Electro-Voice ZXA5 User manual

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
ZXA5‑60, ZXA5‑90
en User manual

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Table of contents | en 3
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
Table of contents
1Safety 4
1.1 Important safety instructions 4
1.2 Important service instructions 5
1.3 FCC information 5
1.4 Precautions 5
2Description 7
2.1 System features 7
2.2 System coverage 8
2.3 System setup 8
3Amplifier controls 9
4Installation 12
4.1 Suspending the loudspeakers 12
4.1.1 Suspending the loudspeaker using single-stud rigging kits 13
4.1.2 Suspending horizontally 15
4.1.3 Arraying and suspending using mounting or array brackets 17
4.2 Floor monitor 20
5Technical data 22
5.1 Dimensions 23
5.2 Block diagram 24
5.3 Frequency response, beamwidth and directivity 25
5.4 ZXA5 models and accessories 25
6Painting the loudspeakers 27

4en | Safety ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
1 Safety
1.1 Important safety instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
13. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
14. To completely disconnect AC power from this apparatus, the power supply cord must be
unplugged.
15. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture. The apparatus should not be exposed to dripping or splashing. Objects filled
with liquids, such as vases should not be placed on apparatus.
!
Caution!
Do not exceed the marked rating of the AC output. If each additional unit is rated 3A, a
maximum of three units can be connected for a total of 9A.
Old electrical and electronic equipment
This product and/or battery must be disposed of separately from household waste.
Dispose such equipment according to local laws and regulations, to allow their reuse
and/or recycling. This will help in conserving resources, and in protecting human
health and the environment.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Safety | en 5
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
1.2 Important service instructions
!
Caution!
These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the Operating
Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
1. Security regulations as stated in the EN 60065 (VDE 0860 / IEC 65) and the CSA E65 - 94
have to be obeyed when servicing the appliance.
2. Use of an AC separator transformer is mandatory during maintenance while the appliance
is opened, needs to be operated and is connected to the AC.
3. Switch off the power before retrofitting any extensions, changing the AC voltage or the
output voltage.
4. The minimum distance between parts carrying AC voltage and any accessible metal piece
(metal enclosure), respectively between the AC poles has to be 3mm and needs to be
minded at all times.
5. The minimum distance between parts carrying AC voltage and any switches or breakers
that are not connected to the AC (secondary parts) has to be 6mm and needs to be
minded at all times.
6. Replacing special components that are marked in the circuit diagram using the security
symbol (Note) is only permissible when using original parts.
7. Altering the circuitry without prior consent or advice is not legitimate.
8. Any work security regulations that are applicable at the location where the appliance is
being serviced have to be strictly obeyed. This applies also to any regulations about the
work place itself.
9. All instructions concerning the handling of MOS - circuits have to be observed.
1.3 FCC information
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
1.4 Precautions
When setting up, installing and using the Electro-Voice ZxA5 speaker system, there are a
number of precautions that you should follow:
– When Electro-Voice ZxA5 speakers are used for portable applications in which they will be
positioned directly on the floor, make sure that the floor or stage is solid and secure.
– Electro-Voice ZxA5 speakers include 1-3/8 inch stand mounts to allow mounting on tripod
stands.

6en | Safety ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
Make sure to:
– Check the specifications of the speaker stand to be certain it is capable of supporting the
weight of the speaker.
– Check that the speaker stand is placed on a flat, stable surface and be sure to fully
extend the legs of the stand. Do not try to make the stand “taller” and compromise its
structural integrity.
– Route cables and position the stand so that performers, production crew and audience
members will not trip over the stand or cables and pull the speaker system over. Secure
cables with wire ties or tape whenever possible.
– Do not attempt to suspend more than one speaker on a stand designed for a single
speaker.
– Unless you are confident that you can safely handle lifting the weight of the speaker onto
the stand, ask another person to help you place it.
– If you intend to hang or fly the ZxA5 system, only do so safely with the correct hardware
and accessories.
!
Suspending any object is potentially dangerous and should only be attempted by
individuals who have a thorough knowledge of the techniques and regulations of
rigging objects overhead. Electro-Voice strongly recommends that ZxA5 speakers
be suspended taking into account all current national, federal, state and local
regulations. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure that ZxA5 speakers
are safely installed in accordance with all such regulations. If ZxA5 speakers are
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
should be taken immediately. There are data sheets for each Electro-Voice
Suspension and Array Kit that should also be consulted prior to suspending
speakers.
!
Electro-Voice does not recommend use of ZxA5 speakers outdoors without
protection from rain or in high moisture environments.
!
Electro-Voice ZxA5 loudspeakers are easily capable of generating sound pressure
levels sufficient to cause permanent hearing damage to anyone within normal
coverage distance. Caution should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to
sound pressure levels exceeding 90dB.
i
Notice!
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interferences in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Description | en 7
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
2 Description
Thank you for choosing an Electro-Voice portable loudspeaker system. Please take time to
consult the manual to understand all the features built into your EV system and fully utilize its
performance capabilities.
The Electro-Voice ZxA5 is one of the best-sounding powered 15-inch two-way composite
loudspeakers available today, designed to provide performance that rivals much larger
systems!
Most powered loudspeakers are designed with simple operation in mind, making it quick and
easy to achieve good audio quality. Many products on the market - including EV - deliver this
level of functionality with moderate output power amplifiers.
However, a product that truly sets EV apart from the pack is the ZxA5, a very high powered
loudspeaker that provides maximum performance. This performance and power requires more
skill than is required to operate a less demanding, lower-performance loudspeaker. To provide
maximum performance with LF punch and high SPL, the ZxA5 does NOT have a separate
protection limiter for the woofer, but the woofer amplifier does have a clip limiter. It is
possible to overdrive the ZxA5 hard enough and long enough for the woofer to fail.
When the ZxA5 is driven to amplifier clip the sound quality decreases; at this point the drive
level should be turned down.
Electro-Voice appreciates our loyal ZxA5 users and would like to obtain the best sonic results
with long term reliability. For applications requiring heavy low-frequencies, we recommend
using a suitable subwoofer with the ZXA5 operating in high pass mode (see page 6).
Installations that require the ZxA5 to run near clip regularly may consider an outboard limiter.
2.1 System features
– Integrated amplifier with 1000W LF, 250W HF.
– Selectable 100Hz high pass.
– XLR and 1/4” TRS input connector.
– XLR output connector.
– PowerCon connector with slave through.
– DVX3150 15-inch LF transducer with forced air cooling.
– ND2 2-inch voice coil, 1-inch exit neodymium compression driver.
– Two models: 60° x 60° or 90° x 50° coverage patterns.
– High sensitivity, 133dB maximum SPL.
– Adjustable monitor angle (45° or 55°).
– 3 anchor plates for single stud fittings and 10 integral suspension points.
– Full line of accessories.

8en | Description ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
2.2 System coverage
ZXA5-60 60° x 60° coverage for long-throw and cluster applications
Figure2.1: 3D EASE Directivity Balloon, ZXA5-60, 60° x 60° coverage
ZXA5-90 90° x 50° coverage for wider coverage or shorter distances
Figure2.2: 3D EASE Directivity Balloon, ZXA5-60, 90° x 50° coverage
2.3 System setup
To get the ZxA5 into operation as quickly as possible, please observe the following steps and
precautions:
– Plug the 3-terminal PowerCon AC cable into a grounded line receptacle. Extension cords
can be used to lengthen the AC cable as necessary but make sure that they are 3-
conductor 14 gauge or greater, and that they are properly grounded to avoid electrical
hazards and extraneous noise.
– Be sure that the ZxA5 is plugged into an AC power source that is capable of supplying the
correct voltage. If the line voltage drops too much, the built-in amplifiers won’t be able to
develop their rated power and sound quality will suffer. Under high signal conditions, the
120V ZxA5 amplifier can draw 3 - 4 amps of current (2 amps at 240V). That means that no
more than (3) ZxA5 systems should be plugged into a single 15 amp electrical service. Be
cautious of what else is plugged into the same electrical service line to avoid electrical
problems and poor performance.
!
Caution!
Before turning the power on, make sure that the level controls are down to avoid transients
or unexpected loud sound.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Amplifier controls | en 9
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
3 Amplifier controls
Figure3.1: ZXA5 amplifier panel
!
Caution!
Before connecting or disconnecting any plugs, make sure to set the level control to its
counterclockwise stop, which prevents the system and audience from contact pops and
noise.
Control Function
INPUT signal connector
Electronically balanced inputs for the
connection of high-level signal sources such
as mixers, signal processors, etc. Establishing
the connection is possible via a combinaton
1/4” TRS and XLR jack. Balanced connection
is recommended to prevent noise or HF-
interference.

10 en | Amplifier controls ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
Control Function
OUTPUT signal connector
Output is full bandwidth pass through.
Crossover mode switch
Selects between 40Hz highpass filter for
Fullrange use, and 100Hz highpass filter for
use with a subwoofer. It is not recommended
that you use a ZxA5 in Fullrange mode with
subwoofers.
LEVEL
This control sets the output level of the ZxA5
in a range between -∞dB and +6dB. The
internal power amplifier provides a nominal
input sensitivity of +6dBu.
POWER switch
AC switch for switching the ZxA5’s power ON
or OFF. The switch lights after turning the
power ON. If the switch is not lit upon
turning the power on, make sure that the AC
cord is correctly connected. If the AC cord is
correctly connected and the AC switch does
not light upon power-on, please contact your
local dealer.
MAINS IN
AC connection is established via a PowerCon
connector. A 15’ (5m) long AC cord with
PowerCon plug is supplied.
MAINS OUT
The PowerCon AC out socket allows the
connection of additional ZxA5 systems. To
prevent AC network overload, connecting
more than (3) ZxA5 systems to a single AC
outlet (10A - 16A) is not recommended.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Amplifier controls | en 11
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
!
Caution!
Blue and grey PowerCon power connector shall not be engaged or disengaged when under
load or live.
!
Caution!
This appliance has no user-serviceable parts inside. Leave any servicing and maintenance to
qualified service technicians only.

12 en | Installation ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
4 Installation
4.1 Suspending the loudspeakers
ZxA5 enclosures have five (5) steel anchor points internally mounted on the top, bottom, and
rear. Single stud fittings are attached to these anchor plates and used as suspension points.
Each of these anchor plates also has an M8 thread to accept rated forged M8 shoulder
eyebolts.
In addition to these points there are five (5) additional M8 threaded points:
– Two on the handle side.
– Three on the rear.
These points can be used for suspending ZxA5s vertically, horizontally, individually, in clusters,
or to attach to EV mounting brackets.
Prior to each use, do the following:
– Inspect the grid assembly or suspension point(s) and associated hardware for any cracks,
deformations, broken welds, corrosion, missing or damaged components, which could
reduce the grid assembly or suspension point(s) strength.
– Replace any damaged hardware.
– Never exceed the limitations or maximum recommended load intended for grid assembly
design or suspension point(s).
i
Notice!
As an added safety measure, install a second suspension point back to the grid (or building
structural supports). This redundant safety point should have as little slack as possible (less
than one inch is preferable).
– Inspect the loudspeaker enclosures for any cracks, deformations, missing or damaged
components, which could reduce enclosure strength.
– Inspect the bracket assembly on the enclosures for any cracks, deformations, missing or
loose screws, which could reduce the flying hardware strength.
– Replace any loudspeaker systems that are damaged or missing hardware.
– Never exceed the limitations or maximum recommended load for the ZxA5 systems.
ZXA5 M8 suspension points
Metric (M8) inserts are equipped on the top and bottom of the enclosure, around the handle,
and on the back of the enclosure for a total of 10 points. The inserts can be used to attach
forged eyebolts or rigging brackets.
To use the (2) M8 suspension points on the top of the enclosure:
4Remove the single-stud anchor plate.
To use the (2) M8 suspension points around the handle of the enclosure:
4Remove the handle bolts.
To use the (2) M8 suspension points on the upper back of the enclosure:
4Remove the decal.
To use the (2) M8 suspension points on the lower back of the enclosure:
4Remove the decal and the single-stud anchor plate.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Installation | en 13
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
Figure4.1: ZXA5 M8 suspension points (top, handle and rear)
To use the (2) M8 suspension points on the bottom of the enclosure:
4Remove the decal.
Figure4.2: ZXA5 M8 suspension points (bottom)
i
Notice!
The shaft length of the eyebolts cannot exceed 20mm on bottom M8 suspension points.
4.1.1 Suspending the loudspeaker using single-stud rigging kits
The ZxA5 is shipped with three single-stud anchor plates for rigging with single-stud rigging.
There are two more locations on the bottom to mount single-stud anchor plates for flying the
ZxA5 upside-down or horizontally. All of these locations can facilitate M8 Eyebolts if desired as
well.

