.The following sketch shows a very high power, tightly packe

W8S Apron FillsTo avoid irregular subwoofer coverage due to widely-spaced left-right systems, it iswise to place equally spaced W8S subwoofers along t

long enough to be obvious to listeners or cause driver overheating. It is quite normalto see amplifier clip indicators on the odd programme peak but c

Use lower limiter settings (or more loudspeakers!) if your power amplifiers indicateclipping on more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may al

Martin Audio MA Series Power AmplifiersMartin Audio MA Series amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible touse slightly overpowered mo

Gain or level settingsGain switchesIf you are lucky enough to have amplifiers with user gain switches, set them all toidentical positions. A voltage g

FeaturesØ Switch mode power supplyØ Superior sonic performanceØ Light weightØ Advanced protection circuitsØ Efficient copper cooling systemØ Minimum l

IntroductionWavefront Compact Series OverviewThank you for purchasing a Martin Audio Wavefront Compact Series system.Wavefront Compact Series products

drops by 20%.Minimum Load Switches (MLS™)Because the SMPS is regulated, the maximum power available for the output stagescan be adjusted without incre

MA2.8 SpecificationsInput Impedance 20kohms (balanced) 10kohms single endedGain select switch 38dB (I/P sens 0.775V), 32dB (I/P sens 1.55V)CMRR at 1kH

1.7 General operational summary1) Always use the same model system controller and power amplifier for aparticular Wavefront product. This avoids confu

Single W8C on W8CS subwooferThis very compact stack may be used for as one side of a main system for a folk bandconcert in a small venue, one corner o

Flown systems overviewFlown clusters are recommended for very high power music systems covering largevenues to ensure adequate coverage without excess

Cabinets may be fitted with rear hinge back plates to allow removable hinges to beslotted in place. These hinge assemblies provide a more rigid rear c

OK No, No, No!!!i) NEVER suspend one cabinet from the lower flying point of the cabinet above.ii) NEVER suspend standard cabinets horizontally.Two Wav

1.9 Coverage calculationsSingle W8C columnHere is an example of a 1-wide, 3 deep column of Wavefront W8Cs. The horizontal coverage is, of c

Double W8C columnHere is a 2 wide, 3 deep column of Wavefront W8Cs.The vertical coverage can be calculated as follows:For a 3-deep W8C cluster with 15

Wide coverage cluster4 or 6 wide, 4 deep W8C clusters may be rigged for very wide coverage. Coveragemay be calculated as follows:6 wide clusterThe hor

Cost effective rentalThe Martin Audio Wavefront Compact Series "tool kit" approach provides all thecomponents required to assemble high qual

Circular clusterTwo 6-wide, 4 deep W8C clusters with 30º horizontal splay angles and 20º verticalsplay angles may be flown back-to-back to provide ful

1.10W8Cs as front fillsWavefront W8Cs may be used as stage apron fills for high power rock concerts.When carefully placed on radii converging at the c

Apron fill delay line setting = t downfill - t apron fillApron fill gain setting wrt downfill gain = 20log10(t downfill ÷ t apron fill) dB1.11 W8Cs as

1.12 W8Cs in distributed (delay) systemsWavefront W8C Compacts make very good high power distributed systems or delayelements as they project sound sm

Synchronising flown central delaysSynchronising flown outer delaysIdeally, the sound should be perceived as coming from the stage over the wholeaudien

Aiming delay tower loudspeakersMultiple delay tower loudspeakers should be tilted so that they aim towards headheight at the next tower to mask off-ax

MARTIN AUDIOLONDONThe Martin ExperienceWavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideSection 2Wavefront LongthrowW8CT & W8CMLine Array SystemAll mater

Section 2Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM Line Array SystemContents2.1 Introduction2.2 Specifications2.3 Pin-outs and cabling2.4 System patching2.5

Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CMLine Array System2.1IntroductionThe Martin Audio Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM Line Array System is acompact,

2.2SpecificationsW8CTType: Dedicated longthrow high-mid/high enclosureFrequency response: 750Hz-18kHz +/- 3dBDrivers: 3 x 6.5" (165mm) high-mid h

Wavefront W8C systems are regularly used for audiences ranging from just a fewhundred jazz devotees to thousands of arena concert-goers. Longthrow sec

Coverage (-6dB): 55º horizontal, Line vertical (see Section 2.8)Crossover: 120Hz, 750HzConnectors: 2 x Neutrik NL8Cabinet construction: Birch PlyCabin

2.3 Pin-outs and cablingW8CT & W8CMNL8 W8CT W8CM-1 Link through Low Mid -+1 Link through Low Mid +-2 High Mid - Link through+2 High Mid + Link thr

Cable run vs copper core cross sectional area One W8CT Two W8CTs in parallelor W8CT/CM or two W8CT/CMcombination combinations in parallelat the

The above schematic shows a typical system incorporating a row of WavefrontLongthrow W8CT & W8CM elements with Wavefront Compact W8Cs and W8CS’cro

For further notes on system patching, including cluster sub-section controller andamplifier allocations see Section 1.4.2.5 DX1 gain & limiter set

Cluster balance (eg inner-to-outer) should be adjusted at the power amplifiercontrols to maintain limiter tracking. See Section 2.7.Balancing the syst

These attack times allow the power amplifiers to clip momentarily - but not for longenough to be obvious to listeners or cause driver overheating. It

2.6Power amplifier recommendationsWavefront Longthrow loudspeakers have been designed and manufactured for veryhigh performance over great distances.

Amplifier load toleranceAn efficient loudspeaker in live concert conditions can act as a surprisingly dynamicand complex load. Most modern touring pow

power amplifier level control advanced in sequence to check system operation andpatching.Assuming that controller output levels and limiters have been

Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM Line Array SystemThe Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM system (Section 2) is a compact, verypowerful, light weig

2.8 CoverageW8CT and W8CMs are designed to be flown in vertical line arrays to provide acombination of W8C-compatible 55º horizontal coverage with tig

Straight column gain and coverageThe following table shows typical Longthrow high-mid/high gain (wrt a singleWavefront W8C) plus the mid and high freq

Unfortunately, continuous vertical columns are rarely visually acceptable -particularly where the audience wraps around a thrust stage and sight lines

IMPORTANT NOTES!Rigging should not be undertaken by untrained or unqualified personnel.Suitable rigging training sessions may be arranged by calling M

2.9 Further examplesWavefront Longthrow columns may be horizontally arrayed for wide coverage:30(left & right clusters will be mirror image)High-m

2.9.1 Flying with W8CS’Wavefront Longthrow columns may be flown with Wavefront W8CS’ (Section 3).The W8CS’ may be configured as fullbass systems - to

2.9.2 Flying with W8CsWavefront Longthrow columns may be flown with Wavefront Compact W8Cmidfield and downfill sections.The following example shows a

A typical arena gain set-up may be as follows:Main Longthrow section -12dB to -6dBDouble W8C midfield section -6dB to 0dBW8C downfills -4dB to 0dB2.9.

Climatic effects on sound propagation2a.1IntroductionWhen working in large venues or outdoors we should always remember that soundpropagates through a

their opinions or compare the system’s high frequency sound quality with apair of high quality mix position monitors delayed back to the PA. The PAsho

Wavefront W8CS Flown SubwooferThe W8CS (Section 3) is a compact, light weight subwoofer that has the same cabinetfootprint and flying points as the Wa

Spaced, parallel loudspeakers will comb (add or subtract their outputs) depending ontheir distance or time offset from us (see Section 4.10). A 150mm/

Wind gradientAir movement is slowed by friction so wind is usually lighter near the ground than itis higher up. Ground level wind speeds can vary from

Local windsAir absorbs very little heat from the sun's rays. It is indirectly heated by contact withwarm surfaces. It also relies on contact with

Local winds may be even more erratic in showery weather. Dramatic down-drafts ofcold air may occur causing local squalls.Graph showing main wi

2a.3 Temperature effectsThe speed of sound varies with air temperature:This means that the speed of sound can vary from 331.5m/s to 354.9m/s between 0

If the sky remains clear after sunset, the ground will cool and draw heat from the airin contact with it. Air nearest the ground may get cooler than t

In this example, high-mid and high frequency air absorption characteristics arequite complex at low relative humidity. Mid frequency absorption increa

