KGEAR GH8: 8" High-Performance Full-Range Loudspeaker

Introduction

Thank you for choosing KGEAR! To ensure proper operation, please carefully read this owner's manual and safety instructions before using the product. Keep this manual for future reference. For questions, contact K-array customer service at support@k-array.com or your local distributor.

Product Overview

The GH8 is a compact, medium-sized loudspeaker designed for clear and powerful sound across a wide frequency range. It features an 8" full-range dual-cone driver and a cardioid dispersion pattern that minimizes rear sound emission, achieving up to 129dB SPL per unit. The durable stainless steel enclosure has an IP64 rating, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It integrates Pure Array Technology (PAT) and Slim Array Technology (SAT) for optimized sound coverage and performance.

The GH8 is ideal for live performances, events, and fixed installations, offering flexibility and exceptional sound quality.

Unpacking

Each KGEAR device is inspected before shipping. Upon arrival, inspect the shipping carton and the device for any damage and notify the shipping company immediately if found. The product package includes:

• 1 x GH8 - 8" full-range loudspeaker
• 1 x Euroblock speaker connector (MC 1.5/4-ST-3.1: 1N)

GH8 Rear Panel Connectors

The rear panel features:

• IN NL4 SpeakON port: For signal input.
• LINK NL4 SpeakON port: For pass-through connections to other speakers.
• Euroblock 4-pin: For secure connections in fixed installations.

Wiring

Wiring with NL4 SpeakON Connectors

The GH8 is equipped with two NL4 SpeakON connectors for easy multi-speaker connection:

• Terminals 1+ and 1-: Connected internally to the driver. Use these for amplifier output via a 1+ 1- wired cable.
• Terminals 2+ and 2-: Not wired internally; serve as pass-through connections. Use these to link additional speakers with a 1+ 1- cable.

Wiring with Euroblock 4-pin Connector

This connector provides quick and secure wiring for installation systems. It functions similarly to the SpeakON connectors:

• PIN 1 / (1+) positive terminal
• PIN 2 / (1-) negative terminal
• PIN 3 / (1+) positive terminal - for pass-through signal
• PIN 4 / (1-) negative terminal - for pass-through signal

Amplifier Channel Matching

Ensure your audio system is connected to a suitable KGEAR or K-array amplifier. For parallel connections, consult the KGEAR amplifier to KGEAR speaker matching table. Be aware that parallel connections lower the total load impedance. Always ensure the combined impedance of connected speakers matches your amplifier's rating to prevent overloading and damage. Always check the loudspeaker impedance before connecting the amplifier.

Installation

GH8UBRACKET Mounting Bracket

The GH8UBRACKET allows for flexible installation on ceilings, walls, or floors. It features lateral holes for various tilt angles, enabling precise adjustment of speaker orientation and aiming for optimal acoustic coverage. The bracket offers 210° rotational freedom (upward/downward movement) and two distinct tilt points for greater flexibility.

Installation Tip: For wall mounting or upward orientation, rotate the bracket 180° before attaching it to the speaker to allow free downward movement.

For upward-facing setups, such as in theaters, placing speakers on balconies can effectively cover higher seating areas without obstructing sightlines.

The bracket's silkscreen markings indicate various angle options for precise positioning. Explore all potential configurations for optimal performance.

GH8 + K-WALL2LMINI Installation

The K-WALL2LMINI is a compact bracket for wall and ceiling installation, allowing up to 90° downward tilt. It provides precise sound direction. Installation involves mounting a fixed plate to the wall and a rotating plate to the speaker, connected by a freely rotating washer for easy tilting.

Steps:

1. Determine the ideal mounting position on the wall.
2. Mount the fixed plate to the wall using two screws and anchors (60mm spacing).
3. Secure the rotating plate to the speaker using provided screws.
4. Reattach the bracket to the wall-mounted plate and adjust the speaker angle.

GH8 + K-WALL2 Installation

The K-WALL2 is a variable tilt bracket for wall mounting, allowing downward and lateral adjustment via a mobile arm. It consists of two brackets (wall and speaker) and a connecting arm for tilting and adjustment.

