d b audiotechnik 5D Power Share Calculator User Guide

d b audiotechnik 5D Power Share Calculator

Overview

File menu

• Clear: Clears your current settings to default values.
• Open: Opens previously stored files from your computer.
• Save: Saves your current settings to your computer.
• Help: Launches this document.

How to calculate speaker performance

Settings

Source settings

The Source section of the calculator represents the audio source in the application (mixing console, etc.). It offers the choice of three different standardized noise signals, that are commonly used to represent a full- spectrum program signal: Pink (program-simulating noise with a power spectral density proportional to 1/ frequency), EIA (program-simulating noise according to CTA-426-B) or IEC (program-simulating noise according to IEC 60268-1).

• All signals have a crest factor of 12 dB.
• Choose your preferred signal from the drop-down list.
• The level of the input signal can be set by moving the fader, typing a value in the input field or using the +/- buttons.
• The level represents the RMS value of the signal in the digital domain.
• Underneath the source settings, the levels at the inputs of the 5D are displayed.
• If the peak voltage at the analog input exceeds the maximum peak input voltage of the 5D, a warning is displayed.

Channel settings (Channel A-D)

1. First, select available «Speaker» from the drop-down list.
2. Set the number of speakers connected to that output channel by typing directly into the inputfield or using the +/- buttons.
   • Note: The total amount of speakers may not exceed “8” because of the minimum allowed impedance connected to the amplifier (4 ohms). Impedance values for the speakers are listed in the Þ “Speaker setup list”.
3. Set the filter (CUT, 100Hz or 140 Hz depending on the selected speaker) according to your preference.
4. Use the Level setting to adjust the relative level of the channels. It can be changed by moving the fader, typing a value directly into the inputfield or using the +/- buttons. Note that the resolution is limited to 0.5 dB, as it is in the real amplifier.
5. Use the mute button to disable a channel (e.g. no loudspeaker connected) or to temporarily remove it from the calculation.

Calculation results (Calculation indicators)

Channels

Each channel features indicators forspeaker setup gain reduction, amplifier gain reduction and overall status. The «HR Speaker» figure displays the amount of headroom with respect to the gain reduction LED on the amplifier / in R1 of the speaker driven by an ideal, infinitely large amplifier. Remember, that the gain reduction LED will turn on at 3 dB of gain reduction. The actual peak reduction will start at about 3 dB of headroom. If the threshold of the gain reduction LED is reached (HR speaker 0.0 dB), the figure is no longer displayed, meaning there is no headroom left. The «GR Amp» figure displays the amount of applied gain reduction from the amplifier protection features caused by the load on this channel. In this case, the actual properties of the 5D are taken as reference. 0.0 dB means that the 5D is operating within its limits. Values greater than 0.0 dB means that the 5D is compressing the output to protect itself.

The channel status LED displays four different channel states

1. «OK» indicates that there is speaker headroom still available and the 5D operates within its limits.
2. «GR Speaker» indicates that there is no speaker headroom left, meaning the signal is compressed by the speaker protection features, but the 5D still operates within its limits.
3. «GR Amp» indicates that the 5D is asked to operate beyond its limits and therefore compresses the output. «GR Amp» has a higher priority than «GR Speaker», meaning you can have «GR Amp» with or without remaining speaker headroom.
4. «OVL» indicates that the gain reduction either from the speaker or from the amplifier protection has exceeded 12 dB.

System

The calculator also features indicators for the amplifier gain reduction and status of the combined load. The «GR Amp» figure of the system displays the amount of applied gain reduction from the amplifier protection features caused by the combined power load of all channels. 0.0 dB means that the 5D is operating within its limits. Values greater than 0 dB mean that the 5D is compressing the output to protect itself.

The system status LED displays three different states

1. «OK» indicates that the combined power requirement of the channels is within the limits of the 5D.
2. «GR Amp» indicates that the combined power requirement of the channels exceeds the limits of the 5D and the output is therefore compressed.
3. «OVL» indicates that the gain reduction from the amplifier protection has exceeded 12 dB.

Result interpretation

If all statuses are OK (green LEDs), the simulated configuration operates within the limits of the 5D and within the limits of the loudspeakers. If the system status is OK (green), but one or more channels show «GR Speaker» (yellow), the simulated configuration operates within the limits of the 5D, but is at or beyond the limits of the loudspeakers. This also means that you have reached the maximum SPL from the loudspeakers and it is identical to the maximum SPL achievable with an ideal, infinitely large amplifier. If the system status or any of the channel statuses is «GR Amp» (yellow), the simulated configuration exceeds the capabilities of the 5D. The «GR Amp» figures indicate the loss in maximum SPL compared to an ideal, infinitely large amplifier. If any status is OVL, the simulated configuration is way beyond the capabilities of the 5D or the loudspeakers. Review your settings, especially the input level and the number of speakers per channel.

Best practice

1. First, configure your channels (Speaker, number of Speakers, Filter (switch), relative Level and Mute).
2. Select your preferred simulation signal and adjust the source level to reach the desired headroom of the speakers, depending on your application and personal preference. We recommend between 3.0 dB (start of peak compression) and 0.0 dB (GR LED on).
3. Check the channel and system status and compare the results to chapter “Result interpretation”.
4. If necessary, re-adjust the channel levels, number of speakers or mutes.
5. Save your settings to be able to compare different setups.

Speaker setup list

Speaker| Impedance (ohms)| **Max. cabinets per channel*| Max. output****
---|---|---|---
4S| 16| 4| 118 dB
5S| 16| 3| 118 dB
44S| 16| 3| 123 dB
8S| 12| 1| 127 dB
10S| 12| 2| 130 dB
10S-D| 12| 2| 131 dB
12S-SUB| 8| 1| 127 dB
B8-SUB| 8| 2| 122 dB

16C| 12| 2| 122 dB
24C| 12| 2| 126 dB
24C-E| 8| 1| 128 dB

E4| 16| 4| 115 dB
E5| 16| 3| 113 dB
E6| 20| 4| 123 dB
E8| 12| 2| 129 dB
E12X-SUB| 8| 1| 130 dB

T10P| 16| 2| 130 dB
T10 Arc| 16| 2| 132 dB
T10 Line| 16| 2| 132 dB

• Depends on total amount of loudspeaker per amplifier.
• 1 m, free field, SPL max peak test signal: pink noise with crest factor 4.

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DOC06694, 05/2022 © d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG

References

• Professional audio solutions from Germany | d&b audiotechnik

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