L-Acoustics KIVA SB18 User manual

SB18 / SB18i/ SB18mSUBWOOFER
user manual
VERSION 2.2
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SB18 / SB18i/ SB18mSUBWOOFER
user manual
VERSION 2.2
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this manual
2. Follow 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. Read the RIGGING MANUAL before installing the system
Use the rigging accessories described in the rigging manual and follow the associated procedures
6. Beware of sound levels
Do not stay within close proximity of loudspeakers in operation and consider wearing earplugs.
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 with prolonged exposure to sound: 8 h at 90 dB(A), 30 min at 110 dB(A), less than 4 min at 130 dB(A).
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.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
This symbol indicates a potential risk of electrical injury.
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.

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WELCOME TO L-ACOUSTICS®
Thank you for choosing the L-ACOUSTICS®SB18 system.
This document contains essential information on using the system properly. Carefully read this document in order to
become familiar with the system.
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 the latest document and software updates:
www.l-acoustics.com.
CONTENTS
SB18 SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE 4
1SYSTEM COMPONENTS 5
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosure ...............................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Powering and driving system.......................................................................................................................................................5
1.3 Loudspeaker cables.....................................................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Rigging element ...........................................................................................................................................................................5
1.5 Software application....................................................................................................................................................................5
2LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS 7
2.1 Standard configuration ................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Cardioid configuration.................................................................................................................................................................8
3LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION 9
3.1 Connectors .................................................................................................................................................................................9
3.2 Connection to LA4 / LA4X .......................................................................................................................................................10
3.3 Connection to LA8....................................................................................................................................................................11
APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION 13
[SB18_60] or [SB18_100].........................................................................................................................................................13
[SB18_60_C] or [SB18_100_C] ...............................................................................................................................................13
APPENDIX B RECOMMANDATION FOR SPEAKER CABLES 13
APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS 14

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SB18 SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE
The SB18 is the recommended subwoofer for modular WST®line sources and coaxial enclosures. It allows extending
the operating frequency range of the system down to 32Hz.
The SB18 features one 18” neodymium speaker in a dual bass-reflex tuned enclosure. It provides impact, sensitivity,
low thermal compression and reduced distortion. One of the vents features a progressive profile allowing laminar
airflow and reduced turbulence noise, even at the highest operating levels. These combined properties contribute to
the sonic qualities of the SB18 in terms of precision and musicality. The cabinet is made of first grade Baltic birch
plywood to ensure maximum acoustical and mechanical integrity.
A 4-point rigging system is integrated into the cabinet and allows SB18 subwoofers to be flown or ground-stacked, as a
standalone array or within a vertical SB18/KARA array. The cabinet also features a pole mount socket for one XT or
two KIVA enclosures.
The SB18 is driven and amplified by the LA4X or the LA8 controller. These ones ensure linearization, protection and
optimization for the loudspeaker system in its different configurations, cardioid included.
SB18 / SB18i / SB18m
In this document, the SB18 term and illustration will refer equally to SB18, SB18i or SB18m. These products
are different versions of the same subwoofer and share the same operating modes, presets and
recommended configurations. The rigging system of each version has been designed to be compatible with a
distinct main system: SB18 with KARA®, SB18i with KARAi and SB18m with ARCS®FOCUS/WIDE. All SB18
versions feature a pole mount socket for use with one XT, two KIVA or one ARCS®FOCUS/WIDE.

