dBTechnologies VIO L212

Introduction

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The VIO L212 is the new dBTechnologies flagship 3-way professional active line array module. It is equipped with two 1.4" neodymium compression driver exit (3" voice coil), four 6.5" horn loaded neodymium midrange transducers (2" voice coil) and two 12” neodymium woofers (3” voice coil). The full-range acoustical design includes an efficient waveguide to reach the best coherence in line-array configuration for higher frequencies. The mechanical design allows an easy, accurate, and quick installation in flown or stacked use. The powerful double DIGIPRO® G4 amplifier section, capable of handling up to 3200 W (RMS power), is controlled by a DSP, which can perform detailed customization of the output sound. Thanks to the new dual rotary encoder interface, it is possible to accurately tune the line-array configuration coverage using FIR filter technology. Additionally, the integrated RDNET connections are useful for remote in-depth line-array control and configuration.

Check the site www.dbtechnologies.com for the complete user manual!

1) Unpacking

The box contains:

• N°1 VIO L212
• N°2 100-120V~ FUSES
• This quick start and warranty documentation

2) Easy Installation

VIO L212 can be installed in different configurations. For a quick installation, the front side features:

• Lower anchorage systems [A] for the connection of other modules or of the DRK-212 fly-bar (in a stacked configuration).
• Pins [B] for fastening upper retractable brackets.
• Retractable brackets [C] for anchoring to a higher module (or to the DRK-212 fly-bar in a flown configuration).

In the rear side, the user can find:

• One rear bracket [D] (with movable joint [E]) for line-array mounting, with splay angles reference holes for easy setup and two quick-release pins.
• Two handles [F] for each side.
• Two amplifiers: the first with mains section panel [G], the second one with controls and audio connections [H] panel. They are protected by heavy-usage rain covers (not shown here).

Safety Warning: CHECK PERIODICALLY THE INTEGRITY AND THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ENCLOSURE, OF THE PINS, OF THE ARMS AND OF THE BRACKETS, FOR A SAFE INSTALLATION. MAKE SURE THAT THE PINS SECURE PROPERLY THE MODULES AND THAT THEY ARE FULLY LOCKED.

Mounting the Line Array

To mount the line array:

Front Side Mounting

• Flown Installation: Only one pin is required to secure the movable joint [E] in the bracket [D]. Lift the arm (not the entire VIO-L212 module) to the desired tilt hole. Fasten one of the two rear pins in the desired angle, and let the second one in the position "PIN HOLDER". Check that the pins are fully inserted.
• Stacked Installation: It is mandatory to use two pins (of 2 different modules) to secure the rear bracket [D]. Check that the joint [E] is fully inserted in the bracket [D]. Lift the joint (not the entire VIO-L212 module) to the desired tilt hole and insert PIN 1 into the related splay angle position. Then lift the VIO-L212 upper module until PIN 2 can be inserted into the "ANGLE LOCK" position. Release the upper enclosure and check that the movable joint [E] leans on the second pin, fastened in the correct position.

Front Pins and Brackets

• Remove the upper front pins [B], lift the retractable brackets [C] into the final position as shown, and fasten them with the pins.
• Align the fastening systems of the upper module and the retractable arms of the lower one, and fasten them with the [A] quick-release pins.

Rear Side Details

Diagram showing rear panel splay angle settings (0°, 0.5°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4.5°, 6°, 8°) and indicating "PIN A", "PIN B", "ANGLE LOCK", "PIN HOLDER", and "E" (movable joint). Also shows "FLOWN: 2° STACK: 2° EXAMPLE OF 2° SPLAY ANGLE INSTALLATIONS".

Installation Warning: THE INSTALLATION IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE TECHNIQUES AND REGULATIONS OF RIGGING OBJECTS OVERHEAD. A MINIMUM OF TWO PEOPLE IS REQUIRED FOR THE MOUNTING OF THE LINE-ARRAY.

