EM Acoustics EMS-115 User manual

1
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
EMS-115/115C quasi-bandpass compact subwoofer
User Manual –v1.0
EM Acoustics Loudspeakers
Building 74, Dunsfold Park
Cranleigh, Surrey
GU6 8TB, UK
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.emacoustics.co.uk
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Copyright EM Acoustics 2012

2
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
CONTENTS
Introduction
Thank you ...……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Unpacking ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Declaration of Conformity …………………….…………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Product Overview
EMS-115 quasi-bandpass subwoofer ............……………………………………………………………………………… 4
System Set-up
Safety Considerations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Cabling & Amplifier selection ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
DSP Settings ................................................................................................................................ 7
Maintenance
EMS-115 Drive Unit Service ………..……………………………………………………………………………………………….8
Warranty ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Appendix A –Technical Specifications …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

3
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
INTRODUCTION
Thank you
Thank you for purchasing a product from the acclaimed EMS Series from EM Acoustics. The EMS Series products
have been carefully designed and rigorously tested to ensure years of flawless operation and unprecedented sonic
quality. Flexibility is the key factor with EMS products, and consequently they are at home within a wide variety of
applications from live and portable applications, through to cafes, bars, nightclubs, theatres and conference
centres.
Please ensure that you read this manual carefully before use, and that you keep it to hand should you need it for
further reference. Furthermore, should you have any difficulties please do not hesitate in contacting your EM
Acoustics dealer, or email [email protected]o.uk for further assistance.
Unpacking
Every EM Acoustics product is built to the highest standard and thoroughly tested before it leaves our factory.
After unpacking your loudspeaker, please inspect it carefully for any signs of transit damage. If such damage is
found, please notify the carrier at once to instigate a claim. It is suggested that you retain all packaging for future
re-shipment.
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.
Standards Applied: 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.

4
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
EMS-115/115C quasi-bandpass compact subwoofer
The EMS-115 is a compact, powerful subwoofer product designed for a wide variety of sound reinforcement
applications where compact size and weight are more critical than low frequency extension. It features a high-
power 15” (381mm) neodymium LF drive unit in a quasi-bandpass enclosure, resulting in a response which is swift
and punchy, whilst still retaining usable low frequency extension. The EMS-115C is identical in every respect,
except that the drive unit utilises a ceramic magnet system for more cost-sensitive applications.
The EMS-115 is suited to a wide variety of professional audio applications, from corporate and theatre use through
to small-medium scale front of house or nightclub use.
As with all EM Acoustics subwoofers, no programmed EQ is required for correct operation. For normal usage,
active high and low pass filers are required. This is a lot of flexibility in the choice of crossover points, depending
on program material and user taste. Please see page 7 for further information.
The EMS-115 is supplied as standard in black or white, and is fitted with two Neutrik SpeakONTM NL4MPR
connectors. An optional castor set is also available to fit heavy-duty wheels to the EMS-115. Custom colours,
weather protection and specific connectors can also be supplied if required –please contact your local EM
Acoustics representative for more details.

5
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
SYSTEM SET-UP
Safety Considerations
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.
Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of producing damage-inducing sound pressure levels, and hence
care should be taken when setting your system up, particularly when it comes to loudspeaker placement within a
venue. Damage to the ear can result from levels above 90dB under prolonged exposure.
Pole Mounting fullrange loudspeakers from the EMS-115/115C
The EMS-115/115C can be support other loudspeakers using either a standard 35mm pole, or an M20 threaded
pole depending on your choice of hardware. When mounting in this way, please consider the following:
Ensure your stand height is locked off and the system is stable.
Check the weight loading of your poles 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 the system is being used outdoors, it may be necessary to add support to the system to prevent it toppling
over.
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.

6
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
Cabling and Amplifier Selection
The EMS-115 is designed to be used with professional power amplifiers providing the following power outputs:
EMS-115 1000W/channel into eight ohms
It is good practice to use an amplifier equal to the program power rating of the loudspeaker –so as to retain
sufficient headroom and good dynamic range. Care should be taken during operation to avoid amplifier clipping –
as this can cause serious damage to your loudspeakers. If in doubt, please contact your dealer who will be happy
to assist you in correct amplifier choice and setup.
Cabling
The EMS-115 is supplied as standard with Neutrik SpeakONTM NL4 connectors, wired pin 1+/1-. It is
recommended that the resistance of your cable is less than one tenth of the nominal system impedance. Given
below are the recommended maximum cable lengths for different cross-sections and impedances.
Conductor Cross Sectional Area Maximum Recommended Cable Length
4 ohms 8 ohms 16 ohms
1.0mm211m 22m 44m
1.5mm2 17m 34m 68m
2.0mm222m 44m 88m
2.5mm229m 58m 116m
4.0mm244m 88m 176m
6.0mm266m 132m 264m
Pins 2+/2- on the SpeakONTM connectors are wired together to allow link-through with 4-core cables.
A small power amplifier working too hard is more likely to damage a loudspeaker than a large power amplifier
working within its operating range!

7
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
DSP Settings
The EMS-115 requires at the minimum an active low pass filter to function correctly. The settings below are given
as a starting point –as the user you are given maximum flexibility to adjust for your taste. To protect the drive
unit, it is also advisable to apply a high pass filter to the system to protect the EMS-115 drive unit from over-
excursion from frequencies it cannot reproduce. The higher you raise the high pass filter on an EMS-115, the more
headroom and overall sound pressure level output there is available. For most medium-to-high level applications,
we would recommend a minimum of an 45Hz high pass filter with a 24dB/octave slope to sufficiently protect the
loudspeaker. For higher SPL applications, we would recommend raising this filter –we would stress that the
higher the filter, the safer the loudspeaker will be. If you are in any doubt over suitable settings for your EMS-115,
please don’t hesitate to contact EM Acoustics or your local dealer for support and advice.
EMS-115: High Pass Filter: 45Hz, 24dB/Octave Linkwitz-Riley
Low Pass Filter: 125Hz maximum, 24dB/Octave Linkwitz-Riley

8
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
MAINTENANCE
Your EM Acoustics loudspeakers have been rigorously tested before they leave our factory, to ensure that they give
you a lifetime of flawless operation. Should any of your drive units fail and need replacing, please follow the
guidelines below.
EMS-115: Low Frequency Drive Unit
1. Using a 5mm Allen key, undo the M6 machine screws securing the drive unit access door.
2. Using a 5mm Allen key, remove the six M6 socket-head bolts holding the drive unit in place, and keep them
safe –ensuring you have collected both the shake-proof and flat washers for each bolt. Gently lift the drive
unit out of its locating hole –please take care as it is heavy! Carefully disconnect the cables from the drive
unit. For the EMS-115C, eight bolts secure the drive unit in place.
3. To reinstate the driver, simply reverse the above procedure. Please observe the correct polarity –red cable to
positive terminal, black cable to negative.
4. Reinstate the access door by carefully aligning the mounting holes of the door with the threaded fittings in the
door support. Insert the M6 bolts and re-tighten to secure the door.

9
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
WARRANTY
Limited Warranty
This EM Acoustics loudspeaker product is warranted to the original end-user purchaser and all subsequent owners
for a period of three years from the original date of purchase.
Warranty Coverage
This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. It does not include:
Damage or failure caused by accident, misuse, neglect, abuse or modification by any person other than an
authorised EM Acoustics representative.
Damage or failure caused by operating the loudspeaker product contrary to the instructions contained within
this manual.
Damage caused during shipment.
Claims based on any misrepresentation by the seller.
Products which contain anything other than the original components (or EM Acoustics factory supplied spare
parts).
Products on which the serial number has been removed, altered or defaced.
Returning your EM Acoustics loudspeaker
Should your EM Acoustics loudspeaker develop a fault, please return it (freight prepaid) in its original packaging,
along with proof of purchase to your local dealer or to:
EM Acoustics (Returns Department), Building 74, Dunsfold Park, Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 8TB, UK
including a description of the suspected fault. Serial numbers must be quoted in all correspondence relating to the
claim. EM Acoustics or its representatives are in no way liable for any loss or damage in transit, and hence it is
recommended that the sender insure the shipment. EM Acoustics will pay for return freight should the repair be
covered under warranty.
EM Acoustics’ liability is to the replacement or repair (at our discretion) of any defective components, and as such
are not liable for any incidental and consequential damages including (without limitation) injury to persons,
damage to property or loss of use.
This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied. This warranty is also in
addition to –and in no way detracts from –your statutory rights as a consumer.

10
EMS-115 User Manual
www.emacoustics.co.uk
APPENDIX A –TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
EM Acoustics operates a continuous process of research and development, and as such reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
EMS-115/115C
ENCLOSURE TYPE: single driver quasi-bandpass subwoofer
DIMENSIONS (HxWxD): 495 (19.5) x 516 (20.3) x 700 (27.6) mm/(ins)
NET/SHIPPING WEIGHT: EMS-115: 36/39kg (79.2/85.8lbs)
EMS-115C: 39/42kg (85.8/92.4lbs)
FREQUENCY RESPONSE1:50Hz –150Hz +/- 3dB
SENSITIVITY2:98dB
DISPERSION3:omnidirectional
DRIVE UNITS: 1 x 15” (381mm) LF cone drive unit
(neodymium in EMS-115, ceramic in EMS-115C)
POWER HANDLING: 500W RMS, 1000W program
MAXIMUM SPL4: 126dB continuous, 132dB peak
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE: 8 ohms
CROSSOVER: Active, recommended below 120Hz (24dB/Octave L-R)
CONNECTORS: 2 x Neutrik SpeakONTM NL4MPR
ENCLOSURE: 18mm (3/4”) multi-laminate Birch plywood –rebated, screwed & glued.
Finished in impact resistant textured paint
ENCLOSURE HARDWARE: 2 x flush handles
1 x 35mm or M20 polemount socket for mid/high enclosures
4 x rubber feet & mating recesses
GRILLE: Foam-backed hex punched steel
OPTIONS: Colours/Weather Protection
SPARE PARTS: DU-1504 15” (381mm) drive unit (EMS-115)
DU-1506 15” (381mm) drive unit (EMS-115C)
RK-1504 recone kit
RK-1506 recone kit
RFG-115 replacement foam/grille
Notes on measurement conditions:
1Measured on-axis at 2m in an anechoic environment and referenced to 1m.
2Measured in half space at 2m with 4W sine wave input and referenced to 1m.
3Nominal dispersion, measured in an anechoic environment and averaged over stated bandwidth
4Calculated and verified by subjective listening test of familiar program material.