Void ArcM 15 User manual

ArcM 15
User Guide V1.0

©2019 Void Acoustics Research Ltd.
Version 1.0
This user guide is subject to change without notice.
For the latest online version, visit: www.voidacoustics.com
Void Acoustics and the Void logo are registered trademarks of Void
Acoustics Research Ltd. in the United Kingdom, USA and other
countries; all other Void trademarks are the property of Void Acoustics
Research Ltd.

ArcM 15 Guide V1.0 Page 3
Contents
1 Safety and regulations 4
1.1 Important safety instructions 4
1.2 Limitations 4
1.3 EC declaration of conformity 4
1.4 WEEE directive 4
2 Limited warranty 5
3 Unpacking and Checking 6
4 About 7
4.1 Welcome 7
4.2 ArcM 15 overview 7
4.3 Key features 7
4.4 Specifications 8
4.5 Dimensions 9
5 Cabling and wiring 10
5.1 Electrical safety 10
5.2 Cable considerations for fixed installations 10
5.3 Wiring diagram passive mode 10
5.4 Bias Q2 speakON™ wiring passive mode 11
5.5 Bias Q5 speakON™ wiring passive mode 11
5.6 Wiring diagram active mode 12
5.7 Bias Q2 speakON™ wiring active mode 12
5.8 Bias Q5 speakON™ wiring active mode 13
6System design 14
6.1 System design principles 14
6.2 Loudspeaker placement and positioning 14
7 Mounting 18
7.1 Installation safety 18
7.2 Pole mounting 19
7.3 Ceiling mounting 20
8 Service 22
8.1 Return authorisation 22
8.2 Shipping and packing considerations 22
9 Appendix 23

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 4
1.1 Important safety instructions
The lightning flash with and arrowhead symbol
within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user of the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Safety instructions - read this first
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat source such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other such apparatus that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type
plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect power cords from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit the apparatus.
11. Onlyuseattachmentsandaccessoriesspecifiedby Void
Acoustics.
12. Only use with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplugtheapparatusduringlightningstormsorwhenunused
forlongperiodsoftime.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as when the power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. Since the mains power supply cord attachment plug is used
to disconnect the device, the plug should always be easily
accessible.
16. Void loudspeakers can produce sound levels capable
of causing permanent hearing damage from prolonged
exposure. The higher the sound level, the less exposure
needed to cause such damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to
the high sound levels from the loudspeaker.
1.2 Limitations
This guide is provided to help familiarise the user with the
loudspeaker system and its accessories. It is not intended to provide
comprehensive electrical, fire, mechanical and noise training and is
not a substitute for industry-approved training. Nor does this guide
absolve the user of their obligation to comply with all relevant
safety legislation and codes of practice.
While every care has been taken in creating this guide, safety is
user-dependent and Void Acoustics Research Ltd cannot guarantee
complete safety whenever the system is rigged and operated.
1.3 EC declaration of conformity
Manufacturer:
Void Acoustics Research Ltd,
Unit 15 Dawkins Road Ind Est,
Poole, Dorset,
BH15 4JY,
United Kingdom.
We declare the under our sole responsibility the following product
models: ArcM 12, ArcM 15
are intended to be used as loudspeakers and are in conformity with
the following EC Directives, including all amendments, and with
national legislation implementing these directives and standards:
• 2006/95/EC Low Voltage Directive
• 2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
• 2002/95/CE RoHs Directive
• BS EN 60065:2002
• BS EN 55103-1/-2
• BS EN 61000-3-2
• BS EN 61000-3-3
• BS EN 61000-4-2
• BS EN 61000-4-3
• BS EN 61000-4-4
• BS EN 61000-4-5
• BS EN 61000-4-6
• BS EN 61000-4-11
Alex Skan
Technical Director
1.4 WEEE directive
If the time arises to throw away your product, please recycle all the
components possible.
This symbol indicates that when the end-user
wishes to discard this product, it must be sent
to separate collection facilities for recovery
and recycling. By separating this product from
other household-type waste, the volume of
waste sent to incinerators or land-fills will be
reduced and natural resources will thus be
conserved.
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE
Directive) aims to minimise the impact of electrical and electronic
goods on the environment. Void Acoustics Research Ltd complies
with the Directive 2002/96/EC and 2003/108/EC of the European
Parliament on waste electrical finance the cost of treatment and
recovery of electronic equipment (WEEE) in order to reduce the
amount of WEEE that is being disposed of in land-fill sites. All of
our products are marked with the WEEE symbol; this indicates that
this product must NOT be disposed of with other waste. Instead
it is the user’s responsibility to dispose of their waste electrical
and electronic equipment by handing it over to an approved
reprocessor, or by returning it to Void Acoustics Research Ltd for
reprocessing. For more information about where you can send
your waste equipment for recycling, please contact Void Acoustics
Research Ltd or one of your local distributors.
1 Safety and regulations

