Martin Audio WAVEFRONT COMPACT - APPLICATIONS GUIDE Application Manual
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Martin Audio WAVEFRONT COMPACT - APPLICATIONS GUIDE Application Manual

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ENGLISH ONLY
<
>
GUIDES
PRINT
CONTENTS
Wavefront Compact Series
Applications Guide
MARTIN AUDIO
L O N D O N
The Martin Experience
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

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  • Page 1 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Wavefront Compact Series Applications Guide MARTIN AUDIO L O N D O N The Martin Experience All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 2 Section 4 WSX Folded Horn Subwoofer Section 5 W8L Series Line Array Systems Appendix W8 3-way System W8S Hybrid Subwoofer MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 3 It is suggested that you retain the original packaging so that the system can be repacked at a future date if necessary. Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of non-approved packaging.
  • Page 4 GUIDES PRINT Cost effective rental The Martin Audio Wavefront Compact Series "tool kit" approach provides all the components required to assemble high quality, truck-friendly, quick deployment sound systems for applications ranging from small clubs, commercial and theatrical productions using floor placed W8Cs and W8CS’...
  • Page 5 These MAN fittings are designed to comply with the 12:1 safety factor specified by the German VBG70 standard when used with compatible MAN flying systems. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 6 MAN load-certified flying points and are designed to comply with the 12:1 safety factor specified by the German VBG70 standard. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 7 WSXs may be used as full bass subwoofers (up to120Hz) or as low-bass headroom extenders to complement flown W8CS sections configured for mid-bass. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 8 1.5) is a very high performance, 2 input/ 6 output DSP-based controller providing crossover, protection, delay and alignment functions. It comes with factory plug'n'play presets for a wide range of Martin Audio product configurations including the Wavefront Compact family. It is ideal for combining Wavefront Compact products into seamless systems.

  • Page 9: Applications Guide

    ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Wavefront Compact Series Applications Guide Section 1 Wavefront W8C 3-Way System MARTIN AUDIO L O N D O N The Martin Experience All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 10 Arraying and placement Coverage calculations 1.10 W8Cs as front fills 1.11 W8Cs as side clusters 1.12 W8Cs in distributed (delay) systems MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 11: Specifications

    Low-mid 300W AES, 1200Wpk High-mid (active/passive) 150W AES, 600Wpk High (active) 60W AES, 240Wpk Sensitivity: Low-mid 106dB/W High-mid 108dB/W High 107dB/W MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 12 W8CS has 1 black point per side W8CT has 2 orange points per side W8CM has 1 orange point per side MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 13: Pin-Outs And Cabling

    High Mid + High Mid/High + High - High + (*see Section 1.5 for details of the connector panel Active/Passive switch MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 14 Enable the system to provide the required sound quality, coverage and level MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 15 Be divided into easily understood sections (eg Main, midfield, downfill etc) and clearly labelled so that adjustments may be made quickly and efficiently. The schematic above shows a simple system using a Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management System configured as a 2 x 3way crossover controlling W8Cs switched for passive high-mid/high sections and W8CS subwoofers.
  • Page 16 Outer Midfield Inner Nearfield Outer Nearfield Inner Downfield Outer Downfill Controller channel allocations The whole cluster may be controlled from just ½ a Martin Audio DX1 controller set up for 3-way operation. See Section 1.5 for further DX1 information. Power amplifier channel allocations There are 8 pairs of W8Cs each requiring high, high-mid &...
  • Page 17 > CONTENTS GUIDES PRINT Initial inner level settings Initial inner level settings can be calculated for each row as follows: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 18 Again, the farfield inner amplifier setting (0dB) is used as a reference... In a fairly small, wide, fan-shaped venue with heavily raked seating, we may require the following amplifier channel settings: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 19 In a narrower venue, we may require the outer sections to be attenuated a little, particularly in the farfield section, as follows: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 20 PRINT 1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management System Martin Audio can provide factory set configuration cards for a variety of off-the-shelf crossover systems (contact your dealer or Martin Audio Ltd for further information) but the Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management System is strongly recommended for all new Wavefront system designs.
  • Page 21 GUIDES PRINT Ø Improved high-mid/high limiter action Three Martin Audio MA2.8 power amplifiers will drive four W8Cs (assuming W8Cs driven in pairs). Passive Mode (DX1 factory presets 20 & 22) In Passive mode the high-mid and high drivers share a power amplifier channel via a passive high-mid/high crossover network built into the loudspeaker cabinet.
  • Page 22 60 to 250V ±15% @ 50/60Hz. < 20 watts Weight 3.5kg Net (4.8kg Shipping) Size 44 (1U) x 482 x 300mm excluding connectors MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 23 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set Martin Audio MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. Cluster balance (eg farfield-to-nearfield or inner-to-outer) should be adjusted at the power amplifier controls to maintain limiter tracking. See Section 1.7.
  • Page 24 Section 1.6) - even with properly set controllers in place. Although Martin Audio drivers are mechanically designed to survive normal road use and the occasional operator error, over-powered or bridged amplifiers can cause over- excursions that stress and age drivers. The best way to get the clean, relaxed sound of...
  • Page 25 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set Martin Audio MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 26 - with suitably set controller limiters - but further, long-term increases caused by oversized amplifiers should be avoided. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 27: Power Reserve

