The LW-8080 is a digital loudspeaker management system designed for touring and fixed sound installation markets. It utilizes advanced 40-bit floating-point processors and high-performance 24-bit Analog Converters, ensuring high fidelity audio with minimal noise and distortion. The system offers a comprehensive set of parameters for precise control over audio signals, including I/O levels, delay, polarity, equalization, crossover, and limiting.
Function Description:
The LW-8080 functions as a central hub for managing loudspeaker systems. It allows users to precisely control various audio parameters for both input and output channels, ensuring optimal sound delivery and protection for connected loudspeakers. The device supports multiple configurations and can be controlled via its front panel, or remotely through PC control software via RS232, USB, or Ethernet interfaces. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of professional audio applications.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Input Impedance: >10k Ohms
- Output Impedance: 50 Ohms
- Maximum Level: +20dBu
- Type: Electronically balanced
- Analog Inputs: 3-pin Female XLR (or 3-pin Euro Block for LW-8080 model)
- Analog Outputs: 3-pin Male XLR (or 3-pin Euro Block for LW-8080 model)
- Frequency Response: +/- 0.1dB (20 to 30kHz)
- Dynamic Range: 115dB typ (unweighted)
- CMMR: > 60dB (50 to 10kHz)
- Crosstalk: < -100dB
- Distortion: 0.002% (1kHz @+4dBu)
- Processor: 40-bit
- Sampling Rate: 96kHz
- Analog Converters: High Performance 24-bit
- Propagation Delay: 1.5ms
Front Panel Controls:
- Display: 2 x 16 Character Backlit LCD
- Level Meters: 5 segment LED
- Buttons: Mute/Edit Controls, Menu Controls
- Dial Encoder: Embedded Thumb Wheel
Connectors:
- RS-232: Female DB-9
- USB: Type B
- Ethernet: RJ45
- Power: Standard IEC Socket
General:
- Power: 90-240 VAC (50-60Hz)
- Dimensions: 19"x1.75"x9" (483x44x229 mm)
- Weight: 10 lbs / 4.5 kg
Audio Control Parameters:
- Mic Gain: 0 to +45dB in 3dB steps (for LW 8080 model only)
- Gain: -40 to +15dB in 0.25dB steps
- Polarity: +/-
- Delay: Up to 650ms per I/O (in 10us steps), displayable in ms, ft, or m.
- Equalizers (8 per I/O):
- Type: Parametric (PEQ), Low-shelf (LO-SHF), High-shelf (HI-SHF), 1st degree all-pass (AP-1), 2nd degree all-pass (AP-2).
- Gain: -30 to +15dB in 0.25dB steps
- Bandwidth: 0.02 to 3.61 octaves (Q=0.3 to 72)
- Frequency: 20Hz to 30kHz (1Hz or 1/36 octave steps)
- 31-Band Graphic Equalizers (1 per Input):
- Gain: -30 to +15dB in 0.25dB steps
- Frequency: 20Hz to 20kHz
- Crossover Filters (2 per I/O):
- Filter Types: Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz Riley
- Slopes: 6 to 48dB/octave (12, 24, 36, 48 dB/octave available)
- Frequency: 20Hz to 30kHz (1Hz or 1/36 octave steps)
- Limiters (1 per Output):
- Threshold: -20 to +20dBu in 0.5dB steps
- Attack: 0.3 to 100ms (0.1ms or 1ms steps)
- Release: 2 to 32X the attack time
- Compressor (1 per Input):
- Threshold: -20 to +20dBu in 0.5dB steps
- Attack: 0.3 to 100ms (0.1ms or 1ms steps)
- Release: 2 to 32X the attack time
- Ratio: 1:1 to 1:40
System Parameters:
- No. of Presets: 30
- Program Names: 12 character length
- Delay Units: ms, ft, m
- Frequency Modes: 36 steps/oct, 1Hz resolution
Usage Features:
Front Panel Operation:
The front panel provides intuitive controls for managing the device.
