Behringer Eurolive B215XL/B215XL-WH - Manual (Page 6)

6 EUROLIVE B215XL/B215XL-WH/B212XL/B212XL-WH User Manual
3. Optimal Operation
We have developed the B212XL/B215XL for use in a wide range of possible
applications. Of course, the sound of your loudspeakers depends on the acoustic
characteristics of the room/space in which they are being used. The following
chapters of this manual will give you information about getting the most out of
your EUROLIVE speakers.
3.1 HF drivers
High frequencies are the segment of the audio spectrum responsible for
clarity and speech intelligibility. These frequencies are the easiest ones to
locate, but at the same time they are also the easiest ones to “obstruct”.
Therefore, we recommend positioning your speakers so that the HF drivers are
located slightly above the height of the audience. This guarantees the best
possible dispersion of high frequencies and considerably higher intelligibility.
3.2 How to prevent feedback
Always place the “front of house” speakers ahead of the microphones (from the
audience’s perspective), and never behind. Use professional floor monitors or an
in-ear monitoring system to hear the stage performers.
3.3 How to avoid feedback when working with
record players (DJ Applications)
In applications with record players, bass feedback can occur. Bass feedback occurs
when low frequencies get back to the pickup and are reproduced on the speakers.
The most common causes for this are: speakers located too closely to the record
player, a room with a wooden floor, or presence of a podium or a platform.
In such cases, it is best to move the speakers away from the record player
and “banish” them from the stage, so that they are located on firm ground.
Another option is to use raised stands, which prevent the speakers from having a
direct contact with the ground.
3.4 Loudspeaker protection by using a
low-cut filter
Try to prevent damage to your speakers caused by extreme oscillation of the
bass membrane due to subsonic noise and extremely deep frequencies. Use an
equalizer to cut off those frequencies that fall below your speakers’ frequency
range, or use a low-cut/high-pass filter. Most equalizers and sound-improvement
systems offer a low-cut function, like the BEHRINGER ULTRAGRAPH DIGITAL
DEQ1024, for example.
Using a low-cut filter in your signal path is particularly recommended if you
use record players or CD players as your signal source. CD players often produce
extremely deep frequencies, which can lead to extreme excursions of the
bass membrane.
4. Additional Considerations
4.1 Length and diameter of loudspeaker cables
Loudspeaker cables whose diameter is too small can considerably limit the
power amp performance. The longer the cable, the more pronounced the
problem. As a result, musicians often simply “turn up” the amp, which can lead
to loudspeaker damage. Therefore, don’t use cables longer than 15 m (45 ft.).
For most applications, this will not be necessary. Cable diameter should be at
least 14 - 12 gauge.
4.2 Power amp rating
Selecting the right amp can turn out to be rather difficult. Therefore, stick to the
following rule of thumb: the power rating of your amp should be roughly twice
the speaker load capacity. A speaker rated at 200 Watts continuous performance
can easily be powered by an amp rated at 400 Watts output power. An optimal
addition to your speaker system would be the BEHRINGER EUROPOWER EP2000
power amp, for example.
4.3 Fuses
We do not recommend the use of fuses with audio applications. Damage to
loudspeakers can be the result of high peak signals and high output power.
However, fuses can only offer protection from one of these two factors, and never
from both. Additionally, fuse resistors are sometimes nonlinear, leading to
distortion and unpredictable overdriving.
4.3.1 Protecting your equipment
• Always try to find the optimal signal level. Try to avoid overdriving your amp.
• Keep in mind the physical limitations of your PA system.
• Use a limiter to restrict the output signal level. Place the limiter between the
mixing console and the power amp. For this purpose, our proven AUTOCOM
PRO-XL MDX1600, COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600 and MULTICOM PRO-XL
MDX4600 compressors offer an outstanding solution. All models can be used
as a limiter: the audio signal doesn’t overdrive any more, and unpleasant
“peaks” are effectively avoided.
◊ Our ULTRADRIVE PRO DCX2496 and SUPER-X CX3400/ CX2310 crossovers
are particularly well-suited for protecting your equipment: for each
output, they have independent limiters.