Electro-Voice X-Array Xw12 User manual

Power-Handling Test
Electro-Voice components and systems are
manufactured to exacting standards to en-
sure reliability in continuous use in arduous
real-life conditions. Besides utilizing indus-
try-standard power tests, extreme in-house
power tests which push the performance
boundaries of the loudspeakers are also per-
formed for an extra measure of reliability.
The XW12 systems are rated per ANSI/
EIA RS-426-A Loudspeaker Power Rating,
Full Range Test, which uses a shaped-ran-
dom-noise signal to simulate typical music
to test the mechanical and thermal capa-
bilities of the loudspeakers. The Dx38 digi-
tal electronic unit was used to provide the
necessary crossover filters and equaliza-
tion during power testing. Specifically, the
Xw12 passes the ANSI/EIA RS-426-A
power test with the following test param-
eters:
Low-Frequency Section:
PE(MAX): 300 watts
Test Voltages: 47.0-volts rms
94.0-volts peak
RSR(1.15 RE): 7.36 ohms
High-Frequency Section:
PE(MAX): 75 watts
Test Voltages: 28.0-volts rms
54.0-volts peak
RSR(1.15RE): 10.5 ohms
tion. The compression driver is coupled
to an 80º x 55º horn. This flat-front, constant-
directivity horn is based on the Electro-Voice
HP series, and is geometrically optimized for
performance from 1,250-20,000 Hz.
The XW12 is constructed of 18-mm void-
free, 3/4-inch 12-ply curved plywood shell
which is extremely rigid. The baffle and end
pieces are made from 18-mm 13-ply birch
plywood. This high-strength enclosure
is sprayed with a resilient, textured black
finish for a truly professional appearance.
The end-mounted, recessed handle makes
transportation relatively easy.
Applications
The XW12 loudspeaker system is ideal for
use as a professional stage touring or in-
stallation application floor monitor where ex-
tremely high power and low distortion, as
well as accurate vocal coverage and maxi-
mized intelligibility are required from a sys-
tem housed in a compact, low-profile enclo-
sure. Its symmetrical design will allow two
monitors to be placed head to head so that
the high-frequency horns are coupled for
high-level large stage applications. The
Xw12 and associated controller combina-
tions are recommended for applications re-
quiring full bandwidth down to 60 Hz.
Description
The Electro-Voice Xw12 full-range, two-
way, floormonitor loudspeakersystem ispart
of the Electro-Voice X-Array™series and is
intended for high-level sound reinforcement
in fixed-installation and touring-sound
applications. The Xw12 is a full-range
biampedfloormonitorspeakersystemwhich
may be used with the Electro-Voice Dx38
digital crossover, the Klark Teknik DN8000
oranyhigh-quality, signal-controller system.
The Xw12 employs a custom-designed, 12-
inch woofer for low-frequency reproduc-
tion. Designed as part of the Xw12 devel-
opment, this woofer uses a new cone mate-
rial to provide maximum internal damping.
This woofer also employs "DL" technology
whichutilizesaThermalInductiveRing,(TIR™),
a nonmagnetic pole piece extension that con-
trols inductance and, most importantly, pro-
vides a major heat transfer path from the top
of the voice coil to minimize power compres-
sion. For high frequencies, the Xw12 uses the
DH6, a 1.4-inch-exit variant of the DH1A com-
pression driver designed as part of the Xw12
development. Its unique one-piece geometri-
cally optimized titanium dome and suspen-
sion combined with its unusually powerful
magnetic motor provide maximum efficiency
and precise control of the diaphragm mo-
Xw12
X-ArrayTM Two-Way,
Full-RangeFloorMonitor
• New 12-inch woofer design
provides improved internal
damping of cone
• New DH6, 1.4-inch compression
driver
• Rugged 12-ply ultracompact,
uniquely curved enclosure
• Constant-directivity 80° x 55° horn
• Professional Neutrik Speakon®
paralleled pass-through connectors
on both ends of enclosure

Xw12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
Xw12Two-Way,Full-RangeFloorMonitor
2
Crossover, Equalizationand Time-Delay
Controller
The Xw12 speaker system was designed
as an integrated package that utilizes
the Electro-Voice Dx38 digital crossover
system.
The Dx38 features a 125-Hz crossover fre-
quency utilizing 24-dB-per-octave
Linkwitz-Riley filters, and contains time
delay and equalization for optimum per-
formance of the Xw12.
Electrical Connection and System
Wiring
Electrical connections to the Xw12 are
made on the sides of the enclosure via par-
allel pass through 4-pin connectors. There
are two connectors on each of the input
panels to allow paralleling of other Xw12
systems. The Neutrik Speakon® NL4MPR
is used for both connections. The pin as-
signments are as follows:
Pin 1+: LF(+)
Pin 1-: LF(–)
Pin 2+: HF(+)
Pin 2-: HF(–)
The wiring diagram of the loudspeaker
system is shown in Figure 7. The electrical
impedance is shown in Figure 6.
Amplifier Requirements
Power amplifiers with the following ratings
are recommended for use with the Xw12
speaker systems:
LF: 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
HF: 600 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Xw12 speakers may be paralleled only with
other Xw12 speakers if the amplifier is ca-
pable of delivering full power at the lower
impedances. The use of amplifiers with
lower power ratings is acceptable; how-
ever, the full-power capabilities of the Xw12
speakers will not be realized. The use of
amplifiers with significantly higher power
ratings will generate maximum dynamic
range and fidelity, but care must be uti-
lized for longer duration signals as mechani-
cal and thermal damage are possible in the
system. Under certain circumstances, higher
rated amplifiers are acceptable. It is accept-
able to drive the Xw12 speakers with a ste-
reo power amp utilizing one channel to drive
the low frequencies and the other channel
to drive the high frequencies.
FieldReplacement
The Xw12 may be serviced in the following
ways. Remove the grille to allow access to
both the woofer and high-frequency driver.
Remove the woofer bolts to allow the woofer
toeasily beremovedfor repairorreplacement.
In case of a compression driver failure, a dia-
phragmassembly replacement kitisavailable.
Toremovethecompressiondriver,removethe
horn-mounting screws. Remove the woofer
to gain access to the compression driver. Re-
move the two accessable hex socket screws
attaching the horn to the driver through the
woofer cut-out opening. After removing the
screws, lift the high-frequency horn and ro-
tate 180 degrees allowing access to remove
the remaining screws. Remove the compres-
sion driver through the woofer cut-out open-
ing. If desired, the complete driver may be re-
turned for service.
The following replacement parts are avail-
able from EVI Audio Service in Buchanan,
Michigan:
LF: Complete woofer: EV Part No. 812-2997
HF: Diaphragm kit: EV Part No. 84233-XX
Architects' And Engineers'
Specifications
The loudspeaker speaker system shall be a
two-way biamped system with performance
controlledbya variety of dedicatedelectronic
control units. The loudspeaker system shall
have a 305-mm (12-inch) direct-radiating
driver with an 8-ohm, 63.5-mm (2.5-inch)
voice coil constructed of aluminum wire, and
shall be capable of a 300-watt shaped pink-
noise signal with a 6-dB crest factor for eight
hours (as per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A 1980).
The loudspeaker system shall have a 35.6-mm
(1.4-inch)exitcompression drivermountedon
a high-frequency horn. The compression
driver shall have 76.2-mm (3.0-inch) diam-
eter, titanium dome and a 16-ohm nominal,
76.2-mm (3.0-inch) diameter voice coil con-
structed of aluminum wire, and shall be ca-
pable of handling a 75-watt,1,600-20,000-
Hz pink-noise signal with a 6-dB crest factor
for eight hours (as per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A
1980standard). Thehigh-frequencyhornshall
be of the constant-directivity type and shall
produce a nominal horizontal beamwidth
(6-dB-downangle) of 80° from2,000-20,000
Hz and a nominal vertical beamwidth of 55°
from 1,600-20,000 Hz. The loudspeaker
systemenclosureshallbeconstructedof 18-mm
thick, 12-ply flat birch plywood and .75-inch
thick, 12-ply curved birch plywood, covered
with black textured paint and shall have a
14-gauge perforated steel grille.
When used with the electronic control unit,
the loudspeaker system shall have a flat on-
axis frequency response from 60 -16,000 Hz.
The loudspeaker enclosure dimensions
shall be 358.3 mm (14.11 in.) high, 584.2 mm
(23.00in.)wideand408.8mm(16.10 in.) deep
and shall weigh 28.2 kg (62 lb).
The loudspeaker shall be the Electro-Voice
Xw12.
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 theindividualprod-
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 theindividualprod-
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 autho-
rized service representatives. Obtaining
Warranty Service: To obtain warranty ser-
vice, a customer must deliver the product,
prepaid, to Electro-Voice Service or any of
its authorized service representatives to-
gether with proof of purchase of the prod-
uct in the form of a bill of sale or receipted
invoice. A list of authorized service repre-

Xw12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
Xw12Two-Way,Full-RangeFloorMonitor
3
sentatives is available from Electro-Voice
Service at 600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI
49107(800-234-6831 orFAX 616-695-4743).
Incidental and Consequential Damages Ex-
cluded: 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 conse-
quential damages including, without limita-
tion, 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 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
suchasconeand/or coildamageresultingfrom
improperlydesignedenclosures.Electro-Voice
active electronics associated with the speaker
systemsare guaranteedfor three(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 areincludedin theUniformLim-
ited Warranty 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.
Fortechnical assistance, call: 800/234-6831.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Figure 1—Polar Response (5 dB per division)
The directional response of the system was measured in an anechoic environment at a distance of 6.1 m (22 ft) using 1/3-octave -filtered pink
noise with a full spherical measurement system. The Dx38 digital electronic unit was used to provide the necessary crossover filters,
equalization and time delay. The polar response of the loudspeaker system at selected 1/3-octave frequencies is shown. The selected frequen-
cies are representative of the polar response of the system.
Vertical
Horizontal

