EAW SB730 - Manual (Page 6)

Page 6 of 16 EAW KF730 & SB730 PRELIMINARY OWNER’S MANUAL
5. ARRAY OPERATION
5.1 OVERVIEW
The operation of a KF730 Series system involves:
1. Understanding the principles on which it operates.
2. How to electronically configure it for a specific task.
5.2 ENGINEERING DESIGN
How a KF730 Array works: Divergence Shading
In almost any venue, there are significant differences in distance from the loudspeaker array to the nearest
and farthest audience members. The idea is to turn up the output level of the array aimed towards the
farthest audience members, then progressively turn it down for audience members closer to the array.
These differences in distance are accompanied by changes in the array’s vertical aiming angle.
Rather than use amplifier input levels, the volume controls for the KF730 is a combination of the shape of
its curvature and the quantity of KF730s that make up the array. If you understand this point, you
understand how a KF730 array works. Simply put, less curvature turns the volume up and more curvature
turns the volume down. Specifically:
1. More splay at the rear of the enclosures turns the volume up (adds less curvature to the array)
2. Less splay at the rear of the enclosures turns the volume down (adds more curvature to the array).
3. More enclosures provide a greater vertical coverage angle.
4. Fewer enclosures provide less vertical coverage angle.
5.3 SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM
The block diagram shows the signal flow for a single KF730 and
SB730. A DSP (Digital Signal Processor) with three outputs is
required. Additional KF730s and SB730s would be connected in
parallel with the same processor outputs, pre or post amplifier.
5.4 SIGNAL PROCESSING
WARNING: Do not under any circumstances use “generic” or
your “favorite” crossover settings. Always use EAW’s
recommended processor settings. KF730 array performance, in
terms of frequency response, beamwidth consistency, output
level capability, and wavefront coherency is dependent on the
EAW engineered crossover and other processing settings.
5.4.1 Factory Signal Processing Settings
The signal processing adjustments determined by EAW for the KF730 Series Array should be fully
implemented “as is.” These settings are determined from extensive measurements in typical venues as well
as the theory of curved sources from the acoustical work of physicists Harry Olsen and Leo Beranak. As
such, they will normally provide excellent results in a variety of venues.
Factory signal processor settings can be found in the Downloads section of the EAW web site:
www.eaw.com.
5.4.2 Non-EAW Digital Signal Processors
Even though they can be set to numerically equal values, the transfer function (magnitude and phase) for
any equalization applied can vary for different digital processors. The factory settings were determined
using EAW’s MX8750 Digital Signal Processor. If in doubt about any other processor’s equalizer
implementation, contact EAW.