Electro-Voice Sb180 User manual

Description
The Electro-Voice Sb180 is a 600-watt sub-
woofer loudspeaker system which combines
the attributes of both horn-loaded and
vented-box designs. It utilizes the unique
SubScoopTM cabinet construction with a
EVX-180B woofer, as used in the X-Array®
concert systems. The design behaves like a
horn over much of its range, but without the
time delay and weight problems usually as-
sociated with conventional designs. Vented-
box principles take over for the lowest oc-
tave and assist in producing exceptionally
highlevelsofclean,punchybassfromasub-
compact box. The reverse woofer orienta-
tionhasbeenusedtooptimizetherearcham-
ber volume and decrease the horn flare rate
for extended low-end performance.
The Sb180 can be used to augment the bass
performance of any Electro-Voice stage sys-
tem. (This may involve the use of appropri-
ate electronics and crossovers.) A 13/8-in.
stand-mount receptacle on the top surface of
the Sb180 allows satellite speaker systems
such as the Sx500 and Sx300 to be used (see
Figure 4). A 34-inch mounting pole is in-
cluded with the Sb180.
Use in Multiples
The Sb180 may be used in multiples to in-
crease acoustic output. A 6-dB increase in
maximum acoustic output occurs when two
speaker systems are placed side by side and
paralleled, yielding a 4-ohm load. For op-
eration at very-low frequencies, the woofer
cones “mutually couple,” acting as one sys-
tem with twice the effective cone area and
power-handling capacity of a single system.
Increasing the cone area doubles the effi-
ciency, providing a 3-dB increase in sound
pressure level. The doubled power capacity
provides the potential for an additional 3-dB
gain in maximum acoustic output.
Mutual coupling occurs when the frequency
is such that the center-to-center distance be-
tween the two woofer manifolds is less than
about one-half wavelength. When the dis-
tance is greater than one-half wavelength,
as would occur if two Sb180’s were widely
spaced, the level increase tends to be lim-
ited to the 3-dB power-handling increase.
The woofer is connected using one of the
Neutrik Speakon®jacks marked “input.”
Electro-Voice recommends the Neutrik
NL4MPR-Vconnectorbeusedinmosthigh-
power situations. A parallel woofer can be
connected using the other connector. Care
must be taken not to abuse the amplifier by
connecting impedances which are too low.
Crossovers and Amplifiers
To optimize performance, the Sb180 should
be used in conjunction with an active cross-
over with a minimum slope of 12-dB per oc-
tave and a crossover frequency in the range
of 100 to 250 Hz. Due to the high efficiency
of the Sb180, less amplifier input is needed
to achieve a given sound output level. The
high power-handling capacity of the Sb180
permits the use of amplifiers with a rating of
up to 1,200 watts rms into 8 ohms.
Speaker Protection
When in the vented-box mode, the
SubScoop,TM like all other vented systems,
experiences rapidly increasing cone excur-
sion below the box-tuning frequency. The
acoustic output is also decreasing rapidly;
therefore, it is sensible to protect the Sb180
and maximize the power output of the sub-
woofer by inserting an active 32-Hz high-
pass filter with a slope of at least 12-dB per
octaveintothecircuit.Suchsubpassbandfil-
ters are found in many commercially avail-
able crossovers and equalizers including
items manufactured by Electro-Voice.
Subwoofer
• EVX-180B woofer for reliable,
extended low-frequency output
• Subwoofer for augmenting the
low-frequency performance of EV
stage systems
• Natural high-frequency roll-off
• 600-watt continuous, 1,200-watt
program power capacity
• Rugged, road-ready cabinet,
metal grille, and painted finish
• Neutrik Speakon®inputs
• 1 3/8-inch stand mount in top
allows use of satellite system
• 34-inch long 1 3/8-inch mounting
pole included
Sb180

Sb180 Subwoofer
Sb180 Subwoofer
2
Frequency Response
The Sb180’s axial frequency response was
measured in Electro-Voice’s large anechoic
chamber at a distance of 3 meters (10 feet)
with a swept sine-wave input. Figure 1 has
been averaged and corrected for 1 watt at
1 meter.
Enclosure Construction
Intended to be used as a portable speake sys-
tem, the Sb180 is ruggedly constructed of
3/4-inch void-free plywood. All joints are
dado cut, and the cabinet is finished with a
rugged paint finish that is both attractive and
highly durable. A full-length steel grille
protects the woofer from damage. Heavy-
duty, firmly secured rubber feet and recessed
handles complete the picture, ensuring that
the Sb180 speaker system is ideally suited
for a long and reliable life on the road.
Sb180 Connections
The Sb180 is equipped with two paralleled
Neutrik Speakon®NL4MPR-V connectors,
selected for their ability to reliably deliver
to the speaker components the high currents
delivered by high-wattage power amplifiers.
TheNL4FCisafour-pinconnector, and Fig-
ure 5 shows how the usual two-conductor
speaker cable should be wired to pins 1+ and
1– of the connector.
NotealsothatNeutrikSpeakon®cables,con-
nectors and wiring accessories are available
fromProCoSound,Inc.andWhirlwindMu-
sic Distributors, Inc. To find your local Pro
Co, Whirlwind or Neutrik dealer, contact:
Pro Co Sound, Inc.
135 E. Kalamazoo Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
616/388-9675
WhirlwindMusicDistributors,Inc.
P.O. Box 1075
Rochester, NY 14603
716/663-8820
Neutrik USA, Inc.
195-S3 Lehigh Ave.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
908/901-9488
Use with Satellite Speaker Systems
The 13/8-in. stand mount in the top surface of
the Sb180 can be used with any length of
standard 13/8-in. tube. Care should be taken
to ensure that the Sb180 is used on a flat and
level surface. Electro-Voice strongly recom-
mends that the top of the satellite speaker be
no more than 8 feet (244 cm) above the
ground and weigh no more than 75 pounds
(34 kg). It is the responsibility of the user to
ensure that the system is safe and stable. Do
not use where the system can be easily
knocked over. A 34-inch mounting pole is
included with the Sb180.
Service
In the unlikely event the Sb180 requires ser-
vice, the woofer can be replaced or serviced
from the front. A service data sheet is avail-
able from Electro-Voice.
Power-Handling Test
Electro-Voice components and systems are
manufactured to exacting standards, ensur-
ing they will hold up, not only through the
most rigorous of power tests, but also
through continued use in arduous, real-life
conditions. The EIA Loudspeaker Power
Rating Full Range (ANSI/EIA RS-426-A
1980) uses a noise spectrum which mimics
typical music and tests the thermal and me-
chanical capabilities of the components.
Electro-Voice will support relevant addi-
tional standards as and when they become
available. Extreme, in-house power tests,
which push the performance boundaries of
the woofers, are also performed and passed
to ensure years of trouble-free service.
Specifically, the Sb180 passes ANSI/EIA
RS-426-A 1980 with the following values:
RSR = 6.9 ohms (1.15 x RE)
PE(MAX) = 600 watts
Test voltage = 64.34 volts rms,
128.7 volts peak
The “peak” power-handling capacity of a
woofer is determined by the peak test volt-
ageamount.FortheSb180,a128.7-volt peak
testvoltagetranslatesinto2,400-watts short-
term peak power-handling capacity. This is
the equivalent of four times the “average”
power-handling capacity, and is a peak that
can be sustained for only a few milliseconds.
However, this sort of short duration peak is
very typical in speech and music. Provided
the amplifier can reproduce the signal accu-
rately, without clipping, the woofer will also
performaccurately and reliably,even at these
levels.
Architects’ and Engineers’
Specifications
Theloudspeakershallbeahorn-loadedtype.
Thelow frequencies shall bereproduced with
a 600-watt (ANSI/EIA RS-426-A 1980)
EVX-180B 460-mm (18-in.) woofer. The
system will reproduce the frequencies
from 33 to 250 Hz. The system shall be
capable of producing average sound lev-
els in excess of 128 dB in the long term,
and short-term peaks of 135 dB.
The enclosure shall be constructed of black,
painted,multilayer plywood andhavea metal
grille which attaches with six screws. The
dimensions shall be 603.3 mm (23.75 in.)
tall, 571.5 mm (22.5 in.) wide and 806.5 mm
(31.75 in.) deep. The system shall weigh
43 kg (102 lb). Neutrik Speakon®connec-
tions shall be provided.
A 13/8-in. stand mount capable of support-
ing 75 pounds (34 kg) will be provided in
the top surface of the Sb180 enclosure.
The loudspeaker system shall be the
Electro-Voice Sb180 subwoofer.
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 the individual 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 the individual prod-

