Wharfedale Pro LX Seroes User manual

LX & LX-E SERIES MULTIPURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
LX-12, LX12M, LX15, LX15M, LX-215 full range multipurpose loudspeaker systems
LX-15B, LX-18B, LX-18MB, LX218B subwoofers
LX-12E, LX12ME, LX15E, LX15ME, LX-215E full range multipurpose loudspeaker systems
LX-15BE, LX-18BE, LX-18MBE, LX218BE subwoofers
Wharfedale Pro
LX & LX-E Series User Manual
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 1

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
The following apparatus is manufactured in the China by Wharfedale International Limited of IAG House, Sovereign
Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 6XU and conforms to the protection requirements of the
European Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards and Directives relevant to Domestic Electrical Equipment. The appa-
ratus is designed and constructed such that electromagnetic disturbances generated do not exceed levels allowing
radio and telecommunications equipment and other apparatus to operate as intended, and, the apparatus has an ade-
quate level of intrinsic immunity to electromagnetic disturbance to enable operation as specified and intended.
Details of the Apparatus: Wharfedale Pro Loudspeaker
Model Number: LX12,LX12M, LX15, LX15M, LX215, LX15B, LX18B, LX18MB, LX218B, LX12E,LX12ME, LX15E, LX15ME,
LX215E, LX15BE, LX18BE, LX18MBE, LX218BE
Declaration of Conformity
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 2

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
Contents
Welcome
The L X Series
Unpacking
Cables and connections
Amplifiers and power handling (limiters)
Equalisation
Arraying
Rigging
Specifications
Parts and accessories
Warranty
Page One
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 3

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
Welcome
Thank-you for choosing a Wharfedale Pro Loudspeaker for your application. Since 1932, Wharfedale Loudspeakers
have been at the forefront of loudspeaker technology. Our innovative designs combined with over seventy years of
manufacturing audio systems make Wharfedale Pro products second to none.
Every component of every loudspeaker is designed and made in our own factories. We control all the variables to
make sure every finished product complies with our standard of excellence.
We put in a lifetime of experience – you get out a lifetime of performance.
The LX Series
The LX(E) series from Wharfedale Professional is a range of high powered, high performance trapezoidal enclosures capable of extremely high sound pressure
levels and exceptional sonic quality, with wide dynamic range and bandwidth. Exceptional features of the series include the large elliptical waveguide which
provides superior control over HF coverage, with reduced distortion, greater output and smoother frequency response; the use of cast frame, large voice coil
woofers for sustained output capability and minimal power compression under extended high power use. The LX Series is also availabe as an ‘E’ version, the
difference between the LX and LX-E are as follows:
LX : Enclosure is built from a combination of particle and MDF with a black carpet finish
LX - E: Enclosure is built from plywood with a black painted finish. LX12-E and LX15-E feature 12 x M10 rigging points
LX218-E: Four castors for easy transportation (LX218 has no castors)
LX15B and LX18B feature crossover and high pass output for full range enclosures.
Features:
•Proprietary designed, high efficiency, high power Wharfedale Pro full-range drive units
•50mm Titanium compression driver
•Elliptical Waveguide Technology
•Sophisticated crossover design enables smooth power and frequency response control through crossover region.
•Speakon™ connectors
•Protective full steel 1.5mm grille
•High power output and low distortion
•Trapezoidal array design
•Pole mount socket (LX12, LX15, LX15B, LX18B, LX18MB) for portable sound system use
•PRO-TECH™ Integral High Frequency Driver Overload protection*
Page Two
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 4

