EM Acoustics HALO B User manual

System User Manual
v2 November 2019
LOUDSPEAKERS REDEFINED

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Contents
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................................................................................5!
1.0 - Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 6!
Unpacking.......................................................................................................................................................6!
2.0 – HALO-B System Components............................................................................................................ 7!
HALO-B............................................................................................................................................................7!
FG-HALO-B.....................................................................................................................................................7!
CG-HALO-G.....................................................................................................................................................8!
EXT-HALO-B ..................................................................................................................................................8!
SM-HALO-B ....................................................................................................................................................8!
GS-HALO-B.....................................................................................................................................................8!
SAFETY-HALO-B ..........................................................................................................................................9!
CHAIN-HALO-B .............................................................................................................................................9!
WC-HALO-B....................................................................................................................................................9!
3.0 - Safety Considerations....................................................................................................................... 10!
System Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 10!
IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................... 10!
Secondary Safeties.................................................................................................................................. 11!
Safety Inspections................................................................................................................................... 11!
4.0 – Simulation.............................................................................................................................................. 12!
Ease Focus 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 12!
5.0 – Rigging System Overview ............................................................................................................... 13!
5.1 - HALO-B Cabinet Rigging Hardware........................................................................................ 13!
HALO-B Rear Link Labels .................................................................................................................. 14!
5.2 - FG-HALO-B........................................................................................................................................ 15!
FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Spine, Left side........................................................................ 17!
FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Spine, Right side ..................................................................... 18!
FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Side .............................................................................................. 19!
5.3 – CG-HALO-B........................................................................................................................................ 20!
CG-HALO-B Instruction Label - Left side.................................................................................... 22!
CG-HALO-B Instruction Label - Right side ................................................................................ 23!
5.4 – EXT-HALO-B..................................................................................................................................... 24!
5.5 – SM-HALO-B ....................................................................................................................................... 25!

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5.6 - GS-HALO-B........................................................................................................................................ 26!
6.0 – System Setup....................................................................................................................................... 27!
6.1 – Preparing HALO-B for flying or stacking ............................................................................... 27!
6.1.1 – Linking the front Rigging System.................................................................................... 27!
6.1.2 – Splay lock pin storage .......................................................................................................... 27!
6.2 – Flying HALO-B systems ............................................................................................................... 28!
6.2.1 - Prepping HALO-B on WC-HALO-B .................................................................................... 28!
6.2.2 - Flying from WC-HALO-B with FG-HALO-B .................................................................... 32!
6.2.3 – Flying from WC-HALO-B with CG-HALO-B .................................................................... 39!
6.2.4 – Using the EXT-HALO-B extension bar ........................................................................... 40!
6.2.5 – Flying using SM-HALO-B ..................................................................................................... 40!
6.3 – Flying HALO-B with ST-215 subwoofers.............................................................................. 41!
6.4 – Ground Stacking HALO-B............................................................................................................. 48!
6.4.1 – Ground Stacking with FG-HALO-B ................................................................................... 48!
6.4.2 – Ground Stacking with CG-HALO-B ................................................................................... 51!
6.4.3 - Ground Stacking with ST-215 & FG-HALO-B............................................................... 52!
6.4.4 – Ground Stacking with GS-HALO-B ................................................................................... 54!
6.4.5 – Using GS-HALO-B as an installation bracket ............................................................... 54!
6.4.6 – Ground Stacking with ST-215 & GS-HALO-B............................................................... 55!
6.5 Using the CHAIN-HALO-B lifting chain ..................................................................................... 57!
6.6 – Using HALO-B as a downfill for HALO-A systems.............................................................. 58!
6.7 - Fitting an Inclinometer ................................................................................................................ 62!
7.0 – Powering the System........................................................................................................................ 63!
7.1 - Amplifier and Processing Requirements............................................................................... 63!
7.1.1 - Connections............................................................................................................................. 63!
7.1.2 - Connector Options................................................................................................................. 63!
7.1.3 - Amplifier Requirements ...................................................................................................... 64!
7.2 - Presets and Settings .................................................................................................................... 65!
7.2.1 - Preset Description................................................................................................................. 65!
7.2.2 - FIR Latency.............................................................................................................................. 67!
7.2.3 - Geometric Delay..................................................................................................................... 67!
7.2.4 - Applying EQ.............................................................................................................................. 67!
7.3 - Use with the DQ Series Advanced System Amplifiers ..................................................... 68!
7.3.1 - Connections............................................................................................................................. 68!

