Art CX310 User manual

CX310
Stereo 2-Way / Mono 3-Way Active Crossover
USER'S GUIDE

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ FIRST
This symbol, wherever it appears, This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated to important operating and maintenance
dangerous voltages inside the enclosure that instructions in the accompanying literature.
may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Please read the manual.
Read instructions
Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the
equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide.
Do not open
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.
Power sources
Only connect the unit to mains power of the type described in this user guide or marked on the rear panel. The
power source must provide a good ground connection.
Power cord
Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local main supply as provided with the
equipment. If the provided plug does not fit into you outlet consult your service agent. Route the power cord so
that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against.
Grounding
Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tamper with the
ground connection on the power cord.
Moisture
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or use in damp or wet
conditions. Do not place container of liquid on it, which may spill into any openings
Heat
Do not locate the unit in a place close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could be a fire hazard.
Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power supplies, power amplifiers and
heaters.
Environment
Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink
spillage and smoke especially that associated with smoke machines.
Handling
Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid
injury to yourself or damage to the equipment take care when lifting, moving or carrying the unit.
Servicing
Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to moisture, spilled liquid or
the power cord or plug becomes damaged during a lightning storm or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer
servicing to qualified technical personnel only.
Installation
Install the unit in accordance with the instruction printed in the user guide.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS – READ FIRST .......................................................... 2
OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................................................4
Features.........................................................................................................................................................4
INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................................5
AC Power Hookup..........................................................................................................................................5
Input/Output Connections...............................................................................................................................5
Mono 3-Way Configuration.............................................................................................................................5
Connections: ..............................................................................................................................................5
Controls:.....................................................................................................................................................5
OPERATION ..................................................................................................................................................6
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS .................................................................................................................6
Power Switch..............................................................................................................................................6
Clip Indicators.............................................................................................................................................6
Input Level Controls....................................................................................................................................6
Mute Switches ............................................................................................................................................6
Low And High Output Level Controls..........................................................................................................6
Crossover Frequency Controls And Range Switches .................................................................................7
REAR PANEL CONNECTORS and CONTROLS.............................................................................7
XLR Jacks ..................................................................................................................................................7
1/4” Phone Jacks........................................................................................................................................7
Mono/Stereo Mode Switch..........................................................................................................................7
APPLICATIONS .........................................................................................................................................8
Typical Setup .................................................................................................................................................8
Signal Flow ....................................................................................................................................................8
Initial Setup Tips ............................................................................................................................................8
WARRANTY INFORMATION................................................................................................................ 9
Limited Warranty............................................................................................................................................9
Exclusions.......................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
SERVICE ....................................................................................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................................................11

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OVERVIEW
The ART CX310 Stereo 2-Way/ Mono 3-Way Active Crossover is a perfect addition to any sound
reinforcement system. Designed for PA and fixed-installation applications, the CX310 employs 24dB/
octave state-variable, fourth-order, Linkwitz-Riley filters. These filters guarantee in-phase outputs at
all frequencies. This ensures the proper acoustic summing of common signals from adjacent drivers
in the crossover region.
The CX310 may be used as either a stereo 2-way crossover network, splitting the signal in each
channel into two separate frequency ranges (Lo and Hi), or as a mono 3-way crossover network,
splitting one signal into three separate frequency ranges (Lo, Mid and Hi).
Each channel features input level, high and low output level and crossover frequency rotary controls.
A frequency x10 switch is provided for varying the crossover frequency from the standard 80Hz -
920Hz to 800Hz - 9200Hz. Front-panel output mute switches are provided for each individual output
to ease system setup. The rear panel features balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS input and output
connectors as well as a 2-way/ 3-way mode selector switch. Power for the CX310 is internal.
The ART CX310 Stereo 2-Way/ Mono 3-Way Active Crossover has the features and performance you
need for any audio application requiring a crossover. Housed in a rugged all-steel chassis, the model
CX310 will provide years of reliable and continuous service.
Features
•Stereo 2-way or mono 3-way configurations
•Fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley filters
•Balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS input and output connectors
•Adjustable crossover frequency range (80Hz to 920Hz or 800Hz to 9.2kHz)
•Independent output level control for each output
•Individual output muting switches
•Clipping indicators on all outputs
•Rugged, fully shielded all-steel chassis
•Internal AC power supply
•Three year warranty

