Community CSX User manual

LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
OWNER'S MANUAL
Note: All CSX products referred to in this manual
apply to both CSX products and CSX-S2 products
CSX-S2, CSX & CSV SERIES
Table of Contents
Welcome to the family of Community ...................... 1
Do a quick inspection of the carton and cabinet ..... 1
Wiring up the speaker to your amplifier .................. 1
What amplifier should you use?................................ 4
Using the CSX40, CSX50 and CSX60
subwoofer systems................................................. 6
CSX70 input panel switch.......................................... 7
Stacking or installing the loudspeaker cabinets....... 7
Loud Sound - Please be careful! ................................ 8
Return Shipping Instructions .................................... 9
Transferable Warranty (Limited) ............................. 9
CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS .............................. 13

Welcome to the family of Community!
You’vejoinedthegroupofpeoplethathavechosenhigh-quality
Community loudspeaker systems and components for over 30
years. We’re really glad you did and we’ll do our best to make
sure you are satisfied!
In order for you to get the most effective use of this product,
please take a few minutes to read this manual.
Do a quick inspection of the carton and enclosure
Community uses excellent enclosure materials, components,
assembly techniques and quality-control testing to help ensure
you’llgetthebestqualityproductforthemoney. Thepackaging
and shipping methods are chosen so the unit arrives in factory-
fresh condition to you. It is possible, however, that something
can happen to the unit on its journey from the factory to you.
Takealittletimetocarefullyinspecttheunit. Lookfordamage
tothecarton(rips,tears,punctures,crushedcorners,etc.)andto
theunititself. Ifyounoticeaproblem,immediatelycontactyour
dealer for assistance.
Wiring up the speaker to your amplifier
You need to use proper cable and good quality connectors for
speaker wiring. Using guitar cords or zip cord (used for table
lamps) may degrade the performance of your loudspeakers. If
your speaker cables will be less than 25' long, 16-gauge (1.5
mm2)strandedtwisted-paircablewillbeadequate. Ifyou need
longer cables, you should use 14- or 12-gauge (2.5 mm2 or 4
mm2) stranded cable. Rubber-jacketed cable is an excellent
choice if you wish to have reliable performance, as this type of
cablewillsurviveharduseandremainsflexibleevenifexposed
tocold. Ifyou’reitisunlikelythatpeoplewillwalkonorheavy
objectswillberolledoverthecablesyoumayalsousecablewith
a vinyl (PVC) jacket. If you decide to go with the rubber-
jacketedcable,askyoursupplier for typeS,SO,orSJ cable, all
of which will be suitable.
1

Theloudspeakerconnectionpanelissuppliedwithtwo1/4"
phone jacks and two NeutrikTM SpeakonTM NL4MPR
connectors. NeutrikSpeakonNL4FC(thematingconnector
for the Speakon NL4MPR), phone plugs, cable and/or pre-
assembled speaker cables are readily available at most
Communitydealers. Keepinmindthatthecontactsurfaceof
the tip of a phone plug is very small and if the jack or plug
gets dirty or the plug is accidentally kicked or hit, the
connectionmaybecomeintermittent.
Speakonconnectorsweredesignedspecificallyforhigh-power
speaker application and therefore have a large contact surface
area which is self-cleaning every time they are plugged or
unplugged. Speakon connectors also lock together making it
virtually impossible for them to accidentally come loose. For
addedprotection,properly-assembledSpeakonconnectorshave
abuilt-instrainrelieffor thecable. Youwon’tneeda soldering
irontoconnectthecabletotheconnector-juststripthecableand
twist the strands together, then insert into the copper sleeve.
Insert the copper sleeve/wire combination into the hole and
tightenthescrewwhichclampsdownonthecoppersleeve. For
an even better electrical connection you may choose to solder
each connection, but be careful as it is easy to melt the plastic
connector.
It’sveryimportanttowireyourSpeakonorphonejackconnectors
exactly the same at each end of the cable. This is necessary to
maintain proper polarity. All quality cables have either color-
codedinsulationoraveryclearwayofmarkingthewireswhich
makeupthecable. Iftheinsulationisnotcolor-coded,theremay
be a rib molded into the side of the jacket material. In the pro
sound industry, the black or darker colored insulation material
istypicallyusedasthe“low”side,whichconnectstothesideof
the Speakon connector with the lug marked “1-”. For a phone
jack,thisconductorconnectstothe“sleeve”orbodyofthejack.
Ifthecablesarewiredincorrectly,therewillbesignificantlyless
low-frequency output from your system.
2

Typical CSX/CSV Series Input Panel
Neutrik Speakon Connector and
2-Conductor 1/4" Phone Plug
(Note position of light colored conductor)
3

