Ecler MASS1015P User manual

USER MANUAL

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES

MANUEL UTILISATEUR

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

MASS1015P

DPM3003

.amiclab-m3

2

3

USER MANUAL

1. IMPORTANT NOTE 004

2. INTRODUCTION: CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF A LINE ARRAY SYSTEM 005

3. THE LINE ARRAY BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P 010

4. ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTIONS 013

5. ABOUT DPM3003 018

6. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 020

7. GRAPHIC USER INTERFACE 021

8. DIAGRAMS 036

9. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 139

10. BLOCK DIAGRAM 141

All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. BET ACOUSTICS reserves the right to make changes or

improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

4

1. IMPORTANT NOTE

Congratulations! You have just become the owner of the result of careful design and painstaking

manufacturing. We thank you for placing your confidence in us by selecting our Line Array MASS1015P

system.

To obtain maximum use and performance it is VERY IMPORTANT that you read this manual

carefully before using the system and that you take notice of the indications presented in it.

To ensure optimum functioning of the system we recommend that maintenance be carried out by

technical service personnel authorised by us.

1.1. Precautions and recommendations

The Line Array BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P system is capable of delivering levels of sound

pressure that are capable of damaging the human ear. Protect your hearing when working with high

sound levels near the system.

All BET ACOUSTICS products are tested and checked before leaving the factory and should

therefore be in perfect condition on delivery.

Carefully unpack the product and observe its condition. If it has been damaged during transport

please check the damage so that you can send a report to the haulage contractor and return the product

immediately. Only consignees can initiate a claim against a haulage contractor if damage has been

caused during transport. The claimant is responsible for keeping all packaging parts for later inspection.

This apparatus must be earthed through its mains cable.

Should any connection / disconnection task be done, always disconnect the unit from the mains

supply.

There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.

Please ensure that the system is not exposed to sunlight or rain.

Ground Loops

Care should be taken, so that the different mechanical and electrical grounds, as well as the

chassis and ground connections arriving to the device, to be independent from each other.

Ground loops can be easily detected through a low frequency hum noise (50Hz). Depending on

the level of this noise, it can interfere on the music quality.

Audio connections

Usually, many people do not care enough about the quality of cables. Many times, because of a

bad connection or bad quality cables, there can be important problems during the music reproduction.

Cleaning

The control panel must not be cleaned with any dissolvent, abrasive or petroleum derived

substance else paint and silk-printing could be damaged. Whenever cleaning should be necessary use a

soft cloth slightly wet with water and neutral liquid soap. Be careful that no liquid gets into the unit

through its orifices. Never use sharp or erosive objects to scratch the control panel.

5

2. INTRODUCTION: CONCEPT AND DEFINITION OF A LINE ARRAY SYSTEM

LINE ARRAY: “A group of emitting elements placed close together in a straight line, emitting with

the same phase and amplitude”. As per Harry F. Olson in his work “Acoustical Engineering and

Dynamical Analogies” (New York, 1940

Currently the advantages of line array systems over conventional sound equipment are common

knowledge: greater control of auditive coverage level, increased performance, greater projection,

optimisation of frontal emission and also lower weight and volume to handle.

The purpose of the following sections of this user manual is to provide a simplified view of the

behaviour of line array systems and familiarise the user with the basic concepts of acoustics and

electroacoustics.

2.1. Historical introduction

Although the commercial development of Line Array systems began to expand in the 90s, the

acoustic principles that govern the behaviour of line array systems date back to observations made and

parallelisms introduced more than 150 years ago in the field of acoustics after the study of the behaviour

of polarised light.

The analogy between the behaviour of both types of radiation, light and sound, makes it possible

to establish the basic theories on which are based the minimum requirements that define the behaviour

of sound amplification systems such as the line array.

To understand the advantages of a line array system over a conventional sound system it is

important to keep in mind how sound behaves from the point of view of propagation.

2.2. Sound propagation

There are three basic natural forms of propagation of sound in air, each of which has its own

characteristics as regards form and pressure level attenuation as a function of the distance of the

listener from the sound source:

a) Spherical waves

These are emitted by a point source of sound which sends out a

spherical wave front, which therefore obey the inverse square law:

In this case, the level of sound pressure is attenuated by 6dB SPL for

each doubling of the distance between the listener and the sound

source in open air.

b) Cylindrical waves

These are emitted by a line of juxtaposed sound sources. The sound

emission of the group behaves as a cylindrical wave front with

attenuation with respect to the sound source of 3dB SPL.

Basically with a line array system the behaviour of the wave front for

a given range of frequencies follows this type of propagation so long

as the listener is located within the so-called near field (see section

2.3.).

The propagation of cylindrical waves is clearly advantageous as compared with the type of

propagation of spherical waves.

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c) Plane waves:

These are generated, for example, in the interior of pipes with a given length and diameter in which

the acoustics are maintained independently of distance covered by the wave front with respect to the

source of sound emission.

In this case the level of sound pressure is not attenuated with distance. This type of wave is

synthesised in the so-called Kundt tubes, but are infrequent in nature.

2.3. LINE ARRAY systems as sources of cylindrical waves

As was shown in the previous section the conditions under which a line array behaves as a

source of cylindrical sound waves depend on factors such as array length and the frequency used, and

can be expressed in a simplified way with the following formula:

D<H

2

f/2c

Where

H: array length (determined by the number of sound enclosures

used)

f: frequency

c: sound speed

D: frontal distance between the near region (Fresnel region) and the

far region (Fraunhofer region)

For distances greater than D the wave front emitted by a line array ceases to be cylindrical and

tends to become spherical, with a consequent attenuation of the sound pressure level of 6dB SPL on

doubling the distance from the array.

It is important to keep in mind that the behaviour in the near field of a line array system is in

actual fact qualitatively more complex given that each point located in this region is affected by the

pressure level contributions related to the distance to each one of the components that constitute each

of the acoustic enclosures that make up a line array.

This is why line arrays require suitably adjusted sound signal equalization and processing.

2.4. Directivity of LINE ARRAY systems

The efficiency of line array systems is based on constructive and destructive interference. The

pattern of any sound wave front begins to behave directive when the wavelength () of the sound is

comparable with the dimensions of the emitting surface.

If two acoustic boxes that emit the same frequency, phase and amplitude (see section 2) are

grouped, the resulting pattern of sound emission is different than when they emit separately:

 At points along the axis between them there will be constructive interference with a resultant sound

level 6dB greater than with only one sound source.

 At points outside the axis between them the difference in the distance travelled by the wave fronts

will cause cancellations, resulting in a lowered sound pressure level. This is the so-called

phenomenon of destructive interference or combing.

7

The graphs included below depict the sound pressure level maps resulting from grouping 8

generic point sources of sound, the centres of each separated by 56 cm.

As can be seen, the directivity of the group of 8 sources differs as compared to that of one single

source, varying as a function of frequency.

Eight point sources of sound emitting in phase with the same amplitude.

Comparison of the vertical coverage as compared with one single point source as a function of frequency.

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Eight point sources of sound emitting in phase with the same amplitude.

Comparison of the vertical coverage as compared with one single point source as a function of frequency.

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Eight point sources of sound emitting in phase with the same amplitude.

Comparison of the vertical coverage as compared with one single point source as a function of frequency.

10

As is to be expected, each of the acoustic enclosures that make up the line array consists of

different transducers, each of which is perfectly adapted to a range of frequencies to be reproduced and,

in general, with directive behaviour that varies with frequency and differs notably from the directional

behaviour of a point source.

The vertical directivity of a line array is determined using the following mathematical expression:

According to this mathematical function, the vertical response of a line array group is more

directive as frequency increases, low frequencies being almost omnidirectional.

The number of acoustic enclosures in a line array is related to resultant vertical directivity and is

therefore an important parameter on designing equipment for specific applications.

BET ACOUSTICS makes available to you the simulation program EASE FOCUS with the

corresponding library for predicting the behaviour of the MASS1015P system. EASE FOCUS allows

rapid and efficient determination of the number of acoustic enclosures needed as well as the optimum

angle between them to obtain sufficient and homogeneous sound pressure levels in the entire audience

area.

EASE FOCUS can be downloaded free from www.betacoustics.com

3. THE LINE ARRAY BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P

3.1. General description of the system

The BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P is a three-way line array system consisting of:

 1 15" bass loudspeaker

 1 10" middle frequency loudspeaker

 2 1" compression motors for treble frequencies equipped with waveguides and a 90º diffusor for

horizontal coverage

The system is capable of reproducing an extensive bandpass range, (35 Hz – 18.000 Hz)

sufficient to make it a full range system which makes it possible to do without woofer or subwoofer

support systems. In this manner, a more coherent wave front is obtained as the entire information

bearing frequency range (80–18.000Hz), in addition to the most dense mass motion range (35–80 Hz),

proceed from the same source.

The acoustic enclosures that constitute the system are made from 18-mm thick laminated

phenolic birch wood with sufficient internal reinforcements to prevent undesirable mechanical vibrations,

providing the required robustness for the intended type of application.

With a textured black paint finish, each acoustic enclosure contains a flying system, 4 lateral

handles for transport as well as a frontal protective grille with acoustically transparent foam that protects

loudspeakers from splatter and against entry of foreign objects that occasionally can damage them.

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The components and architecture used for each of the ways of the system are described below:

BASS FREQUENCIES

The MASS1015P system uses a 15" bass frequency loudspeaker. As is shown in the diagram,

the loudspeaker is inclined. Thus the distance between the axes of the various stacked acoustic

enclosures is reduced, achieving a greater resultant sound pressure level.

By means of the aperture in the central partition wall of the enclosure the volumetric space is

optimized as regards loudspeaker rear load, creating a labyrinth that creates backward motion for

maximum improvement of the in-phaseness of front and rear emissions.

If access to the loudspeaker is required for maintenance purposes, the protective grille is

removed and the loudspeaker removed from the front of the enclosure.

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MIDDLE FREQUENCIES

For middle frequencies the system is equipped with a 10" loudspeaker with a neodymium magnet

that is hermetically sealed in its own rear chassis, which provides increased pressure that translates into

greater performance at middle frequencies. To support these pressures, the loudspeaker is equipped

with a curvilinear carbon-fibre cone.

As shown in the diagram, the system includes a corrector to reduce the distance between the

axes of the middle frequency wave fronts.

If access to the loudspeaker is required for maintenance purposes, the protective grille is

removed and the loudspeaker removed from the front of the enclosure. The corrector is fastened with

two screws to the loudspeaker itself, which maintains the cases separated.

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TREBLES FREQUENCIES

For the trebles 2 compression motors are combined as an optimum solution with a neodymium

magnet with waveguides, thus obtaining maximum coupling between both transducers. Both waveguides

are loaded with a diffuser with 90º horizontal coverage, projecting a wave front that is 10" high.

If the mobile treble motor groups need to be replaced, the protective grille is removed so that they

can be removed from the front of the system.

4. ASSEMBLY AND CONNECTIONS

The acoustic enclosures of the MASS1015P system have been carefully studied and designed

for rapid, efficient and secure assembly, disassembly and storage of a line array:

 Handling and operation of the BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P system is simple owing to the 4

transport handles.

 All of the units can be stacked together, forming easily handled, stored and transported clusters.

 The reduced weight and compact size of each unit facilitates their handling.

 The configurations can be kept assembled after events, both for transport as well as storage.

 The flying system between enclosures contains only one type of connecting rod for easy

disassembly of units.

 All fastenings are made with pins with magnetic heads for rapid handling.

 The elevation mechanism is easily disassembled.

 One single pin is used for all necessary functions as regards interconnection of units.

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TRANSPORT, STORAGE

The most practical and usual way of transporting the BET ACOUSTICS MASS1015P system is in

configured clusters. In this way the configuration of the vertical coverage of the system can be

maintained in addition to enabling transport of the iron elevation fittings installed in the same cluster.

CALIBRATION OF VERTICAL COVERAGE

The calibration of vertical coverage of the system is easily carried out prior to being flown. The

positions of the pins are altered as indicated on the silk-screen print on the lateral, frontal iron fitting, the

intervals of the positions being 1º.

The positions of the pins of the rear laterals are not changed as the rear mechanism is only

intended to serve as a hinge.

DESCRIPTIVE DIAGRAMS

The following diagrams describe each of the acoustic enclosures of the BET ACOUSTICS

MASS1015P system as well as its various flying parts.

1- The system includes four handles, two on each side, both strategically placed for maintaining

equilibrium during individual transport. The orifices of the two handles on the right side of the system act

as bass resonators.

2- There are four rabbets at the top of each unit which serve to accommodate the skids of the unit

stacked on top.

3- At the bottom of each unit there are four skids that are inserted in the unit stacked below.

4- The lateral iron fittings together with the "strut" connecting rods serve as hinges.

5- The lateral, front iron fittings calibrated degree for degree determine the vertical angle between each

of the units.

6- Connecting rod that serves as a strut.

7- 9.8 mm diameter pin with magnetic head.

FRONT

LATERAL

5º-

4º-

3º-

2º-

1º-

0º-

REAR

3

4

5

6

2

1

7

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ASSEMBLY

1- MASS1015P units.

2- Elevation system.

3– Wheel transport system.

4– Lateral elevation system plate.

5– Central elevation system plate.

6– Beam for connecting the elevation cord.

7– Union beam for the lateral and central plates.

8– Rivet for fastening lateral plates to the beam.

9– Drill holes for lateral plates.

5º-

4º-

3º-

2º-

1º-

0º-

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4º-

3º-

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1

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8

9

1

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1– Rear, bottom fastening pin of a unit for the connecting rod that functions as a strut between it and the

next unit below.

2– Top, rear pin to the connecting rod to avoid swaying of the system.

3– Fastening pin of the top rear of a unit that serves as a strut between it and the next unit above.

4– Fastening pin of the bottom front of a unit to the connecting rod that functions as a strut between it

and the next unit below.

5– Fastening pin of the top front of a unit that functions as a strut between it and the next unit above.

The position of pin no. 5 determines the angle of the opening between units (lower and upper) as

indicated by the silk print inscribed in the lateral, front iron fittings.

The maximum angular opening between two contiguous units is five degrees. It is possible to

calibrate this opening in intervals of one degree.

5º-

4º-

3º-

2º-

1º-

0º-

REAR

FRONT

1

2

3

4

5

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1– Cluster assembly of 3 units.

2– Cluster assembly of 3 units, with the “Bumper”.

3– The cluster is elevated and the wheel transport unit removed.

4– After elevating cluster no. 1, cluster no. 2 is positioned below it (cluster without “Bumper”).

5– After the skids of the lower unit cluster no. 2 have been inserted in the accommodations of the upper

unit cluster no. 1, the two are fastened with the connecting rods by inserting the magnetic pins.

6– After all of the units have been connected the system is elevated and removed from the wheel

transport system.

5º-

4º-

3º-

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5. ABOUT DPM3003

The DPM3003 includes an one input, three outputs .amic DSP processor and three class D

amplifiers (see chapter 9 for full characteristics).

This .amic card is a powerful and fully programmable digital signal processor with one high

quality audio input channel and three output channels (each one routed to the input of one out of the

three amplifiers), as well as a USB computer link.