    PRINT Martin Audio MA Series Power Amplifiers Martin Audio MA Series amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters - without risking uncontrolled power bursts. The MA series power amplifiers’ regulated power rails also ensure maximum performance under the real-world concert conditions of less-than-optimum mains supplies and parallel cabinets.
  • Page 28 Rear supports are recommended - check with the manufacturer. 1.6.1 Martin Audio MA2.8 Overview MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 29 Cooling System The Martin Audio MA2.8 amplifier runs very cool due to a special patented copper cooling system. The amplifier’s bi-polar output devices are mounted directly onto a copper heat sink (copper conducts heat twice as efficiently as aluminium) and maximum heat dissipation is achieved by turbulent airflow over the heatsink’s...
  • Page 30 The MA2.8 amplifier incorporates protection circuits which are activated when damaging DC voltages or VHF signals are present at the outputs. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 31: Load Configuration

    Weight 10kg (22lbs) Dimensions (W) 483mm x (H) 88mm x (D) 347mm (W) 19ins x (H) 3.5ins x (D) 13.7ins MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 32 A W8C may be combined with a W8CS compact subwoofer or a WSX horn-loaded subwoofer to extend its low frequency performance. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 33: Safety Reminder

    This very compact stack may be used as one side of a small venue main system, one corner of a dance system, high power stage side fills, drum fills, centre fills etc. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 34 Vertical columns are splayed by tensioning a rachet strap threaded through the sub- bar and all of the cabinet back plates. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 35: Safety Note

    Note that very large clusters - particularly those including Wavefront Longthrow elements - may need to be flown in multiple layers to maintain the 12:1 safety factor of the standard Martin Audio Wavefront 8 Flying System.
  • Page 36 NEVER suspend one cabinet from the lower flying point of the cabinet above. NEVER suspend standard cabinets horizontally. Two Wavefront Compact W8Cs correctly rigged using upper key-holes only MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 37 For a 3-deep W8C cluster with 15º vertical splay angles = 30º+15º+15º = 60º For a 3-deep W8C cluster with 20º vertical splay angles = 30º+20º+20º = 70º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 38 For a 2-wide W8C cluster with 30º horizontal splay angles = 55º+30º = 85º For a 2-wide W8C cluster with 40º horizontal splay angles = 55º+40º = 95º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 39 30º+15º+15º+15º = 75º for 15º vertical splays 30º+20º+20º+20º = 90º for 20º vertical splays 6 wide, 4 deep plan view MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 40 Note that the 90º coverage allows foldback to be provided to the ice-dancers. The centre hole may be filled by flying a smaller cabinet underneath the main cluster. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 41 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 42 Controller output levels and delays should be adjusted so that the side and centre clusters are at the same level and sychronised in the same area. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 43 This would be the stage for the first row of delays (below left) or the previous row (below right) for farfield delays. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 44 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 45 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 46: Applications Guide

    PRINT CONTENTS Wavefront Compact Series Applications Guide Section 2 Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM Line Array System MARTIN AUDIO L O N D O N The Martin Experience All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 47 Further examples Section 2a Climatic effects on sound propagation 2a.1 Introduction 2a.2 Wind effects 2a.3 Temperature effects 2a.4 Relative humidity effects MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 48 Line Array System 2.1 Introduction The Martin Audio Wavefront Longthrow W8CT & W8CM Line Array System is a compact, light weight, very high power, multiple horn line array loudspeaker system in a trapezoidal cabinet sharing design concepts and footprints with the rest of the popular Martin Audio Wavefront Compact family.

  • Page 49: Specifications

    2 x 12" (305mm) low-mid horn Rated power: 600W AES, 2400 peak Sensitivity: 109dBspl/W Maximum SPL: 136dBspl continuous, 142dBspl peak Impedance: 4 ohms MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 50 W8CS has 1 black point per side W8CT has 2 orange points per side W8CM has 1 orange point per side MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 51: Pin-Outs And Cabling

    Note that a standard 8-core loudspeaker cable will drive through-linked pairs of W8CTs and W8CMs. The following table gives suitable copper core specifications for common applications: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 52 - particularly orchestral concerts - are often competing with noise from food and drink stand generators, over-flying aircraft, local traffic etc. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 53 WSX subwoofers. The system uses Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management Systems configured as 5-way crossovers. Martin Audio can provide factory set configuration cards for a variety of off-the-shelf crossover systems (contact your dealer or Martin Audio for further information) but, the Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management System is strongly recommended for all new Wavefront Longthrow system designs.
  • Page 54 Crown K1 (26dB) 2.45 QSC PL218A (26dB) 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 55 Section 2.6) - even with properly set controllers in place. Although Martin Audio drivers are mechanically designed to survive normal road use and the occasional operator error, overpowered or bridged amplifiers can cause over- excursions that stress and age drivers. The best way to get the clean, relaxed sound of...
  • Page 56 Crown K1 (26dB) 2.45 QSC PL218A (26dB) 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set Martin Audio MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 57 - but further, long-term increases caused by oversized amplifiers should be avoided. Martin Audio MA series power amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters without risking uncontrolled power bursts.

