Electro-Voice PI6615 User manual

Electro:Voice®
SHOWN WITHOUT GRILLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Typical Axial Frequency Response (swept
one-third-octave pink noise, anechoic
environment, 4 volts at 10 feet, normalized
for 1 watt, 1 meter into mid-bass driver;
see Figure 1):
50-20,000 Hz
Low-Frequency 3-dB-Down
Point:
50 Hz
Usable Low-Frequency
Limit (10-dB-down
point):
40 Hz
Recommended
Crossover Frequencies:
160 Hz, 1,250 Hz
Crossover Slopes per Octave, Suggested:
24 dB
Recommended Signal Delay,
Low Frequency: 1. 52 msec
Mid Bass: 0.00 msec
High Frequency:
1.41 msec
Long-Term Average Power-Handling
Capacity (see Power-Handling Test section),
Low Frequency
(per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A):
600 watts
Mid Bass
(per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A):
300 watts
High Frequency
(per AES2-1984/ANSI S4.26-1984):
60 watts
Sensitivity (SPL at 1 meter, 1 watt input,
anechoic
environment, band-limited pink-
noise signal),
Low Frequency: 100 dB
Mid Bass: 106 dB
High Frequency:
111 dB
Impedance,
Nominal (low frequency/mid basslhigh
frequency):
Sohms/ 16 ohms/S ohms
Minimum
(low frequency/mid basslhigh
frequency):
7 ohms/
11 ohms/6 ohms
Average Efficiency,
Low Frequency:
5%
Mid Bass:
25%
High Frequency:
25%
Maximum Long-Term Average Mid-Band
Acoustic Output:
75 watts
Beamwidth (angle
included by 6-dB-down
points on polar responses, indicated one-
third-octave bands of pink noise; see
Figure 2), 500
to 20,000 Hz Horizonal or
Vertical:
60 ° (+25°, -25 °)
Directivity Factor R. (0), 500- to 20,000-Hz
Median (see Figure 3):
1S .2
Directivity Index D., 500- to 20,000-Hz
Median (see Figur~ 3):
12 .6 dB (+3.SdB, -4 .0 dB)
Distortion (120 dB SPL at 1 meter from
mid-bass horn using typical music
spectrum; see Figure 4),
Second Harmonic,
100 Hz: less than 1%
1,000 Hz: less than 1%
10,000 Hz: less than 1%
Third Harmonic,
100 Hz: less than 1%
1,000 Hz: less than 1%
10,000 Hz: less than 1%
Transducer Complement,
Low Frequency:
EVX-150A 3S.1-cm (15-in.) woofer
in a SubScoopTM enclosure
Mid Bass:
DL 10X-SH 25.4-cm (lO-in.) driver with
Kevla r'" epoxy composite cone on
rotatable MH660 60 ° x 60 ° hom'
1. Kevl ar" is a reg istered trademark of DuPont.
PISSl5
Horn-Loaded, Full-Range,
Three-Way Module for
Permanent Installation
• High-outpuVhigh-quality music and speech
for stadiums and performing-arts venues
• Modular for easy and flexible configuration
• large, correctly sized horn mouths provide
uniform directivity control to 500 Hz, for
increased intelligibility under difficult
acoustic conditions
• Rotatable coaxial mid-bass/high-frequency
module
• EVX-150A woofer for high-impact, high-
reliability bass
• Integral suspension system for safe and
easy installation
• Metal grilles protect components
• 60° vertical coverage angle
High Frequency:
DH2As2 compression driver
on HP66
60 ° x 60 ° horn coaxially mounted to
mid-bass horn
Polarity (all drivers):
A positive voltage applied
to the positively
marked input terminal produces a positive
acoustic pressure at the front of
the system
Input Connections, Low Frequency/
Mid Bass/High Frequency:
Screw terminals (#10) on barrier strip;
each driver can be individually accessed;
high-frequency driver has blocking
capacitor for protection
Enclosure Materials and Color:
Multi-layered Plywood with Black Textured
Paint
Grille:
Two-piece, black vibration-resistant steel,
rernovable
Suspension:
Integral four-point flying system (accepts
Ancra 42546-10 single-stud tie-down cargo
fitting; four fittings supplied with system;
see Suspending PI6615 Enclosure section)
Dimensions,
Height:
146 cm (57.3
in .)