MARTIN AUDIOLONDONThe Martin ExperienceWavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideSection 3Wavefront W8CSFlown SubwooferAll material © 2007. Martin Aud

Section 3Wavefront W8CS Flown SubwooferContents3.1 Introduction3.2 Specifications3.3 Pin-outs and cabling3.4 System patching3.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Manage

Wavefront W8CS Flown Subwoofer3.1IntroductionThe Martin Audio Wavefront W8CS Flown Subwoofer comprises a special 15" highexcursion driver coupled

DX1 Loudspeaker Management SystemThe Martin Audio DX1 (Section 1.5) is a very high performance, 2 input/ 6 outputDSP-based controller providing crosso

Maximum SPL: 132dB continuous, 138dB peakImpedance: 8 ohms nominalConnectors: 2 x Neutrik NL8Cabinet construction: Birch PlyCabinet finish: Slate text

3.3 Pin-outs and cablingW8CSNL8 W8CS-1 Driver -+1 Driver +-2 Driver -+2 Driver +-3 n/c+3 n/c-4 n/c+4 n/c(See Section 1.3 for connector pin-out drawing

Cable run vs copper core cross sectional area Single W8CS Two W8CS’ paralleled at the cluster.Up to 50m 2.5mm² 6mm² (or 2 x 2.5mm² cores in par

3.5DX1 Loudspeaker Management SystemRefer to Section 1.5 for general information on the Martin Audio DX1 LoudspeakerManagement System including config

Cluster balance (eg farfield-to-midfield or inner-to-outer) should be adjusted at thepower amplifier controls to maintain limiter tracking. See Sectio

W8CS - assuming 800Wcont - 1600Wpk into 8ΩΩ power amplifiers:Best-fit RecommendedAmplifier Amplifier Amplifier DX1 LIMITERExample Sensitivity Gain Set

3.6Power amplifier recommendationsThe Wavefront Compact Subwoofer has been designed and manufactured for veryhigh performance but will not give that p

Power reserveMost power amplifier specifications are based on bench measurements made usingstable, high current mains supplies and well defined loads.

may be backed off as required for smooth coverage. This process will ensure that the cluster coverage remains balanced during limiting.Rack mountingAs

See MA4.2 Power Amplifier User's Guide for detailed operating instructions.Cooling SystemThe Martin Audio MA4.2 amplifier runs very cool due to a

MARTIN AUDIOLONDONThe Martin ExperienceWavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideSection 1Wavefront W8C3-Way SystemAll material © 2007. Martin Audio L

ProtectionThe MA4.2 amplifier has many advanced protection features that will protect both theamplifier and the speakers connected to it, under fault

MA4.2 SpecificationsInput Impedance 20kohms (balanced) 10kohms single endedGain select switch 41dB (I/P sens 0.775V), 32dB (I/P sens 2.26V)CMRR at 1KH

3.7 Adding W8CS’ to flown W8C systemsAlthough the Wavefront W8C is often used as a base for smaller floor-stacked orstage-stacked systems (see Section

standard W8C cluster extending its low frequency response to below 45Hz. Thisconfiguration can be very efficient as it uses the rest of the cluster as

W8CS’ flown in rows with W8Cs3020 20 20 2020 20 20 20Multiple rows of W8CS

as flown mid-bass elements (crossed in at 60Hz and out at 160Hz) to augment floor-stacked WSXs working as low subs below 60Hz. Refer to Section 2.4.Po

providing good vertical control for minimum roof excitation.W8CS’ may be flown as fullbass where floor space is required for TV cameras ormay be confi

MARTIN AUDIOLONDONThe Martin ExperienceWavefront Compact SeriesApplications GuideSection 4Wavefront WSXFolded HornSubwooferAll material © 2007. Martin

Section 4Wavefront WSX Folded Horn SubwooferContents4.1 Introduction4.2 Specifications4.3 Pin-outs and cabling4.4 System patching4.5 DX1 Loudspeaker M

Wavefront WSX Folded HornSubwoofer4.1IntroductionThe powerful WSX folded horn subwoofer is designed to complement WavefrontSeries W8C touring systems