OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 500-HP Compact High-Power Subwoofer Keep these important operating instructions. Check www.meyersound.com for updates.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ACCORDING TO ISO/IEC GUIDE 22 AND EN 45014 Conforms to the following Product Specifications Safety: IEC 60065: 2005 EN 60065: 2002 EMC: EN 55103-1: 1997 emission (1) EN 55103-2: 1997 immunity (2) Environmental specifications for Meyer Sound Electronics products Operating Temperature Non operating Temperature Humidity Operating Altitude Non operating Altitude Shock Vibration 0° C to +45° C <–40° C or >+75° C to 95% at 35° C to 4600 m (15,000 ft) to 6300 m (25,000 ft) 30 g 11 msec
SYMBOLS USED These symbols indicate important safety or operating features in this booklet and on the chassis: ! Dangerous voltages: risk of electric shock Important operating instructions Frame or chassis Protective earth ground Pour indiquer les risques résultant de tensions dangereuses Pour indequer important instructions Masse, châssis Terre de protection Warnung vor gefährlicher elektrischer Spannung Wichtige Betriebsanweisung oder Gebrauchsanleitung Rahmen oder Gehäuse Masse Schutzleiter
SAFETY SUMMARY English To reduce the risk of electric shock, disconnect the loudspeaker from the AC mains before installing audio cable. Reconnect the power cord only after making all signal connections. Connect the loudspeaker to a two-pole, three-wire grounding mains receptacle. The receptacle must be connected to a fuse or circuit breaker. Connection to any other type of receptacle poses a shock hazard and may violate local electrical codes.
CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction How to Use This Manual Introducing the 500-HP Subwoofer Chapter 2: Power Requirements AC Power Distribution The AC Connectors Power Connector Wiring 500-HP Voltage Requirements 500-HP Current Requirements Electrical Safety Issues Chapter 3: Amplification and Audio Audio Connections with VEAM Cabling Audio Input Modules Amplifier Cooling System Chapter 4: Integrating 500-HP Subwoofers Integrating 500-HP Subwoofers with Meyer Sound Loudspeaker Systems Daisy-Chaining 500-HP
CONTENTS vi
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL INTRODUCING THE 500-HP SUBWOOFER Make sure to read these operating instructions in their entirety before configuring a loudspeaker system with 500-HP subwoofers. In particular, pay close attention to material related to safety issues. The 500-HP is a compact, high-output subwoofer that integrates smartly with other Meyer Sound loudspeakers, enhancing the low-frequency headroom in a variety of fullrange systems.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION allows the subwoofer to be easily paired with UltraSeries™ loudspeakers. Also included with all 500-HPs are durable plastic bottom skids that protect the enclosure and align with its top slots for secure stacking. The 500-HP boasts an operating frequency range of 35 Hz to 140 Hz and a peak SPL of 135 dB. Designed and manufactured at Meyer Sound's Berkeley, California headquarters, the 500-HP's two 12-inch cone drivers are engineered for extreme efficiency at low frequencies.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 500-HP Groundstacked with M’elodies MG-M’elodie Grid with 500-HP and M’elodie Array 9
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 10
CHAPTER 2: POWER REQUIREMENTS The 500-HP subwoofer combines advanced loudspeaker technology with equally advanced power capabilities. Understanding power distribution, voltage and current requirements, as well as electrical safety issues, is critical to the safe operation of the 500-HP.
CHAPTER 2: POWER REQUIREMENTS The AC Loop Output Connector (Gray) POWER CONNECTOR WIRING The gray AC Loop Output connector allows multiple 500-HP subwoofers to be looped and powered from a single power source. Connect the AC Loop Output of the first 500-HP to the AC Input of the second 500-HP, and so forth. The AC Loop Output uses a PowerCon3 AC mains locking connector that prevents accidental disconnections. The 500-HP requires a grounded outlet.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: The power source for the 500-HP should always operate within the required voltage range, at least a few volts from the upper and lower ranges. This will ensure that AC voltage variations from the service entry — or peak voltage drops due to cable runs — will not cause the loudspeaker’s amplifiers to cycle on and off or cause damage to the power supply.
