d & b audiotechnik 12S User manual

12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN)

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General information
12S/12S-D Manual
Version: 1.1 EN, 01/2011, D2612.EN .01
Copyright © 2011 by d&b audiotechnik GmbH; all rights
reserved.
Keep this manual with the product or in a safe place
so that it is available for future reference.
When reselling this product, hand over this manual to the new
customer.
d&b audiotechnik GmbH
Eugen-Adolff-Strasse 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
T [phone], F [phone]
[email protected], www.dbaudio.com

1. Safety precautions......................................................... 4
1.1. Information regarding the use of loudspeakers......... 4
2. 12S/12S-D loudspeaker............................................... 5
2.1. Product description...................................................... 5
2.2. Connections................................................................. 5
2.3. Operation.................................................................... 7
2.3.1. Controller settings.................................................... 7
2.4. Dispersion characteristics............................................ 8
2.5. Technical specifications............................................ 10
3. Manufacturer's Declarations................................... 11
3.1. EU conformity of loudspeakers (CE symbol)........... 11
3.2. WEEE Declaration (Disposal).................................. 11
Contents
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN) 3

1.1. Information regarding the use of loudspeakers
Potential risk of personal injury
Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a
high level. Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of
causing a sound pressure level detrimental to human health.
Seemingly non-critical sound levels (from approx. 95 dB SPL) can
cause hearing damage if people are exposed to it over a long
period.
In order to prevent accidents when deploying loudspeakers on the
ground or when flown, please take note of the following:
– When setting up the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands,
make sure they are standing on a firm surface. If you place
several systems on top of one another, use straps to secure
them against movement.
– Only use accessories which have been tested and approved
by d&b for assembly and mobile deployment. Pay attention to
the correct application and maximum load capacity of the
accessories as detailed in our specific "Mounting instructions"
or in our "Flying system and Rigging manuals".
– Ensure that all additional hardware, fixings and fasteners used
for installation or mobile deployment are of an appropriate
size and load safety factor. Pay attention to the manufacturers'
instructions and to the relevant safety guidelines.
– Regularly check the loudspeaker housings and accessories for
visible signs of wear and tear, and replace them when
necessary.
– Regularly check all load bearing bolts in the mounting devices.
Potential risk of material damage
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even if they are not
connected or are not in use. Therefore make sure when erecting
and transporting loudspeakers that they are nowhere near
equipment and objects which may be impaired or damaged by an
external magnetic field. Generally speaking, a distance of 0.5 m
(1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio and video
tapes, bank cards, etc.) is sufficient; a distance of more than 1 m
(3 ft) may be necessary with computer and video monitors.
1. Safety precautions
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN)4

2.1. Product description
The 12S and 12S-D are high performance 2-way loudspeakers
employing a single 12” neodymium driver in a bass-reflex
enclosure and different HF sections for a wide range of installed
sound applications. Both models are lightweight passive designs
using a 1.4” exit neodymium driver and large horns for accurate
pattern control. They provide rotatable dispersion characteristics of
75° x 50° (12S) or 110° x 55° (12S-D).
With a frequency response extending from 48 Hz to 18 kHz, the
cabinets can be used as full range systems or supplemented by
different subwoofers of the xS- or xA-Series.
The enclosures are constructed from marine plywood with an
impact resistant black paint finish. The fronts of the cabinets are
protected by a rigid metal grill backed by an acoustically
transparent foam.
The cabinets are Ball Impact Resistant according to DIN 18032-3.
Rigging components
The 12S rear panels incorporate two M8 threaded inserts to
accept the Z5406 12S Flying bracket or the Z5402 Wall mount
M or Z5403 Wall mount L.
Top and bottom panels of the cabinets are each equipped with a
pair of M10 threads to connect to different rigging accessories
such as Z5411 Horizontal bracket 12S, Z5354 E8/E12 Flying
adapter or Z5020/25 Flying adapter 02/03. The M10 threads
are covered by dummy caps in cabinet color. The caps must be
removed before mounting any accessories.
Cabinet options
The weather resistant version (WR) is suitable for outdoor use
(IP34, vertical aiming up to +15°). The cabinets have an impact
and weather protected black PCP (Polyurea Cabinet Protection)
finish.
2.2. Connections
The cabinets are fitted with a pair of NL4 connectors and a two
pole screw terminal block (ST). All four pins of both NL4
connectors are wired in parallel. The cabinets use the pin
assignments 1+/1–. Pins 2+/2– are designated to active
subwoofers.
Cabinets with the weather resistant option (WR) are equipped with
a fixed input cable (PG type, H07-RN-F, 2 x 2.5 mm2 (AWG 13),
standard length 5.5 m (18 ft).
Pin equivalents of the applicable connector options are listed in the
table below.
NL4 1+ 1– 2+ 2–
ST + – n.a. n.a.
PG Brown (+) Blue (–) n.a. n.a.
Fig. 1: 12S/12S-D loudspeaker
Rigging examples:
12S with Z5403 Wall mount L.
12S ceiling mounted with Z5411 Horizontal bracket 12S.
Fig. 2: Connector wiring
2. 12S/12S-D loudspeaker
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN) 5