What amplifier should you use?
Thereareseveralthingsyoushouldkeepinmindwhenselecting
an amplifier.
First,youneedanamplifierwithenoughoutputpower. Evenif
youarenotplanning to runyoursystemveryloud, an amplifier
needstohaveenoughpowersothatthedynamicsofspeechand
music will not cause “clipping.” A solid-state amplifier that is
pushed beyond its output power capability will distort badly
(clip signals). Not only does this sound bad, but the effect on a
low frequency speaker or mid- or high-frequency driver is
similartohittingtheconeordiaphragmwithahammer. Because
ofthis,toosmallanamplifiercanbemoredamagingtospeakers
than one that seemingly has too much power. Peaks in speech
or music signals can easily exceed the average power levels by
a factor of ten. If your amplifier is not big enough, these peaks
becomeclippedanddistorted.
The impedance or speaker load the amplifier "sees" is very
important. If the amplifier is not rated for the impedance load,
the internal protection circuitry of the amplifier may prevent
full-power output. Additionally, if the amplifier is not of high-
quality or does not have good internal protection against over-
load,theamplifiermaybedamaged-orthespeakersconnected
to the amplifier may be damaged.
When you connect two speakers together so that both speakers
work off one amplifier channel, you are connecting them in
parallel. Two speakers connected in parallel do not have the
sameimpedanceasonespeaker. Knowingthecombinedimped-
anceisveryimportantwhenselectinganamplifier. Youneedto
selectanamplifierthatwilloperateatthecombinedimpedance
and produce enough power for both speakers. Check to make
sure the amplifier you wish to use will match this requirement.
To figure out how much power you need, just add the program
power of the two speakers. The drawing below shows the
combined impedance for two 4 ohm and two 8 ohm speakers
connectedinparallelandtheircombinedpowerrequirements.
4

Communityloudspeakersystemshavetwospecifiedinputpower
ratings given - one is called “continuous” or “RMS;” the other
“program.” Thesetworatingsaregiventohelpyouunderstand
theoperatingcapabilitiesofthesystem. Ifyouaregoingtoplay
musicwhichhasverylittledynamicrange(suchassynthesizers
orheavy-metalguitar) throughthesystem,the“RMS”ratingis
theoneyouneedtoconsider. Ontheotherhand,ifyourmaterial
is composed of lots of dynamics (such as vocals, drums, short
guitar riffs, etc.) you should use the “program” rating.
All Community CSX/CSV loudspeakers have built-in special
protectioncircuitry:PowerSenseTM DDP(DynamicDriverPro-
tection). This circuitry continuously monitors the operating
power levels of all speaker system components and provides
Two 8 ohm Speakers in Parallel per Channel
Two 4 ohm Speakers in Parallel per Channel
5

both over-current and thermal protection. A combination of
electroniccomponentsareused,firsttoabsorbexcesspowerand
then ultimately to switch the speaker components to a lower
powerlevel. Ifyouputtoomuchpowerintothespeakersystem,
you’llnoticewhatappearstobelampsflashingonandoffinside
thespeaker(you’llbeabletoseethisthroughthebassports). If
you continue to apply too much power, you’ll hear the sound
level reduced by a noticeable amount. You should then reduce
the signal level to the speaker system. Within a short time, the
circuitry will automatically reset and will return to normal
operating capability. Unlike many other protection circuits,
there are no fuses or other user-serviceable devices in the
crossovercircuitry,whichmakesyourCommunityloudspeaker
system one of the least-likely items to let you down.
Using CSX40, CSX50 and CSX60 subwoofer systems
WhileallCommunityfull-rangespeakersystemshaveremark-
ablebassoutput, therearesituations whereyoumayneedmore
as provided by the CSX40, CSX50 and CSX60 subwoofers.
A very special feature of these products is that they have built-
incrossoverswith high-passoutputs. Thismeans thatyoumay
use one channel of your power amplifier to power both a
subwooferandafull-rangespeaker,whilemaintainingareason-
able load on your amplifier. The amplifier only sees the
subwoofer/crossover load which is 4 ohms for CSX series
subwoofers. Without the built-in crossover, the combined
impedance of full-range and subwoofer speakers in parallel
wouldbemuchlower. Manyamplifiersarecapableofpowering
verylow-impedanceloads,butsomecannot. Thisfeatureneatly
addresses that problem. Also, the high-pass crossover output
removestheverylow bassfrequenciesfromthe signalgoingto
the full-range speaker. This prevents distortion (and possible
damage)fromexcessivelow-frequency energy gettingintothe
full-rangespeaker.
WhenconnectingaCommunitysubwoofertoafullrangesystem
using the subwoofer’s “Output for Fullrange System”, the
6

