Community SLS Owner's Manual

Full-range loudspeakers and subwoofers

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COMMUNITY

SOLUTIONS

™

O w n e r ' s M a n u a l

SLS Full-Range Loudspeakers

And

SBS Subwoofers

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Summary of Contents for Community SLS

Page 1 COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS ™ O w n e r ’ s M a n u a l SLS Full-Range Loudspeakers SBS Subwoofers...
Page 2 A T R A D I T I O N O F E X C E L L E N C E A N D I N N O VAT I O N Since the founding of our company in 1968, Community has been a constant developer and innovator of loudspeaker technology.
Page 3 E C S TAT E M E N T O F C O N F O R M I T Y This document confirms that the range of products of Community Professional Loudspeakers bearing the CE label meets all of the requirements in the EMC directive 89/336/EEC laid down by the Member States Council for adjustment of legal requirements.
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Fig 16: Servicing SLS Drivers .................... 41 Table 1: Product Listing ..................... 12 Table 2: Amplifier Power for SLS in Passive Mode with Electronic Controller ...... 20 Table 3: Amplifier Power for SLS in Biamplified Mode with Controller ........ 20 Table 4: Amplifier Power for SBS with Electronic Controller ..........
Page 5 Series loudspeaker systems consisting of the SLS full-range loudspeakers and SBS subwoofers. While every attempt has been made to ensure this information is correct and up to date, Community continuously incorporates worthwhile improvements to each product which may include changes and/or modifications not contained in this manual.
Page 6: Introduction To Electronically Controlled Loudspeaker Systems
It will do this inaudibly when the loudspeaker system is operated within its rated power constraints. Even when this boundary is exceeded, it will apply control in a manner that is audibly acceptable. PAGE 6 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 7: Unpacking And Inspection
Save the carton and packing material because many damage claims will be considered invalid if these are thrown away. The Community dealer and the factory will try to help in any way possible. Remember, though, it is up to the party receiving the shipment to file a damage claim.
Page 8 PAGE 8 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 9 PAGE 9 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 10 FIGURE 1: Physical Features PAGE 10 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 11: Physical Features
4 on top corners. 3/8”-16 Captive internal nuts. MOUNTING / RIGGING POINTS 4 on bottom corners. 3/8”-16 Captive internal nuts. 3/8”-16 T-nuts. On SLS models the primary use is to retain the REAR PANEL PULL-BACK POINT enclosure’s rear panel. May also be used as a pull-back point.
Page 12: General Description
5.1.1 High Frequency Driver The high frequency driver for all SLS systems is the 1” (25 mm) exit, VHF100 compression driver with a Mylar ring radiator diaphragm. Only the center of the diaphragm is used for support with the voice coil attached to its perimeter.
Page 13 5.1.3 Low Frequency Drivers The low frequency drivers in the larger SLS and SBS loudspeakers are triple spider, high sensitivity cone type transducers. The 6.5” (165 mm) driver used in the SLS915 and SLS918 and the 8” (203 mm) SLS920 LF drivers are dual spider designs.
Page 14 Operating Modes: PASSIVE and BIAMPLIFIED A switch on the SLS input panels selects between either of two operating modes: PASSIVE mode (single amplifier) or BIAMPLIFIED mode (separate low and high frequency amplifiers). In PASSIVE mode, the internal crossovers of the SLS loudspeakers divide the audio signal into the separate frequency ranges for each driver.
Page 15 SB5 – Mounting Pole for pole mounting an SLS915, SLS918, or SLS920 on top of an SBS25 subwoofer. 5.16.2 3rd Party Accessories The following are companies that make accessories that may be used with Community Products. Mounting Brackets Stands and Stand Sockets Omnimount™...
Page 16: Operating Modes
6.2.3 PASSIVE versus BIAMPLIFIED Mode In BIAMPLIFIED mode the internal passive crossover of SLS models is still used to divide the frequencies between the MF and HF drivers that make up the high frequency section. The 2-way SLS915 only has an LF and HF driver so there is no internal frequency division in BIAMPLIFIED mode.
Page 17: System Configurations
7 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS FIGURES 2 and 3 show the possible configurations for the SLS and SBS loudspeakers. (Note: Refer to the SECTION 10.5 “Connecting the Loudspeakers” herein and to the specific controller’s Owner’s Manual for exact connection details and operation.)
Page 18 PAGE 18 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 19: Choosing Power Amplification
The published power ratings for Community Solutions loudspeakers, as listed in the Technical Specifications in CHAPTER 16, are only applicable when the loudspeakers are used with an electronic system controller or processor.
Page 20: Operating Requirements
Also required is a high-pass filter for the LF section to prevent frequencies below its operating range from overdriving and possibly damaging the LF drivers. TABLE 3 shows the recommended amplifier sizes for each section (LF and HF) of the SLS loudspeakers used in BIAMPLIFIED mode.
