Electro-Voice ECS 15-1 Sub Woofer User Manual
- June 17, 2024
- Electro-Voice
Table of Contents
ECS15-1
Sub woofer
- Subbass system for ECS Series Systems.
- Extended bass response.
- 400 W power handling capacity.
- High excursion DL15X woofer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response, 10 Feet on Axis, Anechoic Environment, + 3dB: 54-3.200Hz
Low-Frequency -3dB Point: 54Hz
Usable Low-Frequency Limit, -10dB Point: 40Hz
Half Space Reference Efficiency: 6.2%
Long Term Average Power Handling
Capacity: 400 Watts
Maximum Woofer Acoustic Output: 25 Watts
Sound Pressure Level at 1 meter, 1 Watt
Input, Anechoic Environment: 100dB
Dispersion Angle no
Horizontal and Vertical: 50-200 Hz
Essentially Omnidirectional
Transducer Complement: DL15X
Recommended Crossover Frequency: 125-150 Hz
Impedanc Nominal: 8 Ohms
Minimum: 6.6 Ohms
Input Connections:
Two Parallel Speakon Connectors
Material:
Enclosure:
Black carpet covered Road
Wood™
Grill:
Black metal grill, removable
Optional Accessories: Mounting Pole ECS P –
Dimensions: 70.0cm (27.6in) high
47.0cm (18.5in) wide
45.0cm (17.7in) deep
Net Weight:
30.0kg
Shipping Weight:
33.0kg
DESCRIPTION
The ECS 15-1 is a 400 Watt sub woofer speaker system designed to supplement
ECS Series of speaker systems.
Designed according to the analysis of TheileSmall this system is characterized
by high efficiency, low distortion, and an excellent low frequency performance
in a relatively small enclosure size.
Especially designed to match the other loudspeaker systems in the ECS series
both in width as well as cosmetics the ECS 15-1 is the ideal low frequency
extension to the ECS 12-2, and other systems.
With the optional ECS P mounting pole fitted to the top of the cabinet,
systems such as the ECS12-2 can be mounted at an ideal height without the use
of a separate speaker stand.
USE IN MULTIPLES
The ECS15-1 may be used in multiples to increase acoustic output. A 6-dB
increase in maximum acoustic output occurs when two speaker systems are
located side by side. For operation at very-low-frequencies, the woofer cones
mutually couple, acting as one system with twice the effective cone area and
powerhandling capacity of a single system. Efficiency is doubled by the
increased cone area to provide 3-dB more output, while the doubled power
capacity provides the potential for an additional 3-dB gain in maximum
acoustic output.
Mutual coupling occurs when the center-to-center distance between woofers is
less than one-half wavelength. When the woofers are spaced greater than one-
half wavelength, as would occur if two ECS15-1 were widely spaced, the level
increase is limited to the 3-dB input power increase.
ENCLOSURE CONSTRUCTION
The ECS15-1 enclosure utilizes a structural material that combines the
strength of high- quality plywood with the density and acoustic damping of
particle board without brittleness. Road-Wood™ uses the same principle of
crossbanding veneers, as in plywood, in order to achieve its very high
rigidity. A tough liquid- phenolic resin is blended with long, narrow strands
of hardwood. Alternate layers are perpendicularly bonded under intense heat
and pressure to form panels of superior uniformity. Unlike many grades of
plywood, Road-Wood is dimensionally stable, water resistant and free from
voids.
A combination of dado cut joints, tough adhesives, and proper bracing ensure a
sonically dead enclosure free from panel resonances.
The densely-woven, industrial-grade, abuse-resistant carpeting provides a finish that is both attractive and highly durable. A solidly constructed, one piece, removable metal grill protects the front of the system. Firmly secured rubber feet and recessed handles complete the picture and ensure that the ECS 15-1 speaker system is ideally suited to a long and reliable life «on the road».
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
The ECS 15-1 frequency response was measured at ten feet, using a four-volt
input in an anechoic chamber, and was measured using a swept ‘/3-octave pink
noise signal. No external equalization was used.
Note than when the ECS 15-1 is used in a half space environment (ie on
the floor) the output atthe low end is raised by 3dB as an effective mirror
image of the speaker is created.
CONNECTIONS
The ECS15-1 is equipped with Neutrik Speakon™ NL4MPR connectors. Two
connectors are installed in parallel allowing additional ECS15-1’s to be
installed. One mating Speakon™ connector NL4FC is sup- plied with each system.
These connectors are locking, self-polarizing and capable of 30 amps rms
continuously. Additional connectors and cables can be purchased from your
dealer.
