EM Acoustics R12 Operational manual

R12
3-way large format precision point source loudspeaker
Product User Manual
v1 February 2023
liberating audio

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R12 User Manual
v1 February 2023
Contents
DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY.............................................................................................................. 4
1.0 - Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.0 – R12 & Accessories ................................................................................................................................ 6
R12 ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
FC-R12h.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
FC-R12v .......................................................................................................................................................... 7
VFA-R12 ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 – Determining the installed waveguide and orientation....................................................... 8
2.2 – Rotating the MHF waveguide ...................................................................................................... 9
2.3 – Changing the MHF waveguide.................................................................................................. 10
3.0 – Simulation.............................................................................................................................................. 11
Ease Focus 3.............................................................................................................................................. 11
4.0 - Safety Considerations ...................................................................................................................... 12
General Considerations in use............................................................................................................. 12
Personal Injury...................................................................................................................................... 12
Stand Mounting.................................................................................................................................... 12
Ground Stacking ................................................................................................................................... 13
Rigging and Suspension.................................................................................................................... 13
Secondary Safeties.................................................................................................................................. 14
Safety Inspections................................................................................................................................... 14
Material Damage from Magnetism ................................................................................................ 14
5.0 – Rigging & Mounting Options .......................................................................................................... 15
5.1 – R12 Cabinet Overview ................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 – Using the FC-R12v ........................................................................................................................ 16
5.3 – Using the FC-R12h ........................................................................................................................ 17
5.3.1 – Drop height adjustment on the FC-R12h ..................................................................... 17
5.4 – Using the VFA-R12 ....................................................................................................................... 18
5.4.1 – Angle adjustment with the VFA-R12............................................................................. 19
5.7 – Safety Points................................................................................................................................... 19
6.0 – Powering the System........................................................................................................................ 20
6.1 - Amplifier and Processing Requirements............................................................................... 20

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6.1.1 - Connections ............................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.3 – Amplifier Requirements ...................................................................................................... 21
6.1.4 – Processing Requirements................................................................................................... 21
6.2 - Presets and Settings .................................................................................................................... 22
6.2.1 – Standard R12 presets .......................................................................................................... 22
6.2.2 - Geometric Delay..................................................................................................................... 22
6.2.3 - Applying EQ ............................................................................................................................. 22
6.3 - Use with the DQ Series Advanced System Amplifiers ..................................................... 23
6.3.1 - Connections ............................................................................................................................. 23
6.3.2 - Preset Recall............................................................................................................................ 23
6.4 - System Connectivity..................................................................................................................... 24
6.4.1 - Cable Length and Specification........................................................................................ 24
6.4.2 – Crossover Cable Use ............................................................................................................. 24
7.0 – Servicing Information........................................................................................................................ 25
7.1 – R12: Removing the grille ........................................................................................................... 25
7.2 – R12: Removing the LF drive unit............................................................................................ 26
7.3 – R8: Removing the MHF drive unit........................................................................................... 28
Appendix A – Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. 29
R12 3-way precision passive point source loudspeaker........................................................... 29
Appendix B – Technical Drawings .......................................................................................................... 30
Appendix C – Spare Parts List ................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix D – Warranty Information ....................................................................................................... 35
Limited Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 35
Warranty Coverage ............................................................................................................................. 35
Returning your EM Acoustics loudspeaker................................................................................. 35

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DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY
This declaration applies to:
10M604– R12 compact 3-way precision passive point source loudspeaker
This declaration also applies to all product variants, provided that they conform to the
original technical specification and have not been subject to any non-factory
modifications.
We herewith declare that the products listed above are in conformity with the provisions
of the respective directives including all applicable amendments.
Details of the applicable declarations can be downloaded from our website
www.emacoustics.co.uk on the individual product pages.
WEEE Declaration
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.
WEEE Producer Registration Number WEE/HH0101WU.