Page 21 9.1.4 SLS Full-Range and SBS Subwoofer with An Electronic Controller When using an SLS loudspeaker with an SBS subwoofer, two amplifier channels are required. Also required is an electronic crossover to separate the audio signal into different frequency ranges for the SLS amplifier and SBS amplifier and a high-pass filter to prevent subsonic frequencies from overdriving and possibly damaging the SBS loudspeaker.
Page 22: Electrical Installation
Normally the shield is connected only at the amplifier end to the chassis of the amplifier or other suitable system grounding point. The wire gauge recommendations in the above chart should still be followed. PAGE 22 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 23: Connecting The Loudspeakers
BIAMPLIFIED mode, all 4 pins of the Speakon connector must be used for the jumper. The pairs of dual banana jacks for the SLS models are NOT wired in parallel with each other. However, they are wired in parallel with the functionally corresponding +/– signal pins of the Neutrik Speakon jacks.
Page 24 10.5.2 SLS BIAMPLIFIED Mode Operation (See FIGURE 5) Operation of the SLS loudspeakers in BIAMPLIFIED mode requires putting the slide switch on the input panel in the “Biamplified” (up) position. In this mode the LF and HF connections can be made using either of the Neutrik Speakon connectors.
Page 25: Physical Installation
11.2 Feet The SLS and SBS loudspeakers are supplied with 4 rubber feet for use when mounted as free-standing such as in portable applications. The feet have a cupped shape with a steel washer molded inside the cup. This washer is necessary for the mounting screw to butt against when installed to help provide structural rigidity to the feet.
Page 26 11.3 Front Grille All SLS and SBS loudspeakers have a 16 gauge perforated steel grille on the face of the enclosures to provide a finished appearance and to protect the drivers. The grille is essentially acoustically transparent with a TI (Transparency Index) rating of over 13,700, where 10,000 is considered essentially transparent.
Page 27 Any parts found to have deterioration, excessive fatigue, or excessive wear should be removed from service immediately. 11.5.1 Design Factor for Working Load Limits (WLL) The WLL limits listed for SLS and SBS mounting/rigging points and pull-back points have a design factor of 20:1. 11.5.2 Mounting/Rigging Points All SLS and SBS loudspeakers have internal, captive 3/8”-16 threaded nuts for suspending or...
Page 28 SBS45 31.3 in. (795 mm) 31.3 in. (795 mm) 1.1 in. (27 mm) 26.5 in. (673 mm) 1.1 in. (27 mm) 1.1 in. (27 mm) 26.5 in. (673 mm) Figure 10: Mounting/Rigging Point Locations PAGE 28 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 29 A pull-back can be accomplished using the two bottom rear mounting/rigging points for attachment of pull-back rigging. The rear panel of the SLS enclosures is held in place by 3/8”-16 machine screws. On the SBS enclosures, except for the SBS45, a dedicated 3/8”-16 pull-back point is provided. Instead of using the two bottom mounting/rigging points as the pull-back points, a rear panel screw can be removed and replaced by a rated eyebolt or other rated rigging hardware.
Page 30 Do not use for suspending the loudspeaker. Because of their size and weight, all other Community Solutions models are not recommended for this type of installation hardware and therefore they do not have provisions for them. Community cannot provide specific technical support about the use of Ultimate Support or Omnimount Systems products.
Page 31 The 1-3/8 in. (35 mm) diameter pole socket on the top of the SBS25 subwoofer accepts the Community SB5 Mounting Pole accessory. This allows an SLS915, SLS918, or SLS920 fitted with a 1- 3/8” (35 mm) stand socket, such as an Ultimate Support SM200, to be pole mounted on top of the SBS25.
Page 32: Acoustical Adjustments
(e.g. arrays of multiple loudspeakers or main and delayed loudspeakers). 12.3 Electronic Gain Structure Detailed information on how to set electronic gain structure is beyond the scope of this manual. However the following are VERY general guidelines that may be helpful. PAGE 32 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 33 12.3.1 Residual Noise The SLS and SBS loudspeakers have high sensitivities which mean that they produce a relatively high output for a given electrical input. This includes the residual electronic noise of an audio system. By setting gain structure properly and using high quality professional electronics, this noise should be at or near inaudibility.
Page 34 Noise should not be audible and you should be able to drive at least one amplifier/controller in the system to its maximum output on normal program material with no significant distortion or other undesirable sound. PAGE 34 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 35: Operating Precautions
FIGURE 14: “Effects of Amplifier Clipping” and to SECTION 13.3 “Using Low Power Amplifiers”.) 13.1.1 Operating Modes and PowerSense DDP The PowerSense DDP circuits function in both the PASSIVE and BIAMPLIFIED modes for all SLS models. This means that in BIAMPLIFIED mode, both the HF and LF sections have their own PowerSense protection.
