ClearSound LA V3 User manual
Page 1 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Clear Sound
LA V3
Line Array
Operation Manual
Page 2 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
April 2023
Clear Sound
LA V3
Operation Manual
1. Content
2. Introduction
2.1 Appreciation
2.2 Notes for this Document
3. Safety Warnings and Precautions
3.1 General Safety
3.2 Rigging Safety
3.3 Electrical Safety
3.4 Other Activities Concerning Safety
3.5 Disposal and Recycling
4. Clear Sound LA V3 System Description
4.1 Brief System Overview
4.2 System Components
5. Technical Specifications, Outline Drawings and Frequency Response Graphics
5.1 Technical Specifications
5.2 Outline Dimension Drawings
5.3 Frequency Response Graphics
6. Rigging the Line Array
6.1 General Safety and Important Rigging Precautions
6.2 Flying or Stacking
6.3 Originally Supplied Rigging Hardware
6.3.1 Line Array Frame
6.3.2 Ball-lock Pin
6.4 Other Rigging Hardware You Must Have
6.5 Rigging Steps
6.6 Setting the Correct Site Angle
6.7 Setting the Angles between the Speakers
7. Electrical Connections
7.1 General Safety
7.2 Speaker Internal Diagram
7.3 General System Diagrams
7.4 System Cables
7.4.1 Attack Cables (Attacks)
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Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
7.4.2 Link Cables (Links)
7.5 Amplifiers
8. Electrical Power
8.1 General Safety
8.2 How Much Power I Need
8.3 AC Mains Requirements
8.4 Power Distribution Principles
8.5 Electrical Protection and Grounding
8.6 When You Use Generator
8.7 Other Important Protections
9. Audio-controllers and Presets
9.1 General Safety
9.2 What Audio-controller I Can Use
9.3 General Principles
9.4 Routing
9.5 Setting up the Crossover Points
9.6 Gains
9.7 Delay Times
9.8 Setting the Limiters / Compressors
10. Subwoofers
10.1 General Safety
10.2 Recommended Subwoofers
Page 4 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
2. Introduction
2.1 Appreciation
Congratulations for purchasing LA V3 Line Array!
We appreciate that you choose Clear Sound as your supplier. Now you possess a
powerful sound reinforcement device which can satisfy almost all customers’ requirements in
the field of professional audio equipment.
The main advantages you receive are extended frequency response, wide and smooth
coverage and big dynamic capabilities. Easy operation and high reliability are other benefits
you get by choosing LA V3 Line Array.
2.2 Notes for this Document
All specifications, data and dimensions included here concern only LA V3 and cannot
be applied to other products! You have to use the information to obtain a competent advice
and to understand some specific situations.
Clear Sound Ltd. must not be held responsible for any equipment damages, lost
profits or any faults caused by misunderstanding of this manual or lack of experience!
As a result of our continuing progress, we reserve the right to make changes in our
products in order to improve them without prior notice. The latest changes cannot be included
in this manual. However, we will make the best to refresh the information in our website
regularly. Please, contact Clear Sound in case of any questions or difficulties concerning the
information in this manual!
The purpose of this manual is to equip you, the user of LA V3 Line Array, with the most
important information of how it is used, its parameters, and yours and your property safety. We
assume in advance that you have some basic knowledge, skills and training in this field. There
are many sources from which you may gain knowledge, there are many courses concerning
safety etc., and the skills are going be improved with the time and the right practice.
You should read this instruction with understanding, keep it and follow it carefully. Also,
you should do the same with all other equipment you use and you have to keep your local
regulations and laws.
3. Safety Warnings and Precautions
3.1 General Safety
LA V3 speakers can easily make a sound pressure level (SPL) sufficient to cause
permanent hearing damage to the artists, the crew and the audience. You must avoid high
Page 5 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
levels for a long time and you have to keep all local regulations which are too strict in some
countries.
Avoid smoking at the location / venue, especially for the fire safety.
The crew should have basic skills in first aid and rescue.
3.2 Rigging Safety
LA V3 must be rigged and lifted up ONLY by professional riggers or by trained
personnel under a supervision of a professional rigger. The rigging is a work with a high
potential of risk for the people and for the equipment. It’s not a job for amateurs! If you are a
novice, you or a part of your crew should graduate from a rigging course with a corresponding
license, or you must employ professional riggers, or use such company like a co-contractor. If
you or your crew will rig the system, you should discuss this with your insurer.
LA V3 Speakers are designed for vertical rigging of maximum 10 (ten) speakers
per side according to the present Clear Sound Operation Manual.
Please, check and keep the relevant regulations concerning this object in your area or
country!
The duty of the riggers is to mount safely and to adjust the system. The whole system
and its components must be inspected carefully from safety point of view before they are put
into operation. All damaged components must be removed and replaced! If there is a doubt
about the safety and the function of some component, it must not be used.
Also, the system safety is directly related to the weather and site conditions. For
example, strong winds can negatively affect the riggers’ work and construction stability.
All mechanical and moving parts are subject of wearing out, corrosion and other
degradation of parameters. Bad treatment, transportation, usage and storage can significantly
accelerate the aging process and may lead to cracking / malfunction of the components or
bigger unit. All components must be carefully inspected before usage. Care should be taken of
and protective measures should be fulfilled so that you can use all devices without any
accidents for as long as it is possible.
Riggers and the other technicians, like all other people, are able to make mistakes. The
general rule is “check three times”. The people must check the others’ work and their work
must be checked by the others. Nobody should be affected by this, because it’s made for public
and your safety.
Always keep the load limits indicated on any kind of equipment!
It is absolutely forbidden to stand under the Line Array when it is lifted up and /
or taken down!
Page 6 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Only people who are directly involved in the process must enter the working area.
The riggers must have and use safety protective equipment and suitable climbing outfit.
They have to be competent to choose fall-arresting systems and equipment against falling from
height. Helmets are necessary for them and for the people on the ground. The tools used by
riggers must be securely tied / bounded to them. A tool dropped from several meters can
seriously hurt the people down!
When the Line Array is lifted up either with motorized or with manual chain hoists, there
should be an experienced person who will supervise and co-ordinate the others’ job. He must
choose a position with good visibility of the site, the Line Array, the chains, etc. Simple and
clear signals must be used, indicating lifting start / stop, unbalancing or other obstacles.
The required safety factor of the equipment may be different in different countries. You
must check what your local regulations are before rigging.
Warning:
Use only certified lifting equipment (chain hoists, ropes,
chains, etc.)! Before use verify their compliance,
conformity, technical condition and completeness.
Warning:
When you use a cart, be careful when you move it in order
to avoid injury from tip-over.
3.3 Electrical Safety
LA V3 is 3-way fully active connected (tri-amp) speaker operating with external
amplifiers connected to it with long cables. The amps are not a part from LA V3 Line Array; it
can operate with many different types. Here the theme about the amps and the power is
described from the safety point of view because it is significant for the whole system’s safety.
The power of the components used is significant. This means that when the system
plays there are big voltages applying on the speaker connectors and high current flows through
the cables.
WARNING: Use only certified and approved electrical equipment (cables,
connectors, distributors, etc.)! Before use verify their technical parameters, compliance,
conformity, technical condition and completeness.
WARNING: In order to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the
amps or amps rack to rain or moisture. Do not expose them near dripping or splashing
liquids and ensure that no objects filled with liquids are placed on the equipment!
Page 7 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Never block the ventilation openings, leave a lot of space in front of and at the back of
the amp rack. Inspect and clean regularly!
Install and use in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions! Use only spare parts
/ accessories specified by the manufacturer.
CAUTION: Risk of electric shock! Do not open the amplifier’s covers!
Always replace the electrical fuses with the same type, size and rating (in Amperes /
Volts). Never make the burned fuse “stronger” by replacing the wire with such with bigger cross-
section.
This means you should have spare fuses on the location.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, ovens, stoves, fire, candles or
other apparatus (including other amplifiers) that produce much heat! Avoid direct sunshine, it
is a heat source.
The crew must have basic skills of fire-fighting. You must have fire extinguishers in
good working order at the appropriate places. One extinguisher per each amp rack is a good
choice at normal venues.
All services must be done by trained personnel. Servicing is needed when the
apparatus or part of it has been damaged in any way, for example damaged power supply cord
or plug; when liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus; the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture; it does not operate normally or has been dropped or
stressed. This means you must have at least one spare amp on the location.
Protect the power cord and all the cables – power, speaker, signal, data, etc. from being
walked on or pinched with a cart, carriage, trolley etc. Use cable protectors where needed.
Avoid bending and flexing the cable, especially in the points where they exit from the apparatus
and power connector.
Verify the correct mains voltage and frequency and then connect each device.
Verify that your mains have enough power for your equipment.
Be sure that the power connectors and circuit breakers are accessible to the operator
for supervising and servicing.
The electric devices must be powered exclusively from ground connected mains
sockets / connectors in electrical mains compliant to the IEC365 or similar rules. This is a
fundamental safety requirement so it’s necessary to be checked. In a case of any doubt, you
should ask for an accurate check from a qualified person.
The power plug / connector without proper grounding must not be used. It is widely
spread to remove the ground connection from the power plug in the case of hum and other
Page 8 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
noises in the system – this is unacceptable in the terms of safety. If the apparatus has not LIFT-
GND switch you should use proper ground loop isolating device.
3.4 Other activities concerning safety
When the location is in the field, in the mountain, etc., far from city buildings, the PA truss or
stage construction becomes the highest point around and attracts lightning in case of a storm.
In such conditions any work near the structures must be avoided. The constructions must be
well grounded.
It’s impossible to describe here, in this manual, all aspects of safety work so every person
should take care of and should protect himself, the others and the others’ property in
the best way he can.
3.5 Disposal and Recycling
Please dispose!
At the end of the life of this product bring it to your local
collection point for such equipment. Check the regulations
in your area.
Please recycle!
This product contains recyclable parts and components. At
the end of the life of this product bring it to your local
recycling centre for such equipment. Check the regulations
in your area.
4. Clear Sound LA V3 System Description
4.1 Brief System Overview
LA V3 is a 3-way fully active connected (tri-amp) speaker with flying hardware. All
drivers are horn-loaded with an appropriate type of horns, thus high SPL in each driver’s
frequency range is achieved. All three frequency ranges are carefully matched together to
achieve maximum spectral response (90 Hz – 20 kHz at 4 speakers per side). The limits are
chosen according to driver and horn characteristics and specifications without overlaps and
missing frequencies.
LA V3 speaker boxes are designed to be right and left. The left and right speakers’
orientation should be done in such a way that Hi-frequency section to be inside, towards the
stage. This applies only to cases when the speakers are hanged on vertically. The speakers
Page 9 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
are marked with L and R on the covers and on the speaker frame. When we say Right, we
mean Right according to the FOH position (FOH Right); the same goes for Left. The speaker
on Figure 1 is a right one.
4.2 System Components
One LA V3 speaker consists of three sections: LO, MID and HI. For subs, please refer
to Chapter 10.
LO section is designed with 2 custom made 10” loudspeakers loaded with frontloaded
horn. We use our own brand loudspeakers – Sound Definition.
MID section is designed with 2 custom made 8” Sound Definition loudspeakers which
are horn-loaded with a planar wave module.
Option: MID section can be designed with 8” loudspeakers with FERROFLUIDTM, which
increases power handling and decreases distortions and thermal compression. Please, consult
Clear Sound for more information.
HI section is designed with 4pcs 1” BMS drivers with planar wave module.
6. Technical Specifications, outline drawings and performance plots
6.1 Technical Specifications
Type 3 - way horn-loaded high quality Line Array
Application Minimum 4, maximum 18 units line array
Frequency response 100 Hz - 21 kHz (- 3 dB) single box
Power handling AES 1100 W (Low), 600 W (Mid), 320 W (High)
Sensitivity 1 W@1 m - 104 dB (Low), 109 dB (Mid), 114 dB (High)
Max. SPL peak 140 dB (Low), 144 dB (Mid), 146 dB (High)
Dispersion 90° x 10°
High frequency 4 x 1" BMS neodymium with planar wave module (1.75" voice
coil)
Mid frequency 2 x 8" ultra-low distortion middle speakers (2" voice coil)
Low frequency 2 x 10" ultra-low distortion woofers (3" voice coil)
Crossover points 90 Hz (Low), 300 Hz (Mid), 1800 Hz (High)
Nominal Impedance 16 Ω (Low), 16 Ω (Mid), 16 Ω (High),
Input connectors 2 x Neutrik™ NL8MPR
Enclosure material 15 mm Baltic birch plywood
Finish Textured paint
Dimensions 1412 x 670 x 478 mm (W x L x H (incl. hardware))
Page 10 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
5.2 Outline Dimensions Drawings
For components description, please refer to corresponding chapters of this manual.
Figure 1. LA V3 – Isometric View
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Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
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Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
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.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 2. LA V3 – Front View
Figure 3. LA V3 – Side View
Figure 4. LA V3 – Top View
Page 12 of 46
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Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
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.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 5. Line Array Flying Frame - Flybar
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Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 6a. Ball-Lock Pin types and position.
Figure 6b. Ball-lock Pin F14S (left picture) and Ball-lock Pin F14L (right picture).
Page 14 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Page 15 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 7. Dolly Board
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Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
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Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 8. LA V3 10 right speakers rigged together. FOH right side.
Page 17 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
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Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
5.3 Frequency Response Graphics
Figure 9a. LO Section - Frequency Response of LO Section of 4xLA V3, free space (4xPi),
8Vrms, at 4m on axis, unprocessed
Page 18 of 46
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Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
Figure 9b. MID Section - Frequency Response of MID Section of 4xLA V3, free space (4xPi),
8Vrms, at 4m on axis, unprocessed
Figure 9c. HI Section - Frequency Response of HI Section of 4xLA V3, free space (4xPi), 8Vrms,
at 4m on axis, unprocessed
6. Rigging the Line Array
6.1 General Safety and Important Rigging Precautions
Please refer to Chapter 3.1 for General Safety and Chapter 3.2 for Rigging Safety.
6.2 Flying or Stacking
Flying means that all speakers are connected together with a flying hardware and gone
down from a Line Array Frame - Flybar. Please, see Figure 8. The Line Array Frame, on the
other hand, goes down from the ceiling of the building or from the stage structure, or from
specially built PA tower. Please note that this is a very heavy load!
Stacking (ground-stacking) means that the speakers are built up on a solid surface
(ground, stage, etc.) one over the other using their hardware.
The choice between flying and stacking depends on the venue dimensions, the area
covered, the scene height and other specific factors.
Page 19 of 46
Clear Sound Ltd. LA V3 Operation Manual
Clear Sound Ltd.
Sofia 1700, Bulgaria
Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
VAT BG201105102
www.clearsound
.bg
office@clearsound.bg
The maximum number of vertically placed LA V3 is 10 (ten).
The maximum number of stacked (ground-stacked) LA V3 is 4 (four). Please, consult
Clear Sound for suitable frame for stacking! Note: The frame for stacking cannot be used for
flying!