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7.3.2 - Preset Recall............................................................................................................................ 68!
7.4 - System Connectivity..................................................................................................................... 69!
7.4.1 - Maximum number of elements per amplifier .............................................................. 69!
7.4.2 - Cable Length and Specification........................................................................................ 69!
7.4.3 - Available Cable Accessories............................................................................................... 70!
7.5 - Use with the DQRack.................................................................................................................... 71!
7.5.1 - DQRack Overview .................................................................................................................. 71!
7.5.2 - System Examples with the DQRack................................................................................ 72!
8.0 – Servicing Information........................................................................................................................ 74!
8.1 - HALO-B: Removing the grille.................................................................................................... 74!
8.2 - HALO-B: Removing waveguide/LF drive unit covers....................................................... 75!
8.3 - HALO-B: Removing the LF Drive Unit.................................................................................... 76!
8.4 - HALO-B: Removing the HF assembly .................................................................................... 77!
8.5 - HALO-B: Replacing a Front Rigging flying pin.................................................................... 78!
8.6 HALO-B: Replacing a Splay Rigging flying pin ...................................................................... 78!
Appendix A – Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. 79!
HALO-B 2-way medium format line array element ..................................................................... 79!
Appendix B – Technical Drawings ........................................................................................................... 80!
Appendix C – Spare Parts List ................................................................................................................... 87!
Appendix D – Warranty Information ....................................................................................................... 88!
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 88!
Warranty Coverage ............................................................................................................................. 88!
Returning your EM Acoustics loudspeaker................................................................................. 88!

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The products contained within this manual conform to the
requirements of the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by
92/31/EEC and to the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
73/23/EEC amended by 93/68/EEC.
EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:1993
RECYCLING
This product and its packaging constitute the applicable product according
to the WEEE directive. Please ensure that at the end of the working life of
this product, it is disposed of sensibly in accordance with local and national
recycling regulations. The packaging supplied with this product is
recyclable. Please retain all packaging, however if disposing of this
packaging please ensure that you comply with local recycling regulations.
These products also all comply to the RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC.

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1.0 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the revolutionary HALO B line array system from EM Acoustics.
The entire HALO system family has been designed and rigorously tested to give you the
utmost in sonic performance and many years of reliable, trouble-free operation. Please
take the time to read this user manual thoroughly to ensure you get the best performance
from your system and to ensure you set it up correctly and safely. If you have any
questions or are in any doubt whatsoever about any aspect of your HALO system, please
do not hesitate to contact us directly or your local EM Acoustics representative.
The HALO B system draws from its bigger brother HALO A, and utilises our patent-pending
multi-drive unit plan wave simulation manifold. This device combines the energy of four
1” exit ring-radiator compression drivers, via geometrically-identical acoustic paths, into
one plane wavefront. The end result is not only a very accurate plane wave
representation, but also significantly higher headroom than comparable systems to HALO
Arena. The high frequency section is married to two state-of-the-art 8” neodymium low
frequency transducers, in an optimally tuned and intelligently braced enclosure. The
acoustic package is combined with an intuitive and flexible rigging and flying system, and
the DQ Series of advanced system amplifiers for a complete turnkey medium format line
array solution.
This manual contains all the information you should need on topics of set up, amplifier
connection, flying & stacking and basic service. If you feel we have missed anything, or
you have a question not covered by this manual, please visit our website
www.emacoustics.co.uk and send us a message or give us a call – we’re only too happy to
help.
Unpacking
Please take care when unpacking your loudspeaker system. Once unpacked, please inspect
each enclosure thoroughly for any transit damage and in the case of any damage please
notify your carrier immediately. It is the responsibility of you, the consignee, to instigate
any claim. Please retain all original packaging in case of future re-shipment.

