Electro-Voice X-Array Xi-2181 User manual

Xi-2181/2181F
X-Array™ Install
Bass System
• Unprecedented acoustic output in
a small, lightweight package
• Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD)™
provides accurate transient detail
• EVX-180B woofers
• Unique rear-hinge rigging
• Flying and non flying configuration
Description
The X-Array Install™ product line repre-
sents important advancements in concert-
sound-reinforcementtechnology.Thedesign
goals called for the highest acoustic output
capability with the highest fidelity in light-
weight, compact enclosures that were easy
toarray.Thedevelopmentbeganwithaclean
sheet of paper and took an integrated ap-
proach. The individual loudspeaker drivers,
horns,enclosures, rigging hardware and sys-
tem configurations were designed from the
ground up specifically for this high-perfor-
mance application.
The Xi-2181 is a manifolded, vented-box
bass system utilizing two 457-mm (18-in.)
woofers. The two woofers face each other
in a manifold chamber at the center of the
enclosure.This manifolding technique (U.S.
Patent Number 4,733,749) increases the
acoustic loading, resulting in increased low-
frequency efficiency (at slightly above box
tuning) and reduced distortion compared to
conventional direct-radiating designs. The
woofersweredesignedaspartoftheXi-2181
development and represent a step forward
in state-of-the-art loudspeaker design in
terms of high acoustic output with low
distortion and low power compression.
Electro-Voice engineers developed a new
technology dubbed Ring-Mode Decoupling
(RMD™) to substantially improve clarity and
intelligibility by reducing both linear and
nonlinear resonance modes that color the
sound.
The low-frequency driver in the Xi-2181 is
the EVX-180B. An improved version of the
industry-standard EVX-180A high-excur-
sion 467-mm (18-in.) woofer that has dis-
tinguished itself as an industry standard for
high-power, low-frequency reproduction.
During the X-Array™development, the ther-
mal conduction of the motor was improved
and the suspension was redesigned, giving
the EVX-180B even lower power compres-
sion and a longer mechanical lifetime. In the
Xi-2181, the woofers are manifolded in a
vented enclosure optimized for maximized
output from 37-160 Hz with minimized dis-
tortion.
Ring-Mode Decoupling, (RMD™), is a tech-
nique utilized and named by Electro-Voice
to describe a process used to improve sound
quality in loudspeaker systems. RMD™ of-
fers a solution to a very fundamental prob-
lem. It has long been recognized that two
differentloudspeakersystemscansounddif-
ferent even though they both may be equal-
ized to have the same frequency response.
This difference is due to a variety of reso-
nances, or ring modes that color the sound.
Although this ringing may be very low in
level compared to the program material, it is
still audible. The source of these resonances
may be mechanical or acoustical in nature,
or a combination of both. In addition, they
may be linear or nonlinear, resulting in their
character changing with level. Furthermore,
these ring-modes may be aggravated when
multiple loudspeaker enclosures are as-
sembled into arrays. The result is a colora-
tion that decreases intelligibility and clarity,
with the nature of that coloration varying
with level. Often, the listener perceives that
coloration as imbalance in the frequency re-
sponse, and will attempt to electronically
adjust the system to restore the spectral bal-
ance. However this electronic equalization
has the negative effect of changing the pro-
gram material itself.
Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) addresses
mechanical resonances with mechanical
solutions, and acoustical resonances with
acoustical solutions. In the Xi-2181 devel-
opment, RMD™was applied at every level –
to the individual low-frequency drivers, the
low-frequency enclosure chambers and the
interactionbetweenmultiple enclosures. The
design process included, for example, the
driver cone, suspension geometry and mate-
rials, enclosure geometry and materials, ab-
sorptive materials, etc. The result is a dra-
matic improvement in clarity and with a
much more neutral sound (a lack of colora-
tion) with the loudspeaker system maintain-

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
2
ing its sonic integrity from the very-lowest
sound pressure levels to the very-highest
sound pressure levels. This means that the
front-of-house engineer will not have to re-
tune the EQ and level settings as the SPL is
increased throughout the show. This also
means that the sound-system performance
will remain consistent in different array con-
figurations and from venue to venue.
The X-Array Install™ systems utilizes full
top/bottom L-track.
The durable Xi-2181 enclosure is con-
structedof18-mm,13-plybirchplywoodand
hasa wear-resistant black, textured paint fin-
ish. The system is trapezoidal, forming an
18° wedge and includes a heavy-duty steel
grille with a water-resistant charcoal-gray
foam interlining.
