EAW SB730 - Manual (Page 4)

Page 4 of 16 EAW KF730 & SB730 PRELIMINARY OWNER’S MANUAL
4. KF730 ARRAY DESIGN
4.1 KF730 WIZARD
Use the KF730 Wizard for designing KF730 arrays. It can be found in the Downloads section of the EAW
website (www.eaw.com). The Wizard’s primary function is to determine the configuration that will provide
the best vertical coverage for a given application. Various venue dimensions are entered that allow the
Wizard to calculate the resultant array performance. Given this information, the Wizard works in either of
two basic ways. For complete instructions about operating the KF730 Wizard, click on the About/Help
menu when running the Wizard.
Automatic Mode: The Wizard will select the optimum number of enclosures, enclosure splays, array aiming
angle, and fly-bar pick point. This can also be done for a given inventory of SB730s and SB730s. There are
variable adjustments for application-specific output levels and for level consistency for near-to-far listeners.
Manual Mode: This provides complete control over the array’s configuration.
4.1.1 Computer Requirements
The Wizard requires an IBM compatible PC with the Windows® 98, Windows® 98SE, Windows® 2000,
Windows® ME, Windows® XP, and Windows NT® operating systems. It is not designed to work with
Windows® 3.x, Windows® 95, or Macintosh® operating systems.
4.1.2 Wizard
Results
• Graphical representations of the array and the venue
• Aiming splay angle between each pair of enclosures
• How to set the enclosure-to-enclosure rigging
• On-axis aiming angle for each enclosure as a difference from 0° horizontal
• Various angles and throw distances calculated from the venue’s dimensions
• Difference between the array beamwidth angle and the needed coverage angles
• Length of the array and trim height to the bottom of the array from the floor
• Pick Point on the Fly-Bar to achieve the calculated array angle when suspended
• Weight of the array
4.2 FILL COVERAGE
4.2.1 Up-Fill
Some applications, such as theaters and small arenas, can require up-fill coverage from the array. In this
case, the array is designed to tilt back for up-firing coverage from the topmost enclosures.
4.2.2 Down-Fill
Many applications require extreme down-fill coverage. In this case, the array is designed to have enough
curvature for the bottom KF730 to provide coverage almost directly beneath the array.
4.2.3 Horizontal Coverage And Side-Fill Arrays
Regardless of the length of the array, a KF730 array has a horizontal beamwidth (-6 dB points) of
approximately 110°, with pattern control maintained to a very low frequency.
The horizontal pattern also features “soft shoulders” that provide consistent frequency response to well
beyond the nominal -6 dB points. These soft shoulders can provide up to 150° of “usable” horizontal
coverage, albeit at somewhat reduced level. This off-axis performance also provides good acoustic
integration with side-fill arrays. In some cases, these shoulders may be sufficient for side-fill purposes.
4.2.4 KF730 Series as Side-fill Arrays
KF730 side fill arrays can be hung adjacent to the mains, extending the coverage to over 180° for wrap-
around audience coverage.