Amate Audio XCELLENCE XW218 User manual

User’s manual
XW218
July 2023

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Safety Instructions
1. All safety instructions must be read before using this device.
2. Keep and follow these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. The exclamation mark in the triangle indicates internal components which if
replaced can affect safety.
5. The lightning symbol within the triangle indicates the presence of dangerous
uninsulated voltages.
6. Only clean the device with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install the device near heat sources such as radiators, heaters or other heat-
emitting elements.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus
10. The equipment must be repaired by qualified technical service personnel when:
A. The mains supply cable is damaged, or
B. Any object or liquid has damaged the device; or
C. The equipment does not function normally or correctly; or
D. The equipment has been exposed to the rain; or
E. The chassis is damaged
11. Disconnect the device in the case of electric storms or during long periods of
disuse.
12. WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device
to rain or moisture
13. The equipment shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the device.
14. For hanging and installation, use manufacturer recommended accessories only.

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INTRODUCTION
1.1 General product information
Amate Audio thanks you for the trust placed in our Xcellence loudspeaker systems.
The Xcellence series combines the convenience of a self-powered system and the
flexibility of the DSP (digital system processing) for cabinet control. More than 45
years’ experience in amplifier and acoustic cabinet design using the highest
technology and components come together to give you a product ideal for a multitude
of applications, especially those which require high levels of sound pressure and a
control of vertical coverage. Stadiums, theatres or big events will become the perfect
places for their use. We suggest you read the following information with attention,
assured that it will be of maximum use in helping you to achieve the best results and
optimum performance.
1.2 Subwoofer arrays
A subwoofer array consists in a set of two or more subwoofers with the same target
as a Line-Array: Achieve a great Sound Pressure Level (SPL) with a maximum
coverage preventing irregular SPL distribution.
Fig.1. XW218 cardioid subwoofer array
The emplacement of the subwoofers is critical in applications where we have two or
more of them. Low frequencies wavelength are longer so the chance of them to
interact negatively increases. In this scenario, the performance of our subwoofer array
would be heavily downgraded.
For example for a sound wave of 100 Hz the wavelength is:
λ  
 340 100  3.4 
If we place two subwoofers at less of 1.7 meters (Half of λ) the sound waves of 100
Hz corresponding of two different subwoofers will enter in the same period T/2 with a

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nearly equal SPL. In this scenario, for this specific frequency, both of them will work
as one same subwoofer with increased performance.
Fig.2. Phase difference θbetween soundwaves of different sources
We can illustrate this phenomenon looking at the Figure 2. The strokes represent
different subwoofers in different colours. Vertical y-axis is the displacement of sound
pressure and x-axis is the time when the sound waves reach a specific spatial point.
Phase difference is the Greek letter theta θ.When the phase difference is low, the
peak pressure of the two strokes match. This causes a positive addition. When the
phase difference is T/4, the valley of blue stroke matches the peak of red stroke. This
causes negative addition and a theoretical absence of sound.
The closer the distance between subwoofers, the more chances we can get a positive
addition. The more sensible frequencies of the emplacement of the subwoofers are
those closer to the crossover frequency. That is why we advise against emplacing the
subwoofers beneath the line-array towers in the typical L-R sound system. More
information is available in our Recommended Configurations guide.
With a good sound design, we can take profit of the previous phenomenon for creating
a subwoofer array, which increase the performance of our sound system. Also for
preventing, the soundwaves to be emitted in certain areas of interest (E.g. the Stage).
Knowing the sound speed, we can work in both the time and spatial plane, emplacing
the subwoofers in reverse direction to invert the phase in order to create a cardioid
subwoofer array. In section 3.3, we talk further about the cardioid configurations.
All this process of subwoofer array sound design could be very time consuming. In
Amate Audio, we worked this out to offer an accessible presets, factory available
inside our Xcellence XW218.

