L-Acoustics ARCS II Quick start guide

ARCS II
rigging manual (EN)

ARCS®II SYSTEM
rigging manual
VERSION 1.1
ARCSII_RM_EN_1-1 w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c om 2
Document reference: ARCSII_RM_EN_1.1
Distribution date: March 21, 2017
© 2017 L-ACOUSTICS®. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form
or by any means without the express written consent of the publisher.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this manual
2. Heed all SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS as well as DANGER and OBLIGATION warnings
3. Never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-ACOUSTICS®
4. Read all the related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents before exploiting the system
The product information document is included in the shipping carton of the related system component.
5. Work with qualified personnel for rigging the system
Installation should only be carried out by qualified personnel that are familiar with the rigging techniques and safety
recommendations outlined in this manual.
6. Ensure personnel health and safety
During installation and set-up personnel must wear protective headgear and footwear at all times. Under no
circumstances personnel is allowed to climb on a loudspeaker array.
7. Respect the Working Load Limit (WLL) of third party equipment
L-ACOUSTICS®is not responsible for any rigging equipment and accessories provided by third party
manufacturers. Verify that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the suspension points, chain hoists and all additional
hardware rigging accessories is respected.
8. Respect the maximum configurations and the recommended safety level
For safety issue, respect the maximum configurations outlined in this manual. To check the conformity of any
configuration in regards with the safety level recommended by L-ACOUSTICS®, model the system in
SOUNDVISION and refer to the warnings in Mechanical Data section.
9. Be cautious when flying a loudspeaker array
Always verify that no one is standing underneath the loudspeaker array when it is being raised. As the array is
being raised, check each individual element to make sure that it is securely fastened to the adjacent element.
Never leave the array unattended during the installation process. As a general rule, L-ACOUSTICS®recommends
the use of safety slings at all times.
10. Be cautious when ground-stacking a loudspeaker array
Do not stack the loudspeaker array on unstable ground or surface. If the array is stacked on a structure, platform,
or stage, always check that the latter can support the total weight of the array. As a general rule, L-ACOUSTICS®
recommends the use of safety straps at all times.
11. Take into account the wind effects on dynamic load
When a loudspeaker assembly is deployed in an open air environment, wind can produce dynamic stress to the
rigging components and suspension points. If the wind force exceeds 6 bft (Beaufort scale), lower down and/or
secure the loudspeaker array.

ARCS®II SYSTEM
rigging manual
VERSION 1.1
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SYMBOLS
The following symbols are used in this document:
DANGER
This symbol indicates a potential risk of harm to an individual or damage to the product. It can also notify the
user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure safe installation or operation of the product.
OBLIGATION
This symbol notifies the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure proper installation or
operation of the product.
INFORMATION
This symbol notifies the user about complementary information or optional instructions.
WELCOME TO L-ACOUSTICS®
Thank you for choosing the L-ACOUSTICS®ARCS®II SYSTEM.
This document contains essential information on rigging the system properly and safely. Carefully read this document in
order to become familiar with these procedures.
As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-ACOUSTICS®reserves the right to
change the specifications of its products and the content of its document without prior notice.
Please check the L-ACOUSTICS®web site on a regular basis to download latest updates for documents and software:
www.l-acoustics.com.
CONTENTS
1RIGGING SYSTEM 5
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosures..............................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Rigging elements..........................................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Software application....................................................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Accessories..................................................................................................................................................................................5
2MECHANICAL SAFETY 7
2.1 Maximum configurations .............................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Assessing mechanical safety.........................................................................................................................................................7
3SYSTEM SET-UP 8
3.1 Ground-stacking..........................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Flying ...........................................................................................................................................................................................8
4RIGGING PROCEDURES 9
A. Assembling an array with ARCOUPL bars ..................................................................................................................................9
B. Installing the BUMP3 rigging bar(s) ...........................................................................................................................................11
C. Installing the LIFTBAR rigging bar .............................................................................................................................................12
D. Installing the ARCBUMP flying frame ........................................................................................................................................13
E. Preparing the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly .............................................................................................................................15

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1 RIGGING SYSTEM
The system approach developed by L-ACOUSTICS®consists in providing packaged solutions for loudspeaker system in
order to guarantee the highest and most predictable level of performance at any step: modeling, installation, and
operation. An L-ACOUSTICS®loudspeaker system is the set of components available to form any loudspeaker system
based on one of the full-range loudspeaker enclosure afforded by L-ACOUSTICS®. It includes enclosures, rigging
accessories, loudspeaker cables, amplified controllers, and software applications.
The main components involved in the rigging process of the ARCS®II SYSTEM are the following:
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosures
ARCS®II
Full range 2-way active enclosure, arrayable in a constant curvature line,
provided with 2 ARCOUPL bars and 4 D-shackles Ø12mm
SB28
High power subwoofer enclosure
1.2 Rigging elements
BUMP3
Bar for flying a horizontal array of 2 or 4 ARCS®II,
provided with1 D-schackle Ø18mm, 2 pierced bolts, 2 nuts and 2 pins
LIFTBAR
Bar for flying a horizontal array of 1, 3, 5 or 6 ARCS®II enclosures,
provided with2 D-schackle Ø18mm and 2 D-schackle Ø22mm,
(to be used with 2 BUMP3)
ARCBUMP
Frame for flying a vertical array of up to 4 ARCS®II,
provided with 2 ARCOUPL bars, 4 D-shackles Ø12mm, 2 D-schackle Ø18mm,
6 safety slings 42mm and 6 safety slings 155mm.
1.3 Software application
SOUNDVISION
Proprietary 3D acoustical and mechanical modeling software
1.4 Accessories
ARCSPLA
Removable front dolly board for moving the enclosure and protecting the enclosure front grill
during transportation and storage
ARCSCOV
Protective cover for transportation and storage
Other ARCS®II SYSTEM components
All the other components of the system are presented in the ARCS®II SYSTEM user manual, document
intended to describe the operating modes and the loudspeaker connection.

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Main components involved in the rigging process of ARCS®II SYSTEM
BUMP3
ARCOUPL
SB28
SOUNDVISION
ARCBUMP
ARCS®II
ARCSPLA
LIFTBAR

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2MECHANICAL SAFETY
2.1 Maximum configurations
The ARCS®II rigging system has been designed to comply with BGV-C1 (2012) and EN ISO 12100-1 (2004) when flying
the following arrays:
Horizontal
Vertical
With 1 BUMP3
With 2 BUMP3
and 1 LIFTBAR
With ARCBUMP
and 1 pick-up point
With ARCBUMP
and 2 pick-up point
2 or 4 ARCS®II
1, 3, 5 or 6 ARCS®II
Up to 3 ARCS®II
Up to 4 ARCS®II
Mechanical safety of the shackles
The D-shackles Ø12mm, Ø18mm and Ø22mm provided by L-ACOUSTICS®have a working load limit (WLL)
of respectively 630 kg, 1250 kg, and 2000 kg with a 6:1 safety factor. These ratings are in accordance with
BGV-C1 (2012) recommendations when implementing the maximum configurations authorized by
L-ACOUSTICS®.
Mechanical safety of the rigging system
Authorized configurations indicate the maximum number of enclosures which can be safely arrayed without
the need for SOUNDVISION modeling. For more enclosures, model the system in SOUNDVISION and
check the Mechanical Data section for any stress warning or stability warning.
2.2 Assessing mechanical safety
In order to assess the actual safety of any array configuration before implementation, refer to the following warnings:
Rated working load limit (WLL) is not enough
The rated WLL is an indication of the element resistance to tensile stress. For complex mechanical systems
such as loudspeaker arrays, WLLs cannot be used per se to determine the maximum number of enclosures
within an array or to assess the safety of a specific array configuration.
Mechanical modeling with SOUNDVISION
The working load applied to each linking point, along with the corresponding safety factor, will depend on
numerous variables linked to the composition of the array (type and number of enclosures, splay angles) and
the implementation of the flying or stacking structure (number and location of flying points, site angle). This
cannot be determined without the complex mechanical modeling and calculation offered by SOUNDVISION.
Assessing the safety with SOUNDVISION
The overall safety factor of a specific mechanical configuration always corresponds to the lowest safety factor
among all the linking points. Always model the system configuration with the SOUNDVISION software and
check the Mechanical Data section to identify the weakest link and its corresponding working load. By
default, a stress warning will appear when the mechanical safety goes below the recommended safety level.
Safety of ground-stacked arrays in SOUNDVISION
For ground-stacked arrays, a distinct stability warning is implemented in SOUNDVISION. It indicates a
tipping hazard when the array is not secured to the ground, stage or platform. It is user responsibility to
secure the array and to ignore this warning.
Consideration must be given to unusual conditions
SOUNDVISION calculations are based upon usual environmental conditions. A higher safety factor is
recommended with factors such as extreme high or low temperatures, strong wind, prolonged exposition to
salt water, etc. Always consult a rigging specialist to adopt safety practices adapted to such a situation.

