Inserting Speaker Arrays

Large venues require the use of speaker arrays, which consist of speakers stacked in a column and topped by a bumper (top mounting bracket). Up to three different types of speakers can be included in an array. The speakers can each be tilted differently to provide maximum audio coverage for the audience.

The speaker array properties can be edited from the Object Info palette. To edit the array, select the bumper. Individual speakers can be selected and certain parameters can be set independently, but since the speakers are controlled by the array, many of their parameters are not available (see Inserting Speakers for parameter descriptions).

Paramètre	Description
Array Details
Column ID	Specifies a name for the bumper-speaker combination that makes up the array
Location	Indicates the array location (such as Downstage Right)
Purpose	Indicates the purpose of the array (such as Center Fill)
Rack	Enter notes about the rack driving the speaker
Drive Line	Indicates information about the drive line feeding signal to the speaker
Note	Enter miscellaneous notes such as rental source or stock number
Configure Array	Opens the Array Detail and Configuration dialog box, to view and edit speaker array parameters
Current Types	Lists the bumpers and speakers that make up the array, along with speaker counts
Weight	Displays the total weight of all the array components, including the bumper; click Populate Array if not displayed
Support	Displays the support type
Bottom Element Trim	Displays the vertical trim of the bottom unit; click Populate Array if not displayed
Listening Height	Sets the listening height reference for the speakers’ dispersion lines. Listening height must be less than any speaker’s elevation (Z value).
Override A/B/C Vert. Disp. with Array Angles	Calculates the dispersion based on the array’s Angle Relative to Preceding value for each speaker set on the Array tab, rather than the individual speaker’s vertical dispersion angles
Show Dispersion for Range 1/2/3	Draws the top, bottom, left, and right dispersion lines for each of the three dispersion ranges selected for display, for each speaker (or the Overall range if expanded dispersion is not selected). When applicable, a center reference line is drawn for each of the three dispersion ranges, for each of the speaker models in the array. An outline or hatch pattern representing the listening area coverage “shadow” is drawn when the throw distance and the vertical dispersion and tilt angles allow the speaker to cover the area at or below the Listening Height.
Show Dispersion Hatch	Displays hatch fills in the coverage shadow of each enabled dispersion range
Show Rigging Guides	Displays the guides which indicate the approximate location of the motors on the bumper
Populate Array	The first time the speaker array is created, click Populate Array after exiting the Array Detail and Configuration dialog box, to add the bumpers and speakers to the array
Text Options	Opens the Text Options dialog box, to enable the display and format the text of labels
Default Text Position	Restores text labels to their default positions
Classes	Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the various portions of the speaker array. This allows portions of the cabinets, grills, and other elements to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Different textures can be applied to the different part classes, for a highly realistic appearance. Use the suggested standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Speaker Array Class> to place the speaker element in the same class as the speaker array. ● Class Prefix: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for all speaker array parts; click Use Standard Classes to begin all speaker array class names with the prefix, so that they are sorted together. ● Use Standard Classes: Sets the class names for all speaker array elements to the default suggested standard names, using the Class Prefix if there is one. ● Speaker array elements: For each portion of the speaker array, specifies the class name standard; the class names shown here are applied to the elements.
Update	Updates the object when changes have been made to the Object Info palette parameters. Speaker and bumper alignment is adjusted if necessary, and the dispersion ranges and hatch are refreshed.
Load Information	A speaker array is considered a point load in Braceworks calculations; if the insertion point is on a structural element, it is considered to be a load on that structure. Load information is used for Braceworks calculations and reports (Braceworks required).
Include in Calculations (Braceworks required)	Includes the speaker array in Braceworks calculations; deselect to exclude it from participating in structural calculations
Load Group Name	The load category is always Audio for speaker array objects
Load ID	Enter a unique ID for the load for informational use in reports
Load Name	Identifies the object in load calculations
Total Weight	Enter the total weight of the object

Paramètre	Description
Definition
Type	Select a bumper from the default bumper data available in the library file; alternatively, select <Generic> to create a bumper with custom data and then save the bumper as a custom bumper in the library file. Select Import to import predefined bumper data only (such as width and weight) from a library or another file containing bumpers. The Import Bumper Type dialog box opens to select the file and type. A symbol is not imported from the file; only data is added. Select None to have no bumper included in the speaker array, such as for ground-stacked speakers or speakers with built-in hardware for installation.
Brand	Specifies the bumper manufacturer
Model	Specifies the manufacturer’s information
Save Type to Library	Saves the current bumper configuration as a new bumper type; enter the name of the bumper type. This custom bumper can then be selected from the Type list.
Delete Type from Library	Removes the speaker currently selected in Type from the library file; the current parameters remain as set, and the type becomes <Generic>
Attributes
Overall Width	Indicates the width of the entire bumper
Rear Width	Sets the width of the bumper at the back of the bumper
Overall Depth	Specifies the total depth of the bumper
Side Depth	Sets the depth of the bumper at the side
Thickness	Specifies the thickness of the bumper
Hardware Width	Sets the width of the bumper hardware (brackets)
Weight	Specifies the bumper weight
Extension Bar(s)	When extension bar or bars are present on the bumper to assist with balance and focus of the speaker array, select Center for one in the center, or Sides for bars on each side of the bumper
Length/ Height/ Width	Specifies the dimensions of the extension bar or bars
Weight	Specifies the weight of the extension bar or bars
Front Shift	Enter the distance that the bar or bars extend from the bumper; a negative number extends the bars towards the front of the bumper
Side Inset	For side extension bars, specifies the distance to inset the bars on each side
Show Rigging Guides	Indicates the approximate placement of motors; the number and location of rigging guides depends on the presence of extension bars
Front Inset	Sets the inset distance of the guides from the front of the bumper
Side Inset	When there are no extension bars, sets the inset distance of the side rigging guides
Rear Offset	Sets the inset distance of the guides from the rear of the bumper
Preview	Displays a preview of the bumper, which updates as parameters change; the arrow indicates the front face