  • Page 58: Power Reserve

    2.5). Music should be used to check that controllers are receiving and sending the appropriate signal bands and then each MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 59 And again, trim levels within clusters (eg inners vs outers) using the amplifier level controls to ensure limiter tracking. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 60 Arcsin = "the angle whose sin is..." (Note that Nd works out to be the total height of the column in meters) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 61 Remarkable results can be obtained indoors using continuous columns running from stage level to the maximum seating height. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 62 These hinge assemblies provide a more rigid rear cabinet alignment. For further information please refer to the Martin Audio Wavefront 8 Flying System User Guide. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES...

  • Page 63: Important Notes

    Note that very large clusters - particularly those including Wavefront Longthrow elements - may need to be flown in multiple layers to maintain the 12:1 safety factor of the standard Martin Audio Wavefront 8 Flying System.

  • Page 64: Further Examples

    1/2 left W8CT + 30º + 30º + 1/2 right W8CT = one W8CT +30º + 30º = 55º + 60º = 115º. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 65 As with W8Cs, the single-box horizontal coverage is 55º. Horizontal splay angles of 25-35º between axes will provide coherent polar response summations resulting in smooth coverage with consistent tonal characteristics. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 66 The tight vertical coverage of the Longthrow and tight-pack sections allows us to concentrate high quality sound onto the audience without exciting roof resonances. They help maintain excellent direct-to-reverb ratios. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 67 A simplified maximum vertical coverage calculation is: 3.75º (top ½ W8CT) + 8º + 20º + 20º + 15º (bottom ½ W8C) = 66.75º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 68 Where possible, take regular breaks outside the venue to avoid adapting to humidity changes. If there is no time for breaks, ask trusted crew members for MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 69 Variable combing (phasing) caused by wind effects should be minimised by avoiding widely spaced, parallel high frequency sections carrying the same signals. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 70 Spaced, parallel columns – Bad in windy conditions |< 0º >|<30-40º>|< 0º >| W8CM W8CT W8CT W8CT Splayed, tightly packed columns – Better in windy conditions MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 71 0m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 70m 80m 90m Sound path tilting downwards outdoors due to wind blowing away from loudspeakers MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 72 On a fair day when the ground is warm and clouds are forming and being moved by a very light breeze, local winds may vary in direction and strength as illustrated below. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 73 A single pole (6dB per octave) high cut filter with a variable knee control down to 8KHz works well. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 74: Temperature Gradient

    0m 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m 60m 70m 80m 90m Sound path tilting upwards outdoors due to normal temperature decrease with height MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 75 Air absorption changes with relative humidity and temperature but these changes are complex - particularly where the humidity is low and the temperature varies a lot. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 76 Longthrow systems should be corrected with caution and distant audience areas rechecked at regular intervals during large events. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 77: Applications Guide

    ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Wavefront Compact Series Applications Guide Section 3 Wavefront W8CS Flown Subwoofer MARTIN AUDIO L O N D O N The Martin Experience All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 78 DX1 Loudspeaker Management System Power amplifier recommendations 3.6.1 Martin Audio MA4.2 Power Amplifier Overview Adding W8CS’ to flown W8C systems MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 79: Specifications

    Wavefront W8CS Flown Subwoofer 3.1 Introduction The Martin Audio Wavefront W8CS Flown Subwoofer comprises a special 15" high excursion driver coupled to an efficient mid-bass horn with a sub-bass port. This unique combination gives the W8CS the characteristic punch of a horn-loaded system with the low frequency bass extension of a reflex enclosure.
  • Page 80 W8CS has 1 black point per side W8CT has 2 orange points per side W8CM has 1 orange point per side MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 81: Pin-Outs And Cabling

    Although only 4-core cable is required for W8CS’, many users will find it convenient to standardise on 8-core NL8 cables to avoid confusion when using other loudspeakers in the Wavefront range. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 82 WSXs. Flying W8CS’ as a mid-bass section eliminates the problem of mid-bass absorption experienced with densely packed standing crowds. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 83 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 84 (see Section 3.6) - even with properly set controllers in place. Although Martin Audio drivers are mechanically designed to survive normal road use and the occasional operator error, overpowered or bridged amplifiers can cause over-excursions that stress and age drivers.
  • Page 85 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. Use lower settings (or more subwoofers!) if your power amplifiers indicate clipping on more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may also be caused by inadequate power amplifier reserve or an inadequate mains supply.
  • Page 86 - with suitably set controller limiters - but further, long-term increases caused by over-sized amplifiers should be avoided. Martin Audio MA series power amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters - without risking uncontrolled power bursts.

