BLAZE BL218iSS Subwoofers Instruction Manual
- June 17, 2024
- BLAZE
Table of Contents
BLAZE BL218iSS Subwoofers Instruction Manual
1. Introduction and Overview
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Blaze Audio BL118SS or BL218SS subwoofer. BLx18SS
series high power passive subwoofers are designed for use in medium to large-
sized venues that require versatile and scalable low frequency solutions.
BLx18SS series subwoofers can be installed free-standing or flown via
accessory hardware.
BLx18SS series subwoofers are intended to be driven only by Blaze Audio
PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 power amplifiers with the appropriate speaker presets
enabled. When installed in multiple arrays, the subwoofers can be configured
via amplifier speaker presets to provide either omnidirectional or cardioid
directivity characteristics.
BL118SS and BL218SS subwoofers respectively incorporate one or two 18 inch
bass drivers in a reflex loaded enclosure. They provide low frequency
bandwidth to 18Hz at -10dB and maximum sound pressure levels of 136dB and
143dB at 1m respectively.
1.2 Subwoofer Pack Contents
Each package contains a single subwoofer and its document pack.
1.3 Subwoofer Flying accessories
BL118SS and BL218SS subwoofers can be flown via M10 Eyebolt attachment points.
Appropriate eye-bolts are available as accessories. A minimum of four and six
attachment points must be employed for each BL118SS and BL218SS subwoofer
respectively.
Accessory M10 Eye-bolts
2. Applications and Deployment
2.1 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 BL118SSi-B or BL218SSi-B subwoofer, 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.
BLx18SS series subwoofers can be installed free-standing, or flown using accessory hardware. Additionally, pairs of BLx18SS series subwoofers can be arranged to provide cardioid directivity. The installation options are illustrated and described in the following sections.
2.1.1 Free-standing Installation
BLx18SS series subwoofers can be installed free-standing on floors or other
structures able to support their weight.
Note: It is important to ensure that any structure on which a BLx18SS series
subwoofer is supported is able to bear its weight with an appropriate factor
of safety. If there is any doubt in this respect, a specialist structural
engineer must be consulted.
2.1.2 Flown Installation
BLx18SS series subwoofers can be flown through the installation of M10 eye-
bolts at the attachment points provided. Six attachment points are provided on
the top, bottom and side panels of each BLx18SS series subwoofer.
A minimum of four attachment points for the BL118SS subwoofer, and six
attachment points for the BL218SS subwoofer, must be used. The installation of
eye-bolts at the attachment points is illustrated and described in the
following paragraphs and diagrams.
Step 1. Using an M10 Allen key remove four of the attachment point screws from the required panel on a BL118SS subwoofer and all six attachment point screws on a BL218SS subwoofer.
Step 2. Screw an M10 eye-bolt fully into each of the available attachment point screw holes. The eye-bolts are then available for attachment to flying hardware.
⚠ 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.
NEVER SUSPEND LOUDSPEAKERS DIRECTLY ABOVE THE AUDIENCE
2.1.3 Subwoofer Directivity Options
In combination with use of the appropriate Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect amplifier
Speaker Presets, pairs of BLx18SS series subwoofers can be configured to offer
omnidirectional or cardioid directivity.
For omnidirectional directivity, the two subwoofers should be positioned
either adjacent to each other or one above the other with both facing in the
same direction as illustrated in the following diagrams. The amplifier outputs
driving each subwoofer should have the same standard speaker preset enabled
(BL118SS.zcp or BL218SS.zcp).
For cardioid directivity, the two subwoofers should be positioned either
adjacent to each other, or one above the other, with one
facing forwards and one facing backwards as illustrated in the
following diagrams. The cardioid forward radiation lobe will coincide with the
forward facing subwoofer. The amplifier output driving the forward facing
subwoofer should have the standard speaker preset enabled (BL118SS.zcp or
BL218SS.zcp) and the amplifier output driving the backwards facing subwoofer
should have the cardioid speaker preset enabled (BL118SS-Cardioid.zcp or
BL218SS-Cardioid.zcp).
3. Connection and Amplification
3.1 BLx18SS Connections
Each BLx18SS series subwoofer is fitted with two Neutrik NL4 Speakon sockets
on its rear panel. One socket is intended for connection to one or two bridged
channels of a Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 Amplifier and one socket provides
an optional parallel output connection for a second subwoofer. The driving
amplifier must be configured in Bridged Output (BTL) mode, as described in
Section 3.2.2 of this manual, before it is connected to BLx18SS series
subwoofers.
Subwoofer input and output connections are described and illustrated below.
Amplifier connections to BLx18SS series subwoofers are described and
illustrated on the following pages.
3.1.1 BLx18SS Connection Sockets
⚠ When used to drive BLx18SS series subwoofers, Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 Amplifiers must be configured in Bridged Output mode. Do not connect an amplifier to a BLx18SS series subwoofer before it is configured appropriately.
3.1.2 BL118SS Amplifier Connections
The BL118SS subwoofer is designed to work with the Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect
3004 power amplifier only. This amplifier incorporate the DSP equalisation
facilities required to optimise the subwoofer acoustic performance, while also
providing appropriate output power capabilities. One PowerZoneTM Connect 3004
power amplifier is able to drive up to four BL118SS subwoofers. The subwoofers
can be configured in standard, omnidirectional directivity mode or as cardioid
pairs. BL118SS series subwoofer and PowerZoneTM Connect amplifier connections
are illustrated in the diagram alongside.
Note: The PowerZoneTM Connect is a four output amplifier. When used with
BLx18SS series subwoofers it must be configured in Bridged (BTL) mode to
provide two outputs.
Note: No more than four BL118SS subwoofers must be connected to one amplifier.
