Renkus-Heinz X24 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
X12 • X14 • X24
Loudspeaker Controllers

2
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
Cautions
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within
an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the use
to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous Voltage"
within the product's enclosure that may be of suffi-
cientmagnitudetoconstituteariskofelectricshock
to humans.
The exclamanation point,within an equilateral tri-
angle is intended to alert the users to the presence
ofimportantoperatingand maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
product.
Erklärung der graphischen Symbole
Der Blitz mit nach untenzielendem Pfeil in einem
gleichseitigen Dreieck weist den Benutzer auf das
Vorhandensein einer unisolierten, "gefährlichen
Spannung" im Gehäuse hin, die stark genug sein
kann, einer Person einen gefährlichen elektrischen
Schlag zu versetzen.
DasAusrufezeichen in einem gleichseitigen Dreieck
weist den Benutzer auf wichtige Betriebs- und
Wartungsvorschriften in den beiliegenden
Unterlagen des Gerätes hin.
WARNUNG: ZUR VERMEIDUNG VON FEUER ODER
ELEKRISCHEN SCHLÄGEN DAS GERÄT NICHT MIT REGEN
ODER FEUCHTIGKEIT IN BERÜHRUNG BRINGEN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.REFER SERVICINGTO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
VORSICHT
GEFAHR EINES ELEKTRISCHEN
SCHLAGES NICHT ÖFFNEN
VORSICHT!UMDAS RISIKO EINES ELEKTRISCHEN
SCHLAGES ZUVERMINDERN,ABDECKUNGNICHT
ENTFERNEN. KEINE BENUTZER BEDIENUNG-
STEILE IM INNERN. BEDIENUNG NUR DURCH
QUALIFIZIERTES BEDIENUNGSPERSONAL.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK:
OPEN ONLY IF QUALIFIED AS
SERVICE PERSONNEL
VORSICHT
GEFAHR EINES ELEKTRISCHEN SCHLAGES: NUR
VON QUALIFIZIEREM WARTUNGSPERSONAL ZU
ÖFFNEN
To reiterate the above warnings: servicing instructions are
for use by qualified personnel only. To avoid electric shock,
do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the
Operation Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Re-
fer all servicing to qualified personnel
Eindrigliche Warnung: Wartungsvorschriften dienen nur
derBenutzungdurch qualifizieresPersonal. ZurVermeidung
eines elektrischen Schlages keine anderen als die in den
Betriebsvorschriften beschriebenen Wartungsarbeiten
ausführen, es sei denn Sie sind dafür qualifiziert.
Wartungsarbeiten sind nur von qualifiziertem
Wartungspersonal auszuführen.
CAUTION
TO AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT INSERT
FINGERS OR OBJECTS INTO ANY OPENINGS
IN THE CABINET
VORSICHT
UM ELEKTRISCHEN SCHLAG ZU VERMEIDEN,
KEINE FINGER ODER GEGENSTÄNDE IN
ÖFFNUNNGEN DES GEHÄUSES STECKENN
Sicherheitsvorschriften

3
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
Table of Contents
Warning Messages 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 4
Overview 5
System Wiring Diagrams
X12 6
X14 7
X24 8
Plug-In Modules 9
Front Panel Features
X12 & X24 10
Status Indicators 10
X14 11
Status Indicators 11
Rear Panel Features
X12 & X24 12
Sense Lines 12
X14 13
Sense Lines 13
Set-Up Mounting 14
Cabling 14
Amplifier Selection 14
Sense Connectors 14
Trouble Shooting 15
Technical Specifications 16

