Electro-Voice SX Series SX600 User manual

Sx600 User Manual

Table of Contents
Product Description .................................................................................................... 1
Important Features....................................................................................................... 1
Product Feature Identification................................................................................... 2
System Acoustic Design Considerations............................................................... 3
Installation Precautions............................................................................................... 4
Installation Notes.......................................................................................................... 4
Pole Mounting............................................................................................... 5
Block Wall Mounting ................................................................................... 5
Stud Wall Mounting..................................................................................... 6
I-Beam Mounting.......................................................................................... 6
Mounting Surface Reinforcement............................................................. 6
Installation Procedure ................................................................................................. 7
Step 1: Selection and Preparation of the Mounting Surface............. 7
Step 2: Mounting the SuperSAMTM Bracket.......................................... 7
Step 3: Mounting the Speaker and Aligning ......................................... 7
Step 4: Completing the Electrical Connections................................... 8
Step 5: System Adjustment and Acoustic Tuning.............................. 10
Appendix A: Troubleshooting .................................................................................. 10
Appendix B: Warranty Statement ..........................................................................12
Appendix C: Technical Specifiations.....................................................................13
TOC Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

Product Description
The Sx600 Series is a remarkably flexible indoor/outdoor speaker system
designed to produce high-fidelity high-level audio in distributed applications
such as stadiums, racetracks, amusement parks, fairgrounds, etc. Utilizing
a 65° x 65° high frequency horn and a unique 2-element vertical midbass
array, Sx600 gives you the clarity of a direct radiator with the high SPL and
directivity of a properly designed horn system, especially in the important
vertical plane. While intended primarily for vocal applications, the Sx600
accurately reproduces music if heavy bass is not required.
Important Features
The Sx600 is available as either a conventional 4 ohm low impedance
system, the Sx600PI, or as a “constant voltage” system, the Sx600PIX. The
PIX version features a 100% duty cycle rated 600 watt full isolation line
transformer for operation with 70volt, 100volt, 140volt, or 200volt distrib-
uted systems.
The Sx600 comes with an all-new Super Strong Arm Mount, called the
SuperSAMTM. This exclusive 2-part EV mounting system allows the installer
to pre-set the exact down angle on the ground, fasten the separate mount-
ing bracket by itself, and then mount the speaker to the bracket quickly and
easily with a single bolt, setting the pan angle anywhere within a 180° arc in
the process.
The three-layer stainless steel grill design is an acoustically transparent yet
effective barrier to both condensation and heavy rain. The light-weight poly-
propylene enclosure has strategically placed internal passages to conduct
moisture that may accumulate internally out to the side channels where it
drains away.
Electro-Voice User Manual 1

Product Feature Identification
Figure 1: Sx600 Product Features
Enclosure
(Front View)
Enclosure
(Rear View)
65° x 65°
VaripathTM
Constant
DirectivityTM
HF Horn
with DH2T
Compression
Driver
Nd12A-8
Neodymium
Midbass Driver
DL12BFL
Midbass/LF
Driver
Weather-Resistant Lightweight
Polypropylene Enclosure
SJO Input
Cable
White
“+”
Black
“-”
All Aluminum
Rigging
All Aluminum
Rigging
• Full Face Stainless Steel Grille with
Hydrophobic Backing (Not Shown)
• All Stainless Steel Hardware (Not
Shown)
SuperSAMTM Down
Angle Adjustment
(0°- 60° in 5°
Increments)
Stainless Steel
SuperSAMTM
Mounting Bracket
2 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

System Acoustic Design
Considerations
Direct radiator acoustic systems can offer great vocal band clarity but don’t
usually offer the efficiency and directivity of horn loaded systems. Horn
loaded systems, if the overall dimensions are large enough, can offer great
directivity control, but typical multi-way horn designs, particularly high Q co-
axial designs, are also naturally resonant. Resonant systems suffer from poor
time domain response and, as a consequence, can have poor intelligibility.
The EV solution is to combine a two element critically spaced midbass line
array with ultra-efficient neodymium magnetics. This produces the high SPL
levels and vertical directivity of a properly horn loaded low/mid section while
maintaining the clear vocal reproduction of a well damped direct radiator
system. The Electro-Voice ND12A neodymium midbass driver developed
for X-Array has been optimized for ultra high level, high intelligibility 300Hz
to 2kHz response. The ND12A incorporates EV’s Ring Mode Decoupling
(RMD) technology to dampen mechanical domain resonances that “color”
vocal fundamentals in normal direct radiator systems. RMD, found in most
EV drivers, ensures level independent tonal response and produces a level
of intelligibility unique to EV systems. The second 12 inch driver, a specially
modified DL series, works with its own crossover section and critical spac-
ing to the ND12A to greatly improve midband vertical directivity and system
output below 300Hz. The result is clear, clean vocals, with the SPL capabili-
ties required for large spaces.
The SX600 also features EV’s DH2T medium format compression driver
coupled to our unique Varipath constant directivity high frequency horn. The
HF horn pattern is optimized to a 65° horizontal by 65° vertical included
angle to produce both long throw and wide front to back audience cover-
age. The high power handling and low distortion performance of the DH2T
assures excellent vocal articulation with extended high frequency coverage
to beyond 16kHz.
Electro-Voice User Manual 3