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2.0 – HALO-B System Components
The HALO B system comprises one loudspeaker model, a compatible subwoofer and
associated flying hardware and accessories. Details of the different components are given
below – all enclosures and flying grids work on the same principles and use similar if not
identical hardware.
HALO-B
2-way medium format line array element
FEATURES & BENEFITS
•Signature EM Acoustics “maximum headroom” design approach ensures
consistency of performance regardless of SPL level.
•Extremely consistent horizontal dispersion pattern across the operating
frequency band nominal 110-degree pattern is maintained down to
350Hz.
•Compact enclosure with low weight means less truck space used and
smaller motors required.
•Enclosure coated with 3-step polyurethane process - ensuring the cabinets
are not only weather resistant but more resilient to impact damage.
•Intuitive, simple 3-point flying system, assembled from ultra-high tensile
strength steel with XylanTM
coating for enhanced durability.
•Biamplified design for maximum efficiency with amplifier channel count.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
!
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
DRIVE UNITS:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
NOMINAL DISPERSION1:
MAXIMUM SPL:
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
DIMENSIONS (HxWxD):
NET/SHIPPING WEIGHT:
!
!
2-way reflex loaded line array element
LF: 2 x 8” / HF: 4 x 2.5”
65Hz - 19kHz +/-3dB
110 horizontal, vertical dependent on array config
135dB continuous, 141 dB peak
LF - 8 ohms / HF – 16 ohms
262 (10.3) x 772 (30.4) x 464 (18.3) mm/(ins)
29/32kg (63.8/70.4lbs)
FG-HALO-B
Master Flying Grid
The FG-HALO-B is the master flying grid for the system, and provides
a means of safely and swiftly flying arrays of HALO-B elements and/or
the companion ST-215 subwoofer. Up to twenty four HALO-B
elements can be safely flown in any configuration with a safety factor
of 10:1. The FG-HALO-B is supplied with two pickup links to use as
suspension points - it is strongly recommended that arrays larger than
twelve elements use two lifting points for control and ease of use.
The FG-HALO-B can also be used as a means of ground stacking HALO-
B systems by inverting the grid. Ground stacks of up to 10 HALO-B
elements can be assembled in this way.
The FG-HALO-B is supplied with four 2t WLL bow shackles.
Weight (without shackles) 32.5kg / 71.5lbs
Weight (including supplied shackles) 33.9kg / 74.6lbs

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CG-HALO-B
Compact Flying Grid
The CG-HALO-B is a compact flying grid, designed to safely suspend
smaller HALO-B arrays when space is at a premium. Physically smaller
and lighter than the FG-HALO-B master grid, the CG-HALO-B can safely
suspend arrays of up to 16 HALO-B elements at 10:1 safety factor.
The FG-HALO-B is supplied with two pickup links to use as suspension
points - it is strongly recommended that arrays larger than twelve
elements use two lifting points for control and ease of use.
The CG-HALO-B can also be used as a means of ground stacking HALO-
B systems by inverting the grid. Ground stacks of up to 6 HALO-B
elements can be assembled in this way.
The CG-HALO-B is supplied with four 2t WLL bow shackles.
Weight (without shackles) 16kg / 35.2lbs
Weight (including supplied shackles) 17.4kg / 38.3lbs
EXT-HALO-B
Extension Beam for CG-HALO-B
The EXT-HALO-B is used in conjunction with the CG-HALO-B compact
flying grid to achieve more extreme up/down-tilt angles in flown
configurations.
The EXT-HALO-B attaches to the spine of the CG-HALO-B – extending
out the rear for increased down-tilt, or the front for increased uptilt.
The EXT-HALO-B can be used to safely suspend HALO-B arrays up to
12 elements deep with a 10:1 safety factor.
Weight 5kg / 11lbs
SM-HALO-B
Simple Mounting Frame
The SM-HALO-B is intended to suspend small arrays – up to four
elements – quickly and cost-effectively. The SM-HALO-B is ideal for
corporate or theatre settings where multiple small arrays are required.
The SM-HALO-B can be used to safely suspend HALO-B arrays up to 4
elements with a 10:1 safety factor.
Weight 8kg / 17.6lbs
GS-HALO-B
Ground Stack Plate
The GS-HALO-B is a simple plate designed for ground stacking small
HALO-B arrays on stages, or larger arrays on top of ST-215
subwoofers. M8 locking knobs secure the GS-HALO-B to the ST-215
for neat arrays of up to 6 HALO-B elements. The GS-HALO-B can also
be used as a neat base plate when using HALO-B as a front-fill
enclosure.
In installation applications, the GS-HALO-B can be used to mount pairs
or single elements from ceilings if required.
Weight 10.8kg / 23.8lbs