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1SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The system approach developed by L-ACOUSTICS®consists in offering a global solution that guarantees the highest
and most predictable level of performance at any step of loudspeaker system deployment: modeling, installation, and
operation. A complete L-ACOUSTICS®system includes enclosures, amplified controllers, cables, rigging system and
software applications.
1.1 Loudspeaker enclosure
SB18
Subwoofer enclosure, down to 32 Hz.
Loudspeaker system design
Sound design aspects are beyond the scope of this document. However, the various applications of the
system will be based on the loudspeaker configurations presented in this document.
1.2 Powering and driving system
LA4,
LA4X, LA8
Amplified controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities
LA-RAK
Touring rack containing three LA8, for mains, audio signals and network distribution
Operating instructions
Refer to the LA4, LA4X, LA8 or LA-RAK user manual.
1.3 Loudspeaker cables
DO cables
(DO.7, DO10, DO25)
8-point PA-COM®loudspeaker cables (4 mm² section).
Respective lengths of 0.7 m/2.3 ft, 10 m/32.8 ft, and 25 m/82 ft.
DOSUB-LA8
Breakout cable for four passive enclosures.
8-point PA-COM®to 4 × 2-point SpeakON® (4 mm² section).
DO3WFILL
Breakout cable for one 2-way active enclosure and two passive enclosures
8-point PA-COM®to 2 × 2-point SpeakON®and 1 × 4-point SpeakON®(4 mm² section).
SP cables
(SP.7, SP5, SP10, SP25)
4-point SpeakON®loudspeaker cables (4 mm² section).
Respective lengths of 0.7 m/2.3 ft, 5 m/16.4 ft, 10 m/32.8 ft and 25 m/82 ft.
SP-Y1
Breakout cable for two passive enclosures.
4-point SpeakON®to 2 × 2-point SpeakON® (2.5 mm² section).
Provided with CC4FP adapter.
Information about the connection of the enclosures to the LA amplifiers is given in this document.
Refer to the LA4, LA4X, LA8 and LA-RAK user manuals for detailed instructions about the whole cabling
scheme, including modulation cables and network.
1.4 Rigging element
Rigging elements or procedures are not presented in this document.
According to the version of the subwoofer and the system to set-up, refer to the applicable rigging manual.
1.5 Software application
SOUNDVISION
Proprietary acoustical and mechanical 3D modeling software.
LA NETWORK MANAGER
Remote control and monitoring of amplified controllers
Using L-ACOUSTICS®software
Refer to the SOUNDVISION user manual and the LA NETWORK MANAGER tutorial.

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SB18
LA-RAK
LA4
LA4X
LA8
DOSUB-LA8
DO3WFILL
DO.7
DO10
DO25
SPY1
SP.7
SP5
SP10
SP25
Soundvision
LA Network Manager
SB18 system components (excluding rigging elements and modulation cables)

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2LOUDSPEAKER CONFIGURATIONS
2.1 Standard configuration
The standard configuration corresponds to the use of subwoofers as single elements or as standard subwoofer arrays.
In this configuration the system operates with an omni-directional directivity pattern.
The [SB18_60] preset offers a 60 Hz upper frequency limit.
The [SB18_100] preset offers a 100 Hz upper frequency limit.
The SB18 subwoofers are driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controllers.
SB18 in standard configuration
[PRESET] [SB18_60] or
[SB18_100]
Vertical
Horizontal
LF extension (-10 dB): 32 Hz
On-end
Directivity pattern
Omni-directional
Single
Block
Delay settings
When combining a line source with subwoofers, delays may have to be added to the presets. Refer to the
PRESET GUIDE to obtain the pre-alignment delay values.
Distance between enclosures
Place the subwoofer enclosures side by side.
If not possible, the maximum distance between two adjacent acoustic centers must be:
-1.7 m with [SB18_100]
-2.80 m for [SB18_60]

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2.2 Cardioid configuration
The cardioid configuration corresponds to the use of subwoofers as cardioid subwoofer arrays. In this configuration,
the system produces a rear SPL rejection.
The [SB18_60_C] preset features a 60 Hz upper frequency limit.
The [SB18_100_C] preset features a 100 Hz upper frequency limit.
They both feature delay settings optimized for cardioid SB18 arrays.
The SB18 subwoofers are driven by the LA4, LA4X or LA8 amplified controllers.
SB18 in cardioid configuration
[PRESET] [SB18_60_C]
or [SB18_100_C]
LF extension (-10 dB): 32 Hz
Directivity pattern
Horizontal symmetric
Central rear rejection
Directivity pattern
Horizontal asymmetric
Rear rejection on the side of the reversed subwoofer
Vertical
Horizontal
On-end
Block
Delay settings
When combining a line source with subwoofers, delays may have to be added to the presets. Refer to the
PRESET GUIDE to obtain the pre-alignment delay values.
Distance between enclosures
Place the subwoofer enclosures side by side.
If not possible, the maximum distance between two adjacent acoustic centers must be:
-1.7 m with [SB18_100_C]
-2.80 m for [SB18_60_C]

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3LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION
3.1 Connectors
The SB18 subwoofer is equipped with two 4-point SpeakON®connectors.
The IN connector allows receiving the audio signal and the LINK connector allows routing it to another SB18 enclosure
in parallel.
The SB18 connection in parallel is only possible with the LA8 amplified controller.
Internal pinout for L-ACOUSTICS®subwoofers enclosures
SpeakON®points
1+
1-
2+
2-
Transducer connectors
LF +
LF -
Not used
Not used

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3.2 Connection to LA4 / LA4X
Maximum of 4 enclosures per LA4 / LA4X
1 SB18 can be connected to each output channel on the LA4. Therefore, a single LA4 amplified controller can
drive up to 4 enclosures.
Cardioid configuration
Connect the reversed subwoofer to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Impedance load
8 Ω for 1 SB18.
To connect the SB18 to the LA4 / LA4X, 2 options are available.
Option A
Use SP cables (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to connect one enclosure to each of the four LA4 / LA4X output channels.
Option B
Connect an SP cable (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 connectors of the LA4 /
LA4X.
Use a CC4FP adapter to connect an SP-Y1 cable and separate the two output channels.
Apply the same cabling scheme for the OUT3/OUT4 connector.

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3.3 Connection to LA8
Maximum of 8 enclosures per LA8
2 SB18 can be connected in parallel to each output channel on the LA8. Therefore, a single LA8 amplified
controller can drive up to 8 enclosures.
Cardioid configuration
Connect the reversed subwoofers to OUT 1 to use the cardioid preset.
Impedance load
8 Ω for 1 enclosure, 4 Ω for 2 enclosures.
To connect the SB18 to the LA8, 2 options are available.
Option A
Connect a DO cable (DO.7, DO10 or DO25) to the LA8 PA-COM®connector
Use the DOSUB-LA8 to separate the four output channels.
If necessary, use SP cables to connect additional SB18 enclosures in parallel with the first ones.

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Option B
With various enclosure types connected to the same amplifier, this cabling scheme needs a custom preset.
Connect an SP cable (SP.7, SP5, SP10 or SP25) to the OUT1/OUT2 and OUT3/OUT4 LA8 SpeakON®connectors.
Use a CC4FP adapter to connect an SP-YI cable and separate the two output channels.
If necessary, use SP cables to connect additional similar enclosures in parallel with the first ones.

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APPENDIX A PRESET DESCRIPTION
[SB18_60] or [SB18_100]
The [SB18_60] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.
The [SB18_100] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 100 Hz.
It is used for SB18 subwoofers deployed as single elements or arrays in standard configuration.
Loudspeaker elements
Amplifier outputs
Channels
Default parameters
Routing
Gain
Delay
Polarity
Mute
SB18
OUT 1
SB
IN A
0 dB
0 ms
+
ON
SB18
OUT 2
SB
IN A
0 dB
0 ms
+
ON
SB18
OUT 3
SB
IN B
0 dB
0 ms
+
ON
SB18
OUT 4
SB
IN B
0 dB
0 ms
+
ON
[SB18_60_C] or [SB18_100_C]
The [SB18_60_C] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 60 Hz.
The [SB18_100_C] preset provides the subwoofer enclosures with an upper frequency limit at 100 Hz.
They both feature optimized delay settings for subwoofers deployed arrays in cardioid configuration.
Loudspeaker elements
Amplifier outputs
Channels
Default parameters
Routing
Gain
Delay
Polarity
Mute
Reversed SB18
OUT 1
SR
IN A
0 dB
0 ms
+
ON
SB18
OUT 2
SB
ON
SB18
OUT 3
SB
ON
SB18
OUT 4
SB
ON
APPENDIX B RECOMMANDATION FOR SPEAKER CABLES
Cable quality and resistance
Only use high-quality fully insulated speaker cables made of stranded copper wire.
Use cables of gauge offering low resistance per unit length and keep the cables as short as possible.
The following table provides the recommended maximum length depending on the cable cross-section and on the
impedance load connected to the amplifier.
Recommended maximum length
Cable cross-section
8 Ω load
4 Ω load
2.7 Ω load
mm2
SWG
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
10
9
7
120
390
60
195
40
130