3) Accessories

For an easy setup, the following accessories are available, among others:

• Professional fly-bar (DRK-212) for flown or stacked installation.
• Trolley (DT-VIOL212) for the transport of up to 4 VIO-L212, usable also in stacked-standalone configuration.
• Dolly (DO-VIOL212) for the easy transport of 1 module.
• Trolley (DT-DRK212) for the quick and safe transport of the two fly-bars and cables.
• Adapter (TF-VIO2) for mounting with VIO-L210.

DRK-212 Fly-bar Features

The DRK-212 allows an overall positive or negative inclination for the line array. The tilt angle between the fly-bar and the first VIO-L212 module is 0° in each case, but the mounting position of the first module changes.

In particular, the DRK-212 fly-bar is provided with:

• No. 2 pairs of [X] front anchoring systems (depending on the choice of positive or negative inclination of the line-array).
• No. 2 load adaptors [W] for chain motors.
• No. 2 rear movable joints [Y] (depending on the choice of positive or negative inclination of the line array).

For further and more detailed information about DRK-212 and other accessories, it is mandatory to read the related instructions.

Accessories Safety Warning: CHECK PERIODICALLY THE INTEGRITY AND THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ACCESSORIES AND OF THE TECHNICAL EQUIPMENTS FOR A SAFE INSTALLATION. USER SHOULD NEVER APPLY A LOAD THAT EXCEEDS THE WORKING LOAD LIMITS OF ANY RIGGING COMPONENTS OR EQUIPMENT HERE PRESENTED. DESIGN, CALCULATION, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF SUSPENSION AND STACK SYSTEMS FOR AUDIO EQUIPMENT MUST BE PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED AND AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL. AEB INDUSTRIALE S.R.L. DENIES ANY AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPROPER INSTALLATIONS, IN THE ABSENCE OF SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. IF THE SPEAKERS ARE SUSPENDED, DBTECHNOLOGIES STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE SYSTEM BE INSPECTED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

4) Amplifiers Controls and Mains

The two DIGIPRO G4® amplifiers of VIO L212 are controlled by a powerful DSP. All the connections and controls are in the rear amplifier control panels:

• 1: Balanced audio input and output link.
• 2: RDNet Data In / Data out (with control LEDs).
• 3: DSP PRESET rotary switches (Speaker coupling/High frequency compensation).
• 4: High pass filter.
• 5: Status LEDs (Ready, Mute/Prot, Signal, Limiter).
• 6: B-type USB port for firmware updating.
• 7: System test button.
• 8: Mains fuse (amplifier A).
• 9: Neutrik PowerCON® True1 IN/LINK.
• 10: Mains fuse (amplifier B).

WARNING: The fuses are factory set for 220-240V~ operation. If it is necessary to change the fuses to 100-120V~ range:

1. Turn off the power and disconnect the speaker from any cable.
2. Wait 5 minutes.
3. Substitute the fuses with the correct two supplied.

5) Software

VIO L212 can be fully remote controlled via RDNet. In remote control mode, the use of free professional software, developed by dBTechnologies, allows complete system management: Aurora Net, and dBTechnologies Composer.

a) Aurora Net (from beta version)

The software used for remote control is Aurora Net. This cross-platform product allows the user to control, set, and organize all the ViO family. It is possible to recall the last settings stored on VIO L212 (using dBTechnologies Aurora Net software) later on the speaker, without Aurora, by simply turning the rotary "SPEAKER COUPLING" to the "SERVICE/USER" position.

Screenshot of Aurora Net software interface showing speaker settings, parameters like LF, MF, HF attenuation, HPF, coupling, tilt, and amplifier/PSU temperatures.

b) dBTechnologies Composer (from rev. 6.5)

The software dBTechnologies Composer (from version no. 6.5) is useful for complete sound systems design. It has been developed to optimize complex acoustical settings like line-array alignment and to calculate all parameters needed in professional sound system scenarios.

Check the complete user manual on www.dbtechnologies.com for further information about the system and available accessories.

It is used to predict the acoustical behavior of professional dBTechnologies products immediately. It can simulate parameters like mechanical safety in fly-bar use, SPL levels in outdoor environments, system coverage, and system delays. The user-friendly graphic interface helps the user to easily understand in-depth settings.