Installation Precautions
This document details general mounting practices appropriate to the en-
tertainment industry, as they would apply to the mounting of Electro-Voice
Sx600 loudspeaker systems. It is intended to familiarize the reader with
mounting hardware and techniques for suspending Sx600 loudspeaker
systems overhead. Only persons with the knowledge of proper hardware
and safe mounting techniques should attempt to suspend any sound sys-
tems overhead. Prior to suspending any Electro-Voice Sx600 loudspeaker
systems overhead, it is essential that the user be familiar with the strength
ratings, mounting techniques and special safety considerations outlined in
this manual. The mounting techniques and practices recommended in this
manual are, of necessity, in general terms to accommodate the many varia-
tions in mounting configurations. As such, the user is expressly responsible
for the safety of all specific Sx600 loudspeaker mounting configurations as
implemented in practice.
The Sx600 SuperSAMTM Mounting System is intented to support the Sx600
Speaker System only. Do not use it for any other purpose. Never set any-
thing on, or hang anything from, the Sx600 SuperSAMTM when using it for
the Sx600 Speaker System.
Installation Notes
The Sx600PI weighs in at 80 lb (36.3 kg.) and the Sx600PIX at 98 lb (44.5
kg).
It is the installer’s responsibility to insure that the mounting surface
is stable and sufficiently strong to support the weight of the unit(s)
being mounted.
The SuperSAMTM is made of tough 6061T6 aluminum, and the actual
mounting bracket is stainless steel. DO NOT WELD. Consult and follow
all applicable codes and procedures. Use only ½ inch diameter mount-
ing bolts, 4 per bracket minimum. (all 6 is recommended) When mounting
outdoors, remember to allow for wind, snow and ice load. Do not locate the
Sx600 where it may be subjected to water or snow run-off from roofs, gut-
ters, etc. NEVER MOUNT AN Sx600 ON ITS SIDE.
The Sx600 must always be mounted with the top of the enclosure elevated
with respect to the bottom or the internal drain system will not function and
the speaker may fill up with water. NEVER MOUNT AN Sx600 UPSIDE-
DOWN.
4 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

Pole Mounting
Follow the pole manufacturer’s recommendations when mounting to a
pole. On wooden poles, make sure there is no rot or other deterioration.
Through-bolts with backing plates are highly recommended. Lag bolts
should only be used in conjunction with straps.
Block Wall Mounting
Do not attempt to mount an Sx600 to a block or brick wall without through-
bolts and large, heavy steel backing plates on both sides of the wall. On
poured concrete walls use deep ½ inch diameter anchors that cannot be
pulled out once set. Use all 6 mounting holes.
Figure 2: Pole Mounting
Figure 3: Block Wall Mounting
Approved Straps
(4 Req’d)
1/2” Bolts
(6 Req’d)
SuperSAMTM
Bracket
SuperSAMTM
Bracket
1/2” Bolts
(6 Req’d)
Heavy Steel Backing Plates Block WallBlock Wall
Electro-Voice User Manual 5

Stud Wall Mounting
First determine whether the structural members in the wall can withstand
not only the weight of the Sx600, but also the side-to-side stresses of heavy
cross-winds. Reinforce both sides of the wall with heavy plates, ¾ inch
marine plywood minimum, and use through bolts. Never rely on lag bolts
alone. Additional side-to-side support may be had by attaching simple steel
outriggers (not included) from the SuperSAMTM pivot bolt to the next stud
on either side of the mounting bracket. Never mount to a wall containing
plaster or drywall without backing plates.
I-Beam Mounting
Because of the vast number of sizes and conditions of their use, consult a
licensed structural engineer for the approved method of attaching an Sx600
to any particular I-Beam or other structural component.
Mounting Surface Reinforcement
If in doubt: Make It Stronger. Strong side winds will exert tremendous side
leverage along the axis of the mounting bolts sufficient to crush some sur-
faces. A large backing plate and/or steel outriggers attached from the pivot
bolt to the wall 16" to 24" either side of center makes a simple and effective
reinforcement in most situations.
Figure 4: Stud Mounting
SuperSAMTM Bracket
1/2” Bolts
(6 Req’d)
Steel Outriggers StudStud Large Backing Plates, 3/4”
Marine Plywood Min.
6 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

Installation Procedure
Step 1: Selection and Preparation of the
Mounting Surface
Surface must be clean and smooth. It must also be a material that is not
easily crushed. While the SuperSAMTM distributes weight evenly over a rela-
tively large area, strong winds against the side of the Sx600 will exert signifi-
cant crowbar-like leverage between the bolts and the side corner edges of
the bracket. For this reason, surfaces of plaster, drywall, soft wood, cinder
block, ceramic, glass or other brittle, crushable materials must have a large
heavy backing plate to prevent the Sx600 from loosening itself by crushing
its mounting surface.
Step 2: Mounting the SuperSAMTM Bracket
If bolts are to be used, determine the exact location desired for the holes on
the mounting surface. Use a center punch to mark the center of each hole
to be drilled and minimize hole drift. Drill holes and DE-BURR. The bracket
MUST sit perfectly flat against the mounting surface. Mount the bracket us-
ing ½” bolts, washers, lock washers and nuts, and tighten securely. Stain-
less Steel hardware is recommended.
Step 3: Mounting the Speaker and Aligning
Pre-set the down angle of the speaker (as pre-determined by EASE) by
inserting the 5/16" Stainless Steel bolt through the appropriate holes (See
Figure 5). Tighten it and the ½” pivot bolt securely. (If aiming visually,
tighten bolts finger-tight only until aiming is finalized.) Place the long ½”
bolt and washer through the appropriate hole in the mounting bar. Use the
hole nearest the speaker for down-angles of less than 40 degrees and the
farthest hole for angles greater than 40 degrees. Set the speaker on the
already mounted bracket end bar, dropping the ½” pivot bolt through the
hole near the end of the bar. (The second hole is provided as a convenience
for certain “close in” situations.) Install the flat washer, lock washer and nut
and tighten just enough to pull both bars together. Determine pan angle by
sighting along center groove of enclosure. (Either top or bottom) Securely
tighten pivot bolt to lock in place. Visually check down angle. Too high an
angle will result in poor intelligibility in the near-field; a too-low angle will
cause poor intelligibility far-field and a “hot spot” close in. If necessary, re-
set the down-angle as follows: Loosen the ½” bolt on the adjusting bracket
and remove the 5/16" bolt. Tilt the speaker to the desired angle and re-
insert the 5/16" bolt in the appropriate hole. Re-tighten all hardware.
Electro-Voice User Manual 7

Figure 5: Mounting the Speaker to the Wall Bracket
Step 4: Completing the Electrical Connections
Trim the SJO cord to a neat length while allowing enough slack for future
aiming adjustments or service. Make electrical connections per all ap-
plicable codes in a weather-tight box and secure the SJO cord through a
weather-tight gland nut. Observe color code for proper polarity: Black wire
from speaker is audio (-), white wire is audio (+).
Using the PIX (Constant Voltage Version)
Constant Voltage Design Considerations
One of the major expenses of any large sound system up-grade is the cost
of running new wiring. For this reason, the Sx600PIX transformer has taps
for use on lines as high as 200volts, which is easily delivered by an Electro-
Voice CPS-4 amplifier in bridge mode. Keeping the current draw the same,
changing from 70volts to 200volts means you can now pull approximately
3 times the wattage from the same wiring! In new installations, the higher
voltages mean less line loss on long runs, less current and lighter gauge
wire. Always check and comply with all applicable codes.
Exploded View Fully Assembled View
8 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