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
* PRO-TECH™: The LX & LX-E series speakers are equipped with The PRO-TECH™ System - a dynamic tweeter protection circuit, composed of an accurate
and sensitive protection lamp. When high signal levels are present that may pose a dangerous overload for the tweeter coil the protection circuit will acti-
vate immediately to limit the power sent to the transducer.
Unpacking
All Wharfedale products are fully tested and inspected before leaving the factory. After unpacking your loudspeaker please inspect it for any physical dam-
age. In the unlikely event of damage caused in transit please contact your Wharfedale dealer immediately so that a written claim for damages can be made.
Please retain the shipping carton and all packing materials in case the unit needs to be returned.
Cables and connections
All Wharfedale LX loudspeakers are fitted with a pair of 4-pole Neutrik Speakon™ Connectors. The two connectors on each loudspeaker are wired in parallel
allowing two cabinets to be wired together from a single amplifier. When choosing speaker cable a professional grade of cable with an overall round sheath
will be harder wearing and easier to handle than hi-fi figure-of-eight cables. Cables should always be coiled freely and not coiled over the hand and elbow
which forces the conductors to twist within the outer sheath making the cable difficult to handle. Speaker leads should be made with a minimum of 2.5mm
csa (12 gauge) cable. However for cable runs over 50m a minimum of 4mm (10 gauge) cable should used.
Speakon Pin Assignment
1+ Full Range +
1– Full Range –
2+ No Connection
2– No Connection
Amplification & Power Handling
Wharfedale Pro loudspeakers should be driven by professional quality amplifiers capable of providing adequate headroom when operating at high levels. A
low powered amplifier with insufficient drive capability will not allow the full performance of the loudspeaker to be realised. A low powered amplifier is also
more likely to be driven into clip and damage to your loudspeakers.
Amplifier clipping commonly occurs when amplifiers are used that are too small for the loudspeakers. If these amplifiers are driven beyond their maximum
recommended limit the output from the amplifier is clipped. If a clipped signal is fed to a loudspeaker, it will not only detract from the sound quality, but
can cause permanent damage. [Clipped waveforms tend to heat up the speaker voice coil while driving it out of the magnetic gap resulting in the loud-
speaker overheating and failing]. Some amplifiers have a soft clip function which helps to round off the edges of clipped waveforms. However, an external
2-
2+
1+
1-
Page Three
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 5

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
limiter, or crossover with limiting built in, will stop amplifier clipping and ensure long life from your enclosures. [Note: Limiters must be adjusted to suit
amplifier sensitivity. Refer to limiter or crossover manufacturer’s literature.]
Equalisation
Wharfedale LX(E) loudspeakers are designed to have a flat frequency response that does not require any equalisation to compensate for design inadequacies.
Only need small levels of equalisation may be needed to compensate for difficult acoustic environments. Over equalisation can reduce system headroom,
and introduce phase distortion resulting in more problems than it cures. If equalisation is required then it should be applied gently and smoothly using a
professional quality graphic or parametric equaliser.
Arraying - LX (E)
When building arrays of loudspeaker cabinets it is important that the coverage patterns of each loudspeaker do not overlap each other. This creates an
effect known as comb-filtering resulting in an uneven frequency response that varies as you move around the room. It is much better to point each loud-
speaker to a different area of the room rather than to face them all the same way.
To create a seamless wide (130 degree) horizontal coverage using two LX -E cabinets they should be arranged as shown below with an angle of approxi-
mately 50 degrees between the cabinets. By placing the cabinets as shown minimal dispersion pattern overlap is achieved, guaranteeing an even frequency
response throughout the listening area. It is also possible to stack the cabinets vertically where greater vertical dispersion is required.
50
Page Four
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 6

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
Rigging
The installation of Wharfedale Pro loudspeakers should only be carried out by fully qualified installers, in accordance with all the required safety codes and
standards that are applied at the place of installation.
Whenever a Wharfedale Pro loudspeaker is fixed in an installation the installer must ensure that the fixing method used is capable of safely and securely
supporting the load. Secure fixings to the building structure are vital. Seek help from architects, structural engineers or other specialists if in any doubt.
As a minimum safety requirement the industry design standard of 5:1 is recommended. Therefore to suspend a 20kg loudspeaker the suspension method
must be rated for at least 100kg, (5 times 20kg). This applies to static systems only. In addition to the primary fixing method a secondary “safety” fixing
should also be employed should the first fixing fail.
WARNING: As the legal requirements for flying change from country to country, please consult you local safety standards office before
installing any product. We also recommend that you thoroughly check any laws and bylaws prior to commencing work.
The Wharfedale LX12-E and LX-15E loudspeakers are fitted with M10 flying inserts. One of the simplest and most reliable methods of flying a loudspeaker
cabinet is to use eyebolts screwed into these M10 inserts. Various types of eyebolts are available but for the purposes of suspending a loudspeaker cabinet
on only a forged shoulder eyebolt with product traceability should be considered. Always use eyebolts according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Page Five
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 7

