Tannoy VLS Series Quick Start Guide
Introduction to the VLS Series loudspeakers featuring FAST technology.
Product Overview
The Tannoy VLS Series is a line of column loudspeakers featuring FAST (Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology) for exceptional acoustical benefits and asymmetrical vertical dispersion.
- VLS 30: Passive Column Array Loudspeaker with 30 Drivers and FAST Dispersion Control for Installation Applications.
- VLS 15 (EN 54): Passive Column Array Loudspeaker with 15 Drivers and FAST Dispersion Control for Installation Applications (EN 54-24 Certified).
- VLS 7 (EN 54): Passive Column Array Loudspeaker with 7 Full Range Drivers and FAST Dispersion Control for Installation Applications (EN 54-24 Certified).
Unpacking
Each Tannoy VLS Series loudspeaker is tested and inspected before shipment. Inspect for any exterior physical damage after unpacking. Save the carton and packaging materials for potential future shipping. Notify the dealer and shipping carrier immediately if transit damage has occurred.
Connectors and Cabling
VLS Series loudspeakers use internally paralleled barrier strip connectors. They can operate in low impedance mode or within a 70/100 V distributed system, selectable via a rear-mounted switch.
Wiring the Connectors
Low Impedance (8 ohm) Mode
Connect positive (+) conductor to positive (+) terminal and negative (-) conductor to negative (-) terminal. Multiple loudspeakers can be connected in parallel, series, or series/parallel configurations.
Constant Voltage (70 V / 100 V) Mode
Connect positive (+) conductor to positive (+) terminal and negative (-) conductor to negative (-) terminal. The other parallel barrier strip is available for connecting additional loudspeakers.
Outdoor Applications
Models VLS 7 (EN 54) and VLS 15 (EN 54) include a right-angled watertight cable gland. The VLS 30 has an input panel cover with a rubber wiring grommet for outdoor use. Ensure wires pass through the gland/grommet before making connections. The input panel cover is secured with four screws.
Switch for Low-Z and Transformer Tap Selection
A rotary switch on the rear panel selects low-impedance or high-impedance (70 V or 100 V) modes with available transformer taps. When using distributed line systems, transformer taps offer various power levels:
| 70 V | 100 V |
|---|---|
| 5 W | 9.5 W |
| 9.5 W | 19 W |
| 19 W | 37.5 W |
| 37.5 W | 75 W |
| 75 W | 150 W |
| 150 W | -- |
Transformer primaries should be connected in parallel to the amplifier output. The total power rating of selected taps must not exceed the amplifier's output power. Maintain a generous power safety margin (minimum 3 dB headroom).
Mounting and Fixing
Wall Bracket
A standard wall bracket is supplied, consisting of two interlocking U plates. One plate attaches to the loudspeaker rear, the other to the wall. The bar on the bottom of the speaker plate slides into the wall plate notch, and the top is secured with screws. The bracket for VLS 7 (EN 54) and VLS 15 (EN 54) allows a 0-6 degree angle. The VLS 30 can be flush mounted or tilted 4 degrees downwards.
Flying Bracket
A flying bracket is supplied, attached to the top two inserts using M6 screws. The two bottom inserts can be used as pull-back points.
Pan-Tilt Bracket (optional)
An optional pan-tilt bracket is available for flexible orientation along horizontal and vertical axes. Installation instructions are provided with the bracket.
Rigging and Safety Procedures
Installation using dedicated hardware should be performed only by qualified installers, adhering to all required safety codes and standards. Legal requirements for flying vary by country; consult local safety standards offices and relevant laws before installation. For detailed rigging and safety information, refer to the full VLS Series Operation Manual.
Outdoor Applications
VLS Series loudspeakers are IP64 rated for dust and moisture resistance, and are resistant to both salt spray and UV exposure, making them suitable for most outdoor applications. Consult your Tannoy dealer for installations with extreme environmental exposure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Permanent sound system mounting can be dangerous unless performed by qualified personnel. Walls, floors, or ceilings must safely support the load. Mounting accessories must be securely fixed to both the loudspeaker and the mounting surface. Ensure fixings are appropriately sized and rated. Consider wall/ceiling construction and use appropriate fixings. Improper installation of flown systems can pose serious health risks or death. Discuss electrical, mechanical, and acoustic considerations with qualified personnel before installation. Ensure cabinets are set up and flown by qualified personnel using dedicated equipment and original parts. Contact your dealer if parts are missing. Observe all local safety regulations. Music Tribe is not liable for damage or injury from improper use, installation, or operation. Regular checks by qualified personnel are required to ensure system security and stability. Keep the area under flown speakers clear of human traffic. Do not fly speakers in areas accessible to the public. Speakers generate magnetic fields; keep sensitive materials (discs, computers, monitors) at a safe distance (1-2 meters).
