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Guidelines for safe operation to prevent personal injury and material damage from loudspeaker use.
Information on the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software for designing d&b line arrays.
Specifies the intended applications and operational context for d&b SL-Series loudspeakers.
Details NLT4 F/M connector wiring and pin assignments for the loudspeaker system.
Covers amplifier output modes, line, arc, and AP setups for operating the loudspeakers.
Explains CUT, CPL, and HFC controller functions for acoustic adjustment and system response.
Presents isobar diagrams illustrating horizontal dispersion angles of KSL8/KSL12 over frequency.
Provides detailed system and loudspeaker data: frequency response, SPL, impedance, power, weight.
Declares conformity of KSL8/KSL12 loudspeakers with relevant EC directives and applicable amendments.
Provides guidance on the proper disposal of electrical and electronic equipment according to regulations.
The d&b KSL8/KSL12 loudspeaker is a sophisticated line array system designed for medium to large-scale sound reinforcement applications, also serving as a partner to the GSL system for fill and/or delay purposes. These cabinets are engineered to deliver high-quality audio with precise control over dispersion characteristics, making them suitable for a wide range of professional audio environments.
The KSL8/KSL12 cabinets are 3-way designs, meticulously crafted to ensure optimal sound reproduction. Each cabinet houses a comprehensive driver complement, including two 10-inch neodymium forward LF drivers, two 8-inch neodymium side-firing LF drivers, one horn-loaded 8-inch MF driver, and two 1.4-inch exit HF compression drivers with 3-inch coils. These HF drivers are mounted to a dedicated wave shaping device, which is crucial for achieving the desired acoustic performance.
A key feature of the KSL system is its ability to produce a constant directivity dispersion pattern. When used with the KSL Flying frame, up to 24 KSL8 cabinets can be flown in vertical columns, generating an 80° constant directivity dispersion pattern in the horizontal plane. The KSL12, acoustically and mechanically compatible with the KSL8, offers a wider 120° horizontal dispersion, providing flexibility for different coverage requirements.
The cylindrical wave segments produced by each cabinet are designed to couple seamlessly without gaps, summing coherently to create a unified wavefront. Splay angles between adjacent cabinets can be adjusted in 1° increments, ranging from 0° to 10°, allowing for precise array curvature and coverage optimization.
The KSL cabinets are driven by two channels of an applicable d&b amplifier. This amplifier provides dedicated processing functions for the front LF section and for the passively crossed-over side LF and MF/HF sections. This 2-Way Active operation mode ensures that each driver group receives appropriate power and signal processing for optimal performance.
All components within the cabinet are arranged symmetrically around the center axis. This symmetrical setup facilitates a very smooth crossover design with a well-defined overlap of adjacent frequency bands, resulting in consistent and accurate horizontal dispersion. The unique arrangement of forward and sideward LF drivers, combined with their specific processing functions, ensures that directivity is maintained across the entire frequency range, from 54 Hz up to 18 kHz.
The d&b KSL8/KSL12 system offers several features that enhance its usability and integration into various sound systems.
ArrayCalc Simulation Software: For both safety and acoustic reasons, d&b line arrays must be designed using the d&b ArrayCalc simulation software. This software, available for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X, provides detailed information on how to use and operate the system, including typical array configurations within permitted load limits and mechanical load conditions. ArrayCalc helps users get familiar with the system's capabilities and limitations, ensuring safe and acoustically optimized deployments.
NLT4 F/M Connectors: The cabinets are fitted with NLT4 F/M connectors, with all four pins wired in parallel. Pins 1+/1- feed the forward LF drivers, while pins 2+/2- are connected to the passive crossover networks for the side-firing LF drivers and the MF/HF driver sections.
d&b LoadMatch Function: When used with d&b's four-channel amplifier platform, the LoadMatch function electrically compensates for the properties of the loudspeaker cable, eliminating the need for an additional sense wire. This function is independent of the connector type, simplifying setup and ensuring consistent performance.
Amplifier Setups (Line, Arc, AP): The KSL8/KSL12 offers different amplifier setups to accommodate various array configurations.
Controller Settings (CUT, CPL, HFC): For acoustic adjustment, the system provides several functions:
Rigging Components: The cabinets feature integrated rigging strands on both sides of the front and a central strand at the rear. All necessary rigging components are mounted on the cabinet and can be folded out or slid out as needed, simplifying setup and deployment.
The d&b KSL8/KSL12 loudspeakers are built for durability and reliability in demanding professional environments, with several design considerations that contribute to their longevity and ease of maintenance.
Robust Construction: The cabinet enclosures are constructed from marine plywood, known for its strength and resistance to environmental factors. They feature an impact and weather-protected PCP (Polyurea Cabinet Protection) finish, which provides excellent durability against physical wear and tear and adverse weather conditions.
Protective Grills: The front and side panels of the cabinets incorporate rigid metal grills. These grills are backed by acoustically transparent and water-repellent fabric, which protects the drivers from dust, moisture, and physical damage without compromising sound quality.
Integrated Handles: Each side panel includes a handle, with two additional handles provided at the rear of the cabinet. These handles facilitate easier transportation, positioning, and rigging of the loudspeakers.
Regular Inspections: To ensure continued safe operation and optimal performance, regular checks are recommended:
Documentation and Support: d&b audiotechnik emphasizes the importance of keeping the product manual in a safe place for future reference. Users are encouraged to regularly check the d&b website for the latest version of the document. When reselling the product, the manual should be handed over to the new owner. d&b also offers additional documents and training seminars, including video tutorials, to support users in understanding and maintaining their systems.
WEEE Declaration: In line with environmental responsibility, electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime. d&b provides guidance on disposing of the product according to national regulations or contractual agreements, ensuring environmentally sound practices.
These features collectively ensure that the d&b KSL8/KSL12 loudspeakers are not only high-performing audio devices but also robust, user-friendly, and maintainable for long-term professional use.
General| Type | Line array module |
|---|---|
| Connectors | 2 x NL4 |
| Components | 2 x 1.4" HF drivers |
| Cabinet Construction | Plywood |
| Impedance | LF: 8 Ω, HF: 8 Ω |
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