AXIOM AX8CL High Output Column Array Loudspeaker User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- AXiom
Table of Contents
AX8CL High Output Column Array Loudspeaker
User Manual
AX16CL – AX8CL
High Output Column Array Loudspeaker
USER MANUAL
revision 2021-12-13
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Watch for these symbols:
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure, which may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only 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.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a 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.
- Warning: to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
- Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.
- To completely disconnect this apparatus from the ac mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the ac receptacle.
- The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
- This apparatus contains potentially lethal voltages. To prevent electric shock or hazard, do not remove the chassis, input module, or ac input covers. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
- The loudspeakers covered by this manual are not intended for high moisture outdoor environments. Moisture can damage the speaker cone and surround and cause corrosion of electrical contacts and metal parts. Avoid exposing the speakers to direct moisture.
- Keep loudspeakers out of extended or intense direct sunlight. The driver suspension will prematurely dry out and finished surfaces may be degraded by long-term exposure to intense ultraviolet (UV) light.
- The loudspeakers can generate considerable energy. When placed on a slippery surface such as polished wood or linoleum, the speaker may move due to its acoustical energy output.
- Precautions should be taken to assure that the speaker does not fall off a stage or table on which it is placed.
- The loudspeakers are easily capable of generating sound pressure levels (SPL) sufficient to cause permanent hearing damage to performers, production crew and audience members. Caution should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to SPL in excess of 90 dB.
CAUTION
To prevent electric shock hazards, do not connect to the main power supply
while the grille is removed.
This marking shown on the product or its literature indicates that it should
not be disposed of with other household wastes at the end of its working life.
To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled
waste disposal, please separate this from other types of waste and recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. Household
users should contact either the retailer where they purchased this product, or
their local government office, for details of where and how they can take this
item for environmentally safe recycling. Business users should contact their
suppliers and check the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. This
product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for disposal.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The product is in compliance with: LVD Directive 2014/35/EU, RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU, and 2015/863/EU, and WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Proel warrants all materials, workmanship, and proper operation of this product for a period of two years from the original date of purchase. If any defects are found in the materials or workmanship or if the product fails to function properly during the applicable warranty period, the owner should inform these defects the dealer or the distributor, providing a receipt or invoice of the date of purchase and defect detailed description. This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse. Proel S.p.A. will verify damage on returned units, and when the unit has been properly used and the warranty is still valid, then the unit will be replaced or repaired. Proel S.p.A. is not responsible for any “direct damage” or “indirect damage” caused by product defectiveness.
- This unit package has been submitted to ISTA 1A integrity tests. We suggest you control the unit conditions immediately after unpacking it.
- If any damage is found, immediately advise the dealer. Keep all unit packaging parts to allow inspection.
- Proel is not responsible for any damage that occurs during shipment.
- Products are sold “delivered ex-warehouse” and shipment is at charge and risk of the buyer.
- Possible damages to unit should be immediately notified to the forwarder. Each complaint for package tampered with should be done within eight days from product receipt.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Proel does not accept any liability for damage caused to third parties due to improper installation, use of non-original spare parts, lack of maintenance, tampering or improper use of this product, including disregard of acceptable and applicable safety standards. Proel strongly recommends that this loudspeaker cabinet be suspended taking into consideration all current National, Federal, State, and Local regulations. The product must be installed be qualified personnel. Please contact the manufacturer for further information.
INTRODUCTION
The AX16CL Line Array is a passive system equipped with sixteen 2.5″ neodymium
transducers with waterproof cones, designed for portable and permanently
installed applications where high power and clarity are needed. The aluminum
frame box structure ensures lightweight and strength, while the shape features
a back-loaded transmission line design with clean mid-bass reproduction and
natural cardioid behavior. The wide horizontal dispersion makes the system
flexible and adaptable to many different applications.