  • Page 87: Power Reserve

    (fully clockwise) for loudspeaker sections requiring the strongest drive. Amplifiers driving nearer-field sections within the same cluster MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 88 Utilising an advanced switch mode power supply, the MA4.2 is characterised by a very high power-to-weight ratio, in a lightweight, 2U package. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 89 Cooling System The Martin Audio MA4.2 amplifier runs very cool due to a special patented copper cooling system. The amplifier’s bi-polar output devices are mounted directly onto a copper heat sink (copper conducts heat twice as efficiently as aluminium) and maximum heat dissipation is achieved by turbulent airflow over the heatsink’s...
  • Page 90 The MA4.2 amplifier incorporates protection circuits which are activated when damaging DC voltages or VHF signals are present at the outputs. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 91: Load Configuration

    Weight 10kg (22lbs) Dimensions (W) 483mm x (H) 88mm x (D) 347mm (W) 19ins x (H) 3.5ins x (D) 13.7ins MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 92 For medium power amplications - amplifying an large orchestra, for example, where low frequency stability is important - a single row of W8CS’ may be added to a MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 93: Important Reminder

    The following iconic layout may be used to represent the above cluster: Important reminder: Splay angles are always quoted axis-to-axis - not between cabinet sides! |‹ 30º ›| MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 94 Coverage would be 145º horizontal x 70º vertical. For very high power rock or dance applications, the above W8CS’ may be configured MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 95 Again, coverage would be 145º Horizontal x 70º Vertical. Flying W8CS’ in columns between W8C columns keeps clusters shorter whilst MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 96 For further information on suitable Wavefront subwoofer systems and a brief tutorial on bass stack sizes and shapes vs coverage see Section 4. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 97 < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Wavefront Compact Series Applications Guide Section 4 Wavefront WSX Folded Horn Subwoofer MARTIN AUDIO L O N D O N The Martin Experience All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 98 System patching DX1 Loudspeaker Management System Power amplifier recommendations Placement WSX application examples Further examples 4.10 Spaced systems 4.11 Electronic steering MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 99 (W) 572mm x (H) 1066mm x (D incl wheels) 1065mm (W) 22.5ins x (H) 41.9ins x (D incl wheels) 41.9ins Weight: 96kg (211 lbs) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 100 PRINT 4.3 Pin-outs and cabling Driver - Driver + Driver - Driver + (See Section 1.3 for connector pin-out drawing) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 101 This configuration can easily be programmed into the Martin Audio DX1 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 102 The following initial DX1 output gain settings will enable full system performance to be obtained whilst keeping the console and drive system noise floors inaudible and avoiding amplifier slew-rate limiting: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 103 3.88 Crown MA5002VZ (26dB) +14 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. Limiter settings The Rated Power specification in Section 4.2 indicates the maximum long-term power dissipation that can be tolerated before driver ageing or damage occurs through overheating or over-excursion.
  • Page 104 Crown MA5002VZ (26dB) +14 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. (See illustration in Section 3.5.1) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES...
  • Page 105 - with suitably set controller limiters - but further, long-term increases caused by over-sized amplifiers should be avoided. Martin Audio MA series power amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters - without risking uncontrolled power bursts.

  • Page 106: Power Reserve

    A voltage gain in the range 23-33dB will provide a good balance of system headroom and noise (assuming professional audio equipment is in use FOH). MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 107 The WSX is designed to be ground stacked. Ground stacking maintains maximum efficiency and provides the solid mounting essential for good dynamics. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 108 2-wide symmetrical columns of WSXs may be horizontally arrayed just like main cluster systems. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 109 We get a 6dB far field sound pressure boost every time we double the number of cabinets Stacking safety! Stacked WSXs should always be blocked, strapped and anchored from above by a qualified rigger. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 110 The medium sized array (left) has significant output to ±90º whereas the large array’s ±90º output is dramatically reduced. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 111 Use short stacks for short, wide vertical shots Use tall, electronically steered, stacks to project to high, distant seating - see Section 4.11 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 112 WSXs Wide Horizontal coverage (on sides) 40Hz 80Hz 160Hz Wide Wide 75º Wide 75º 35º 75º 35º 17º 35º 17º 9º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 113 It is possible to space out WSXs to provide a larger frontal area with fewer units but care must be taken to avoid irregular coverage at higher, mid-bass frequencies. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 114 An even number of half wavelengths will cause lobes along the line of the loudspeakers - see the 2 wavelength example below. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 115 The following sketch shows an 8 wide x 3 high WSX array arranged in four symmetrical pairs for smooth mid-bass coverage. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 116 200mm Avoid large gaps between the main system and the WSXs whenever possible MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 117 The closer spacing, used for the very high power set-ups, helps maintain bass/mid-bass focus out to the midfield/mix position. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 118 Example 4 shows a similar set-up - but this time for a wider venue. Note the narrower left and right WSX stacks for wider horizontal coverage. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 119: System Alignment