Specifications
Model name LX-12(E) LX-12M(E) LX-15(E) LX-15M(E)
Features 2-way 2-way monitor 2-way 2-way monitor
Freq resp +/- 3 db 50-20kHz 60-20kHz 40-20kHz 55-20kHz
Sensitivity 1w@1m 97dB 97dB 98dB 98dB
Nom coverage Horiz. 90 90 90 90
Nom coverage Vert. 45 45 45 45
Power: watts IEC noise 6db crst
Continuous 400 350 400 350
Music 800 700 800 700
Peak 1600 1400 1600 1400
Max spl peak 129dB 128dB 130dB 129dB
Nom impedance 4 or 8 Ω8 Ω4 or 8 Ω8 Ω
Carton dimensions mm
H 677 460 753 535
W Front/Rear 461/297 654/654 535/349 722/722
D 432 468 488 511
Product dimensions mm
H 630 618 700 685.5
W Front/Rear 396/269 426/426 470/319 500/500
D 396 450 450 493
Weight Net standard/E version 26.5/27.8KG 21.5/22.5KG 33.5/34.6KG 28.4/29.5KG
Weight Gross standard/E version 28.1/30.4KG 23.1/25.1KG 35.7/38.3KG 30.6/32.9KG
L F driver size - inches 12” 12” 15” 15”
HF SECTION:
Coil size mm/inches 50/2” 50/2” 50/2” 50/2”
Exit size mm/inches 35/1.4” 35/1.4” 35/1.4” 35/1.4”
HF Diaphragm matl titanium titanium titanium titanium
HF Horn Type elliptical elliptical elliptical elliptical
HF Protect Type bulb bulb bulb bulb
CROSSOVER SECTION:
Crossover Frequency 1.8k 1.8k 1.8k 1.8k
System Fb 50Hz 60Hz 40Hz 55Hz
Hi Pass Out ----
Finish LX Black carpet Black carpet Black carpet Black carpet
Finish LX-E Black Paint Black Paint Black Paint Black Paint
Construction material LX MDF/Particle MDF/Particle MDF/Particle MDF/Particle
Construction material LX-E 15mm plywood 15mm plywood 15mm plywood 15mm plywood
Handles qty 2 2 2 2
Rigging 12 x M10 flying - 12 x M10 flying -
inserts (LX-12E only) inserts LX-15E only)
Grille 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel
Stand adaptor yes no yes no
Input connector
Speakon ™ NL4 type 2 2 2 2
Castors no no no no
LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
Page Six
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 8

LX-215(E) LX-15B(E) LX-18B(E) LX-18MB(E) LX218B(E)
Quasi 3-way subwoofer subwoofer subwoofer subwoofer
40-20kHz 42-170kHz 38-150kHz 38-1.5kHz 30-1.5kHz
42-2kHz (LX-15BE) 38-1.5kHz (LX-18BE)
101dB 98dB 99dB 99dB 100dB
----
----
700 700 800 800 1600
1400 1400 1600 1600 3200
2800 2800 3200 3200 6400
135dB 132dB 134dB 134dB 138dB
4 Ω4 or 8Ω4 or 8Ω4 or 8Ω4Ω
1193 668 768 600 594
570/385 535/302 635/365 581/581 1142/1142
500 590 690 686 686
1138 615 715 545 541
506/356 470/275 570/336 545/545 1041/1041
461 559 652 650 650
59.0/60.6KG 33.5/35.6KG 45.5/47.9KG 39.0/40.4KG 67.5/70.8KG
63.2/66.8KG 36.3/40.1KG 48.7/52.9KG 42.2/44.6KG 74.4/78.9KG
15” 15” 18” 18” 18”
50/2” - - -
35/1.4” - - -
titanium - - -
elliptical - - -
bulb - - -
1.8k 170Hz(LX-15B only) 150Hz(LX18B only) -
40Hz 42Hz 38Hz 38Hz 30Hz
-120Hz(LX-15B only) 120Hz(LX-18B only) - -
Black carpet Black carpet Black carpet Black carpet Black carpet
Black Paint Black Paint Black Paint Black Paint Black Paint
MDF/Particle MDF/Particle MDF/Particle MDF/Particle MDF/Particle
18mm plywood 18mm plywood 18mm plywood 18mm plywood 18mm plywood
3 2424
-----
1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel 1.5mm full steel
no yes yes yes yes
2 2222
2 no no no 4 (LX218E only)
LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
Page Seven
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 9

LX(E) SERIES MULTI-PURPOSE LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS
LX/E Connection
Page Eight
LX LXE Manual all dwgs 23/8/04 3:30 pm Page 10