L-Acoustics SB18 IIi Owner's Manual
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L-Acoustics SB18 IIi Owner's Manual

L-Acoustics SB18 IIi Owner's Manual

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Summary of Contents for L-Acoustics SB18 IIi

  • Page 1 SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN)
  • Page 2 Document reference: SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0 Distribution date: September 5, 2022 © 2022 L-Acoustics. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the express written consent of the publisher.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    M-BARi............................17 KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET........................18 Front screens............................19 Mechanical safety.............................22 Loudspeaker congurations..........................24 SB18 IIi in standard conguration......................24 SB18 IIi in cardioid conguration......................25 Inspection and preventive maintenance....................... 26 How to do preventive maintenance......................26 Rigging part inspection........................... 27 Mechanical system overview........................27 Acoustical check.............................
  • Page 4 Cabling schemes.............................55 Cabling SB18 IIi.............................57 Corrective maintenance............................. 61 Introduction.............................61 Tools............................61 SB18 IIi..............................62 SB18 IIi exploded view......................... 63 Disassembly and Reassembly procedures..................64 Specications..............................73 APPENDIX A: Recommendation for speaker cables....................79 APPENDIX B: Specications for custom rigging systems..................80...

  • Page 5: Safety

    Respect the Working Load Limit (WLL) of third party equipment. L-Acoustics is not responsible for any rigging equipment and accessories provided by third party manufacturers. Verify that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the suspension points, chain hoists and all additional hardware rigging accessories is respected.
  • Page 6 This system is intended for use by trained personnel for professional applications. As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-Acoustics reserves the right to change the specications of its products and the content of its documents without prior notice.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    Introduction SB18 IIi SB18 IIi is a compact subwoofer designed to extend the bandwidth of the Kara IIi system in installation applications. It features one high-excursion, direct-radiating 18" transducer mounted in a dual bass-reex tuned enclosure. SB18 IIi can be coupled mechanically and acoustically with Kara IIi to reinforce contour and extend bandwidth to 32 Hz.

  • Page 8: Revision History

    Rigging plates for SB18 IIi SB18IIi-ENDLINK End rigging plates for SB18 IIi KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET Fastening brackets for Kara IIi and SB18 IIi KARAIIi-BUMP Flying frame for vertical deployment of Kara IIi and SB18 IIi SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 9: System Component Illustrations

    System components KARAIIi-RIGBAR Rigging bar and pullback for Kara IIi and SB18 IIi M-BARi Extension bar for rigging frame (installation version) CLAMP250 Clamp certied for 250 kg Screens SB18IIi-SCREEN Acoustically transparent front screen for SB18 IIi Software applications Soundvision 3D acoustical and mechanical modeling software LA Network Manager Software for remote control and monitoring of amplied controllers...
  • Page 10 System components Rigging plates SB18IIi-LINK SB18IIi-ENDLINK KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET Screens SB18IIi-SCREEN Software applications Soundvision LA Network Manager SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 11: Electro-Acoustical Description

    OUT 3 OUT 4 Connectors SB18 IIi 1 × 4-point terminal block with push-in connection Internal pinout for L-Acoustics subwoofers Terminal block points IN + IN - Transducer connectors LF + LF - SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 12: Rigging System Description

    Rigging system description SB18 IIi SB18 IIi is the dedicated subwoofer for Kara IIi. SB18 IIi is compatible with two types of rigging kits: standard rigging plates (SB18IIi-LINK) end rigging plates (SB18IIi-ENDLINK) SB18 IIi features ten M6 inserts on each side:...

  • Page 13: Rigging Elements

    KARAIIi-BUMP KARAIIi-BUMP is a rigging frame for ying arrays of SB18 IIi. KARAIIi-BUMP can be used as the main lifting accessory for ying vertical arrays of SB18 IIi with one or two lifting points. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 14: Karaiii-Rigbar

    WLL 3.25 t (two provided). Four holes are available to secure M-BARi in position A or B, to provide additional pickup points. Refer to M-BARi (p.17). 5 6 7 8 9 FRONT KARAIIi-RIGBAR KARAIIi-RIGBAR is a rigging bar for pullback congurations of SB18 IIi arrays. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 15 Secured at the bottom of the array, KARAIIi-RIGBAR can be used as a pullback with another KARAIIi-RIGBAR as the main lifting accessory. With KARAIIi-RIGBAR as the main lifting accessory, SB18IIi-ENDLINK is required on the top enclosure. KARAIIi-RIGBAR can be secured at the front for an initial positive site angle. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 16 Maximum limit with CLAMP250. CLAMP250 has a WLL (Working Load Limit) of 250 kg / 550 lb. It can support an array of up to 5 SB18 IIi. For an hybrid array, check the total weight of the array in Soundvision.