    Set the apron WSX levels to match the band/orchestra apron-fill loudspeakers around 120Hz. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 120 Again, left and right WSX arrays (but this time at front and rear) are augmented by apron fills. The system set-ups may be thought of as three-sided versions of examples 3 and 5. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 121 Island stages (not shown) Island stages are simply four-sided versions of examples 3 and 5 and should be aligned using the same process. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 122 The following illustration shows what will happen. The direct signal will combine with the reflected signal as if it were a phantom source in the position shown. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 123: Addition & Subtraction

    The above shows how two pairs of sine waves (with identical amplitude and frequency characteristics) will sum. Pair (a) are in phase and add. Pair (b) are out of phase and cancel. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 124 The above shows the same system at 80Hz. At this frequency the central position remains well covered but the polar pattern has MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 125 The spacing is an even number of half-wavelengths again so we see side lobes again. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 126 Some will add giving an amplitude peak whilst others will subtract giving an amplitude dip. This will give tonal changes with listening position and emphasise particular notes and timbres. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 127 The staggered stack (shown greyed out) illustrates the effect of electronic steering. For safety reasons, never try to tilt or stagger a real subwoofer stack. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 128 We wish to project bass/mid-bass punch to stadium balcony seats 30º higher than the top of our WSX stacks. The WSXs are 572mm wide giving a centre-to-centre spacing of 0.572m. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 129: Going Further

    The following illustration shows an example of a flat-fronted horizontal array electronically splayed to emulate the greyed-out example shown. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 130 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 131: Application Guide

    Martin Audio Ltd, Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. UK. The information presented in this document is, to the best of our knowledge, correct. Martin Audio Limited will not, however, be held responsible for the consequences of any errors or omissions.
  • Page 132 Wavefront W8L Series Line Arrays 5.1 Introduction Martin Audio W8L Series line arrays are next generation line array systems which combine innovative loudspeaker design techniques with line array technology to produce a family of very powerful line arrays with extended frequency response, smooth coverage and maximum dynamic impact.
  • Page 133 < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS 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 & ported (Hybrid ) sub-woofer system. See Section 5.7. W8L, W8LC and W8LM systems combine patentable driver loading techniques -...
  • Page 134 Flying professional loudspeaker systems is not a job for amateurs! See the appropriate Flying System User Manual for further details. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 135 HF: 109dB Passive 99dB LF rising to 105dB HF Max SPL (spl calc 1m) Bi-amplified LF+MF: 134dB cont., 129dB cont., 125dB cont., 140dB peak. 135dB peak. 131dB peak. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 136 (W) 39.4 (W) 24.4 (H) 19.3 (H) 14.5 (H) 9.5 (*incl wheelboard) (D) 29.7/33.7* (D) 21.7/26.9* (D) 15.75 Weight (incl. steel hardware) 127Kg 58Kg (128lbs) 24Kg (53lbs) (279lbs) All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 137 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8L & W8LS outline dimensions (W8L shown) All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 138 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8LC outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 139 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8LM outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 140 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8LX outline dimensions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 141 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8L polar plot W8L beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 142 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8LC polar plot W8LC beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 143 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS W8LM polar plot W8LM beamwidth plot All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 144 The total energy stays the same, the area expands, so the energy in one unit of area decreases with the square of the distance from the source. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 145 Thus the sound energy in any perpendicular direction is inversely proportional to the increasing circumference of the cylinder. Using the same nomenclature as above, the sound pressure level becomes; All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 146 Simplified, this means that you need a long line array to project low-mid frequencies efficiently. Doubling the line array length will almost quadruple its low-mid frequency nearfield throw. See Section 5.4. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 147 Tightly arrayed low curvature horns project more coherently. As the number of low curvature line elements is increased forward projection strengthens and the side lobes decrease. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 148 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 149 An over-angular J-shaped array acts like a foreshortened straight array above a point source array and creates vertical lobes that result in irregular coverage. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 150 A progressive curvature array’s HF coverage weakens dramatically above the maximum summation point so this point is regarded as the Coverage Stop – see Section 5.5.12 All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 151 + air absorption per doubling of distance) for a distance that depends on the line length with respect to the wavelength of the sound being projected. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 152 Note that, as air absorption increases, upper mid frequency characteristics tend to track lower mid characteristics with high frequencies tailing off. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 153 The following ViewPoint examples indicate the quantity of cabinets that can be regarded as contributing to the system’s mid and high frequency far-field characteristic. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 154 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 1 & 2° for 100m throw All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 155 ENGLISH ONLY < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Example 3 12 x W8LM per side 41m concert hall system All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 156 Quantity W8LC W8LM (splayed at 0°) Max dB spl Max dB spl Max dB spl cont. cont. cont. Effective source spl (referred to 1m) vs model & quantity All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 157 The above figures are for a single column. Centre-field maximum spl may increase by approximately 3dB at mid frequencies for stereo systems and may approach a 6dB increase at low frequencies. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 158 5.5.10 Venue name 5.5.11 Editing ViewPoint designs 5.5.12 Frequently asked questions 5.5.13 Using ViewPoint for systems with sub-woofers 5.5.14 Manual array editing 5.5.15 Array page 5.5.16 Processor page All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 159: Installing Viewpoint