4
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
Congratulations on your purchase of a Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker controller. It has been designed to
provide years of trouble-free, high performance operation. We hope you enjoy it.
The X12, X14 and X24 are a series of loudspeaker controllers designed to be used specifically with
speakers produced by Renkus-Heinz. These loudspeaker controllers provide electronic crossovers,
equalization, delay, and loudspeaker protection circuitry tailored specifically to a particular model
loudspeaker. By using one of these controllers, you are assured of obtaining the optimum in loudspeaker
performance and protection.
Caution: The X12, X14 and the X24 are configured for a particular Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker
model. Do not use with any other loudspeaker model other than the internally programmed intended
loudspeaker model. Use of the wrong loudspeaker model may result in loudspeaker damage.
Your Renkus-Heinz controller was completely tested and inspected before leaving our factory and should
have arrived in perfect condition. Please carefully inspect your controller and its shipping carton for any
noticeable damage, and if any damage is found, immediately notify the shipping company.
Only the consignee may institute a claim with the carrier for any damage incurred during shipping. Be
sure to save the carton and all packing materials for the carrier's inspection.
It is also a good idea to save the carton and packing material even though the controller arrived in good
condition. If shipping the controller should ever be required, it should be shipped only in its original
factory packing.
Introduction
Important:
Your Renkus-Heinz controller contains no user-serviceable parts and all
service should be referred to qualified service personnel. We recommend
that it be returned to the factory in its original packing carton if factory
service is required.

5
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
The X12, X1 and the X24 are designed to be all encompassing units. They include crossovers, equalization,
time alignment delay, and protective circuitry for specific loudspeakers in a single compact unit. This
simplifies system design, reduces racks space requirements and lowers overall system costs.
A block diagram of the X12 controller is shown below in Figure 1. The X14 and X24 controllers are the
same, except for the number of channels and/or the number of outputs.
Each controller is specifically “programmed” for a particular Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker. The model
number(s) for the loudspeaker(s) your controller is programmed for are shown on the rear panel.
This “programming” is accomplished using plug-in Crossover, EQ/Delay and Limit modules. This allows
the controller to be re-programmed for different loudspeakers by changing modules.
All three controller models use the same circuitry and same plug-in modules. The only difference between
the three models is the number of input and output channels.
Model X12 (1 channel 2-way)
The X12 is a single channel 2-way (1 in 2 out) controller designed for use with active 2-way loudspeakers (or
3-way loudspeakers set up for bi-amp operation) in single channel (mono) systems. It is also often used as a
"sub controller" and as a controller for passive 2-way loudspeakers. Typical system wiring diagrams for the
X12 can be found on the next page.
Model X14 (1 channel 3-way plus sub)
The X14 is a single channel 4-way (1 in 4 out) controller designed for use with active 3-way loudspeakers
(plus the possible addition of a subwoofer) in single channel (mono) systems. It is also used with active 2-
way loudspeakers in single channel systems having subwoofers. Refer to page 7 for system wiring details.
Model X24 (2 channel 2-way)
The X24 is a dual channel 2-way (2 in 4 out) controller designed for use with two-way loudspeakers in dual
channel (stereo) systems. It is also used in stereo systems having 3-way loudspeakers that are set up for bi-
amp operation. Typical system wiring diagrams are shown on page 8.
Overview
Low
Out
High
Out
Diff. Amp
Diff. Amp
Diff. Amp
High Freq
High Pass
Filter
Peak Limiter
Controller
Excursion Limiter
Controller
Thermal Limiter
Controller
Peak Limiter
Controller
Thermal Limiter
Controller
Low
Frequency
EQ
High
Frequency
EQ
Delay
Circuit
High Freq
Low Pass
Filter
Excursion
Limiter Thermal
Limiter/
Sense Fail
Peak
Limiter
Peak
Limiter Thermal
Limiter/
Sense Fail Diff. Out
Low Freq
High Pass
Filter
+
+
–
–Low Freq
Sense
High Freq
Sense
Limit Module
Diff. Out
Signal
Input
+
–
–
+
–
+
EQ/Delay Module
Crossover Module
(Part 1) Crossover Module
(Part 2)
Figure 1: X12 Block Diagram
Low Freq
Low Pass
Filter
NOTES
1. Notice that the Low and High
channels are identical, except for
the High channel not having
either a delay circuit or excursion
control.
2. The single channel, 4-way
X14 is identical to the X12,
except for the X14 having two
low frequency channels and 2
high frequency channels with a
common input.
3. The two channel, 2-way
X24 is two X12's in a common
chassis. i.e., a X12 is one half
of a X24.

6
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
X12 System Wiring
Figure 3
Typical wiring for a X12 used as a Subwoofer controller.
SUB/LF OUT FR/HFINPUT
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X12
Power
Amplifier
Subwoofer
From
Mixer Output
Note 1.
When the X12 is used as shown, the output
of the subwoofer and any associated loud-
speaker will overlap. This overlap can be
eliminated by using the X12's FR/HF output
to drive the associated loudspeaker's
amplifier or controller. The FR/HF output
is band limited to match the subwoofer's
crossover point. When the FR/HF output is
used in this fashion, the HF + & - pins
on the X12's SenseLine connector must be
shorted together!
Note 2.
Any unused Sense Line terminals
should be shorted together to prevent
their associated red LED warning lights
from being "on" constantly.
Note 3.
If the X12 was being used as a controller
for a passive loudspeaker instead of for a
subwoofer, the Power Amplifier would be
connected to the FR/HF output connector,
instead of to the Sub/LF connector.
Note 3 Note 2
Highs
SUB/LF OUT FR/HFINPUT
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X12
2-Way Active
Loudspeaker
Lows
Figure 2
Typical wiring for a X12 used with 2-way active loudspeakers.
Power
Amplifier
From
Mixer Output

7
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
X14 System Wiring
SUB OUT MID
LOW OUT HIGH
INPUT
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LOW HIGH
__
++
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
SUB MID
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X14
From
Mixer Output
Highs
Lows
Power
Amplifier
Power
Amplifier
3-Way Active
Loudspeaker
Figure 5
Typical wiring for a X14 used with 3-way active loudspeakers and a subwoofer.
Subwoofer
Mids
SUB OUT MID
LOW OUT HIGH
INPUT
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LOW HIGH
__
++
SENSE
FROM AMP OUTPUT
SUB MID
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X14
From
Mixer Output
Highs
Lows
Power
Amplifier
Power
Amplifier
2-Way Active
Loudspeaker
Figure 4
Typical wiring for a X14 System used with 2-way active loudspeakers and a subwoofer.
Subwoofer

8
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
X24 System Wiring
From
Mixer Output
From
Mixer Output
Highs
Lows
Power
Amplifier
Highs
Lows
Power
Amplifier
2-Way Active
Loudspeaker
2-Way Active
Loudspeaker
Figure 6
Typical wiring for a X24 used in a stereo system with 2-way active loudspeakers.
INPUT SUB/LF OUT FR/HF
SUB/LF OUT FR/HFINPUT
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE CH2
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
SENSE CH1
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X24
From
Mixer Output
From
Mixer Output
Power
Amplifier
Highs
Lows
Power
Amplifier
Subwoofer
2-Way Active
Loudspeaker
Figure 7
Typical wiring for a X24 used with 2-way active loudspeakers and a subwoofer.
INPUT SUB/LF OUT FR/HF
SUB/LF OUT FR/HFINPUT
CHANNEL 1CHANNEL 2
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 =
PIN 3 =
+
_
SENSE CH2
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
SENSE CH1
FROM AMP OUTPUT
LF HF
__
++
115V
RENKUS-HEINZ IRVINE, CALIFORNIA MADE IN USA
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
MODEL X24
See Note 1
See Note 1
Note 1.
When the Channel 1 input is connected
directly to the Mixer output, the output of
the subwoofer and the 2-way loudspeaker
will overlap and produce a "bump' in the
frequency response. This overlap can be
eliminated by using the Channel 2 FR/HF
output to drive the Channel 1 input. The
FR/HF output is band limited to match the
subwoofer's crossover point. When the
Channel 2 FR/HF output is used in this
fashion, the + & - HF pins on the Channel
2 Sense Line connector must be shorted
together!
Note 2.
Whenever a pair of Sense Lines are not
used, it is common practice to short them
together to prevent their associated red LED
warning lights from being "on" constantly.

9
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
Plug-In Modules
To insure the highest possible loudspeaker performance while still providing optimum protection for the
loudspeaker, each Renkus-Heinz controller is specifically configured for a particular Renkus-Heinz
loudspeaker model.
This configuration is accomplished by three “plug-in” PC boards or modules used inside the controller.
These modules are the Crossover, EQ/Delay, and Limit boards. The combination of these three boards is
unique for each loudspeaker model.
Figure 4 shows the plug-in boards and their location on the main "mother" boards inside the controller.
Crossover Board:
The crossover board contains the active filters required for creating the crossover points. The filters are
either 3rd or 4th order (18dB/octive or 24dB/octive) electronic filters. The corner frequency and filter
order is selected to optimize the performance of the associated loudspeaker model.
EQ/Delay Board:
The EQ/Delay board provides up to 3 bands of parametric equalization per channel. This equalization is
used to smooth and extend the frequency response of its associated Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker.
When a particular loudspeaker model requires time offset alignment, the delay section of this board is
utilized. It provides the desired signal delay.
Limit Board:
The limit board sets the maximum safe allowable excursion, thermal, and peak audio levels for its
associated loudspeaker.
The model number(s) of the loudspeaker(s) associated with your controller are listed on the controller's
rear panel.
Plug-In Modules
Channel 1
Main Board
Channel 2
Main Board
Power Supply
Module
EQ/Delay
Module
Limit
Module
Limit
Module
Crossover
Module
EQ/Delay
Module
Figure 4: X14/X24 Chassis Layout
Crossover
Module

10
X12 • X14 • X24 OWNER'S MANUAL
Front Panel Features
Power Switch:
The power switch turns on and off the main ac power to the controller. A delay circuit inside the controller
mutes the audio for a short duration during power-up. For safety, always power up the controller before
turning on your audio power amplifier.
Power Indicator:
This green LED indicates the controller’s power is on.
X12 and X24 Models:
The front panels for the X12 and X24 are identical, except for the X24 having two channels while the X12
has only one channel. The X12 and X24 controller front panels are shown below in Figure 5.
Signal Indicator
This green LED indicates if an audio signal is present at the input of the controller.
SUB/LF (Subwoofer / Low Frequency) Sense Fail Indicator:
This red LED will indicate if the sense line coming from the output of the SUB/LF amplifier has become
disconnected. If the sense line becomes disconnected, the controller will mute the output audio for the SUB/
LF channel.
SUB/LF (Subwoofer / Low Frequency) Protect Indicator:
This red LED will indicate the operation of the speaker protection circuitry. This LED will illuminate
because of any one or combination of the following reasons:
1. Sense line missing.
2. Thermal protection activated.
3. Excursion protection activated.
FR/HF (Full Range / High Frequency) Sense Fail Indicator:
This red LED will indicate if the sense line coming from the output of the FR/HF amplifier has become
disconnected. If the sense line becomes disconnected, the controller will mute the output audio for the FR/
HF channel.
FR/HF (Full Range / High Frequency) Protect Indicator
This red LED will indicate the operation of the loudspeaker protection circuitry. This LED will illuminate
because of any one or combination of the following reasons:
1. Sense line missing.
2. Thermal protection activated
Front Panel
Features
Status
Indicators
X12 & X24
Figure 5: X12 & X24 Front Panels
POWER MODEL
X12
SUB/LF FR/HF
SENSE FAIL PROTECT SENSE FAIL PROTECT
ON SIGNAL
CHANNEL 1
LOUDSPEAKER CONTROLLER
POWER MODEL
X24
ON SUB/LF FR/LF SUB/LF FR/HF
SENSE FAIL PROTECT SENSE FAIL PROTECT SENSE FAIL PROTECTSENSE FAIL PROTECT SIGNAL
CHANNEL 2
SIGNAL
CHANNEL 1
LOUDSPEAKER CONTROLLER