K&F SPECTRA 212 User manual

K&F SPECTRA 212
User‘s Manual
EN | Translation of the original instructions
Revision 1.5
Released 05/15/19
Important Information, 
Please Read Before Use!
KLING & FREITAG GmbH
Junkersstraße 14
D-30179 Hannover
TEL [phone]
FAX [phone]
www.kling-freitag.de

User‘s Manual K&F SPECTRA 212 Sub Adapter
© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 3 of 38
Table of Content
Chapter / Content Page
1. Introduction 5
1.1 Icons Used 5
1.2 About this user's manual 6
2. Product Description 7
2.1 Intended Use 7
2.2 System Requirements for Operation 8
2.3 Items Included 8
2.4 Components 9
2.5 Connectors and Controls 10
2.6 Label 10
3. Safety Instructions 11
3.1 Instructions for Speaker Placement 11
3.2 Safety Instructions for Stacked Speakers 11
3.3 Preventing Hearing Damage 11
3.4 Protecting the Speakers, Reliability 12
4. Setup and Beamwidth 13
4.1 Line source, Point source 13
4.1.1 Operating mode: LineSource 13
4.1.2 Operating mode: Point source 14
4.2 Rotating the K&F VariQ Unit 14
5. Horizontal and vertical arrays 18
6. Wiring 19
6.1 Terminal assignment 19
7. Initial Operation 20
8. Setups and Connection Diagrams 20
8.1 Setup 1: 1× K&F Spectra 212 point source in full-range mode 20
8.2 Setup 2: 1× K&F SPECTRA 212 point source with additional subwoofer 21
8.3 Setup 3: 2× K&F SPECTRA 212 line source in full range mode 21
8.4 Setup 4: 3× SPECTRA 212 line source with additional subwoofer 22
9. Dimensions and Weight 23
10. Measuring Diagrams 24
10.1 Point Source Mode 24
10.1.1 Point Source Mode, horizontal coverage 24
10.1.2 Point Source Mode, vertical coverage 24
10.1.3 Point Source Mode, frequency coverage, linear 25
10.1.4 Point Source Mode, frequency coverage, SystemAmp 25
10.2 Line Source Mode 26
10.2.1 Line Source Mode, horizontal coverage 26

User‘s Manual K&F SPECTRA 212 Sub Adapter
Page 4 of 38 Version 1.5 © KLING & FREITAG GMBH
10.2.2 Line Source Mode, vertical coverage 26
10.2.3 Line Source Mode, frequency coverage, linear 27
10.2.4 Line Source mode, frequency coverage, SystemAmp 27
11. Technical Specifications 28
12. EC Declaration of Conformity 29
13. Accessories 30
14. Care and Maintenance 33
15. Transportation and Storage 33
16. Disposal 34
16.1 Germany 34
16.2 EU, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein 34
16.3 All Other Countries 34

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 5 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
Thank you for purchasing a KLING & FREITAG product. To guarantee trouble-free operation and enable
your KLING & FREITAG SPECTRA 212 system to achieve its full potential, please read this manual carefully
before use. You will find that your K&F SPECTRA 212 is truly a versatile pro-grade tool that meets all re-
quirements in terms of audio quality and safe installation.
1. Introduction
1.1 Icons Used
This icon indicates a risk of injury or death. Not following these instructions may result in serious health
problems including potentially fatal injuries.
Warning
This icon indicates a possibly dangerous situation. Not following these instructions may cause minor in-
juries or damage.
Caution
This icon marks instructions for proper use of the described products. Not following these instructions
may cause malfunctions or damage.
This icon marks information provided for simplified use of the described products.
Tip

Page 6 of 35 Version 1.5 © KLING & FREITAG GMBH
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
© KLING & FREITAG GMBH, all rights reserved.
All specifications regarding the features of the described products and applicable safety guidelines pro-
vided in this manual are based on information available at the time of publishing.
We assume no responsibility for technical specifications, dimensions, weights, and properties.
All information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
To ensure safe operation, all persons using the system must have access to this guide and all
other relevant material during installation. Don’t set up or operate the system before you have
carefully read and fully understood this manual. Keep the manual readily available on site at
all times.
All KLING & FREITAG manuals are originally authored in German.
KLING & FREITAG spare manuals are separately available for order or can be downloaded
1.2 About this user's manual
Contact Us: [email protected]
KLING & FREITAG GMBH, Junkersstr. 14, D-30179 Hannover
Phone [phone], fax [phone]

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 7 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
The K&F SPECTRA 212 is a compact 3-way speaker with equalization in two ways. Separate K&F power
amplifiers are required for driving the speaker. he K&F SPECTRA 212 features a detachable midrange/
tweeter unit that can be rotated by 90°. This allows for using it as a point source or – as part of an array
– as a line source. The midrange/tweeter unit is mounted inside the enclosure using 14 grille-screws and
two extra locking screws. To rotate the unit by 90° in order to change between point source and line
source operation, first remove the 14 grille screws, the grille, and the locking screws, then align the unit
as desired and replace all screws and the grille. In addition, use the switch at the rear panel to change
between point source and line source operation.
With regard to its weight of 48 kg, two people are required for handling the K&F SPECTRA 212.
In point-source operation, the H/V beam width is 60° × +5/–25°. This allows for using a K&F
SPECTRA 212 as a single high-performance top. The asymmetric vertical beamwidth simplifies orientation
towards the audience and at the same time reduces unwanted ceiling reflections. In line source operation,
the H/V beamwidth is 30° × 60°.
The connection system and the optionally available K&F rigging system allow for creating and suspending
either a horizontal line of up to six K&F SPECTRA 212 or a vertical array of up to four K&F SPECTRA 212.
Be sure to use the SPECTRA 212 only with system amplifiers or controllers approved by KLING & FREITAG.
The product is designed for permanent indoor use. you can also operate it in an outdoor setting if it is
sufficiently protected against the effects of unfavorable weather conditions. This product is not designed
for prolonged use in corrosive environments.
When using the optional K&F SPECTRA 212 subwoofer adapter, you can use K&F subwoofers as a ped-
estal provided the required stability is ensured. Refer to the manual for K&F SPECTRA 212 accessories for
more information. The connection system and the optionally available K&F rigging system allow for cre-
ating and suspending either a horizontal line of up to six SPECTRA 212 or a vertical array of up to four
SPECTRA 212. In outdoor use, if the product is suspended using the optional K&F rigging system, be sure
to guy it and to end operation at wind forces of 8 bft or more. People may safely stand below the struc-
ture during operation.
Installation and operation must be performed by qualified event technicians or appropriately trained per-
sons. Planning must be performed and responsibility be taken by qualified personnel only.
Any other use not described in this document is not an intended use.
2. Product Description
2.1 Intended Use

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
• (1x) K&F SPECTRA 212 speaker
• (1x) User's Manual
2.2 System Requirements for Operation
Recommendation:
K&F PLM+ 20k44 (SystemAmp, ProRental)
K&F PLM+ 12k44 (SystemAmp, ProRental)
or
Recommendation:
K&F D200:4 (SystemAmp, InstallSound)
K&F D120:4 (SystemAmp, InstallSound)
K&F D80:4 (SystemAmp, InstallSound)
or
K&F SystemRack:
2.3 Items Included
K&F D200:4
We recommend a SystemAmp of the K&F PLM+ series.
Tip

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 9 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
1. Housing
2. grille
3. View port for mode detection of the ‘K&F VariQ’ unit
4. handle
5. Terminal
6. ‘Camlock'-fixture for transportation cover
7. Stacking grooves at cover, adjacent: stacking feet at bottom
8. Flying bar
2.4 Components
5
4
13
2
678

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
The operating panel of the K&F SPECTRA 212 provides the following controls and connectors:
1. Labels with typ- and switch disclaimer
2. SpeakOn port 1
3. Switch for ‘point source’ and ‘line source’ adjustment
4. SpeakOn port 2
1. Technical spezifications for loudspeaker
2. Serial number
3. Short description switch position ‘Line Mode’
4. Short description switch position ‘Point Source’ mode
2.5 Connectors and Controls
2.6 Label
4
2
1
3