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1.0 - Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this highly acclaimed product from EM Acoustics. This product
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 new product, please do not hesitate to contact us
directly or your local EM Acoustics representative.
The R12 is a revolutionary 3-way loudspeaker, intended for a wide variety of audio
applications – from theatrical use through to corporate A/V, speech reinforcement and even
medium scale live music reinforcement. The compact and slim enclosure houses a pair of
12” neodymium LF drive units and a 4”/2.5” diaphragm, 1.4” exit annular MHF compression
drive unit coupled to a rotatable constant coverage waveguide. Two waveguides are
supplied with the R12 - 80° x 50° fitted as standard and 110° x 50° supplied loose. These
three drive units are linked with a completely new type of passive crossover network,
designed from the ground up to work in conjunction with the FIR (Finite Impulse Response)
processing in the DQ Series advanced system amplifiers. This means the R12 exhibits a
level of frequency and phase response previously unattainable, all within a lightweight
and discreet physical package.
This manual contains all the information you should need on topics of set up, amplifier
connection 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 – R12 & Accessories
FEATURES & BENEFITS
•Signature EM Acoustics “maximum headroom” design approach ensures
consistency of performance regardless of SPL level.
•Quick-release flying system for touring applications.
•Multiple M10 threaded flying points for temporary and permanent
installation.
•Enclosure coated with 3-step polyurethane process - ensuring the cabinets
are not only weather resistant but more resilient to impact damage.
•Various rigging accessories available.
•Connections on NL4.
•Single DQ Series amplifier channel required.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
DRIVE UNITS:
FREQUENCY RESPONSE:
NOMINAL DISPERSION:
MAXIMUM SPL:
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE:
DIMENSIONS (HxWxD):
NET/SHIPPING WEIGHT:
3-way passive, reflex loaded
LF: 2 x 12” / MHF: 1.4” exit coaxial annular driver
50Hz – 20kHz +/-3dB
80° x 50° rotatable (narrow)
110° x 50° rotatable (wide)
133dB continuous, 139dB peak
4 ohms
820 (32.3) x 380 (15) x 530 (20.9) mm/(ins)
42/49.9kg (92.4/109.3lbs)
FC-R12h
Horizontal flying cradle
The FC-R12h is a simple and effective means of mounting the R12 horizontally
in both temporary and permanent applications.
It is secured to the cabinet by means of two M10 hand knobs into the top and
bottom of the loudspeaker to mount it in a landscape format. Multiple 13mm
diameter holes are provided for attachment in installation or via a hook clamp
or similar.
The FC-R12h is designed to support one single R12 loudspeaker.
Weight (including fixings) 4.3kg / 9.5lbs
R12
3-way precision point source loudspeaker

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FC-R12v
Vertical flying cradle
The FC-R12v is a simple and effective means of mounting the R12 vertically in
both temporary and permanent applications.
It is secured to the cabinet by means of a quick-release keyhole plate in the
top of the loudspeaker to mount it in a portrait format. A single 13mm diameter
fixing point is provided at the top of the outer yoke for attachment either in
installations or via a hook clamp or similar.
The FC-R12v is designed to support one single R12 loudspeaker.
Weight (including fixings) 8kg / 17.6lbs
VFA-R12
Variable Angle Flying bracket
The VFA-R12 is a simple and effective means of mounting the R12 vertically
in both temporary and permanent applications.
The VFA-R12 uses the centre of gravity of the R12 to determine the hanging
angle, with variation from +20° to -30° in 2.5° increments depending on the
pickup hole chosen.
The VFA-R12 is designed to use hook clamps/half couplers or standard eye
bolts for pickup.
The VFA-R12 is designed to support one single R12 loudspeaker.
Weight (including fixings) 3.2kg / 7lbs

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2.1 – Determining the installed waveguide and orientation
There are two waveguides supplied with the R12 loudspeaker, and each waveguide is
rotatable meaning there are four possible waveguide dispersion combinations.
To make identifying which waveguide is installed simple and quick, there is a viewing
recess in the enclosure on each side where the grille meets the enclosure woodwork.
Simply look in this small recess, and the identifying label will show which waveguide is
fitted and its orientation.
The 80x50 waveguide has blue indicator labels, and the wider 110x50 waveguide has red
indicator labels.
NOTE:
The arrows indicate the dispersion in the direction shown – in the example above, the label
indicates that the 110° x 50° horn is fitted and is oriented so it is 50° in the vertical plane
(and therefore 110° in the horizontal plane).
By default, the R12 ships from the factory with the 80x50 waveguide fitted, and the
dispersion pattern 80° horizontal x 50° vertical when the loudspeaker is in a portrait
format. In this format, the label showing in the viewing recess would be:

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2.2 – Rotating the MHF waveguide
The high frequency waveguide of the R12 can be easily rotated to provide appropriate
dispersion in both portrait and landscape formats.
By default, the R12 ships from the factory with the dispersion pattern 80° horizontal
x 50° vertical when the loudspeaker is in a portrait format.
To rotate the waveguide:
1. Use a 4mm Allen key to remove the four M6 countersunk machine screws that
secure the grille (two top, two bottom) and lift the grille clear.
2. Using a 4mm Allen key, remove the four M6 x 35mm button head socket screws
that secure the waveguide.
3. Lift the waveguide up from the enclosure to rotate through 90 degrees to the
desired orientation - the label on the side of the waveguide denotes the dispersion.
4. Once in the correct orientation, replace the M6x35mm button head socket screws
and retighten.
5. Replace the grille.
M6x30 countersunk socket
machine screws
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 1