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1.3 Features and presentation
XW218
•Self-powered subwoofer
•XLR electronically balanced input & XLR parallel link
•AC PowerCon input & link
•EtherCon RJ45 input & link
•1 Gbps Ethernet connectivity with Dante
TM
audio networking.
•5000W class D amplifier
•24-bit AD/DA converters with 112 dB dynamic range, 48 kHz sampling rate
•DSP Controls (presets, parametric EQs, delay, mute, volume and limiter)
•Amplifier self-diagnostics: input level, temperature, limiter active
•Overvoltage protection (>250V-400V)
•Ethernet connectivity
•2x 18” neodymium woofers with 4” voice coil
XW218 FEATURES
The XW218 cabinet is ideal for bass reinforcement. It includes 5000W amplification
for the woofer and digital signal control by DSP. The manufacturer presets make it
easy, flexible and user-friendly.
2.1 Technical description
The XW218 cabinet comes with DSP control, a direct radiation transducer and
acoustic bass reflex cabinet. As a subwoofer system, its usable bandwidth is 25Hz-
130Hz (-10 dB). It has 5000W continuous amplification, thermal protection, output
short circuit protection, independent peak and RMS power limiters, and protection
against overvoltage. The DSP includes several presets which can be selected either
accessing the cabinet’s rear control screen or via the computer with Ethernet
connection.
The XW218 cabinet is connected using the XLR balanced connector or via Dante
TM
audio networking, using the RJ45 connectors. Mains supply is through PowerCon. It
is built in birch plywood, which has a high resistance to vibrations and humidity with
black Polyurea paint coating. The front face is protected by two 2 mm thick steel grilles
with acoustically transparent grey cloth. It includes an in-built back handle and two
wheels for an easy and comfortable transport.

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Fig.3. XW218 external dimensions
PRESETS
The XW218 includes several manufacturer presets for different types of application.
The DSP system can also store up to 25 other presets, depending on user
requirements
3.1 As extension on floor for X212AFD
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end for the Xcellence
Line Array system X212AFD, down to 25 Hz. The overall system operates over the
nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 18 kHz, -10dB.
This extension can be done at two different crossover points: 60Hz or 80Hz. Please
note that depending on the crossover point used in the subwoofer, the corresponding
preset must be selected in X212AFD.

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3.1.1 X212AFD as a line source with XW218 extension on floor and upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer at 60 Hz
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 18 kHz, -10dB.
Model: X212AFD
Preset: [HPF60 FLAT] [HPF60 FLAT]
Model: XW218
Preset: [LPF60 X212]
[LPF60 X212]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended to use less than 6 cabinets per side.
The optimum number of cabinets per side would be from 8-9 cabinets to up.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 2.8m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 60 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.1.2 X212AFD as a line source with XW218 extension on floor and upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer at 80 Hz
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 18 kHz, -10dB.
Model: X212AFD
Preset: [HPF80 FLAT] [HPF80 FLAT]
Model: XW218
Preset: [LPF80 X212]
[LPF80 X212]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended to use less than 6 cabinets per side.
The optimum number of cabinets per side would be from 8-9 cabinets to up.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 2.1m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 80 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.1.3 X212AFD as a line source (including NearField and Longthrow cabinets)
with XW218 extension on floor and upper frequency limit of the subwoofer
at 60 Hz.
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 18 kHz, -10dB.
[HPF60 LTHROW]
Model: X212AFD
Preset: [HPF60 LONGTHROW]
Model: X212AFD [HPF60 FLAT]
Preset: [HPF60 FLAT]
Model: X212AFD
Preset: [HPF60 NEARFIELD] [HPF60 NFIELD]
Model: XW218
Preset: [LPF60 X212]
[LPF60 X212]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended to use less than 6 cabinets per side.
The optimum number of cabinets per side would be from 8-9 cabinets to up.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 2.8m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 60 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.1.4 X212AFD as a line source (including NearField and Longthrow cabinets)
with XW218 extension on floor and upper frequency limit of the subwoofer
at 80 Hz.
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 18 kHz, -10dB.
[HPF80 LTHROW]
Model: X212AFD
Preset: [HPF80 LONGTHROW]
Model: X212AFD [HPF80 FLAT]
Preset: [HPF80 FLAT]
Model: X212AFD [HPF80 NFIELD]
Preset: [HPF80 NEARFIELD]
Model: XW218
Preset: [LPF80 X212]
[LPF80 X212]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended to use less than 6 cabinets per side.
The optimum number of cabinets per side would be from 8-9 cabinets to up.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 2.1m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 80 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.2 As extension for X102FD & X14FD
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end for the X102FD &
X14FD systems, down to 25 Hz.
This extension can be done at the 90 Hz crossover point. The corresponding preset
must be selected on the X102FD or X14FD, as shown below:
Model: X102FD Model: XW218
Preset: [HPF90 Flat] Preset: [X-ALIGNED]
or [HPF90 Longthrow]
Model: X14FD Model:XW218
Preset:[HPF90] Preset: [X-ALIGNED]
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the geometric
delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.3 X211 as a line source with XW218 extension on floor
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 19 kHz, -10dB.
This extension can be done at the 90 Hz crossover point. The corresponding preset
must be selected on the XA211, as shown below:
Model: XA211
Preset: [HPF90 FLAT] [HPF90 FLAT]
Model: XW218
Preset: [X-ALIGNED]
[X-ALIGNED]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended using less than 6 cabinets per side.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 1.9m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 90 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.4 XA211 as a line source (including NearField and Longthrow cabinets) with
XW218 extension on floor
The XW218 provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end, down to 25 Hz.
The system operates over the nominal bandwidth 25 Hz – 19 kHz, -10dB.
This extension can be done at the 90 Hz crossover point. The corresponding preset
must be selected on the XA211, as shown below:
[HPF90
Model: XA211 LTHROW]
Preset: [HPF90 LONGTHROW]
Model: XA211 [HPF90
Preset: [HPF90 FLAT] FLAT]
Model: XA211
Preset: [HPF90 NEARFIELD] [HPF90
NFIELD]
Model: XW218
Preset: [X-ALIGNED]
[X-ALIGNED]
The minimum number of cabinets to be used as a line source system is 6
cabinets. We do not recommended using less than 6 cabinets per side.
Place the subwoofers side by side. If not possible, the maximum distance
between two adjacent acoustic centres must be 1.9m when the upper
frequency limit of the subwoofer is at 90 Hz.
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system is pre-aligned from the factory. Do not forget to add the
geometric delay depending on the configuration used.

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3.5 General purpose (Standard) presets
These presets can be used to match the XW218 with any other satellite or array
system. These presets are not prealigned, so a time alignment with the satellite or line
array system is recommended. There are three standard presets, and they are defined
by the Low Pass Filter frequency, which can be selected at 80, 90 or 100 Hz:
[LPF80 Standard]
[LPF90 Standard]
[LPF100 Standard]
3.6 Cardioid presets
The XW218 enables the combination of three or multiple of three subwoofer cabinets
in an array to provide exceptional directivity at low frequencies. High directivity at low
frequencies has two main effects on the sound field: firstly, the low frequency level
behind the subwoofer cabinets is greatly reduced; secondly, in closed venues the
diffuse sound field at low frequencies is reduced so the low frequency reproduction is
much more precise. The typical operating range of a traditional
subwoofer tends to be like a monopole, i.e. tends to radiate with
the same energy in all directions. This behaviour implies that the
control of radiation at low frequencies is very difficult because the
wavelengths are very large compared to the size of the source (8.5
m at 40 Hz).
Fig.4. Traditional polar pattern of a subwoofer at 40 Hz
To increase the directivity at low frequencies we must transform the omnidirectional
performance into a cardioid performance. This can only be achieved by various
sources, arranged in a certain position, to which we apply a specific phase, filtering
and delay. That is, we need to reproduce two signals with the same frequency and
similar amplitude which will have a difference in phase of approximately 180º at a
certain point of the sound field.
If the phases and delays are well calculated the result is a system
in which we cancel the energy of the back and not the one of the
front.
This can only be achieved with cabinets that incorporate
independent delay units on their DSP, as the XW218.
Fig.5. Cardioid pattern
3.6.1 With 3 units
The XW218 can generate an uncompromised cardioid behaviour, which means that
there is no need for special cabinets, enabling the use of the system’s full efficiency
with just “one finger”. In its minimum and standard configuration a cardioid setup
consists of a horizontal line of three subwoofer cabinets. Only one subwoofer is needed
to compensate for the energy of the other two radiating to the front. Then, the cabinet
facing to the back (to the stage) should be located in the centre of the line.