    5.5.2 Installing ViewPoint ViewPoint is supplied in a zip folder which contains a setup executable file ViewPoint 3.03.exe. Double-click on this and follow the on-screen prompts. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 160 W8LS (Sub) above W8L W8L above W8LC W8LS (Sub) above W8LC W8LC above W8LM WLX (Sub) above W8LC WLX (Sub) above W8LM and the following ground-stacks: All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 161 Plane 3. Plane 3 is used to simulate the furthest/highest audience area. Example: Plane 1, plane 2 and plane 3 decisions All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 162 To enter diagonal distance (R) and angle of elevation (A) instead of length (X) and height (Y) click on the symbol in the bottom left hand corner of a plane. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 163 Click and a tool will appear that details the diagonal length and angle for each plane beginning and end. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 164: Coverage Start And Stop

    Always use a sensible choice of coverage start for the number of line array cabinets available, using front-fill loudspeakers for the first 5 or 6 rows if at all possible. Front-fills will also improve imaging. See Sect. 5.7.2 All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 165: Array Type

    In Stack mode the grid forms a base and cabinets are placed on top. Ground Stack Bars are fixed between the grid and the rear splay holes of the lowest cabinet to set the overall system tilt. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 166 A system flown too high will be uncomfortable for the audience as the sound source will not coincide with the performance area. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 167 Venue view – inefficient design Array too high and, therefore, too curved for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation Array view – inefficient design Array too curved for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 168 < > GUIDES PRINT CONTENTS Venue view – efficient design Lower curvature - for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation Array view – efficient design Lower curvature for efficient cabinet-to-cabinet summation All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 169: Very Important Note

    A separate control dictates how many of the lower cabinet types are present. See later. 5.5.9 Stacked systems When Stack is selected the maximum number of cabinets is limited and instead of Array Height, Stage Height appears in its place. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 170: Frequently Asked Questions