subwoofer/fullrangesystem’scombinedimpedanceandpower
handling is equal to the subwoofer’s. This is illustrated in the
drawingbelow.
CSX70 input panel switch
WhenusingtheCSX70 inaquietroom,this switchreducesthe
mid-frequencyoutputofthesystem. Iftheroomfillsupandgets
noisy - and you need to give the mids an extra “kick” - just flip
the switch and you’ll have more vocal impact!
Stacking or installing the loudspeaker enclosures
Common sense is a good guide. If you stack speakers, be sure
theyareonastablesurface. Ifthereisanydangerofthespeakers
beingknockedoverwhenstacked,don’tstackthem! Youneed
togetthespeakersuphighenoughsothatallofthesounddoesn’t
“blow away” the people nearest to the speakers, but piling
speakers on top of a small pedestal table is asking for trouble.
Several models of the CSX speakers have a socket for use with
tripod stands. While stands offer convenience, you must be
carefultheyarepositionedsothatnoonecantripoverthestand
or knock over the loudspeaker.
Subwoofer/Fullrange System Connection and Powering
7

All Community CSX/CSV loudspeaker enclosures are pro-
videdwith5/16"-18thread“T-Nuts”(captivethreadedinserts)
in the sides of the enclosures for hanging or mounting. The
accessory CSSUPKIT provides two steel straps that attach to
these inserts for connecting rigging to the enclosure. The
smallermodelsmaybemountedfromwallsorceilingsbyusing
the accessory WB-1 or WB-8 brackets.
WARNING:Foryourprotection,undernocircumstancesshould
any loudspeaker be mounted or suspended in a public place
unlessthemountingmethodhasbeenapprovedandcertifiedby
aregisteredProfessionalEngineer.
Loud Sound - Please be careful!
Communityloudspeakersarecapableofgeneratinghighsound
pressure levels. Long exposure to sustained loud sound may
causehearingimpairment. IntheU.S.therearespecificFederal
noise exposure guidelines set down by OSHA (Occupational
Health and Safety Administration). Certain local sound level
restrictionsmayalsoapply. Ifyouwillbeexposedtoexcessive
sound levels when operating your speakers, you should use
properhearingprotectiondevices. Usespecialcarewhenyouor
othersareveryclosetothespeakersystems,suchasduringsetup
or if someone has their ears right up to the speaker.
If There’s A Problem
BothCommunityandyourdealerwanttobesureyouarehappy
with your new loudspeaker systems.
Ifthereseemstobeaproblemofanytypewiththeloudspeakers,
pleasecontactthedealerwhereyoupurchasedtheseproducts. If
youfeelthesituationcannotbehandledbythedealer,pleasecall
Community at [phone] or your country’s Community
Distributor.
8

Return Shipping Instructions
Themostcommonreasonforreturninga product to the factory
isthatrepairisrequired. Theveryfirststepshouldbetocontact
thedealerwheretheunitwaspurchased. Withthesupportofthe
dealeryoushouldbeabletodeterminethecauseoftheproblem
andobtaintheproperreplacementor repair part sothatareturn
shipmentisnotnecessary. Ifthisisnotpossible,contactingyour
nearest Field Service Station or Distributor for your country
shouldbeyour nextchoice.Field repairusuallyisamuchmore
hassle-freewayoftakingcareofproblems. Ifyouareunableto
discoverthecauseofaproblemorneedthenameofyournearest
FieldServiceStationorDistributor,pleasecallCommunityand
discuss the situation with the Service Department.
IfyouliveintheUnitedStatesanditbecomesnecessarytoship
aproductbacktoCommunity,donotjustpackitupandsendit
off!
ALL RETURN SHIPMENTS MUST HAVE A RETURN
AUTHORIZATION NUMBER WHICH MUST BE
OBTAINED FROM THE COMMUNITY SERVICE
DEPARTMENT!
Transferable Warranty (Limited)
Community products are guaranteed to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a specified period as noted, by
product group, below:
CSX Loudspeaker Systems are covered by this warranty for a
period of ten years in the USA, five years worldwide. CSV
LoudspeakerSystems,fiberglasscomponentsandallmounting
kits are covered by this warranty for a period of five years.
Component loudspeakers, compression drivers (not used in
Community loudspeaker systems) and electronics are covered
by this warranty for a period of two years.
9