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 5
The warranty
For a period of three (3) years from the date of
delivery to the original purchaser (as shown on the
original invoice or sales receipt; a copy of this may be
required as proof of warranty dates), Void Acoustics
Research Ltd (hereinafter ‘Void’) warrants to the
Original Owner (person or company who originally
purchased the product brand new from either Void
or a Void Authorised Dealer/Distributor) of each new
ArcM Series product (provided it was purchased at
an Authorised Void Dealer) that it is free of defects
in materials and workmanship and that each
product will meet or exceed all factory published
specifications for each respective model. Void agrees
to repair or replace (at its discretion) all defective
parts at no charge for labour or materials; subject to
following provisions:
Warranty violations
Void shall take no responsibility for repair or
replacement as specified under this warranty, if
the damaged product has been subject to misuse,
accident, neglect or failure to comply with normal
maintenance procedures; or if the serial number
has been defaced, altered or removed. Nor will Void
accept responsibility for, or resulting from, improper
alterations or unauthorised parts or repairs. This
warranty does not cover any damage to speakers
or any other consequential damage resulting from
breach of any written or implied warranty.
Void warranty provisions
Void will remedy any defect, regardless of the
reason for failure (except as excluded) by repair, or
replacement. Void will remedy the defect and ship
the product within a reasonable time after receipt of
the defective product at a Void Authorised Service Centre.
To obtain warranty service
If a Void product requires service, the Owner must
contact Void or an Authorised Void Service Centre to
receive an R.A.N. (Return Authorisation Number) and
instructions on how to return the product to the Void
Authorised Service Centre, or to Void.
Void (or its Authorised Service Centre) will initiate
corrective repairs upon receipt of the returned
product. Please save the original carton and all the
packing materials in case shipping is required. All
products being returned to the factory or service
centre for repairs must be shipped prepaid.
If the repairs made by Void or the Void Authorised
Service Centre are not satisfactory, the Owner
is instructed to give written notice to Void. If the
defect or malfunction remains after a reasonable
number of attempts by Void to remedy the defect
or malfunction, the Original Owner shall then have
the option to elect either a refund or replacement of
said Void product free of charge. The refund shall be
an amount equal to but not greater than the actual
purchase price, not including any taxes, interest,
insurance, closing costs and other finance charges
(minus reasonable depreciation on the product).
If a refund is necessary, the Original Owner must
make the defective or malfunctioning product
available to Void free and clear of all liens or other
restrictions.
Equipment modifications
Technical and design specifications are subject to
change without notice.
Void reserves the right to modify or change
equipment (in whole or part) at any time prior to
delivery thereof, in order to include therein electrical
or mechanical improvements deemed appropriate
by Void, but without incurring any liability to modify
or change any equipment previously delivered, or
to supply new equipment in accordance with any
earlier specifications.
Disclaimer of consequential and incidental
damages
You, the Original Owner, are not entitled to recover
from Void any incidental damages resulting from any
defect in the Void product.
This includes any damage to another product or
products resulting from such a defect.
Warranty alterations
No person has the authority to enlarge, amend, or
modify this Warranty. This Warranty is not extended
by the length of time which the Original Owner
is deprived of the use of product. Repairs and
replacement parts provided pursuant to the Warranty
shall carry only the non-expired portion of the
Warranty.
This Statement of Warranty supersedes all
others contained in this user guide.
2 Limited warranty