    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 popular Martin Audio sub- woofers – with the sub-woofers either on the stage or stacked directly on the floor.
  • Page 171 Coverage stop point you may wish to reduce the level and overshoot at that point. This may be done by reducing the coverage stop distance until the top cabinet ray coincides with the highest/furthest audience area. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 172 5.5.13 Using ViewPoint for systems with sub-woofers Flown W8LS sub-woofers By default all W8LS splay angles are set to zero. If possible raise the array height so All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 173 W8LC array pointing in the correct position for best coverage. Click the Splay WLX control to enable/disable this feature. Sub-woofer placement and alignment? – see Section 5.7 All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 174 Alternatively . . . 1) Click on the splay angle to be altered to select a cabinet. 2) Move the mouse pointer into the top half of the screen. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 175 0.2m or 0.5ft increments, depending on which unit system is selected. Using the gridlines it is possible to read off dimensions such as the depth of any part of the array. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 176 Start/Stop distances are measured. Pick Points and Cabinet Positions Two grid pick points (front & rear) are shown for flown arrays. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 177 This displays the Nearest hole in the lifting bar and the Actual Angle of the grid when lifted at that hole. Note that ViewPoint will display a warning if there is no suitable hole available. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 178 Two Point Lift This places a pick point at each end of the bar. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 179 Should either of the pick loads become less than zero or the inter-cabinet forces become too high then a mechanical warning window will appear. 5.5.15.2 Stacked arrays All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 180 The push value (in Newtons) – shown circled on the left below - can be varied to simulate wind load. Zoom In This shows the ground-stack bar position required for the lowest cabinet angle. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 181 4 ohm load. W8LM line array section impedances are about 13 ohms and are usually driven in fours to present a 3.25 ohm load. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 182 Most of our line array controller presets include extra channels for Band Zoning. Band Zoning is a technique of splitting the array into various MF and HF zones to provide more air absorption compensation for the upper (longer throw) sections. All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 183 Band Zoning and smooth coverage. The controller preset names shown on ViewPoint correspond to the preset names on our published Martin Audio DX1, XTA DP226 or XTA AudioCore data files. Please ensure that controllers are loaded with our standard reference presets for the W8L Series loudspeaker in use.
  • Page 184 A1.10 W8 front fills A1.11 W8 side clusters A1.12 W8 distributed (delay) systems A1.13 Combining W8s with other Wavefront systems MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 185 2 x 12" (305mm) low-mid horn 1 x 6.5" (165mm) high-mid horn 1 x 1" (25mm) exit hf compression driver MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 186 Dimensions (incl wheels): (W) 562mm x (H) 1066mm x (D) 925mm (W) 22.1ins x (H) 42.0ins x (D) 36.5ins Weight: 90kg (198lbs) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 187 High Mid + High Mid/High + High - High + (*see Section A1.5 for details of the connector panel Active/Passive switch) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 188 Enable the system to provide the required sound quality, coverage and level without feedback and without stressing its mechanical, electrical or MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 189 Be divided into easily understood sections (eg Main, midfield, downfill etc) and clearly labelled so that adjustments may be made quickly and efficiently. The schematic above shows a simple stereo PA set-up using two Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management Systems configured as 5-way crossovers controlling 3 x W8 per side switched for fully active (3-way) operation augmented with W8S subwoofers.
  • Page 190 Outer Midfield Inner Nearfield Outer Nearfield Inner Downfield Outer Downfill Controller channel allocations The whole cluster may be controlled from just ½ a Martin Audio DX1 controller set up for 3-way operation. See Section A1.5 for further DX1 information. Power amplifier channel allocations There are 8 pairs of W8 loudspeakers each requiring high, high-mid &...
  • Page 191 Nearfield inner & outer lomid Downfill inner & outer high Downfill inner & outer himid Downfill inner & outer lomid MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 192 Initial inner level settings can be calculated for each row as follows: The farfield inner power amplifier channels are the reference... MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 193 High clusters are further from the audience at the front and require less nearfield & downfill attenuation. The lower the cluster, the greater the required attenuation rate. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 194 In a narrower venue, we may require the outer sections to be attenuated a little, particularly in the farfield section, as follows: MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 195 PRINT A1.5 DX1 Loudspeaker Management System Martin Audio can provide factory set configuration cards for a variety of off-the-shelf crossover systems (contact your dealer or Martin Audio Ltd for further information) but the Martin Audio DX1 Loudspeaker Management System is strongly recommended for all new Wavefront system designs.
  • Page 196 Experienced users may create custom DX1 set-ups, for example… 3 + 2-way configuration e.g. W8 3-way system with W8S subs (passive) & W8 (passive) front fills MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 197 60 to 250V ±15% @ 50/60Hz. < 20W Weight 3.5kg. Net (4.8kg. Shipping) Size 44 (1U) x 482 x 300mm excluding connectors MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 198 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set Martin Audio MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. Cluster balance (eg farfield-to-nearfield or inner-to-outer) should be adjusted at the power amplifier controls to maintain limiter tracking. See Section A1.7.
  • Page 199 Section A1.6) - even with properly set controllers in place. Although Martin Audio drivers are mechanically designed to survive normal road use and the occasional operator error, over-powered or bridged amplifiers can cause over- excursions that stress and age drivers. The best way to get the clean, relaxed sound of...
  • Page 200 2.45 QSC PL224A (26dB) 2.45 * Set Martin Audio MA2.8 rear MLS switch to -2dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. Use lower limiter settings (or more loudspeakers!) if your power amplifiers indicate clipping on more than just the odd peak. Excessive clipping may also be caused by cable faults or an inadequate mains supply.
  • Page 201 Martin Audio MA Series Power Amplifiers Martin Audio MA Series amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters - without risking uncontrolled power bursts.

  • Page 202: Power Reserve

    2-channel operation. It is usually better to use the appropriate amplifier in 2-channel mode than to use an inadequate amplifier in bridged mode. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 203 Rear supports are recommended - check with the manufacturer. A1.6.1 Martin Audio MA2.8 Overview MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 204 Cooling System The Martin Audio MA2.8 amplifier runs very cool due to a special patented copper cooling system. The amplifier’s bi-polar output devices are mounted directly onto a copper heat sink (copper conducts heat twice as efficiently as aluminium) and maximum heat dissipation is achieved by turbulent airflow over the heatsink’s...
  • Page 205 The MA2.8 amplifier incorporates protection circuits which are activated when damaging DC voltages or VHF signals are present at the outputs. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 206: Load Configuration

    Weight 10kg (22lbs) Dimensions (W) 483mm x (H) 88mm x (D) 347mm (W) 19ins x (H) 3.5ins x (D) 13.7ins MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 207 A W8 may be combined with a W8S compact subwoofer or a WSX horn-loaded subwoofer to extend its low frequency performance. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

  • Page 208: Safety Reminder

    95º horizontal coverage with little increase in mid-band output level whilst a smaller splay angle can boost the forward output level by 2-3dB. 2-wide W8/W8S ground-stack MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 209 Note that very large clusters - particularly those including Wavefront Longthrow elements - may need to be flown in multiple layers to maintain the 12:1 safety factor of the standard Martin Audio Wavefront 8 Flying System.
  • Page 210 For a 3-deep W8 cluster with 15º vertical splay angles = 30º+15º+15º = 60º For a 3-deep W8 cluster with 20º vertical splay angles = 30º+20º+20º = 70º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 211 (55º) + the sum of all the horizontal splay angles For a 2-wide W8 cluster with 30º horizontal splay angles = 55º+30º = 85º MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 212 360º horizontal x 90º vertical coverage for, for example, ice shows. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 213 Note that the 90º coverage allows foldback to be provided to the ice-dancers. The centre hole may be filled by flying a smaller cabinet underneath the main cluster. Circular, 4-deep W8 cluster MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 214 If the apron fill loudpeaker signal is delayed by the difference between the downfill propagation time and the apron fill propagation time and attenuated by the ratio of MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 215 Controller output levels and delays should be adjusted so that the side and centre clusters are at the same level and sychronised in the same area. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 216 This would be the stage for the first row of delays (below left) or the previous row (below right) for farfield delays. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 217 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 218 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 219 HF driver and horn components and compatible rigging. Martin Audio DX1 controllers are pre-loaded with a wide range of system programmes to combine Wavefront 8 components using the correct crossover characteristics and delay settings.
  • Page 220 The W8CT/CM amplifier channels are usually attenuated by 6-9dB wrt the W8 amplifiers. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 221 ENGLISH ONLY < > CONTENTS GUIDES PRINT Section 2 for further Wavefront W8CT/CM information. Section A2 for guidance on W8/W8S combinations. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 222 Power amplifier recommendations A2.6.1 Martin Audio MA4.2 Power Amplifier Overview A2.7 Adding W8S’ to flown W8 systems A2.8 W8S Ground Arrays MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 223 40-150Hz +/- 3dB Low frequency limit: -10dB at 30Hz Driver: 1 x 15" (380mm) horn loaded 1 x 18" (460mm) reflex loaded MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 224 Dimensions (inc wheels): (W) 562mm x (H) 1066mm x (D) 925mm (W) 22.1ins x (H) 42.0ins x (D) 36.4ins Weight: 90kg (198lb) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 225 Connectors should be kept in good, clean, uncorroded condition to ensure full, undistorted loudspeaker performance. Corroded or damaged pins and sockets can cause severe distortion or loss of signal. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 226 Loudspeaker Management System. The following illustrates a DX1 set up to control an active (3-way) Wavefront W8 system with a separate W8S sub-mix. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 227 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 228 (see Section A2.6) - even with properly set controllers in place. Although Martin Audio drivers are mechanically designed to survive normal road use and the occasional operator error, overpowered or bridged amplifiers can cause over-excursions that stress and age drivers.
  • Page 229 3.88 QSC PL236A (26dB) 3.88 ** Set Martin Audio MA4.2 rear MLS switch to 0dB to match peak output of unregulated power amplifiers. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 230 - but further, long-term increases caused by over-sized amplifiers should be avoided. Martin Audio MA series power amplifiers have regulated rails so it is quite permissible to use slightly overpowered models - with suitably set controller limiters - without risking uncontrolled power bursts.
  • Page 231 A voltage gain in the range 23-33dB will provide a good balance of system headroom and noise (assuming professional audio equipment is in use FOH). MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 232 & buzz. Rear supports are recommended. Check the manufacturer's application notes for details. A2.6.1 Martin Audio MA4.2 Overview MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 233 Cooling System The Martin Audio MA4.2 amplifier runs very cool due to a special patented copper cooling system. The amplifier’s bi-polar output devices are mounted directly onto a copper heat sink (copper conducts heat twice as efficiently as aluminium) and maximum heat dissipation is achieved by turbulent airflow over the heatsink’s...
  • Page 234 This operates if the mains voltage falls outside its permitted operating range. If this occurs, the power supply will shut down until the correct mains voltage is restored. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 235 [2] = Continuous power, one channel driven or peak power both channels driven. Thermal protection may occur at high MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 236 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 237 The following iconic layout may be used to represent the above cluster: Important reminder: Splay angles are always quoted axis-to-axis - not between cabinet sides! MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 238 Flying W8S’ in rows keeps clusters relatively narrow where width is at a premium. Coverage would be 145º horizontal x 70º vertical. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 239 W8S’ flown in columns with W8s Flying W8S’ in columns between W8 columns keeps clusters shorter whilst providing good vertical control for minimum roof excitation. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 240 -6dB Coverage Here is a simplified formula for calculating the main coverage angle of a tightly packed flat fronted array. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 241 The medium sized array (left) has significant output to ±90º whereas the large array’s ±90º output is dramatically reduced. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 242 A solid floor will act as a reflector. This will cause a vertical stack to perform as if it were double the length, giving a useful low frequency boost accompanied by a narrower, more complex polar response. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 243 MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 244 Far field polar patterns can be quite complicated - even for a simple pair of subwoofers driven in unison. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 245 1.0m 38 - 110Hz 2.0m 38 - 80Hz To avoid mid-bass combing keep horizontal gaps below 500mm for upright W8S' MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 246 500mm. Avoid large gaps between the main system and the ground array whenever possible. MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
  • Page 247 WSX folded-horn subwoofer. See Section A1.13. (For detailed info on other Wavefront Series ground-stacks see Section 4.8) MARTIN AUDIO - APPLICATIONS GUIDE, WAVEFRONT COMPACT SERIES All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.

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