CHAPTER 2: POWER REQUIREMENTS NOTE: For best performance, the AC cable voltage drop should not exceed 10 V, or 10 percent at 115 V and 5 percent at 230 V. Make sure that even with AC voltage drops that the AC voltage always remains within the operating windows. ■ Use the cable ring on the rear of the 500-HP subwoofer to reduce strain on the connected AC power and audio cables. Do not use the cable ring for any other purpose.
CHAPTER 3: AMPLIFICATION AND AUDIO The low-frequency drivers in the 500-HP are powered by a two-channel proprietary Meyer Sound amplifier with MOSFET output stages. The audio signal is processed with an electronic crossover, correction filters for phase and frequency response, and driver protection circuitry. Each channel has peak and rms limiters that prevent driver over-excursion and regulate the temperature of the voice coil. The user panel on the back of the 500-HP has two slots for modules.
CHAPTER 3: AMPLIFICATION AND AUDIO Loop Output Connector Limit LED The male XLR Loop connector allows multiple 500-HP subwoofers to be looped from a single audio source. Connect the Loop output of the first 500-HP to the Input of the second 500-HP, and so forth. The Loop connector is wired in parallel to the Input connector and transmits the unbuffered source signal even when the 500-HP is powered off.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS On/Temp LED Polarity Switch When the 500-HP is powered on, its On/Temp LED turns green. If the temperature of the heatsink reaches 85° C (185° F), the On/Temp LED changes from green to red and the limiter threshold is lowered to a safe level to prevent the system from overheating. Under high temperature conditions the output level is reduced by approximately 6 dB. The Polarity switch lets you change the polarity of the source signal.
CHAPTER 3: AMPLIFICATION AND AUDIO AMPLIFIER COOLING SYSTEM The amplifier for the 500-HP uses natural convection for cooling at low to moderate audio levels; for high audio levels, it uses Meyer Sound’s proprietary QuietCool™ fan technology to prevent overheating. The QuietCool fan only engages at high audio levels, making it virtually inaudible. CAUTION: The heatsink for the 500-HP can reach temperatures of up to 85° C (185° F) during extreme operation.
CHAPTER 4: INTEGRATING 500-HP SUBWOOFERS INTEGRATING 500-HP SUBWOOFERS WITH MEYER SOUND LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEMS It is often necessary to augment mid-high and full-range loudspeaker systems with subwoofers when higher SPL is needed, or when the program content requires additional low-frequency energy (for example, for sound reinforcement for popular music).
CHAPTER 4: INTEGRATING 500-HP SUBWOOFERS Placement for 500-HP Subwoofers An important factor governing subwoofer response is their placement relative to adjacent surfaces. Subwoofers gain significant power by coupling (or loading) with nearby floors and walls. A subwoofer placed on the floor benefits from half-space loading and generates approximately 6 dB of additional SPL on-axis into the room compared to the same subwoofer in free space (suspended).
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS measurement system like Meyer Sound’s SIM 3 is recommended to determine appropriate delay and polarity settings. DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSORS AND 500-HP SUBWOOFERS Full-range signals can be connected directly to Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers and subwoofers because they have built-in active crossovers. External crossovers and digital signal processors are optional and should be used with caution as they can introduce phase shifts that cause destructive cancellations.
CHAPTER 4: INTEGRATING 500-HP SUBWOOFERS 22
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING 500-HP subwoofers equipped with the optional MRF-500 rigging frame can be linked directly to the MG-M’elodie multipurpose grid, M’elodie loudspeakers, as well as additional 500-HPs to form flown and groundstacked arrays. In addition, all 500-HPs have a 1.5-inch pole-mount receptacle for mounting UltraSeries loudspeakers that include support for pole-mount adapters.
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING GuideALinks are easily set to one of three positions (A, B, or C) with accessible knobs. GuideALink labels indicate the position of the links. A wide range of splay angles and configurations, including cardioid arrays, are possible with the different combinations of positions for the front, middle, and rear GuideALinks. Knobs knob turns, reset it in the link with Loctite 290 and let it cure for 48 hours. Retest the link before the unit is flown.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Groundstacking 500-HPs with M’elodies A maximum of five M’elodies can be groundstacked above a single 500-HP. When groundstacking a M’elodie above a 500-HP, the M’elodie’s GuideALinks should be attached to the front and middle slots of the 500-HP. The M’elodies can be groundstacked at angles from +5 degrees (downtilt) to –5 degrees (uptilt) in 1-degree increments.