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Fig. 6. Cardioid configuration for XW118 subwoofer (stack)
The cardioid preset must only be applied to the rear facing subwoofers
(BACK STAGE). The front facing subwoofers (FRONT AUDIENCE)
must use the corresponding front-facing preset, as shown in the table
below:
XW2
18 Preset
(BACK
STAGE)
XW2
18 Preset (FRONT
AUDIENCE)
Top box
/ array
model
Top box
/ array
preset
CARD80
STANDARD LPF80 STANDARD Generic, HPF 80 Hz Subwoofers must be time aligned
CARD90
STANDARD LPF90 STANDARD Generic, HPF 90 Hz Subwoofers must be time aligned
CARD100
STANDARD LPF100 STANDARD
Generic, HPF
100 Hz Subwoofers must be time aligned
CARD
X-ALIGNED X-ALIGNED
X14FD, HPF90
Hz HPF90
CARD
X-ALIGNED X-ALIGNED
X102FD, HPF90
Hz HPF90 FLAT HPF90 LONGTHROW
CARD60
X212 LPF60 X212
X212AFD HPF60 FLAT
HPF60 NEARFIELD
HPF60
LONGTHROW
CARD80
X212 LPF80 X212 X212AFD HPF80 FLAT HPF80 NEARFIELD
HPF80 LONGTHROW
Fig.7. Correspondence of rear and front presets for cardioid applications
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the internal set-up of the cardioid presets,
the threshold level (limiter) of the front facing subwoofers (FRONT
AUDIENCE) must be reduced by -4 dB when using stacks of 3
subwoofers.

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Do not change the threshold level
Threshold -4dB Threshold -4dB
Fig.8. Threshold levels for XW218 subwoofers
When placing the subwoofers in a cardioid configuration keep a distance to walls of at
least 60 cm in order not to affect the radiation of the central reversed cabinet.
Fig.9. Back energy rejection at 40 Hz / 50 Hz / 63 Hz
4. CONTROL AND CONNECTION PANEL
The XW218 control panel contains the following elements:
Fig. 10. XW218 control and connection panel
A) TOUCHSCREEN: Displays information about the System status: current preset,
network IP, amplifier temperature and signal input level. Allows the user to configure
the system without the need of an external computer: IP address setting, Preset
selection, Delay, Gain, Limiter, ECO mode on/off, Signal LEDs on/off, etc.
NOTE: The default PIN to access the setup menu is “1234”.
A
C
F
D
E
F
B
G

