K-array KH7 User manual

KH7 Ver. 1.2
KH7
USER GUIDE
English

KH7 Ver. 1.2
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Table of ConTenTs
sYMbols ................................................................................ 3
1. InTRoDUCTIon ..................................................................... 4
2. KeY feaTURes ...................................................................... 4
3. aPPlICaTIons....................................................................... 4
4. safeTY InfoRMaTIon............................................................ 5
5. UnPaCKInG ......................................................................... 7
6. PRoDUCT oveRvIew.............................................................. 8
7. aMPlIfIeR ............................................................................ 9
7.1 aC PoweR ..................................................................................... 9
7.2 volTaGe ReQUIReMenT.................................................................... 9
7.3 CURRenT ReQUIReMenT ................................................................... 9
7.4 PRoTeCTIon CIRCUITRY ...................................................................10
8. PoweR anD aUDIo/DaTa ConneCTIon ................................... 11
8.1 aes/ebU vIa eTheRneT — Kh7-sIGIn .................................................. 12
8.2 aes/ebU vIa XlR ........................................................................... 13
8.3 neTwoRK ConneCTIon .................................................................. 14
8.4 aC MaIns PoweR lInK....................................................................14
9. ConfIGURaTIons .................................................................15
9.1 hoRn oRIenTaTIon ........................................................................15
9.2 sInGle UnIT ConfIGURaTIons.......................................................... 16
9.3 aRRaY ConfIGURaTIons .................................................................18
10. DIGITal sTeeRInG - ease foCUs ......................................... 20
11. ReMoTe ConTRol - aRMonIa ............................................... 21
12. RIGGInG............................................................................ 22
12.1 InsTallInG on a flaT sURfaCe ...................................................... 22
12.2 hanGInG PoInTs......................................................................... 23
12.3 sUsPenDInG a ClUsTeR of Kh7 UnITs ............................................. 23
13. seRvICe ........................................................................... 24
14. TeChnICal sPeCIfICaTIons ................................................. 25
15. CeRTIfICaTIons ................................................................. 26

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sYMbols
This symbol alerts the user to the presence of recommendations about
product’s use and maintenance.
This symbol alerts the user to the presence of recommendations about the
product’s use and maintenance.
K-array declares that this device is in compliance with applicable CE
standards and regulations. Before putting the device into operation, please
observe the respective country-specific regulations!
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Please dispose of this product at the end of its operational lifetime by bringing
it to your local collection point or recycling center for such equipment.
This device complies with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.
Warning: DANGEROUS VOLTAGE.
Terminals marked with this symbol carry a risk of electric shock, therefore
external wiring connected to these terminals requires installation by a
qualified professional or the use of ready-made leads or cords.

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1. InTRoDUCTIon
2. KeY feaTURes
3. aPPlICaTIons
The K-array KH7 speaker is a compact, self-powered, weather resistant, mid-high line array element,
complying with the highest standards, both in sound quality and SPL. It features four 12” coaxial
neodymium magnet woofers, providing multiple setups, including both vertical and horizontal use, with
an exceptional peak output of 141 dB SPL.
An integrated, Class D amplifier delivers 4 x 2000W at 4Ωwith a max THD of 1% (EIAJ test at 1
kHz, single channel driven). The four discrete amplifier channels are controlled by an integrated DSP
providing a hyper-detailed beam steering ability to meet any demanding setup requirement and control
sound spillover.
All DSP functions are remotely controlled via software over ethernet.
All KH7’s components are designed by the K-array R&D department and custom-made under K-array’s
quality control system.
• Unique performance-to-size ratio
• Self powered
• Mechanically variable vertical coverage
• Mechanically variable horizontal coverage
• Integrated DSP with multiple analog and digital inputs
• Digital acoustic steering system
• Straight hanging
• RS485 connectivity for remote control
• Large scale events
• Touring sound reinforcement
• Theatres, stadiums, concert halls, arenas
• Houses of worship
• Portable and installed AV systems

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The lighting flash with arrowhead symbol within
an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of not isolated, dangerous
voltage within the product enclosure that may
be of magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical
shock.
This symbol alerts the user to the presence of
recommendations about the product’s use and
maintenance.
4. safeTY InfoRMaTIon
Warning: Failure to follow these safety instructions could result in fire,
shock or other injury or damage to the device or other property.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• 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 are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Use only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or
sold with the apparatus.
• Use caution when moving the apparatus with the assistance of a cart to avoid injury from tip-over.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

