TANNOY VLS 5 Passive Column Array Loudspeaker User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- TANNOY
Table of Contents
VLS 5 Passive Column Array Loudspeaker
User Guide
VLS 5/VLS 5-WH
Passive Column Array Loudspeaker with 5 Mid Range Drivers for Speech Only
Installation Applications
Important Safety Instructions
| CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN IT!|
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Terminals marked with this symbol carry an electrical current of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with ¼” TS or twist-locking
plugs pre-installed. All other installations or modifications should be
performed only by qualified personnel.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of dangerous
uninsulated voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear
section).
No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on
the apparatus.
Caution
These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs have to be performed by
qualified service personnel.
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Read these instructions.
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Keep these instructions.
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Heed all warnings.
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Follow all instructions.
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Do not use this apparatus near water.
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Clean only with a dry cloth.
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Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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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.
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Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
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Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
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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.
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Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
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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. -
The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
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Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
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Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and your national law. This product should be taken to a collection center licensed for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). The mishandling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the efficient use of natural resources.
For more information about where you can take your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office or your household waste collection service. -
Do not install in a confined space, such as a bookcase or similar unit.
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Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the apparatus.
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Please keep the environmental aspects of battery disposal in mind. Batteries must be disposed of at a battery collection point.
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This apparatus may be used in tropical and moderate climates up to 45°C.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Music Tribe accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any
person who relies either wholly on or in part upon any description,
photograph, or statement contained herein. Technical specifications,
appearances, and other information are subject to change without notice. All
trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik,
Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer,
Bugera, Oberheim, Auratone, Aston Microphones, and Coolaudio are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global
Brands Ltd. 2021 All rights reserved.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding Music Tribe’s Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at musictribe.com/warranty.
Introduction
This Quick Start Guide presents only the essential information required to properly unpack, connect and configure a VLS Series loudspeaker. Please consult the full VLS Series Operation Manual for additional detailed information on low impedance versus 70/100 V operation, complex loudspeaker system configuration, cable types, equalization, power handling, rigging and safety procedures, and warranty coverage.
Connectors and cabling
VLS Series loudspeakers are connected to the amplifier (or to other
loudspeakers in a 70/100 V system or series/parallel configuration) using a
pair of internally paralleled barrier strip connectors.
All VLS Series models can be operated as either a low impedance loudspeaker or
within a 70/100 V distributed system. The operation mode is selectable via a
single switch located on the rear of the cabinet (see Fig.1 below).
Fig.1 VLS 5 mode selector switch
Operation in low impedance mode often will require the use of larger diameter
cables than are needed for a 70/100 V distributed system. Please consult the
full VLS Operation Manual for recommended cable types for various
applications.
Switch for Low-Z and transformer tap selection
A multi-position rotary switch on the rear input panel selects either the low- impedance operating mode or the high-impedance modes (70 V or 100 V) with available transformer taps. When using VLS Series loudspeakers in distributed line systems, the transformer can be tapped with available power levels shown in the table below:
| 70 V | 100 V |
|---|---|
| 6.25 | 12.5 |
| 12.5 | 25 |
| 25 | 50 |
| 50 | 100 |
| 100 | — |
All transformer primaries should be connected in parallel to the output of the amplifier. The summed total power rating in watts of the selected tap settings for all connected loudspeakers must not exceed the total output power rating of the connected amplifier output channel in watts. It is recommended that a generous power safety margin (minimum 3 dB headroom) be maintained between the total loudspeaker power requirements and the amplifier output capacity to avoid continuous amplifier operation at full rated output.
Wiring the connectors
Low Impedance Mode
If connecting directly to the amplifier in low impedance mode, connect the
positive (+) conductor to a positive (+) barrier strip terminal and the
negative (–) conductor to a negative (–) terminal. It is preferable to
connect several loudspeakers to one amplifier output in parallel, series, or
series/parallel configurations using the other internally paralleled barrier
strip connector.
For more information on this, please consult the full VLS Series, Operation
Manual.
Constant voltage (70 V / 100 V) Mode
In constant voltage distributed systems, normally a number of loudspeakers are
connected in parallel to the single amplifier output. Connect the positive (+)
conductor from the amplifier or prior loudspeaker in the system to a positive
(+) barrier strip terminal and the negative (–) conductor to a negative (–)
terminal. The other parallel barrier strip is available for connecting
additional loudspeakers.
Outdoor Applications
A right-angled, watertight cable gland is supplied with the VLS 5 for use in
outdoor applications (Fig.2).
The input panel cover is secured to the cabinet using the four screws already
inserted around the input.
Fig.2 VLS 5 with watertight cable gland
Pan-Tilt Bracket (optional)
A pan-tilt bracket is available which allows panning and tilting for flexible
orientation along both horizontal and vertical axes. Installation instructions
are provided with the bracket.
Rigging and safety procedures
The installation of TANNOY loudspeakers using the dedicated hardware should be
carried out only by fully qualified installers, in accordance with all the
required safety codes and standards that are applied at the place of
installation.
WARNING: As the legal requirements for flying vary from country to country,
please consult your local safety standards office before installing any
product.
We also recommend that you thoroughly check any laws and bylaws prior to
installation. For more detailed information on rigging hardware and safety
procedures, please consult the full VLS Series, Operation Manual.