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING CAUTION: When securing GuideALinks to the MG-M’elodie grid, make sure to use the quickrelease pins with the red or blue buttons. Do not use the quick-release pins with the black buttons, included with 500-HPs and M’elodies, as they are shorter and will not lock properly in place. ! The MG-M’elodie GuideALinks can also be attached to the rear and middle slots of the 500-HP.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Adjusting the Angle for MG-M’elodie Grid and 500-HP Configurations When the MG-M’elodie’s front and rear GuideALinks are set to position A, the attached 500-HP is flown at 0 degrees. Angles of +5 and –5 degrees are also possible by adjusting the grid’s GuideALinks positions. For example, Figure 3 shows the MG-M’elodie’s front GuideALinks set to position A and the rear GuideALinks set to position B, and attached to the 500-HP front and middle slots respectively.
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING more information, see “MG-M’elodie Grid Load Ratings” on page 26 and “500-HP Load Ratings” on page 30. Table 7: 500-HP GuideALink Positions for Flown 500-HPs 500-HP with Flown 500-HPs GuideALink Positions When flying 500-HPs, the front and rear GuideALinks are attached to the front and rear slots of the flown 500-HP (the middle GuideALinks are not used). The most common angle for flown 500-HPs is 0 degrees.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 500-HPs with Flown M’elodies Table 8: 500-HP GuideALink Positions for Flown M’elodies 500-HPs can be flown within M’elodie arrays to supplement and extend low-frequency headroom. In these mixed arrays, the 500-HPs are typically positioned at the top of the array (at a 0-degree relation to each other) with the M’elodies flown below the 500-HPs, with an uptilt or downtilt, as dictated by the needs of the system.
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING 500-HP Load Ratings THE MCF-500 CASTER FRAME Table 9 lists the maximum number of M’elodies that can be safely suspended from a 500-HP. For MG-M’elodie load ratings, see “MG-M’elodie Grid Load Ratings” on page 26 The heavy-duty MCF-500 caster frame can transport stacks of up to three 500-HP subwoofers (fitted with or without MRF-500 rigging frames). The caster frame can also be used for groundstacking 500-HPs, though this option requires that the four wheels be safely blocked.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Safety Guidelines for Using the MCF-500 Caster Frame ■ Do not stack more than three 500-HPs. ■ When transporting stacks, use straps to secure the 500-HPs, especially if the cabinets are not fitted with the MRF-500 rigging frames. ■ When transporting 500-HPs fitted with rigging frames, pin the GuideALinks so the units are at 0 degrees to each other, thereby ensuring their center of gravity is near the center of the caster frame.
CHAPTER 5: QUICKFLY RIGGING 32
CHAPTER 6: THE RMS REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM An optional RMS remote monitoring system module can be installed in the 500-HP, allowing it to be connected to an RMS network. RMS allows real-time monitoring of multiple Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers from a Windowsbased computer. The RMS host computer communicates with Meyer Sound loudspeakers (equipped with RMS modules) via a simple twisted pair network, or an Ethernet network using an FT-10 to Ethernet adapter.
CHAPTER 6: THE RMS REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM The RMS software displays all loudspeakers on the network in a panel with icons, Meter views, and Text views that can be customized to suit your needs. Loudspeaker data is updated 2–5 times per second. Individual loudspeakers can be physically identified with the Wink option in RMS, which lights the Wink LED on the RMS module for that particular loudspeaker.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Reset Button Pressing the Reset button causes the RMS module’s firmware to reboot; this will not affect whether the loudspeaker is commissioned (which is stored in flash memory). You can simultaneously press the Reset and Service buttons to reset the RMS module and decommission the loudspeaker from the network (see “Resetting the RMS Module” on page 35). Activity LED (Green) The green Activity LED flashes continuously when the loudspeaker has been successfully commissioned.
