TW Audio M12 User manual
M12 Operating Manual
Operating Manual M12
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a high quality product "MADE IN GERMANY" from TW AUDiO.
The M12 multifunctional loudspeaker dispenses with extended bass reproduction, in-
stead placing special emphasis on enhanced mid/high performance. It offers extraordi-
nary increased efficiency from a compact enclosure with precise dispersion and impulse
behavior with lowest possible distortion.
The M12 is eminently suitable for use as a high performance front fill or near fill, as a
compact delay line loudspeaker or as a wedge, and especially as a 12" top in a two-way
active setup with the B18 and B30 speakers in our PA-SYS-TWO system.
If you lend your product to another party, inform that party of the safety-related operating
procedures and hand over this operating manual. If you therefore require additional cop-
ies of this operating manual, they can be obtained free of charge from TW AUDiO or
downloaded from: www.twaudio.de
Strictly adhere to the instructions contained in this operating manual that are marked as
follows:
Instructions in the operating manual
WARNING
This symbol in combination with the signal word "Warning" identifies a potentially haz-
ardous situation. Failure to comply with this safety instruction can lead to serious injury
or even death.
WARNING
This symbol in combination with the signal word "Warning" identifies a potentially haz-
ardous situation for persons with a pacemaker. Failure to comply with this safety instruc-
tion can lead to serious injury or even death.
CAUTION
This symbol in combination with the signal word "Caution" identifies a potentially hazard-
ous situation. Failure to comply with this safety instruction can lead to light or moderate
injury.
NOTE
This symbol in combination with the signal word "Note" identifies a potentially hazardous
situation. Failure to comply with this safety instruction can lead to product damage.
TIP
This symbol in combination with the signal word "Tip" identifies additional information or
notes that will simplify working with TW AUDiO products on the basis of practical experi-
ence.
Operating Manual M12
Operating manual: OM-M12
Version 1.0 en, 05/2016
© by TW AUDiO 2016; all rights reserved.
All information contained in this operating manual was correct to the best of our knowl-
edge at the time of printing.
Quality warranties or assurance of suitability for a certain type of use based on the tech-
nical specifications, dimensions and weights are not granted by TW AUDiO.
TW AUDiO also shall not assume liability for any secondary damage (property damage
and/or personal injury) nor for the failure to comply with this operating manual.
TW AUDiO reserves the right to make changes that take into account the latest engi-
neering advancements.
TW AUDiO is pleased to receive suggestions for improvement and recommendations on
this operating manual. Please send us any feedback you may have to the following e-
mail address.
TW AUDiO GmbH
Osterholzallee 140-2
71636 Ludwigsburg, Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 71 41 - 48 89 89 0
Telefax: +49 (0) 71 41 - 48 89 89 99
Notes on the products
Read manual
before use!
Before setting up the device, read the operating manual carefully and keep this docu-
ment in a safe place together with the M12 loudspeaker.
General information
Operating Manual M12
Content
Safety | Intended use .....................................................................................................1
Overview ........................................................................................................................3
Components ....................................................................................................................... 3
Variants .............................................................................................................................. 4
Technical data ................................................................................................................5
Data sheet .......................................................................................................................... 5
Wiring diagram ................................................................................................................... 5
Setting up the loudspeaker ..........................................................................................6
Setup .................................................................................................................................. 6
Rotating the horn ................................................................................................................ 6
Connecting cables ..............................................................................................................7
Operation ............................................................................................................................ 7
Transport and storage ..................................................................................................8
CE Conformity Declaration ...........................................................................................9
Disposal ........................................................................................................................10
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Operating Manual M12
1. Safety | Intended use
Please adhere to the following safety instructions to avoid risks when operating the loud-
speakers.
The M12 loudspeaker was developed for professional use in sound systems. The loud-
speaker may only be used by trained and qualified personnel.
Note the operating modes described in this operating manual.
Other uses are not permissible.
TW AUDiO GmbH shall not be held liable for any damage that ensues from unintended
use.
WARNING
Loudspeakers generate an electromagnetic field. Persons with pacemakers are not per-
mitted to remain in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers as the electromagnetic fields
can cause pacemakers to malfunction.
WARNING
When working with heavy loads over 20 kg, use suitable aids (dollies, hoisting slings,
etc.). Multiple people may be required depending on the situation.
Ensure that the units are in a stable position and are firmly attached. A falling loud-
speaker can result in serious personal injury and property damage.
When using and assembling TW AUDiO loudspeakers, only use materials specified by
TW AUDiO. These tasks must be performed by qualified personnel. Adhere to the appli-
cable safety regulations.
