Cable Selection - Cerwin-Vega CVI Series Operation Manual

Cerwin-Vega! CVi-SerieS
PROTECTING YOUR SPEAKERS
Next to following common-sense rules like exercising caution while setting levels to avoid overdriving your power amps, and
understanding and respecting the physical limits of your system, there are a couple reliable methods of protecting your
speakers – and your entire system – using additional equipment.
Using a high pass filter to avoid excessive low frequencies, low-frequency rumble or extreme low frequencies can lead to an
excessive displacement of the speaker diaphragm and in turn to permanent damage. Using an equalizer or a low-cut/high-pass
filter to eliminate the low frequencies below the response curve of the speaker can effectively prevent this.
Most consoles and outboard equalizers, as well as many other outboard signal processors (and of course speaker
management systems) provide a high pass filter. The use of a high pass filter in the signal path is especially recommended
when using turntables and/or CD players as signal sources. CD players often produce extremely low frequencies, which can
lead to excessive diaphragm displacement.
Using a limiter to limit the output level, insert the limiter between the mixing console output and your power amp. Many types
of outboard signal processors and most speaker management systems include limiters for this application. Used properly, they
can eliminate overdriving of your audio signals and effectively suppress dangerous signal peaks, which can not only degrade
the sound quality, but also cause permanent damage to your speakers and other system components.
POWER AMPLIFIER SELECTION
Choosing the right power amplifier has a major effect on the performance of your speakers. The amplifier should always
provide at least as much power as the speaker system is capable of handling. In order to ensure precise reproduction of brief,
high-power transients, the amp should provide about twice as much power as the speakers can handle. The minimum
recommended input power ratings for all CVi Series speakers are displayed in the Specifications Table.

CABLE SELECTION

The quality and characteristics of the speaker cables used also greatly affect speaker performance. Always use high-quality
cables made with professional-grade wire and connectors that are correctly and carefully fitted. Selection of the appropriate
wire gauge is especially important to system operation. A cable that is too light or low-gauge will result in amplifier power being
wasted due to the series resistance of the cable and in loss of low-frequency performance due to degraded damping factor.
The ideal gauge is determined by a few factors: the length of the cable, the load or impedance, and the amount of power
supplied to the speakers. For cable runs up to 50 feet (15m) with an 8-Ohm load, we recommend using at least 14-gauge wire
– 12-gauge is minimum for a 4-Ohm load. For runs between 50 and 100 feet (15-30m), use at least 12-gauge for 8-Ohm loads
and 10-gauge for 4 Ohms. At 200 feet (60m), you should use 10-gauge and 8-gauge, respectively, and so on.
MOISTURE
Moisture can damage the speaker cone and surround and cause corrosion of electrical contacts. Avoid exposing the speakers
to direct moisture. Keep speakers out of extended or intense direct sunlight. The driver suspension will prematurely dry out
and finished surfaces may be degraded by long-term exposure to intense ultra-violet (UV) light.
POWERING UP
To avoid damage to your speaker and other parts of your system, when you turn on your system, always turn on the power
amp last! This will avoid loud, damaging pops that will annoy your audience, and blow your speakers. When you power down,
the amplifier should always be turned off first to avoid the same problems.
POLARITY
When using two or more speaker systems, be sure to match the polarity (+/-) of the speaker system connectors to those of the
amplifier. If polarities do not match, the sounds produced by the speaker will interfere with each other, making it impossible to
achieve a well-balanced sound field.
HIGH FREQUENCY FAST REACTION PROTECTION CIRCUIT
Your CVi Series speakers offer a fast reacting suppression limiter that senses input voltage and reduces potentially damaging
voltage levels that would otherwise reach your high frequency drivers.
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