L-Acoustics X8 User manual

X8
user manual (EN)

Document reference: X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0
Distribution date: October 7, 2016
© 2016 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.

Contents
Safety................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Instructions................................................................................................................................................4
Symbols................................................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome........................................................................................................................................................... 5
System components.............................................................................................................................................6
Technical description........................................................................................................................................... 7
Low-latency preset..................................................................................................................................... 7
Directivity................................................................................................................................................. 7
Loudspeaker congurations..................................................................................................................................8
X8 point source.......................................................................................................................................8
X8 point source with LF.............................................................................................................................9
X8 with SB15m...............................................................................................................................9
X8 stage monitor.................................................................................................................................... 10
X8 stage monitor with LF.........................................................................................................................11
X8 stage monitor with SB15m........................................................................................................11
Loudspeaker connection.................................................................................................................................... 12
Connectors............................................................................................................................................. 12
Connection to LA4X................................................................................................................................ 13
Connection to LA8.................................................................................................................................. 15
Connection to LA12X.............................................................................................................................. 15
Preset description..............................................................................................................................................17
Recommendation for speaker cables...................................................................................................................18
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................... 19
Disassembly and Reassembly procedures.................................................................................................. 19
D/R - Grill....................................................................................................................................20
D/R - Coaxial loudspeaker............................................................................................................ 21
D/R - Diaphragm.......................................................................................................................... 22
Illustrations....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Loudspeaker cables.................................................................................................................................25
Specications................................................................................................................................................... 26
X8 specications.....................................................................................................................................26
SB15m specications...............................................................................................................................28
3

Safety
Safety
Instructions
Inspect the product before operation.
If any sign of defect or damage is detected, immediately withdraw the product from use for maintenance.
Never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-Acoustics.
Read all the related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents shipped with the products before
exploiting the system.
Do not store the product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table.
Beware of sound levels.
Do not stay within close proximity of loudspeakers in operation.
Loudspeaker systems are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels (SPL) which can instantaneously
lead to permanent hearing damage to performers, production crew and audience members. Hearing damage
can also occur at moderate level with prolonged exposure to sound.
Check the applicable laws and regulations relating to maximum sound levels and exposure times.
Read the RIGGING MANUAL before installing the system.
Use the rigging accessories described in the rigging manual and follow the associated procedures.
Read the maintenance section of this document before servicing the product.
Do not expose the product to extreme conditions.
Do not expose the product to rain or sea spray.
Do not expose the product to moisture (mist, steam, humidity, condensation…) or excessive heat (direct sun,
radiator…) for a long period of time.
Contact L-Acoustics for advanced maintenance.
Any unauthorized maintenance operation will void the product warranty.
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this document:
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.
This symbol noties the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure proper installation or
operation of the product.
This symbol noties the user about complementary information or optional instructions.
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 4

Welcome
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the L-Acoustics X8.
This document contains essential information on using the system properly.
As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-Acoustics reserves the right to
change the specications of its products and the content of its document without prior notice. Please
check www.l-acoustics.com on a regular basis to download the latest document and software updates.
X8 live monitoring enclosure
The X8 is a coaxial system designed for live monitoring and short throw sound reinforcement applications with minimum
visual impact. The X8 features a 1.5" diaphragm compression driver coaxially loaded by an 8" low frequency transducer
in a bass-reex cabinet. The L-Vents laminar vented ports reduce turbulence and port noise at high levels to increase LF
efciency.
The X8 operates from 60 Hz to 20 kHz. The coaxial transducer arrangement and its partial horn produce a 100°
axisymmetric directivity output with a smooth tonal response free of secondary lobes over the entire frequency range.
The internal passive crossover network uses custom lters. The L-Acoustics amplied controllers L-Drive parameters ensure
the linearization and protection of the transducers.
With a cabinet combining the properties of birch and beech plywood, X8 weighs 12 kg and its elegance makes for
an easy integration in any situation. It provides an angle setting of 35° with regard to vertical for stage monitoring. An
optional white or RAL color program means that it can melt into any architecture.
The X8 is an ideal live monitor capable of accurately translating the signature of large systems at FOH position or in
control rooms. The X8 features a pristine L-Acoustics sonic signature, a high SPL capability and extended LF resources
in a compact format. Its coaxial design generates a wide conical directivity pattern with excellent spatialization and no
minimum listening distance. Sound designers can also take advantage of its sleek design for discreet ll applications
requiring a high SPL.
The X8 can be pole-mounted using the integrated socket. Other deployments such as wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted or
own are quick and easy, with a complete range of rigging accessories that offer multiple set-up options and various
orientations.
5 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