NOTE
When using the loudspeakers, ensure that they are not exposed to the following ambient
conditions:
• Direct sunlight
• Moisture
• Jolting
•Dust
WARNING
Keep away from the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers that are operated at high sound
pressure levels. These loudspeaker systems are capable of endangering your health.
Sound levels beginning as low as approx. 90 dB SPL can lead to long-term hearing im-
pairment.
NOTE
Avoid:
• Feedback
• Distorted signals (clipping)
• Peaks that result when devices are switched on or hot plugged and unplugged.
These signals can lead to loudspeaker overload..
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Operating Manual M12
Note that TW AUDiO does not provide a warranty for damage that can be attributed to
this type of overload and therefore cannot be held liable for any secondary damage.
WARNING
Ensure that the loudspeaker is not exposed to permanent thermal overloads. This may
cause a fire and result in serious personal injury and property damage.
NOTE
A permanent, magnetic field is present in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers. Ensure
that objects which react sensitively to magnetic fields are not located in the immediate
vicinity of the loudspeaker. In particular, this applies to magnetic data carriers, EC cards
and CRT displays. A distance of approx. one meter is sufficient to avoid damage.
NOTE
Check loudspeakers and accessory parts regularly for visible wear. This is essential to
ensure fault-free operation on a permanent basis. Replace worn parts promptly. Spare
parts can be obtained from TW AUDiO.
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Operating Manual M12
2. Overview
Figure 2.1 - Overview
1. Top rigging track
2. 15 mm multiplex enclosure – Warnex surface finish
3. Rotable horn with 1.4" compression driver
4. 12" cone driver
5. Rubber feet (4 pieces)
6. Rear rigging plate
7. Connection panel with two SpeakON®connectors
8. Type label
9. Ergonomic carrying handle (top and bottom)
10. Bottom rigging track with integrated cabinet flange
2.1 Components
1
3
8
5
4
2
9
10
5
6
7
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Operating Manual M12
The M12 loudspeaker is available in right and left variants. These versions differ in the
side on which the slanted wedge is located on the enclosure.
Figure 2.2 - Left and right versions
2.2 Variants
left version right version
1,4" compression driver
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Operating Manual M12
3. Technical data
Figure 3.2 - Wiring diagram
3.1 Data sheet
Components 1x 12" LF/1x 1.4" HF
Frequency response 60 –19,000 Hz
Power handling, program/
peak 700/1400 W
Impedance 8Ω
Coverage angles (h × v) 75° x 50°
SPL max./1 m 132 dB
Dimensions (h x w x d) 606 x 360 x 314 mm
Weight 20.2 kg
Finish Warnex texture paint
3.2 Wiring diagram
LF 12"
HF 1,4"
8 OHM
8 OHM
8 OHM
+
--
+
--
1,3 kHz
PIN 1+
PIN 1–
PIN 2+
PIN 2–
PIN 1+
PIN 1–
PIN 2+
PIN 2–
parallel
PASSIVE
X-OVER
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Operating Manual M12
4. Setting up the loudspeaker
The M12 loudspeaker is designed for standing, vertical and horizontal operation. A vari-
ety of accessories is available from TW AUDiO to securely attach the loudspeaker, e.g.
on stands or suspended horizontally or vertically from trusses and motor lifts.
The horn of the M12 loudspeaker is mounted at the factory in such a way that the hori-
zontal coverage is 75° and the vertical coverage is 50°. In some situations, it may be ad-
vantageous to switch the coverage of the high-frequency range. For this purpose, the
horn can be rotated. Proceed as follows.
1. Place the M12 loudspeaker with the wedge inclined toward you with the front grill
facing up. Ensure that the working surface is clean with a non-slip finish.
2. To remove the front grill of the loudspeaker, use a 3 mm hex key. Remove the four
fixing screws at the top and bottom of the loudspeaker enclosure.
3. Release the four screws of the horn using a 3 mm hex key. Pull the horn and the
compression driver upward out of the loudspeaker enclosure.
4. Check that the seal between the enclosure and horn is properly seated.
5. Rotate the horn carefully by 90° and reinsert the horn and driver back into the re-
cess. Screw it onto the enclosure using medium-strength thread locker.
6. Screw the front grill back on.
4.1 Setup
WARNING
Ensure that the loudspeakers are securely attached to prevent personal injury and prop-
erty damage.
NOTE
TW AUDiO recommends using only the accessories specified by TW AUDiO to secure
the loudspeakers.
4.2 Rotating the horn
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Operating Manual M12
To create a cable connection with an amplifier rack from TW AUDiO, proceed as follows.
The correct presets need to be selected for the cable connections.
TW AUDiO recommends operating the M12 loudspeaker on a DSP controller.
TW AUDiO only recommends using presets developed by TW AUDiO. The TW AUDiO
system racks are ideal for this purpose.
4.3 Connecting cables
NOTE
Ensure that the cable cross section is sufficiently large (at least 1.5 mm²) to avoid power
losses. TW AUDiO recommends using the loudspeaker cables available from
TW AUDiO.
When connecting the cables to the loudspeaker, ensure that the polarity (+/-) and pin as-
signment (1/2) are correct. Incorrect connection results in a significant change in the
loudspeaker sound characteristics and may damage the compression driver.
The pin connections of the M12 loudspeaker can be found in section 3.2 “Wiring dia-
gram” on page 5.
The two connection sockets on the back of M12 can be used to link multiple loudspeak-
ers on a single amplifier. Note that parallel connection reduces the total impedance (Ω)
seen by the amplifier.
The total impedance of loudspeakers connected in parallel must not drop below the min-
imum operating impedance of the amplifier.
4.4 Operation
NOTE
Ensure that the right preset was selected before connecting the loudspeaker with the
amplifier.
Operating with an incorrect preset can damage parts of the loudspeaker.
NOTE
Ensure that the amplifier is properly sized according to requirements. Undersizing or
oversizing may damage the loudspeaker.
Please note the technical data in section 3.1.“Data sheet” on page 5.
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Operating Manual M12
5. Transport and storage
Because the M12 loudspeaker weighs over 20 kg, two people are needed to move and
transport the unit.
NOTE
To enable a single person to transport two M12 loudspeakers, TW AUDiO recommends
using the CaseM12.
When transporting and storing the unit, it is important to ensure that the surface and
front grill of the loudspeaker are not damaged. Moisture can penetrate through exposed
wood surfaces and cause the wood to swell. A bent or broken front grill will no longer ad-
equately protect the sensitive speaker membranes.
In addition, appreciable dust deposits may considerably impair the functionality of a
loudspeaker membrane. For this reason, the loudspeakers should be transported and
stored in a safe, careful, dry and largely dust-free manner.
The following accessory parts for transport and storage are available from TW AUDiO:
• CoverM12 (protective cover for one M12)
• CaseM12 (flightcase for two M12)
The original packaging is unsuitable as permanent storage and transport packaging.
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Operating Manual M12
6. CE Conformity Declaration
Copy and translation of the original CE Conformity Declaration:
We hereby declare that the below-referenced components by virtue of their design and
construction, and in the configuration placed on the market by us, satisfy the safety and
health requirements of the applicable EC directives. This declaration becomes invalid in
case of modifications that have not been approved by us.
This declaration applies to the following components:
•M12L
•M12R
as well as all model variants based on these, provided that they correspond to the origi-
nal factory models and have not been technically modified in any way.
Applicable directives:
• 2001/95/EC
• 2011/65/EU
Applicable national standards and technical specifications:
• DIN 18800
• DIN 4113
• DIN EN ISO 14121-1
• BGV C1/BGI 810-3
• EN 50581:2012
Ludwigsburg, Germany, 01 April 2014 ___________________________
Tobias Wüstner
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Operating Manual M12
7. Disposal
It is prohibited to dispose of used electrical equipment with household refuse.
All products of TW AUDiO GmbH are so-called B2B products. This means that they are
sold by a commercial business to a commercial business. TW AUDiO products that bear
the trash can symbol shown here are only permitted to be disposed of by TW AUDiO.
The loudspeaker owner is legally responsible for the disposal of used devices that do
not bear this symbol. This pertains to all products delivered prior to 29 March 2010. Nev-
ertheless, TW AUDiO will also be happy to assist you in this case.
If you have any question regarding the disposal of used devices, please contact us un-
der the following telephone number:
+49 (0) 71 41 - 48 89 89 0
Thus, TW AUDiO is in strict compliance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equip-
ment Directive (2012/19/EU) for the protection of our environment.
TW AUDiO is registered under the following WEEE reg. no. with the German National
Register EAR as a B2B manufacturer and distributor of electrical devices:
DE54488702
In countries outside of the European Union, follow the local regulations.
TW AUDiO GmbH
Osterholzallee 140-2
71636 Ludwigsburg
Germany
P: + 49 (0) 71 41-48 89 89 0
F: + 49 (0) 71 41-48 89 89 99
W: www.twaudio.de
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