d&b audiotechnik V8/V12 Loudspeaker Manual

General Information

This document is the V8/V12 Manual, version 1.8 en, dated September 2022. It is copyrighted by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. Keep this document with the product for future reference. Check the d&b website for the latest version. When reselling, hand this document to the new owner.

Contact Information:

d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
T +49-7191-9669-0, F +49-7191-95 00 00

Safety Precautions

Potential Risk of Personal Injury

Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a high level, as professional systems can cause sound pressure levels detrimental to health. Even seemingly non-critical sound levels (approx. 95 dB SPL) can cause hearing damage over prolonged exposure.

To prevent accidents during deployment:

• Ensure loudspeakers and stands are on a firm surface. Secure stacked systems against movement with straps.
• Use only accessories tested and approved by d&b for assembly and deployment, adhering to their specified application and load capacity as detailed in "Mounting instructions" or "Rigging manuals".
• Ensure all additional hardware, fixings, and fasteners are appropriately sized and have adequate load safety factors, following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Regularly check loudspeaker housings and accessories for wear and tear, replacing them as necessary.
• Regularly check all load-bearing mounting devices.

Potential Risk of Material Damage

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even when not in use. Keep loudspeakers away from equipment that may be impaired by an external magnetic field during setup and transport. A distance of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) is generally sufficient from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio/video tapes, bank cards, etc.).

d&b ArrayCalc

For both safety and acoustic reasons, d&b line arrays must be designed using the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software. The software is available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X and can be downloaded from www.dbaudio.com.

Detailed information on using ArrayCalc is available through its Help system. Access it by pressing F1 or clicking the [help-button-icon] icon in the toolbar. The HelpViewer provides an overview, search function, and direct access to topics.

ArrayCalc assists with typical array configurations within permitted load limits and helps understand mechanical load conditions.

Further information on line array design is available in "TI 385 d&b Line array design, ArrayCalc", supplied with the software or downloadable from www.dbaudio.com.

d&b also recommends attending their line array training seminars. Information and schedules are available on the d&b website. Related video tutorials are also provided on the d&b website.

Screenshot of the d&b ArrayCalc software interface, showing acoustic simulation parameters and array visualization.

V8/V12 Loudspeaker

Product Description

The V8 is a line array loudspeaker designed for medium to large-scale sound reinforcement. When used with the V Flying frame, up to 24 cabinets can be flown in vertical columns, producing an 80° constant directivity horizontal dispersion pattern.

The V12 line array module is acoustically and mechanically compatible with the V8 and offers a 120° horizontal dispersion.

The V8 cabinet is a passive 3-way design featuring two 10" neodymium LF drivers, one horn-loaded 8" MF driver, and two 1.4" exit HF compression drivers with 2.5" diaphragms. These are mounted to a dedicated wave-shaping device, and the system includes a passive crossover network. The wave segments of each cabinet couple coherently, and splay angles between adjacent cabinets can be set from 0° to 14° with 1° resolution.

Components are arranged symmetrically around the cabinet's center axis for a perfect symmetrical dispersion pattern. This design facilitates a crossover with a well-defined overlap of frequency bands, ensuring consistent and accurate horizontal dispersion. The dipolar arrangement of the low-frequency drivers maintains broadband horizontal dispersion control down to approximately 250 Hz, a notable feature for a passive 3-way system.

The frequency response ranges from 67 Hz to over 18 kHz. The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood with an impact- and weather-protected PCP (Polyurea Cabinet Protection) finish. The front is protected by a rigid metal grill backed by acoustically transparent foam. Each side panel has a handle, and two recessed grips are located at the rear bottom.

Diagram illustrating the internal components of the V8 loudspeaker, showing the arrangement of low-frequency (LF), mid-frequency (MF), and high-frequency (HF) drivers.

V-Series Rigging Components and Arrays

V-Series arrays can combine V8 and V12 loudspeakers and/or V-SUB cardioid subwoofers. Cabinets connect mechanically using rigging strands on the front and a central strand at the rear. Rigging components are mounted to the cabinet and fold out or slide out as needed.

Detailed descriptions of V-Series rigging components are in the V-Series Rigging manual (provided with the V Flying frame). Planning and design details for V-Series arrays are in technical information "TI 385 d&b Line array design, d&b ArrayCalc" (also provided with the V Flying frame).

The d&b ArrayCalc simulation software can be downloaded from www.dbaudio.com.

Connections

Cabinets are equipped with a pair of 4-pin connectors. All four pins of both connectors are wired in parallel. The V8 and V12 use pin assignments 1+/1-. Pins 2+/2- are for active subwoofers. The male connector serves as the input, allowing direct connection to a second cabinet via the female connector.

EP5 connectors are available as an option. Pin equivalents are listed below:

Diagram showing the wiring of the loudspeaker connectors, detailing pin assignments for NL4, NLT4 F/M, and EP5 connectors.

d&b LoadMatch

Starting with the D80 amplifier platform, LoadMatch electrically compensates for loudspeaker cable properties without an additional sense wire. For applicable loudspeakers, LoadMatch is independent of the connector type.