Width:
74.9 cm (29 .5 in .)
Depth:
77.0 cm (30.3 in .)
Net Weight:
102 kg (2251b)
Shipping Weight:
113
kg (250 Ib)
Packing:
Wooden pallet and carton
DESCRIPTION
The Electro-Voice PI6615 is a three-way horn-
loaded speaker system for permanent installa-
tion, part of the PI series of modular systems.
The
PI series is unique because it combines
concert-sound performance and quality with

PI6615 SPECIFICATION GRAPHICS
FIGURE 1 - Typical Axial Frequency Response
(anechoic environment , 1 wattl1 meter
into mid-bass section)
120
110
.,
..,
.5100
...J
"-
If)
90
80n •
,.,
\
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
FIGURE 2 - Beamwidth vs. Frequency
-360
~300
;;-
w
w
~100
W ..
o ..
;!;
J: ..
b 30
~ 2.
~
.,
I\:
~a.
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
I--
V
FIGURE 3 - Directivity Factor and Directivity Index vs. Frequency
., 30r-~rTTTrn--ro -- ro-rrnnT-'-r-'-r"OTrr-r,
..,
0-
111
0 20
;!;
~
> 10
1=
0
w
a:
is O• . FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
FIGURE 4 - Harmonic Distortion (120 dB SPL at one meter from
mid-bass horn using typical music spectrum)
130
120
11 0
100
.,
..,
c:
::;90
UJ
~
...J
80
0
0
......
"-
II
I
I In
1\
~ ri
1M
V I
~J
i
/1
2nd HARMONIC --
,H
,I 3,d HARMONIC - -
50
.. . ,. M ..
i-'" "
M
II
IVW
I'
II
, ..
...
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
, 1
/\
III
~ ~ I I\
01
11
-
,-
FIGURE 5 - Module Rotation
FIGURE 6 - Polar Response
5 dB PER
DIVISION
,ocr
HORIZONTAL----
VERTICAL---

the directivity control formerly associated only
withlarge-formatconstant-directivityhornsused
in "traditional," two-way arrays crossed over at
500 Hz.
The PI series provides uniform directivity con-
trol down to 500 Hz, because the mouth dimen-
sions
of both the mid-bass and high-frequency
horns were correctly chosen and are large
enough with respect to the wavelengths repro-
duced to do so. The
PI series' superior direc-
tivity control increases speech intelligibility and
musicalclarity in difficultacousticenvironments.
Other three-way systems with smaller radi-
ating areas simply cannot provide the high
degree of directional control associated with
the PI series.
The PI6615 and the other models in the
PI series were specifically designed with the
contractorand soundsystemconsultant
in mind.
The
PI series allows the designerto customize
his system to suit any acoustic environment.
The PI6615
is a 60 ° x 60 ° three-way full-range
module for triamp application. The mid-bass
and high-frequencyhornsare coaxiallymounted
and are easily rotated together, allowing the
horizontal and vertical coverage patterns to be
interchanged. The common acoustic axes of
the mid-bass and high-frequency horns ensure
smooth response and coverage
in the cross-
over region when the appropriate signal delay
is appliedtothe high-frequencydriver.Thehorn-
loaded basssection incorporates an EVX-150A
38 .1-cm (15-in.) woofer for maximum output
and reliability. The combination of rotatable
horns and trapezoidal enclosure shape allows
easy construction of circular and spherical ar-
rays. The angled enclosure sides allow ceiling
mounting with a reduced vertical profile and an
aiming angle that is inherently in the general
direction of the audience. The enclosure is
made of black painted, multilayer plywood and
includes certified flying hardware as standard.
