Behringer EUROLIVE VP Series User Manual

Table of Contents

• Thank You
• Important Safety Instructions
• Legal Disclaimer
• Limited Warranty
• 1. Before You Get Started
  • 1.1 Shipment
  • 1.2 Online registration
  • 1.3 Basic operation
• 2. Connections
• 3. Optimal Operation
  • 3.1 Loudspeaker placement
  • 3.2 How to prevent feedback
  • 3.3 How to avoid feedback when working with record players (DJ Applications)
  • 3.4 Loudspeaker protection by using a low-cut filter
• 4. Additional Considerations
  • 4.1 Length and diameter of loudspeaker cables
  • 4.2 Power amp rating
  • 4.3 Fuses
  • 4.4 Protecting your equipment
• 5. Application Examples
  • 5.1 Full-range stereo operation
  • 5.2 Full-range stereo operation with floor monitors
  • 5.3 Two-way stereo operation with a crossover, full-range loudspeakers and subwoofers
• 6. Specifications

Thank You

Thank you for purchasing one of our EUROLIVE VP series loudspeakers. These loudspeakers offer powerful, pristine sound reinforcement in a lightweight, portable package. They can act as components of an expandable sound system, featuring both 1/4" TS and professional locking-style inputs and outputs, pole mounting sockets, and recessed handles. Heavy-duty low-frequency drivers deliver thumping bass and powerful midrange clarity, while high-frequency compression drivers cut through the mix with smooth, shimmering treble. The VP1800S subwoofer complements the full-range counterparts to create an immense sound. These versatile loudspeakers are designed to provide years of faithful sound reinforcement.

Important Safety Instructions

⚠️ CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN!

⚡️ Terminals marked with this symbol carry electrical current of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. Use only high-quality professional speaker cables with 1/4" TS or twist-locking plugs pre-installed. All other installation or modification should be performed only by qualified personnel.

⚡️ This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

ℹ️ This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

⚠️ Caution To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the top cover (or the rear section). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.

⚠️ Caution To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquids and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

⚠️ Caution These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs must be performed by qualified service personnel.

General Safety Precautions:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as the power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. The apparatus shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
16. Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

Legal Disclaimer

Technical specifications and appearances are subject to change without notice and accuracy is not guaranteed. BEHRINGER, KLARK TEKNIK, MIDAS, BUGERA, AND TURBOSOUND are part of the MUSIC GROUP (MUSIC-GROUP.COM). All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MUSIC GROUP accepts no liability for any loss which may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph, or statement contained herein. Colors and specifications may vary from the actual product. MUSIC GROUP products are sold through authorized fulfillers and resellers only. Fulfillers and resellers are not agents of MUSIC GROUP and have absolutely no authority to bind MUSIC GROUP by any express or implied undertaking or representation. This manual is copyrighted. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the express written permission of MUSIC GROUP IP LTD. All rights reserved. ©2013 MUSIC Group IP Ltd. Trident Chambers, Wickhams Cay, P.O. Box 146, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Limited Warranty

For the applicable warranty terms and conditions and additional information regarding MUSIC Group's Limited Warranty, please see complete details online at www.music-group.com/warranty.

1. Before You Get Started

1.1 Shipment

Your VP series loudspeaker was carefully packed at the assembly plant to assure secure transport. Should the condition of the cardboard box suggest that damage may have taken place, please inspect the unit immediately and look for physical indications of damage.

• Damaged equipment should NEVER be sent directly to us. Please inform the dealer from whom you acquired the unit immediately, as well as the transportation company from which you took delivery. Otherwise, all claims for replacement/repair may be rendered invalid.
• Please always use the original packaging to avoid damage due to storage or shipping.
• Never let unsupervised children play with the loudspeaker or with its packaging.
• Please dispose of all packaging materials in an environmentally friendly fashion.

1.2 Online registration

Please register your new BEHRINGER equipment right after your purchase by visiting http://behringer.com and read the terms and conditions of our warranty carefully.

Should your BEHRINGER product malfunction, it is our intention to have it repaired as quickly as possible. To arrange for warranty service, please contact the BEHRINGER retailer from whom the equipment was purchased. Should your BEHRINGER dealer not be located in your vicinity, you may directly contact one of our subsidiaries. Corresponding contact information is included in the original equipment packaging (Global Contact Information/European Contact Information). Should your country not be listed, please contact the distributor nearest you. A list of distributors can be found in the support area of our website (http://behringer.com).

Registering your purchase and equipment with us helps us process your repair claims more quickly and efficiently. Thank you for your cooperation!