- USB Port: A standard Type B USB connector for PC connection. A device driver from the provided software CD must be installed.
- RS232 Port: A standard female DB9 socket for PC connection using a straight-through cable.
- Mute (Channel Menu) Buttons: These buttons mute or un-mute input and output channels. A red LED indicates a muted channel. When held down, these buttons also select the corresponding channel for LCD menu display, indicated by a green LED. This feature allows for linking multiple channels to apply parameter modifications simultaneously, simplifying programming for identical settings across channels.
- Channel Menu LED: Indicates activated channels for data modification.
- Peak Level LED: Displays the current peak signal level, with indicators for -12dB, -6dB, -3dB, and Over/Limit. The Input Limit LED refers to the device's maximum headroom, while the Output Limit LED refers to the threshold of the output limiter.
- LCD Display: A 2x16 character backlit LCD shows all necessary information for unit control.
- Menu Buttons: Six menu keys (Menu Down, Menu Up, Cursor Down, Cursor Up, Enter/Sys, Exit) navigate through the system. "Menu" keys move to previous/next menu screens, "Cursor" keys move to previous/next cursors, "Enter/Sys" confirms selections in System Menu, and "Exit" exits the current menu.
- Rotary Thumb Wheel: Changes parameter data values. Pressing "Enter/Sys" simultaneously with the wheel increments/decrements the data value by 100X, useful for modifying delay and frequency (1 Hz resolution).
Powering Up:
Upon powering up, the LCD displays an initialization screen showing "LW SPEAKERS LW-8080 v9.04B" (device model and firmware version). After a few seconds, the main screen "LW SPEAKERS P01*" appears, indicating the current program number and name. An asterisk signifies no program is assigned, and the last data before power-down is recalled. The device is then ready for operation.
- Channel Linking: Multiple input or output channels can be linked by holding down a "Menu" key and selecting desired channels. Green LEDs below the Mute buttons indicate linked channels. Any parameter changes to a selected channel will apply to all linked channels. Deselecting channels or pressing "Exit" cancels linking.
- Input Microphone Gain (LW 8080 only): Adjusts gain from 0dB to +45dB in 3dB steps. This applies only when Mic Input is selected from the System Menu.
- Input/Output Signal Level: Adjusts gain from -40.00dB to +15.00dB in 0.25dB steps.
- Polarity: Sets polarity to normal (+) or inverted (-).
- Delay: Configures delay up to 650ms in 10us steps. The time unit (ms, ft, or m) is set in the System Menu.
- Input/Output Equalizer (PEQ): Each channel has 8 bands of equalization. Users can select EQ type (parametric, low-shelf, high-shelf, all-pass), frequency (20Hz to 30kHz), bandwidth (0.02 to 3.61 octaves), and level (-30.00dB to +15.00dB). Bands can be bypassed.
- Input Graphic Equalizer (GEQ): 31 bands from 20Hz to 20kHz. Level ranges from -30.00dB to +15.00dB. The entire GEQ can be bypassed.
- Input/Output Crossover: Configures low-pass (TYPH) and high-pass (TYPL) filters. Filter types include Butterworth, Linkwitz Riley, or Bessel. Slopes range from 6 to 48dB/octave. Cut-off frequencies range from 20Hz to 30kHz.
- Input Compressor: Sets threshold (-20 to +20dBu), attack time (0.3 to 100ms), release time (2X, 4X, 8X, 16X, or 32X attack time), and ratio (1:1 to 1:40).
- Output Limiter: Sets threshold (-20 to +20dBu), attack time (0.3 to 100ms), and release time (2X, 4X, 8X, 16X, or 32X attack time).
- Output Source: Mixes input channels (in dB) for the current output channel or disables them. Multiple enabled inputs are summed.
- Channel Name: Assigns a 6-character name to each channel.