Technical Specifications
| System | VLS 7 (EN 54) / VLS 7 (EN 54)-WH | VLS 15 (EN 54) / VLS 15 (EN 54)-WH | VLS 30 / VLS 30-WH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency response | see Graph 1# as below | see Graph 2# as below | 120 Hz - 22 kHz ±3 dB 90 Hz - 35 kHz -10 dB |
| Horizontal dispersion (-6 dB) | -- | 130° H | -- |
| Vertical dispersion (-6 dB) | +6°/-22° V (-8° bias) | +6°/-22° V (-8° bias) | +3°/-11° V (-4° bias) |
| Power handling (IEC) | 150 W average, 300 W continuous, 600 W peak | 200 W average, 400 W continuous, 800 W peak | 400 W average, 800 W continuous, 1600 W peak |
| Recommended amplifier power | 450 W @ 8 Ω | 600 W @ 8 Ω | 1200 W @ 4Ω |
| System sensitivity | 90 dB (1 m, Lo Z) | 91 dB (1 m, Lo Z) | 94 dB (1 m, Lo Z) |
| Sensitivity (per EN54-24) | 76 dB (4 M, through transformer) | 91 dB (4 M, through transformer) | 96 dB (4 M, through transformer) |
| Nominal impedance (Lo Z) | 12 Ω | 6 Ω | -- |
| Maximum SPL (per EN54-24) | -- | -- | -- |
| Rated maximum SPL | 112 dB continuous, 118 dB peak (1 m, Lo Z) | 114 dB continuous, 120 dB peak (1 m, Lo Z) | 120 dB continuous, 126 dB peak (1 m, Lo Z) |
| Crossover | Passive, utilizing Focussed Asymmetrical Shaping Technology (FAST) | ||
| Crossover point | -- | 2.5 kHz | -- |
| Directivity factor (Q) | 6.1 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz | 9.1 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz | 15 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz |
| Directivity index (DI) | 7.9 averaged, 1 kHz to 10 kHz | 9.6 average, 1 kHz to 10 kHz | 11.8 average, 1 kHz to 10 kHz |
| Components | 7 x 3.5" (89 mm) fullrange drivers | 7 x 3.5" (89 mm) woofers 8 x 1" (25 mm) metal dome tweeters | 14 x 3.5" (89 mm) woofers 16 x 1" (25 mm) metal dome tweeters |
| Transformer taps (via rotary switch) (Rated noise power and impedance) | 70 V: 150 W (33 Ω) / 75 W (66 Ω) / 37.5 W (133 Ω) / 19 W (265 Ω) / 9.5 W (520 Ω) / 5 W (1000 Ω) 100 V: 150 W (66 Ω) / 75 W (133 Ω) / 37.5 W (265 Ω) / 19 W (520 Ω) / 9.5 W (1000 Ω) OFF & low impedance operation | 70 V: 150 W (66 Ω) / 75 W (133 Ω) / 37.5 W (265 Ω) / 19 W (520 Ω) / 9.5 W (1000 Ω) 100 V: 150 W (66 Ω) / 75 W (133 Ω) / 37.5 W (265 Ω) / 19 W (520 Ω) / 9.5 W (1000 Ω) OFF & low impedance operation | 70 V: 150 W/75 W/37.5 W/19 W/9.5 W/5 W/OFF & low impedance operation 100 V: 150 W/75 W/37.5 W/19 W/9.5 W/OFF & low impedance operation |
| Coverage angles | 500 Hz: 360° H x 129° V 1 kHz: 202° H x 62° V 2 kHz: 137° H x 49° V 4 kHz: 127° H x 40° V | 500 Hz: 226° H x 114° V 1 kHz: 191° H x 57° V 2 kHz: 131° H x 32° V 4 kHz: 119° H x 27° V | 500 Hz: 220° H x 41° V 1 kHz: 200° H x 21° V 2 kHz: 120° H x 17° V 4 kHz: 120° H x 20° V |
| Enclosure | Aluminium extrusion | ||
| Connectors | Barrier strip | ||
| Wiring | Terminal 1+/2- (input); 3-/4+ (link) | ||
| Dimensions H x W x D | 816 x 121 x 147 mm (32.1 x 4.8 x 5.8") | 1461 x 121 x 147 mm (57.5 x 4.8 x 5.8") | -- |
| Net weight | 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs) | 11.7 kg (25.7 lbs) | 19 kg (41.8 lbs) |
| Construction | Aluminium extrusion | ||
| Finish | Paint RAL 9003 (white) / RAL 9004 (black) Custom RAL colours available (additional cost and lead-time) | ||
| Grille | Powder coated perforated steel | ||
| Flying hardware | Flying bracket, wall mount bracket, input panel cover plate and gland | ||
Notes:
- (1) Average over stated bandwidth. Measured in an IEC baffle in an Anechoic Chamber
- (2) Unweighted pink noise input, measured at 1 metre on axis
- (3) Long term power handling capacity as defined in IEC268-5 test
- (4) The reference point for the reference axis (on-axis) is the centre of the baffle
Other Important Information
Important Information:
- Register online: Register your new Music Tribe equipment at musictribe.com. Registration helps process repair claims faster. Read warranty terms.
- Malfunction: If no local reseller is available, contact the Music Tribe Authorized Fulfiller for your country via musictribe.com/support. Check "Online Support" for solutions. Submit warranty claims online BEFORE returning the product.
- Power Connections: Ensure correct mains voltage for your model. Replace faulty fuses only with identical types and ratings.
Legal Disclaimer
Music Tribe is not liable for losses incurred by reliance on descriptions, photographs, or statements in this document. Specifications and information are subject to change without notice. Trademarks are property of their respective owners. Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy, Turbosound, TC Electronic, TC Helicon, Behringer, Bugera, Oberheim, Auratone, Aston Microphones, and Coolaudio are trademarks or registered trademarks of Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. © Music Tribe Global Brands Ltd. 2021 All rights reserved.
Limited Warranty
For applicable warranty terms, conditions, and additional information, see details online at musictribe.com/warranty.
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