The AX16CL line array module has been designed to be combined with the SW212A,
a compact and lightweight double 12″ bass-reflex subwoofer, equipped with a
2800W Class D amplifier with Power Factor Correction and PROEL’s proprietary
40bit floating point CORE2 DSP. Up to four AX16CL modules can be driven by one
amplifier channel of the SW212A subwoofer. The built-in CORE2 DSP, which can
be also remotely controlled using PRONET AX software, provides 4 presets for
different combinations: 2, 4, or 1 column plus 1 user preset. The standard
system, composed of four AX16CL line array modules and two SW212A subwoofers,
features 5600W of total power and a line-array dispersion pattern, making it
the perfect solution for high-performance portable sound reinforcement
applications. Thanks to the elegant mechanical design the AX16CL can be easily
transported, while the integrated suspension system makes its deployment very
fast and simple. Each unit comes with two aluminum brackets and four pins that
allow multiple array elements to be easily combined either together or with
the matching SW212A subwoofer, or also in combination with the complete range
of mounting hardware available, including flybar and several brackets and
stands. The AX8CL is a column half-size of the AX16CL, so the two models can
be combined together to form a more flexible column array that can be pointed
more precisely to the audience.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SYSTEM
System’s Acoustic Principle| Line Array Element
Short Transmission
Line Back Loading
---|---
Frequency Response (±3dB)| 200 Hz – 16 KHz (Processed)
Nominal Impedance| 32 Ω (AX16CL) / 64 Ω (AX8CL)
Minimum Impedance| 23.7 Ω (AX16CL) / 49 Ω (AX8CL)
Horizontal Coverage Angle| 80° (-6 dB)
Sensitivity (4V) SPL @ 1m*| 103 dB (AX16CL) / 94 dB (AX8CL)
Maximum Peak SPL @ 1m| 128 dB (AX16CL) / 122 dB (AX8CL)
TRANSDUCERS
Type| 16 (AX16CL) / 8 (AX8CL) 2.5″ (66mm) Neodymium magnet, full range, 0.8″
(20mm) VC
---|---
Cone| Waterproof Cone
Voice Coil Type| Ventilated voice coil
INPUT CONNECTIONS
Connector Type . …………….Neutrik® Speakon® NL4 x 2 (1+/1- signal IN & LINK ; 2+/2- thru)
POWER HANDLING
Continuous AES Pink Noise Power | 320 W (AX16CL) / 160W (AX8CL) |
---|---|
Program Power | 640 W (AX16CL) / 320W (AX8CL) |
ENCLOSURE & CONSTRUCTION
Width | 90 mm (3.54″) |
---|---|
Height (AX16CL) | 1190 mm (46.85″) |
Height (AX8CL) | 654 mm (25.76″) |
Depth | 154 mm (6.06″) |
Enclosure Material | Aluminum |
Paint | High resistance, water-based paint, black or white finish |
Flying system | Aluminum Fast Link structure with dedicated pins |
Net Weight (AX16CL) | 11.5 kg / 25.4 lbs |
Net Weight (AX8CL) | 6 kg / 12.2 lbs |
AX16CL MECHANICAL DRAWING
AX8CL MECHANICAL DRAWING
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
COVERAX16CL | Cover / carrying bag for single AX16CL |
---|---|
COVERAX8CL | Cover / carrying bag for single AX8CL |
ESO2500LU025 | 25 cm SPEAKON linking cable 4x4mm |
NL4FX | Neutrik Speakon® PLUG |
KPTWAX8CL | Wall/Floor bracket for AX8CL (C-shape) |
KPTWAX16CL | Wall bracket for AX16CL (Strong) |
KPTWAX16CLL | Wall bracket for AX16CL (Light) |
KPTFAXCL | Foam adapters for a stage monitor or front fill the application |
KPTFAX16CL | Floor stand for up to 2 units AX16CL |
KPTSTANDAX16CL | Floor stand for up to 2 units AX16CL |
KPTPOLEAX16CL | Pole adapter for 1 unit AX16CL |
DHSS10M20 | ø35mm 1-1.7m Pole with Handle and M20 screw |
KP210S | ø35mm 0.7-1.2m Pole with M20 screw |
KPTAX16CL | Flybar for suspending AX16CL and AX8CL |
PLG716 | Straight Shackle 16 mm for Fly bar |
see http://www.axiomproaudio.com for detailed descriptions and other
available accessories.
SPARE PARTS
SPARE PARTS | Locking Pin |
---|---|
NL4MP | Neutrik Speakon® panel socket |
98ALT200009 | 2.5’’ speaker – 0.8” VC – 8 ohm |
REAR PANEL INPUT & LINK – Both connectors at the top and the bottom of
the AX16CL/AX8CL can operate as input or link, to connect an appropriately
processed amplifier or to link the column to a second one.
The AX16CL/AX8CL does not include an internal passive crossover for
filtering the signal, but only internal protection that excludes the internal
speaker to protect them from the excessive input power. The protection should
not trip with a typical music program, but only with a massive and constant
power signal, like feedback. The connections are the following:
INPUT & LINK – Both connectors at the top and the bottom of the
AX16CL/AX8CL can operate as input or link, to connect an appropriated
processed amplifier or to link the column to a second one.