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WARNING
• Refer all servicing to qualified 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.
• BecausethedeviceisaCLASS Iapparatus, itmust beonlyconnectedtoan AC three-wire grounding outlet.
If your outlet isn’t grounded, contact a licensed electrician to replace it with a property grounded
outlet.
• To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the AC mains connector before installing audio cable.
Reconnect the power cord only after making all signal connections. Do not use the product if the
power cord is broken or frayed. Protect the power cord from being walked upon or pinched.
• To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug
from the AC receptacle.
• Avoiding hearing damage. Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound
levels and should be used carefully. Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at high volume. Set
the volume to a safe level. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound that may sound
normal but can be damaging to your hearing. Hearing loss get worse every time you’re exposed to a
sound level of 90 dB or over for an extended period of time. If you experience ringing in your ears
or muffled speech, stop listening and have your hearing checked. The louder the volume, the less
time is required before your hearing could be affected.
• Voltage requirement. Make sure that the supplied voltage stays within the specified range. Verify that
your mains connection satisfies the power ratings of the device.
• Only connect the power supply to an appropriate power outlet
• Do not install the amplifier in wet or humid locations without using weather protection.
• TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture and objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
• The main plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.
CAUTION
• Choking Hazards. This device contains small parts which may present a choking hazard to small
children. Keep the device and its accessories away from small children.
• It is important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner.
• Do not make repairs yourself. Do not open the device, it contains potentially hazardous voltage and
there is risk of electrical shock. Never attempt to disassemble, repair or modify the system yourself.
Disassembling the unit may cause damage that is not covered under the warranty. The device
contains no user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be performed by factory-trained service
personnel. Do not plug the power cord in if you suspect that your device needs service or repair.
• Sound distortion. Do not operate speakers for an extended period of time with sound distortion.
This is an indication of malfunction, which in turn can generate heat and result in a fire.

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• Cooling. During use, it is normal for the device to get warm. The exterior of the device functions as
a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the unit to the cooler air outside. The device should
be placed in a location that allows proper cooling. For example, the device shouldn’t be placed near
surfaces that can obstruct with the cooling of the rear panel’s radiators. When operating, the device
should not be cover with additional protections.
• Temperature. Operate the device in a place where the temperature is between -20°C and 35°C (-4°F
to 95°F). Avoid dramatic changes in temperature or humidity when using it, as condensation may
form on or within the device.
• Take care not to spill any food or liquid through the device’s grill. Do not attempt to dry the device
with an external heat source, such as a hair dryer.
• Carrying, handling and installing the device. The device contains sensitive components. Do not drop,
disassemble, open, crush, bend, deform, puncture, shred, incinerate, paint, or insert foreign objects
into it. If your device has been dropped or damaged unplug the power cable immediately.
• Set up. Set up your device on a stable retaining horizontal surface. If combined or mechanically
connected with other products, always verify the stability of the resulted system. Install the unit
only in a location that can structurally support the weight of the unit, far away from people who
can interfere with the stability of the system. In case of outdoor installation, protect the device from
rain and moisture. Assure that the wind does not interfere with the system’s stability, taking extra
securities like chains, weights, ropes or any other certified anchoring systems. Doing otherwise may
result in the unit falling down, causing personal injury or property damage or even death. The system
should only be suspended by qualified personnel following safe rigging practices. Secure fixings
to the building structure are vital. To clarify any doubt you may have, seek help from architects,
structural engineers or other specialists.
• This audio system is not intended for use in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation
or communication systems, air traffic control systems,or for any other uses where the failure of the
audio system could lead to death, personal injury, or sever environmental damage.
5. UnPaCKInG
Each K-array speaker is built to the highest standards and thoroughly inspected before leaving the
factory. Upon arrival, carefully inspect the shipping carton, then examine and test your new amplifier.
If you find any damage, immediately notify the shipping company. Only the consignee may institute a
claim procedure regarding the system’s electronic equipment.

Weight
52 kg (114.6 lbs)
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6. PRoDUCT oveRvIew

