Holosonics Audio Spotlight X Series User manual

AUDIO SPOTLIGHT®
USER’S MANUAL

Audio Spotlight®and Holosonics®are registered trademarks of Holosonic
Research Labs, Inc. US and International patents issued and pending.
Dr. F. Joseph Pompei
President and Founder
INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for choosing the Audio Spotlight
system. Years ago as a MIT graduate student, I created the Audio
Spotlight technology because of deciencies I saw in the way
traditional loudspeakers made sound – in particular, their lack of
control. Never before has it been possible to give people the power to
control not only what their sound is, but also where their sound
goes – and as importantly, where it doesn’t.
I founded Holosonics to commercialize the Audio Spotlight
technology, and make it available to anyone who would like to
take advantage of its unique features. As we continue to move
this unique technology forward, I would like to hear from you
regarding your experiences, successes, challenges and ideas
regarding the Audio Spotlight technology. I and everyone at
Holosonics look forward to working with you.
2 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual
“Audio Spotlights may be the most radical technological
development in acoustics since the coil loudspeaker was
invented in 1925...
The Audio Spotlight will force people to rethink their
relationship with sound, as the arrivals of the phonograph,
the telephone and the Walkman have done before.”
— The New York Times

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
 orotherapparatus(includingampliers)thatproduceheat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
 thirdprongisprovidedforyoursafety.Iftheprovidedplugdoesnottinto
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10)Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11)Onlyuseattachments/accessoriesspeciedbythemanufacturer.
12)Useonlywiththecart,stand,tripod,bracket,ortablespeciedbythe
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13)Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
14)Referallservicingtoqualiedservicepersonnel. 
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.
15)Installers are required to follow sound and reasonable
judgment when installing Audio Spotlight products.
 Compliancewithallbuilding,safety,andrecodesisthesoleresponsibilityof
the installer and/or end user.
16)Do not connect Audio Spotlight®devicestotraditionalloudspeakerampliers
or loudspeakers. Damage and/or hazardous conditions could result.
17)Our standard cables are not plenum rated. Please contact the factory if special
 specicationsarerequired.
WARNING:Toreducetheriskofreorelectricshock,donotexposethis
apparatus to rain or moisture.
WARNING: Terminals marked with the symbol are hazardous live. External
wiringconnectedtotheseterminalsrequiresinstallationbyaqualied,instructed
person or the use of ready-made leads or cords.
WARNING: When mounting the speaker panel overhead, always use a secondary
fastening method in case the primary attachment fails.
The symbol indicates that there are hazardous voltages within the enclosure.
Do not open. Refer all servicing needs to the manufacturer, or the
manufacturer’s designated service representatives.
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 3

PACKAGE CONTENTS
Audio Spotlight® Integrated Speaker Panel
Power Supply, Power Cable
IR Remote
Optional Accessories:
Mounting Brackets (see www.holosonics.com)
MicroSD Card
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
The Phoenix-style connector allows direct wire connections for
balanced audio input, and DC power (24V). The ground pin is shared
between audio and power input.
The included power supply will operate with any standard mains
voltage and frequency, worldwide. See power supply for detailed
voltage and current specications.
4 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual

1. Introduction
2. Birds of a Feather
3. Beachfront Celebration
4. Hungarian Dance
5. Jazz
6. Male Voice
7. Female Voice
8. Birds
9. Glass
10. Laser
11. Footsteps
SYSTEM OPERATION
The system can accept audio input from either an external audio
source, microSD card, or internal built-in demo tracks.
EXTERNAL AUDIO SOURCE
1. Connect system as shown on the previous page.
2. Press the power switch to power on system.
3. Display will illuminate and show a welcome message
during self test.
4. Ensure that no microSD card is inserted.
5. Start the audio source.
6. Use the ▲(up) and ▼(down) arrows to adjust volume.
USING microSD AUDIO
If a microSD card is inserted, the system will automatically loop
through all content on the microSD. Any playback through the
microSD player will be mixed with the external audio input, if
connected. The microSD card must be FAT32 formatted.
The built-in player supports standard 16-bit PCM Wave (.wav)
or any Ogg Vorbis (.ogg) les. These formats provide higher
quality encoding than MP3, and can be encoded and used
free of all licensing fees. There are many popular third party
programs and online conversion sites available, or you can visit
www.holosonics.com/faq for more information on free le
conversion. Holosonics is also happy to assist converting your les
directly, if needed.
BUILT—IN DEMONSTRATION MATERIAL
Built-in demo material can be accessed by pressing "Mode"
until the "Demo" mode is active. Pressing the Up and Down
arrows select the specic track to loop, or "All" to loop all of
them sequentially.
DEMONSTRATION TRACKS:
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 5

MODES AND SETTINGS
Change mode with MODE button, and adjust parameters with
▲and ▼buttons. In most modes, display will timeout to the
default bargraph after a few seconds. All settings are retained after
power cycling.
Default Mode; bargraph shows output level.
Clipping indicated by at the top of the scale.
Volume adjustment mode.
Up/down alters system volume from 0-99 (max).
Sets built-in audio processing preset A,B,C.
Preset A: Optimized for typical full-frequency content.
Preset B: Optimized for raw voice.
Preset C: Optimized for maximum output.
Demo Mode (off by default).
Standard demo track loops.
Loops all demo tracks.
Input level monitor bargraph.
Input level is clipping; source level is too high.
Input level is too low for optimal performance.
Low frequency EQ control (Bass). -9 to +9.
High frequency EQ control (Treble). -9 to +9.
Autolevel Off/On. Applies a compressor algorithm
to adjust volume automatically for best results.
Boost Off/On. Applies a soft clip limiter that
introduces light THD in exchange for
additional perceived output level.
Select subwoofer crossover frequency.
(Thru = full pass).
IR active mode Off/On. Use to disable IR control.
Factory reset all settings, press up arrow to reset.
6 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual

SPEAKER MOUNTING
The speaker panel was designed for exible mounting. Four M4
holes in a VESA100 pattern are compatible with a wide variety of
additional brackets. Two keyhole mounts allow mounting at against
most surfaces.
NOTE: When using the keyhole mounts for overhead mounting, a
secondary fastener, bumper, or retainer MUST be used in case the
speaker is inadvertently moved, to prevent falling.
WALL / CEILING
Holosonics recommends using our own mounting kits (MNTV-1) with
Audio Spotlight® speakers. The bracket attaches to the back of the
speaker with four included screws, and can mount to any suitable at
surface. By loosening the screw on the bracket, the speaker panel
can be aimed as desired. An extension arm is also included. See the
instructions that come with the MNTV-1 kit for more details.
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 7

OVERHEAD CABLE HANGING
Overhead cable hanging is useful when shining the Audio
Spotlight beam straight down, particularly from a high ceiling. Use
four M4 eyebolts to suspend the speaker panel from steel cable.
Eyebolts are commonly available, and Holosonics can supply them
upon request.
SUSPENDED CEILINGS
Suspended ceilings are not designed to support all loads. When
hanging any object from a suspended ceiling, be sure that it is
connected to the structural ceiling and is rigid enough to support the
speaker panel.
FLAT MOUNTING:
The thin prole of the Audio Spotlight
speakers makes mounting at against a
ceiling attractive and simple. Our CM-1
mount kit contains a support brace for
using inside the ceiling grid, and two
long screws for attaching the speaker.
AIMING:
Our CM-1 kit is compatible with the
MNTV- 1 mount, allowing exible aiming
of the speaker panel in a suspended
ceiling. The MNTV-1 attaches to the
ceiling panel with two long screws,
two washers, and two nuts. The screws
extend up to the support brace and
connect with two more nuts.
CEILING TILE REPLACEMENT:
The AS-24iX model is designed to
precisely replace a standard 2’x2’
or 600mm ceiling tile. This allows for
seamless integration in suspended
ceiling applications. Be sure that the
ceiling frame is sufciently strong to
safely support the weight of the
speaker panel, and always use a backup
line for safety.
8 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual

MNTV-1
CEILING OR WALL MOUNT,
WITH REMOVABLE EXTENSION
Our most popular mount suitable for most
applications; offers multiple points of pivot
and rotation, 4-10 inches (10-25 cm).
Available in black or white nish.
TM-1
CLAMPING PIPE MOUNT KIT
A single pipe clamp pre-assembled to
our MNTV-1, for mounting to truss, bars,
and more.
Arm available in black or white nish.
CM-1
SUSPENDED CEILING MOUNT KIT
For mounting ush to a ceiling tile.
Speaker panel aims straight downward.
Consider adding an MNTV-1 for exible
positioning.
Parts list available by request.
DS-1
DESK STAND
A weighted speaker stand, offering
pivot and rotation, and a telescoping
vertical arm. Rests on any surface,
including oors.
Available in black nish only.
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 9
MOUNTING OPTIONS