Sb180 Subwoofer
Sb180 Subwoofer
3
uct data sheet or owner’s manual; (c) mal-
function resulting from use or operation of
theproduct otherthan asspecifiedin theprod-
uct data sheet or owner’s manual; (d) mal-
function 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 EVI Audio Ser-
vice or any of its authorized service represen-
tatives. Obtaining Warranty Service: To
obtain warranty service, a customer must
deliver the product, prepaid, to EVI Audio
Service or any of its authorized service rep-
resentatives together with proof of purchase
of the product in the form of a bill of sale or
receipted invoice. A list of authorized ser-
vice representatives is available from
EVI Audio Service at 600 Cecil Street,
Buchanan,MI49107 (800/234-6831 or FAX
616/695-4743). Incidental and Conse-
quential Damages Excluded: Product re-
pairor replacementandreturn tothe customer
are the only remedies provided to the cus-
tomer. Electro-Voice shall not be liable for
any incidental or consequential damages in-
cluding,withoutlimitation,injurytopersons
or property or loss of use. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of inciden-
tal or consequential damages so the above
limitationorexclusionmaynot apply to you.
OtherRights:This warranty gives you spe-
cificlegal rights, andyoumay also haveother
rights which vary from state to state.
Electro-Voice Speakers and Speaker Sys-
temsare guaranteed against malfunction due
to defects in materials or workmanship for a
periodof five (5) years from the dateoforigi-
nalpurchase.The Limited Warranty doesnot
apply to burned voice coils or malfunctions
such as cone and/or coil damage 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 pur-
chase. Additional details are included in the
Uniform Limited 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, contact Technical
Support at 800/234-6831 or 616/695-6831,
M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Stan-
dard Time.
Specifications subject to change without no-
tice.

Sb180 Subwoofer
Sb180 Subwoofer
4
Sb180 Subwoofer
Figure 1—Frequency Response
Figure 2—Harmonic Distortion 0.1
Rated Power Input (60 watts)
20 30 50 100 200 500 1000 2000 5000 10000 20000
FREQUENCY IN HERTZ
90
100
120
80
SPL in dB
2nd HARMONIC
3rd HARMONIC

Sb180 Subwoofer
Sb180 Subwoofer
5
Sb180 Subwoofer
C
A
B
I
N
E
T
GROUND INDICATOR
1/4-IN. PHONE PLUG
1 – 1 +
OR
2 –
2 +
1 +
1 –
NL4FC
PIN DIAGRAM
BANANA PLUG
➝➝
➝➝
➝
INPUT TO
SPEAKERSYSTEM
➝➝
➝➝
➝
1 +
1 –
Figure 5—Two-Conductor Cable
Configurations for Sb180 Subwoofer
Using Neutrik Speakon®NL4FC Four-
Pin Connector
Figure 3—Dimensions Figure 4—Using the Sb180 with a
Satellite Speaker System
672.7 mm
(26 1/2 in.)
2106.5 mm
(6 ft 10 7/8 in.)
571.5 mm
(22 1/2 in.)
806.5 mm
(31 3/4 in.)
36.3 mm DIA
(1 3/8 in.)
403.2 mm
(15 7/8 in.)
603.3 mm
(23 3/4 in.)
571.5 mm
(22 1/2 in.)

Sb180 Subwoofer
Sb180 Subwoofer
6
SPEAKERS—Portables Part Number 534853 — 9927
600 Cecil Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
616/695-6831, 616/695-1304 Fax
©Telex Communications, Inc., 1999 • Litho in U.S.A.
Specifications
Typical Axial Frequency Response
(swept one-third-octave pink noise,
anechoic environment, 4 volts at 10
feet, normalized for 1 watt/1meter; see
Figure 1):
40-250 Hz
Low-Frequency 3-dB-Down Point:
40 Hz
Usable Low-Frequency Limit
(10-dB-Down Point):
31 Hz
Half-Space Reference Efficiency:
6.0%
Long-Term Average Power-Handling
Capacity per ANSI/EIA RS-426-A
1980
(see Power-Handling Capacity
section):
600 watts
Maximum Woofer Acoustic Output:
36 watts
Sensitivity (SPL at 1 meter, 1 watt
input, anechoic environment, band-
limited pink noise signal, 50 to 200
Hz):
99 dB
Dispersion Angle Included by 6-dB-
Down Points on Polar Responses:
Essentially omnidirectional
Distortion, 0.1 Full Power Input (see
Figure 2),
Second Harmonic,
100 Hz: –52 dB, 0.25%
Third Harmonic,
100 Hz: –44 dB, 0.63%
Transducer Complement:
EVX-180B
Box Tuning Frequency:
38 Hz
Recommended Crossover Frequency:
250 Hz or below
Recommended Crossover Slope:
12 dB per octave
Impedance,
Nominal:
8 ohms
Minimum:
6.1 ohms
Input Connectors:
Two Neutrik Speakon®NL4MPR-V
Mounting:
Top surface contains stand mount
receptacle for use with satellite
speaker system
Materials,
Enclosure:
Black, texture painted ¾-in. void-
free plywood
Grille:
Black perforated metal
Enclosure Dimensions (see Figure 3),
Height:
603.3 mm (23.75 in.)
Width:
571.5 mm (22.5 in.)
Depth:
806.5 mm (31.75 in.)
Net Weight:
46.3 kg (102lb)
Shipping Weight:
50.9 kg (112 lb)