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 6
All Void Acoustics products are carefully manufactured and thoroughly tested before being
dispatched. Your dealer will ensure that your Void products are in pristine condition before
being forwarded to you but mistakes and accidents can happen.
Before signing for your delivery:
• Inspect your shipment for any signs of contamination, abuse or transit damage as soon as
you receive it
• Check your Void Acoustics delivery fully against your order
• If your shipment is incomplete or any of its contents are found to be damaged; inform the
shipping company and inform your dealer.
When you are removing your ArcM 15 loudspeaker from its original packaging:
• ArcM 15 loudspeakers are boxed and each box is stapled shut; take care when unboxing
and removing the staples to avoid injury or damage to the loudspeaker
• If you need to place the ArcM 15 loudspeaker on a flat surface ensure you use a lint free
product to protect the finish
• When you have removed the ArcM 15 loudspeaker from the packaging inspect it to ensure
there is no damage and keep all original packaging in case it needs to be returned for any
reason.
See section 2 for warranty conditions and see section 8 if your product needs servicing.
3 Unpacking and checking

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 7
4 About
4.1 Welcome
Many thanks for purchasing this Void Acoustics ArcM 15 loudspeaker. We truly appreciate
your support. At Void, we design, manufacture and distribute advanced professional audio
systems for the installed and live sound market sectors. Like all Void products, our highly
skilled and experienced engineers have successfully combined pioneering technologies with
groundbreaking design aesthetics, to bring you superior sound quality and visual innovation. In
buying this product, you are now part of the Void family and we hope using it brings you years
of satisfaction. This guide will help you both use this product safely and ensure it performs to
its full capability.
4.2 ArcM 15 overview
The ArcM 15 has multiple working surfaces, allowing it to be used as a near field booth
monitor or conventional stage wedge, as well as having the ability to be pole mounted or
wall mounted for front-of-house purposes. In terms of mobility, measures have been taken
to reduce weight, while maintaining an ergonomic design to appease manual handling
requirements. Acoustically, FEA analysis has significantly reduced port noise and air distortion.
The 15” ArcM 15 is unpowered, allowing it to integrate with our rental partners’ existing
infrastructure.
4.3 Key features
• High power 15” + 1.4’’ coaxial neodymium transducer
• Two wedge operating modes (stage and nearfield monitoring)
• Integral pole mount for 35 mm diameter poles
• Low profile design for cleaner stage lines
• Ergonomically designed handles for easy manual handling
• External dimensions optimised for truck packing
• Hard-wearing polyurea finish
• Type 80 rear mounting plate for wall/ceiling fixing

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 8
4 About
4.4 ArcM 15 specifications
Frequency response 50 Hz - 18 kHz -3 dB
Eciency1100 dB 1W/1m
Crossover point 1k2Hz (acoustic)
Nominal impedance 1 x 8 Ωpassive, 1 x 8 Ω(LF) and 1 x 16 Ω(HF) active
Power handling2500 W AES
Maximum output3130 dB cont, 134 dB peak
Driver configuration Coaxial 1 x 15” - 1 x 1.4” neodymium
Dispersion 80°H x 80°V
Connectors 2 x 4-pole speakON™ NL4
Height 371 mm (14.6”)
Width 550 mm (21.7”)
Depth 530 mm (20.9”)
Weight 22.5 kg (49.6 lbs)
Rigging Integral top hat, type 80 mounting bracket
Finish Textured polyurethane
1Measured in half space 2AES2 - 1984 compliant 3Calculated
Figure 4.1: Horizontal directivity isobars
Figure 4.2: Vertical directivity isobars

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 9
530 (20.9”)
527 (20.8”)
550 (21.7”)
75 (3”)
4 x M8 Fixtures
75 (3”)
243 (9.6”)
530 (20.9”)
364 (14.3”)
364 (14.3”)
371 (14.6”)
550 (21.7”)
550 (21.7”)
371 (14.6”)
Figure 4.3: Dimensions
4 About
4.5 Dimensions

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 10
5 Cabling and wiring
5.1 Electrical safety
To avoid electrical hazards please note the following:
• Do not access the inside of any electrical equipment. Refer servicing to
Void-approved service agents.
5.2 Cable considerations for fixed installations
We recommend specifying installation-grade Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cables for
permanent installations. The cables should use Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) of grade C11000
or above. Cables for permanent installations should be compliant with the following standards:
• IEC 60332.1 Fire retardancy of a single cable
• IEC 60332.3C Fire retardancy of bunched cables
• IEC 60754.1 Amount of Halogen Gas Emissions
• IEC 60754.2 Degree of acidity of released gases
• IEC 61034.2 Measurement of smoke density.
We suggest using the following maximum copper cable lengths to keep level losses below 0.6 dB.
Metric mm2Imperial AWG 16 Ωload 8 Ωload 4 Ωload 2 Ωload
2.50 mm213 AWG 72 m 36 m 18 m 9 m
4.00 mm211 AWG 120 m 60 m 30 m 15 m
5.3 Wiring diagram passive mode
+
-
+
-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
Passive
Crossover
In
Out/Link
1.4” HF 15” LF
Co-Axial
Figure 5.1: ArcM 15 passive mode wiring diagram
speakONTM pins 1+/1- speakONTM pins 2+/2-
In HF (1.4”) and LF (15”) Link/out
Out Link/out Link/out

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 11
5 Cabling and wiring
5.4 Bias Q2 speakONTM wiring passive mode
1+
1-
1+
1-
Figure 5.2: Bias Q2
Bias Q2 Output 1 or 2
Output LF (15”) and HF (1.4”)
Max parallel units 4 (2 Ωload to amplifier)
5.5 Bias Q5 speakONTM wiring passive mode
1+
1-
1+
1-
Figure 5.3: Bias Q5
Bias Q5 Single channel
Output LF (15”) and HF (1.4”)
Max parallel units 4 (2 Ωload to amplifier)

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 12
5 Cabling and wiring
5.6 Wiring diagram active mode
+
-
+
-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
1+
1-
2+
2-
In
Out/Link
1.4” HF 15” LF
Co-Axial
Figure 5.4: ArcM 15 active mode wiring diagram
speakONTM pins 1+/1- speakONTM pins 2+/2-
In LF (15”) HF (1.4”)
Out Link/out Link/out
5.7 Bias Q2 speakONTM wiring active mode
LF 1+
LF 1-
HF 2+
HF 2-
LF 1+
LF 1-
HF 2+
HF 2-
Figure 5.5: Bias Q2
Bias Q2 Output 1 Output 2
Output LF (15”) HF (1.4”)
Max parallel units 4 (2 Ωload to amplifier) 4 (4 Ωload to amplifier)

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 13
5 Cabling and wiring
5.8 Bias Q5 speakONTM wiring active mode
LF 1+
LF 1-
MHF 2+
MHF 2-
LF 1+
LF 1-
HF 2+
HF 2-
Figure 5.6: Bias Q5
Bias Q5 Output 1 Output 2
Output LF (15”) HF (1.4”)
Max parallel units 4 (2 Ωload to amplifier) 4 (4 Ωload to amplifier)

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 14
6 System design
6.1 System design principles
The wedge shape of the ArcM 15 loudspeaker allows it to be used as a stage monitor. The
enclosure has been designed in such a way as to allow it to be used in dierent positions
depending on the coverage required.
When being used for a standing listening position the ArcM 15 can be positioned as shown
in figure 6.1. For far field listening positions stand the ArcM 15 on the rear panel (figure 6.2) to
provide greater depth of coverage. Paired with the Arcline 118 the ArcM 15 can be used for
monitor positions in the near (figure 6.3) and far (figure 6.4) field listening positions for drum
fill or DJ monitor, for example. Pole mounted on the Arcline 118 the ArcM 15 can be used as a
front of house loudspeaker system (figure 6.5).
Figure 6.1: Near field
position
Figure 6.2: Far field
listening position
Figure 6.3: Near field listening
position with Arcline 118
Figure 6.4: Far field lsitening
position with Arcline 118
Figure 6.5: Pole mount

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 15
6 System design
6.2 Loudspeaker placement and positioning
When deploying ArcM 15, it is important to consider the
speakers’ vertical position to maximise coverage in the vertical
axis. Horizontal loudspeaker dispersion figures dictate the
coverage of the loudspeaker, left to right, to the -3 dB points.
The same can be said for the vertical dispersion figure, but
when applied to a listening area, this figure dictates the
audience area coverage front to back.
Vertical dispersion is often overlooked or not assessed
properly, resulting in ineciently deployed loudspeaker
systems that require more fill loudspeakers than are necessary
to achieve required coverage. Following are some basic
guidelines when considering the vertical position of your ArcM
15 loudspeaker.
With optimum vertical positioning and aiming applied the
loudspeaker system can be used at maximum eciency. With
a point source loudspeaker in this configuration the speaker
is placed 2m-4m from the ground, aimed half way to two thirds of the way back from the
audience area, as shown in figure 6.7. The applied aiming reduces unwanted reflections from
the ceiling and directs the highest energy concentration to the audience area requiring it most.
This is the most desirable position for the loudspeakers in this example.
Figure 6.7: Correct loudspeaker placement
Figure 6.6a: Vertical dispersion (side view)
Figure 6.6b: Horizontal dispersion (top view)

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 16
6 System design
Audience
Stage
Figure 6.9: Correct horizontal dispersion
In the horizontal plane rotate the ArcM 15 toward the audience area at an angle such that
the centre line of the dispersion from each loudspeaker meets about two thirds of the way
towards the rear of the audience area. This will help provide a wider coverage and result in
more of the power being used usefully.
Figure 6.8: Multi point loudspeaker arrangement
A multi-point loudspeaker system in a club/bar environment can be very pleasing for the
listener. However, it’s important that the processes applied to previous examples are still
implemented. In figure 6.8 you can see the loudspeakers have been positioned and aimed
optimally. When deploying a multi-point loudspeaker system, extra consideration must be
taken to counter unwanted room eects. Careful positioning and aiming of loudspeakers will
minimise room eects, while maintaining even coverage throughout the audience area.

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 17
Figure 6.11: Incorrect loudspeaker placement
Figure 6.12: Incorrect loudspeaker placement
In figure 6.11 the loudspeakers vertical positioning is too low for the audience area. Mid
and high range frequencies are absorbed by the first two rows of people, resulting in poor
coverage and potential acoustic issues from room reflections.
Figure 6.12 shows the loudspeaker vertical position is optimal for the audience area but the
user hasn’t applied an aiming angle. In this case, a large portion of energy is directed at the
ceiling that could result in reduced intelligibility and unwanted room acoustic characteristics.
The shallow angle of attack will also induce refraction issues on a hot dance floor, leading to
reduced HF penetration at mid and far distances, again reducing intelligibility and coherence.
Audience
Stage
Avoid directing the ArcM 15 straight forward. This will result in a proportion of the power being
directed towards the walls, creating possible reflective issues, as well as causing a gap in
coverage at the centre of the audience area.
Figure 6.10: Incorrect horizontal dispersion
6 System design

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 18
7 Mounting
7.1 Installation safety
To avoid mechanical hazards, please note the following:
• Safety regulations vary in dierent regions. Full compliance with those
regulations must be your priority
• Rigging must only be undertaken by fully-qualified and experienced riggers who
understand local regulations
• This may include consulting a structural engineer before installation of wall brackets
• Remember that all personnel have a duty of care to themselves, to their assistants, to the
venue sta and to the public
• Before lifting any part of the system above head height, check the whole rig for loose tools
or other items that may fall and cause injury
• Do not use a telephone (even if hands-free) while rigging. Always concentrate fully on the
rigging operation
• Do not rig equipment that is worn, damaged, corroded, mishandled or over-stressed in any way
• Use only Void-approved mounting equipment and accessories

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 19
7.2 Pole mounting
Step 2:
Lower the ArcM 15 loudspeaker on the pole
using the integrated top hat within the cup
handle. Rotate to the desired horizontal angle.
Parts required:
• 35 mm pole
Step 1:
Once the pole has been fitted to an
appropriate mount raise the ArcM 15
loudspeaker into position.
Figure 7.1: 35 mm pole
Figure 7.2: Loudspeaker positioning
Figure 7.3: Loudspeaker positioning

ArcM 15 User Guide V1.0 Page 20
7.3 Ceiling mounting
Step 2:
Lift the loudspeaker into position and attach all
four M8 bolts. Only use the bolts provided with
the bracket.
Take care when mounting the
bracket to the ceiling, making sure
to use the correct fixing and that
the ceiling can take the load, for
example do not attach the bracket
to a suspended ceiling.
Parts required:
• Venu series ceiling bracket
Step 1:
Remove all four M8 countersink bolts from the
base of the ArcM 15.
Figure 7.4: Ceiling bracket
Figure 7.5: Bolt removal
Figure 7.6: Fixing bracket