Installation Steps:

1. Determine the ideal wall mounting position.
2. Mount the wall plate using screws and anchors (60mm spacing).
3. Secure the speaker plate to the speaker.
4. Reattach the bracket to the wall plate and adjust the speaker angle.

Array Configurations

Mini-array Configuration

The GH8BRACKET facilitates ceiling and floor installations of up to two GH8 units joined by GH8JOINTS, creating small, distributed arrays without the need for the GH8FLY.

Suspending Longer Arrays (GH8-FLY + GH8-JOINT)

The GH8 is modular and can be connected to form extended arrays. The GH8-FLY and GH8-JOINT hardware supports and suspends up to 12 consecutive units.

Procedure:

1. Attach the GH8-JOINT bracket to the first module using M5x20 screws.
2. Fix the GH8-FLY to the GH8-JOINT with a quick release pin.
3. Partially suspend the first module.
4. Connect subsequent modules using the adjustable block to ensure alignment.
5. Adjust the inclination angle for each module.
6. Secure inclination points with quick-release pins.
7. Verify all joints are secure and modules are aligned.
8. Wire all modules according to diagrams.
9. Gradually lift the entire array, ensuring stability.

GH8 Uptilt Array Configuration

The GH8-FLY can be mounted to the last element for an additional rigging point. Securing the joint pin to the pull-back point allows lifting and downward tilting, effective for covering elevated and downward areas.

Flipped GH8FLY for Rear Rigging

Installing the GH8FLY rotated 180° (flipped) on the first element creates a rear rigging point. This provides additional control to tilt the array backward, ensuring proper sound dispersion and helping stabilize the array by applying rear tension.

Pole Mounting

Standard Pole Mounting (GH8-WALL + Flange)

The GH8 with GH8-WALL bracket easily installs on standard commercial pole mounting flanges due to its standardized spacing holes.

Dedicated Pole Mounting (G-POLEMOUNT1)

The G-POLEMOUNT1 accessory is designed for mounting the GH8 speaker on a standard pole, allowing adjustable tilt from +90° to -90°.

Technical Specifications

Handling & Finishes

• Dimensions (WxLxH): 220x 220 x 161 mm (8.7 x 8.7 x 6.3 inches)
• Weight: 5.8 kg (14.3 lbs)
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Color: Black

Notes:

• ¹ With dedicated preset.
• ² Maximum SPL is calculated using a signal with crest factor 4 (12 dB) measured at 8 m then scaled at 1 m.
• ³ More complete water protection with GH8-IPKIT accessory (not included).

Important Safety Instructions

General Warnings:

• Read and keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
• Do not use near water. Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings. Install per manufacturer's instructions.
• Avoid installation near heat sources like radiators or stoves.
• Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
• Use caution when moving carts/apparatus combinations to avoid tip-over injuries.
• Unplug during lightning storms or long periods of non-use.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Caution: Servicing instructions are for qualified personnel only. Do not perform servicing beyond operating instructions to avoid electric shock.

Warning: Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories. Use appropriate speaker cables and observe amplifier load impedance, especially for parallel connections, to prevent damage. Unauthorized product modifications void the warranty.

Cleaning

Use only a soft, dry cloth. Do not use solvents, chemicals, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasive solutions. Avoid sprays near the product and prevent liquids from entering openings.

Service

For service, have the unit's serial number ready. Contact the official KGEAR distributor or KGEAR headquarters (info@kgear.it). Describe the problem clearly. If unresolved by phone, the unit may need to be sent for service, requiring an RA (Return Authorization) number. Shipping charges are the purchaser's responsibility. Unauthorized modifications or component replacements will invalidate the warranty. Service must be performed by an authorized K-array service center.

Symbols:

• ⚠️: Indicates important operating and maintenance instructions.
• ⚡: Indicates dangerous voltage that may pose an electric shock risk.
• ?: Identifies the operator's manual and related instructions.
• ♻️: Indicates proper disposal of the product at its end-of-life.
• ✅: Compliance with Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive.