Funktion-one F81 User manual

F81
User Guide
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Contents
F81 User Guide................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Thank you.................................................................................................................................. 3
2 Receiving and unpacking ............................................................................................................ 3
3 Handling .................................................................................................................................... 4
4 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 Features........................................................................................................................................ 4
4.2 Specifications................................................................................................................................ 5
5 Safety first ................................................................................................................................. 6
5.1 Mechanical safety......................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Electrical and fire safety ............................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Hearing safety............................................................................................................................... 7
6 Coverage ................................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Vertical and horizontal responses ................................................................................................ 8
6.2 Placement..................................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Wall mounting and yoke accessories ......................................................................................... 15
7 Connectors and pin-outs .......................................................................................................... 18
7.1 Phoenix connector option .......................................................................................................... 19
7.2 Speakon connector option ......................................................................................................... 19
7.3 Loudspeaker polarity .................................................................................................................. 20
8 Loudspeaker cables.................................................................................................................. 22
8.1 Recommended cable types and lengths..................................................................................... 22
8.2 F81 impedance ........................................................................................................................... 23
9 Amplifier considerations .......................................................................................................... 23
9.1 Recommended Funktion One power amplifiers ........................................................................ 23
9.2 Suitable power ranges................................................................................................................ 24
9.3 Simple system patches with external control ............................................................................. 25
9.4 XO series loudspeaker management patches ............................................................................. 28
10 Combining with bass systems ................................................................................................... 31
10.1 Bass to mid-high alignment ........................................................................................................ 35
11 Limiters ................................................................................................................................... 39
11.1 XO series limiters with 32dB amplifiers...................................................................................... 40
11.2 Limiter settings vs amplifier gain................................................................................................ 41
11.3 Limiter settings vs amplifier sensitivity ...................................................................................... 42
Appendix A - Clipping ....................................................................................................................... 44
Appendix B –Gain structure ............................................................................................................. 47
Appendix C –Maximum spl .............................................................................................................. 56
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1 Thank you
Thank you for purchasing a Funktion One F81 system.
All Funktion One loudspeaker systems are designed and built in England. Our design philosophy is to
achieve outstanding sonic accuracy and efficiency through innovative acoustical design rather than
relying on headroom-robbing equalisation. This approach provides an audible sense of immediacy and
involvement reminiscent of the finest musical instruments.
We know that you’ll be eager to install your F81 system and get it up and running immediately, but
reading this user guide will help you to achieve the best performance - just as Funktion One intended.
2 Receiving and unpacking
Please check that your shipment is complete and in good condition before signing for the delivery.
Palletised and wrapped/strapped multiple cartons should only be moved using a fork-lift truck
driven by a qualified forklift driver
Single cartons should be manually handled one at a time
All Funktion One products are tested and inspected thoroughly before being despatched.
Contents
Each F81 carton should contain:
1 x F81 complete with:
2 x M6 blanking screws fitted to the side yoke bushes
2 x M6 blanking screws fitted to the rear mounting bushes
If Phoenix option has been specified - 1 x 2-pin Phoenix plug (usually fitted plugged onto
rear connector)
1 x printed Quick Start guide
Unpacking and inspecting
Inspect your shipment packaging and its contents for any signs of abuse or transit damage as soon as you
receive it.
Caution
Although F81 systems are not particularly heavy, please be aware that the combination of smooth
enclosure finishes and concentrated driver masses can make even small loudspeakers surprisingly easy
to drop. Always unpack your systems on a softly covered work-top or on a carpeted floor to avoid
accidental damage.
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Inform your dealer immediately if your shipment is incomplete or any of its contents are found to be
damaged or missing.
We suggest that you keep some of the original F81 cartons in case you have to return a unit for repair or
replacement. Funktion One Research Limited and its distributors cannot be held liable for product
damaged through the use of non-approved packaging, shipping or handling methods.
3 Handling
If your F81 systems are destined for an installation, ensure that they remain protected by their
packaging until the installation site is clean, secure and ready to accept them
Try to avoid placing F81 systems face-down. Although fitted with tough, powder-coated steel
grilles, these grilles are optimised for unimpeded sound transmission and may suffer dents and
scratches from heavy handling
4 Introduction
The F81 compact loudspeaker system brings Funktion One’s unique sound quality and design purity to a
wider clientele. The system provides the kind of clarity, vocal intelligibility, imaging detail and bass
definition not normally associated with a compact enclosure.