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WC-HALO-B
Touring Wheel Cart
The WC-HALO-B is a wheelcart for transporting up to four HALO-B
elements safely & securely. An optional TC-HALO-B padded transit
cover can be used to protect full wheelcarts of four elements.
Dimensions of the WC-HALO-B are optimised for truck packing, so the
carts fit three wide in a standard truck. The width of the WC-HALO-B
is the same as the depth of the WC-HALO-A, to ensure compatible
truck packing when both systems are transported together.
WC-HALO-B carts stack neatly for storage when not in use.
Weight 24.9kg / 54.8lbs
CHAIN-HALO-B
Extension Lift Chain
The CHAIN-HALO-B assembly is intended to go between a motor and
the FG-HALO-B or CG-HALO-B pickup link. It is a variable length chain,
intended to give extra vertical clearance to accommodate motor lift
chain bags. It has a SWL of 760kg and an effective maximum working
length of 1000mm.
Weight 1.7kg / 3.6lbs
The SAFETY-HALO-B assembly is a 2-leg bridle chain assembly,
intended to connect the two safety points on the FG-HALO-B or CG-
HALO-B to a single point for application of a secondary safety. It has
an effective working length of 510mm and the following SWL:
1 tonne 0-45 degrees
1.4 tonne 45-60 degrees
The angle between the chain legs must not exceed 60 degrees.
Weight 1.6kg / 3.5lbs
SAFETY-HALO-B
Chainset

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3.0 - Safety Considerations
System Overview
The flying system for HALO B has been specifically designed to be flexible, intuitive and reliable.
Please read this section of the user manual extremely carefully as the rigging of loudspeakers is a
very serious matter with potentially fatal consequences should anything go wrong. If you are in
ANY DOUBT WHATSOEVER, contact a reputable rigging company or your local EM Acoustics
representative.
IMPORTANT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
The HALO B rigging system has been designed and constructed to a very high standard of safety,
and tested to demanding specifications. To ensure the highest standards of safety, the following
information on array assembly must be exactly followed and understood.
Only use EM Acoustics recommended rigging hardware and accessories, which are specifically
designed for the purpose. Do not use HALO B flying hardware for any other loudspeaker system –
the components are specifically designed to work with the HALO B system and are not
interchangeable with any other EM Acoustics loudspeaker product or any other loudspeaker system.
The use of HALO B flying hardware with other manufacturers’ systems may compromise the safety
standards and EM Acoustics is in no way liable for any loss, damage or injury caused by such practice.
Do not modify or alter the HALO B hardware or accessories, nor use them in any way other than
that described in this manual. Rigging components supplied as part of the HALO B system are in no
way interchangeable and should not be used as such.
The component parts of the HALO B rigging assembly should only be assembled in the manner
described in this manual, using the fasteners and fixings stated herein. The use of fasteners and
methods of assembly not described in this manual may result in an unsafe assembly and as such
EM Acoustics will not be responsible for any loss, damage or injury caused by such practice. Welding,
drilling or any other means of modifying any part of the flying hardware or permanently fixing
components to each other is strictly forbidden.
Rigging assemblies must only be assembled using the appropriate parts and fixings as described in
this manual, explicitly following the assembly instructions given herein. Rigging components must
only be fixed to EM Acoustics HALO B loudspeaker systems, using the correct cabinet location
points, assembly methods and fasteners specifically described within this manual.
Walls, floors and ceilings must be capable of supporting the actual load placed upon them. The
rigging hardware must be safely and securely fixed to both the loudspeaker system and the
supporting structure.

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Secondary Safeties
It is imperative that all loudspeakers flown in any given environment should be provided with a
second, independent and properly rated safety suspension point in addition to the principle load
bearing means of suspension. Steel wire ropes or steel chains of an approved construction and load
rating only may be used as secondary safeties. Plastic covered steel chains may not be used as
secondary safeties under any circumstances. Also ensure that all local and national laws are
complied with when determining your primary and secondary suspension points.
Safety Inspections
Carefully inspect all flying system components prior to use for defects or signs of damage prior to
assembling a HALO Arena array. If any components damaged or you suspect them to be damaged,
DO NOT USE THEM.
Regular scheduled tests – which are much more rigorous than visual inspections – of all rigging
components must also be carried out. Safety legislation, and test/inspection requirements, will vary
from country to country and as such it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that local regulations
are adhered to. In most cases, annual independent tests & inspections carried out by a suitably
approved and qualified inspector will be required.
EM Acoustics recommends detailed logbooks be kept of all inspections and load tests to ensure an
accurate record is kept of the testing for each EM Acoustics rigging accessory.
When flying any loudspeaker system, always wear protective headwear, footwear and eye
protection in accordance with local regulations.
The rigging of a flown loudspeaker system may be dangerous if not undertaken by a suitably
experienced and qualified rigger. Installation & fixing of all hanging points should only be
carried out by a professional rigger in accordance with local legislation as well as the rules of
the venue. The house rigger and/or venue manager must always be consulted.

