EAW JFL SERIES User manual

JFL SERIES LOUDSPEAKER
OWNER’S MANUAL
EAW Part: RD0465(A)

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Table Of Contents
1. READ THIS FIRST................................................................................................................................5
1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.........................................................................................................................5
1.2 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS ......................................................................................................................5
2. INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................6
3. UNPACKING.........................................................................................................................................6
3.1 CONTENTS ..........................................................................................................................................6
4. JFL210 ARRAY DESIGN .....................................................................................................................7
4.1 JFLWIZARD SOFTWARE.......................................................................................................................7
4.1.1 Computer Requirements............................................................................................................7
4.1.2 JFLWizard Results .....................................................................................................................7
4.2 GROUND STACKING .............................................................................................................................7
4.3 SUBWOOFERS IN THE ARRAY ...............................................................................................................7
4.3.1 General Considerations..............................................................................................................7
4.3.2 JFL118 Subwoofers ...................................................................................................................8
4.3.3 Suspending JFL118 Subwoofers ...............................................................................................8
4.3.4 Signal Delay on Subwoofers......................................................................................................8
5. ARRAY OPERATION...........................................................................................................................8
5.1 OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................................8
5.2 ENGINEERING DESIGN..........................................................................................................................8
5.3 SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM.....................................................................................................................8
5.4 SIGNAL PROCESSING ...........................................................................................................................9
5.4.1 Factory Digital Signal Processing Settings ................................................................................9
5.4.2 Non-EAW Digital Signal Processors ..........................................................................................9
5.5 USER ADJUSTMENTS..........................................................................................................................10
5.5.1 JFL210 HF Shading – Single-Amp Mode.................................................................................10
5.5.2 JFL210 HF Shading – Bi-Amp Mode .......................................................................................10
5.6 AMPLIFIER POWER REQUIRMENTS ......................................................................................................10
5.6.1 Power Ratings..........................................................................................................................10
5.7 INPUT CONNECTIONS .........................................................................................................................11
5.7.1 JFL210 Input Connections .......................................................................................................11
5.7.1.1 Single-amp Mode................................................................................................................................11
5.7.1.2 Bi-amp Mode.......................................................................................................................................12
5.7.2 JFL118 Connections ................................................................................................................12
6. RIGGING & HANDLING.....................................................................................................................12
6.1 RIGGING OVERVIEW...........................................................................................................................13
6.2 RIGGING WARNINGS ..........................................................................................................................13
6.3 PERMANENT INSTALLATION SUSPENSION.............................................................................................13
6.3.1 PI Array Working Load Limit (WLL)..........................................................................................13
6.3.2 A Note On Eyebolts..................................................................................................................14
6.3.3 Permanent Installation Overview..............................................................................................14
6.3.4 JFL210 Arrays..........................................................................................................................14
6.3.5 JFL118 Arrays..........................................................................................................................15
6.3.6 Mixed JFL210 & JFL118 Arrays...............................................................................................15
6.3.7 Setting Array Tilt Angle.............................................................................................................15
6.4 TRIPOD AND POLE MOUNTING............................................................................................................16
6.4.1 Tripod Mounting........................................................................................................................16
6.4.2 Pole Mounting...........................................................................................................................16

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7. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE........................................................................................................17
7.1 GENERAL SERVICE............................................................................................................................17
7.2 PARTS REPLACEMENT KITS................................................................................................................17

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1. READ THIS FIRST
Congratulations on the purchase of your new EAW loudspeaker. You now own one of
the finest professional audio products available - the result of exceptional engineering
and meticulous craftsmanship.
This manual is intended for use with JFL210 and JFL118 loudspeakers. As such, it
contains information that is specific to these loudspeakers. This includes: array design,
user adjustments, amplifier power ratings, input connections, rigging design, and service
and maintenance information. An optional FB121 Fly Bar may be used to suspend
JFL210 and JFL118 loudspeakers and ground stack JFL210 loudspeakers. The
accompanying FB121 Rigging & Ground Stack Instructions should be consulted for
information specific to its use. Finally, information common to all types of EAW
loudspeakers may be found in the accompanying EAW Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual.
This includes: general safety precautions, unpacking/return instructions, rigging
definitions, amplifier selection best practices, signal processing , inspection and
maintenance practices, as well other information common to all loudspeakers.
All three manuals thus apply to the JFL210 and JFL118 loudspeakers. Please read
each and follow all relevant precautions and instructions. This should allow you to obtain
the maximum performance from your new loudspeaker. Where there are conflicts or
overlaps, the information in this manual supersedes the information in any
accompanying manual.
1.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
The terms “Caution,” “Warning,” and “Danger” are used throughout this manual to alert the reader
to important safety considerations. If you have any questions about any aspects of these
precautions, contact your local dealer, distributor, or EAW. The following are the descriptions of
the safety precautions.
CAUTION: describes an operating condition or user action that may expose the equipment or
user to potential damage or danger.
WARNING: describes an operating condition or user action that will cause damage to the
equipment or injure the user.
DANGER: describes an operating condition or user action that will immediately damage the
equipment or be extremely dangerous or possibly life-threatening to the user.
1.2 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: Some aspects of rigging and other related fields for which EAW manufactures, sells,
or distributes equipment are potentially hazardous. Any people using this equipment are
personally responsible for their own safety. EAW transactions are made with the assumption that
the purchaser is a qualified individual or will have only qualified individuals perform work with the
equipment. EAW will not be liable for any damages arising from the use of equipment sold to
purchaser.
WARNING: Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware and safe rigging techniques
should attempt to suspend JFL210 and JFL118 loudspeaker systems overhead. Failure to follow
this precaution may result in damage to the equipment, injury, or death.

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2. INTRODUCTION
The JFL Series is a compact format, constant curvature line array system for venues with listener
distances up to about 45 m / 148 ft. It is designed to be incredibly simple to deploy, yet provide
the highest output possible from a compact line array format. The Series includes the 2-way
JFL210 full-range loudspeaker and the complementary single 18 inch JFL118 subwoofer.
This manual provides information about the design, configuration, and operation of JFL210 and
JFL118 Line Arrays. It is intended to be used in conjunction with the Windows®-based JFLWizard
software. Please thoroughly familiarize yourself with this manual.
The JFL210 and JFL118 are physically configured for both temporary installation and permanent
installation. Rigging information for these purposes may be found in this manual and the
accompanying FB121 Rigging & Ground Stack Instructions.
3. UNPACKING
3.1 CONTENTS
JFL210
(1) JFL210 Loudspeaker
(2) QRP-JFL Quick Release Pins
(1) JFL210 & JFL118 Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual
(1) FB121 Rigging & Ground Stack Instructions
(1) EAW Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual
JFL118
(1) JFL118 Subwoofer
(3) QRP-JFL Quick Release Pins
(1) JFL210 & JFL118 Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual
(1) FB121 Rigging & Ground Stack Instructions
(1) EAW Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual

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4. JFL210 ARRAY DESIGN
4.1 JFLWIZARD SOFTWARE
Use the JFLWizard software for designing JFL210 arrays. It may be found in the
Downloads/Software section of the EAW website: http://www.eaw.com/downloads/. The
JFLWizard’s primary function is to determine the configuration that will provide the best vertical
performance for a given application. Venue dimensions, the number of enclosures, array aiming
angle, and Fly Bar pick point can be entered manually. Given this information, the Wizard
calculates resultant array performance. For complete instructions about operating the JFLWizard,
click on the About/Help menu when running the software.
4.1.1 Computer Requirements
The JFLWizard requires an IBM-compatible PC with the Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE,
Windows NT®, Windows® 2000, Windows® ME, or Windows® XP operating systems. The
JFLWizard should run in Windows® Vista, but full support is unknown at press time. Windows®
3.x, Windows® 95, and Macintosh® operating systems are not supported..
4.1.2 JFLWizard Results
•Graphical representations of the array and the venue
•On-axis aiming angle for each enclosure as a difference from 0° horizontal
•Various angles and throw distances calculated from the venue’s dimensions
•Difference between the array beamwidth angle and the needed coverage angles
•Height of the array and trim height to the bottom of the array from the floor
•Pick Point on the Fly Bar to achieve the calculated array angle when suspended
•Weight of the array
4.2 GROUND STACKING
Normally, a ground-stacked JFL Series main array is used where suspension is not possible, too
difficult, or too time-consuming. JFL210 – with or without JFL118 – are also quite effective when
used in stage side fill or audience front fill applications.
Both JFL210s and JFL118s may be ground-stacked alone or in combination. In combination,
always stack JFL210s on top of JFL118s. The recommended minimum and maximum array
quantities are:
Array Min Max
JFL210 alone* 1 4
JFL118 alone 1 4
JFL210 / JFL118 1/1 4 / 2
* Two or more JFL210 must be stacked on accessory FB121 Fly Bar.
WARNING: Ground-stacked arrays, especially the maximum recommended arrays, may present a
tipping hazard and require assembly by personnel qualified to ensure adequate stability. See the
FB121 Rigging & Ground Stack Instructions for correct array assembly. Mechanical assistance may
be required to lift and position enclosures for arrays taller than approximately 5 feet.
4.3 SUBWOOFERS IN THE ARRAY
4.3.1 General Considerations
Although the low frequency performance of JFL Series arrays allows them to be used without
subwoofers for some events, subwoofers will normally be used for live musical performances.
The recommended subwoofer is EAW’s JFL118, specifically designed to complement JFL210 line
arrays.

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NOTE: Bass performance is often highly program- or venue-dependent, as well as subjective as
to quantity and quality. For this reason the type, quantity, and disposition of subwoofers may vary
considerably with the application. The quantity recommendations below are for general purposes,
providing a balanced system for most music applications. Quantities may need to be adjusted up
or down for specific situations.
4.3.2 JFL118 Subwoofers
JFL118 subwoofers are designed to complement the JFL210 loudspeakers to both extend the low
frequency response and provide more output for the upper low frequencies. JFL118 subwoofers
may either be ground stacked, flown as part of a JFL210 array, or flown separately alongside a
JFL210 array.
A general recommendation is to use JFL210s and JFL118s in a 2:1 ratio.
4.3.3 Suspending JFL118 Subwoofers
The JFL118 enclosure rigging is designed to directly couple to an FB121 Fly Bar and JFL210
enclosures. As such, the JFL118 can be rigged seamlessly with JFL210s. See the FB121 Rigging
& Ground Stack Instructions for more detailed information on rigging a JFL118.
The JFL118s should be the uppermost enclosures when flown as part of a JFL210 array. In this
application, the JFL118s are suspended flat-fronted, with the JFL210s suspended below in a
constant curvature array. When flown separately, JFL118s should be flown so that the spacing
between the line of JFL118 enclosures and JFL210 enclosures is less than 1 m / 3.3 ft.
4.3.4 Signal Delay on Subwoofers
If JFL118s are flown or stacked with JFL210s as configured in the Line Array Wizard, use the
factory signal delay settings.
For other configurations or subwoofers, it will usually be necessary to determine the signal delay
settings by measurement.
5. ARRAY OPERATION
5.1 OVERVIEW
The operation of a JFL Series system involves:
1. Understanding the principles on which it operates.
2. Knowing how to electronically configure it for a specific task.
5.2 ENGINEERING DESIGN
The JFLWizard software uses the fixed splay angle of the enclosure and the desired coverage
pattern to determine the quantity of enclosures in the array that will optimize coverage for the
audience distances and angles within the venue. The basic principle to remember is that more
enclosures provide greater vertical coverage and fewer enclosures provide less vertical coverage.
5.3 SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM
The JFL118 powering mode is single-amp only. The JFL210 has two powering modes: single-
amp and bi-amp. A JFL210 operated in single-amp mode only requires a high pass filter for low
frequency excursion protection. This may be implemented in a DSP (Digital Signal Processor),
equalizer, or amplifier with integrated high pass filter. The recommended filter is 60 Hz, 12 to 24
dB Butterworth.

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A DSP with two outputs is required to operate the JFL210 in bi-amp mode or to operate a JFL210
in single-amp mode with a JFL118 subwoofer. A DSP with three outputs is required to operate
the JFL210 in bi-amp mode with a JFL118 subwoofer.
The block diagrams in Figure 5.3 show the possible signal flows for a single JFL210 with JFL118.
Use the same processor outputs for additional JFL210s and JFL118s on the same mix bus, i.e.
“Left”, “Right”, or “Fill”.
5.4 SIGNAL PROCESSING
5.4.1 Factory Digital Signal Processing Settings
Factory DSP settings are available for download at http://www.eaw.com/downloads/ . The signal
processing adjustments determined by EAW for JFL Series products should be fully implemented
“as is.” Array performance, in terms of frequency response, beamwidth consistency, output level
capability, and wavefront coherency is dependent on the EAW engineered crossover and other
processing settings. These settings are determined from extensive measurements in laboratory
environments and in typical venues. As such, they will normally provide excellent results in a
variety of venues.
5.4.2 Non-EAW Digital Signal Processors
Even though non-EAW Digital Signal Processors can be set to numerically equal values, the
actual transfer function (magnitude and phase) of the processing depends on the particular digital
processor. The reason is that different algorithms can be and are used to implement the same
processing functions. The factory settings were determined using EAW’s UX8800 Digital Signal
Processor. If you will be using a non-EAW DSP, contact EAW about its compatibility with the
EAW factory settings.
DSP
HF
LF
VLF
HF
LF
JFL210
VLF
JFL118
FULL
VLF
HF
LF
JFL210
VLF
JFL118
DSP
Internal Passive
LF/HF Crossover
JFL210 SINGLE-AMP MODE w/ JFL118
Figure 5.3
JFL210 BI-AMP MODE w/ JFL118

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5.5 USER ADJUSTMENTS
5.5.1 JFL210 HF Shading – Single-Amp Mode
The JFL210 has a switchable HF character while in single-amp mode, controlled by the three
position toggle labeled “HF Shading.” Each of the three positions is suitable for different
scenarios. Be sure to select the HF shading character most appropriate for the application when
using the JFL210 in single-amp mode:
•Single Box — This switch position provides an HF character that is suitable for use with
a single JFL210 that is not used in an array.
•Multi Box — This switch position provides an HF character that is suitable for use with
multiple JFL210s in an array in short to medium throw applications (approximately 1 m-
20 m).
•Long Throw — This switch position provides an HF character that is suitable for use with
multiple JFL210s in an array in long throw applications (approximately 20-30 m). Using
this switch position will maintain tonal balance at long distances by adding compensation
to those frequencies that suffer attenuation due to air loss. In an array where some
JFL210s are being used for short to medium distances and some are used for long
distances, it is appropriate to mix Long Throw and Multi Box settings as needed.
5.5.2 JFL210 HF Shading – Bi-Amp Mode
The single-amp HF shading toggle switch described in the preceding section is disabled when the
JFL210 is operated in bi-amp powering mode. HF shading functions are instead replicated in
DSP. Recommended settings are available on the EAW website. In an array where some
JFL210s are being used for short to medium distances and some are used for long distances, it
is appropriate to use multiple HF outputs in DSP to implement mixed shading.
5.6 AMPLIFIER POWER REQUIRMENTS
The performance of the JFL210 and JFL118 depends on amplifiers delivering an adequate supply
of clean power, as is true of all professional loudspeaker systems. For information on selecting
amplifiers, please consult the accompanying EAW Loudspeaker Owner’s Manual.
5.6.1 Power Ratings
The JFL210 requires one full range amplifier channel when operated in single-amp mode and two
amplifier channels – low frequency and high frequency – when operated in bi-amp mode. The
JFL118 requires only one amplifier channel. Table 5.6.1 lists the rms voltage limits for the JFL210
and JFL118. Because of their higher impedance design, multiple JFL210s and JFL118s can be
powered from single amplifier channels.
NOTE: The rms Voltage Limit listed for each sub-system (Full Range, LF, HF, and SUB) is the
same for any enclosure quantity. The wattages are calculated using the Voltage Limits and the
overall nominal impedance for the each listed quantity of JFL210 and JFL118 loudspeakers.