The system’s 8” and 1” drivers are optimised to Funktion One specifications. The drivers are integrated
with a carefully aligned crossover and a precisely tuned enclosure to produce a system that may be used
without processor or system equalisation, to maximise fidelity, impact and reliability.
The F81 system incorporates out-of-band low frequency protection. Funktion One offers an excellent
range of compatible bass enclosures for applications where additional bass extension is required.
4.1 Features
Compact enclosure with high output
Wide dispersion
8” and 1” drivers optimised to Funktion One specification
Excellent sensitivity
Choice of Speakon or Installation connectors
M6 mounting and attachment points
Curved powder-coated mild steel grille
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4.2 Specifications
Driver complement: 8” cone driver
1” compression driver
Frequency response: 95Hz –19kHz
Dispersion: 90° x 70°
Sensitivity: 98dB spl for 1W at 1m
AES power: 100W (av)
Maximum calculated spl* 118dB spl rms, 124dB spl peak
(* See Appendix C)
Max long-term rms voltage: 28.2rms
Maximum peak voltage: 56.4vpk
Recommended amp power: 200-400W into 8ohms/400-800W into 4ohms with suitable limiters
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Connectors: 2 x NL4 Speakon or Phoenix installation connector
Fittings: 2 x M6 yoke mounting bushes (one per side)
2 x M6 wall bracket bushes on rear
Weight: 5.2kg (11.5lb)
Dimensions
Fig 4.2-1 (all dimensions in millimetres and feet & inches)
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5 Safety first
Funktion One wants you to continue to enjoy the world of music. Please take time to review the
following safety advice for your own wellbeing and for the wellbeing of those around you.
5.1 Mechanical safety
Qualified and experienced installers
Ensure that rigging and installation work is completed by fully qualified and experienced installation
personnel
Your F81 loudspeaker system comes complete with an M6 bush on each side for yoke mounting and two
M6 bushes on the rear of the enclosure for bracket mounting.
For safety, and ease of installation:
Free standing loudspeakers
Free-standing loudspeakers can vibrate and move when driven hard. Always secure loudspeakers
so that they cannot fall and cause injury
Brackets and yokes
Use only Funktion One-recommended brackets and yokes with your F81. See section 6.3
Do not mount more than one F81 from a single yoke or bracket
Always attach a separate safety wire rope to each yoke’s safety point
Follow the mounting advice. See section 6.3
Observe similar precautions when combining full-range loudspeakers with subwoofers.
5.2 Electrical and fire safety
Qualified and experienced technicians
Funktion One F81 loudspeakers are very efficient and require relatively low voltage levels. However, in
line with any other electrically powered device, a few precautions are worth noting. If in doubt, seek help
from a professional system technician.
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Cabling
Use only Funktion One recommended loudspeaker connectors wired so that the cable
conductors are fully shrouded
Use the appropriate cable conductor gauge. See section 8
Ensure that your cables are in good condition and free from damage
Ensure that there are no loose conductor strands to short out and create a fire hazard
If you re-use older cables, strip them back a little, wherever possible, to expose clean conductor
ends that are free from corrosion
Use fire retardant or low emission cables where these have been specified by the contract or by
local safety regulations
Amplification
We suggest electronically limiting maximum amplifier power of 100W average/ 400W peak
Remember that heavily clipped signals can double a power amplifier’s output (see appendix A).
If heavily clipped signals are expected due to equipment with inadequate headroom in the signal
path, inexperienced operators etc., set rms and peak output limiter thresholds 3dB below the
loudspeaker’s AES ratings. See section 11
General
There are no user-serviceable parts inside your F81 system. Do not dismantle the unit
F81’s are not designed for use in damp conditions and should not be exposed to water
5.3 Hearing safety
Enjoy your system responsibly
Funktion One loudspeaker systems are designed to provide extensive audience coverage at low
distortion and are capable of producing very high near-field sound pressure levels.