Delivering smooth and extended performance,
the high-frequencysection operatesfrom 1
,600
to 20 , 000 Hz and consists of a specially
developed, low-profile DH2As2 compression
driver coupled to
an HP66 60 ° x 60 ° constant-
directivity horn. The HP66 horn features inte-
gral fiberglass-and-zinc construction for excep-
tional strength and performance. Beamwidth-
control vanes in the horn throat correct all
coverage anomalies in the 10- to 20-kHz oc-
tave. This horn and driver combination
is se-
curely mounted to the mid-bass horn by a
heavy-duty steel bracket.
The mid-bass system
is composed of a
DL1
OX-SH 24.5-cm (1 O-in.) reproducer
mounted on an MH660 60° x 60° mid-bass
horn. The
DL 1 OX-SH reproducer contains a
Kevla r'" epoxy cone,which is twice as strong as
the conventional paper cone.' The mid-bass
section operates between 160 and 1,600 Hz,
and features a proprietary phase plug
(U .S.
patent no. 4,718,517) wh i ch extends the high-
end output to blend seamlessly into the coaxial
high-frequency section.
The low-frequency section operates between
50 and 160 Hz and has been designed for
superior performance,
in the air as well as on
the ground. The EVX-150A woofer can handle
very large levels ofinput power,producing high
acoustic output with relatively low distortion
and closely matching the high output levels of
1. Kevla'" is a reg is tered trade mar k of Dupon t.
the high- and mid-frequency sections.
The PI6615
is equipped with a numberofaddi-
tional features to make operation and installa-
tion easy and secure. A proprietary structural
extrusion is incorporated into the enclosure,
providing safe and flexible suspension (see
Suspending PI6615 section). Up to two enclo-
sures (from any of the PI series family) can be
suspended without additional support, so ar-
rays can
be created quickly and easily. The
mid-bass/high-frequency module can
be ro-
tated easilyon site within the trapezoidal enclo-
sure, allowing for
an infinite combination of
coverage angles and patterns. The two grilles
are composed of vibration-resistant steel for
excellent driver protection, and they can be
painted to blend into any environment. The
enclosure can also be painted using ordinary
paints.All wiring
on the PI6615 mid-bass/high-
frequency module
is integral and rotates with
the horns, so wiring errors are minimized; all
drivers can be serviced from the front of the
enclosure.The
P16615 , in its standard form, is
intended for use indoors. Do not use outdoors.
APPLICATIONS
The PI6615 and the PI series of products have
been designed specifically with the permanent
installation market
in mind. Sports arenas,per-
forming arts centers, auditoriums and large
gymnasiums are all candidates for the PI6615
and the entire PI line. The unique modular
construction and optimized bass performance
combined with superiordirectivity control result
in a system that can be used in almost any
situation. The concert-sound pedigree ofthe
PI
series is evident by the ease of installation and
by the use of professional-grade components
throughout the line.
SUSPENDING PI6615 ENCLOSURES
Suspending any object is potentially danger-
ous
and should onlybe attempted by individu-
als who have a thorough knowledge
of the
techniques
and regulations of rigging objects
overhead.Electro-Voice stronglyrecommends
that the PI6615 be suspended taking into
ac -
count all current national, federal, state and
local regulations. It is the responsibility of the
installer to ensure the PI6615is safelyinstalled
in accordance with all such regulations.
If the
PI6615 is suspended, Electro-Voice strongly
recommends that the system be inspected
at
least once a year . If any sign of weakness or
damage is detected, remedial action shouldbe
taken immediately.
A manual entitled Installing the PI Series is
available from Electro-Voice. It is included with
every
PI system and should be followed care-
fully. A general overview is included here to
help the system designer. This overview does
not replace the Installing the PI Series manual,
which includes additional information on sus-
pending, configuring and equalizing the
PI se-
ries.