Page 36 NEITHER THE POWERSENSE DDP NOR THE CONTROLLER CIRCUITRY CAN PROTECT THE LOUDSPEAKER FROM DAMAGE DUE TO POWER AMPLIFIER CLIPPING. When operating an SLS loudspeaker with a lower power amplifier and without any sort of electronic limiting protection, ensure that the amplifier’s limits are not exceeded. Most amplifiers have some type of indicator that shows when it is clipping.
Page 37 Generic Electronic Control (Non-Community) It is technically possible to use generic signal processing equipment such as DSP signal processors, analog EQs, and limiters to set up workable and reasonable operating parameters for the SLS and SBS loudspeakers. Bear in mind that dynamic equalization, IntelliSense™ protection and certain other parameters built into Community’s controllers are virtually impossible to mimic using generic devices.
Page 38 (Refer to the CHAPTER 17 “In Case Of Difficulty” for troubleshooting methods) To test an SLS or SBS loudspeaker or to reproduce test signals or tones through it for other purposes, certain precautions must be followed to avoid damage to the loudspeakers.
Page 39 10% (-10 dB) of the loudspeaker’s RMS rating to ensure the loudspeaker will not be damaged. PAGE 39 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 40 12. Use a graphic equalizer, parametric equalizer, or notch filter to reduce the level of frequencies that are prone to feedback. For best results, it is recommended that a graphic equalizer used for controlling feedback have filter bandwidths of 1/3 octave or narrower. PAGE 40 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 41 Set the limiter to provide at least a 10:1 compression ratio and set its threshold to below amplifier clipping. The amplifier power output rating should be within the range recommended in SECTION 9.1.2 PAGE 41 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 42: Servicing
Servicing SLS Drivers To service an SLS driver it must be removed from the enclosure. Refer to FIGURE 16 for details of not- so-obvious procedures for the M200 and bottom bolts for the lower LF driver. Details will vary slightly from model to model.
Page 43: Technical Specifications
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 16.1 SLS Full-Range Loudspeaker Specifications SLS915 SLS918 SLS920 SLS960 SLS980 95 - 18000 Hz 55 - 18000 Hz 95 - 18000 Hz 75 - 18000 Hz 50 - 18000 Hz Frequency Response Sensitivity (1W / 1m SPL) 104 dB...
Page 44 DDP = Dynamic Driver Protection In any pull direction from 0 to 90 degrees. 16.3 Performance Data Please visit www.communitypro.com for all performance data or contact the Technical Applications Group (TAG) at tagteam@communitypro.com or 610-876-3400. PAGE 44 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 45: In Case Of Difficulty
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY Should you have a problem with your Community Solutions loudspeaker, find the symptom and follow the associated “What To Do” instructions. Be aware that a particular symptom may have several possible causes. Please refer to appropriate sections in this manual if you need more detailed information.
Page 46 Bass is weak. Poor physical placement. Note that in some cases, the physical placement a subwoofer can have a significant effect on the bass energy PAGE 46 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 47 Assuming all cabling and connections for the electronic functioning. crossover and amplifier are OK, while right in front of the subwoofer, listen at moderate levels for output from the driver(s). there none driver(s) malfunctioning and need repair. PAGE 47 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 48: Warranty Information
This warranty applies only to failure of a Community loudspeaker caused by defects in materials and workmanship during the stated warranty period. It does not apply to a unit that has been subjected to abuse, accident, modification, improper handling/installation, or repairs made without factory authorization or by anyone other than authorized Community Field Service Stations.
Page 49 This Community warranty is not extended by the length of time which an owner is deprived of the use of the product. Repairs and replacement parts provided under the terms of this warranty shall carry only the remaining portion of the warranty.
Page 50: Replacement Parts List
Grilles (black) All SLS & SBS Grilles (white) All SLS & SBS Grille Cloths (white) All SLS & SBS Rubber Feet Kit Note the specific replacement part will vary depending on the SLS/SBS model. PAGE 50 Community Solutions™ Owner’s Manual...
Page 51: Index
Electrical Installation ............22 Omnimount™ Brackets ..........30 Electronic Control ............6, 14 Operating Modes ............14 Electronic Control (Non-Community) ......37 Operating Modes and PowerSense DDP ......35 Electronic Controller Options ......... 16 Operating Precautions ............ 35 Enclosure Finish ............15, 28 Operating Precautions for the SLS918 ......
Page 52 Servicing an SBS Input Panel ......... 41 Using Low Power Amplifiers ......... 36 Using Only Two Rigging Points ........29 Servicing an SLS Input Panel and Crossover ....41 Servicing SBS Drivers ............ 41 Servicing SLS Drivers ............ 41 Setup and Operation ............16 Warranty Information / Service for Outside USA ..

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Community SLS Owner's Manual

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