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 11 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
3. Safety Instructions
3.1 Instructions for Speaker Placement
Mount the speakers securely. To avoid injury or damage, always be sure to mount the speakers securely
so that they do not fall.
Note that the speakers can move as a result of vibrations. To prevent them from falling from their
mounted position, they must be secured properly.
When laying the connecting cables, make sure that nobody can trip.
Warning
3.2 Safety Instructions for Stacked Speakers
Tipping speakers impose a deadly risk for people standing near-by!
Be sure to follow the relevant national specifications, norms, and safety regulations.
Always make sure that the speakers are sufficiently secured, so they cannot fall over even when external
forces affect the speaker stack. Before installation, carefully check whether there are any external factors
that may cause the stack to fall over. These include, for example, the ground slope or bearing capacity,
winds, and impacts of persons or vehicles. Qualified and appropriately trained installation personnel are
in charge of evaluating the scenario and performing all required steps (including statics analysis). Proof
of stability must be obtained if and as necessary.
Stacked systems must not fall over even if they are inclined by 15° in any direction. If this requirement is
not fulfilled, be sure to take appropriate steps. E.g. lashing the
Where the stability of installed systems cannot be proven without additional safety measures, those sys-
tems must be effectively secured against sliding and tipping to achieve compliance. For example, secure
the system against tipping using water tanks or floor bolts. Other possible measures include lashing the
speakers onto a suitable base or fastening them using straps.
With applications where winds may occur, for example, outdoor events, tradeshows, etc., be sure to per-
form extra stability checks.
Make sure that the feet of stacked subwoofers engage with the corresponding hollows of the lower
speaker.
Warning
3.3 Preventing Hearing Damage
Keep your distance from operating speakers. This equipment is capable of delivering sound pressure lev-
els in excess of 90dB SPL, which may cause permanent hearing damage.
Caution

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
3.4 Protecting the Speakers, Reliability
Be sure to connect the K&F SPECTRA 212 speaker to a K&F SystemAmp or a K&F SystemRack.
Never feed audio at excessive levels to the speaker. This may be caused by mixing consoles, equalizers,
effect equipment, etc. and should be indicated on this equipment. Clipping at the power-amp output is
typically shown by a red clipping indicator. In any case, be sure to lower the signal level once it sounds
distorted.
For damage caused by
• overloading the speakers or
• using the speakers without K&F SystemAmp or K&F SystemRack
we do not assume warranty and excludes liability for possible consequential damage.
Signals that may damage the speakers include the following:
• Continuous high-volume signals at high frequencies, continuous audio feedback
• Continuously distorted signals at high levels
• Sounds occurring when connecting, disconnecting, or switching on a device on the audio system
while the speaker is on
Never place your speakers
• where they are permanently exposed to direct sunlight,
• where the devices are exposed to high moisture or rain.
• where they are exposed to strong vibrations or dust.
Damage Caused by the Speaker’s Magnetic Fields
Even when not connected, loudspeakers continuously produce a magnetic field. Therefore, when trans-
porting or placing the speaker, be sure to keep a minimum distance of about 1 meter between the
speaker and magnetic disks or computer/video displays.

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 13 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
The K&F SPECTRA 212 supports various setups ranging from single use to arrays of up to six speakers.
To change between line source and point source and thus also the coverage angle of the speaker, you
need to remove the grille and rotate the K&F VariQ unit by 90°. The VariQ unit incorporates the tweeters
and the midrange speakers and is installed as a compact assembly in the enclosure.
The K&F SPECTRA 212 is factory-preset to the ‘line source’ mode. If desired, the K&F SPECTRA 212 can
also be delivered in point source mode.
Use the line source mode whenever you want to configure multiple K&F SPECTRA 212 as an array. How
many K&F SPECTRA 212 you intend to interconnect or whether you will use subwoofers or not is not
relevant.
Terminal, K&F SPECTRA 212:
4. Setup and Beamwidth
4.1 Line source, Point source
To confirm the current VariQ installation, you don’t need to remove the grille.
An opening at the side allows for viewing the color code of the current speaker beamwidth.
Tip
• black: The K&F VariQ is configured for the
line source mode. The symmetric H/V
beamwidth is 60° × 30°.
• white: The K&F VariQ is configured for
the point source mode. Vertically, it radi-
ates asymmetrically with 10° to up.
• red: The K&F VariQ is configured for the
point source mode. The H/V beamwidth is
60° × 30°. Vertically, it radiates asymmet-
rically with 10° to up.
4.1.1 Operating mode: LineSource
Switch set to the right
Horizontal beamwidth: 30°
Vertical beamwidth: 60°