  • Page 17: M-Bari

    Rigging system description M-BARi The M-BARi extension bar can be secured on KARAIIi-BUMP to extend the site angle capability of SB18 IIi arrays. It can be used as a front or rear extension, with two possible positions each (A or B).

  • Page 18: Karaiii-Fixbracket

    Rigging system description KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET is a set of four fastening brackets for SB18 IIi. The enclosure is secured to KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET using the slotted hole. Secure KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET at the bottom of an array to improve stability and to anchor it to the ground.

  • Page 19: Front Screens

    Rigging system description KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET can also be used to mount up to two SB18 IIi under the ceiling. KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET must be secured to the supporting xture with four M10 screws. Fasteners for ceiling-mounting Select screw length and anchors applicable to the ceiling properties.
  • Page 20 The screens are secured on top of the rigging plates with four M6×35 Torx screws which replace the grill screws. The grill screws can be removed through the rigging plates. The screens are equipped with tabs to hold the grill in place when securing the screen on the enclosure. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 21 Rigging system description SB18IIi-SCREEN can be secured to the back of SB18 IIi when used in cardioid conguration. The cable(s) can be passed through a cutout on the screen side. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 22: Mechanical Safety

    Mechanical safety Flown congurations The SB18 IIi rigging system complies with 2006/42/EC: Machinery Directive. It has been designed following the guidelines of BGV-C1. 2006/42/EC: Machinery Directive species a safety factor of 4 against the rupture. The own deployments described in this manual achieve a safety factor of 4 or more.
  • Page 23 Soundvision calculations are based on usual environmental conditions. A higher safety factor is recommended with factors such as extreme high or low temperatures, strong wind, prolonged exposition to salt water, etc. Always consult a rigging specialist to adopt safety practices adapted to such a situation. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 24: Loudspeaker ConGurations

    Loudspeaker congurations SB18 IIi in standard conguration Deployed in a standard conguration, an SB18 IIi system operates with an omnidirectional directivity pattern over the nominal bandwidth of the SB18 IIi enclosure. The [SB18_60] and [SB18_100] factory presets provide the subwoofer system with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz and 100 Hz respectively in order to optimize the acoustic coupling with a main full-range system.

  • Page 25: Sb18 Iii In Cardioid ConGuration

    Deployed in a cardioid conguration, an SB18 IIi system produces a rear SPL rejection. The deployment consists of an array of four SB18 IIi with one element turned towards the rear (reversed). Refer to the Cardioid Conguration technical bulletin for more information.

  • Page 26: Inspection And Preventive Maintenance

    Rigging part inspection (p.27) on each rigging part. Use the Mechanical system overview (p.27) to identify critical parts of the system. If any parts are damaged, contact your L-Acoustics representative for further instructions. Acoustics Perform the Enclosure check (p.30). Perform the Listening test (p.32) to detect any degradation in sound quality.

  • Page 27: Rigging Part Inspection

    • fasteners used for assembling two products together such as ball-locking pins, rigging axes, and safety pins • rigging plates mounted on enclosures and their rigging screws • screens mounted on enclosures This inspection procedure covers only L-Acoustics products. To inspect other products that are part of the lifting chain, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Prerequisite Perform the inspection in a well-lit environment.
  • Page 28 Inspection and preventive maintenance Kara IIi and SB18 IIi array with KARAIIi-BUMP and M-BARi shackle axis end is ush with the shackle rigging axes are secured with nuts and safety pins nuts are secured and tightened rigging screws are tightened...
  • Page 29 Rigging part inspection (p.27) the plates are not bent Rigging part inspection (p.27) rigging screws are tightened Rigging part inspection (p.27) the xing brackets are present and tightened to the ground SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 30: Acoustical Check

