Fbt MLA 608A User manual

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UK
ENGLISH

INDEX
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3 / 4
5 / 6
7
10 / 11 / 12
13 / 14
15
16
17
18
8 / 9
WARNING - IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
GENERAL FEATURES
POWER SUPPLY
CONNECTORS
INSTALLATION MODE
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
CONNECTION OF LOUDSPEAKERS
USB-RS485 CONVERTER
CONNECTION EXAMPLES
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS

IMPORTANTI ISTRUZIONI DI SICUREZZA
1
PRECAUTIONS
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
!
WARNING
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

2

VERTUS MLA 608A
3
GENERAL FEATURES
VERTUS MLA 608A
> 6-way active mid/low Line Array Column in bass reflex
> Digital directivity aiming
> Control panel with XLR input and XLR link, XLR HP filtered out, Volume, Preset, 7-step angle aiming, HP filter, Ground Lift, RJ45
in/out for RS485 network, screw connectors for in/out audio and for installation
> 6 x 8" custom neodymium woofers with 2" voice coil
> 60Hz - 2kHz frequency response
> 6 Class D 250W RMS amplifiers with three switch mode power supplies for a total of 1500W power
> Completely controllable directional features through control switches on the back panel or through PC software and dedicated RS485
network
> Extruded-aluminum powder-coated cabinet with superior latching system as well as inferior
> Digital full range aiming from +5° to -25° with included beamwidth between 5° and 25°/40°
> PC/Slave function for aiming control via PC or other MLA module in the network
> Frontal status led
> Possibility of mounting on subwoofer or of wall-mount installation with the supplied bars.

VERTUS MLA 801A
4
GENERAL FEATURES
VERTUS MLA 801A
> 8-way active HF Line Array Column in bass reflex
> Digital / mechanical directivity aiming
> Control panel with XLR input and XLR link, volume, preset, 7 step angle aiming, ground-lift, RJ45 in /out for RS-485 network,
Euroblock connector for in/out audio
> 8 x 0,75" B&C neodymium drivers with 1" voice coil
> 1.8kHz - 20kHz frequency response
> 8 Class D 50W RMS amplifiers for a total of 400W power
> Completely controllable directional features, through control switches on the back panel or through PC software and dedicated
network
> Extruded-aluminum powder coated cabinet with superior latching system as well as inferior
> Combined aiming digital / mechanical full-range system from +5° to -25° with included lobe width between 5° an 25° / 40°
> 8 hybrid stepped motor controlled by a microprocessor for the mechanical aiming of wave guides
> PC / Slave function for aiming control via PC or other MLA module
> Frontal status led
> Possibility of mounting on subwoofer or of wall-mount installation with the supplied bars.

220 - 230V
5
For its power supply, the whole MLA series features two NEUTRIK powercon three-pole outlets with locking connectors. Use the grey outlet
for connecting several speakers with one another, and the blue one for supplying power to the system through the connector supplied.
CAUTION: the cable supplied can be used alone, and only if the total current absorption is lower than 16A (see example 1)
CAUTION: never replace the plug of the power cord supplied since the power cord can only support a maximum current of 16A (see
example 1)
CAUTION: if the absorbed current exceeds 16A and is lower than 20A, a power cord has to be manufactured by specialized staff using a
H05VV-F cable with 2.5 sq.mm section and plug with rated current >=20A, where 20A is the maximum rated current of the powercon
connector (see example 2).
- The power cord has to be assembled by specialized staff complying with national plant-engineering regulations
- Protect the mains cable when it is not used
- In case of «chain connection», connect the cable to the grey outlet of the first speaker and to the blue outlet of the second one, and so on,
making sure the maximum current indicated on the «AC LOOP OUTPUT» is not exceeded.
12A
1
2
SUPPLIED CABLE
6A
CABLE H05VV-F
> / = 20A
INDUSTRIAL PLUG
SECTION 2.5mm
MLA 608A MLA 608A
6A 15A 1.5A
MLA 801A MLA 801A
1.5A
MAX. 10 BOX
MAX. 2 BOX
18A 6A
MLA 608A MLA 608A
6A
MAX. 3 BOX
19.5A 1.5A
MLA 801A MLA 801A
1.5A
MAX. 13 BOX
MAX. 16A
MAX. 20A
POWER SUPPLY

120V
6
POWER SUPPLY
For its power supply the whole MLA series features two NEUTRIK powercon three-pole outlets with locking connectors. Use the grey outlet
for connecting several speakers with one another, and the blue one for supplying power to the system through the connector supplied.
CAUTION: If the total current demand does not exceed 12A, use the power cable supplied (see pict.1).
If the total current demand is between 12A and 18A, use the power cable AWG14 SJT VW1 with plug rated current equal to 24A or lower (see
pict.2).
In both cases NEVER exceed the maximum current values shown in picture 1 and 2.
THE CABLE AND THE PLUG MUST HOLD THE UL OR CSA CERTIFICATION.
- The power cord has to be assembled by specialized staff complying with national plant-engineering regulations.
- Protect the mains cable when it is not used.
- In case of "chain connection" connect the cable to the grey outlet of the first speaker and to the blue outlet of the second one, and so on,
making sure the maximum current indicated on the "AC LOOP OUTPUTS" is not exceed.
1
2
12A 12A
MLA 608A
12A 3A
MLA 801A MLA 801A
3A
MAX. 4 BOX
1 BOX
NEMA 5-15P
MAX. 12A
MAX. 5 mt. / 16.4 ft.
NOTE. plug drawing is for indication only
MAX. 18A 12A 12A
MLA 608A
18A 3A
MLA 801A MLA 801A
3A
MAX. 6 BOX
1 BOX
SUPPLIED CABLE
SJT3X14 VW1
AWG14 SJT VW1
Plug rated current >= 24A

7

DIMENSIONS
MLA 608A
8

DIMENSIONS
MLA 801A
9

!!
10
WARNING: carefully select the area where to install the speakers and make sure that the structure is adequate to support the
weight of boxes. FBT will not be held responsible for any damage to persons or property in case of failure to comply with these
instructions or failure to check the safety factor of all components involved in the installation system.
The loudspeakers of the VERTUS MLA series must be installed by suspension using wall brackets.
Besides the main suspension system, all flying speakers in theatres, indoor stadiums or in several other work and/or leisure facilities shall be
provided with an additional independent safety system with the adequate load capacity.
INSTALLATION MODE

1
2
CONNECTION OF TWO COLUMNS
fig. A
11
INSTALLATION MODE
- Connect the two satellites to one another as shown in picture "A".
- For wall mounting use adequate anchor slots.
ANCHOR SLOTS

fig. B
UPPER BRACKET
LOWER BRACKET
12
CONNECTION OF TWO COLUMNS
INSTALLATION MODE
To fasten the two columns onto the wall use the upper and lower brackets. The central brackets must be removed and one of them used as
safety fastening (see fig. B).
CAUTION: holes ( C ) let loose by the moving bracket must absolutely be closed with the relevant screws.

VERTUS
MLA 801A
13
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
ON: Indicates that the system is on.
PEAK/LIMIT: When the “peak” LED goes on, it indicates that the signal level is nearing saturation; the “limit” LED indicates that the temperature limiting
circuits have triggered to prevent the system from overheating.
TILT NOT ALLOWED: indicates a “pointing” error; check the maximum allowed tilt of the sound band in the “allowed angle settings” table.
NETWORK ON: signals that connection to the network has been enabled.
TILT ANGLE: allows you to set the tilt angle of the sound beam. Negative angles conventionally refer to a sound beam tilted toward the lower part of the
speaker; the maximum tilt limits of the sound beam associated to the covering angle are shown in the relevant table. If these values are exceeded, a pointing
error will be signaled by the “TILT NOT ALLOWED” LED going on. The PC/SLAVE position brings the loudspeaker in data receiving mode, with the option of
controlling it via the second speaker connected to it or via the relevant software on the PC.
BEAMWIDTH: allows you to select the opening angle of the sound beam; follow the limits listed in the table to properly program the system.
VOLUME: Adjusts the volume of the single loudspeaker.
PRESET: Selects 4 presets, each corresponding to a different equalization, based on the installation to be performed (FOH for installations in open field or
WALL for fixed installations) and the use made of the system (FLAT for music or VOCAL for speech).
RESET: allows you to reset the internal memory that contains the data sent by the PC in a setup possibly configured previously. If performed in “stand-alone”
mode with connected speakers, the reset control is also transmitted to the MLA 608A loudspeaker. We recommend that you perform a reset (pressing the
relevant key or with the software) when shifting from using the system connected to the PC to “stand-alone” mode, so as to eliminate the possibility of any
malfunctions.
GND LIFT: electrical switch for the electrical separation between the mass and ground circuits, in order to avoid possible mass “loops”, which are the source
of bothersome humming sound.
IN - LINK: Balanced input/output sockets; “IN” allows the connection of pre-amplified signal, such as for instance the one in output from a mixer. “LINK” allows
you to connect multiple loudspeakers to the same signal. USE “EUROBLOCK” SOCKETS FOR WALL CONNECTIONS.
IN-NETWORK-OUT: see the description in the "CONNECTION OF LOUDSPEAKERS" section.

VERTUS
MLA 608A
14
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
ON: Indicates that the system is on.
PEAK/LIMIT: When the “peak” LED goes on, it indicates that the signal level is
nearing saturation; the “limit” LED indicates that the temperature limiting
circuits have triggered to prevent the system from overheating.
TILT NOT ALLOWED: indicates a “pointing” error; check the maximum
allowed tilt of the sound band in the “allowed angle settings” table.
NETWORK ON: signals that connection to the network has been enabled.
TILT ANGLE: allows you to set the tilt angle of the sound beam. Negative
angles conventionally refer to a sound beam tilted toward the lower part of the
speaker; the maximum tilt limits of the sound beam associated to the covering
angle are shown in the relevant table. If these values are exceeded, a pointing
error will be signaled by the “TILT NOT ALLOWED” LED going on. The
PC/SLAVE position brings the loudspeaker in data receiving mode, with the
option of controlling it via the second speaker connected to it or via the relevant
software on the PC.
BEAMWIDTH: allows you to select the opening angle of the sound beam;
follow the limits listed in the table to properly program the system.
VOLUME: Adjusts the volume of the single loudspeaker.
PRESET: Selects 4 presets, each corresponding to a different equalization,
based on the installation to be performed (FOH for installations in open field or
WALL for fixed installations) and the use made of the system (FLAT for music
or VOCAL for speech).
HP FILTER: selecting the control modifies the “hi-pass” filter to about 100Hz,
thus allowing you to combine use of a subwoofer of the FBT SUBLINE series;
in this case, to obtain the proper alignment of the signal delays of the MLA
loudspeaker and sub, we recommend that you use the relevant “SUB OUT”
signal output.
IN - LINK - SUB OUT : Balanced input/output sockets; “IN” allows you to
connect a pre-amplified signal, such as for instance, the one in output from a
mixer; “LINK” allows you to connect multiple loudspeakers to the same signal,
while “SUB OUT” is used for connecting a subwoofer.
GND LIFT:
USE “EUROBLOCK”
SOCKETS FOR WALL CONNECTIONS.
IN-NETWORK-OUT: see the description in the "CONNECTION OF
LOUDSPEAKERS" section.
electrical switch for the electrical separation between the mass and
ground circuits, in order to avoid possible mass “loops”, which are the source of
bothersome humming sound.

15
CONNECTION OF LOUDSPEAKERS
IN THE CONFIGURATION WITH MULTIPLE LOUDSPEAKERS CONNECTED, THE SELECTOR SWITCHES ALSO CONTROL THE
"SLAVE" SPEAKER, EXCEPT FOR THE VOLUME, WHICH IS INDEPENDENT ON EACH SPEAKER.
- STAND-ALONE: using two standard Ethernet cables, connect the output of the first speaker (NETWORK OUT) to the input of the second
one (NETWORK IN) and the output of the second to the input of the first. Once you have chosen the amplifier that will act as communication
master, you must set the selector switch of the second speaker to position “PC/SLAVE”
- CONTROL FROM PC: the connection uses the RS485 protocol to send and receive data between the PC and speaker. The PC must be
connected via a USB cable to the USB-RS485 converter and from thence to the first speaker (NETWORK IN) using a standard Ethernet
cable. Connect the loudspeakers in succession with Ethernet cables (from NETWORK OUT to NETWORK IN) and place the relevant RJ45
bridge on the output of the last speaker.
The succession of the speakers, starting with the first one identifiable on the software as the speaker adjacent to the “FRAME”, must follow
the order of the system as designed on the PC.
The software does not currently support multiple interconnected systems; if multiple systems are installed, you must individually program
each one, one at a time (see “TAB NETWORK” section) of the LINE ARRAY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE manual) .
Connection to the PC, besides the supplied converter (see page 19), requires the drivers necessary for the peripheral devices to function
properly. The drivers are available directly on the website; to properly install the converter, refer to the instructions
available at the following link:
www.ftdichip .com
http://www.ftdichip.com/Documents/InstallGuides.htm

16
USB-RS485 CONVERTER
An MLA system includes at least one MLA608A for mid-low frequencies and one MLA801A for high frequencies. The whole system can be
controlled either manually, using the selector switches on the rear of every sound diffuser, or by connecting the sound system to the PC.
SYSTEM CONNECTION
Use an USB cable to connect the PC to the USB-RS485 converter, and then connect the latter to the first loudspeaker (NETWORK IN) with a
standard Ethernet cable. Connect the loudspeakers in sequence using Ethernet cables (NETWORK OUT to NETWORK IN) and place on
the last loudspeaker output the proper RJ45 bridge provided together with the MLA801A sound diffuser. The sequence of loudspeakers
shall match the order of the system programmed on the PC, starting from the first loudspeaker detected by the software as
adjacent to the FRAME. The software does not currently support multiple interconnected systems; if more than one system is installed,
each system shall be programmed individually. Therefore, only one converter per installation will be required.

STAND ALONE
17
CONNECTION EXAMPLES
CONTROL FROM PC

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
18
MLA 801A MLA 608A
CONFIGURATION
BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER CONT. RMS LF/HF
BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER MAX. RMS LF/HF
BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER MAX. PEAK LF/HF
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
LOW FREQUENCY WOOFER
HIGH FREQUENCY DRIVER
MAX. SPL CONT/PEAK
DISPERSION
INPUT IMPEDANCE
CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
AC POWER REQUIREMENT
INPUT CONNECTORS
POWER CORD
NET DIMENSIONS (WxHxD)
NET WEIGHT
TRANSPORT DIMENSIONS (WxHxD)
TRANSPORT WEIGHT
way
watt
watt
watt
@-6dB
inch
inch
dB
H x V
kOhm
kHz
VA
ft.
inch
inch
lb
lb
8 6
8 x 40 6 x 230
8 x 50 6 x 250
8 x 100 6 x 500
1.8kHz - 20kHz 60Hz - 2kHz
6 x 8" - 2" coil
8 x 0.75" - 1" coil ----------
135 / 139 133 / 137
90° digital/mechanical controlled
22 22
1.8 1.8
300 1350
XLR with loop XLR with loop / Sub Out
16.4 16.4
9.5 x 24.6 x 9.52 9.5 x 50.6 x 9.52
39.7 59.5
12.6 x 28.54 x 12.67 12.6 x 54.5 x 12.67
45.2 68.4
----------
90° digital controlled