The richness and impact of a powerful sound system can be great fun and very exhilarating; but please
enjoy your Funktion One system responsibly by following the advice below...
Don’t place your ears too close to high power loudspeaker systems. Erroneous patching or un-
muting could generate unexpected and damaging sound pressure levels during set-up.
Don’t place high power loudspeakers too close to audience members. Individual audience
members should not be exposed to levels significantly greater than the sound operating area
Wearing ear plugs may be a sensible precaution during system set-ups but remember that you
have a duty of care towards the venue staff and the audience. Mix engineers, DJs, subcontractors
and venue management should avoid making not make system level and equalisation decisions
whilst wearing ear plugs as this could overexpose venue staff or the public in the vicinity
Hearing loss is cumulative and can result from long-term exposure to sound pressure levels as
low as 85dBA. Installers should consider long-term staff exposure when making high power
loudspeaker placement and aiming decisions. Check the relevant noise exposure/noise at work
regulations and comply with them. If in doubt, seek expert advice
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6 Coverage
Your F81 loudspeaker system has been designed to provide excellent performance without
resorting to complex positional or spacing requirements, but it’s worth spending a couple of
minutes reading through the following sections on horizontal and vertical coverage, placement
and mounting accessories to ensure you get the best performance possible at all times.
6.1 Vertical and horizontal responses
The horizontal and vertical response plots show the on-axis (upper trace) and off-axis (lower trace)
responses.
Your F81 has been
designed to work
well as a stand-
alone system
without off-axis
room colouration.
Its high frequency
response maintains
a useful off-axis
spectral balance.
Fig 6.1-1 On-axis vs horizontal 45° off-axis response
This has several
advantages:
The system
sounds good
over a wide
listening area
Off-axis spill is
lobe-free -
minimising room
colouration
Fig 6.1-2 On-axis vs vertical 35°off-axis response
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6.2 Placement
Vertical aiming
Fig 6.2-1 Poor vertical aiming
Avoid aiming your F81 straight over the audience’s heads as this will increase room effects causing poor
impact and intelligibility.
Even if the room has good acoustical properties, your audience will enjoy far better sound quality if the
system is aiming towards them.
Mounting your F81 systems 2.8 –3.3m above the floor and aiming them towards head height about
2/3rds across the audience will provide smooth coverage without over-exciting the room.
Fig 6.2-2 Improved vertical aiming
Audience members near the F81s will benefit from their smooth vertical mid-high characteristics. These
listeners will still enjoy the F81s’ rich, broadband sound, but the subtle off-axis roll-off will compensate
for proximity.
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Multiple loudspeaker systems
Fig 6.2-3 Aiming multiple F81s for concentrated coverage
Multiple F81s may be used to concentrate coverage into a specific area. This will provide audience
members with a pleasant, enveloping experience.
Minimising difficult room effects
Fig 6.2-4 Raising and tilting F81s for more concentrated central coverage in difficult acoustics
Difficult room effects can be minimised by aiming your F81s towards head height at the centre of the
audience area. This ensures that coverage is concentrated onto the main audience area and away from
the walls.
The strong central summation combined with the smooth off-axis performance around the edges will
provide even coverage with minimal overspill.
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Horizontal aiming
Stereo set-ups
Fig 6.2-5 Poor horizontal aiming
Avoid aiming your F81 straight out as this can increase side wall effects and will cause coverage gaps in
between the loudspeakers.
Fig 6.2-6 Improved horizontal aiming
Even if the room has good acoustical properties, your audience will enjoy far better sound quality if the
system is toed in towards them rather than reflecting off the side walls.
The classic 60° stereo set-up (see next page) was devised for personal monitoring or home listening over
a relatively small listening area. Achieving good stereo imaging for larger spaces can be a challenge due
to the much larger left-right propagation times involved.
The 60° angle is not critical. The appropriate set-up for your particular application will be an intelligent
compromise between stereo imaging and coverage without too much spill onto side walls.
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The best way to ensure the widest possible stereo listening area is to aim your left and right F81 systems,
both horizontally and vertically, so that their on-axis lines cross over at ear height at approximately 2/3
the distance to the rear of the audience.
Fig 6.2-7 Classic stereo set-up
2/3rds rule for audio-visual applications
If your loudspeaker system is providing front left and right sound for a specific video screen, place your
loudspeakers so that their high frequency units are approximately 2/3rds up the screen and then tilt them
so that they aim approximately 2/3rds across the audience area.
The above aiming rules still apply, of course.
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Multiple loudspeaker systems
Where multiple loudspeakers are to be used to concentrate coverage into a specific area, your F81’s 90°
horizontal coverage allows simple four-corner set-ups for foreground music coverage.
Fig 6.2-8 4-speaker set-up
Generally speaking, every time you double the number of loudspeakers at equal distances from you,
you’ll increase sound pressure level by between 3 and 6dB. The exact figure will depend on the
programme material.
If you’re at the central “sweet spot” of a stereo loudspeaker system, centrally-panned signals –e.g.
vocals or bass –will sum up to 6dB, whereas stereo signals will sum up to 3dB.
In the 4-speaker example, this summation effect will be doubled and concentrated towards the centre of
the audience area. As audience members move towards the centre –away from the loudspeakers - this
4-speaker summation will partially compensate for distance. This leads to very smooth level coverage.
If the architecture allows, always try to keep your loudspeaker positions symmetrical in the room,
Large-scale distributed loudspeaker systems
If wide coverage is more important than stereo or multi-channel operation (e.g. for a conference venue
or large lecture theatre), a mono, distributed system may be a better option.
The example (overleaf) uses 12 F81s to cover a 32m wide, 180°, fan-shaped audience.
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Fig 6.2-9 Large-scale distributed system - horizontal
Remember that, in circular or fan-shaped rooms, the second (delay) ring covers a radially expanding
audience area so more loudspeakers are required to maintain smooth coverage.
In this example the platform F81s are placed every 45˚ and the second ring F81s are placed every 30°.
Vertical aiming and time alignment
Fig 6.2-4 Distributed system –vertical
Aiming
Design the system for a smooth coverage “crossover”, at ear level, between main and delay areas. But
avoid excessive overlap as this will cause multiple arrivals and could reduce intelligibility.
Alignment procedure
Adjust the Delay F81 spl level for a smooth, equal level overlap area
Add the appropriate electronic delay* to the Delay F81 signal
* This additional delay can be calculated if you know the relevant distances.
The required delay, in milliseconds, will be:
Metric: (Distance in metres from Main F81 –Distance in metres from Delay F81) x 2.91 milliseconds
Imperial: (Distance in feet from Main F81 –Distance in feet from Delay F81) x 0.887 milliseconds
(Hint: If you don’t have a calculator, the multipliers may be rounded to 3.0 for metric and 0.9 for imperial)
Real-world testing
Make final level adjustments in a real-world situation - with lots of audience absorption, background
noise and chatter. This will highlight any coverage or intelligibility weak spots that may need correcting.
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6.3 Wall mounting and yoke accessories
Wall mounting bracket
Fig 6.3-1 WMS-50 F55/F81 wall mounting bracket (all dimensions in mm)
The optional WMS-50 wall mounting bracket allows your F81 to be mounted on a wall and aimed
accurately.
The photograph shows speaker mounting plate horizontal for normal F81 orientation.
1st and 2nd fit
The wall mounting plate may be removed and sent to site for pre-installation if required.
Fig 6.3-2 Wall mounting plate removed for fitting on site Speaker mounting plate fitted to F81
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Always discuss your required wall mounting plate positions, the weight of your loudspeaker
and wall anchorage methods with an expert builder or the architect to make sure you comply with the
relevant building and safety regulations
The speaker mounting plate is attached to your F81 with the
M8 hex-head bolts, flat washers and spring washers provided.
The hex-head bolts, flat washers and spring washers replace
the countersunk blanking bolts at the rear of your F81. The
countersunk bolts should be retained for future use.
Tighten the hex-head bolts so that the spring-washers are
fully compressed –(example on right)
 Remember to replace the rear bolts
Do not run the system with its rear bolts missing as this will detune the cabinet and cause air-flow noise.
If you remove the wall bracket, always refit the original countersunk blanking bolts.