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
Use the point source mode whenever you want to use the K&F SPECTRA 212 as a single top. This is
regardless of whether or not you use a subwoofer.
For single use, you need to rotate the K&F VariQ unit as appropriate (see chapter "Rotating theVariQ
Unit" on page 14) and to set the switch on the operating panel to the left.
With applications where the audience area is higher than the speaker, you can flip the coverage angle
without rotating the speaker by 180°. In that case, the speaker covers an angle of +25° and –5° at a 10°
upwards pre-tilt.
Terminal, K&F SPECTRA 212:
Before changing the configuration, use the side opening to confirm the current coverage mode of the
K&F VariQ unit.
By rotating the VariQ unit by 90°, you effectively swap the vertical and horizontal coverage angles.
4.1.2 Operating mode: Point source
Switch set to the left
Horizontal beamwidth: 60°
Vertical beamwidth:
30° (-25° to +5°) or
30° (-5° bis +25°)
4.2 Rotating the K&F VariQ Unit
1) Remove all cabling as necessary and
carefully place the K&F SPECTRA 212
speaker on its backside.
2) Unscrew and remove the seven grille
screws from both long sides of the
speaker.

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 15 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
3) Remove the grille.
4) On both sides of the speaker, unscrew
and remove the screw holding the K&F
VariQ unit.
5) If you have to lay down the K&F VariQ
unit during the speaker conversion,
turn it 180° downwards and place it ex-
clusively on its front side, i.e. on its
waveformer.
Take the waveformer of the K&F VariQ
unit with both hands and slowly and
carefully pull the unit vertically from
the chassis.
6) Note that the connecting cable to the
K&F VariQ unit may get disconnected
when removing the unit from the chas-
sis.
In this case, be sure to reconnect the ca-
ble.
Rotate the K&F VariQ unit as required:

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
Orientation of the K&F VariQ unit for
line source operation:
• Horizontal beamwidth: 30°
Vertical beamwidth: 60°
(required for array operation)
Orientation of the K&F VariQ unit for point
source operation:
• Horizontal beamwidth: 60°
Vertical beamwidth:30° asymmetrical
-10° pre-tilt
• or:
Horizontal beamwidth: 60°
Vertical beamwidth:30° asymmetrical
10° pre-tilt
7) When replacing the K&F VariQ unit,
make sure it is not jammed.
Re-insert the unit into the chassis slowly
and carefully.
8) Check the K&F VariQ unit is positioned
in the enclosure as intended in your
configuration by looking through the
opening in the enclosure.
Compare the color you see through the
opening in the enclosure with the color
list in the chapter ‘Line Source, Point
Source’ starting on page 13 in this
manual.
A:
B:

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 17 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
9) To prevent damage to the inside
threads, confirm that you can see the
threads in the K&F VariQunit from out-
side through the mounting bore.
If you want to use the K&F SPECTRA 212
as a line source in full-range mode, con-
figure the speaker for the line source
mode as described in chapter ‘Operat-
ing mode: Line source’ at page $$.
Replace the previously removed screws
to fasten the K&F VariQ unit.
Tighten the screws lightly by hand.
10) When aligning the grille, make sure
that the K&F logo is at the bottom.
Put the grille into position.
11) Risk of thread destruction due to incor-
rectly screw placement!
Always make sure that the grille edge
fully lies on the enclosure surface and
be sure to screw the screws in fully ver-
tically to the enclosure side.
Fully press the entire grille edge onto
the enclosure while screwing in.
Tip

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
You can fly K&F SPECTRA 212 speakers either separately or as an array. With an array of K&F SPECTRA
212 speakers, you can choose between horizontal (A) and vertical (B) orientation.
Be sure to configure arrays of K&F SPECTRA 212 speakers only using K&F SPECTRA 212 Flybar Connector
horizontal or K&F SPECTRA 212 Flybar Connector vertical. For more information, refer to the rigging sys-
tem manual of the K&F SPECTRA 212 speaker.
With horizontal arrays, the maximum number of speakers allowed means that the horizontal coverage
angle adds to 180° (max.).
With vertical arrays, the maximum number of speakers allowed means that the horizontal coverage angle
adds to120 ° (max.).
5. Horizontal and vertical arrays
A) B)
Horizontal array: 6 x K&F SPECTRA 212
speakers max.
Vertical array: 4 x K&F SPECTRA 212
speakers max.
K&F SPECTRA 212 speakers have to be flown by qualified personnel (riggers) only. For instructions for
flying speakers, handling arrays, pickpoint tables, and other information, refer to the “K&F SPECTRA 212
Rigging” manual. The manual is available for free download on our website at www.kling-freitag.de.
Never exceed the maximum number of speakers allowed.
The maximum number of speakers allowed in a horizontal array (A) is six (6).
The maximum number of speakers allowed in a vertical array is four (4).
Warning

© KLING & FREITAG GMBH Version 1.5 Page 19 of 35
User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
Speakon connector
6. Wiring
• Before connecting your K&F SPECTRA 212 speaker, switch off all devices and turn down all faders
and encoders.
• Be sure to use high-end speaker cables with an appropriate wire gauge. Select the wire gauge with
regard to the cable length.
Min. Wire Gauge (mm²) = Req. Cable Length (m) / (2xSpeaker Impedance (Ohm))
• To connect the mixing console to the power-amp inputs, use shielded 2-pole balanced microphone
cables equipped with quality connectors.
• Avoid creating ground loops.
• Be sure to follow the pinouts shown in this manual.
• Check for correct polarity of the speaker links to the power amplifier.
• Upon completing wiring, ensure that the connected speaker channels are working in phase, for
example, using a phase tester. When the connected channels are used simultaneously, you can
identify out-of-phase statuses by bass cancellation or mid-frequency signals (e.g. voices) that can-
not be located properly.
• When connecting multiple speakers, you can daisy-chain the signal from one speaker to the next.
Make sure that the total impedance of all speakers connected to an amplifier does not fall below
the minimum impedance specified for the amplifier. 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... = 1/Rtotal
Speaker-signal currents are potentially hazardous to the human body.
When the system is in use, make sure that the connectors are secured against inadvertent touch.
Warning
6.1 Terminal assignment
+ (LF, HF)
1 - 2 -
1+
2+
IN
-
(LF, HF)
-
(MF)
+ (MF)
SpeakOn NL4

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User's Manual K&F SPECTRA 212
The K&F SPECTRA 212 speaker system is designed and constructed as a top. When using it as a main
sound-reinforcement system, we recommend using an additional K&F subwoofer.
Our recommendation is using K&F subwoofers from the K&F NOMOS range.
Example configurations:
• (1x) K&F SPECTRA 212
(1x) K&F NOMOS LS2
(1x) K&F NOMOS LT
• 3 x SPECTRA 212
(3x) K&F NOMOS XLT
All setups depend on their intended use, the required beamwidth, and the on-site conditions.
If you want to use the K&F SPECTRA 212 as a point source in full-range mode, configure the speaker for
the point source mode as described in chapter ‘Operating mode: Point source’ at page 14. Select the ap-
propriate preset on the K&F SystemAmp or K&F SystemRack. Whenwiring your system, be sure to assign
the channels correctly (see page 19).
Presets:
7. Initial Operation
• Switch off all devices and turn down all volume controls on the mixing console and the amplifiers.
• Wire your K&F SPECTRA 212 systems as described in this manual.
• Switch on the devices in the following order: first the mixing console, then the controller and fi-
nally the power amplifiers! Be sure to observe this power-up sequence at all times. Otherwise
switching noises may damage the system.
• If you hear noise, turn off all devices in reverse order, then check all cable connections.
• Turn up all amplifier channels one after another and output a low-volume signal to the system.
Check to see if the desired signals are applied to the intended speakers and make sure there is no
interference.
• With amplifiers with insufficient input-stage headroom, you may not always be able to prevent dis-
tortion by reducing the power-amp volume controls. In this case, the clipping indicator may not
light when clipping actually occurs! To prevent damage to the speakers, we recommend fully turn-
ing up the power-amp volume controls, then carefully turn up the volume on the mixing console
or controller or reduce the limiter threshold of the controller as appropriate in order not to overload
the amplifiers.
• When turning off the system, first turn down the amplifier input controls. Next, power down the
amplifiers, then turn off the remaining devices.
8. Setups and Connection Diagrams
8.1 Setup 1: 1× K&F Spectra 212 point source in full-range mode
K&F SystemAmp: SPECTRA 212 PS FR
K&F SystemRack: Spec212 PS FR