Screenshot of dBTechnologies Composer software interface showing a line array simulation with system side view, array shape, balconies management, and SPL predictions.

Technical Data

Speaker Type

3-way professional active line-array element.

Acoustical Data

• Usable Bandwidth [-10 dB]: 49.8 - 20000 Hz
• Frequency Response [-6 dB]: 55 - 18600 Hz
• Max SPL (1 m): 142 dB (pink noise/crest factor: 4.5)
• HF compression driver: (2x) 1.4" Exit, Neodymium
• HF voice coil: 3", Titanium
• Waveguide HF: yes
• MF: (4x) 6.5", Neodymium
• MF Voice Coil: 2"
• LF: (2x) 12", Neodymium
• LF Voice Coil: 3"
• FIR filters: yes
• Horizontal dispersion: 90°
• Vertical dispersion: varies on number of modules and configurations

Amplifier

• Amp Technology: (2x) Digipro® G4 – Fullrange with PFC
• Amp Class: Class-D
• RMS Power: 2x 1600 W (3200 W)
• Peak Power: 2x 3200 W (6400 W)
• Cooling: Passive (convection) / internal fan
• Operating range: 100-240V~ (50-60Hz) full-range

Processor

• Controller: DSP, 32 bit
• AD/DA Converter: 24 bit / 96 kHz
• Limiter: Dual Active Peak, RMS, Thermal
• Controls: DSP presets, HPF, Impedance test
• Advanced DSP function: Linear Phase FIR filters
• Rotary presets: 2 Rotary BCD 8 positions for line-array configuration (Speaker Coupling, High Frequency Compensation)

Input / Output

• Mains connections: PowerCON® TRUE1 In / Link
• Maximum number of modules for each daisy chain power connection [mains input + mains link]: 1 + 2 VIO L212** (220-240V~), 1 + 1 VIO L212** (100-120V~)
• Signal Input: (Balanced) 1x XLR IN
• Signal Out: (Balanced) 1 x XLR link OUT
• RDNET connectors: Data In / Data Out
• USB connector: USB B-type (for SERVICE DATA)

Mechanics

• Housing: Wooden box - Black polyurea finished
• Grille: CNC machined full metal grille
• Rigging points: 3 (Easy Rigging)
• Handles: 2 for each side
• Width: 1100 mm (43.31 in)
• Height: 380 mm (14.96 in)
• Depth: 450 mm (17.72 in)
• Weight: 54.4 kg (119.9 lbs.)

Power Supply Specifications (Power Absorption)

• Draw at 1/8 of full power in average use conditions (*): 2 A (230V) - 3.1 A (115 V)
• Draw at 1/3 of full power in maximum use conditions (**): 4.9 A (230V) - 7.5 A (115 V)

* INSTALLER NOTES: The values refer to 1/8 of full power, in average operating conditions (music program with infrequent or no clipping). It is recommended to consider them the minimum sizing values for any type of configuration.

** INSTALLER NOTES: The values refer to 1/3 of full power, in heavy operating conditions (music program with frequent clipping or activation of the limiter). We recommend sizing according to these values in case of professional installations and tours.

EMI Classification

According to the standards EN 55103, this equipment is designed and suitable to operate in E5 Electromagnetic environments. FCC CLASS A STATEMENT ACCORDING TO TITLE 47, PART 15, SUBPART B, §15.105: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Safety Warnings

WARNING: This equipment is compliant with Class A of CISPR 32. In a residential environment, this equipment may cause radio interference.

WARNING: Make sure that the loudspeaker is securely installed in a stable position to avoid any injuries or damages to persons or properties. For safety reasons, do not place one loudspeaker on top of another without proper fastening systems. Before hanging the loudspeaker, check all components for damages, deformations, missing or damaged parts that may compromise safety during installation. If you use the loudspeakers outdoors, avoid spots exposed to bad weather conditions.

Contact dBTechnologies for accessories to be used with speakers. dBTechnologies will not accept any responsibility for damages caused by inappropriate accessories or additional devices.

Features, specifications, and appearance of products are subject to change without notice. dBTechnologies reserves the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacturing without assuming any obligation to change or improve products previously manufactured.