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4.0 – Simulation
Ease Focus 3
For safety and acoustic reasons, it is advised that users familiarize themselves with Ease Focus 3.
Along with providing the user with accurate simulations for setting up HALO B, it also provides
importing safety information with regards to load limits.
Ease Focus 3 can be downloaded for free from the AFMG website at http://focus.afmg.eu and is
currently available as a stand-alone application for Windows (XP or Higher) only. It can also be
downloaded directly from the EM Acoustics website with all the current product files embedded.
Tutorials for Ease Focus 3 are available from with the application itself.
For training on the design and implementation of HALO B including the specific use of Ease Focus
3, please contact your local distributor.

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5.0 – Rigging System Overview
5.1 - HALO-B Cabinet Rigging Hardware
1
Lifting & Carrying Handle
2
Front Link (Extended)
3
Front Link Lock Pin
4
Front Enclosure Link Pin
5
Rear Link
6
Angle Set Pin
7
Splay Lock Pin
8
Rear Enclosure Link Pin
9
Splay Lock Pin stow point
[2]
[4]
[5]
[1]
[3]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]

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HALO-B Rear Link Labels
Angle Indicator.
Rear enclosure
link pin location.
Link stow pin point when
no elements rigged
above.
Splay lock
pin location.
Splay lock pin
stow position
for derigging.

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5.2 - FG-HALO-B
[6]
[1]
[3]
[4]
[8]
[7]
[9]
[11]
[12]
[6]
[4]
[2]
[2]
[4]
[4]

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[1] – Front Link Attachment Point
[2] – Rear Link Attachment Point
[3] – Splay Link Attachment Point
[4] – Sub Link Attachment Point
[5] – Cable Pick
[6] – Safety Points
[7] – Inclinometer Mounting Point
[8] – Inclinometer Laser Aperture
[9] – Pickup Link Location Holes
[10] – Pickup Links (Stowed)
[11] – Pickup Links (Full Position)
[12] – Pickup Links (Half Position)
This clevis forms the area where HALO-B or ST-215
enclosure front links should be engaged. A 0.313” ball-
lock pin secures each link in place.
This clevis forms the area where ST-215 subwoofer
rear links should be engaged. A 0.313” ball-lock pin
secures each link in place.
The splay link of the first HALO-B enclosure should
engage in this slot in the spine. Pay attention to the
label details with regards the indicated angle compared
to actual angle for the first element in the array.
A secondary safety must always be used on flown
arrays. Both safety points should be connected to avoid
the array swinging in the event of a primary lift failure.
The SAFETY-HALO-B 2-leg bridle is designed for this
purpose.
A range of laser inclinometers can be fitted to the FG-
HALO-B including TEQSAS devices. An aperture is
provided in the front beam for the laser to pass through.
The retractable cable pick gives a location to safely
secure the array cables at the back of the FG-HALO-B
grid. It can be stowed away when not being used.
Opening in the front grid load member for the
inclinometer laser beam to pass through.
Stow locations for the two pickup links when the FG-
HALO-B is being used for ground stack, or being stored
or transported.
When using a single pick point, reference Ease Focus 3
for the pick point for the desired angle. For a full
position, line up the white arrow with the number on
the spine
When using a single pick point, reference Ease Focus 3
for the pick point for the desired angle. For a half
position, line up the red arrow between the appropriate
numbers on the spine
Holes are numbered 1 to 39, the appropriate locations
are determined by your EASE Focus simulation. Links
must be secured with the two 0.375” ball-lock pins
attached.
When attaching an FG-HALO-B between ST-215
subwoofers and HALO-B enclosures, four rotating links
at the top of the grid in each corner engage into the
bottom of the subwoofer.

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FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Spine, Left side

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FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Spine, Right side

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FG-HALO-B Instruction Label – Side

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5.3 – CG-HALO-B
[4]
[1]
[4]
[2]
[6]
[5]
[3]
[9]
[10]
[8]
[8]