Selecting Wattage Taps
The Sx600 is intended to be a high level speaker, so the transformer taps
are set up to produce a full 600 watts at each of the 4 voltages listed. If
necessary, the wattage may be halved by selecting the next HIGHER volt-
age tap. NEVER select a tap for a LOWER voltage! (i.e; Do not use a 70
volt tap in a 100 volt system, etc.) The Sx600PIX is shipped from the fac-
tory pre-wired for 600 watt operation on standard 70 volt lines. To select a
higher voltage, remove the 10 mounting screws around the perimeter of the
input panel (See Figure 6). CAUTION: the transformer alone weighs 18 lb.
(8.2 kg.) Be prepared to support this weight when the screws come out!
Carefully tip the panel outward from the enclosure, taking care not to dam-
age the water gasket or strain any of the internal connecting wires. Locate
the WHITE voltage tap selector wire and carefully pull its connector straight
back off the 70 volt tab. Select the desired voltage and push the connec-
tor securely onto the corresponding tab. Inspect the water gasket for dirt
or damage, and reassemble the panel to the enclosure. Using a permanent
marker, MARK THE NEW VOLTAGE SETTING in the box provided on the
Sx600PIX label.
Figure 6: Selecting Wattage Taps
Exterior View Interior View
Top of Panel
Voltage Tap
Selector
(White Wire)
Mounting Screws
(10 Places)
Plug-In Connector
from Transformer
Electro-Voice User Manual 9

Step 5: System Adjustment and Acoustic Tuning
The Sx600 MUST BE HI-PASSED at 90Hz using a minimum slope of
12dB/octave with a Q of 1.6. (Easily obtainable on the Electro-Voice Dx-38
Digital Loudspeaker Controller) If analog filtering is used, a 70Hz high-pass
filter of at least 12dB/octave slope and low frequency EQ of NO MORE
THAN 3dB boost centered at 90 or 100Hz not to exceed one octave wide
is acceptable. Do not use shelving EQ! Set the system limiters to prevent
amplifier clipping even during extreme (aka: excited announcer) program
peaks. EQ cuts are acceptable when necessary to account for resonances
within the venue, but DO NOT BOOST EQ. The Sx600 has a full, natural
sound, but has no usable output below 70 Hz.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting
Every Sx600 is thoroughly tested before it leaves the Electro-Voice factory.
Listed below are some of the common problems that may be encountered
along with suggestions for solving them.
Speaker plays but level is low.
1.) Make sure the amplifier is capable of delivering sufficient voltage
and current to produce the wattage necessary for the total number
of systems per line.
2.) Check amplifier input drive signal level and gain adjustment. Verify
that amplifier is developing the required output voltage and that the
voltage at the loudspeaker is the same.
3.) Excessive line loss. Verify that wire size is adequate for the length
of run, especially on 4 ohm PI models. If wire gauge is too small,
either rewire, change to the constant-voltage PIX version, or on PIX
models, change to a higher voltage tap to reduce line loss, provid-
ing the amplifier is able to deliver that voltage without clipping and
the wiring will still meet code requirements at the higher voltage.
4.) Incorrect voltage tap setting. (PIX models only) Setting the tap
higher than the line voltage will reduce the wattage drawn from the
line, resulting in 3dB less level (1/2 the wattage) for each tap above
rated voltage. Verify and re-set taps as necessary. Setting the taps
below the line voltage (PIX models) or attempting to drive too low
an impedance (PI models) may cause the amplifier to go into over-
current protection resulting in decreased output. Redistribute lines
and/or add more/higher power amplifiers.
10 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

System shuts down when driven hard.
1.) Insufficient amplifier power. Amplifier goes into protect mode due
to overcurrent or thermal stress. Switch to a larger amplifier.
2.) Line impedance too low. (PI models in particular) Some amplifiers
will not drive a 2 ohm load at full power, especially if both channels
are loaded to 2 ohms. (A pair of Sx600PI systems on the same line
is a 2 ohm load.) Use a different/bigger amplifier, convert to PIX
versions, or reconfigure lines with more amp channels and fewer
speakers per line.
3.) Incorrect high-pass filter or no filter at all. All Sx600 models MUST
BE HI-PASSED, (See step 5 above) but PIX models may cause
amplifier shut-down due to transformer saturation at high levels
caused by low frequency transients or heavy bottom octave pro-
gram content. Verify that the CORRECT hi-pass filtering is in use
at all times.
4.) Amplifier is simply being overdriven and going into protect mode.
With an oscilloscope on the amplifier output, adjust compressor/
limiter to keep amplifier(s) out of clipping. If the system has no
comp/limiter, add one to the signal chain and be sure it is properly
set.
Inconsistent intelligibility in audience area.
1.) Improper aiming. If intelligibility decreases near the speaker, the
down-angle is set too high. If the intelligibility is great right under
the speaker but suffers as you begin to move away from it, the
down-angle is set too low. Intelligibility across the horizontal plane
(side to side) can be affected by a sloping audience area, reflec-
tions from nearby walls or other barriers, and trees, banners and
other objects obstructing and/or reflecting the sound in an adverse
way. EASE is an excellent tool for predicting the correct aiming, but
in actual use these angles may need to be adjusted.
2.) Over-equalization. The primary speech fundamentals are found
in the 300Hz to 3kHz range, most consonants are affected by
the 3kHz to 6 kHz band, and sibilance is mostly from 6kHz on up.
Substantial EQ cuts in any of these regions will seriously degrade
the intelligibility of speech. Use only enough EQ to tame the very
worst room resonances (which should not be a problem outdoors)
keeping the notch width as narrow as possible. The best solution
is to keep the announcer close to the microphone and use a good
compressor/limiter to compensate for variances in microphone
distance and excitement.
Electro-Voice User Manual 11