Operation

NOTICE: Only operate d&b loudspeakers with a correctly configured d&b amplifier to avoid damaging loudspeaker components.

Applicable d&b amplifiers: D80/D40/D20/D12.

The applicable d&b amplifiers offer two setups ("Line" or "Arc") for the V8 and V12 loudspeakers, available in Dual Channel or Mix TOP/SUB mode.

"Line" and "Arc" Setups

The choice between "Line" or "Arc" depends on the array's curvature; both can be used within a single array. The "Line" setup is for long-throw array sections with three or more consecutive splay settings (0°, 1°, or 2°). It reduces mid/high range to compensate for the extended nearfield compared to the "Arc" setup. The "Arc" setup is for curved array sections.

The transition from "Line" to "Arc" configuration within an array follows the splay progression but may have deviations due to cabinet wiring in groups of up to two.

AP Setup

In conjunction with d&b ArrayProcessing (AP), the AP setup includes AP data generated by d&b ArrayCalc simulation software. This data is transferred to applicable amplifiers via the d&b Remote network (OCA/AES70) using R1. The AP setup is automatically activated once the data is sent to the amplifiers.

Controller Settings

For acoustic adjustment, the functions CUT, CPL, and HFC can be selected.

CUT Mode

When set to CUT, the low-frequency level of the cabinets is reduced. The V8/V12 array is then configured for use with d&b V-SUB or J-SUB subwoofers.

HFC Function

The HFC (High Frequency Compensation) function compensates for high-frequency energy loss due to air absorption when loudspeakers cover far-field listening positions. It has two settings (HFC1 and HFC2) for different distances: HFC1 for distances over 30 m (100 ft) and HFC2 for distances over 60 m (200 ft).

Compensation is adjusted for typical 40% relative humidity. Lower humidity increases air absorption, shortening the effective distances for these settings. Using the HFC function ensures correct sound balance between close and remote audience areas, allowing all array amplifiers to receive the same signal.

Graph showing frequency response correction for the HFC function, illustrating adjustments for different distances (HFC1 and HFC2).

CPL Function

The CPL (Coupling) function compensates for coupling effects between array cabinets. It gradually engages around 2 kHz, with maximum attenuation below 100 Hz. As array length increases coupling effects, the CPL function can be set to dB attenuation values between 0 and 9. Higher attenuation shifts the filter's corner frequency lower.

Positive CPL values provide an adjustable low-frequency boost (0 to +5 dB) and can be used when the system operates in full-range mode without subwoofers.

Note: Ensure all cabinets within the line array use the same CPL setting.

Graph showing frequency response correction for the CPL function, illustrating compensation for coupling effects and potential low-frequency boost.

Dispersion Characteristics

The following graphs illustrate the horizontal dispersion angle over frequency, plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB. Nominal dispersion is maintained above 600 Hz, with useful horizontal dispersion control achieved down to 250 Hz.

Isobar diagram illustrating the horizontal dispersion characteristics of the V8 loudspeaker, showing lines of equal sound pressure at -6 dB and -12 dB over frequency.

Isobar diagram illustrating the horizontal dispersion characteristics of the V12 loudspeaker, showing lines of equal sound pressure at -6 dB and -12 dB over frequency.

Technical Specifications

System Data

• Frequency response (-5 dB standard): 67 Hz - 18 kHz
• Frequency response (-5 dB CUT mode): 100 Hz - 18 kHz
• Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field):
  • with D20/D12: 139 dB
  • with D80/D40: 142 dB
• (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)

Loudspeaker Data

• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Power handling capacity (RMS/peak 10 ms): 500/2000 W
• Nominal dispersion angle (horizontal) V8: 80°
• Nominal dispersion angle (horizontal) V12: 120°
• Splay angle setting: 0° ... 14° (1° increment)
• Components: 2 x 10" driver, 1 x 8" driver, 2 x 1.4" exit compression driver, Passive crossover network
• Connections: NLT4 F/M, optional 2 x NL4 M or 2 x EP5
• Pin assignment: NLT4 F/M and NL4 M: 1+/1-; EP5: 1: + / 2: -
• Weight: 34 kg (75 lb)

Graphs showing the frequency response of the V8 and V12 loudspeakers in standard and CUT modes.

Diagram showing the physical dimensions of the V8/V12 cabinet in millimeters and inches.

Manufacturer Declarations

Conformity of Loudspeakers

This declaration applies to d&b Z0515 V8 loudspeaker and d&b Z0516 V12 loudspeaker by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. All product variants corresponding to the original technical version and not subject to later modifications are included. The products conform to the provisions of the respective directives and applicable amendments.

Detailed declarations are available on request or downloadable from www.dbaudio.com.

WEEE Declaration (Disposal)

Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime. Dispose of this product according to national regulations or contractual agreements. For disposal questions, contact d&b audiotechnik.

[WEEE-disposal-symbol] WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE: 13421928