dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor User Manual

June 6, 2024
dB Technologies

VIO-W15T logo

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor

Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor
1x 15” – 3” VC LF
1x 1,3” – 3” VC coaxial HF
RDNet ON BOARD

EMI CLASSIFICATION
According to the standards EN 55032 and 55035 this is Class A equipment, designed and suitable to operate for professional use. Warning: This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment, this equipment may cause radio interference.

FCC CLASS A STATEMENT
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

WARNING
Make sure that the loudspeaker is securely installed in a stable position to avoid any injuries or damages to persons or properties. For safety reasons do not place one loudspeaker on top of another without proper fastening systems. Before hanging the loudspeaker check all the components for damages, deformations, missing or damaged parts that may compromise safety during installation. If you use the loudspeakers outdoor avoid spots exposed to bad weather conditions. Contact dBTechnologies for accessories to be used with the speakers. dBTechnologies will not accept any responsibility for damages caused by inappropriate accessories or additional devices.
Features, specifications and appearance of products are subject to change without notice. dBTechnologies reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacturing without assuming any obligation to change or improve products previously manufactured.

GENERAL INFORMATION

WELCOME!
Thanks for purchasing a product that was designed and developed in Italy by dBTechnologies! This professional active monitor embodies years of experience and innovation in the field of sound reproduction, with the use of cutting edge solutions in the fields of acoustics, electronics and materials research.
INTRODUCTORY OVERVIEW
The VIO W15T is an active 2-way coaxial stage monitor.
It is equipped with a 15″ woofer (voice coil: 3”) and a 1.3” compression driver (voice coil: 3”) driven by a 1600 W RMS DIGIPRO G4 amplifier of the latest generation.
The key features include:

  • the rotatable horn allows the monitor to be adapted to multiple applications
  • integrated DSP with linear-phase FIR filters for accurate reproduction of the audio signal
  • complete connectivity for remote control, thanks to the RDNet module and full integration with the AURORA NET control software
  • a high quality plywood cabinet, protected by a tough polyurethane paint finish, which makes it rugged enough for use in all scenarios, both indoors and out
  •  the possibility for mounting on a wall, pole or truss adapter using the optional support bracket WB-W15T

USER INFORMATION
To get the best use out of your VIO W15T, we recommend that you:

  •  read the Quick Start manual included in the package and all of this complete User Manual, and keep them throughout the entire life of the product.

  • register the product on the website http://www.dbtechnologies. com in the “SUPPORT” section.

  • download and install the latest version of the firmware from the website
    http://www.dbtechnologies.com in the “DOWNLOADS” section (see the chapter UPDATING THE FIRMWARE).

  • retain your proof of purchase and WARRANTY (User Manual “section 2”).

MECHANICAL AND ACOUSTIC FEATURES
DIMENSIONS
The VIO W15T incorporates a 15” woofer (VC 3”) and a 1.3” compression driver (VC 3”) in a plywood cabinet protected by a polyurethane paint finish and weighs 29 kg.
The dimensions of a single monitor are: 650 x 360 x 490 mm.
The integrated handle means that the monitor can be easily carried even by just one person.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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ACOUSTIC COVERAGE
The coaxial configuration provides optimal coverage, even off-axis, and ensures excellent listening results at minimal distance.
The horn design gives a very precise coverage of 80° horizontally and 60° vertically.
The monitor coverage pattern can be inverted to suit different applications by rotating the horn using this simple procedure:

  •  unscrew the screws securing the grille and remove the grille
  • unscrew the four screws securing the horn to the cabinet
  • rotate the horn through 90° either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction; the screws holes serve as reference points
  • fix the horn in the new position by screwing the four screws back into their holes
  • fit the grille and tighten the screws to secure it to the cabinet

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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AMPLIFIER AND CONTROL SECTION FEATURES
The latest generation Class D digital amplifier DIGIPRO G4 is the heart of the VIO W15T. Totally silent, it delivers amplification power of 1600 W RMS.
All the inputs and controls are grouped together on the preamp panel.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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The connection panel features:

  •  Input, Output and Control section
    Power section

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
4  CAUTION!

