Martin Audio W8L Longbow Application Manual page 89

5.10 W8L/Longbow and W8LD Quick Start Guide
Important note:
This information assumes the reader is an experienced sound system technician who is familiar
with high quality, low noise system design and works to the internationally recognized
93/68/EEC Low Voltage Directive for mains safety. All rack systems should be fully PAT
(Portable Appliance) tested for electrical safety before use.
What would a typical W8L/Longbow rack look like?
Can I parallel drive W8L/Longbow cabinets?
Yes. In normal systems W8L/Longbow cabinets are paralleled in pairs at the
loudspeaker column using short link cables. All W8L/Longbow section are 8
ohms. Each cable sees a two-speaker load so cables must be rated for a 4 ohm
load. See cable recommendations later.
In theory it is possible to drive more than two cabinets in parallel using MA4.2S
power amplifiers but sonic performance could suffer for the following reasons:
1) The rack mains current demand may cause mains voltages to drop or exceed
the breaker ratings. The former would reduce sound quality, the latter
would mute whole system sections
2) Band zoning (the progressive shelving control applied to the upper mid &
high freque ncy sections of line array columns to partially compensate
for air absorption) will be in coarser steps. Coverage won't be as
smooth.
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.