The available connections on the surface of the module are

 One XLR audio input

 One STACK (link) audio output

 Two PowerCon® sockets: connect one of them to the AC mains and use the other one to

link and deliver AC voltage to the next DPM3003 used in the chain (usually a line array

set of cabinets).

 One USB port.

There are also 7 LED indicators available:

 ON

 STANDBY / THERMAL PROTECTION (it will be lit during stand by mode or if a thermal

protection is activated while the module is in the ON mode)

 PROTECT (protection activated)

 CLIP HIGH, CLIP MID, CLIP LOW (clipping warning for each amplifier)

 SIGNAL PRESENT (an audio signal is detected at the input stage)

The DPM3003 operates with alternate current (AC) between 100 and 264V at 47 to 63Hz. This

device features an oversized power supply which adapts itself to any mains voltage around the world,

without the need of manual adjustment.

It is important not to place the module next to electrical noise sources such as transformers,

voltage dimmers, motors, etc. or their mains supply cables. The metal cover of the device should never

be removed under any circumstance for that same reason.

The cooling system is a back-to-back design, forced ventilation with variable speed fan. However,

it is advisable not to expose the unit to extreme temperatures as well as ensure a dry and dust-free

operating environment.

It is always advisable to follow this power up sequence: signal sources, mixing unit, processor

and, finally, power amplifiers. The power down sequence must follow exactly a reverse order. By closely

following this sequences, all peaks or transients produced by switching on and off devices do not affect

the next devices in the chain and, of course, never reach the loudspeakers, which are extremely

sensitive about this.

19

5.1. About .amiclab-m3

.amiclab-m3 is a graphic editor

software for Windows® allowing easy and

friendly interactive control of all the

DPM3003 processor functionalities.

Its interface looks like hardware

equipment, but has all software benefits as

curve graphic editing, presets loading and

saving as files, etc.

5.2. Features

DPM3003 hardware has one audio

input and one audio Stack (link) output, both

with professional XLR3 connector. It also

has 3 internal outputs for feeding the 3-way

amps system.

Firmware is the code used to operate

DPM3003 hardware, giving it audio

processing features described in the

following block diagram:

There are three of such processing chains in DPM3003, one per audio way. Each of these chains

will be named "processing channel".

.amiclab-m3 offers a powerful and easy to use graphic user interface to control and edit all

parameters related to DPM3003 firmware's features in real time.

20

6. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

6.1. System requirements

.amiclab-m3 needs a PC with Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP/VISTA/7 x32 x64 (a Pentium III

600MHz or more with 128 MB of RAM or greater is recommended), a USB port (1.1 or 2.0), and a VGA

video card with a minimum 800x600 resolution (1024x768 recommended). The computer doesn't act

upon audio processor efficiency, since all processing is done inside DPM3003 DSP. It is only used to

graphically edit parameters.

Before being able to use .amiclab-m3 to communicate with DPM3003, you have to install the

USB driver. This driver allows the PC to recognize DPM3003, and gives .amiclab-m3 a method to

communicate with the hardware.

6.2. USB driver installation

In order to install the USB driver, you'll need "amicusb.inf" and "amicusb.sys" files from

.amiclab-m3 CD-ROM:

1. Connect the USB cable between DPM3003 and the computer. A "Found New Hardware Wizard"

window will appear.

2. Select "Install from a list or specific location" and browse to the right files path.

The wizard will automatically install the driver.

6.3. Graphic editor installation

1. Run the "setup_amiclab_m3.exe" file and follow installer instructions.

2. .amiclab-m3 will be installed in a folder named "\Program Files\amiclab-m3" in the hard disk.

During the installation, you can choose a different location (folder) for the software.

3. Confirm each installation process window by clicking on "Next" button. Installation may be

cancelled at any time by clicking on "Cancel" button.

4. When the installation is complete, click "Finish" to go back to Windows® desktop or to

automatically launch .amiclab-m3 if "Launch .amiclab-m3" option has been chosen.

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