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APPENDIX C SPECIFICATIONS
SB18
Description
Subwoofer enclosure, amplified by LA4X or LA8
Low frequency limit (‑10 dB)
32 Hz ([SB18_100] preset)
Maximum SPL1
136 dB ([SB18_100] preset)
RMS power handling
700 W
Transducers
1 18" weather-resistant, direct radiation, dual bass-reflex
Nominal impedance
8 Ω
Connectors
IN: 1 4-point SpeakON®
LINK: 1 4-point SpeakON®
Rigging components
Integrated pole-mount socket
Integrated rigging system
Handles integrated into the cabinet
Dimensions
Physical data
Weight (net):
52 kg / 115 lb
Cabinet:
Baltic birch plywood
Finish:
Dark Grey brown (Pantone 426C)
Pure white (RAL 9010®)
Front:
Steel grill with anti-corrosion coating
Airnet®acoustically neutral fabric
Protection rating
IP45
Rigging components:
Steel with anti-corrosion coating
1 Peak level at 1 m under half-space conditions using 10 dB crest factor pink noise with specified preset.

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SB18i
Description
Subwoofer enclosure, amplified by LA4X or LA8, for permanent install
Low frequency limit (‑10 dB)
32 Hz ([SB18_100] preset)
Maximum SPL1
136 dB ([SB18_100] preset)
RMS power handling
700 W
Transducers
1 18" weather-resistant, direct radiation, dual bass-reflex
Nominal impedance
8 Ω
Connectors
IN: 1 4-point SpeakON®
LINK: 1 4-point SpeakON®
Rigging components
Integrated pole-mount socket
Integrated rigging system
Handles integrated into the cabinet
Dimensions
Physical data
Weight (net):
52 kg / 115 lbs.
Cabinet:
Baltic birch plywood
Finish:
Dark Grey brown (Pantone 426C)
Pure white (RAL 9010®)
Custom RAL code on special order
Front:
Steel grill with anti-corrosion coating
Airnet®acoustically neutral fabric
Protection rating
IP45
Rigging
components:
Steel with anti-corrosion coating
1 Peak level at 1 m under half-space conditions using 10 dB crest factor pink noise with specified preset.

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SB18m
Description
Subwoofer enclosure, amplified by LA4X or LA8
Low frequency limit (‑10 dB)
32 Hz ([SB18_100] preset)
Maximum SPL1
136 dB ([SB18_100] preset)
RMS power handling
700 W
Transducers
1 18" weather-resistant, bass-reflex
Nominal impedance
8 Ω
Connectors
IN: 1 4-point SpeakON®
LINK: 1 4-point SpeakON®
Rigging components
Integrated pole-mount socket
Captive coupling bars
Handles integrated into the cabinet
Dimensions
Physical data
Weight (net):
62 kg / 137 lb
Cabinet:
Baltic birch plywood
Finish:
Dark Grey brown (Pantone 426C)
Pure white (RAL 9010®)
Custom RAL code on special order
Front:
Steel grill with anti-corrosion coating
Airnet®acoustically neutral fabric
Rigging
components:
Steel with anti-corrosion coating
1 Peak level at 1 m under half-space conditions using 10 dB crest factor pink noise with specified preset.

w w w . l - a c o u s t i c s . c o m
Document reference: SB18_UM_2.2
Distribution date: January 7, 2014
© 2013 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.