Electro-Voice TL550D User Manual

TL550D
Low-Frequency Speaker
System
• Designed for cinema stage use
(behind the screen)
• Extended, 40-Hz response (f
3
)
• Two EVX-150A woofers provide very
high peak and long-term output that
complements the dynamic potential
of digital sound on film
• Use as primary low-frequency
source in two-way systems or as
the sub-woofer in multiway systems
• 2,000 watts continuous program
• Side-mounted connection panel
facilitates hookup when depth
behind the screen is restricted
• 28-Hz f
3
in step-down, ideal for
very-low-frequency synthesized
effects, down-tuned bass guitars or
pipe organ
• Optional HS6 or HS7 hanging kits—
through-the-box steel tubes provide
safe suspension
Description and Applications
The Electro-Voice TL550D is a member of
the TL series of low-frequency enclosures.
The TL550D is a dual direct-radiating vented
design that provides high efficiency, low dis-
tortion and excellent low-frequency perfor-
mance in a compact enclosure. The TL550D
employs two long-throw EVX-150A 15-inch
loudspeakers, in an 8.4-ft
3
, black-finished
enclosure without grille. It is specifically
designed to meet the low-frequency demands
of digital cinema sound, in stage (behind-
the-screen) applications. The TL550D’s high
pumping capability, high acoustic output
ability and extended bass response (40-Hz
3-dB-down point) make it particularly ap-
propriate for the dynamic potential of the
digital cinema application. The side-mounted
input panel facilitates behind-the-screen in-
stallation, where limited space between the
screen and the theatre wall often makes it
difficult to connect to the back of an enclo-
sure.
The TL550D’s performance characteristics
also make it highly appropriate as the pri-
mary low-frequency source in extended-re-
sponse/high-output two-way speaker sys-
tems in a variety of other venues, including
auditoriums, theaters, performing arts cen-
ters, night clubs, concert halls and churches,
or as the subwoofer in large, multiway sys-
tems. In subwoofer use, the TL550D’s 40-
Hz 3-dB-down point is appropriate for most
contemporary music playback and sound re-
inforcement. In the “step-down mode,” the
TL550D’s f
3
is lowered to 28 Hz, which
makes it appropriate for very-low-frequency
synthesized effects, down-tuned bass guitars,
and approaches the depths of the symphony
orchestra and pipe organ. (See Step-Down
section.)
The TL550D can be used with an externally
mounted XEQ-504 crossover/equalizer.
Thus, combined with appropriate Electro-
Voice TransPlanar
TM
constant-directivity
high-frequency horns and DH1A, DH2A or
N/DYM
®
1 compression drivers, the TL550D
forms passive two-way systems with unprec-
edented wide-range frequency response and
high linearity. To extract even greater per-
formance from the TL550D, a biamp con-
figuration using the Electro-Voice XEQ-2 or
XEQ-3 crossover/equalizer is recommended,
allowing full rated power to be applied to
the low-frequency system.
Two optional horn-mounting kits are avail-
able for the Electro-Voice HP940 and
HP9040 horns. (See High-Frequency Horn
Mounting section.)
Frequency Response
The TL550D’s axial frequency response was
measured in Electro-Voice’s large anechoic
chamber at a distance of 10 feet with a swept
sine-wave input of 4 volts. Figure 1 has been
averaged and corrected for 1 watt/1 meter.

Electro-Voice TL550D Specifications

General

frequency response	400-800 Hz Vertical: 60° ± 20°, 400-800 Hz Horizontal: 120° ± 10°
low-frequency 3-dB-down point	40-2, 000 Hz
box tuning frequency normal	42 Hz
box tuning frequency step-down	30 Hz
usable low-frequency limit normal	0.0 dB
directivity index Di	9.6 dB
sound pressure level	100 dB, 95 dB
impedance nominal/minimum	4.0/4.2 ohms
power-handling capacity long-term average	1, 200 watts
continuous program	2, 000 watts
maximum long-term average mid-band acoustic output	89 watts
second harmonic 100 Hz	2.5%
second harmonic 1,000 Hz	1.3%
third harmonic 100 Hz	0.5%
third harmonic 1,000 Hz	0.2%
net box volume	238 l (8.4 ft³)
enclosure materials and finish	Black vinyl-clad particle board

Weight and Dimensions

height	39.5 in. (100.3 cm)
width	22.5 in. (57.2 cm)
depth	21.8 in. (55.4 cm)
net weight	59.1 kg (130 lb)
shipping weight	65.5 kg (144 lb)

Summary

Description and Applications

Product Overview

Introduces the TL550D as a dual direct-radiating vented low-frequency enclosure designed for digital cinema sound applications.

Key Features

Highlights extended response, high output, 2000W power, convenient connection, and step-down capabilities for versatile use.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Directivity

Details the horizontal and vertical polar responses and beamwidth characteristics of the TL550D system.

Power Handling Capacity

Explains the rigorous power testing methodology and the TL550D's capacity for continuous and peak power.

Step-Down Mode

Describes the method of extending low-frequency response by altering enclosure tuning and applying equalization.

Use In Multiples

Discusses the benefits of stacking or using multiple TL550D units for increased output and narrower beamwidth.

Installation and System Integration

High-Frequency Horn Mounting

Details optional kits for mounting Electro-Voice high-frequency horns onto the TL550D enclosure.

Installation and Suspension

Provides guidance on safely installing and suspending the TL550D enclosure, including required kits.

Architects' and Engineers' Specifications

Summarizes key technical parameters and physical dimensions for system design and integration.

Detailed Specifications

Frequency Response and Low-Frequency Limits

Specifies the frequency response range, normal and step-down 3-dB-down points, and usable low-frequency limits.

Power Handling and Acoustic Output

Details power handling capacity, continuous program rating, and maximum long-term average acoustic output.

Dispersion and Impedance

Outlines dispersion angles, sound pressure levels, and nominal/minimum impedance characteristics.

Transducers and Enclosure

Lists transducer complement, net box volume, enclosure tuning, materials, finish, and input connectors.