UNDERSTANDING THE SOUND FIELD
The Audio Spotlight directional speaker creates a very precise,
well-controlled beam of sound with no sidelobes or other
artifacts typical of traditional loudspeakers.
Because sound is created in mid-air, and not by the speaker
panel, sound actually gets louder with distance — up to about
1 or 2m, depending on frequency. Sound also diminishes with
distance much more slowly than a traditional loudspeaker, creating a
more uniform eld of sound.
An illustration of the eld from the AS-16iX system is shown below.
Three contours are shown, at the contours of –0dB, –6dB (50%),
and –20dB (10%). Additional data is shown in Appendix A.
The loudest sound area is directly
in front of the speaker panel at
a distance of 1-2m. Sound levels
outside the beam are reduced by
over 90%.
In all sound systems, audibility
is determined by sound level
received versus background noise
levels. Therefore, the beam will
be perceived as more narrow
in the presence of
background
noise, as any scat ter from a
listener or oor will be inaudible.
This is much like the difference
in shining a ashlight in a
completely dark room versus one
with background lighting.
10 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual
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BASIC INSTALLATION
Overhead cable hanging is useful when shining the Audio Spotlight
beam straight down, particularly from a high ceiling. Use four M4 eye-
bolts, along with the bracket, to suspend the speaker panel from steel
cable. Eyebolts are commonly available, and Holosonics can supply
them upon request.
REFLECTIONS
While the beam generated by the
Audio Spotlight system is very
narrow, the beam will reect
from surfaces (and listeners) in
your environment, just like light.
To sound waves, solid surfac-
es are much like mirrors are to
light. Therefore, to reduce reec-
tions, an acoustically absorbing
surface (such as carpet, padding,
or curtains) could be used to ‘catch’
the beam and reduce the reec-
tion. Generally, this is useful only in
very quiet spaces, where there is
little background noise to mask
minor scattered energy.
Also,likelight,reectionscanbe used
as projection of audible sound.
By directing the beam against a
surface, one can creat every
interesting “virtual loudspeak-
er” effects. The beam will
generally maintain its directivity
after projection, so it is best to
ensure that the listener is in the
path of the reected beam.
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 11

MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
Multiple Audio Spotlight systems
can be used to create a larger
eld of sound, or to increase the
sound intensity in a given region.
Just like visual spotlights, beams
of sound can be aimed next to
each other, to “shape” the sound
eld (left), or multiple speaker
panels can be aimed to one
position (right). Just as with
light, sound from these systems
will combine to increase output
substantially. This can be done
over very long distances to create
long-throw beams of sound.
Many variations of these basic designs are possible — this
manual is intended to act as a guide. In considering different ways to
install the Audio Spotlight speakers, keep the lighting analogy in
mind. More often than not, Audio Spotlight should be thought of in
lighting design terms, not in loudspeaker terms.
As always, Holosonics is happy to assist with your project.
12 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual

SUBWOOFER AUGMENTATION
While a traditional subwoofer is, of course, not directional, it can
nonetheless be used effectively to augment the low-frequency
reproduction of the Audio Spotlight system. The human ear, and a
listener’s attention, is most sensitive to frequencies between 600Hz
and 2kHz. As long as the level of the subwoofer is not too loud, and
is limited to reproducing only low frequencies, the slight rumble that
exists outside of the Audio Spotlight beam is generally unnoticed.
Connecting a subwoofer is straightforward. Simply connect the
subwoofer input to the "Sub/Thru" jack on the Audio Spotlight
speaker. If desired, set the crossover frequency in the "Sub"
menu as needed. Since this line level is not amplied, a powered
subwoofer, or separate amplier, is required. The subwoofer’s crossover
frequency should be selected to suit your listening material and
background noise.
For isolated bass reproduction, one may also use a tactile transducer,
such as the Aura Bass Shaker or Clark models. Contact Holosonics if
you need assistance or subwoofer recommendations.
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 13

APPENDIX A: SOUND FIELD SPECIFICATION
DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS:
In general, there is a doubling of available output power and an
additional octave of low frequency reach stepping up from the
smallest AS-168iX model to the AS-16iX, and once more from the
AS-16iX to the larger AS-24iX.
Sound elds shown for standard 1kHz tone.
*Note: The AS-168iX model projects half as wide as depicted in
graphic above when used in its narrow orientation.
14 Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual
* XX X

LIMITED WARRANTY
Holosonics warrants that your
Audio Spotlight system is free
from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of
one (1) year after date of
purchase. This warranty does not
cover claims for damage caused
by accident, misuse, neglect,
alteration, outdoor use, disassembly,
unauthorized repair, shipping, or
modication.
Holosonics’ liability is limited
to the repair or replacement,
at our option, of any defective
product, and shall not include inci-
dental or consequential damages
of any kind. Warranty is void
if serial number is defaced
or removed.
SERVICE
If your Audio Spotlight system needs service, please contact
Holosonics for a return materials authorization (RMA) number.
Received units will not be accepted without a valid RMA. Call us, or
email [e-mail].
NO USER SERVICABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE THE SYSTEM.
DO NOT OPEN.
Holosonic Research Labs, Inc.
400 Pleasant Street
Watertown, MA 02472
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.holosonics.com
© 2022 Holosonic Research Labs, Inc. (“Holosonics”)
Audio Spotlight® and Holosonic® are registered trademarks of Holosonics.
US and International Patents Apply v14a
Birds of a Feather excerpt written and recorded by The Rosenbergs, Copyright 2004.
Used with permission.
Beachfront Celebration excerpt written and recorded by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com).
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Audio Spotlight® User’s Manual 15

Holosonics
400 Pleasant Street
Watertown, MA 02472
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.holosonics.com