Paramètre	Description
Definition
Type	Select a speaker from the default speaker data available in the library file; alternatively, select <Generic> to create a speaker with custom data and then save the speaker as a custom speaker in the library file. Select Import to import predefined speaker data only (such as width and weight) from a library or another file containing speakers. The Import Speaker Type dialog box opens to select the file and type. A symbol is not imported from the file; only data is added
Brand	Specifies the speaker manufacturer
Model	Specifies the manufacturer’s information
Save Type to Library	Saves the current speaker configuration as a new speaker type; enter the name of the speaker type. This custom speaker can then be selected from the Type list.
Delete Type from Library	Removes the speaker currently selected in Type from the library file; the current parameters remain as set, and the type becomes <Generic>
Attributes
Front Width/Height	Indicates the width and height of the front face of the speaker
Back Width/Height	Indicates the width and height of the back face of the speaker; the back face cannot be larger than the front face
Depth	Specifies the speaker depth
Flip Orientation	Rotates the speaker 90° to place the speaker on its side
Tilt Reference	For speakers in an array, sets the reference for tilting the speaker to either the front or back face
Weight	Indicates the weight of the speaker
Self-Powered	Indicates whether the speaker uses an internal or remote amplifier
Minimum Wattage	Enter the minimum required wattage to operate the speaker, for power consumption calculations and reporting
RMS Wattage	Specifies the average power applied to the speaker
Peak Wattage	Indicates the maximum power that can be applied to the speaker
Dispersion(s)
Override Vertical Dispersion(s) with Array Angles	Calculates the dispersion based on the array’s Angle Relative to Preceding value for each speaker set on the Array tab, rather than the individual speaker’s vertical dispersion angles
Asymmetrical Horizontal Dispersion(s)	Allows asymmetrical coverage to be defined, with different left and right dispersion angles
Expanded Dispersion	When selected, allows you to enter range notes and dispersion area information for up to three ranges; deselect to enter only Overall information
Range 1/2/3	Enter notes for three dispersion ranges, such as a frequency range, key frequency, or crossover point. When Expanded Dispersion is deselected, the range is automatically set to Overall and only one set of values can be entered.
Horiz. Dispersion Full	When dispersion is symmetrical, enter the horizontal dispersion angle, from 0 to 180°; for asymmetrical dispersions, the total dispersion (left + right) is displayed
Horiz. Dispersion Left	When dispersion is asymmetrical, enter the left dispersion angle, from 0 to 90°
Horiz. Dispersion Right	When dispersion is asymmetrical, enter the right dispersion angle, from 0 to 90°
Vert. Dispersion	Enter the vertical dispersion angle, from 0 to 180°
Throw Distance	Sets the throw distance reference for the dispersion lines
Preview	Displays a preview of the speaker, which updates as parameters change; the arrow indicates the front face

Paramètre	Description
Array Support	Specify how the speaker array is supported: Flown-Motors, Flown-Crank Lift, Ground-Stacked, or Tripod. Flown arrays place the speakers below the bumper. Ground-stacked arrays are inserted above the bumper. Arrays supported by a tripod do not include a bumper.
Bumper Type	Displays the bumper type that is selected on the Bumper tab (does not apply to tripod-supported arrays)
Bumper Angle	Sets the angle of the bumper, establishing a starting angle for the top mounting (does not apply to tripod-supported arrays)
First Speaker Shift	Controls the offset of the speaker stack from the bumper. Enter a positive value to shift the speaker stack towards the rear of the bumper; enter a negative value to offset the speaker stack towards the front of the bumper.
Tripod Height	For tripod-supported arrays, specifies the height at the top of the tripod
Definition	Lists the speakers that make up the array and their relative and actual dispersion angles, in order from top to bottom starting from below the bumper. Add speakers to the list by selecting one or more from the Bumper and Speaker Types to Add list, and then clicking Add/Swap Bumper(s) or Speaker(s). To re-order the speakers, click the # column of the speaker to be moved, and drag it up or down the list. A horizontal line indicates where the speaker will be inserted in the current order.
Bumper and Speaker Types to Add	Lists the bumper and speaker(s) defined on the Bumper and Speaker tabs. The bumper and speakers in this list are available for placement in the array.
Add/Swap Bumper(s) or Speaker(s)	Adds one or more selected bumper or speakers to the array; to swap one or more units, select the unit or units to be replaced in the definition list first. To add speakers without swapping, ensure that no speakers are highlighted in the definition list.
Bumper and Speaker Counts	Lists the number of each type of bumper and speaker, as well as the total number of speakers, included in the array
Delete Bumper(s) or Speaker(s)	Deletes the bumpers or speakers selected in the definition list
Angle Relative to Preceding	Sets the angle of the speaker selected in the definition list. Individual speakers have range dispersion angle settings, but these can be overridden to use this angle set for the array instead. The Rel° and Act° angles in the definition list update to reflect the current speaker angles.
Rack	Enter notes about the rack driving the speaker (this can only be accessed when accessing the speaker settings from the Object Info palette of a selected speaker array)
Drive Line	Indicates information about the drive line feeding signal to the speaker (this can only be accessed when accessing the speaker settings from the Object Info palette of a selected speaker array)
Preview	Displays a preview of the speaker array, which updates as parameters change; the arrows indicate the front face

Inserting Speaker Arrays

Paramètre

Description

Paramètre

Description

Paramètre

Description

Paramètre

Description