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7.1 aC PoweR
The amplifier module and any audio equipment connected to it (mixing consoles, processors, etc.) must
be properly connected to the AC power distribution, preserving the AC line polarity. Every grounding
point must be connected to a single node or common point using the same cable gauge as the neutral
and line cable. Bad grounding connections between speakers and the rest of the equipment may
produce noise, hum or serious damage to the input/output stages in the system’s electronic equipment.
Before applying AC to any K-array self-powered speaker,
ensure that the voltage potential difference between neutral
and earth ground is less than 5 VAC.
7. aMPlIfIeR
7.2 volTaGe ReQUIReMenT
The auto-range power supply feature allows the amp unit to operate safely and without any audio
discontinuity when the AC voltage stays within a nominal range of 100-240V (operating range 85- 265V)
at 50 to 60Hz. Please verify that your AC mains power connections are capable of satisfying the power
rating for the device.
CAUTION: Do not connect the system to AC power mains
exceeding 265V. Doing so will cause significant damage to the
device and create serious risk for users!
7.3 CURRenT ReQUIReMenT
The amplifier presents a dynamic load to the AC mains power, drawing additional current as operating
levels increase. Different cables and circuit breakers heat up at varying rates, so it is essential to
understand current ratings and how they correspond to circuit breaker and cable specifications. Maximum
Continuous RMS Current — measured over a period of at least ten seconds — is used to calculate the
temperature increase in cables, which drives the proper size and gauge cable and rating for slow-
reacting thermal breakers. Maximum Burst RMS Current — measured over a period of approximately
one second — is used to select the rating for fast reacting magnetic breakers.
For best performance, voltage drops should not exceed 10% at 100V or 10% at 230V. The minimum
electrical service amperage required by a K-array loudspeaker system is the sum of their Maximum
Continuous RMS Current. K-array recommends allowing an additional 30% above the minimum amperage
to prevent peak voltage drops at the service entry.

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7.4 PRoTeCTIon CIRCUITRY
Both the Power supply and the amplifier sections are equipped with several protection circuits.
Power supply protections aim to isolate a faulty section in electrical power system from the rest of
the device in order to prevent the propagation of the fault and limit device damages. They comprise
overcurrent, overvoltage and thermal protections.
Amplifier protections are triggered by audio signal current and voltage – by comparing input and output –
and NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistors. A Peak Current Shut Down and a Temperature
Protection Limiter protect the output stage.
High frequency stationary signals, like steady sinusoidal signals – improperly referred as continuous or
permanent signals – with high amplitude tend to stress the amplifier section of the modules as well as
the loudspeaker’s voice coils. When a high frequency stationary loud signal is fed into the amplifier, a
dedicated limiter restricts its mean current depending on its level and frequency. The process is auto
adaptive and frequency driven: at a higher frequency the limiter acts faster.

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8. PoweR anD aUDIo/DaTa ConneCTIon
1) AC Power Input: PowerCon input connector for AC input
2)
AC Power Link: PowerCon output connector for feeding the AC mains power to additional K-array
components with a PowerCon AC input socket. Do not link the AC mains power with more than
two KH7s (see Section 9.4)
3)
Analog Input: XLR female connector for analog signal
4)
Analog Output: XLR male connector providing a direct signal from the analog input
5)
AES/EBU Digital Input: XLR female connector for AES/EBU digital signal. Please note that the AES/
EBU signal can be sent via Ethernet as well, together with the data (see Paragraph 9.1)
6)
Ethernet Port 1: RJ45 connector. Either Ethernet Port 1 and Ethernet Port 2 can be used to connect
the unit to an Ethernet-capable PC or router for remote operation via Armonìa (see Armonia User
Guide). One of the ports can allow another module to be daisy chained. Both Control Data and
AES/EBU Digital Signal can travel through the Ethernet network (see Paragraph 9.1)
7)
Ethernet Port 2: Same functions as Ethernet Port 1
8)
Reset Button: Resets the system
6
8
5
4
3
7 2
1
The amplifier manages both one analog input and one digital input. You can connect both
types of input sources and later select the source that you want to activate using the Input
routing window in Armonìa.

Ethernet Ethernet
KH7-SIGIN
XLR XLR Ethernet
Ethernet
AESOP wiring configuration
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8.1 aes/ebU vIa eTheRneT — Kh7-sIGIn
AESOP (AES Ethernet Simple Open Protocol) is the network dedicated to live applications where high
quality audio, easy system configuration and reliability must be guaranteed. Control data and AES/EBU
digital signals travel through the same Ethernet cable at 100 Mbit/s. RJ45 dual port design allows daisy
chain and redundant ring topologies. Moreover, Fault Bypass Technology overcomes any faulty device in
the network, assuring solid connectivity without any audio or control signal loss.
In order to connect your digital source to the unit via Ethernet cable, you need the KH7-SIGIN accessory.
It is a cable which features a RJ45 connector at one end and three connectors at the other including 2
female XLR connectors (AES/EBU Channel A and Channel B) and a RJ45 connector (Data).
When using Armonia software to remotely control the device, make sure to select the correct input in
the Input Routing page: Digital Network A for AES/EBU channel A or Digital Network B for AES/EBU
channel B.
AES/EBU
Channel A
AES/EBU
Channel B
DATA
from PC

FORWARDER REPEATER
Digital XLR
AES/EBU via XLR
REPEATER
Repeater configuration
Ethernet cable Ethernet cable
Forwarder configuration
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8.2 aes/ebU vIa XlR
If you want to connect your digital source to the first KH7 by XLR instead of via the Ethernet, follow the
instructions below:
1. Connect the AES/EBU signal by Digital XLR on the audio/data panel of the first KH7 unit in the chain.
This unit will behave as the Forwarder module for the digital signal.
2. In the Forwarder module, connect one Ethenet port (choose either Port 1 or Port 2) on the audio/
data panel with the Ethernet cable to the next KH7 unit that will behave as a Repeater of the AES/
EBU signal.
3. Continue the wiring until you close the chain.
4. Set the AESOP preferences (which module is a Repeater or a Forwarder) via Armonia in the Input
Routing Window. By default, every unit is set as a Repeater, so adjust the preferences on the
Forwarder module only.