CHAPTER 6: THE RMS REMOTE MONITORING SYSTEM 36
CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM DESIGN AND INTEGRATION TOOLS Meyer Sound offers two comprehensive tools to assist with the acoustical and functional requirements of system design and optimization. This chapter introduces MAPP Online Pro, Meyer Sound’s patented online acoustical prediction tool, and SIM 3, a comprehensive system for measurement and analysis.
CHAPTER 7: SYSTEM DESIGN AND INTEGRATION TOOLS Using MAPP Online Pro Source Independent Measurement Technique MAPP Online Pro is compatible with the following operating systems: The SIM 3 audio analyzer implements Meyer Sound’s source independent measurement technique, a dual-channel method that accommodates statistically unpredictable excitation signals. Any excitation signal within a desired frequency range can be used to obtain highly accurate measurements for acoustical or electronic systems.
APPENDIX A: OPTIONAL VEAM MULTIPIN CONNECTOR The 500-HP subwoofer requires a grounded outlet. It is very important that the system be properly grounded in order to operate safely and properly. Figure 8 illustrates correct wiring for the creation of power cables and distribution systems for 500-HP subwoofers equipped with VEAM multipin connectors.
APPENDIX A: OPTIONAL VEAM MULTIPIN CONNECTOR 40
APPENDIX B: OPTIONAL RAIN HOOD Weather-protected versions of the 500-HP subwoofer are available with rain hood kits that safeguard the subwoofer’s electronics from the elements in fixed, outdoor installations. The rain hood kit is comprised of two heat sink rain hoods that protect the heat sinks, and one user panel rain hood that protects the user panel and connectors.
APPENDIX B: OPTIONAL RAIN HOOD 3. Attach the user panel rain hood assembly to the user panel, slipping it under the flange at the top of the panel and securing it to the bottom with the two lock pins. User panel rain hood assembly Lock pins 4. Secure the two heat sink hood frames to the two amplifier faces with the 8-32 x .25 flat head screws, two each at the top and bottom of the frames. 8-32 flat head screws Heat sink rain hood assembly Heat sink rain hood frame 8-32 pan head screws 5.
APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS 500-HP COMPACT HIGH-POWER SUBWOOFER SPECIFICATIONS 500-HP Specifications ACOUSTICAL Operating Frequency Range 35 Hz – 140 Hz Note: Recommended maximum operating frequency range. Response depends on loading conditions and room acoustics. Frequency Response 36 Hz – 130 Hz ±4 dB Note: Measured free field with 1/3 octave frequency resolution at 4 meters.
APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS 500-HP Specifications AMPLIFIER Type Two-channel complementary MOSFET output stages (class AB/H) Output Power 1800 W total (2 x 900 W) Note: Wattage rating based on the maximum unclipped burst sine-wave rms voltage the amplifier will produce into the nominal load impedance; both channels 42 V rms into 2 ohms.
500-HP OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS [286 mm] 8.50 [216 mm] Ø1.52 [Ø39 mm] 22.50 [572 mm] 18.00 [457 mm] 15.45 [392 mm] 22.18 [563 mm] 26.55 [674 mm] 18.23 [463 mm] 500-HP Dimensions [286 mm] 8.50 [216 mm] Ø1.52 [Ø39 mm] 22.50 [572 mm] 18.00 [457 mm] 15.45 [392 mm] 22.18 [563 mm] 28.27 [718 mm] 26.47 [672 mm] 18.
APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS MCF-500 CASTER FRAME SPECIFICATIONS MCF-500 Specifications PHYSICAL Materials and Components Premium birch plywood base with black finish; steel-reinforced brackets; high-density polyethylene protective bumpers on all four sides. Dimensions 30.22" w x 6.63" h x 23.96" d (768 mm x 168 mm x 609 mm) Weight Weight 39 lbs (17.69 kg) 30.22 [768 mm] 23.96 [609 mm] 25.00 [635 mm] 16.20 [411 mm] 6.63 [168 mm] 20.45 [519 mm] MCF-500 Caster Frame Dimensions 46 19.
Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc. 2832 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, CA 94702 www.meyersound.com T: +1 510 486.1166 F: +1 510 486.835 © 2009 Meyer Sound. All rights reserved. 500-HP — 05.187.045.