Applications
The X-ArrayInstall™ loudspeaker systems
were designed for optimal performance in
both concert-sound and permanent-installa-
tion applications where studio-monitor
sound quality is required at concert-sound
levels. The X-Array Install™ loudspeaker
systems work well individually, in small ar-
rays and in large arrays. The high acoustic
output from these compact, lightweight sys-
tems provide the highest acoustic-power-to-
weight ratio, the highest acoustic-power-to-
frontal-area ratio, and the highest acoustic-
power-to-bulk-volume ratio in the industry.
That means that X-Array™systems will be
considerably smaller and lighter compared
to competitive systems having equivalent
acoustic output. With its response from 37-
200 Hz, the Xi-2181 is recommended for
low-frequencyapplications where very-high
levels of bass are required from a compact
enclosure.Specifically,the Xi-2181 has been
optimized to provide low-frequency rein-
forcementforthe Xi 2153, 2183, 2123, 1123,
1153, 1152, 1122 systems. The Xi-2181 may
be used individually or in multiples to con-
struct low-frequency arrays, or may be used
with the mid-bass-/high-frequency or low-/
mid-bass-/high-frequency X-ArrayInstall™
loudspeaker systems to construct large full-
range arrays. The Merlin ISP100 as well as
the Electro-Voice Dx34A and Klark Teknik
DN8000digital crossovers are recommended
forsignal control. (See the Crossover,Equal-
ization and Signal Delay Controller section.)
TheElectro-VoiceP3000 amplifier is recom-
mended for powering the Xi-2181. (See the
Amplifier Recommendations section.)
Power-Handling Capabilities
The Xi-2181 systems are rated as per the
“ANSI/EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker Power-
Rating, Full-Range Test,” which uses a
shaped-random-noisesignaltosimulatetypi-
cal music to test the mechanical and thermal
capabilities of the loudspeakers. A digital
crossover was used to provide the appropri-
ate filtering and equalization. The test pa-
rameters are as follows:
Low-FrequencySection (Pins1and2 par-
alleled):
PE(MAX): 1,200 watts
Test Voltage: 58.7-volts rms
117.4-volts peak
RSR (1.15RE): 2.88 ohms
Amplifier Recommendations
Power amplifiers with the following ratings
are recommended for use with the Xi-2181
loudspeaker systems:
LF: 800 watts into 8 ohms
91-volts rms short term
130-volts peak
Xi-2181loudspeakers may be paralleled with
other Xi-2181 systems as long as the ampli-
fiers can drive the lower impedances. To
maintain a sufficient damping factor with
longcable runs, amplifier loads of four ohms
per channel are recommended. The
Electro-Voice P3000 amplifiers are ideal for
powering the X-Array™systems.
Crossover, Equalization and Signal
Delay Controller
The Xi-2181 is intended to be used with
otherX-ArrayInstall™ loudspeaker systems
toconstruct full-range arrays as an active sys-
tem requiring an active crossover, equaliza-
tion and signal delay controller. For basic
applications, the Merlin ISP100, or the Elec-
tro-VoiceDx34A 2-in/4-out controller is rec-
ommended. The Klark Teknik DN8000 2-
in/5-out controller is also recommended.
Linkwitz-Rileycrossover filters with a mini-
mum slope of 24 dB per octave at 125 Hz
are recommended, and infrasonic filter pro-
tection at 32 Hz or higher with a minimum
slopeof12-dB/octaveisrecommendedinthe
low-frequency section. The ISP100 as well
as the Dx34A and the DN8000 offer appro-
priate filtering, equalization and signal de-
lay capabilities to provide optimum perfor-
mance of the X-Array Install™ loudspeaker
systems. Digital parameter settings for all
controllers are available upon request.
Electrical Connection and System Wiring
Two paralleled Neutrik 8-pin Speakon®con-
nectors are used for electrical connection to
the Xi-2181 loudspeakers with the follow-
ing pin assignments:
LF1: Pins 1 Paralleled
LF2: Pins 2 Paralleled
The Xi-2181 wiring diagram is shown in
Figure7. Since the connectors are paralleled,
it does not matter which connector is used
as the input or output when paralleling
Xi-2181 systems. Although Pins 3 and 4 are
not used by the Xi-2181 systems, they are
paralleled on the input panel. This allows an
X-ArrayInstall™ MB/HF box to be paral-
leledwithanXi-2181,allowingalleightcon-
ductors to be used with a single cable run to
the amplifiers. Note that, when two Xi-2181
systems are jumped from one to another via
the input/output connections, the amplifier
home-run cable will have two woofers on
Pins 2 (for a 4-ohm load) and two woofers
on Pins 1 (for a 4-ohm load).
Flying the X-Array Install™ Systems
A manual entitled the X-Array Install™ Fly-
ing Manual is available from Electro-Voice
and is included with each flying Xi loud-
speaker system. A brief introductory over-
viewisincludedhere. TheX-Array-Install™
Flying Manual should be consulted for com-
plete structural specifications and detailed
information on safely suspending and using
the Xi systems.
The Xi-2181 loudspeaker system includes
flying hardware, a unique two-point flying
system that permits a wide range of vertical
angle adjustment, and offers maximum flex-
ibility in array design for both touring sound
and permanent installations. The quick-re-
lease, aircraft-rated heavy-duty L-track type
hardware design allows arrays of loudspeak-
ers to be assembled (and disassembled) very

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
3
quickly, and offers such flexibility in the
vertical angling of cabinets that pull-up
pointsareusuallyunnecessary. Furthermore,
all of the flying Xi loudspeaker models in-
clude the same rigging hardware, allowing
different models to be mixed as necessary
throughout an array.
Theworking-loadlimit(foran8:1safetyfac-
tor) for each rigging point on the Xi loud-
speaker enclosure is 227 kg (500 lb) for a 0°
pull angle and 170 kg (375 lb) for a 90° pull
angle when used with the New Haven
NH32101-2 double-stud fitting, and 113 kg
(250 lb) when used with the New Haven
NH8192-2S or Ancra 42546-10 single-stud
fittingswith locking pins. The working-load
limit(for an 8:1 safety factor) for the overall
enclosure is 340 kg (750 lb). (Consult the
X-Array Install™ Flying Manual forspecific
structural ratings and limitations.) The en-
closures may be oriented with the rigging
track on the side of the enclosure, or on the
top and bottom, and may be daisy-
chained together as long as the safety fac-
tor is 8:1 or greater and local regulations are
met. For fire safety and additional structural
strength in both flying orientations, top-to-
bottom and side-to-side metal straps link the
rigging track inside the enclosure.
CAUTION: The Xi loudspeaker system
should be suspended overhead only in ac-
cordance with the procedures and limita-
tionsspecifiedin the X-Array Install™ Fly-
ing Manual and manual update notices.
Field Replacement
NormalservicefortheXi-2181requires only
a #2 Phillips screwdriver and a 3/16-inch
hex-key wrench. The drivers may be ac-
cessed as follows:
LF: First remove the grille, then remove the
screws securing the hatch on the front of the
enclosure. Remove the screws securing the
18-inch woofer and lift the woofer out of
the enclosure. In the event of failure, the
entire woofer must be replaced or reconed..
The following service parts are available
from the service department in Buchanan,
Michigan USA:
LF #818-2883 EVX-180B complete driver.
The complete drivers are available only for
repair replacement and are not available for
general sale.
Architects’and Engineers’ Specifications
The loudspeaker system shall be a two-
driver, manifolded, vented-box low-fre-
quency system with a frequency response
from 37-200 Hz. The loudspeaker system
also shall have two 457-mm (18-in.) low-
frequency woofers and each shall have an
8-ohm, 101-mm (4-in.) diameter voice coil
and a 600-watt power rating. The loud-
speaker shall have a rigging system enabling
a column of loudspeakers to be hinged at
their back corners, with relative downward
angles set by adjustable rigging straps at the
front. The enclosure shall be constructed of
18-mm thick, 13-ply birch plywood, and
shall be trapezoidal, forming an 18° wedge
and be 914 mm (36.00 in.) high, 584 mm
(23.00 in.) wide at the front, 354 mm (13.93
in.) wide at the back and 759 mm (29.88 in.)
deep, and shall weigh 83.5 kg (184 lb.)
Electronic Accessories:
MerlinISP-100 Integrated SignalProces-
sor: The ISP-100 is a 2-channel, modular,
signalprocessor configurable from 2 in/2 out
up to 2 in/8 out, or 4 in/ 2 out up to 4 in/6
out. Completely customizable by the de-
signer from input to output; integrating,
crossovers, compressors, limiters, PEQ's,
high pass/low pass/all pass, gates, and rout-
ing/combining,etc. Programparameters (in-
cluding factory designed topologies) for op-
timal performance of the X-Array systems
are available. Merlin, 600 Cecil St., Bucha-
nan, MI, 49107, U.S.A., 616/695-6831.