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2.3 – Changing the MHF waveguide
The R12 is supplied with two waveguides for maximum flexibility – a narrow dispersion
(80° x 50°) and a wide dispersion (110° x 50°).
By default, the R12 ships from the factory with the dispersion pattern 80° horizontal
x 50° vertical when the loudspeaker is in a portrait format.
To change the waveguide:
1. Follow steps 1 & 2 in chapter 2.2 to remove the grille and the waveguide securing
bolts.
2. Lift the waveguide clear of the enclosure – the drive unit is secured internally to
the loudspeaker, and as such the waveguide is free to be removed once the bolts
are removed.
3. Fit the alternative waveguide into the enclosure – note that there is a precise fit at
the throat of the waveguide with the aluminium mounting plate in the enclosure,
so ensure this is located properly before attempting to retighten the bolts.
4. With the waveguide in the correct orientation, replace the M6x35mm button head
socket screws and retighten.
5. Replace the grille.
Locating hole in aluminium
mounting plate
Locating step at
waveguide throat

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3.0 – Simulation
Ease Focus 3
For acoustic reasons it is advised that users familiarize themselves with Ease Focus 3 – this system
provides the user with accurate simulations for setting up R12 loudspeakers.
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 R12 loudspeakers including the specific use of
Ease Focus 3, please contact your local distributor.

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4.0 - Safety Considerations
General Considerations in use
Loudspeaker systems are potentially dangerous objects if used incorrectly. Please ensure
that you read this section fully, and contact EM Acoustics or your local dealer should you
be in any doubt over correct operation procedures.
Personal Injury
Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers when in use at high level.
Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of producing sound pressure levels which
can cause permanent damage to human hearing. Levels in excess of 90dB can cause
hearing damage if people are exposed to them over a long period of time, so care and
attention must be used for both staff and audience members.
When deploying loudspeaker systems on the ground or when flown, please take careful
note of the following important safety considerations:
•Only use accessories and flying hardware supplied or approved by EM Acoustics for
flying or transporting loudspeaker systems. Pay close attention to specific
instructions, especially those considering maximum load capabilities as detailed in
the appropriate user manuals or on the legend labels on the accessories
themselves.
•Ensure all additional accessories, fasteners and secondary safeties are of an
appropriate size, working load limit and safety factor.
•All loudspeakers and accessories should be regularly inspected for signs of wear
and tear, and any damaged parts should be replaced.
•All load bearing parts and assembly bolts on accessories should be regularly
checked to ensure they are tight and not worn.
Stand Mounting
When mounting loudspeakers on a stand, please take note of the following important
considerations:
•Ensure your stand height is locked off and the tripod legs are positioned so as to
be stable.
•Check the weight loading of your stands before attempting to mount the
loudspeaker.
•Do not stack a second loudspeaker on top of the stand-mounted one.
•Ensure cables are run so as to leave enough slack to enable neat wiring, and thus
reduce the risk of the speaker being pulled over. Loose cables should be covered
or taped down wherever possible to reduce trip hazards.
•If stands are being used outdoors, it may be necessary to add ballast to the base
of the stand to prevent it toppling over.
•When using poles on top of subwoofer systems, please observe similar precautions.

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Ground Stacking
•Ensure that the floor or stage surface can withstand the weight of the system.
•Wherever possible, avoid high stacks and use ratchet straps to secure loudspeakers
together. Please also remember that vibrations from subwoofer systems can shake
other loudspeakers out of place, which may present a toppling hazard. The use of
ratchet straps and non-slip material is recommended to prevent this.
Rigging and Suspension
Please see Chapter 5 for further information on the detailed rigging options for your
loudspeaker system.
WARNING: The overhead suspension of loudspeakers is a very serious issue with
potentially lethal consequences should anything go wrong. Rigging should only be
carried out by experienced personnel following safe working practice. Should you be
in any doubt whatsoever, please contact your local dealer who will be able to refer you
to a suitable rigging company.
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 these accessories for any other loudspeaker system – the
components are specifically designed to work with this product and are not interchangeable with
any other EM Acoustics loudspeaker product (unless where specifically stated) or any other
loudspeaker system. The use of EM Acoustics accessories 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 R12 loudspeaker or accessories, nor use them in any way other than that
described in this manual. Rigging components supplied with the R8 are in no way interchangeable
and should not be used as such.
The component parts of the R12 and its accessories 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 the R12 loudspeaker, 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
installing or mounting your loudspeaker. 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.
Material Damage from Magnetism
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field at all times – even when not in use. Certain
devices are susceptible to external magnetism, and as such a safe distance should be
maintained to prevent damage. It is recommended that a safe distance of 0.5m (1.5ft) is
maintained from loudspeakers when stored, transported and in use, from devices such as
computer hard drives, magnetic media, bank cards to remove the risk of corruption. Larger
distances may be required for some older cathode ray tube displays.