Reassemble the wall bracket system on site using the flat washer and the horizontal locking nut supplied
before make final swivel and tilt adjustments.
Swivel & tilt
Fig 6.3-4 Horizontal swivel Fig 6.3-5 Vertical tilt
Horizontal swivel
Loosen the horizontal locking nut to swivel the main assembly to the required position.
Retighten the horizontal locking nut once you’re happy with the position.
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Vertical tilt
Loosen the vertical locking nut to allow the loudspeaker plate to be tilted to the required position using
the tilt screw (Fig 6.3-5 on previous page).
If the loudspeaker is already attached to the speaker mounting plate, this is much easier to do if you get
a helper to lift the loudspeaker gently whilst you make the adjustment.
Retighten the vertical locking nut once you are happy with the vertical positioning. Then give the tilt
screw a final tweak just to make sure it’s still tight.
Yoke kit
Fig 6.3-7 YF81-K1 yoke kit (all dimensions in millimetres and feet & inches)
The optional YF81-K1 yoke kit allows you to fly your F81
from a truss or 51mm barrel via a standard half-coupler
using the 10mm main fixing hole.
The yoke also has a 6mm safety wire attachment hole.
The F81 has integral M6 side bushes so that the yoke may
be fitted using M6 hex-head bolts and flat washers for fixed
installations.
M6 hand-wheels are available for easy tilt adjustment during
temporary set-ups.
F81 with yoke
(M6 hand-wheel shown)
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 Remember to replace the side bolts
Do not run the system with its side bolts missing as this will detune the cabinet and cause air-flow noise.
If you remove the yoke, always refit the original countersunk blanking bolts.
Stand-top adaptor
Where a tilt is required, the YF81-K1 yoke kit can be
fitted with an optional stand-top adaptor.
Both 32mm and 35mm stand-top adaptor are
available. These bolt through the yoke’s main fixing
hole with an M10 bolt and is clamped to the stand
pole using a wing-bolt.
M10 stand-top adaptor Fitted to YF81-K1 yoke
(F81 viewed from underneath)
7 Connectors and pin-outs
Rear connector options
F81s are supplied to order with either…
One 2-pin Phoenix PC4 connector for fixed installations
Or
Two parallel Speakon NL4 connectors for portable
PA use
F81 rear view
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7.1 Phoenix connector option
The Phoenix connector option is intended for fixed installations. A cable plug is supplied –attached to
the F81’s rear chassis socket.
PC4/2-ST-7.62 connectors are an industry standard. Additional connectors are available through a
variety of distributors worldwide.
Fig 7.1-1 Phoenix PC4 pin-out
(Looking towards rear of loudspeaker)
7.2 Speakon connector option
The Speakon NL4 option is intended for quick deployment applications. The two NL4s are internally
connected. One is used for the input. The other is used as an output for additional (parallel-connected)
F81s.
Note that the F81 uses only two of the four available NL4 pins. Suitable cable connectors include the
industry standard Speakon NL4FC and the Speakon NL2FC (compatible with NL4 chassis connectors for 2-
pin use).
(Original image courtesy Neutrik)
Fig 7.2-1 Your F81’s rear NL4 connectors will accept either NL2 or NL4 connector types
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The following illustrations show the cable connector pin views looking towards the rear of the
loudspeaker - as they would be seen if the cable plugs were plugged into the F81 with their covers
removed.
Fig 7.2-2 NL2FC (cable grab open) Fig 7.2-3 NL4FC pin-out
(Original image courtesy Neutrik)
Use 1+ for F81 +ve, 1- for F81 –ve.
For further information on the Speakon connector series, see the Speakon System assembly instruction
pdf available from www.neutrik.com.
7.3 Loudspeaker polarity
Loudspeaker cones and diaphragms create sound by moving in and out to modulate air pressure. It is
important that all loudspeakers in a sound system move in the same direction when driven in unison. In
other words, they should all have the same polarity.
Same polarity (“in phase”)
Fig 7.3-1
Loudspeakers with the same polarity, will give:
Good bass extension
Good bass impact
Good “between the speakers” stereo imaging with a smooth central transition
Solid centre-panned vocal imaging
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