    6. Press the OK key or the encoder wheel to launch the ENCLOSURE CHECK. The amplied controller generates short sinusoidal signals simultaneously for each connected output. The amplied controller displays the results for each output. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 31 • a percentage of variation from the expected range (found in NOK and UNDEF results) • the number of operational transducers out of the total Low variations from the expected range are acceptable: displayed percentage can be different from 0 and all transducers considered operational. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 32: Listening Test

    4. Carefully clean the speaker with a dry cloth. 5. Perform the reassembly procedure. Replace the speaker gasket and the screws. Apply the recommended torque. 6. Repeat the listening test. If the problem persists, replace the speaker. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 33: Rigging Procedures

    This introduction provides general principles applicable for all congurations. Safety Rigging screws Only use the rigging screws provided by L-Acoustics. Do not use the placeholder screws for rigging. Tightening screws Do not fully tighten the screws unless instructed to do so.

  • Page 34: Flying

    Rigging plates for SB18 IIi Risk of falling objects Verify that no unattached items remain on the product or assembly. Secondary safety Use available holes on the rigging accessories to implement a secondary safety. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 35 Rigging procedures Assembly Procedure 1. Prepare all SB18 IIi needed for the array. a) Remove the placeholder screws. b) Secure SB18IIi-LINK on the enclosures. Do not secure the bottom screws, except on the last enclosure of the array. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 36 Rigging procedures 2. Secure KARAIIi-BUMP on top of a rst SB18 IIi. Optionally, secure M-BARi on KARAIIi-BUMP to extend the site angle capability. Use the provided rigging axes, nuts, and safety pins. Tighten all the screws on KARAIIi-BUMP. Apply a torque of 5 N.m.
  • Page 37 Rigging procedures b) Lower the array until the enclosures can be assembled. The rigging plates of the bottom enclosure overlap the rigging plates of the top enclosure. c) Link the enclosures with rigging screws. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 38 Apply a torque of 5 N.m. 5 N.m e) Raise the array. 5. Repeat step (p.36) until all SB18 IIi are assembled. 6. Check that all screws are present and tightened, and raise the array. What to do next •...

  • Page 39: Flying An Array With Karaiii-Rigbar

    Verify that no unattached items remain on the product or assembly. Secondary safety Use available holes on the rigging accessories to implement a secondary safety. Assembly Procedure 1. Prepare the rst enclosure. a) Remove the relevant placeholder screws. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 40 Maximum limit with CLAMP250. CLAMP250 has a WLL (Working Load Limit) of 250 kg / 550 lb. It can support an array of up to 5 SB18 IIi. For an hybrid array, check the total weight of the array in Soundvision.

  • Page 41: Adding A Pullback With Karaiii-Rigbar

    2. Remove the bottom screw from the rear rigging plates on each side. 3. Secure KARAIIi-RIGBAR at the rear of the enclosure with M6×40 Torx screws. Apply a torque of 5 N.m. 5 N.m SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 42 Rigging procedures 4. Secure a shackle to KARAIIi-RIGBAR and lift it with an additional motor. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 43: Ceiling-Mounting

    Kara IIi and SB18 IIi plates for SB18 IIi Fasteners for ceiling-mounting Select screw length and anchors applicable to the ceiling properties. Model the array in Soundvision and check the loads on rigging in the Mechanics view. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 44 Model the array in Soundvision and check the loads on rigging in the Mechanics view. 778 mm / 30.6 in Ø 12 mm / 0.5 in 2. Prepare an SB18 IIi. a) Remove the placeholder screws. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 45 This step requires three operators. Hold the enclosure at the bottom until the rigging plates are secured. 3. Lift SB18 IIi and secure it to the slotted holes on KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET with rigging screws. Apply a 5 N.m. torque. 5 N.m 4.
  • Page 46 Secure SB18IIi-LINK on the enclosure. This step requires three operators. Hold the enclosure at the bottom until the rigging plates are secured. 6. Lift SB18 IIi and secure it under the rst one with rigging screws. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 47 Rigging procedures 7. Tighten all the screws. Apply a 5 N.m. torque. 5 N.m 8. Check that all screws are secured and tightened. What to do next • Securing a screen (p.52) SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 48: Stacking

    Kara IIi and SB18 IIi plates for SB18 IIi Fasteners for ceiling-mounting Select screw length and anchors applicable to the ceiling properties. Model the array in Soundvision and check the loads on rigging in the Mechanics view. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 49 Procedure 1. Secure KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET to the ground using M10 screws. 778 mm / 30.6 in Ø 12 mm / 0.5 in 2. Prepare up to four SB18 IIi. a) Remove the placeholder screws. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 50 On the last enclosure of the array, secure SB18IIi-ENDLINK instead. Risk of crushing injury Keep ngers away from underneath the enclosure. 3. Secure SB18 IIi to the slotted holes on KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET. Tighten the bottom screws. Apply a 5 N.m. torque. 5 N.m...
  • Page 51 Risk of crushing injury Keep ngers away from underneath the enclosure. 4. Secure additional SB18 IIi (equipped with rigging plates) on top of the rst one. Adjusting the gap between stacked enclosures Place a wedge or a lever between the two enclosures to align the rigging with the inserts.

  • Page 52: Securing A Screen

    2. If the enclosure is not equipped with rigging plates (standalone, ground-stacked enclosure), stick the washers on the screen xing tabs. Risk of bending xing tabs Always use the self-sticking washers for securing screens when there are no rigging plates on the enclosure. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 53 Only use the provided M6×35 Torx screws to secure the screens. 3. Secure the screen to the enclosure. If SB18 IIi is reversed (cardioid conguration), connect the cables to the enclosure before securing SB18IIi- SCREEN. Pass the cables through the cutout on the screen side.

  • Page 54: Connection To La AmpliEd Controllers

    LA8 can drive up to two SB18 IIi per output, but no more than six per controller at high level. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 55: Cabling Schemes

    Refer to the LA2Xi owner's manual for more information on output congurations. Terminal block output (SE) 4− 3− 2− 2.5 mm² cables 1− Terminal block output (BTL) 4− 3− 2.5 mm² cables 2− 1− One-channel speakON output custom cable 2.5 mm² cable 1+/1- SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 56 Connection to LA amplied controllers Two-channel speakON output custom cable 2.5 mm² cable 1+/1- 2+/2- 2.5 mm² cable SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 57: Cabling Sb18 Iii

    This procedure describes how to connect the input cable to the enclosure. If the enclosure must be connected in parallel, remove the protective plug from the second cable gland and proceed identically for both cables. Procedure 1. On the connector sealing plate, remove the sealing nut from the cable gland. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 58 Connection to LA amplied controllers 2. Insert the cable through the sealing nut and the cable gland. 3. Strip the wires off the cable. 30 mm 10 mm 2 x 2.5 mm² cable SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 59 4. Push the wires into the terminals. If necessary, insert a small tool in the hole next to the terminal to unlock it. 5. Secure the connector sealing plate to the connector plate. 3 N.m SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 60 Connection to LA amplied controllers 6. Tighten the sealing nut. What to do next To remove the cables, use the small tool to unlock the terminals and pull on the wires. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 61: Corrective Maintenance

    ® ® tools. The Maintenance Toolcase includes tools manufactured by FACOM , Fluke , Tohnichi, ABUS, and Würth. All third-party trademarks, registered trademarks, or product names are the property of their respective owners. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 62: Sb18 Iii

    Corrective maintenance SB18 IIi SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 63: Sb18 Iii Exploded View

    Corrective maintenance SB18 IIi exploded view In order to operate, follow the order outlined here. Each assembly refers to the corresponding Disassembly/Reassembly (D/R) procedure and the necessary repair kit. LF SPEAKER GRILL KR HPBC182 SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 64: Disassembly And Reassembly Procedures