  •  Protect the unit from humidity.
  • Do not attempt to open the amplifier.
  •  In the event of a malfunction, immediately turn off the power, disconnect the unit from the mains and contact an authorized service center.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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INPUT, OUTPUT, AND CONTROL SECTION

  1. USB SERVICE DATA
    Using this standard type B USB port, you can update the product’s firmware using a PC and USB BURNER MANAGER. For further information, refer to the website http://www.dbtechnologies.com in the
    “DOWNLOADS” section and the chapter UPDATING THE FIRMWARE.

  2. SYSTEM TEST
    With this control, you can check the status of the transducers using the integrated impedance test.

  3. STATUS LEDs
    The LEDs provide an immediate indication of the status of the monitor, in accordance with the logic summarised in the following tabledB TECHNOLOGIES
VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig 7
    dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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  4. RDNet NETWORK CONECTION INPUT AND LINKING, RDNet STATUS LEDS
    Section compatible with network cables fitted with etherCON/RJ45 connectors. In particular:
    • “Data In” must be connected to devices such as RDNet Control 2 or Control 8
    • “Data Out” is used to link the network to other devices in a daisy-chain configuration
    The LEDs indicate the network (RDNet) operating status of the monitor. In particular:
    • “Link” illuminates to indicate that the RDNet network is active and has recognized the device
    • “Active” flashes to indicate the presence of data traffic
    • “Remote Preset Active” signals that all the local controls on the amplifier panel are bypassed by the RDNet remote control

  5. AUDIO INPUT AND LINKING (“Balanced audio”)
    Input and output compatible with balanced XLR cables.
    In particular:
    • “Input” is used for the connection of the audio signal from the mixer or from another speaker;
    • “Output Link” is used to relay the signal on to other devices in a daisy- chain configuration.

  6. DSP PRESET
    Pressing the button changes the acoustic parameters in accordance with the preset values saved in memory. You can in fact tailor the EQ of the monitor to suit your requirements using the AURORA NET software and save the settings made in the Service/User preset.
    POWER SECTION

  7. MAINS FUSE
    Mains fuse holder.

  8. MAINS LINK
    Compatible with power CON TRUE1® connectors to link the power supply to other modules.

  9.   FULL-RANGE MAINS INPUT
    Compatible with power CON TRUE1® connectors. Full-range power supply

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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CAUTION!
• The system comes with a fuse already fitted for operation in the 220-240 V range. If you need to operate it in the
100- 120 V range:

  1. Disconnect all connections, including the power supply.
  2. Wait for 5 minutes.
  3. Replace the fuse with the one supplied in the package for the 100-120 V range.
  4. Only use the power cable provided.
    • The USB SERVICE DATA connection is to be used exclusively for updating the product’s firmware; do not connect any other USB device to the unit to avoid the risk of damage and malfunction.
    • Do not use the monitor for a prolonged period with the limiter LED steadily lit or flashing as this indicates operation under stress with excessive distortion.

FIRST POWER-ON

PACKAGE CONTENTS
On opening the VIO W15T monitor package, check that no items are missing. The package contains:

  • power cable with POWERCON® TRUE1 connector
  • VIO W15T
  • quick start manual and warranty documentation
  • fuse for operation with a supply voltage in the range 100-120V

CAUTION!
The system comes with a fuse already fitted for operation in the 220-240 V range. If you need to operate it in the 100-120V range:

  1. Disconnect all connections, including the power supply.
  2. Wait for 5 minutes.
  3. Replace the fuse with the one supplied in the package for the 100-120V range.
  4. Only use the power cable provided.

INSTALLATION

PLACEMENT OF THE MONITORS AND AUDIO CONNECTIONS

When positioning the VIO W15T monitors, consider the area of coverage required and characteristics of the microphones used to avoid the possibility of feedback (Larsen effect).
To connect 2 or more monitors to the same audio source, it may be useful in various types of installation to relay  the signal from the first monitor to a second monitor, and so on. To do this, first connect and audio source to the INPUT of the first monitor.
Then connect a balanced XLR cable to the OUTPUT LINK of the first monitor and the  INPUT of the second.
This second step can then be repeated to link additional monitors.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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CONNECTING AND LINKING THE POWER SUPPLY
On the VIO W15T you can link the power supply from the first monitor to the next, up to a total of 5 (1+4) in countries with a 220-240Vac mains supply and 4 (1+3) in countries with a 100-120Vac mains supply.
To link the power supply in this way, simply connect the power cable supplied to the MAINS INPUT on the first VIO W15T and connect a second cable with suitable connectors (optional) between the MAINS LINK output and the MAINS INPUT of the next VIO W15T. This type of connection can be repeated up until the maximum permissible current is reached and indicated in the MAINS LINK connector of the first monitor.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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RDNET CONNECTIONS
To enable remote control, connect the Data Input of the first monitor to the hardware interface (RDNet Control 2 or RDNet Control 8) using cables fitted with ethernCON connectors. Then connect the Data Output of the first monitor to the Data Input of the second, and so on. When the monitors are powered on, the Link LEDs illuminate to indicate the connection has been made. The other Active LEDs will start flashing to indicate the presence of data traffic.

CONFIGURATION AND REMOTE CONTROL
The AURORA NET software allows you to manage in real time several parameters of the VIO W15T monitor. In particular:

  • Monitor both the main input and output signals as well as the signal on both acoustic components
  • View the presence of audio compression on the acoustic components
  • Attenuate the input signal in steps of 0.5 dB
  • Add filters to adapt the frequency response of the stage monitor to your requirements
  • Adjust the gain and add delay
  • Select the cut-off frequency to apply to the high-pass filter with preset values ranging from 55 to 120 Hz
  • MUTE the main channel as well as the individual woofer and driver channels
  • Listen to the stage monitor in SOLO mode, or to each of the woofer and driver channels
  •  Monitor the temperature of the amplifier and the power supply unit
  •  Save the settings made using AURORA NET to the DSP of stage monitor for subsequent recall by pressing the DSP Preset button on the control panel (Service/User mode)

For further information, refer to the specific manual for the AURORA NET software.

EXAMPLES OF USE

In all conditions of use, the coverage pattern can be adapted by rotating the horn as described in the section ACOUSTIC COVERAGE.
USE ON STAGE AS A FLOOR MONITOR
The standard use for on-stage monitoring, with the monitor placed on the floor resting on its underside.

USE FOR MONITORING AT GREATER DISTANCES
The monitor can also be rested on its rear; this position provides increased forward coverage on the stage.

VERTICAL USE
The monitor can positioned vertically using specific feet. Check that floor is sufficiently level, otherwise, the monitor might slip.

  • The cable entry in the lower part of the cabinet helps keep on-stage wiring neat and tidy.
  • It is important that there are no obstructions in front of the monitor.dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig 17

WALL MOUNTING
Using the accessory WB-W15T, the monitor can be mounted on the ceiling/wall and tilted as required. For further information, refer to the specific manual for the accessory.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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INSTALLATION ON A TRIPOD STAND
Using the accessory WB-W15T and the specific adapter supplied, the monitor can be mounted on a tripod stand.
One leg of the tripod must be pointing forwards and the maximum height of the base of the bracket above the floor is 140 cm.
Given the weight of the monitor, an additional fixing should be used to prevent the risk of damage or injury.
For further information, refer to the specific manual for the accessory.

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ALISCAFF INSTALLATION

Using the accessory WB-W15T and Aliscaff equipment (not supplied) it is possible to suspend the monitor from a truss adapter. For further information, refer to the specific manual for the accessory.

dB TECHNOLOGIES VIO-W15T Professional Coaxial Active Stage Monitor fig
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ACCESSORIES

The following accessory is required to mount the monitor on a wall, truss adapter or tripod stand:

  • WB-W15T, support bracket

CAUTION!
Never suspend the monitor from the handles.
Installing the monitor using the accessory WB-W15T always requires two persons.
Refer to the related manual for any additional information.

UPDATING THE FIRMWARE

It is very important to keep the product firmware updated to ensure full functionality. Periodically check the “DOWNLOADS” section of the http://www.dbtechnologies.com website.

  1. Download and install the USB BURNER MANAGER onto your computer from the “SOFTWARE & CONTROLLER” section.
  2. Download the .zip file of the latest firmware for your product from the “DOWNLOADS” section.
  3. Connect the product to the PC using a USB cable (not supplied) with the correct connector type (see this detail in the AMPLIFIER AND CONTROL SECTION FEATURES chapter).
  4. Select “Open File” at the top right of the USB BURNER MANAGER screen.
  5. Select the previously downloaded firmware file.
  6. Follow the instructions shown on the screen.
  7. Click “UPDATE”.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The speaker does not power up:

  1. Check that the system is connected to a working power supply.
  2. Check that the power cable with the POWERCON® TRUE1 connector is plugged incorrectly.
  3. If the problem persists, contact an authorized service center.

The monitor turns on but does not produce any sound:

  1. Check that the audio signal inputs are connected correctly, preferably using cables with Neutrik® connectors.
  2. Check that the connection cables are not damaged.
  3. Check that the mixer or audio source is on and clearly shows an output signal.

The sound from the monitor is distorted:

  1. With the system powered on, first adjust the volume of the audio source. If the LIMITER LED of the audio source is lit, the signal may already be distorted before it reaches the monitor.
  2. Check that the connection cables are not damaged. If they are, replace them (a damaged cable may cause signal loss or alteration).
  3. Check the preset EQ saved on the Service/User button that alters the frequency response of the output signal.

The on-stage monitoring performance is poor:

  1. Check that the monitor is positioned correctly on the stage in accordance with the acoustic coverage pattern and the types of placement illustrated in the section INSTALLATION EXAMPLES.
  2. Check that there are no obstructions directly between the monitor and the performer.
  3. Make sure you are using a sufficient number of VIO W15T monitors.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
Type:
ACOUSTIC DATA

Frequency response [-6 dB]: 55 – 16000 Hz
Max SPL (@ 1m): 137.5 dB
HF: 1.3″
HF voice coil: 3”
Acoustic configuration: Coaxial
Crossover frequency: 1 kHz 24 dB/oct
Coverage (HxV): 80°x60°
LF: 15”
LF voice coil: 3”

AMPLIFIER

Type: Digipro® G4
Amplification class: Class D
Peak power: 3200 W
RMS power: 1600 W

PROCESSOR

Internal processing: DSP 32 bit 96 kHz
A/D D/A converter: 24 bit / 96 kHz
Limiter: Dual Active Peak, RMS, Thermal

USER INTERFACE

Presets: Flat – service/user
Controls: Switch Flat – service/user, Switch System test

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

Audio inputs: XLR
Audio outputs: XLR Link OUT
USB (firmware update): type B USB

POWER SUPPLY SPECIFICATIONS (POWER CONSUMPTION / INSTALLATION)

Power consumption at 1/8 power in medium use conditions (*)| 1.8 A@115V AC 1.2 A@230V AC
---|---
Power consumption at 1/3 power in medium use conditions (**)| 4.9 A@115V AC 3 A@230V AC
Power consumption with speaker on but no signal (idle):| 450 mA@115 V AC 265 mA @ 230 V AC
Inrush current:| 3 A
Total permissible current and power in a linked system:| 15.1 A – 1660 W max / 13 A – 2990 W max

  • NOTE FOR THE INSTALLER: Values refer to 1/8 power under normal operating conditions (music program with rare or no clipping). For any configuration type, we recommend considering them to be the minimum values for dimensioning.
    ** NOTE FOR THE INSTALLER: Values refer to 1/3 power under heavy operating conditions (music program with frequent clipping and limiting). We recommend dimensioning in accordance with these values for professional installations and tours.

DIMENSIONS

Material: Plywood cabinet with polyurethane paint finish
Grille: Painted / CNC machined
Provision for fly-bar: No
Handles: Integrated
Pole mounting: No
Width: 650 mm
Height: 360 mm
Depth: 490 mm
Weight: 29 kg

Product features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice. dBTechnologies reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacturing without any obligation to change or improve previously manufactured products.

A.E.B. Industriale Srl Via Brodolini, 8 Località Crespellano 40053 VALSAMOGGIA BOLOGNA (ITALIA)
Tel +39 051 969870
Fax +39 051 969725
www.dbtechnologies.com
info@dbtechnologies-aeb.com
Cod. 420120335 REV. 1.1

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