Appendix B: Warranty Statement
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed against malfunction due to defects
in materials or workmanship for a specified period, as noted in the individual
product-line statement(s) below, or in the individual product data sheet or
owner’s manual, beginning with the date of original purchase. If such mal-
function occurs during the specified period, the product will be repaired or
replaced (at our discretion) without charge. The product will be returned to
the customer prepaid.
Exclusions and Limitations
The Limited Warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior finish or appearance;
(b) certain specific items described in the individual product-line statements
below, or in the individual product sheet or owner’s manual; (c) malfunction
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 mis-
use 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 representatives.
Obtaining Warranty Service
To obtain warranty service, a customer must deliver the product, prepaid,
to Electro-Voice Service or to any of its authorized service representatives,
together with proof of purchase of the product in the form of a bill of sale
or receipted invoice. A list of authorized service representatives is avail-
able from Electro-Voice Service at: 12000 Portland Avenue, Burnsville, MN
55337. Ph: [phone].
Incidental and Consequential Damages Excluded
Product repair or replacement and return to the customer are the only
remedies provided to the customer. Electro-Voice shall not be liable for any
incidental or consequential damages including, without limitation, injury to
persons or property or loss of use. Some states do not allow the exclusion
or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation
or exclusion 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.
12 Electro-Voice Sx600 User Manual

Speakers and Electronics
Electro-Voice Speakers and Speaker Systems are guaranteed against
malfunction due to defects in materials or workmanship for a period of five
(5) years from the date of original purchase. The Limited Warranty does not
apply to burned voice coils or malfunctions such as cone and/or coil dam-
age resulting from improperly designed enclosures. Electro-Voice active
electronics associated with the speaker systems are guaranteed for three
(3) years from the date of original purchase. Additional details are included
in the Uniform Limited Warranty statement.
Appendix C: Technical Specs
Freq. Response (-3 dB): 100 Hz - 14 kHz
Freq. Range (-10 dB): 70 Hz - 16 kHz
Max Calculated SPL: 139 dB
Horizontal Coverage: 65° nominal
Vertical Coverage: 65° nominal
Power Handling: 600W continuous, 2400W peak
Sensitivity: 105 dB (1W/1m)
Impedance: 4 ohms (nominal), 3.5 ohms (min.)
Crossover Frequency: 1800 Hz, LF/MB Overlap: 200-600 Hz
Recommended Filtering: 90 Hz highpass filter, @ Q=1.6
Recommended Amplifier: Electro-Voice CPS Series
Connectors: SJO Cable with Gland Nut
Enclosure Material: High Density Polymer
“PIX” Version Wattage Taps: 70V - 75, 150, 300, 600W
100V - 150, 300, 600W
140V - 300, 600W
200V - 600W
Mounting: SuperSAMTM, 5° Increments over
60° Vertical, 180° Horizontal, can be
Bolted or Strapped
Grille: Powder-coated Stainless Steel
Weather Resistance: IEC 529 IP44, Mil Spec 810 humidity,
salt spray, temperature, and UV
Dimensions (H x W x D): 45.8” x 16.9” x 12.3”
1163mm x 429mm x 312mm
Net Weight (with Bracket): Sx600PI - 80.0 lbs (36.3 kg)
Sx600PIX - 98.0 lbs (44.5 kg)
Shipping Weight: Sx600PI - 92.0 lbs (41.8 kg)
Sx600PI - 110.0 lbs (50.0 kg)
Electro-Voice User Manual 13

U.S.A. and Canada:
For customer orders, contact the Customer Service department at:
800/392-3497 Fax: [phone]
For warranty repair or service information, contact the Service Repair De-
partment at:
800/685-2606
For technical assistance, contact Technical Support at:
866/78-AUDIO
Specifications subject to change without notice.
All Other International Locations:
952-884-4051 Fax: [phone]
www.electrovoice.com
Printed in U.S.A
© Bosch Communications Systems 11/2010
Part Number 38110-208 Rev D