GRILLE REMOVAL
The grille assembly of the ECS 15-1 is fastened to the enclosure using four
sturdy dual-lock fasteners. The grille assembly can be removed quickly and
easily, allowing access to the drivers, by firmly pulling on the two black
polyester ribbon loops provided.
SUBPASSBAND SPEAKER PROTECTION
Below the enclosure tuning frequency, cone excursion increases rapidly. Since
acoustic output is also falling rapidly, there is no advantage in driving the
system with signals much below the tuning frequency. While such signals may be
in the program material, they are often extraneous — such as from record
surface irregularities or a dropped microphone. High output subwoofer systems
such as the ECS15-1 should be protected with a 40Hz high-pass filter having 12
-dB-per-octave rolloff. Subpassband filters are found in many commercially
available crossovers and equalizers, such as the Electro-Voice XEQ-3.
CROSSOVERS AND AMPLIFIERS
To achieve optimum performance, the ECS 15-1 should be used with an active
crossover having a crossover frequency of 100 to 250 Hz with a minimum slope
of 12-dB-per-octave. The output of the crossover is then connected to a power
amplifier which drives the speaker system. A power amplifier with a rated
output between 400 and 800 watts RMS is recommended for optimum performance.
While it is acceptable to use amplifiers with less output, maximum acoustic
output will not be achieved. A passive crossover with similar characteristics
can also be used.
POWER HANDLING CAPACITY
To our knowledge, Electro-Voice was the first U.S. manufacturer to develop and
publish a power test related to real-life conditions. First, we use a random
noise input signal because it contains many frequencies simultaneously, just
like real voice or instrument
program. Second, our signal contains more energy at extremely high and low
frequencies than typical actual program, adding an extra measure of
reliability. Third, the test signal includes not only the overall “long-term
average” or “continuous” level — which our ears interpret as loudness — but
also short- term peaks which are many times higher than the average, just like
the actual program. The long-term average level stresses the speaker thermally
(heat). The instantaneous peaks test mechanical reliability (cone and
diaphragm excursion).
Note that the sine wave test signals sometimes used have a much less
demanding peak value relative to their average level. In actual use, long-term
average levels exist from several seconds or greater, but we apply the long-
term average for several hours, adding another extra measure of reliability.
Specifically, the ECS 15-1 is designed to withstand the power test described
in the EIA Standard RS-426A. The EIA test spectrum is applied for eight hours.
To obtain the spectrum, the output of a white-noise generator (white noise is
a particular type of random noise with equal energy per bandwidth in Hz) is
fed to a shaping filter with 6-dB-per-octave slopes below 40 Hz and above 318
Hz. When mea- sured with the usual constant-percentage bandwidth analyzer
(one-third-octave), this shaping filter produces a spectrum whose 3-dB-down
points are at 100 Hz and 1.200 Hz with a 3-dB-per-octave slope abouve 1.200
Hz. This shaped signal is sent to the power amplifier with the continuous
power set at 400 watts into the 6.9 ohms EIA equivalent impedance, (52.5 volts
true RMS). Amplifier clipping sets instantaneous peaks at 6dB above the
continuous power, or 1.600 watts peak (105 volts peak). This procedure
provides a rigorous test of both thermal and mechanical failure modes.
WARRANTY (Limited)
Electro-Voice speaker and speaker systems (excluding active electronics) and
accessories are guaranteed for five years from date of original purchase
against malfunction due to defects in workmanship and materials. If such
malfunction occurs, unit will be repaired or replaced (at our option) without
charge for materials or labor if delivered prepaid to the proper Electro-Voice
service facility. Unit will be returned prepaid. Warranty does not cover
finish or appearance items or malfuntion due to abuse or operation at other
than specified conditions. Repair by other than Electro-Voice or its
authorized service agencies will void this guarantee.
For shipping address and instructions on return of Electro-Voice products for
repair and locations of authorized service agencies, please write:
Service Department, Electro-Voice, Inc.
600 Cecil Street, P.O. Box 186
Buchanan, Michigan 49107
(Phone: 616/695-6831), or
Electro-Voice West, 8234 Doe Ave.,
P.O. Box 3297, Visalia, CA 93277
(209/625-1330,-1)
In Europe
Mark IV Audio AG, Keltenstrasse 5
CH-2563 Ipsach, Switzerland
In Germany
Mark IV Audio
Hirschberger Ring 45
D-94302 Straubing
Electro-Voice also maintains complete facilities for non-warranty service.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
© 1993 Mark IV Industries, Inc. Printed in Switzerland
MARK IV AUDIO AG
Keltenstrasse 5, CH-2563 Ipsach/ Switzerland, Phone: 032/5168 33, Fax:
032/511221 a MARK IV company