    Tools • torque screwdriver • T30 Torx bit Repair kit KR HPBC182 KR 18" loudspeaker SB18(i) / SB18 IIi ×14 S221 M6×35 Torx Exploded view For safety reasons, always use the new screws and spare parts provided in the KR.
  • Page 65 Corrective maintenance D/R - LF speaker Tools • torque screwdriver • T30 Torx bit • 5 mm hex bit Repair kit KR HPBC182 KR 18" loudspeaker SB18(i) / SB18 IIi ×1 ×8 ×14 ×4 S100054 S221 100689 18" speaker - 8 ohms M6×30 hex...
  • Page 66 Corrective maintenance 2. Remove the speaker screws. 5 mm 3. Remove the speaker from the enclosure and disconnect the speaker cables. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 67 Corrective maintenance 4. If the speaker gaskets are damaged, remove and replace them. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 68 If no new screws are available, use blue threadlocker. Procedure 1. Connect the speaker cables and position the speaker in the enclosure. 2. Secure the speaker. Gradually tighten the screws following a star pattern. 5 N.m 5 mm SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 69 Corrective maintenance 3. Secure the plate. Gradually tighten the screws following a star pattern. What to do next Perform the Acoustical check (p.30) procedures. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 70: About This Task

    This procedure describes how to connect the input cable to the enclosure. If the enclosure must be connected in parallel, remove the protective plug from the second cable gland and proceed identically for both cables. Procedure 1. On the connector sealing plate, remove the sealing nut from the cable gland. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 71 Corrective maintenance 2. Insert the cable through the sealing nut and the cable gland. 3. Strip the wires of the cable. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 72 5. Secure the connector sealing plate to the connector plate. 6. Tighten the sealing nut. What to do next To remove the cables use the small tool to unlock the terminals and pull on the wires. SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...

  • Page 73: SpeciCations

    Pantone 426 C pure white RAL 9010 custom RAL code on special order IP55 Peak level at 1 m under half space conditions using pink noise with crest factor 4 (preset specied in brackets). SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 74 Specications SB18 IIi dimensions 701 mm / 27.6 in 701 mm / 27.6 in SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 75 M-BARi dimensions 954 mm / 37.6 in KARAIIi-RIGBAR specications Description Rigging bar and pullback for Kara IIi and SB18 IIi 2 × Ø12 mm shackles WLL 1 t Weight (net) 4.8 kg / 11 lb Material...
  • Page 76 Specications KARAIIi-BUMP specications Description Flying frame for vertical deployment of Kara IIi and SB18 IIi 2 × Ø19 mm shackles WLL 3.25 t Weight (net) 21 kg / 46 lb Material high grade steel with anti-corrosion coating KARAIIi-BUMP dimensions 707 mm / 27.8 in...
  • Page 77 Specications KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET specications Description Fastening brackets for Kara IIi and SB18 IIi Weight (net) 0.5 kg / 1.1 lb Material high grade steel with anti-corrosion coating KARAIIi-FIXBRACKET dimensions 35 mm / 1.4 in 60 mm / 2.4 in Ø 6.9 mm / 0.27 in 6.9 mm / 0.27 in...
  • Page 78 CLAMP250 dimensions 167 mm / 6.6 in 103 mm / 4.1 in SB18IIi-SCREEN specications Description Acoustically transparent front screen for SB18 IIi Weight (net) 2.7 kg / 6 lb SB18IIi-SCREEN dimensions 714 mm / 28.1 in 97 mm / 3.8 in...

  • Page 79: Appendix A: Recommendation For Speaker Cables

    8 Ω load 4 Ω load 2.7 Ω load Use the more detailed L-Acoustics calculation tool to evaluate cable length and gauge based on the type and number of enclosures connected. The calculation tool is available on our website: https://www.l-acoustics.com/installation-tools/...

  • Page 80: Appendix B: SpeciCations For Custom Rigging Systems

    Specications for custom rigging systems Dimensions 699.8 + 3 mm / 27.51 + 0.12 in 700.3 mm / 27.55 in Center of gravity 343 mm / 13.5 in 9.4 mm / 0.4 in SB18 IIi owner's manual (EN) version 3.0...
  • Page 81 Take into consideration the number of inserts used, weight and center of gravity of enclosure(s), and resulting action forces. Prevent screws from loosening (threadlocker, spring washer...). SB18 IIi has 8 threaded M6 inserts available for rigging. M6 standard inserts Ultimate Tensile Strength...
  • Page 82 L-Acoustics 13 rue Levacher Cintrat - 91460 Marcoussis - France +33 1 69 63 69 63 - info@l-acoustics.com www.l-acoustics.com...

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