KlarkTeknikDN8000 Digital Controller:
The DN8000 digital electronic loudspeaker
controller has a two-in/five-out architecture,
witheachoutputhavingprogrammablehigh-
pass and low-pass filters, four-band equal-
ization,signal delay,compressor-limiter-and
noise-gatefunctions.Programparametersfor
optimal performance of the X-Array™ sys-
tems are available. Klark Teknik, Klark In-
dustrial Park, Walter Nash Road,
Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 7HJ
England, 44-156-274-1515
Electro-Voice Dx34A Digital Controller:
The Dx34A digital electronic loudspeaker
controller has a two-in/four-out architecture,
witheachoutputhavingprogrammablehigh-
pass and low-pass filters, two- or three-band
equalization, signal delay and limiter func-
tions. Program parameters for optimal per-
formanceof the X-Array™ systemsareavail-
able. Electro-Vioice, 600 Cecil St., Bucha-
nan, MI 49107 USA, 616/695-6831
Electro-Voice P3000 Power Amplifiers:
The stereo P3000 power amplifiers are rated
at 800 watts into 8 ohms, or 91-volts rms
short term. The amplifiers are 3-U high and
weigh 28 kg (62 lb) each. Electro-Voice, 600
Cecil St., Buchanan, MI 49107 USA,
616/695-6831
Uniform Limited Warranty
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in mate-
rials or workmanship for a specified period,
as noted in the individual product-line
statement(s)below, or in theindividual prod-
uct data sheet or owner’s manual, beginning
with the date of original purchase. If such
malfunction occurs during the specified pe-
riod, the product will be repaired or replaced
(at our option) without charge. The product
will be returned to the customer prepaid.
Exclusions and Limitations: The Limited
Warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior fin-
ish or appearance; (b) certain specific items
described in the individual product-line
statement(s)below, or in theindividual prod-
uct data sheet or owner’s manual; (c) mal-
function resulting from use or operation of
the product other than as specified in the
product data sheet or owner’s manual; (d)
malfunction resulting from misuse or abuse
of the product; or (e) malfunction occurring
at any time after repairs have been made to
the product by anyone other than Electro-
Voice Service or any of its authorized ser-
vice representatives. Obtaining Warranty
Service: To obtain warranty service, a cus-
tomer must deliver the product, prepaid, to
Electro-VoiceService or any of its authorized
service representativestogetherwithproofof
purchase of the product in the form of a bill of
sale or receipted invoice. A list of authorized
service representatives is available from
Electro-Voice Service at 600 Cecil Street,
Buchanan, MI 49107 (800-234-6831 or FAX
616-695-4743). Incidental and Consequen-
tial Damages Excluded: Product repair or re-
placement and return to the customer are the
onlyremedies provided to the customer.Elec-

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
4
Vertical
Horizontal
5 dB per division
Xi-2181BassSystem
63 Hz 80 Hz
125 Hz 200 Hz
160 Hz
100 Hz
tro-Voice shall not be liable for any incidental
or consequential damages including, without
limitation,injury topersonsor propertyorloss
of use. Some states do not allow the exclu-
sion or limitation of incidental or consequen-
tial damages so the above limitation or exclu-
sion may not apply to you. Other Rights: This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary
from state to state.
Electro-Voice Speakers and Speaker Sys-
tems are guaranteed against malfunction due
to defects in materials or workmanship for a
period of five (5) years from the date of origi-
nal purchase. The Limited Warranty does not
apply to burned voice coils or malfunctions
Figure 1 — Polar Response
The directional response of the Xi-2181 was measured in an anechoic environment at a distance of 6.1 m (20 ft.) using 1/3-octave-filtered
pink noise with a full spherical measurement system. The polar response of the loudspeaker system at selected 1/3-octave frequencies is
shown. The selected frequencies are representative of the polar response of the system.
suchasconeand/orcoil damageresulting from
improperlydesignedenclosures. Electro-Voice
active electronics associated with the speaker
systemsareguaranteedforthree(3)yearsfrom
the date of original purchase. Additional de-
tails are included in the Uniform Limited
Warranty statement.
Electro-Voice Accessories are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects in materi-
als or workmanship for a period of one (1)
yearfrom the date of original purchase. Addi-
tionaldetails areincluded intheUniform Lim-
ited Warranty statement.
Electro-Voice FlyingHardware(including
enclosure-mounted hardware and rigging
accessories) is guaranteed against malfunc-
tiondue to defects in materials or workman-
ship for a period of one (1) year from the
date of original purchase. Additional details
are included in the Uniform Limited War-
ranty statement.
For warranty repair, service information, or
a listing of the repair facilities nearest you,
contact the service repair department at:
616/695-6831 or 800/685-2606.
For technical assistance, call: 800/234-
6831.
Specificationssubjecttochange withoutnotice.

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
5
Xi-2181BassSystem
DIRECTIVITY FACTOR RθQ
Without Crossover and EQ
With Crossover and EQ
Figure 4 — Directivity
The directivity index, Di, and directivity fac-
tor, R, of the Xi-2181 were measured with a
full- spherical measurement system as de-
scribed in Figure 1.
Figure 3 — Beamwidth
The beamwidth of the Xi , (i.e., the included
horizontalandvertical coverage angles at the
-6-dB points) was measured with a full-
spherical measurement system as described
in Figure 1.
Figure 2 — Frequency Response
The frequency response of the Xi was mea-
sured on axis in the far field in an anechoic
environment using a swept sine-wave sig-
nal. One watt of power (2.00-volts rms at
70 Hz) was applied to the mid band of the
low-frequency section. The sound pressure
level was normalized for an equivalent one-
meter distance.

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
6
Figure 7 — Wiring Diagram
The wiring diagram of each frequency band
of the Xi is shown.
Figure 6 — Impedance
The impedance of each frequency band
of the Xi was measured in an anechoic
environment
Fundamental
2nd Harmonic
3rd Harmonic
Figure 5 — Distortion
Distortion for the Xi was measured on axis
in the far field in an anechoic environment
with an input signal that would result in a
sound pressure level of 115 dB at one meter.
Thesound pressure level was normalized for
an equivalent one-meter distance. Plots of
second and third harmonic distortion are
shown referenced to the fundamental.

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
7
Figure 8—Dimensions

Xi-2181 Bass System
Xi-2181BassSystem
8
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
616/695-6831, 616/695-1304 Fax
Specifications
Frequency Response (measured in far
field, with and without crossover and
equalization, calculated to one meter on
axis, swept sine wave, one watt into
system - 2.00 V at 70 Hz, anechoic
environment; see Figure 2):
37-200 Hz
Crossover Frequency:
125 Hz
Efficiency Mid Band:
5.3 %
Maximum Long-Term-Average Power-
Handling Capacity (per ANSI/EIA RS-
426A 1980):
1,200 watts
Maximum Long-Term-Average Mid-
Band Acoustic Output, LF/HF:
64 acoustic watts
Sensitivity (SPL at one meter, indicated
input power, anechoic environment,
average level),
1 watt:
98.5 dB
1,200 watts:
129.3 dB
Beamwidth (angle included by 6-dB-
down points on polar responses,
indicated one-third-octave bands of pink
noise; see Figures 1 and 3),
Horizontal, 63-200 Hz:
240° (+120°, -60°)
Vertical, 63-200 Hz:
300° (+60°, -120°)
Directivity Factor, R
(Q), 63-200 Hz
Average (see Figure 4):
2.2 (+0.8, -0.4)
Directivity Index, Di, 63-200 Hz
Average (see Figure 4):
3.4 dB (+1.4 dB, -0.9 dB)
Distortion (115 dB SPL at one meter,
shaped spectrum; see Figure 5),
Second Harmonic,
40 Hz:
1.8%
80 Hz:
0.7%
Third Harmonic,
40 Hz:
0.3%
80 Hz:
0.1%
Transducer Complement,
Two EVX-180B 18-in. woofers
Impedance (see Figure 6),
Nominal:
Two 8-ohm loads
Minimum:
Two 6.0-ohm loads
Input Connections:
Two Neutrik NL8MPR Speakon®
connectors paralleled
Recommended Amplifier Power, Rating:
800 watts @ 8 ohms
(91-volts rms short term)
Enclosure Construction,
Enclosure Shell:
18-mm, 13-ply birch plywood
Finish:
Black textured paint
Grille:
Powder-coated steel with foam
Rigging:Heavy-duty L-track on top/
bottom which accepts New Haven
NH32102-2 double-stud fittings
Dimensions,
Height:
914 mm (36.00 in.)
Width (front):
584 mm (23.00 in.)
Width (back):
354 mm (13.93 in.)
Depth:
759 mm (29.88 in.)
Angle:
18° wedge
Net Weight:
83.5 kg (184 lb)
Shipping Weight:
91.8 kg (202 lb)
Part Number 535474—9913SPEAKERS—X-ArrayTM ©Telex Communications, Inc., 1999 • Litho in U.S.A.