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INSTALLATION
The ART CX310 may be used in a wide variety of applications and environments. Enclosed in a 1U
(1.75 inches high) rack-mountable, all-steel enclosure, the unit is designed for continuous
professional use. The depth is 6.5 inches, exclusive of the power cord. Mounting location is not
critical. However, for greater reliability, we recommend that you not place the unit on top of power
amps or other sources of heat.
AC POWER HOOKUP
The CX310 has an internal power supply designed to operate from 105 to 120VAC at 50/60Hz.
Export units are configured with a different power cord and the voltage switch is set for the country of
destination. Before plugging the CX310 into the AC mains, make sure that all of the equipment
following the crossover outputs are turned off or that all of the outputs are turned down.
INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
The CX310 has XLR and 1/4" TRS phone jack connectors for each input and output. All connections
are active balanced although the 1/4" phone jack connections can easily be converted to unbalanced
operation by using two-conductor phone plugs. Inserting a plug into a 1/4" jack disconnects the
associated XLR connector.
MONO 3-WAY CONFIGURATION
This information is intended to clarify how the CX310 is used in the mono 3-way configuration.
Connections:
Input Channel One INPUT
(Channel Two INPUT not used)
Low Output Channel One LOW OUTPUT
Mid Output Channel Two LOW OUTPUT
High Output Channel Two HIGH OUTPUT
(Channel One HIGH OUTPUT not used)
Controls:
Input Level Channel One INPUT LEVEL control
Low Output Mute Channel One LOW MUTE switch
Low Output Level Channel One LOW OUTPUT LEVEL control
Low/Mid Crossover Channel One RANGE switch and FREQUENCY control
(Channel One HIGH MUTE switch and
HIGH OUTPUT LEVEL control not used)
(Channel Two INPUT LEVEL control not used)
Mid Output Mute Channel Two LOW MUTE switch
Mid Output Level Channel Two LOW OUTPUT LEVEL control
Mid/High Crossover Channel Two RANGE switch and FREQUENCY control
High Output Mute Channel Two HIGH MUTE switch
High Output Level Channel Two HIGH OUTPUT LEVEL control

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OPERATION
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
POWER SWITCH
The POWER switch applies and removes power to the unit. Make sure that all equipment after the
CX310 is either off or the outputs are turned all the way down before turning the CX310 on or off.
CLIP INDICATORS
Separate HIGH and LOW CLIP indicators are provided for each channel of the CX310. These
indicators will light at approximately 3dB before clipping occurs in any stage of the channel. To
prevent overloading the channel, either turn down the CX310 input control or turn down the output
level of the piece of equipment feeding the CX310 (i.e. mixer, equalizer or other piece of processing
equipment.).
INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS
An INPUT LEVEL control is provided on each channel of the CX310. If you are using the CX310 as a
mono 3-way crossover, the Channel One INPUT CONTROL is the only one used. The INPUT LEVEL
control should be set at its 0 marking in most cases. Increasing or decreasing gain should only be
done to make up for deficiencies in other parts of the system.
MUTE SWITCHES
MUTE switches are provided for each output on the CX310. These are intended for use when setting
up your system and testing either the crossover frequency point or the separate amplifiers and
speakers they are feeding. These switches allow you to isolate a specific frequency output on a
specific channel for fine-tuning or troubleshooting. It is not recommended that you mute or un-mute
any frequency band during normal usage. Levels should be turned down when the MUTE switches
are activated or de-activated.
LOW AND HIGH OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROLS
Each channel of the CX310 has LOW and HIGH OUTPUT LEVEL controls. These controls are used
to trim the output levels to the LOW and HIGH OUTPUT jacks on the rear of the unit, respectively. If
you are using the CX310 as a mono 3-way crossover, the Channel One LOW OUTPUT LEVEL
control sets the level of the LOW OUTPUT, the Channel Two LOW OUTPUT LEVEL control sets the
level of the MID OUTPUT, and the Channel Two HIGH OUTPUT LEVEL control sets the level of the
HIGH OUTPUT.

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These controls attenuate only (there is no gain). In most cases you would set them to 0(fully
clockwise). You can use these controls to prevent overdriving the inputs of your amplifiers or to
compensate for variations in amplifier gain or speaker efficiency. Additionally, you can use these
controls to balance the level between highs and lows in your system.
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY CONTROLS and RANGE SWITCHES
Each channel of the CX310 has a crossover FREQUENCY control and RANGE switch to set the
crossover point for the high and low frequencies. These controls cover the frequency range of 80Hz -
920Hz, with the RANGE switch in the out position (x1), or 800Hz to 9.2kHz, with the RANGE switch
in the in position (x10). All frequencies below the set frequency will be sent to the LOW OUTPUT and
all frequencies above will be sent to the HIGH OUTPUT.
When the CX310 is used as a stereo 2-way crossover, both RANGE switches will most commonly be
used in the out position (80Hz-920Hz). When used as a mono 3-way crossover, the Channel One
FREQUENCY control is used to set the Low/Mid frequency point and the Channel Two
FREQUENCY control is used to set the Mid/High frequency point. In this case, the Channel One
RANGE switch will most commonly be used in the out position (80Hz-920Hz), while the Channel
Two RANGE switch will most commonly be used in the in position (800Hz-9.2kHz).
The crossover filters are 4-pole Linkwitz-Riley designs (24dB/octave). This yields a sharp roll off to
help protect speakers and the outputs sum to a flat response.
NOTE:
Never change the frequency range switches (from x1 to x10 position - or vice versa) with the
crossover passing audio signals. This may produce transients that can damage speakers.
REAR PANEL CONNECTORS and CONTROLS
It is easy to interface the unit with a wide variety of equipment. The rear panel has balanced XLR and
1/4” phone jack connectors.
XLR JACKS
The XLR connections are balanced and follow the AES standard for wiring: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 =
Hot (+) and Pin 3 = Cold (-). These connectors directly parallel the associated 1/4” connectors.
1/4” PHONE JACKS
The 1/4” connections are balanced with Tip = Hot (+), Ring = Cold (-), and Sleeve = Ground. A two-
conductor (tip and sleeve) shorts the Cold (-) and Ground connections together to convert to
unbalanced operation. Inserting a plug into a 1/4" jack disconnects the associated XLR connector.
MONO/STEREO MODE SWITCH
This switch configures the CX310 for stereo 2-way operation with the switch in the out position or for
mono 3-way operation with the switch in the in position.

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APPLICATIONS
The following guidelines refer to a P.A. system, but the same basic ideas apply to a home recording
setup or a Hi-Fi system.
Typical Setup
For a stereo 2-way system, separate high frequency (horn or tweeter) and low frequency (bass or
subwoofer) speaker cabinets are used for each channel (left and right) of the stereo sound system
and are driven by their own power amplifiers. For a mono 3-way system, separate high frequency
(horn or tweeter), mid frequency (mid or full range) and low frequency (bass or subwoofer) cabinets
are used for each channel of the sound system.
The crossover is used to split each channel's signal into two or three frequency bands, which feed
separate amplifiers. This delivers the proper frequencies to each speaker cabinet as well as allowing
its associated amplifier to produce acoustic power more efficiently.
Note: You will need two 310 crossovers if your three-way system is stereo.
It is very important that you use caution when selecting the crossover points for any system.
Refer to the documentation that came with your speaker cabinets for information on their
proper frequency ranges. This is especially important for high frequency horns; damage may
occur from sending lower frequencies than specified into the drivers!
Signal Flow
In most situations, the crossover is the last piece of equipment in the signal chain before the power
amplifiers. Signal flow is as follows:
Mixer → Equalizer → Crossover →Power Amplifier →Speaker Cabinets
Sometimes a limiter is placed between the mixer outputs and the equalizer or after the equalizer for
system protection.
Initial Setup Tips
1. Set all level controls to their full counter-clockwise position.
2. Connect the output(s) of your mixer (or equalizer) to the input(s) of the CX310. If stereo,
Channel One is left.
3. Connect the LOW OUTPUT of each channel (LOW OUTPUT of Channel One for mono
3-way configuration) to the power amplifier powering the low frequency cabinet(s).
4. If set for mono 3-way, connect the MID output (LOW OUTPUT of Channel Two) to the
power amplifier powering the mid frequency cabinet.
5. Connect the HIGH OUTPUT of each channel (HIGH OUTPUT of Channel Two for mono
3-way configuration) to the power amplifier powering the high frequency cabinet(s).
6. Set the crossover frequency for each channel (they should be the same if your PA
cabinets are the same) or each frequency band for mono 3-way configuration.
7. With the power amplifier volume controls turned all the way down, turn on all equipment in
the system.
8. With a program source running through the system, turn up the power amplifier volume
controls and slowly turn up the crossover input level controls while checking for clipping.
9. Turn up each of the crossover's output level controls while checking each individual output
for sound and performance.

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WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty
Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with
the following warrants:
Applied Research and Technology, (ART) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the
components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three
years from the date of purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or
replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory
service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form
of a valid sales receipt.
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of
unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered,
defaced, or removed.
ART reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this
product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
ART shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting
from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you
may have other rights, which vary, from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and
Technology will provide service.

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SERVICE
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service.
1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure that the unit has power
supplied, that all cables are connected correctly, and that the cables themselves are in working
condition. You may want to consult with your dealer for assistance in troubleshooting or testing
your particular configuration.
2. If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com. You may contact Customer
Service for more assistance, or directly request a Return Authorization for service in the
“resources” area of the website.
3. If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable
substitute. The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping carton, so consider putting
the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the
shipping box. Print your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
4. Include with your unit: a note with the RA number and your contact information, including a return
shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime phone number, and a description
of the problem, preferably attached to the top of the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase
receipt.
Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase ___________________
Purchased from ___________________
Serial Number ___________________