14 en | Installation ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
Suspending using included single-stud anchor plates
Kit used (left): SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x1).
Kit used (right): SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x2) and EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1).
i
Notice!
The EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit is placed on the bottom of top enclosure.

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Installation | en 15
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
Suspending upside-down using included single-stud anchor plates and single-stud rigging
kit
Kits used: RK-Z Single-Stud Anchor Plate Kit (x1) and SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x1).
1. Remove decals.
2. Attach the single-stud anchor plates removed from the top of the enclosure or optional
RK-Z Kit (shown) or eyebolts (not shown).
4.1.2 Suspending horizontally
The ZxA5 is capable of being suspended horizontally from the side (handle) or downward from
the rear with the use of M8 Eyebolts.
Suspending downward from rear
Kit used: EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)

16 en | Installation ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
i
Notice!
When suspending from the rear M8 suspension points, it is recommended that the (2) left M8
suspension points are used on the rear of the enclosure for best weight distribution in
relation to the enclosure’s center of gravity.
Assembling eyebolts to handle
Kit used: EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)
1. Remove handle bolts.
2. Attach eyebolts.
Suspending from handle
Kit used: EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Installation | en 17
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
Assembling the HA-5 adaptor for use with VSA-1 Strong-Arm Mount and TCA-1 Truss Clamp
Adapter
Kits used: HA-5 Handle Adaptor (x1), VSA-1 Strong-Arm Mount (x1) and TCA-1 Truss-Clamp
Adaptor (x1)
123
1. Remove the handle bolts and the handle.
2. Attach the HA-5 Handle Adaptor (1) and the handle bolts.
3. Attach the VSA-1 Strong-Arm-Mount (2) and the TCA-1 Truss Clamp Adapter (3).
4.1.3 Arraying and suspending using mounting or array brackets
i
Notice!
Carefully follow the instructions in this manual and the user manual packaged with EV
brackets, and always use safe rigging practices when suspending ZxA5.
Suspending vertically from handle
Kit used: HA-5 Handle Adaptor Kit (x1), VSA-1 Strong-Arm Mount (x1) and TCA-1 Truss Clamp
Adapter (x1)
1
4Attach TCA-1 to truss.

18 en | Installation ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
i
Notice!
Please consult TMK Series User Instructions for additional information.
Arraying and suspending the loudspeaker
1. Kit used: MB5 Wall/Ceiling Mounting Bracket (wall configuration).
2. Kit used: MB5 Wall/Ceiling Mounting Bracket (ceiling configuration).
3. Kits used: CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x1) and SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x1).
4. Kit used: CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x2).

ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker Installation | en 19
Electro-Voice User manual 2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795
5. Kits used: CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x2), SSK-1 Single-Stud Rigging Kit (x2) and EBK-3
Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1).
6. Kits used: CB5 Array Bracket Kit (x4) and EBK-3 Forged M8 Eyebolt Kit (x1)

20 en | Installation ZXA5 Series Loudspeaker
2022-06 | 07 | F.01U.177.795 User manual Electro-Voice
i
Notice!
CB5 Array Kits can be used for 60° or 90° splay angles.
i
Notice!
Do not exceed working load limit for individual rigging points when arraying the ZxA5. Refer
to Suspending the loudspeakers, page 12 .
4.2 Floor monitor
By design the ZxA5 is a perfect solution for stage monitors. As different stage sizes require
different monitor angles, the ZxA5 offers two angles without any additional accessories.
450
550
Figure4.3: ZXA5 as monitor in 45° and in 55° position
Switching the monitor feet from the 45° to 55° positions: