BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers Installation Guide

: June 12, 2024
: BLAZE

Table of Contents

BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Applications and Deployment
Connection and Amplification
Technical Information
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers

Product Information

The CDD523-PAS loudspeakers are versatile audio devices designed for various installations. They feature multiple attachment points that allow for ceiling mount, wall mount, and flown installations.
Optional accessories such as ceiling or wall mount brackets, flying hardware, and coupler straps are available for added convenience.
The CDD523-PAS loudspeakers consist of a low-frequency array with two high- performance 5-inch drivers operating from 71Hz to 520Hz, combined with a vertical line source wide band array featuring three 2-inch drivers operating from 520Hz to 18kHz. These loudspeakers are designed to be driven by Blaze PowerZone Connect power amplifiers with appropriately filtered equalized outputs.|
Each CDD523-PAS package includes a single loudspeaker and its document pack.

CDD523-PAS Pack Contents

CDD523-PAS Mounting, coupling and flying accessories
The accessories illustrated below are optionally available to enable CDD523-PAS loudspeakers to be wall or ceiling mounted, flown, or coupled in pairs.
Each CDD523-PAS package contains a single loudspeaker and its document pack. BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers fig-1

Product Usage Instructions

Wall Mount Installation:

Select the desired wall mount location and secure the Mounting Bracket using three appropriate screws and wall fixings. Use flat or pan head screws with a minimum shank diameter of 8mm (5/16 inch) and a minimum head diameter of 12mm (1/2 inch).
Remove the attachment point screws located in the loudspeaker side panels.
Find the rubber washers in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack.
These washers are self-adhesive on one side. Adhere one washer to each side of the loudspeaker at the screw positions.
Attach the loudspeaker to the Mounting Bracket using the M6x35 screws included in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack. Insert the screws through the slot holes in the bracket. Adjust the mounting location and angle as required. Then, tighten the screws to compress the rubber washers and secure the loudspeaker.

Note: Ensure that the structure to which the CDD523 loudspeaker is mounted can support its weight with an appropriate factor of safety. The fittings and screws used must also be suitable for the type of building construction. If there is any doubt, consult a specialist structural engineer.

Applications and Deployment

Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: Failure to observe the following safety precautions may result in severe injury or death. Installations such as described in this guide should only be attempted by a trained professional.

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Before installing or suspending any CDD523-PAS loudspeaker, inspect all hardware, the enclosure, and associated equipment for damage. Missing, corroded, or deformed components, or components without correct load ratings, could significantly reduce the strength of the installation or placement and should immediately be repaired or replaced.
Always make sure that the structure the loudspeaker is to be suspended from has been approved by the building or structural engineer and will support the weight of all the components
of the speaker system including speakers, speaker cable, wire rope, etc.
Consult a licensed professional structural engineer regarding physical equipment installation.
Do not suspend loudspeakers directly over people.
Use only hardware that is rated for the load conditions of
the installation and that allows for a possible short-term, unexpected overload. Never exceed the rating of the hardware or equipment.
Blaze Audio strongly recommends that the system be inspected at least once a year and logged. If any sign of weakness
or damage is detected, remedial action should be taken immediately.
All installation crew members must be trained for loudspeaker rigging and mounting.
Make sure that all relevant health and safety regulations
are known, are followed by the installation crew, and follow applicable local laws. Local government offices can help with this information.
Suspended installations must be completed or supervised by a certified rigger.
The system should be designed so that it is a static suspension.
There should be no dynamic or shock loading.
Personal protective equipment (hard hats, steel-toed footwear, safety glasses, etc.) should be always worn by the installation crew.
If called for in the design, make sure all installation personnel are trained to work at height and have certifications for scissor lifts, theatrical hoists, etc.
Make sure all lifting equipment (slings, span-sets, deck chain, scaffolding, etc.) is in good working order. Thoroughly inspect all components prior to use.
Inspect all the components associated with the project
for damage before assembly. Any parts with damage or suspected damage should not be used. Contact the component manufacturer for replacement parts if necessary.
Keep a tidy workplace. Do not leave tools, rigging items, etc., on top of loudspeakers during installation. Loose items can fall and cause injury.
Never leave the system unattended during the installation process. Make sure that the workspace is isolated from
public access. No one should be allowed to pass beneath the loudspeakers during installation.
Do not suspend any other components or loudspeakers other than the supported configurations described in this manual.
If secondary steel safeties are required, they should be installed once the entire system is at operating height and before public access is allowed.

Installation Options
CDD523-PAS loudspeakers can be wall or ceiling mounted, or flown in either singles or pairs. These installation options are illustrated and described in the following sections.

Wall Mount Installation
CDD523-PAS loudspeakers can be wall mounted using the Blaze CDD523 Mounting Bracket. To use the bracket proceed as illustrated and described in the following paragraphs and diagrams.
Note: It is important to ensure that any structure to which a CDD523 loudspeaker is mounted is able to support its weight with an appropriate factor of safety. The fittings and screws used must also be appropriate for the type of building construction. If there is any doubt in either respect, a specialist structural engineer must be consulted.

Step 1. Select the required wall mount location and secure the Mounting Bracket using three appropriate screws and wall fixings. Use flat or pan head screws with a minimum shank diameter of 8mm (5/16 inch) and a minimum head diameter of 12mm (1/2 inch).
Step 2. Remove the attachment point screws located in the
loudspeaker side panels.
Step 3. Identify the rubber washers in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack. The washers are self-adhesive on one side and should be adhered to the sides of the loudspeaker at the screw positions. One washer is required for each side of the loudspeaker.
Step 4. Attach the loudspeaker to the Mounting Bracket using the M6x35 screws included in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack inserted through the slot holes in the bracket. Adjust the mounting location in the slot length and the mounting angle as required then tighten the screws so that the rubber washers are compressed to secure the loudspeaker.

Use three screws to secure the Mounting Bracket at the required location.
Remove the side panel attachment screws.
Adhere a rubber washer to each side of the loudspeaker.
. Use the accessory kit screws to secure the loudspeaker to the Mounting Bracket.

Ceiling Mount Installation
CDD523-PAS loudspeakers can be ceiling mounted using the Blaze CDD523 Mounting Bracket. To use the bracket proceed as illustrated and described in the following paragraphs and diagrams.
Note: It is important to ensure that any structure to which a CDD523 loudspeaker is mounted is able to support its weight with an appropriate factor of safety. The fittings and screws used must also be appropriate for the type of building construction. If there is any doubt in either respect, a specialist structural engineer must be consulted.

Step 1. Select the required ceiling mount location and secure the Mounting Bracket using three appropriate screws and fixings. Use flat or pan head screws with a minimum shank diameter of 8mm (5/16 inch) and a minimum head diameter of 12mm (1/2 inch).
Step 2. Remove the attachment point screws located in the
loudspeaker side panels.
Step 3. Identify the rubber washers in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack. The washers are self-adhesive on one side and should be adhered to the sides of the loudspeaker at the screw positions. One washer is required for each side of the loudspeaker.
Step 4. Attach the loudspeaker to the Mounting Bracket using the M6x35 screws included in the Mounting Bracket accessory pack inserted through the holes in the bracket. Adjust the mounting angle as required then tighten the screws so that the rubber washers are compressed to secure the loudspeaker.
Note: The Mounting Bracket slot holes are not intended for ceiling mount applications.

Use three screws to secure the Mounting Bracket at the required location.
Remove the side panel attachment screws.
Adhere a rubber washer to each side of the loudspeaker.
Use the accessory kit screws to secure the loudspeaker to the Mounting Bracket.

Flown Installation
CDD523-PAS loudspeakers can be flown using the Flying Beam component from the CDD523-PAS Flying and Coupling accessory kit. To attach and use the Flying Beam proceed as illustrated and described in the following paragraphs and diagrams.

Step 1. Invert the loudspeaker and remove the four Flying Beam attachment screws. Retain the screws.
Step 2. Place the Flying Beam in position on the loudspeaker and

Invert the loudspeaker and remove the four Flying Beam attachment screws.
secure it with the screws removed in Step 1. Use all four screws. With the Flying Beam secured, the loudspeaker can be attached to flying hardware. Use at least two attachment holes in the Flying Beam
Place the Flying Beam on the loudspeaker and secure it with the screws removed in Step 1.

BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers fig-5

WARNING: Consult a professional mechanical or structural engineer, licensed in the jurisdiction of the sound system installation, to review, verify, and approve all attachments to the building or structure. Employ the services of a certified, professional rigger for hoisting, positioning and rigging the equipment to the supporting structure. Improper suspension can lead to serious damage, injury, or death.

Loudspeaker Arrays
Two CDD523-PAS loudspeakers can be coupled together to create a flyable array that offers 30° vertical coverage. To couple two loudspeakers, use the Flying and Coupling accessories and proceed as illustrated and described in the following paragraphs and diagrams.
Note: It is not possible to use the wall or ceiling Mounting Bracket with a coupled loudspeaker array.

Step 1. Attach a Flying Beam, as described in Section 2.2.3, to the (inverted) loudspeaker that is to be the upper element in the array.
Step 2. Place the upper loudspeaker with the Flying Beam fitted on top of a second non-inverted loudspeaker and remove the attachment point screws located in the loudspeaker side panels. Retain the screws.
Step 3. Use the screws removed in Step 2 to secure a Coupling

Remove the loudspeaker side panel attachment screws.

Strap to each side of the loudspeaker array. With the loudspeaker array constructed it an be attached to flying hardware. Use at least two attachment holes in the Flying Beam

Secure a Coupling Strap to each side of the loudspeaker.

Connection and Amplification

CDD523-PAS Connections
The CDD523-PAS is fitted with a two Neutrik NL4 Speakon sockets on its rear panel for connection to an appropriate
Blaze PowerZone Connect Amplifier and optional parallel output connection to a second CDD523-PAS loudspeaker.
Input and output connections are described and illustrated below.

CDD523-PAS Connections
The CDD523-PAS connection sockets are configured as indicated in the following table and diagrams. The two sockets are wired in parallel to enable the connection of a second CDD523-PAS loudspeaker when, for example, two are coupled in an array as described in Section 2.2.4.

CDD523-PAS Socket Connections

Signal Routing| Connection Pin
System (-)| 1 (-)
System (+)| 1 (+)

Neutrik Speakon NL4 Pins

BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers fig-10

PowerZone Connect Amplifier Equalization Profiles
The Blaze PowerZone Connect amplifier incorporates DSP-based loudspeaker equalization, accessed via a web page interface, that enables preconfigured filter and equalization presets to be applied to loudspeaker outputs. A preset for CDD523-PAS loudspeakers is available for download from the Blaze website and must be used for correct loudspeaker performance. The procedure for downloading and applying loudspeaker presets is described in the following paragraphs.

PowerZone Control Network Connection
In order to install the CDD523-PAS loudspeaker preset, the PowerZone Connect amplifier requires either a wired or wireless connection to a TCP/IP network, or to connect via its own wireless network to device from which the speaker preset can be uploaded. A computer or mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet with internet access is also required.
Note: The PowerZone Connect amplifier Quick Start Guide and Installation Manual documents cover network connection and can be downloaded from the Blaze website: https://blaze-audio.com/support/#Manuals

Backup & Restore option. This will open a menu screen that offers the option to RESTORE SETUP FROM FILE. Select this option.

Loudspeaker Preset Download and Application
Follow the steps below to download and apply the appropriate CDD523-PAS loudspeaker preset.

Step 1. Using a computer or mobile device, navigate to the Speaker Presets page of the Blaze website (Support > Speaker Presets) and select the appropriate speaker preset file for download.
Speaker Presets page of the Blaze website (Support > Speaker Presets) and select the appropriate speaker preset file for download.
NOTE: The required loudspeaker preset may be incorporated in a .zip archive. If this is the case, download the .zip and expand it on the download device.
Step 2. On the computer or mobile device, navigate to the PowerZone Connect 3004 amplifier web interface and select the Settings option.
Step 3. From the Settings menu select the
NOTE: The exact appearance and layout of the amplifier web interface may vary depending on the browser and device being used.
Step 4. Selecting RESTORE SETUP FROM FILE will open the Restore Configuration pop-up box that provides the option to select a preset file.
Step 5. Browse your computer or mobile device to select the appropriate preset file then select the RESTORE option.
Note: Do not select the Restore Network Settings option.
Step 6. The PowerZone Connect amplifier will now proceed to implement the appropriate CDD523-PAS loudspeaker equalization preset. Select OK to confirm application of the new loudspeaker preset. The CDD523-PAS and PowerZone Connect system will now be ready for use.

Technical Information

CDD523-PAS Specifications

4.1.1 System Performance

Frequency Response (-3dB)| 71Hz – 18kHz
Frequency Response (-10dB)| 55Hz – 18kHz
Recommended High-Pass Filter| 48Hz
Horizontal Nominal Dispersion (-6dB)| 160°
Vertical Nominal Dispersion (- 6dB)| 15°
Crossover Frequency| 520Hz
Long Term Power Handling (Full Range)| 160W
Impedance| 4 Ω
Pressure Sensitivity @ 1W/1m (2.83v)| 91dB
Max SPL @ 1m| 119dB
4.1.2 Physical Characteristics

Enclosure Material| 12mm birch plywood, engineered plastics.
Finish| Two-part spray-catalyzed Polyurea coating on

plywood.

Grille Material| 16-gauge (1.6mm) perforated steel, powder-

coated finish, black.

Environmental| Indoor use only.
Connectors/Bi- Amp| Two (2) parallel-wired NL4 Neutrik® Speakon®

connectors.

Suspension/Mounting| Wall/Ceiling Mount and Suspension Options.

Hardware sold separately.

Dimensions (HxWxD)| 8.08” x 13.78” x 8.9” (205.3 x 350 x 226.2 mm)
Net Weight| 15lbs / 6.8kg
Shipping Weight| 18lbs / 8.16kg

CDD523-PAS Mechanical Drawings
CDD523-PAS Loudspeaker Dimensions BLAZE CDD523-PAS Loudspeakers
fig-16