Xw12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
Xw12Two-Way,Full-RangeFloorMonitor
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XW12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
5 dB per division
Figure 2—Frequency Response
The frequency response of the system was
measured on axis in the farfield in an
anechoic environment using a swept sine-
wave signal. The Dx38 digital electronic
unit was used to provide the necessary
crossover filters, equalization and time
delay. One watt of power (2.83 volts rms
at 400 Hz) was applied to the midband of
the low-frequency section. The sound-
pressure level was normalized for an
equivalent one meter distance.
Figure 3—Beamwidth
The beamwidth of the system, (i.e., the in-
cluded horizontal and vertical coverage
angles at the 6-dB-down point) was mea-
sured with a full spherical measurement
system as described in "Polar Response."
Vertical
Horizontal

Xw12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
Xw12Two-Way,Full-RangeFloorMonitor
5
Figure 4—Directivity
The directivity index, Di, and directivity
factor Rθ(Q), of the system were measured
with a full spherical measurement system
as described for the "Polar Response."
Figure 5—Distortion
Distortion for the system was measured
on axis in the farfield in an anechoic envi-
ronment with an input signal that would
result in a sound-pressure level of 115 dB
at one meter. The Dx38 digital electronic
unit was used to provide the necessary
crossover filters, equalization and time de-
lay. A frequency spectrum typical of close-
miked rock music was employed. The
sound-pressure level was normalized for
an equivalent one-meter distance. Plots of
second and third harmonic distortion are
shown referenced to the fundamental.
Figure6—Impedance
The impedance of each frequency band of
the system was measured in an anechoic
environment.
Figure 7—Wiring
The wiring diagram of each frequency band
of the system is shown.
DIRECTIVITY FACTOR RqQ
2nd Harmonic
3rd Harmonic
LF
HF

Xw12 Two-Way, Full-Range Floor Monitor
Xw12Two-Way,Full-RangeFloorMonitor
6
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
616/695-6831, 616/695-1304 Fax
Specifications
Frequency Response (measured in far
field, calculated to one meter on axis,
swept sine wave, one watt into LF
section 2.83 V at 400 Hz, anechoic
environment; see Figure 2):
60-16,000 Hz
Crossover Frequency:
1,250 Hz
Efficiency, LF/HF:
4.8/25 %
Maximum Long-Term-Average Power-
Handling Capacity (per ANSI/EIA RS-
426A 1980), LF/HF:
300/75 watts
Maximum Long-Term-Average
Midband Acoustic Output, LF/HF:
14/18.8 acoustic watts
Sensitivity (SPL at one meter, indicated
input power, anechoic environment,
average level), LF/HF,
1/1 watt:
99.0/110.0 dB
300/75 watts:
124.0/129.0 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, 1,200-16,000 Hz:
80° (+25°, -20°)
Vertical, 1,200-16,000 Hz:
55° (+25°, -20°)
Directivity Factor, Rθθ
θθ
θ (Q), 1,200-16,000
Hz Average (see Figure 4):
14.3 (+9.8, -5.4)
Directivity Index, Di, 1,200-16,000 Hz
Average (see Figure 4):
11.6 dB (+2.3 dB, -2.1 dB)
Distortion (115 dB SPL at one meter,
shaped spectrum; see Figure 5),
Second Harmonic,
100 Hz:
0.5 %
500 Hz:
0.8 %
2,000 Hz:
3.7 %
5,000 Hz:
1.7 %
Third Harmonic,
100 Hz:
3.3 %
500 Hz:
0.9 %
2,000 Hz:
0.3 %
5,000 Hz:
<0.1 %
Transducer Complement,
HF:
DH6 driver, HP-type 80°x 55° horn
LF:
DL-type 12-in. woofer
Impedance (see Figure 6),
Nominal, LF/HF:
8/16 ohms
Minimum, LF/HF:
8.2/10.5 ohms
Input Connections:
Two Neutrik NL4MPR Speakon®
connectors paralleled on each side of
enclosure
Recommended Amplifier Power,
HF:
600 watts per channel @ 8 ohms
LF:
800 watts per channel @ 8 ohms
Enclosure Construction,
Enclosure Shell:
3/4-in., 12-ply curved birch plywood
18-mm, 13-ply flat birch plywood
Finish:
Black textured paint
Grille:
14-gauge perforated steel
Dimensions,
Height (front):
443.1 mm (17.44 in.)
Height (profile):
358.3 mm (14.11 in.)
Width:
584.2 mm (23.00 in.)
Depth (overall):
309.8 mm (12.20 in.)
Depth (profile):
408.8 mm (16.10 in.)
Angle:
110° wedge
Net Weight:
28.2 kg (62 lb)
Shipping Weight:
31.3 kg (69 lb)
Part Number 534226 Rev. B—9934SPEAKERS—X-ArrayTM
Figure 8—Dimensions
©Telex Communications, Inc., 1999 • Litho in U.S.A.