ETI Sound Systems, INC ACT-1515X(F) - Manual (Page 3)

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FEATURES & BENEFITS
• New 15-160 Driver specifically designed and manufactured for the
ACT-1515X active systems. These woofers are optimized for both
efficiency and low frequency performance
• New Large format Waveguide - optimized for the longer throw
required from a large cabinet. Waveguide provides ideal radiation
impedance to its compression driver (Selenium D-210) down to 800hz
• New Amplifier! - The new Class H ACT-1515X amplifier is designed to
deliver 1000 watts of power without sacrificing sound quality or
reliability.
• System Equalization - built into the amplifier to act as the perfect
complement to the system loudspeaker components
• Compression circuitry - of high sophistication allows impressive SPLs
while minimizing the risk of damage to either the amplifier or
loudspeakers
• Cabinet construction - Legendary B-52 cabinet quality and reliability;
road worthy and professional grade.
• Painted finish - For a lasting appearance the equal to or better than
cabinets costing much more
• Premium sound quality - With extraordinary output for less money
than its competitors, the hallmark of B-52 speaker systems.
The B-52 Pro-Audio speakers described in this instruction manual are intended for use directly on the floor, ground or stage. The ACT-1515X
described in this manual should NEVER be flown. This model is intended primarily for use in mobile installations. A flyable version of the
ACT-1515X, the ACT-1515XF has flying hardware installed which is suitable for suspending a single ACT-1515XF.
Repeated exposure to direct sun will significantly shorten the useful life of the loudspeaker system. Avoid exposing the system to
the elements whenever possible. Long term exposure to rain, high humidity and/or ultra violet rays will cause premature aging to the speaker
system. Prolonged use of the ACT-1515X(F) outdoors or in high-moisture areas can damage the speaker system and amplifier.
Because of the forces needed to reach high SPL’s at low frequencies, the
intense vibrations of the woofers may cause the cabinet to move during a
performance. When placed on slick surfaces such as polished wood or smooth
tiles, the speaker may move (walk off the stage) during use. Precautions should
be taken to ensure the speaker system does not fall or slide off a stage or raised
surface. A high friction surface, like carpeting, works best to prevent this.
Make sure cables routed to and from the ACT-1515X(F) (and
any other connected loudspeakers) are secured with great care to prevent
accidents. Use all normal and necessary means to insure a safe performance!
USING THE ACT-1515X(F) WITH A SUBWOOFER
In order to use the ACT-1515X(F) with a subwoofer, an electronic crossover must be
placed between the mixer and the power amplifier stages of the respective speakers.
This will divide the signal by frequency range, and route the appropriate range of
frequencices to the appropriate devices. Our recommendation for a starting point is
100 hz. You can experiment with different frequency settings of the crossover to find
what works best for you. Since “the best” setting will depend on a number of factors,
there is no one correct answer for this question. Those factors influencing the best
choice of crossover point are:
• Spectral distribution of the music.
• Relative efficiency of subwoofer vs full range system
• Maximum power available to full range and subwoofer system
• Low frequency compression of subwoofer
• Room acoustics
• Position of listener(s)
• Physical distance(s) from full range to subwoofer
• How much bass the DJ likes....
Since some of these parameters are not within our control, (especially the last one) the
best method is to set the crossover frequency so that both amps tend to go into clipping
at about the same time. Otherwise when one will compress, the other will not, and the
result will be a level dependent shift in the spectral balance of the music.
Keeping your levels set so that the amps go into clipping as infrequently as
possible will give your speakers, amplifiers and ears a longer life, and is our advice.
HEARING DAMAGE
AND PROLONGED
EXPOSURE TO
EXCESSIVE SPL’S
B-52 Pro-Audio speakers can produce sound
levels high enough to cause permanent hearing
damage to performers, production crews or
people in the audience. Hearing protection
devices are recommended for use where long-
term exposure to high SPLs is not avoidable.
Remember, if it hurts, it is definitely too loud!
Long exposures to high SPLs cause first
temporary threshold shifts; limiting your ability
to hear the actual loudness and exercise good judgment. Repeated long term exposure to high SPLs can and
WILL CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSSES!
Please note the recommended exposure limits (right) in Table G-16. More information about these
limits is available on the US government Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) website at: www.osha.gov
The table (above) is shown at:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_id=9735&p_table=STANDARDS
Amplifier Module Precautions
Do not attempt to service the ACT-1515X(F) by yourself. Refer all servicing to a B-52
Pro-Audio Authorized dealer, or other qualified servicing personnel.
Service may be required if and when:
• The ACT-1515X(F) has had liquid spilled or objects have fallen inside the speaker system.
• A heavy object(s) has/have fallen onto the speaker
• The cabinet, amp or speaker has been damaged
• The speakers have been exposed to excessive rain or moisture
• The cabinet has been dropped hard enough to cause damage
• The amp has failed to turn on and has AC mains power available
• The amp or speaker(s) does not operate normally or as it should
• Keep your ACT-1515X(F) amplifier away from any heat source.
• Do not cover your ACT-1515X(F) amplifier so that the heat sink is partially or totally obstructed; doing so
will likely result in amplifier overheating, triggering the shutdown or failure of the amp.
• In the unlikely event that the amp is being run so hard and long as to cause it to continually go into protect
mode and shut down, this result can be moderated by employing a fan to blow air (the colder the better)
across the amplifier heat sink fins. If this shutdown is happening without the amber Protect LED coming on,
or the RED Limit LED coming on often, then this may be a sign of a damaged amplifier.