The
PI series enclosures are suspended using
the following approach, which has been ap-
proved by
an independent structural engineer.
Every enclosure incorporates eight indepen-
dentsuspension points,four
on the top and four
on the bottom. A minimum of four points must
be used at all times to suspend the enclosure.
The suspension points, which "tie" the top and
sides of the enclosure together, are made of
2. For additional info rm ation, contact Ancra International
at 606/371-7272 or to ll free (within the U.S. only) at
8001233-5138.
structur al aluminum. Each suspension point
mates to an Ancra 42546-10 locking fitting2
(four of which are supplied with every enclo-
sure), and each point has a break strength of
907 kg (2 ,000 Ib) in any direction. A maximum
of two enclosures can
be "daisy-chained" to-
gether, allowing the construction
of vertical
arrays. If longer arrays are required, provision
must
be made to independently suspend each
enclosure. The Ancra 42546-1 0 fitting incorpo-
rates a safety
pin to preventaccidental release,
and it should be engaged at all times.
CAUTION: The PI6615 speaker systems
should be suspended overhead only in ac-
cordance with the procedures and limita-
tions specified in the installation manual
included with the systems.
MODULE ROTATION
The mid-bass/high-frequency module can be
rotated through 90 °(see Figure 5) by the follow-
ing procedure:
1. Remove the mid/high grille assembly by
removing the black hole caps (Item A) and
then, using a Phillips screwdriver, remov-
ing the four 10-24 screws (Item
B) .
2. Remove the four 1/4-20 hex-head screws
(Item C) from the back of the enclosure.
3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove six-
teen 10-24screws (Item
D) from around the
horn
rim. The enclosure may be laid on its
back
at this time foreasiestservicing; how-
ever, this is
not strictly necessary.
4. Pull the mid-bass/high-frequency module
(Item E) forward and rotate through
90 °.
5. Relocate the mid/high-frequencymodule in
the steel nest. In some circumstances, it
may be necessary to loosen the steelnest
to relocate the module.
6. Reverse the procedure to reassemble the
system. Screws should
be tightened down
firmly, but do not overtighten.
CONNECTIONS
Each frequency section can be individually
connected via #10 screw terminals. The mid-
and high-frequency connections are located
togetheron the back atthe top of the enclosure.
The low-frequencyconnection is located sepa-
rately, on the back at the bottom of the enclo-
sure. All drivers are connected with the same
polarity. A positive voltage applied to the posi-
tively marked terminal produces a positive
acoustic pressure at the front of the system.
CROSSOVER, EQ AND SIGNAL DELAY
The PI6615 is a three-way system which must
be triamped with a separate active crossover,
capable of supplying 24-dB-per-octave cross-
over slopes, constant-directivity horn
EO , and
signal delay.
The Electro-Voi ce Dx34 Digital Sound System
Processorhas been pre-programmed with pre-
sets for each member of the
PI line.Great care
has been
ta~en to optimize the directional re-
sponse through crossover, and to ensure that
cabinets with different coverage patterns will
sound the same on ax is, as well as summing
optimally, off ax is .
If an Electro-Voice XEO-3 electronic cross-
over/equalizer/delay unit is used, the EOW
plug-in module will provide appropriate horn

equalization. Crossover frequencies of 160 Hz
and 1600
Hz should be selected, with a 0.6 ms
delay setting in the high-frequency section. A
30 Hz high-pass filter should be selected for
subpassband protection of the low-frequency
section.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
The PI6615 axial frequency response was
measured
in Electro-Voice's large anechoic
chamber at a distance of 3.0 meters (10 feet)
with a swept sine-wave input (see Figure
1) . It
has been normalized for 1watt/1 meter into the
mid-bass section.Minimal level adjustmentand
equalization have been used.
DIRECTIVITY
The directional characteristics of the PI6615
were measured in Electro-Voice 's large
anechoic chamber, with a test signal of one-
third-octave filtered pink noise at the frequen-
cies indicated. A full spherical measurement
system, which is fullycompatible with MARK IV
Audio's AcoustaCADD TM computer-aided de-
sign program, was used. All directional infor-
mation was measured at
6.1 meters (20 feet).
Figure 6 illustrates the nominal horizontal and
vertical polar responses, with the long system
axis vertical. If the mid-bass/high-frequency
module IS rotated, then the horizontal and ver-
tical polars should be interchanged.
Figure 2 illustrates the horizontal and vertical
beamwidths. Beamwidth
is the angle at which
the horizontal and vertical polar responses
have decreased
in level by 6 dB when com-
pared
to the on-axis frequency response.
Figure 3 represents the total directivity of the
P16615. The directivity factor RH (Q) is the
relative value, at a point,when compared to an
ideal spherical response. The directivity index
(0,) is calculated by 0,= 1010g
lOR
...
SERVICE
In the unlikely event the PI6615 requires ser-
vice, each driver can
be replaced or serviced
from the front. Aservice datasheet is available
from Electro-Voice.
POWER-HANDLING TEST
Electro-Voice components and systems are
manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring
they will hold
up, not only through the most
rigorous of powertests,butalso through contin-
ued use
in arduous, real-life conditions. Two
main test specifications are used: the AES
Recommended Practice for Specification of
LoudspeakerComponentsUsed
in Professional
Audio and Sound Reinforcement (AES2-1984/
ANSI S4.26-1984) and the EIA Loudspeaker
Power Rating Full Range (ANSI/EIA RS-426-A
1980). Both of
these specifications use
random-noise spectrums which mimic typical
music and test the thermal and mechanical
capabilities of the components. Electro-Voi
ce
will support relevant additional standards as
and when they become available. Extreme, in-
house power tests, which push the perfor-
mance boundaries ofthe components, are also
performed and passed to ensure years of
trouble-free service.
Specifically, the PI6615 high-frequency sec-
tion passes AES2-1984/ANSI S4.26-1984 with
the following values:
ZMI N= 6.0 ohms at 7,000 Hz
P
ElM AX) =60 watts
Test voltage = 19.0 volts rms,
38.0 volts peak (+6 dB)
Selected decade = 1,500-15,000 Hz
The PI6615 mid-bass section passes ANSI!
EIA RS-426-A 1980 with
the following values:
R SR = 6.9 ohms (1.15 x RE )
P
EIMAX) = 300 watts
Test voltage = 45.5 volts rms,
91.0 volts peak (+6 dB)
The PI6615 low-frequencysection passesANSI/
EIA RS-426-A 1980 with the following values:
R SR = 6.7 ohms (1.15 x RE )
P
ElM AX) = 600 watts
Test voltage = 63.3 volts
rms,
126.5 volts peak (+6 dB)
ARCHITECTS' AND ENGINEERS'
SPECIFICATIONS
The loudspeaker module shall be a three-way,
active, horn-loaded system, all
in one enclo-
sure. The lowfrequencies above 40 Hz shall
be
reproduced by an 8-ohm 38.1-cm (15-inch)
woofer with an edge-wound, flat-wire 4-inch-
diameter voice coil capable of handling 600
watts (per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A) and with a
sensitivity of 100 dB
(1 watt/1 meter). The mid-
bass frequencies shall
be reproduced by a
16-ohm 25.4-cm (10-inch) driver/horn combi-
nationcapableof handling 300 watts (perANSI/
EIA RS-426-A) and with a 60° x 60° coverage
pattern. The high frequencies shall
be repro-
duced by an 8-ohm compression driver with a
5.1-cm (2-inch)
exit capable of handling
60 watts (per AES2-1984/ANSI S4.26-1984)
and coupled to an HP66 constant-directivity
horn with a 60° x 60° coverage pattern. The
mid-bass and high-frequency devices shall
be
coaxially mounted and capable of being easily
rotated within the enclosure through 90
°. The
system will reproduce frequencies from 40 to
20,000 Hz and have a nominal coverage pat-
tern of 60° x 60
°, with directivity control main-
tained down to 500 Hz.The crossover frequen-
cies shall
be 160 and 1,600 Hz. The system
shall be capable of producing average sound
levels in excess of 128 dB at 1meterin the long
term, with short-term peaks of 134 dB.