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5.0 – Rigging & Mounting Options
5.1 – R12 Cabinet Overview
[5]
[3]
1
Top/Bottom M10 mounting point
2
Keyhole quick-release flying attachment plate
3
Top/Rear M8 rigging/safety points
4
Bottom M8 rigging/safety points
5
Handle
[5]
[5]
[1]
[4]
[4]
[2]
[3]
[1]
[3]
[3]

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5.2 – Using the FC-R12v
The FC-R12v is intended to mount the R12 vertically – using a hook clamp or similar from
above. The procedure for attaching the FC-R12v to the loudspeaker is the same regardless
of the mounting orientation.
The FC-R12v uses steel machined parts to bear the load, and a ball-lock quick release pin
to secure the cradle in place.
Step 1
Remove the single ball-lock pin from
its location in the mounting plate.
Lower the FC-R12
v so that the
bosses underneath engage into the
mounting plate.
Step 2
Slide the FC-R12v to the rear of the
loudspeaker as far as it will go. Once
in this position, replace the ball-lock
pin to lock the cradle in place.
Step 3
The FC-R12v is now ready to be
lifted – using a hook clamp or similar
from the central pickup point on the
outer yoke.

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5.3 – Using the FC-R12h
The FC-R12h is intended to mount the R12 horizontally. To fit, lie the R12 on its side and
line the flying cradle up with the mounting holes in the desired location (see 5.3.1 below).
Secure to the R12 using the supplied M10 locking knobs.
Ensure that the washers are in the correct order – form A (flat) in contact with the frame,
and then the spring washer between the flat washer and the locking knob. Tighten the
handles on both sides to lock the desired angle for the R12.
Always ensure that a secondary safety is used when suspending any loudspeaker.
5.3.1 – Drop height adjustment on the FC-R12h
Different location holes to secure the R12 to are provided on the FC-R12h mounting yoke.
Position 1 (closest to the end of the yoke arms) allows full 360° rotation of the
loudspeaker, and positions 2-5 offer a closer fit to the yoke, but with reduced rotational
ability of the loudspeaker itself.
M10 form A (flat) washer
M10 spring washer
Hand knob
Position 1
Position 2
Position 3
Position 4
Position 5

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5.4 – Using the VFA-R12
The VFA-R12 is a single-point suspension bracket, designed to support a single R12
loudspeaker and uses the R12’s centre of gravity to determine the up or down-tilt angle.
In this way, angles from 20 degrees up-tilt to 30 degrees down-tilt can be selected in 2.5-
degree increments. The VFA-R12 is designed to be suspended from a hook clamp/half
coupler or an eye bolt through the pickup bracket.
Step 1
Remove the single ball-lock pin from its location in the main
bracket. Lower the VFA-
R12 so that the bosses
underneath engage into the mounting plate.
The laser cut arrow in the main bracket indicates the front
of the bracket.
Step 3
The VFA-R12 is now ready to be lifted – using a hook
clamp or similar from the central pickup point on the outer
yoke.
Step 2
Slide the main bracket toward the rear of the
R12 as far as it will go. You can then
reinstate the ball-lock pin to lock the bracket
in place.

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Back hole – 30° down-tilt
Front hole – 20° up-tilt
9
th
hole - 0°
5.4.1 – Angle adjustment with the VFA-R12
The angle that the R12 will hang at depends on the pickup hole selected. The 9th hole back
from the front will hang the R12 flat, all other holes will increase the angle in 2.5-degree
increments. In this way, the front hole will provide 20° of up-tilt, and the furthest back hole
will provide 30° of down-tilt.
5.7 – Safety Points
Any flown loudspeaker must always have a secondary safety fitted. There are ten M8
threaded points that can be used as safety points – four on the top, two on the rear, and
four on the bottom. A simple M8 forged shoulder eyebolt can be screwed into any of these
points. Safeties should always be arranged so that the loudspeaker cannot drop in the
event of a primary attachment point failing so select the most appropriate safety point
considering the rigging situation.
M8 safety points

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6.0 – Powering the System
The R12 makes use of FIR (Finite Impulse Response) processing, and as such requires
specific proprietary DSP settings that are only available within the DQ or Di Series
amplifiers, or the DSC48 system controller. These complimentary electronics packages also
provide all necessary high pass, limiting and protection systems to ensure the best
performance out of the R12.
The R12 should not be used with any other amplification or processing platform.
6.1 - Amplifier and Processing Requirements
6.1.1 - Connections
The R12 requires only a single amplifier channel. Inputs to the R12 enclosure are on
Neutrik SpeakON NL4 as illustrated below.
Two-core cable should be used for connecting R12 loudspeakers, and the connections are
as follows:
SpeakON connection 1+ 1- 2+ 2-
Drive unit connection LF + LF - Link Through Link Through