6.3 Originally Supplied Rigging Hardware
6.3.1 Line Array Frame - Flybar
The Flybar, see Figure 5, goes down from the ceiling, from the stage structure, or from
specially built PA tower with chain hoists (either manual or motorized), capable to carry the
load with sufficient safety factor. The chain hooks are hanged to the flybar shackles. Ten or
less speakers hangs down from the bottom (please, note that maximum number of speakers
per side is 10 pcs). They are suspended to the frame and between themselves with ball-lock
pins. Please, note that this is a very heavy load! For safety information, please refer to
Chapter 3.1 for General Safety and Chapter 3.2 for Rigging Safety.
The flybars are left and right. These on Figure 5 and Figure 8 are right. Right speakers
hang on right flybar and vice versa. The speaker on Figure 1 is right one.
6.3.2 Ball Lock Pins
Ball Lock Pins are devices for suspending speakers using their loudspeaker frames
together and to the flybar. We have 2 different types of Ball Lock Pins. To connect the upper
speaker to the flybar we use Ball-Lock Pin F14-L (L is from Long). To connect the speakers
together we use Ball-Lock Pin F14-S (S is from Short). Please, see Figure 06.
When you insert a pin into the working hole you should press the button on the cap.
Then to push the pin until it goes all into the hole. Always check if the pin is locked in
position by rotating and pulling back the cap without pressing the button!
6.4 Other Rigging Hardware You Must Have
For hanging you may use:
- The ceiling structure of the building / venue, if it is capable to carry such loads. You need
a written permission from the owner of the venue. A qualified engineer must show you the
appropriate points. The local regulations differ in different countries. A professional rigger
must hang the hoists with appropriate accessories. Please, note that LA V3 Line Array is a
heavy one and the total load from the ceiling structure will be big.
- The stage structure, if it is strong enough. Refer to stage documentation, stage owner,
stage engineer. LA V3 Line Array is a heavy one and only a few stage types can be used
for hanging.
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Prof. Hristo Vakarelski Str. 4
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.bg
office@clearsound.bg
- You may build PA tower yourself using appropriate scaffolding. In Europe, the most
commonly used for heavy duty applications is Layher Allround Scaffold System. Please,
visit http://www.layher.de. Some local regulations may require you to have a license for
building and using the scaffolding. Also, you may have to put ballast in the base of the
tower.
No matter what you use for hanging, you will need chain hoists (motorized or manual). The
Line Array Frame – Flybar has points of suspension, equipped with appropriate shackles.
There are a lot of chain hoist models available on the market. Have in mind the safety factor
(bigger or equal to 4). Again, you must be familiar with the device and keep its operation
manual. For safety information please, refer to Chapter 3.2 Rigging Safety. Also, you must use
only approved chain hoists and supporting equipment and you have to follow carefully the
manufacturer’s instructions. Some local regulations will demand, when operating with chain
hoists, to have an appropriate license, etc. Always consult a professional rigger.
There may be some additional hardware but it depends on the type of the other equipment
used. When choosing and buying such equipment you must use only high quality and approved
components with appropriate certificates, capable to carry the load with sufficient safety factor.
Refer to manufacturer’s documentation.
6.5 Rigging Steps
First, you must be familiar with Chapter 3.2 Rigging Safety. The following pictures
shows Right Side Speakers only (FOH Right).
Step1. Initial Conditions
We should assume the following initial conditions:
a) You, in generally, know what to do, you have all hardware and the crew wear protective
equipment. All hardware and equipment is inspected and found OK.
b) A proper number of suitable chain hoists are lifted up and tightly fixed high on proper places
on a special PA tower / venue ceiling. (Please, note that this is just an example - you may
use other structures to fly the Line Array). The place of the tower and tower’s direction
depends on the venue, stage placement, audience position, etc.
c) The flybar shackles are in the correct position in their correct main holes, determined by
appropriate calculators or other way. The shackles are placed over the flybar and correctly
tighten.
d) All chain hoists’ hooks are down to the ground.
e) You know the correct angles between each speakers. Each angle is already known,
determined with suitable calculators or in other way.