1.3 Basic operation

Using the VP series loudspeakers is easy and intuitive. Simply follow these steps to achieve the best possible sound:

1. Plug the line-level outputs from a sound source such as a mixer or stereo system into a power amp of appropriate size (see 4.2 Power amp rating). Make sure the sound source and amplifier are turned off.
2. Using 1/4" TS or professional locking-style speaker cables, plug the power amp output into the 1/4" or locking-style input on the back of the speaker. DO NOT use instrument cables (i.e., guitar cords) for this connection!
3. If using a pair of VP loudspeakers, run the amp in stereo operation. If using just one loudspeaker, mono operation is preferable.
4. If using four or more loudspeakers, there are a few ways to make the connections. The first is to use two power amps, one for each pair of loudspeakers. Another is to connect the first pair of loudspeakers in normal stereo operation, then use the output jacks on the back of the loudspeakers to link the second pair of loudspeakers. This way each channel on the power amp is driving two loudspeakers. Make sure that the wattage and ohm rating are appropriate for this situation.
5. ⚠️ Caution Never connect multiple power amps to one loudspeaker. Doing so could cause the very fabric of reality to unravel, sending the entire universe into oblivion. Worse yet, it could destroy your amplifiers and your loudspeaker.
6. If using the VP1800S subwoofer, it is important to run the source signal into a crossover before the power amp(s). This will allow you to direct only the low frequencies to the subwoofer, and the rest of the sound spectrum to the full-range loudspeakers.
7. Turn the sound source on (mixer, stereo, etc.).
8. Make sure the volume/gain control on the power amp is turned all the way down, and then turn the power on.
9. Activate the sound source, whether it is playing music from a CD player or speaking into a microphone, and adjust the levels. Gradually raise the power amp volume level to a desirable level. If distortion occurs, turn the power amp volume down. Should the problem persist, make sure distortion is not occurring at the sound source. If you reach the desired volume level by barely turning up the power amp level/gain, turn the sound source output down to allow the power amp to push the speakers more.
10. Rock 'n Roll!

2. Connections

The VP series features two parallel professional loudspeaker connectors (labeled 1) that are wired in parallel. You can connect one of the connectors to the output on your power amp and tap into the signal from the amp on the second connector, in order, for example, to feed this signal into an additional loudspeaker. The pin designation of the loudspeaker connector is pins 1+ and 1-. Pins 2+ and 2- are not connected.

Professional speaker connector (compatible with Neutrik Speakon connectors)

Front View: 1+, 1-, 2-, 2+

Rear View: 1+, 1-, 2-, 2+

The VP series includes two parallel 1/4" TS loudspeaker inputs (labeled 2). You can connect one of the connectors to the output on your power amp and tap into the signal from the amp on the second connector, in order, for example, to feed this signal into an additional loudspeaker.

Unbalanced 1/4" TS connector:

• strain relief clamp
• sleeve
• tip
• sleeve (ground/shield)
• tip (signal)

When several loudspeakers are wired in parallel, the overall impedance (Z_T) to be handled by the power amp can be calculated, as shown below, from the individual impedance values of the connected speakers:

ZT = 1 / (1/Z1 + 1/Z2 + ...)

For the VP series, here are typical connection scenarios:

• Two 8 Ohm speakers in parallel = 4 Ohms
• Four 8 Ohm speakers in parallel = 2 Ohms
• Two 4 Ohm speakers in parallel = 2 Ohms
• Four 4 Ohm speakers in parallel = 1 Ohm

⚠️ Your amplifier may be damaged if the actual impedance drops below its input impedance. Please make sure that the calculated total impedance (Z_T) is not smaller than the minimum impedance specified for your amplifier.

ATTENTION: Never connect the output signals of different power amps to both parallel inputs at the same time. This may permanently damage your equipment.

3. Optimal Operation

The VP series is designed for a wide range of applications. The sound of your loudspeakers depends on the acoustic characteristics of the room/space in which they are being used. The following chapters provide information about getting the most out of your EUROLIVE loudspeakers.

3.1 Loudspeaker placement

Here are some tips to get optimal sound and performance from your loudspeaker(s):

• Elevate the loudspeaker at or above head level. High frequencies are responsible for clarity and speech intelligibility. Positioning loudspeakers so the high-frequency drivers are slightly above audience height ensures better direct earshot for more people. Imagine the loudspeaker is a giant flashlight illuminating everyone in the room.
• Avoid placing full-range loudspeakers in a corner or right next to a wall, as this enhances low frequencies and can cause muddy sound. Subwoofers may be placed almost anywhere since low frequencies are not highly directional.
• Ensure loudspeakers are not placed where they could be knocked over by audience members, performers, or due to seismic activity.
• Some rooms, such as gymnasiums and auditoriums, have significant natural reverb, making intelligible sound difficult. Laying carpet or rugs and using curtains can help dampen reflections and improve sound.