Outdoor applications
VLS Series loudspeakers are rated IP64 for resistance to dust and moisture
ingress, and are resistant to both salt spray and UV exposure, making them
suitable for use
in most outdoor applications. Please consult with your TANNOY dealer before
installation in applications with extreme exposure to adverse environmental
conditions
such as prolonged heavy rainfall, prolonged temperature extremes, etc.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The mounting of a permanently installed sound system may
be dangerous unless undertaken by qualified personnel with the required
experience and certification to perform the necessary tasks. Walls, floors, or
ceilings must be capable of safely and securely supporting the actual load.
The mounting accessory used must be safely and securely fixed both to the
loudspeaker and to the wall, floor, or ceiling.
When mounting rigging components on walls, floors, or ceilings, ensure that
all fixings and fasteners used are of an appropriate size and load rating.
Wall and ceiling cladding, and the construction and composition of walls and
ceilings, all need to be taken into account when determining whether a
particular fixing arrangement can be safely employed for a particular load.
Cavity plugs or other specialist fixings, if required, must be of an
appropriate type, and must be fitted and used in accordance with the maker’s
instructions.
The operation of your speaker cabinet as part of a flown system, if installed
incorrectly and improperly, can potentially expose persons to serious health
risks and even death. In addition, please ensure that electrical, mechanical,
and acoustic considerations are discussed with qualified and certified (by
local state or national authorities) personnel prior to any installation or
flying.
Make sure that speaker cabinets are set up and flown by qualified and
certified personnel only, using dedicated equipment and original parts and
components delivered with the unit. If any parts or components are missing
please contact your Dealer before attempting to set up the system.
Be sure to observe the local, state, and other safety regulations applicable
in your country. Music Tribe, including the Music Tribe Group companies listed
on the enclosed “Service Information Sheet”, assumes no liability for any
damage or personal injury resulting from improper use, installation or
operation of the product.
Regular checks must be conducted by qualified personnel to ensure that the
system remains in a secure and stable condition. Make sure that, where the
speaker is flown, the area underneath the speaker is free of human traffic. Do
not fly the speaker in areas that can be entered or used by members of the
public.
Speakers create a magnetic field, even if not in operation. Therefore, please
keep all materials that can be affected by such fields (discs, computers,
monitors, etc.) at a safe distance. A safe distance is usually between 1 and 2
meters.
Specifications
System
Frequency response| 150 Hz -12 kHz; ±3 dB
130 Hz – 15 kHz; -10 dB
Horizontal dispersion (-6 dB)| 130° H
Vertical dispersion (-6dB)| 45°
Power handling (IEC)| 120W average, 240 W program, 480 W peak
Recommended amplifier power| 350 W@84
System sensitivity| 89 dB (1 m, Lo Z)
Sensitivity| 75 dB (4 M, through transformer)
Nominal impedance (Lo Z)| 12 fl
Maximum 511.| 89 dB (4 M, through transformer)
Rated maximum SPL| 110 dB average, 116 dB peak (1 m, Lo Z)
Crossover| Passive Network utilizing frequency shading
Crossover point| —
Directivity factor (Q)| 7.2 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz
Directivity Index (DI)| 8.6 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz
Components| 5 x 3.5″ (89 mm) fullrange drivers
Transformer taps (via rotary switch) (Rated noise power add impedance)
70V| 100 W (50 0) / 50 W (100 fl)/ 25 W (200 f) / 12.5 W (4004)/ off & low
impedance operation
100 V| 100 W (100 fl) / 50 W (200 11) / 25 W (4000) / off & low impedance
operation
Coverage angles
500 Hz| 360° H x 106°V
1 kHz| 220°H x 60°V
2 kHz| 150°H x 46°V
4 kHz| 170° H x 30° V
Enclosure
Connectors| Barrier strip
Wiring| Terminal 1+/ 2- (input); 3- /4+ (link)
Dimensions HWD| 599 x 121 x 147 mm (23.6 x 4.8 x 5.8″)
Net weight| 8.2 kg (18.1 Ibs)
Construction| Aluminum extrusion
Finish| Paint RAL 9003 (white) / RAL 9004 (black)
Custom RAL colors available (additional cost and lead-time)
Grille| Powder-coated perforated steel
Flying hardware| Flying bracket, wall mount bracket, input panel cover plate,
and gland
Notes:
- Average over stated bandwidth. Measured in an IEC baffle in an Anechoic Chamber
- Unweighted pink noise input, measured at 1 meter on axis
- Long term power handling capacity as defined in the IEC268-5 test
- The reference point for the reference axis (on-axis) is the center of the baffle
Other important information
Important information
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Register online. Please register your new Music Tribe equipment right after you purchase it by visiting musictribe.com. Registering your purchase using our simple online form helps us to process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Also, read the terms and conditions of our warranty, if applicable.
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Malfunction. Should your Music Tribe Authorized Reseller not be located in your vicinity, you may contact the Music Tribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country listed under “Support” at musictribe.com.
Should your country not be listed, please check if your problem can be dealt with by our “Online Support” which may also be found under “Support” at musictribe.com.
Alternatively, please submit an online warranty claim at musictribe.com BEFORE returning the product. -
Power Connections. Before plugging the unit into a power socket, please make sure you are using the correct mains voltage for your particular model. Faulty fuses must be replaced with fuses of the same type and rating without exception.
Hereby, Music Tribe declares that this product is in compliance with Directive
2011/65/EU and Amendment 2015/863/EU, Directive 2012/19/EU, Regulation
519/2012 REACH SVHC and Directive 1907/2006/EC, and this passive product is
not applicable to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, LV Directive 2014/35/EU.
The full text of the EU DoC is available at
https://community.musictribe.com/
EU Representative: Music Tribe Brands DK A/S
Address: Ib Spang Olsens Gade 17, DK – 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark