Active audio SB115 Passive Subwoofer User Manual
- June 8, 2024
- Active Audio
Table of Contents
Active audio SB115 Passive Subwoofer
Introduction
The SB115 subwoofer is designed to extend the bass response of column
loudspeakers Step-Array. It is passive, has no filter, and therefore requires
filtering upstream of the amplifier
SB115 is very compact and can be positioned both horizontally and vertically
for optimal visual integration.
The high-end 15-inch loudspeaker is loaded with an enclosure operating in interactive dual volume mode. It achieves a remarkably low cut-off in a small volume, while yielding sharp and dynamic sound.
The SB115 subwoofer can be used for background and foreground music, audiovisual programs, small live, in :
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Amphitheaters
- Places of worship
- …
Requirements and installation
We recommended that the SB115 be positioned far enough away from the audience, so that the sound coverage is uniform over the entire audience. The distance separating the SB115 from the closest listeners must be greater than the reverberation distance. Thus, practically speaking, the SB115 must be placed at least 3 meters from the closest audience members.
In terms of maximum sound level, the SB115 is designed to be aligned Step- Array column loudspeakers. To maximize the power of the column loudspeakers, we recommend:
- As many SB115 as there are SA180, SA250, R210
- 1 SB115 for 2 SA100 or 2 R110
When several SB115 are used to deliver the same signal, theoretically 3dB
efficiency and SPL may be gained by positioning them together (e.g. side by
side or one on top of the other). The maximum sound level obtained with two
adjacent SB115s will then be 6dB greater than that obtained with a single
SB115. On the other hand, the sound coverage may be more uniform if they are
distributed around the room.
The SB115 can be placed horizontally on the floor, or vertically against a
wall.
Wiring
For SB115, use 2 x 1,5mm² cable when the distance between the amplifier and the SB115 is less than 50m: 2 x 2,5mm² for greater distances.
The SB115 connector can be used to connect several subwoofers in daisy chain configuration as shown in figure 2. This naturally presupposes that a suitable amplifier is used. Thus, for N subs connected to the amplifier a daisy chain configuration:
- In low impedance mode: the amplifier must withstand a load impedance of 8/N Ohms and must deliver sufficient maximum power.
Figure 2: Connecting multiple SB115 in a daisy chain configuration
Recommended equalization
Table 1 gives the recommended equalization and crossover settings for the SB115 used with Step-Array column loudspeakers. The corresponding response curves are given in figure 3.
| SB115 | |
|---|---|
| HPF freq (Hz) | 40.3 |
| HPF shape (dB/oct) | But18 |
| LPF freq (Hz) | 160 |
| LPF shape (dB/oct) | LR24 |
| Gain OEM (dB) | 6 |
| DA Gain OEM | 0 |
| EQ1 freq (Hz) | 44 |
| EQ1 width (Oct) | 0.479 |
| EQ1 gain (dB) | 6 |
Tableau 1: Recommended equalization when using the SB115 with Step-Array loudspeakers
Figure 3: curves corresponding to the equalization in Table 1 (in blue, right-hand scale); response curve of the SB115 in ½ spaces with this equalization (in red, left-hand scale)
Excursion limitation
High-amplitude signals with very low frequencies cause large membrane excursion. Excessive excursion causes harmonic distortion, which degrades the sound quality and causes a risk of damage to the loudspeaker.
It is desirable to limit the amplitude of the deflections either by reducing the amplitude of the applied signal or by placing a high pass filter upstream of the amplifier, for example, a second order Butterworth at 80Hz.
Technical data
| Acoustical | SB115 |
|---|---|
| Loudspeaker | 15’’ neodyme |
| Load type | Interactive dual chamber |
| Long-term power1 | 1100W |
| Sensitivity2 | 100dB SPL / 1W / 1m |
| Low-cut frequency2 High-cut frequency2 | 40Hz at -10dB, 43Hz at -3dB 215Hz at |
-10dB, 180Hz at -3dB
Directivity| Omnidirectional
Max continuous sound level at 1m3
| ****
142dB SPL
Nominal impedance| 8Ω
Recommended amplifier| 1100W to 2000W depending on max SPL
Filtering
Equalization and connection| 5 x 2nd order cells
Physical
Dimensions| 580 x 575 x 395mm
Volume| 38,7 litres
Net / shipping weight| 33.0kg / 34.0kg
Colour| White (RAL9016), Black (RAL9005)
Matte finish
Connection| Speakon
- As per EN60268-5, with recommended EQ.
- With continuous pink noise, crossover at 180Hz and recommended EQ.
- Noise as per EN60268-1, voltage corresponding to the long-term power, with recommended EQ.
Mechanical drawings
Warranty
The SB115 has a 5-year warranty, in accordance with the General Conditions of Sale. Malfunction problems must be reported to the manufacturer prior to any return.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible causes | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The product does not emit any sound | Connector incorrectly wire No signal is | |
| sent | Check the connection |
Check the source and the amplifier
The sound is distorted| Excessive membrane excursion| Decrease the bass level
by decreasing the gain and/or adding a high-pass filter (see above
“Equalization”)
Presence of unwanted vibrations| Objects are vibrating in the room due to the
effect of low frequencies emitted by the SB115| Identify and secure the
objects that are vibrating
Declaration of conformity
We,
ACTIVE AUDIO SAS,
8 Rue Johannes Gutenberg 44340 Bouguenais, France,
Declares under our sole responsibility that the following products
SB115,
complie with the council directive 2004/108/CE
Assessment of compliance is based on the following standards: EN50081-1,
EN61000, EN60065 Established on the 1st of June 2017 by Régis CAZIN, CEO.
www.activeaudio.fr
info@activeaudio.fr
Tel: +33 (0)2 40 46 66 64
References
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