Fixed cable connection
The 12S and 12S-D loudspeakers are each supplied with a cover
plate [1] and a rubber grommet feed through [2]. For indoor
operation, these items can be used to hide the connector panel, if
required. For unprotected outdoor operation, the connector panel
must be covered, i.e. both items must be used to achieve an IP
degree of protection of IP34.
To install the fixed cable connection, proceed as follows:
Tools required: Philips screw driver (#PH2).
1. Prepare the rubber grommet and the connection cable.
2. Remove the knockout opening in the cover plate and attach
the rubber grommet correspondingly.
3. Insert the connection cable through the rubber grommet and
connect the cable wires to the screw terminal.
Þ Observe the correct polarity!
4. Undo the four screws of the connector panel.
5. Push the cover plate towards the connector panel until it fits
into place.
6. Finally fix the cover plate together with the connector panel
using the four screws.
Fig. 4: Installing the fixed cable connection
NL4 connection with cover plate
The two NL4 connector sockets of the cabinet's connector panel
are located in a recess to allow the use of the cover plate [1]
together with NL4 cable connectors, as shown in the graphic
opposite.
Note: Neutrik NL4FC type connectors must be used for this
option.
The cover plate is equipped with two knockout openings to allow
daisy chaining of the loudspeaker.
To use the NL4 connection, proceed in the same manner as
described above in the section entitled Þ "Fixed cable connection"
on page 5.
Fig. 3: Cover plate and rubber grommet
Fig. 5: NL4 cable connection with cover plate [1]
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN)6

2.3. Operation
NOTICE!
Only operate d&b loudspeakers with a correctly configured d&b
amplifier, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the loudspeaker
components.
Operation with D6 or D12
Select the controller setup 12S for 12S loudspeakers.
Select the controller setup 12S-D for 12S-D loudspeakers.
Within the D12 amplifier they are available in "Dual Channel" or
"Mix TOP/SUB" mode. For combinations with active subwoofers
fed by a single 4-wire cable "Mix TOP/SUB" mode must be
selected.
Up to a total of two 12S or 12S-D loudspeakers can be driven by
each channel of the D6 or D12 amplifiers.
2.3.1. Controller settings
For acoustic adjustment the functions CUT, HFA and CPL can be
selected.
CUT circuit
Set to CUT, the cabinet low frequency level is reduced. The
cabinets are now configured for use with d&b active subwoofers.
HFA circuit
In HFA mode (High Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the
system is rolled off. HFA provides a natural, balanced frequency
response when a unit is placed close to listeners in near field or
delay use.
High Frequency Attenuation begins gradually at 1 kHz, dropping
by approximately 3 dB at 10 kHz. This roll off mimics the decline
in frequency response experienced when listening to a system from
a distance in a typically reverberant room or auditorium.
CPL circuit
The CPL (Coupling) circuit compensates for coupling effects
between the cabinets when building closely coupled arrays. CPL
begins gradually around 1 kHz, with the maximum attenuation
below 200 Hz. To achieve a balanced frequency response, the
CPL circuit can be set to dB attenuation values between 0 and –9.
Positive CPL values create an adjustable low frequency boost (0 to
+5 dB) and can be set when the system is used in full range mode
without subwoofers.
-5
0
5
10
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
20 100 1k 10k 20k
Fig. 6: Frequency response correction of HFA circuit
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN) 7