The AX16CL/AX8CL does not include an internal passive crossover for
filtering the signal, but only internal protection that excludes the internal
speaker to protect them from the excessive input power. The protection should
not trip with a typical music program, but only with a massive and constant
power signal, like feedback. The connections are the following:
INPUT – LINK
NL4 pin number| internal connection
1+| + speakers (pass thru link speakon)
1-| – speakers (pass thru link speakon)
2+| + no connection (pass thru link speakon)
2-| – no connection (pass thru link speakon)
WARNING:
The maximum quantity of AX16CL that can be linked together depends by the load
capacity of the appropriately processed amplifier. When powered from the
SW212A subwoofer or from the QC2.4 suggested amplifier, a maximum of four
AX16CLs can be connected to each power output.
PREDICTION SOFTWARE: EASE FOCUS 3
To aim correctly a complete system of AX16CL and/or AX8CL (SW212A always stays
on the floor) we suggest using always the suitable aiming software:
EASE Focus 3 Aiming Software is a 3D Acoustic Modelling Software that serves
for the configuration and modeling of Line Arrays and conventional speakers
close to reality. It only considers the direct field, created by the complex
addition of the sound contributions of the individual loudspeakers or array
components.
The design of EASE Focus is targeted at the end user. It allows the easy and
quick prediction of the array performance in a given venue. The scientific
base of EASE Focus stems from EASE, the professional electro, and room
acoustic simulation software developed by AFMG Technologies GmbH. It is based
on the EASE GLL loudspeaker data file required for its use. The GLL file
contains the data that defines the Line Array with regard to its possible
configurations as well as to its geometrical and acoustical properties.
Download the EASE Focus 3 app from the AXIOM website at
https://www.axiomproaudio.com/ clicking on the downloads section of the
product.
Use the menu option Edit / Import System Definition File to import the GLL
file, the detailed instructions to use the program are located in the menu
option Help / User’s Guide.
Note: Some windows systems can require the .NET Framework 4 which can be
downloaded from the website at https://focus.afmg.eu/.
SYSTEM PROCESSING BASIC INSTRUCTION
AX16CL/AX8CL needs an external processor to take care of the filtering, the
time alignment and the speaker protection. When powered from the SW212A
amplifier output, the sub-woofer’s CORE2 DSP takes care of all the processing
and three different presets are available:
SW212A
PRESET| Elements of Column Array
---|---
AX16CL| AX8CL| AX16CL + AX8CL
2 x AX16CL| 2 to 3| 3 to 4| 1 + 1 to 2
4 x AX16CL| 3 to 4| 6 to 8| 1 + 4 to 8
or 2 + 2 to 4
or 3 + 1 to 2
1 x AX16CL| 1| 1 to 2| 1 + 1
As can be seen from the table some combinations of array elements can be used
with different presets. For example, if you have 3 AX16CL you can use both the
2 x AX16CL preset and the 4 x AX16CL preset, depending on the balance between
the subwoofer and columns you want to obtain: by choosing 2x there the balance
will be shifted towards the high frequencies, while by choosing 4x the balance
will be shifted towards the low frequencies.
Using the PRONET AX software, additional EQ, LEVEL, and DELAY adjustments can
be added to the basic presets and new presets can be saved in the SW212A user
memories.
When using the QC2.4 or QC 4.4 amplifiers to power the AX16CL/AX8CL, the
correct presets must be loaded into the amplifier’s DSP memory according to
the number of columns connected.
BASIC INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING! CAREFULLY READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS OF USE:
- This loudspeaker is designed exclusively for Professional audio applications. The product must be installed by qualified personnel only.
- Proel strongly recommends that this loudspeaker cabinet be suspended taking into consideration all current National, Federal, State, and Local regulations. Please contact the manufacturer for further information.
- Proel does not accept any liability for damage caused to third parties due to improper installation, lack of maintenance, tampering or improper use of this product, including disregard of acceptable and applicable safety standards.
- During assembly pay attention to the possible risk of crushing. Wear suitable protective clothing. Observe all instructions given on the rigging components and the loudspeaker cabinets. When chain hoists are in operation ensure that there is nobody directly underneath or in the vicinity of the load. Do not under any circumstances climb on the array.
PIN LOCKING AND SPLAY ANGLES SET UP
The figure below shows how to insert correctly the locking pin and how to set
up the splay angle between loudspeakers.
LOCKING PIN INSERTION
SPLAY ANGLE SET UP
SW212A/KPT ACCESSORIES
Use these holes for the column speaker splay angle:
AX16CL/AX8CL
Use these holes for the SW212A or the accessories splay angle:
Each of the following examples has some symbols at the connection points: these symbols indicate if a splay angle is allowed or is prohibited for safety or acoustical reason:
STACKED INSTALLATION USING SW212A SUBWOOFER AS BASE WARNINGS:
- The ground where the SW212A is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- Adjust the feet so to put the SW212A perfectly horizontal. Use a spirit level to obtain the best results.
- Always secure ground-stacked setups against movement and possible tipping over.
- A maximum of 2x AX16CL or 4x AX8CL or 1x AX16CL + 2x AX8CL speakers are allowed to be installed over an SW212A serving as ground support.
- The optimal splay angles can be simulated using the EASE Focus 3 software.
STACKED INSTALLATION USING KPTSTANDAX16CL FLOOR STAND WARNINGS:
- The ground where the KPTSTANDAX16CL floor stand is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- Adjust the feet so to put the KTPSTANDAX16CL perfectly horizontal. Use a spirit level to obtain the best result.
- Always secure ground-stacked setups against movement and possible tipping over.
- A maximum of 2 x AX16CL or 4 x AX8CL or 1x AX16CL + 2x AX8CL speakers are allowed to be installed over a KPTSTANDAX16CL serving as ground support.
- When 2 column units are stacked both must be setup with 0° aiming.
STACKED INSTALLATION USING KPTFAX16CL FLOOR STAND WARNINGS:
- The ground where the KPTFAX16CL floor stand is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- Adjust the feet so to put the KTPFAX16CL perfectly horizontal. Use a spirit level to obtain the best result.
- Always secure ground-stacked setups against movement and possible tipping over.
- A maximum of 2 x AX16CL or 4 x AX8CL or 1x AX16CL + 2x AX8CL speakers are allowed to be installed over a KPTFAX16CL that serves as ground support.
- When 2 column units are stacked both must be set up with 0° aiming.
STACKED INSTALLATION WITH KPTPOLEAX16CL POLE ADAPTER
The KPTPOLEAX16CL is used in combination with the KP210S or DHSS10M20 pole on
the KPTFAX16CL floor stand as a base.
WARNINGS:
- The ground where the KPTFAX16CL floor stand is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- Adjust the feet so to put the KTPFAX16CL perfectly horizontal. Use a spirit level to obtain the best result.
- Always secure ground-stacked setups against movement and possible tipping over.
- A maximum of 1 x AX16CL or 2 x AX8CL speakers are allowed to be installed over a KPTFAX16CL with a pole serving as ground support.
- The column must be set up with 0° aiming.
FLOOR AND FRONT FILL INSTALLATION USING KPTFAXCL FOAM STAND WARNINGS:
- KPTFAX8CL can be used in front-fill or monitor applications on stage.
- The ground where the KPTFAXCL foam stand is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- When using this support for the front-fill application, place it on a stable surface. If it is placed on a front line subwoofer, it must be secured to it using a strap, because the subwoofer vibrations could cause it to fall to the ground.
FLOOR/FRONT FILL, SIDE WALL,
CEILING/UNDER BALCONY INSTALLATION USING KPTWAX8CL C-BRACKET
WARNINGS:
- KPTWAX8CL can be used in front-fill or monitor applications on stage and in under-balcony or sidewall installations in theatres or conference rooms.
- Brackets MUST be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with safe installation practices.
- The ground where the KPTWAX8CL C-bracket is placed needs to be stable and compact.
- When using this support for front-fill applications, place it on a stable surface. If it is placed on a front line subwoofer, it must be secured to it using a strap, because the subwoofer vibrations could cause it to fall to the ground.
WALL INSTALLATION USING KPTWAX16CLL BRACKETS
WARNINGS:
- No hardware is supplied to install the KPTWAX16CLL to the walls: the hardware to be used depends on the wall structure. Use always the best hardware available, taking in consideration the whole weight of loudspeakers and accessories.
- Brackets MUST be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with safe installation practices.
- A single AX16CL or 2x AX8CL speakers can be installed using the KPTWAX16CLL as top and bottom wall brackets.
WALL INSTALLATION USING KPTWAX16CL AND KPTWAX16CLL BRACKETS
WARNINGS:
- No hardware is supplied to install the KPTWAX16CL and KPTWAX16CLL to the walls: the hardware to be used depends on the wall structure. Use always the best hardware available taking in consideration the whole weight of loudspeakers and accessories.
- Brackets MUST be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with safe installation practices.