The warranty period is determined by one of the following two
methods,whicheverislonger:
1. Startingfromthedateofretailpurchase,asnotedonthesales
receipt from an authorized Community Dealer,
or
2. Starting from the date of manufacture, which is coded in the
serial number, if the sales receipt is not available.
Thiswarrantyappliestotheproduct;therefore,theremainderof
the warranty period will be automatically transferred to any
subsequentowner.
This warranty applies only to failure of Community products
caused by defects in materials and workmanship during the
stated warranty period. It does not apply to products that have
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 and Export Distributors. This warranty
isvoidiftheserialnumberhasbeendefaced,alteredorremoved.
Products covered by this warranty will be repaired or replaced
at the option of Community, without charge for materials or
labor, provided all the terms of this warranty have been met.
ObtainingWarrantyService: Warrantyservicemaybehandled
by the factory, factory-authorized Field Service Stations or
Export Distributors.
To obtain factory or field warranty service for products pur-
chasedintheUnited States, returntheproductforinspection to
theaddressbelow,freightprepaid,intheoriginalpackaging. If
theoriginalpackagingisnotavailable,callorwriteCommunity
factory service to obtain proper packaging materials or hand
carry the product to your nearest Field Service Station.
10

Factory Service Center: Field Service Station:
CommunityWarrantyService Call [phone]
333 East 5th Street for the nearest Authorized
Chester, PA. 19013-4511 Field Service center.
For factory service, please call [phone] for a Return
Authorization (R/A) number before shipping.
If you ship your product, be sure to include the following
information:
1. Your complete name, daytime phone number, return street
addressandreturnauthorizationnumber.
2. Theserialnumber oftheproductyouarereturningand retail
sales receipt, if possible.
3. A complete description of the problem(s) you have been
experiencingincludingabriefdescriptionofhowtheequipment
is being used and with what type/size of amplifier.
Uponreceipt,theservicecenterwilldetermineiftheproblemis
covered under warranty. If covered under this warranty, the
product will be repaired or replaced, at Community’s option,
andreturnedtoyoufreightprepaid. Iftheproblemisnotcovered
underthiswarranty,youwill benotifiedoftheproblem withan
estimate of the repair costs.
For warranty service outside the United States, contact your
authorized Community Export Distributor.
Consequential and Incidental Damages: Community shall not
beliableforanyconsequentialorincidentaldamagesincluding,
without limitation, injury to persons, property or loss of use.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitations of conse-
quential or incidental damages, so the above limitations and
exclusions may not apply to you.
11

ThisCommunitywarrantyisnotextendedbythelengthoftime
which you are deprived of the use of the new product. Repairs
andreplacementpartsprovidedunderthetermsofthiswarranty
shall carry only the remaining portion of the warranty.
Community reserves the right to change the design of any
productfromtimetotimewithoutnoticeandwithnoobligation
to make corresponding changes in products previously manu-
factured.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,youmayalsohave
other rights that vary from state to state. No action to enforce
this warranty shall be started later than ninety days after
expiration of the warranty period.
THIS STATEMENT OF WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ANY
OTHERS FOR COMMUNITY PRODUCTS.
12

*** CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS ***
1.Don’tletthefrenzy of setting upthesystemgetinthe way of
commonsense. Ifit takesjusta bitlongerto setupyoursystem
becauseyoudouble-checkedyourconnections,orthewayyou
stacked, mounted, or suspended the speaker systems - so be it.
Make it a habit - you won’t regret it.
2.Don’tstickyourheaduptothespeakertoseeif you can hear
any background noise or hiss. That is just when someone else
willdecidetoseeifthesystemreallycanattainanoutputof150
dB SPL at 6 inches (your ears)!
3.Whilesustainedfeedbackcanbeirritatingto alistener,itcan
spelldeathtohigh-frequencydiaphragms.
4. If you mount the speaker enclosure on a stand or support, be
sureitissufficientlyrigidtosupporttheenclosure. Ifnecessary,
use guywires, ropes, braces, or whatever seems appropriate to
steady it. Make sure no one can trip over the legs of a stand (or
guy wires, etc.) as they walk by. Yes, it has happened.
5. Know how to pick up heavy items (such as speaker enclo-
sures). If you must lift something very heavy by yourself, use
yourlegsandarmstodothelifting - not your back. Better still,
get someone to help you.
6. Check the AC power before you hook up the system. It is
commontofindproblemsnotonlyinnightclubs,butinchurches
andschools,too. Use anACcircuittester whichshowsthatthe
ground,neutral,andhotwiresareconnectedproperly. Thenuse
avoltmetertoensurethatthevoltageiscorrect. Youneverknow
who might have installed the receptacles or AC distribution
panels, or whether they really knew what they were doing.
Checkitout! Ifsomethingisnotright,haveanelectricianfixit.
13