System components
System components
Loudspeaker enclosures
X8 2-way passive coaxial enclosure: 8'' LF + 1.5'' HF diaphragm
SB15m High power compact subwoofer : 1 x 15''
Powering and driving system
LA4X / LA8 / LA12X amplied controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities
LA-RAK touring rack containing three LA8, for power, audio and network distribution
LA-RAK II touring rack containing three LA12X, LA-POWER II for power distribution and LA-PANEL II for
audio and network distribution
L-CASE 2U Electronics transport and protection case
Refer to the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X user manual for operating instructions.
Loudspeaker cables
SP cables 4-point speakON loudspeaker cables (4mm² gauge)
SP cables come in four sizes: SP.7 (0.7m/2.3ft), SP5 (5m/16.4ft), SP10 (10 m/32.8ft) and
SP25 (25m/82ft)
SP-Y1 breakout cable for two passive enclosures (2.5mm² gauge) provided with a CC4FP adapter
4-point speakON to 2 × 2-point speakON
DO cables 8-point PA-COM loudspeaker cables (4mm² gauge)
DO cables come in three sizes: DO.7 (0.7m/2.3ft), DO10 (10m/32.8ft) and DO25
(25m/82ft)
DOSUB-LA8 breakout cable for four passive enclosures (4mm² gauge)
8-point PA-COM to 4 × 2-point speakON
Information about the connection of the enclosures to the LA ampliers is given in this
document.
Refer to the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X user manual for detailed instructions about the whole cabling scheme, including
modulation cables and network.
Rigging elements
Rigging elements or procedures are not presented in this document.
Refer to the X8 rigging manual.
Software applications
Soundvision 3D acoustical and mechanical modeling software
LA Network Manager software for remote control and monitoring of amplied controllers
Refer to the LA Network Manager video tutorial.
Refer to the Soundvision help.
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 6

Technical description
Technical description
Low-latency preset
A low-latency preset is available for the X8 enclosure used as a monitor ([X8_MO]). It reduces latency from 3.84ms
down to 1.19ms (LA8) and 0.76 ms (LA4X / LA12X). If the monitor is combined with a subwoofer, a custom preset must
be used.
Directivity
X8 features a coaxial transducer arrangement that generates an axisymmetric directivity pattern of 100°.
Frequency (Hz)
Angle (°)
100 1 000 10 000
−180
−160
−140
−120
−100
−80
−60
−40
−20
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Frequency (Hz)
Angle (°)
100 1 000 10 000
−180
−160
−140
−120
−100
−80
−60
−40
−20
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
Dispersion angle diagram of a single X8 using lines of equal sound pressure at -3 dB, -6 dB, -12 dB.
7 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Loudspeaker congurations
Loudspeaker congurations
X8 point source
Deployed as a standalone point source, an X8 system operates over the nominal bandwidth of the X8 enclosure.
The [X8] preset allows for a reference frequency response in short throw applications.
The X8 enclosure is driven by the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X amplied controllers.
Standalone X8
Enclosure X8
Preset [X8]
Frequency range (-10 dB) 60 Hz - 20 kHz
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 8