- A maximum of 2 x AX16CL or 1 x AX16CL + 2 AX8CL speakers can be installed using the KPTWAX16CL as top and the KPTWAX16CLL as bottom wall brackets.
WALL INSTALLATION USING KPTWAX16CL BRACKETS
WARNINGS:
- No hardware is supplied to install the KPTWAX16CL to the walls: the hardware to be used depends on the wall structure. Use always the best hardware available taking in consideration the whole weight of loudspeakers and accessories.
- Brackets MUST be installed by qualified personnel in accordance with safe installation practices.
- A maximum of 4 x AX16CL speakers can be installed using the KPTWAX16CL as top and bottom wall brackets.
SUSPENDED INSTALLATION USING KPTAX16CL FLYBAR
Using the KPTAX16CL fly bar it is possible to assemble a suspended and
unobtrusive vertical array system with a variable size of up to 6 elements of
AX16CL, or a combination of AX16CL and AX8CL, without exceeding the 120Kg
maximum load capacity. The loudspeakers are linked together in a column using
the brackets integrated at each end of the enclosure. Each system can be set
properly both acoustically and mechanically using the aiming software. Each
loudspeaker box is fixed to the next one using the two docking pins. The
locking pin in the front does not require any adjustment, while the locking
pin in the back is used to adjust the splay angle between two adjacent
loudspeakers in the array column at 0° or 2°. Follow the sequence in the
figure for fixing the flybar to the first box. Usually this is the first step
before lifting up the system. Be careful to insert properly the shackle (1)(2)
and the locking pins (3)(4) in the right holes specified by the aiming
software.
When lifting the system always proceed gradually step by step, paying
attention to secure the flybar to the box (and the box to the other boxes)
before pulling up the system: this makes it easier to insert properly the
locking pins.
Also when the system is released down, unlock gradually the pins. The center
of gravity of an AX16CL/AX8CL array depends on the number of units and on the
splay angle between the units when the units are arranged to make an arc for
the best coverage of the audience. Use always the aiming software to define
the correct suspension pinpoint
where to fix the straight shackle and the optimal splay angle between units.
Note that the ideal aiming angle often doesn’t correspond to the pinpoint:
there is often a little difference between ideal aiming and real aiming and
its value is the Delta angle: positive delta angle can be adjusted a little
using two ropes, and the negative delta angle are self-adjusted a little
because the cables weights on the back of the array. With some experience,
it’s possible to consider preventively these required little adjustments.
During the flown setup, you can
connect the elements of the array to their cables. We suggest discharging the
weight of the cables from the flying pinpoint by tying them with a textile
fiber rope, for this reason, a ring is present at the end of the flybar that
can be used to fix the cable instead of letting them hang freely: in this way
the position of the array will be much more similar to the simulation produced
by the software.
WIND LOADS
When planning an open-air event it is essential to obtain current weather and
wind information. When loudspeaker arrays are flown in an open-air
environment, possible wind effects must be taken into account. Wind load
produces additional dynamic forces acting on the rigging components and the
suspension, which may lead to a dangerous situation. If according to the
forecast wind forces higher than 5 bft (29-38 Km/h) are possible, the
following actions have to be taken:
– The actual on-site wind speed has to be monitored permanently. Be aware that
wind speed typically increases with height above ground.
– Suspension and securing points of the array should be designed to support
double the static load in order to withstand any additional dynamic forces.
WARNING!
Flying loudspeakers overhead at wind forces higher than 6 bft (39-49 Km/h) is
not recommended. If the wind force exceeds 7 ft (50-61 Km/h) there is a risk
of mechanical damage to the components which may lead to a dangerous situation
for persons in the vicinity of the flown array.
– Stop the event and make sure that no person remains in the vicinity of the
array.
– Lower and secure the array.
WARNING!
AX16CL and AX8CL must be suspended only using the flying bar KPTAX16CL, with a
maximum of 120Kg per flying bar.
The following examples show some possible configurations with maximum splay
angles: the first use 4 x AX16CL, the second a mixed configuration made with 2
x AX16CL and 4 x AX8CL, the third is made using 8 x AX8CL.
SW212A + AX16CL CONNECTION EXAMPLES
The following examples show all the possible connections between the SW212A
amplified subwoofer and the AX16CL column speaker, using the PRESETs available
in the subwoofer’s DSP. Note that one AX16CL unit corresponds to two AX8CL
units.
PROEL
S.p.A. (World Headquarters)
Via Alla Ruenia 37/43 – 64027
Sant’Omero (Te) – ITALY
Tel: +39 0861 81241
Fax: +39 0861 887862
www.axiomproaudio.com