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 for stage performers to hear themselves.

3.3 How to avoid feedback when working with record players (DJ Applications)

Bass feedback can occur with record players when low frequencies return to the pickup and are reproduced by the loudspeakers. Common causes include speakers too close to the record player, wooden floors, or podiums/platforms. To mitigate this, move loudspeakers away from the record player and stage, placing them on firm ground. Using raised stands can also prevent direct contact with the ground.

3.4 Loudspeaker protection by using a low-cut filter

Prevent damage to loudspeakers caused by extreme oscillation of the low-frequency driver due to subsonic noise and extremely deep frequencies. Use an equalizer to cut off frequencies below your loudspeakers' range or use a low-cut/high-pass filter. Many equalizers and sound-improvement systems offer a low-cut function (e.g., the BEHRINGER ULTRAGRAPH DIGITAL DEQ1024). Using a low-cut filter is particularly recommended if using record players or CD players as a signal source, as CD players can produce extremely deep frequencies that cause extreme excursions of the low-frequency driver.

4. Additional Considerations

4.1 Length and diameter of loudspeaker cables

Loudspeaker cable diameter can limit power amp performance, especially with longer cables. Musicians may compensate by turning up the amp, potentially damaging the loudspeaker. Do not use cables longer than 15 m (45 ft.). For most applications, this is sufficient. Cable diameter should be at least 14 - 12 gauge.

4.2 Power amp rating

The power rating of your amplifier should be roughly twice the loudspeaker load capacity. A loudspeaker rated at 200 Watts continuous performance can 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

Behringer does not recommend the use of fuses with loudspeaker applications. Damage can result from high peak signals and high output power. Fuses may only offer protection from one of these factors, and never both. Additionally, fuse resistances can be nonlinear, leading to distortion and unpredictable overdriving.

4.4 Protecting your equipment

• Always try to find the optimal signal level. 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. Behringer's AUTO-XL MDX1600, COMPOSER PRO-XL MDX2600, and MULTICOM PRO-XL MDX4600 compressors offer outstanding solutions as limiters, preventing audio signal overdrive and unpleasant "peaks".
• Behringer's ULTRADRIVE PRO DCX2496 and SUPER-X CX3400/CX2310 crossovers are particularly well-suited for protecting your equipment, as each output has independent limiters.

5. Application Examples

5.1 Full-range stereo operation

This example applies to the VP1220, VP1220F, VP1520, and VP2520. In this setup, the main output signal of a mixing console is connected to a power amplifier. Both outputs and inputs are stereo. A full-range VP series loudspeaker is connected to each amplifier output, reproducing the entire frequency range.

Diagram Description (Fig. 5.1): Shows a mixer (XENYX 1202FX) outputting stereo signals (L/R) to a power amplifier (EP2000), which then drives two VP1520 loudspeakers.

5.2 Full-range stereo operation with floor monitors

This example applies to the VP1220, VP1220F, VP1520, and VP2520. This is a variation of the previous example, adding VP1220F floor monitors. Two separate monitor outputs from the mixing console are connected to the inputs of a stereo power amplifier. A VP1220F is connected to each amplifier output, and a second VP1220F is connected to the parallel outputs of the first set of VP1220F monitors.

Diagram Description (Fig. 5.2): Shows a mixer (X2442USB) with separate monitor outputs (AUX 1 SEND, AUX 2 SEND) connected to a power amplifier (EP2000). The amplifier outputs drive VP1220 and VP1220F loudspeakers. A second VP1220F is daisy-chained from the first.

5.3 Two-way stereo operation with a crossover, full-range loudspeakers and subwoofers

This example applies to the VP1800S in combination with the full-range loudspeakers (VP1220, VP1520, and VP2520). An external active crossover splits the main output signal of a mixing console into two signals: one for the lower frequency range and one for the mid and high frequency range. The recommended crossover frequency is 150 Hz. The mid-high frequency signal is connected to a stereo power amplifier, driving VP series loudspeakers. The low-frequency signal is connected to an additional power amplifier, which powers two VP1800S subwoofers.

Diagram Description (Fig. 5.3): Shows a mixer (XENYX 1202FX) outputting stereo signals (L/R) to a crossover (SUPER-X PRO CX2310). The crossover splits the signal into high/mid (to EP2000 amplifier driving VP1220) and low (to another amplifier driving VP1800S subwoofers).

6. Specifications

VP2520

VP1800S

VP1520

VP1220F

VP1220

BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional standards. As a result of these efforts, modifications may be made from time to time to existing products without prior notice. Specifications and appearance may differ from those listed or illustrated.

We Hear You