Martin Audio Blackline F215+ User manual

Martin Audio – Blackline F215
CONTENTS (ENGLISH) Page No
1 INTRODUCTION 2
2 UNPACKING 2
3 BLACKLINE F215 OVERVIEW 2
3.1 Grille Removal 3
4 SAFETY FIRST 3
4.1 Stacking 3
4.2 Rigging and Suspension 4
5 AMPLIFICATION 4
6 CONNECTIONS 5
7 CABLE LENGTHS 5
8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS 5
8.1 F215 Full-range 6
8.2 F215 with S218 Sub-bass 6
9 WARRANTY 7
10 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 8
MARTIN AUDIO
LONDON
The Martin Experience
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1 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio Blackline Series system. The
Blackline Series is a range of portable loudspeaker enclosures designed for
a variety of portable sound reinforcement and club applications.
This user guide covers the use of the F215 full range system and its use
with the S218 sub-bass system. It also covers use with the Blackline M3
controller.
2 UNPACKING
Each Martin Audio Blackline Series loudspeaker is built to the highest
standard and thoroughly inspected before it leaves the factory. After
unpacking the system, examine it carefully for any signs of transit damage
and inform your dealer if any such damage is found. It is suggested that
you retain the original packaging so that the system can be repacked at a
future date if necessary.
Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any
responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of non-
approved packaging.
3 BLACKLINE F215 OVERVIEW
F215 (Fig 1)
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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This equipment conforms to the requirements of the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC
and 93/68/EEC and the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.
Standards Applied EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:1993
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The Blackline F215 is a two-way passive, trapezoidal enclosure with dual
15" (380mm)/ 3" (75mm) coil low frequency drivers. Whilst both these
drivers have the same low frequency characteristics and operate together
up to 250Hz, they have been engineered to have different characteristics in
the mid-band. Above 250Hz, only the upper driver - a specially designed,
low distortion bass-mid device – is used up to the 1.3kHz crossover point.
This technique avoids the uneven response which would occur if both
drivers were allowed to operate together over the mid-band and maintains
clarity and articulation at extreme output levels.
High frequencies are reproduced by a 1.4" (35mm) exit titanium diaphragm
compression driver, loaded by a proprietary rotatable 80˚ x 50˚ constant
directivity horn.
The trapezoidal enclosure is of multi-laminate birch ply construction
incorporating a tough punched steel grille. Two large ports permit
uncompressed low frequency output at high input levels. Handles are fitted
top and bottom along with four 4" (100mm) rear mounted castors for ease
of transportation. Twelve M10 flying inserts are provided for cabinet rigging.
The F215 can be used with or without the M3 controller. Use of the M3 will
enhance the low frequency performance of the system and provide high
quality limiters to protect the F215 from being overdriven. The M3 can also
be used to provide crossover, EQ and limiter functions for the F215 with the
Blackline S218 sub-bass system for situations requiring extreme low
frequency output.
3.1 Grille Removal
To remove the grille, first remove the grille retaining screws (two at the
bottom, one at the top). The grille can then be removed by inserting a flat
bladed screwdriver under the top and bottom of the grille and gently
levering the grille out of the side channels.
4 SAFETY FIRST
It is important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner. Please
take some time to review the following points concerning safe use of
Blackline Series loudspeakers.
Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound
levels and should be used with care. Hearing loss is cumulative and can
result from levels above 90dB if people are exposed for a long period.
Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at a high level.
4.1 Stacking
Ensure that the floor or stage is level and solid
Do not stack speakers too high outdoors where winds could topple the
stack
Be aware that speakers producing very high power levels can move or
creep. To avoid this, place friction material between the floor and speaker
and between each speaker.
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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4.2 Rigging and Suspension
WARNING: Suspending the system should only be done by qualified
personnel following safe rigging practices. Secure fixings to the
building structure are vital. Seek help from architects, structural
engineers or other specialists if in any doubt.
Blackline Series enclosures are designed for portable applications, but can
be suspended singly by means of the threaded inserts provided. The F215
enclosure is fitted internally with steel corner reinforcement brackets to
ensure that each cabinet is strong enough to be hung from its top. Never
suspend one enclosure from another to form an array or cluster using
these fittings.
The common practice of using commercially available eye bolts for
suspension should only be undertaken with great caution. Eye bolts are
strongest along the thread axis. Angling the enclosure will result in an angle
pull and it is important to use eye bolts that are safe in these
circumstances. Only forged shoulder eye bolts should be considered and it
is important that the thread length is at least 30mm. A flat washer should be
inserted between the eyebolt and the enclosure. Formed eye bolts i.e.
those which are formed from a steel rod bent into an eye should be
avoided.
5 AMPLIFICATION
The F215 loudspeaker is designed to be used with professional power
amplifiers capable of producing the 400-1000W into 4 ohms:
Care should be taken to avoid amplifier clipping. It is important to
understand that a low power amplifier driven into clipping is more likely to
damage a loudspeaker than a higher power amplifier used within its ratings.
This is because music signals have a high peak-to-average "crest" factor.
When an amplifier is severely overdriven, its output waveform is clipped (its
peaks are squared off) – reducing the crest factor. In extreme cases, the
waveform can approach that of a square wave. An amplifier is normally
capable of producing far more power under these conditions than its
undistorted rated power output.
The use of very high power amplifiers with outputs greater than those
recommended is discouraged.
Care should be taken to avoid switch-on surges, which can result in
momentary power peaks in excess of specified ratings. When powering up
a sound system it is important to switch on the amplifiers after the mixer
and control electronics have stabilised. When powering down the system,
reverse the sequence and switch off the amplifiers first.
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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6 CONNECTIONS
The F215 connector panel has two Neutrik Speakon connectors wired in
parallel with each other. The second connector allows use of a short link
lead to power another parallel loudspeaker. The connectors are wired as
follows:
(Fig 4)
7 CABLE LENGTHS
When connecting Blackline systems to an amplifier, it is recommended that
the return resistance of the cable used is less than one tenth of the nominal
impedance of the system or systems in parallel. The table below gives an
indication of the maximum permissible cable runs for various conductor
cross-sectional areas.
Conductor CSA Maximum Cable Run
4 ohms 8 ohms 16 ohms
1.0mm211m 22m 44m
1.5mm217m 34m 68m
2.0mm222m 44m 88m
2.5mm229m 58m 116m
4.0mm244m 88m 176m
6.0mm266m 132m 264m
8 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
The F215 can be used with or without the M3 controller. Use of the M3 will
enhance the low frequency performance of the system and provide high
quality limiters to protect the F215 from being overdriven. The M3 can also
be used to control the F215 with the Blackline S218 subwoofer for more
ambitious nightclub installations and live sound reinforcement requiring
extreme low frequency output. The number of full-range systems required
to match the efficiency of one sub-bass system is shown as a
recommended cabinet ratio (RCR). Please note that for simplicity only the
left channel is shown and that each line in the diagram represents a pair of
wires.
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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Figure 4.
2 core
NL4 MPR Connector
2-
2+
1-
1+
+ve -ve
+1
+1 -1
-1
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Figure 3.
Left in
M3 Controller
M3 –F215
Ch2 Out
Ch1 Out
Amplifier(s)
F215
S218
Figure 2.
Left in Optional M3 Controller
M3 –F215
Ch2 Out
Amplifier
F215
8.1 F215 Full-range
Because the F215 is a passive system embodying correct acoustic design
principles, it can be used without a controller provided recommended
amplifier power is not exceeded and care is taken to avoid amplifier
clipping. Use of an optional M3 controller with its system specific low
frequency EQ and built-in limiters will result in improved bass response and
system protection.
Mode Switch Full-range (Red LED)
J7, J8, J9, J10 IN
J15, J16 POSITION ‘A’
J17 POSITION ‘A’
(Fig 2)
8.2 F215 with S218 Sub-bass RCR=1:1
Mode Switch High-pass (Green LED)
J7, J8, J9, J10 IN
J15, J16 POSITION ‘A’
J17 POSITION ‘A’
(Fig 3)
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9 WARRANTY
Martin Audio F215 loudspeakers are warranted against manufacturing
defects in materials or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years from the date
of original purchase. During the warranty period Martin Audio will, at it’s
discretion, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective
provided that the product is returned in its original packaging, shipping
prepaid, to an authorised Martin Audio service agent or distributor.
Martin AudioLtd. cannot be held responsible for defects caused by
unauthorised modifications, improper use, neglegence, exposure to
inclement weather conditions, act of God or accident. or any use of this
product that is not in accordance with the instructions provided by Martin
Audio. Martin Audio is not liable for consequental damages.
This warranty is exlusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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10 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
F215
TYPE Two-way passive, reflex enclosure with dedicated
low frequency driver
FREQUENCY RESPONSE(1) 45Hz-17kHz ±3db
DRIVERS 15'' (380mm) /3'' (75mm) coil bass driver
15'' (380mm) /3'' (75mm) coil bass-mid driver
1.4'' (35mm) exit HF compression driver
RATED POWER (2) 800W AES, 3200W peak
SENSITIVITY (3) 101dB 1 Watt/1 metre
MAXIMUM SPL (4) 128dB continuous, 134dB peak
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-1200W (into 4 ohms)
DISPERSION (-6dB) 80˚horizontal x 50˚vertical
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 4 ohms
CROSSOVER 1.3kHz passive
ENCLOSURE 165 litre (5.8cu foot), multi-laminate birch ply
FINISH Textured black paint
PROTECTIVE GRILLE Black perforated steel
CONNECTORS 2 x Neutrik NL4
FITTINGS 12 x M10 threaded inserts
4 x 4'' (100mm) castors
DIMENSIONS (W) 561mm x (H) 1066mm x (D) 496mm
(W) 22.1ins x (H) 42ins x (D) 19.5ins
WEIGHT 62kg (137 lbs)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W) 640mm x (H) 1090mm x (D) 560mm
(W) 25.2ins x (H)43ins x (D) 22ins
SHIPPING WEIGHT 68kg (149.8 lbs)
Notes
1. Measured on-axis in half space at 2 metres, then referred to 1 metre.
2. AES Standard ANSI S4.26-1984.
3. Measured in half space conditions at 2 metres with 1 watt input, using band limited pink noise,
then referred to 1 metre.
4. Measured in half space conditions at 2 metres using band limited pink noise, then
referred to 1 metre.
Due to our policy of continuous improvement all specifications are subject
to change without notice.
Martin Audio – Blackline F215
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Blackline F215
Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP12 3SL, England.
Telephone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone]
Web: www.martin-audio.com E-mail: [email protected]
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MARTIN AUDIO
LONDON
The Martin Experience
ENGLISH
Blackline F215
User’s Guide
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