- Preset Recall/Store: Stores up to 30 different presets in non-volatile memory. Users can recall or store programs by number.
- Mic Settings (LW24M/36M/48M/88M only): Selects between Line input or Mic input. Mic input provides a 30dB gain.
- Phantom Power: Enables/disables 48V phantom power per channel for optional microphone preamps.
- Copy Channels: Copies all audio parameters from a source channel to a target channel. If source and target are both inputs or both outputs, all parameters are copied. If one is an input and the other an output, only Level, Polarity, Delay, EQ, Crossover, and Channel Name are copied.
- General Settings:
- Freq Mode: Changes frequency control mode for EQ and crossover filters to 36 steps/octave or All Frequencies (1Hz resolution).
- Delay Unit: Sets delay time unit to ms, ft, or m.
- Ethernet Settings: Configures network settings (Eth-IP, Eth-GW, Eth-SM) for each unit. A unique IP address is required.
- Communication Settings:
- Device ID: Assigns a device ID (1 to 16) for use with multiple units and BSanels. Requires power cycle to take effect.
- Baud Rate: Sets serial communication baud rate (115200).
- Network ID: Assigns a network ID (0 to 60000) for future network eBSansion only (default 0).
- Security Lock and Unlock: Sets a 4-character password to protect parameters from unauthorized changes. The factory default code is 11110000.
- Factory Settings: Resets all current parameters to factory defaults, while stored presets and system settings remain untouched.
- ISO Settings: Internal System Optimizer reduces ground floor noise if no signal is present. Unwanted Noise Gate effects can be bypassed.
- Info: Displays device name, firmware version, and security code.
PC Control Software:
The LW Series includes special PC Graphic User Interface (GUI) software (LW-Software) for remote control and monitoring. The GUI provides a comprehensive overview of the device, allowing users to manage programs, recall/store settings, and access all parameters. The software connects via RS232, USB, or Ethernet. A USB driver installer is provided.
Maintenance Features:
Safety Instructions:
The manual emphasizes several important safety instructions to prevent electric shock, fire, and personal injury.
- Read Instructions: All safety and operating instructions must be read and understood.
- Keep Instructions: Instructions should be retained for future reference.
- Heed Warnings: All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions must be followed.
- Follow Instructions: All operating and use instructions must be followed.
- Water and Moisture: Do not use near water (bath, sink, laundry tub, wet basement, swimming pool).
- Cleaning: Unplug before cleaning. Use only liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
- Ventilation: Do not block ventilation openings. Ensure proper airflow to prevent overheating. Do not place on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface. Do not place in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
- Heat Sources: Do not install near heat sources (radiators, stoves, other heat-producing products).
- Polarized or Grounding-Type Plug: Use a polarized plug with two blades (one wider). Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug.
- Power-Cord Protection: Route power cords to prevent walking on or pinching, especially at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit the apparatus.
- Attachments: Use only attachments specified by the manufacturer.
- Carts and Stands: Use only with carts, stands, tripods, brackets, or tables specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. Exercise caution when moving to avoid injury.
- Unplug During Lightning Storms or Unused Periods: Unplug for long periods to prevent damage from lightning or power line surges.
- Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not attempt to service the unit beyond what is described in the operating instructions. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged, liquid has been spilled, objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, or does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Risk of Fire or Electric Shock: Do not expose the apparatus to rain or moisture.
- Splashing and Dripping: Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
Warranty:
The LW Series comes with a five-year warranty covering materials and workmanship, starting from the retail purchase date or manufacturing date (if no receipt). The warranty transfers to subsequent owners. It covers failures due to defects in materials and workmanship but excludes abuse, accident, modification, improper handling/installation, or unauthorized repairs. The warranty is void if the serial number is defaced or removed. For service, contact the factory for a Return Authorization (R/A) number. Include owner's name, phone number, address, R/A number, serial number, copy of sales receipt, and a detailed description of the problem and equipment setup.
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