2.4. Dispersion characteristics
The following graphs show dispersion angle over frequency of a
single cabinet plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars)
at –6 dB and –12 dB.
Fig. 8: Isobar diagram horizontal
12S
vertical setup
Fig. 9: Isobar diagram vertical
Fig. 10: Isobar diagram horizontal
12S
horizontal setup, horn
rotated
Fig. 11: Isobar diagram vertical
Fig. 7: Frequency response correction of CPL circuit
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN)8

Fig. 12: Isobar diagram horizontal
12S-D
vertical setup
Fig. 13: Isobar diagram vertical
Fig. 14: Isobar diagram horizontal
12S-D
horizontal setup, horn
rotated
Fig. 15: Isobar diagram vertical
Altering the HF horn dispersion
The HF horn can be rotated through 90°.
Tools required: Philips screwdriver, Torx wrench (T20).
1. Undo the 4 torx screws on the top and bottom panels of the
cabinet and remove the front grill.
2. Undo the screws holding the horn flange and rotate the horn.
3. Refit the horn as follows:
– Make sure the gasket of the horn is in place.
– Refit the horn.
– Insert all screws and carefully tighten them clockwise until
they fit precisely into the counter sunk holes..
4. Relocate the front grill as follows:
– Ensure the foam is properly attached to the back of the grill.
– Starting on one side, attach the grill to the recess of the
cabinet's side panel.
– Fold down the grill into the recess on the other side and
make sure it properly fits on all sides.
– Insert the 4 torx screws and tighten them until they fit
precisely into the counter sunk holes.
Fig. 16: Altering the HF dispersion
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN) 9

2.5. Technical specifications
12S/12S-D system data
Frequency response (–5 dB standard) 48 Hz - 18 kHz
Frequency response (–5 dB CUT mode) 100 Hz - 18 kHz
Max. sound pressure 1 m, free field)
12S with D6/D12 130 dB/133 dB
12S-D with D6/D12 130 dB/133 dB
(SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)
Input level (100 dB-SPL/1 m) –14 dBu
12S/12S-D loudspeaker
Nominal impedance 8 ohms
Power handling capacity (RMS/peak 10 ms) 300/1600 W
Nominal dispersion angle (hor. x vert.) 12S 75° x 50°
Nominal dispersion angle (hor. x vert.) 12S-D 110° x 55°
Components 12“ driver with neodymium magnet
1.4” exit compression driver on rotatable waveguide
Passive crossover network
Connections 2 x NL4
1 x screw terminal (ST - up to 4 mm2/AWG 11)
optional fixed cable (PG):
H07-RN-F, 2 x 2.5 mm2 (AWG 13, 5.5 m (18 ft)
Pin assignment NL4: 1+/1–
fixed cable (PG): brown + / blue –
Weight 17 kg (37 lb)
Fig. 17: 12S frequency response, standard and CUT modes
Fig. 18: 12S-D frequency response, standard and CUT modes
Fig. 19: 12S/12S-D cabinet dimensions in mm [inch]
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN)10

3.1. EU conformity of loudspeakers (CE symbol)
This declaration applies to:
d&b 12S loudspeaker, Z1560
d&b 12S-D loudspeaker, Z1561
manufactured by d&b audiotechnik GmbH.
All production versions of these types are included, provided they
correspond to the original technical version and have not been
subject to any later design or electromechanical modifications.
We herewith declare that said products are in conformity with the
provisions of the respective EC directives including all applicable
amendments.
A detailed declaration is available on request and can be ordered
from d&b or downloaded from the d&b website at
www.dbaudio.com.
3.2. WEEE Declaration (Disposal)
Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately
from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime.
Please dispose of this product according to the respective national
regulations or contractual agreements. If there are any further
questions concerning the disposal of this product, please contact
d&b audiotechnik.
3. Manufacturer's Declarations
d&b 12S/12S-D Manual (1.1 EN) 11

D2612.EN .01, 01/2011 © d&b audiotechnik GmbH
www.dbaudio.com