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B) MODEL DATA: The basic data of the model is found here:
- Model reference
- Average current draw (A)
C) OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION: These LEDS show the status of the AC mains
supply.
•POWER ON: (Blue) When lit, the equipment is ON and the AC input level is
within the permitted range (up to 260 VAC).
•>250V: (Red) When activated, the AC voltage is permanently out of the
permitted range of the equipment, so it will remain under protection until this
condition is solved. Revise your connections and mains power installation and
consider that other equipment connected to this line may have been damaged.
D) NETWORK: Two 8-pin RJ45 / EtherCon® compatible connectors for the connection
to Ethernet networks up to 1Gbps. This connection can be used for remote control via
software (DSPStudio) and for audio signal input via Dante
TM
audio networking. Please
refer to Amate Audio DSPStudio Quick Installation Guide for more information on
remote connection. The two connectors are interconnected by means of an internal
switch, so they can be used interchangeably and allow the chain connection of several
boxes. IMPORTANT: If Dante is used it is not recommended to chain more than eight
units, due to latency reasons.
E) BALANCED INPUT/LINK:
XLR-3 Female balanced signal connector for signal input.
XLR-3 Male connector for parallel connection of various cabinets with the same input
signal.
Nominal Input sensitivity: +2dBu (1 Vrms)
Maximum Input Voltage without input compression: +14dBu (4Vrms)
Maximum Input Voltage without clipping: +20dBu (8Vrms)
IMPORTANT: Please always use balanced microphone cable with the
following pin assignment:
1= Shield (Ground) 2= Live (+) 3= Return (-)
F) AC MAINS INPUT/LINK: Mains supply connection via PowerCon.
•Blue connector for AC in.
•Grey connector to feed other units in parallel. Linking up to two units is possible,
provided that a quality cable of a minimum section of 3x2.5mm
2
is used.
Connecting more than two units in parallel may lead to a voltage drop in the
cable that will reduce the equipment performance.
Always use mains power cable supplied by manufacturer.
Never connect the Xcellence cabinets to an unearthed mains supply or by
using an unearthed mains cable.

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G) AUTHENTICATION QR CODE: This QR code is a smart label that ensures that the
product is an original Amate Audio product. To verify the authenticity, please follow the
instructions in the following link:
http://www.amateaudio.com/en/product-
authentication/
5. CONNECTING
5.1 Parallel connection
5.1.1 Analogue Audio Signal
Connect the signal (mixing desk output) to
INPUT on the first unit. Use the LINK output to
transfer the INPUT signal to the second unit
and thus sequentially for further units. All of the
units in this chain must be switched on.
Fig.11. Parallel connection for the XW218
(signal)
5.1.2. Network
The two available Ethernet ports via the
EtherCon RJ-45 connector are internally
switched and both can be used as input
and link to other cabinets. All of the units
in this chain must be switched on.
The number of units allowed in parallel or
daisy chain depend on whether Dante
audio networking is being used.
When using Dante, a maximum number of
eight cabinets is permitted due to latency
reasons. When not, there is no specific
limit for daisy chaining (control and
monitoring using DSPStudio®).
Fig.12. Parallel connection for the XW218 (network). You can link up to eight units
when using DANTE networking, or more when not using it.

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5.1.3 Mains Power
For the mains connection in parallel
use the cable with grey Neutrik
PowerCon NAC3FCB at one end and
the blue Neutrik PowerCon
NAC3FCA at the other end.
Do not connect more than
two XW218 units using the
AC Mains link connector.
Do not connect Xcellence series units
in parallel using PowerCon-
PowerCon without earth.
Fig.13. Parallel connection for the XW218 (mains). You can link up to two units.
6. OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION
The active Xcellence series models incorporate an exclusive protection by Amate
Audio against mains voltage overload and other related problems (loss of neutral,
connection between phases, etc.). In the mains input an electronic circuit compares
the input voltage with a reference value. When the input exceeds 250 Volts, the circuit
reacts by blocking the input tension until it returns to its correct limits (230V +/- 10%).
When the overvoltage LED lights up red, the unit stops running, until the correct
voltage is re-established.
Generally, the cause of such an anomaly tends to be a neutral voltage drop or incorrect
connection of the equipment to 400V supply. Whenever the overvoltage LED lights
up, check the tension of the electrical phases: other devices in the sound system are
also at risk of electrical fault and severe damage
7. MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
For a proper installation of the acoustic cabinet
systems, it is strongly recommended to
carefully read the following advices.
7.1 XW218 with full-range systems
The XW218 incorporates a M20 base-plate on
its upper side for the attachment of a standard
35 mm diameter bar.

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Fig. 14. XW218 socket
7.2 Stacking with XA211
The STAX is an optional
accessory for stacking the
XA211/XA211P with XW218.
See “STAX user’s manual” for
more information.
Fig.15. STAX frame stacking