Loudspeaker congurations
X8 point source with LF
Deployed as a point source with SB15m subwoofers, an X8 system operates with augmented LF resources.
The [X8] preset allows for a reference frequency response in short throw applications.
The [SB15_100] preset provides the SB15m with an upper frequency limit at 100Hz for an optimal frequency coupling
with X8.
The X8 and SB15m enclosures are driven by the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X amplied controllers.
X8 with SB15m
With SB15m, the X8 system contour is reinforced by 8 dB at 100Hz and the bandwidth is extended down to 40Hz.
Enclosure X8 SB15m
Preset [X8] [SB15_100]
Frequency range (-10 dB) 40Hz - 20 kHz
Enclosure ratio 1 X8 : 1 SB15m
Delay values
Do not forget to add the pre-alignment and geometric delays depending on the conguration.
Pre-alignment delays
[X8] + [SB15_100] X8 = 0 ms SB15m = 2.6 ms
9 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Loudspeaker congurations
X8 stage monitor
Deployed as a stage monitor, an X8 system operates over the nominal bandwidth of the X8 enclosure.
The [X8_MO] preset allows for a reference frequency response in stage monitoring applications.
The X8 enclosure is driven by the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X.
Standalone X8
35°
Enclosure X8
Preset [X8_MO]
Frequency range (-10 dB) 55 Hz - 20 kHz
Paired X8 monitors with LFC
The Low Frequency Contour (LFC) tool implemented in LA Network Manager can compensate for coupling effects
between closely operating monitors. LFC allows to adjust the frequency response curve to obtain the desired low
frequency contour.
For paired X8 monitors, enter the following parameters to obtain the reference response curve of a single enclosure:
-3.0
180
For more information about LFC, refer to the LA Network Manager video tutorial (module: Group Control Panel) and
to the Array Morphing white paper, available on www.l-acoustics.com (Download Center).
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 10

Loudspeaker congurations
X8 stage monitor with LF
Deployed as a stage monitor with SB15m subwoofers, an X8 system operates with augmented LF resources.
The [X8_MO] preset allows for a reference frequency response in stage monitoring applications.
The [SB15_100] preset provides the SB15m with an upper frequency limit at 100Hz for an optimal frequency coupling
with the X8.
The X8 and the SB15m enclosures are driven by the LA4X / LA8 / LA12X amplied controllers.
X8 stage monitor with SB15m
With SB15m, the X8 system contour is reinforced by 8 dB at 100Hz and the system bandwidth is extended down to
40Hz.
35°
Enclosure X8 SB15m
Preset [X8_MO] [SB15_100]
Frequency range (-10 dB) 40Hz - 20 kHz
Enclosure ratio 1 X8 : 1 SB15m
Delay values
Do not forget to add the pre-alignment and geometric delays depending on the conguration.
Pre-alignment delays
[X8_MO] + [SB15_100] X8 = 0 ms SB15m = 2.6 ms
[xx_MO] presets for the X series use the amplied controller low latency operating mode. When used along with
subwoofers, it is recommended to use the subwoofers in low latency operating mode. To achieve this, create
custom presets combining low latency channel sets and subwoofer channel sets.
If the subwoofers are driven from a dedicated amplied controller using a subwoofer factory preset, they are
operated in normal latency mode. Therefore, an additional delay should be set to the [xx_MO] low latency
channels to align them: 2.65 ms on LA8 or 3.08 ms on LA4X and LA12X.
11 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Loudspeaker connection
Loudspeaker connection
Connectors
The X8 is equipped with two 4-point speakON connectors.
LINK IN
X8
Internal pinout for L-Acoustics 2-way passive enclosures
speakON points 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 -
Transducer connectors + - Not linked Not linked
The SB15m is equipped with two 4-point speakON connectors.
IN LINK
SB15m
Internal pinout for L-Acoustics subwoofers
speakON points 1 + 1 - 2 + 2 -
Transducer connectors LF + LF - Not linked Not linked
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 12

Loudspeaker connection
Connection to LA4X
Maximum number of enclosures per LA4X
enclosure max enclosures in parallel max enclosures per controller
X8 2 8
SB15m 1 4
Impedance load
X8 SB15m
1 enclosure: 8 Ω
2 enclosures in parallel: 4 Ω
Connecting 2-way passive enclosures
2-way passive enclosure on speakON output - SP
SP
SP
SP
SP
OUT1 OUT3
OUT4
OUT2
2-way passive enclosure on speakON output - SP + SP-Y1
SP
OUT1/OUT2 OUT3/OUT4
SP-Y1
CC4FP
same as OUT3/OUT4
SP
SP
CH1 (OUT1)
CH2 (OUT2)
13 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Loudspeaker connection
Connecting subwoofers
Cardioid conguration
Connect the reversed subwoofer(s) to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Subwoofer on speakON output - SP
SP
SP
SP
SP
OUT1
OUT2
OUT3
OUT4
SP
Subwoofer on speakON output - SP + SP-Y1
OUT1/OUT2 OUT3/OUT4
same as OUT1/OUT2
SP SP-Y1
CC4FP
SP
SP
CH1 (OUT1)
CH2 (OUT2)
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 14

Loudspeaker connection
Connection to LA8
Maximum number of enclosures per LA8
enclosure max enclosures in parallel max enclosures per controller
X8 3 8
SB15m 2 6
Make sure the total number of connected enclosures does not exceed the maximum number
of enclosures per controller.
LA8 can drive up to three X8 per output, but no more than eight per controller.
LA8 can drive up to two SB15m per output, but no more than six per controller.
Impedance load
X8 SB15m
1 enclosure: 8 Ω
2 enclosures in parallel: 4 Ω
3 enclosures in parallel: 2.7 Ω
Connection to LA12X
Maximum number of enclosures per LA12X
enclosure max enclosures in parallel max enclosures per controller
X8 3 12
SB15m 3 12
Impedance load
X8 SB15m
1 enclosure: 8 Ω
2 enclosures in parallel: 4 Ω
3 enclosures in parallel: 2.7 Ω
Connecting 2-way passive enclosures
2-way passive enclosure on speakON output - SP + SP-Y1
OUT1/OUT2 OUT3/OUT4
same as OUT1/OUT2
SP
SP
SP SP-Y1
CC4FP
CH1 (OUT1)
CH2 (OUT2)
15 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Loudspeaker connection
2-way passive enclosure on CA-COM output - DO + DOSUB-LA8
CA-COM
DO
SP
DOSUB-LA8
SP1 (OUT1)
SP2 (OUT2)
SP3 (OUT3)
SP4 (OUT4)
Connecting subwoofers
Cardioid conguration
Connect the reversed subwoofer(s) to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Subwoofer on speakON output - SP + SP-Y1
OUT1/OUT2 OUT3/OUT4
SP
SP
same as OUT1/OUT2
SP SP-Y1
CC4FP
CH1 (OUT1)
CH2 (OUT2)
Subwoofer on CA-COM output - DO + DOSUB-LA8
CA-COM
DO
SP
DOSUB-LA8
SP1 (OUT1)
SP2 (OUT2)
SP3 (OUT3)
SP4 (OUT4)
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 16

Preset description
Preset description
[SB15_100]
outputs channels routing gain delay polarity mute
OUT 1 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 2 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 3 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 4 SB IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
[SB15_100_C]
loudspeaker elements outputs channels routing gain delay polarity mute
SR OUT 1 SR ON
SB OUT 2 SB ON
SB OUT 3 SB ON
SB OUT 4 SB
IN A 0 dB 0 ms +
ON
[X8] [X8_MO]
outputs channels routing gain delay polarity mute
OUT 1 PA IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 2 PA IN A 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 3 PA IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
OUT 4 PA IN B 0 dB 0 ms + ON
17 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Recommendation for speaker cables
Recommendation for speaker cables
Follow the recommended maximum length for loudspeaker cables to ensure minimal SPL attenuation.
Cable quality and resistance
Only use high-quality fully insulated speaker cables made of stranded copper wire.
Use cables with a gauge offering low resistance per unit length and keep the cables as short as possible.
The table below provides the recommended maximum length for loudspeaker cables depending on the cable gauge and
on the impedance load connected to the amplier.
recommended maximum lengthcable gauge
8 Ω load 4 Ω load 2.7 Ω load
mm 2SWG AWG m ft m ft m ft
2.5 15 13 30 100 15 50 10 33
4 13 11 50 160 25 80 17 53
6 11 9 74 240 37 120 25 80
For your installation projects, you can use the more detailed L-ACOUSTICS calculation tool to evaluate cable length and
gauge based on the type and number of enclosures connected. The calculation tool is available on our website:
http://www.l-acoustics.com/installation-outils-de-calcul-137.html
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 18

Maintenance
Maintenance
Disassembly and Reassembly procedures
In order to operate, follow the order outlined here. Each assembly refers to the corresponding D/R procedure and the
necessary repair kit.
GRILL
COAXIAL SPEAKER
G03170
DIAPHRAGM
G03174
19 X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0

Maintenance
D/R - Grill
Tools
— torque screwdriver
— T25 Torx bit
Repair kit
G03170 - KR coaxial speaker X8 or
G03174 - KR diaphragm X8
×4
S100033
M5x25 Torx
For safety reasons, always use the new screws and spare parts provided in the KR.
Exploded view
Tighten the screws following a star pattern.
x4
3 N.m
T25
X8 user manual (EN) version 3.0 20