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8.3 neTwoRK ConneCTIon
The KH7 amplifier module can be connected to a PC via a standard RJ45 network port. One port of
the first unit is connected to a router or PC, while the other port allows another module to be daisy
chained to this unit. In this mode, Armonia will be able to control all modules sharing an Ethernet cable
connection.
Ethernet communication requires all IP addresses to be set correctly on the PC and on every connected
module. The KH7 system may be set to assign IP addresses manually or automatically. See Network
Configuration in the Armonia User Guide for further details.
Using an existing LAN (Local Area Network) to exchange data via Ethernet between
the PC and the amplifiers is not good practice. The wiring used for such purpose should
always be dedicated.
8.4 aC MaIns PoweR lInK
Each KH7 unit features both a PowerCon input connector for AC input and a PowerCon link connector
for feeding AC mains power to another unit.
AC MAINS
AC Mains Link
AC MAINS
Do not link the AC mains power to more than two KH7 units!

x
y
x
y
x
y
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9. ConfIGURaTIons
KH7 features four loudspeakers, each composed of a 12” woofer coupled to an asymmetric horn which
produced a different sound dispersion pattern in respect to its axes. The sound dispersion is wide
along the axis labeled FLOOD and narrow along the axis labeled SPOT.
Each horn can be manually rotated 90° using the two handles situated at the front.
9.1 hoRn oRIenTaTIon
In this position, the sound dispersion
pattern is wide (FLOOD) in respect to
the x-axis and narrow (SPOT) in respect
to the y-axis.
In this position, the sound dispersion
pattern is narrow (SPOT) in respect to
the x-axis and wide (FLOOD) in respect
to the y-axis (SPOT).

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FLOOD
Coverage 100° + digital adjustment
SPOT
Coverage 30°
FLOOD
Coverage 100°
SPOT
Coverage 30° + digital adjustment
9.2 sInGle UnIT ConfIGURaTIons
As shown in the figures below, the coverage angle of a single KH7 can be digitally adjusted along
the axis of the four loudspeakers. Along this axis, KH7 behaves like a line array and can be digitally
steered since each loudspeaker is controlled by a dedicated DSP channel of the amplifier (see Chapter
10).
A horizontal KH7 with vertically oriented horns
A horizontal KH7 with horizontally oriented horns

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A vertical KH7 with vertically
oriented horns
SPOT
Coverage 30° +
digital adjustment
A vertical KH7 with
horizontally oriented horns
FLOOD
Coverage 100°
SPOT
Coverage 30°
FLOOD
Coverage 100° +
digital adjustment

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9.3 aRRaY ConfIGURaTIons
In this configuration the cluster behaves as a vertical line array. The coverage along the vertical axis
depends on the number of speakers flown and is digitally adjustable via software.
FLOOD
Coverage 100°
SPOT
Coverage is the number of speakers
dependent and digitally adjustable.
Vertical array of a vertical KH7

SPOT
Coverage is number of
speakers dependent
and digitally adjustable.
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FLOOD
Coverage 100° + digital adjustment
In this configuration the cluster behaves as a matrix of loudspeakers. That allows the user to digitally
adjust both the horizontal and the vertical coverage.
Vertical array of a horizontal KH7

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10. DIGITal sTeeRInG - ease foCUs
Acoustic steering is a feature that allows you to guide a speaker’s sound beam through the interaction
of several loudspeakers. The full potential of this technique can truly be maximized only when there is
a system that allows you to precisely and independently control each element of the array. A powerful
software that can optimize all the parameters in order to obtain the desired acoustic result is required.
With this capability, each KH7 has an onboard DSP designed to load FIR filters to achieve the best
and most accurate steering results. FIR coefficients can be easily calculated with EASE Focus, the
most accurate acoustic simulation software available in the market. Based on input data describing
location geometry and sound sources, the software computes optimal filter transfer functions that can
be automatically converted to FIR filters.
EASE Focus software and its User Guide can be downloaded from the AFMG website: focus.afmg.eu
AFTER FIR CALCULATION
BEFORE FIR CALCULATION