The enclosure shall
be constructed of multi-
layered plywood with black textured paint and
have two metal grilles, each of which attaches
with four screws. The enclosure shall have a
trapezoidal footprint. Dimensions shall
be 146
cm (57.3 in.) tall, 74.9 cm (29.5 in.) wide, and
77.0 cm (30.3 in. deep. Weight shall be 102 kg
(225 Ib). The enclosure shall incorporate as
standard a method of suspension which allows
the safe and flexible suspension of itself and
one other member of the
PI series family using
Ancra fitting 42546-10.
The loudspeaker system shall be the
Electro-Voice P16615 .
UNIFORM LIMITED WARRANTY
Electro-Voice products are guaranteed against
malfunction due to defects
in materialsorwork-
manship for a specified period, as noted
in the
individual product-linestatement(s) below,or
in
the individual product data sheet or owner's
manual, beginning with the date of original
purchase.Ifsuch malfunctionoccurs during the
specified period, the product will
be repaired or
replaced (at our option) without charge. The
product will
be returned to the customer pre-
paid.
Exclusions and Limitations: The lim-
ited Warranty does not apply to: (a) exterior
finish or appearance; (b) certain specific items
described in the individual product-line
statement(s) below, or in the individual product
data 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 re-
sulting from misuse or abuse of the product; or
(e) malfunction occurring at any time after re-
pairs have been madeto the productbyanyone
otherthan Electro-Voice oranyof its authorized
service representatives.
Obtaining Warranty
Service: To obtain warranty service, a cus-
tomer must deliver the product, prepaid, to
Electro-Voice or any of its authorized service
representativestogetherwith proofof 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
at 600 Cecil Street, Buchanan,
MI 49107 (616/
695-6831 or 800/234-6831). Incidental and
Consequential Damages Excluded: Product
repair or replacement and return to the cus-
tomer are the only remedies provided
to the
customer. Electro-Voice shall not
be liable for
any incidental or consequential damages in-
cluding, without limitation, injury to persons or
property or loss of use. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damagessothe above limitation
orexclusion maynotapplytoyou.OtherRights:
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 original
purchase.The Limited Warrantydoes notapply
to burned voice coils or malfunctions such as
cone and/orcoil damage resulting from improp-
erly designed enclosures. Electro-Voice active
electronics associated with the speaker sys-
tems are guaranteed for three
(3) years from
the date oforiginal purchase. Additional details
are included
in the Uniform Limited Warranty
statement.
Electro-Voice Flying Hardware(including en-
closure-mounted hardware and rigging acces-
sories) is guaranteed against malfunction due
to defects
in materials or workmanship for a
period of one
(1) year from the date of original
purchase. Additional details are included
in the
Uniform Limited Warranty statement.
Electro-Voice Accessories are guaranteed
against malfunction due to defects
in materials
orworkmanship foraperiod ofone
(1) yearfrom
the date of original purchase. Additional details
are included in the Uniform Limited Warranty
statement.
Service and repair address for this product:
Electro-Voice,Inc., 600Cecil Street,Buchanan,
Michigan 49107 (616/695-6831 or 8001234-
6831).
Specifications subject to change without notice.
IEtI ELECTRO-VOICE a MAR. IVcompany 600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, Michigan 49107
MANUFACTURING PLANTS AT • BUCHANAN, MI • NEWPORT, TN • SEVIERVILLE, TN • OKLAHOMA CITY, OK • GANANOQUE,ONT.
® © Electro-Voice, In c. 1994 • Litho in U .S. A. Part Number 532609 -9519