Note: The Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect Installation Manual, available for
download from the Blaze website (blaze-audio.com), contains comprehensive
amplifier installation and operational information.
Two or four BL118SS subwoofers connected to one Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 amplifier.
- For omnidirectional directivity, both amplifier outputs require speaker preset BL118SS.zcp enabled.
- For cardioid directivity, amplifier Output 1 (CH1 & CH2) requires speaker preset BL118SS.zcp enabled, and amplifier output 2 (CH3 & CH4) requires speaker preset BL118SSCardioid.zcp enabled. The BL118SS physical arrangement then requires cardioid pairs comprising BL118SS-1 (forward facing) with BL118SS-2 (backwards facing) and optionally BL118SS-3 (forward facing) with BL118SS-4 (backwards facing)
⚠ When used to drive BLx18SS series subwoofers, Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 Amplifiers must be configured in Bridged Output mode. Do not connect an amplifier to a BLx18SS series subwoofer before it is configured appropriately.
3.1.3 BL218SS Amplifier Connections
The BL218SS subwoofer is designed to work with the Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect
3004 power amplifier only. This amplifier incorporate the DSP equalisation
facilities required to optimise the subwoofer acoustic performance, while also
providing appropriate output power capabilities.
One PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 power amplifier is able to drive one or two
BL218SS subwoofers. The subwoofers can be configured in standard,
omnidirectional directivity mode, or to play the backward facing role in
cardioid subwoofer pairs. Cardioid directivity with BL218SS subwoofers
requires multiple power amplifiers.
BL218SS series subwoofer and PowerZoneTM Connect amplifier connections are
illustrated in the diagram alongside.
Note: The PowerZoneTM Connect is a four output amplifier. When used with
BLx18SS series subwoofers it must be configured in Bridged (BTL) mode to
provide two outputs.
Note: No more than two BL218SS subwoofers must be connected to one amplifier.
Note: The Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect Installation Manual, available for
download from the Blaze website (blaze-audio.com), contains comprehensive
amplifier installation and operational information.
One or two BL218SS subwoofers connected to one Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 amplifier.
- For omnidirectional directivity, both amplifier outputs require speaker preset BL218SS.zcp enabled.
- For cardioid directivity, a second PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 amplifier and BL218SS subwoofer system must be configured with speaker preset BL218SS-Cardioid. zcp enabled on both amplifier outputs. The one or two subwoofers of the second system should then play the backwards facing cardioid role paired with the primary system subwoofers (with BL218SS.zcp enabled).
3.2 PowerZoneTM Connect Amplifier Output Configuration and Speaker
Presets
The Blaze PowerZoneTM Connect amplifier incorporates mode configuration and
loudspeaker management functions, accessed via a web page interface. Amplifier
functional options can to be configured, and preconfigured filter and
equalization speaker presets can be enabled.
When used to drive BLx18SS series subwoofers, PowerZoneTM Connect 3004
amplifiers must have the appropriate speaker presets enabled. Speaker presets
for BLx18SS series subwoofers are available for download from the Blaze
website and must be used for correct subwoofer performance. Standard and
Cardioid speaker presets are available. The procedure for downloading and
enabling PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 speaker presets is described in the
following sections.
3.2.1 PowerZoneTM Control Network Connection
In order to install the BLx18SS speaker preset files, the PowerZoneTM Connect
amplifier requires either a wired or wireless connection via a TCP/IP network,
or to connect via its own wireless access point, to a computer or mobile
device from which speaker preset files can be uploaded. Internet access for
speaker preset file download is also required.
Note: The PowerZoneTM 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
Step 2. On the computer or mobile device, navigate to the PowerZoneTM Connect 3004 amplifier web interface and select the Output tab.
3.2.2 Speaker Preset Download and Application
Follow the steps below to download and enable the BLx18SS speaker preset to
the amplifier outputs.
Step 1. Using a computer or mobile device, visit the Blaze website (blaze-
audio.com/products/speakers) and select the speaker preset files for download.
It is important that the correct speaker preset files are downloaded:
BL118SS Standard – File name: BL118SS.zcp BL118SS Cardioid – File name:
BL118SS-Cardioid.zcp BL218SS Standard – File name: BL218SS.zcp BL218SS
Cardioid – File name: BL218SS-Cardioid.zcp
NOTE: The speaker preset files will download in a compressed .zip archive
format. Expand the .zip archive and store the files in an appropriate location
on the download device.
⚠ When used to drive BLx18SS series subwoofers, Blaze PowerZone™ Connect 3004 Amplifiers are configured in bridged output mode by the speaker preset. Do not connect an amplifier to a BLx18SS series subwoofer before the speaker preset is enabled, and do not connect any alternative speaker to the amplifier before the BLx18SS series subwoofer speaker preset is disabled.
4. Technical Information
4. 1 BLx18SS Specifications
4.1.1 Technical Specifications
Frequency response and range measured on-axis with anechoic environment.
Power handling tested using pink noise filtered to meet IEC 268-5, 6 dB
crest factor, 100 hours, with recommended EQ.
Peak level measured at 1m under free field conditions using 10 dB crest
factor pink noise with specified ([Blaze Audio] preset) and corresponding EQ
settings.
4.1.2 Physical Characteristics
4.2 BLx18SS Series Mechanical Drawings
4.2.1 BL118SS Dimensions
4.2.2 BL218SS Dimensions
Designed in USA/Denmark – Made in USA. Blaze, 25 S. Main St., #40 Yardley, PA 19067, US. [email protected]. www.blaze- audio.com
References
- Pro audio solutions | Blaze Audio | Commercial Audio Installs
- Pro audio solutions | Blaze Audio | Commercial Audio Installs
- Pro audio solutions | Blaze Audio | Commercial Audio Installs
- Pro audio solutions | Blaze Audio | Commercial Audio Installs