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3SYSTEM SET-UP
Dismantling an array
Apply the associated set-up procedure in reversed order.
ARCS® II enclosure orientation within the array
Due to the asymmetrical coverage of the ARCS®II enclosures, their orientation within an array will determine
the extended coverage direction.
Horizontal array From behind
Vertical array From behind
Connexion panel
Coverage
Connexion panel
Coverage
Up
40° up/ 20° down
Left
40° left / 20° right
Down
40° down / 20° up
Right
40° right / 20 ° left
3.1 Ground-stacking
Horizontal
Horizontal stacked on SB28
Assemble the array
Refer to PROCEDURE A
Stack an SB28 array
Assemble the array on top
of the SB28 array
Refer to PROCEDURE A
3.2 Flying
Horizontal
Assemble the array under the motor location
Refer to the PROCEDURE A
Follow-up 1: 2 or 4 ARCS®II enclosures
Follow-up 2: 1, 5, 3 or 6 ARCS®II enclosures
Install one BUMP3
Refer to PROCEDURE B
Check that all the shackles
are tightened securely
Attach the motor hook to
the BUMP3 shackle
Raise the array
Install two BUMP3
Refer to PROCEDURE B
Install one LIFTBAR
Refer to PROCEDURE C
Check that all the shackles
are tightened securely
Attach the motor hook to
the LIFTBAR shackle
Raise the array
Vertical
Assemble the array under the motor location
Refer to PROCEDURE A
Install the ARCBUMP
Refer to PROCEDURE D
Check that all the shackles are tightened securely
Attach the motor hook to the ARCBUMP shackle(s)
Raise the array

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4RIGGING PROCEDURES
A. Assembling an array with ARCOUPL bars
Place all ARCS®II enclosures.
a. Tip the enclosures to a vertical position, side-by-side, by using the handles of the enclosures.
Specific to horizontal arrays
Place the enclosures so that the line source will provide the intended coverage pattern.
Upward coverage Downward coverage
b. Detach the ARCSPLA dolly boards, by removing the O-ring safety pins from the ARCS II®hitching pins.
Injury hazard
Pay close attention when removing the safety pins so as not to pinch your fingers.
Attach adjacent enclosures by using ARCOUPL bars.
a. Adjust the position of the ARCS® II enclosures so that the rails are aligned.
b. Remove one shackle at one end of each coupling bar.
c. Slide ARCOUPL bars into all adjacent rails, from the rear of the array (top and bottom).
d. Secure the ARCOUPL bars, by re-attaching the shackle on the front end of the bars.
Specific to flown vertical arrays
Anticipate the securing of the vertical array. Do not lock the ARCOUPL shackles, as it will be
necessary to install safety steels between all adjacent shackles.
Specific to flown horizontal arrays
Anticipate the next procedure. Keep one or two free locations for the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assemblies.
Required number and position of BUMP3
1 BUMP3 for 2 or 4 ARCS®II
2 BUMP3 for 1, 3, 5 or 6 ARCS®II

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PROCEDURE A : Assembling an enclosure array
a
Enclosures placed at the rigging position
b
A safety pin being removed to detach the dolly-board
a
Adjacent rigging rails aligned
b
The front shackle being removed from an ARCOUPL bar
c
An ARCOUPL bar being slid from the rear of the array
d
An ARCOUPL bar being secured (schackle Ø12mm)
END
The ARCS®II assembly ready for the next procedure

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B. Installing the BUMP3 rigging bar(s)
Required number and position of BUMP3
1 BUMP3 for 2 or 4 ARCS®II
2 BUMP3 for 1, 3, 5 or 6 ARCS®II
Preparing the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assemblies
For this procedure, the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assemblies must have been prepared. Refer to PROCEDURE E.
Attach each of the required BUMP3/ARCOUPL assemblies.
a. Remove the bolt/nut/pin assembly on the front end of each BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly.
Orientation reference for the BUMP3
When installing the BUMP3, the serial number (SN) plate must be oriented towards the front of the array.
b. Slide each of the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assemblies into their respective location, (ie. into the free top adjacent
rails on the pre-assembled array), from the rear of the array.
c. Secure the front end of each BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly, by reinstalling the bolt, the nut and the cotter pin.
Attach a shackle on each BUMP3.
Rigging hole on which securing the shackle
Refer to SOUNDVISION modeling to identify the BUMP3 hole that corresponds to the desired tilt angle
About site angle
As many variables can affect the actual site angle, it is recommended to use an inclinometer.
PROCEDURE B : Installing the BUMP3
a
The bolt/nut/pin assembly removed
at the front end of a BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly
b
A BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly being slid
c
The front end of a BUMP3/ARCOUPL
assembly secured

A shackle (Ø18mm) being
secured on the BUMP3
END
A 4-ARCS®II horizontal array
ready to be flown

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C. Installing the LIFTBAR rigging bar
Attach the LIFTBAR to both BUMP3.
a. Pass the U-shape of one of the Ø18mm shackles through the shackle attached to one of the BUMP3.
b. Secure the new shackle to the LIFTBAR, by locking its pin through the LIFTBAR hole previously identified.
c. Repeat this step on the other side of the LIFTBAR for the other BUMP3.
Attach the Ø22mm shackle to the top hole on the LIFTBAR.
PROCEDURE C : Installing the LIFTBAR
a
The U-shape of a shackle (Ø18mm) passed
through one of the BUMP3 shackle.
b
The shackle being secured.

The LIFTBAR attached to the assembly.
A shackle (Ø22mm) being secured on the LIFTBAR
END
A 3 ARCS®II horizontal array ready to be flown

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D. Installing the ARCBUMP flying frame
Identify the enclosure to be attached to the ARCBUMP
When attaching the ARCBUMP, the assembly is horizontal. The ARCBUMP is attached to one of the
enclosure at the end of the assembly, depending both on intended coverage and the enclosures’ orientation.
From behind
Intended coverage
Connection panel
Enclosure for ARCBUMP
40° left / 20° right
Up
Right end
Down
Left end
40° right / 20° left
Up
Left end
Down
Right end
Attach the ARCBUMP to the enclosure intended to be at the top of the array, by using two ARCOUPL bars:
a. Unlock and remove both shackles from the two coupling bars;
b. Adjust the position of the ARCS®II and the ARCBUMP so that the rails are aligned and slide the ARCOUPL bars
into the adjacent rails (top and bottom).
Secure the whole ARCS®II assembly by installing the Ø12mm shackles on both ends of all the ARCOUPL bars, with
a safety sling attached between all the adjacent shackles (except for the bottom enclosure). If some shackles are
already attached to the bars, remove them and reinstall them with safety slings.
Install the two Ø18mm shackles on the ARCBUMP frame:
a. Secure a shackle to the identified hole on both side of the ARCBUMP frame;
Rigging hole on which securing the shackle
Refer to SOUNDVISION modeling to identify the hole that corresponds to the desired tilt angle.
back
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Serial n°
front
About site angle
As many variables can affect the actual site angle, it is recommended to use an inclinometer.
b. Compensate for the offset center of gravity when achieving the bridled suspension.
Single suspension point for 1 to 3 ARCS® II
When flying 1 to 3 ARCS®II, single point suspension is authorized. In that case, attach a Ø18mm shackle to the
center bar of the ARCBUMP frame. However, please note that the offset center of gravity will not be
compensated for.

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PROCEDURE D: Installing the ARCBUMP
a
A shackle is being removed from an ARCOUPL bar
b
The ARCOUPL bars are being slid in the rigging rails
A shackle (Ø12mm) being reinstalled along with a safety sling

The array secured with safety steels front and back)

A shackle (Ø18mm) being secured on the ARCBUMP
END
A 3-ARCS®II vertical array ready to be flown (2-point)

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E. Preparing the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly
It is highly recommended to pre-assemble the BUMP3 structure with one of the spare ARCOUPL bars
available with the ARCS®II system, and to store this BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly as it is. It will avoid
unnecessary repetitive steps in the rigging process of an ARCS®II assembly.
Remove both shackles from one ARCOUPL bar.
Align the holes of the ARCOUPL bar with the BUMP3.
Secure both ends of the BUMP3/ ARCOUPL assembly.
a. Drive a pierced bolt into the holes at one of the bar end
b. Drive the pierced nut
c. Secure with a cotter pin.
d. Repeat at the other end
PROCEDURE E: Preparing the BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly

A shackle being removed from an ARCOUPL bar

The bar holes aligned with the BUMP3
a
The bolt being driven
b
The nut being driven
c
The assembly being secured with a pin
END
The BUMP3/ARCOUPL assembly ready

www.l-group.com
L-Acoustics, an L-Group Company
13 rue Levacher Cintrat –91460 Marcoussis –France
[phone] –inf[email protected]
www.l-acoustics.com
L-Acoustics GmbH
Steiermärker Str. 3-5
70469 Stuttgart
Germany
[phone]
L-Acoustics Ltd.
PO. Box Adler Shine - Aston House
Cornwall Avenue - London N3 1LF
United Kingdom
[phone]
L-Acoustics Inc.
2645 Townsgate Road, Suite 600
Westlake Village, CA 91361
USA
[phone]