Inserting speaker arrays

Array Details

Column ID

Specifies a name for the bumper-speaker combination that makes up the array

Location

Enter notes about the object's location (such as Downstage Right)

Purpose

Enter notes about the object's purpose (such as Center Fill)

Note

Enter any miscellaneous information required, such as stock number or other data

Configure Array

Opens the Array Detail and Configuration dialog box, to view and edit speaker array parameters

Current Types

Lists the bumpers and speakers that make up the array, along with speaker counts

Total Weight

(Object Info palette only)

Displays the total weight of all the array components, including the bumper; click Populate Array if not displayed

Support

Displays the support type

Bottom Element Trim

(Object Info palette only)

Displays the vertical trim of the bottom unit; click Populate Array if not displayed

Listening Height

Sets the listening height reference for the speakers’ dispersion lines. Listening height must be less than any speaker’s elevation (Z value).

Override A/B/C dispersion (V) with array angles

Calculates the dispersion based on the array’s Angle Relative to Preceding value for each speaker set on the Array tab, rather than the individual speaker’s vertical dispersion angles

Show dispersion for range 1/2/3

Draws the top, bottom, left, and right dispersion lines for each of the three dispersion ranges selected for display, for each speaker (or the Overall range if expanded dispersion is not selected). When applicable, a center reference line is drawn for each of the three dispersion ranges, for each of the speaker models in the array. An outline or hatch pattern representing the listening area coverage “shadow” is drawn when the throw distance and the vertical dispersion and tilt angles allow the speaker to cover the area at or below the Listening Height.

Show dispersion hatch

Displays hatch fills in the coverage shadow of each enabled dispersion range

Show rigging guides

Displays the guides which indicate the approximate location of the motors on the bumper

Hanging Support

Before attaching hoists to the bumper, select whether to hang the array by one, two, or multiple hoists.

For one hoist, the hanging point of the load is generated in the center of the speaker array.

For two hoists, a rigid beam is generated in the vertical middle of the bumper, and all support objects connect to this beam. Snap points indicate where the two hoists can be attached.

For multiple hoists, the entire bumper is a rigid structure, and all support objects can be connected to this structure. Snap points indicate where a minimum of three hoists can be attached.

Populate Array

(Object Info palette only)

The first time the speaker array is created, click Populate Array after exiting the Array Detail and Configuration dialog box, to add the bumpers and speakers to the array

Text Options

Opens the Text Options dialog box, to enable the display and format the text of labels; see Formatting speaker object labels 

Default Text Position

(Object Info palette only)

Restores text labels to their default positions

Classes

Opens the Classes dialog box, to specify class naming for the various portions of the speaker array. This allows portions of the cabinets, grills, and other elements to be set to visible, grayed, or invisible. Different textures can be applied to the different part classes, for a highly realistic appearance.

Use the standard class, select a class from the list of classes present in the drawing, or create a new class. Select <Speaker Array Class> to place the speaker element in the same class as the speaker array.

Class Prefix: Specifies an optional default root class naming standard for all speaker array parts; click Assign Default Classes With Prefix to begin all speaker array class names with the prefix, so that they are sorted together.

Assign Default Classes With Prefix: Sets the class names for all speaker array elements to the standard, using the Class Prefix if there is one.

Speaker array elements: For each portion of the speaker array, specifies the class name standard; the class names shown here are applied to the elements.

Update

(Object Info palette only)

Updates the object when changes have been made to the Object Info palette parameters. Speaker and bumper alignment is adjusted if necessary, and the dispersion ranges and hatch are refreshed.

Load Information

A speaker array is considered a point load in Braceworks calculations; if the insertion point is on a rigging object, it is considered to be a load on that structure. Load information is used for Braceworks calculations and reports (Braceworks required).

Include in calculations

(Braceworks required)

Includes the speaker array in Braceworks calculations; deselect to exclude it from participating in structural calculations

Load Group Name

The load category is always Audio for speaker array objects

Load ID

Enter a unique ID for the load for informational use in reports

Load Name

Identifies the object in load calculations

Total Weight

Enter the total weight of the bumper

Definition

Source

Select whether the bumper is a symbol from the resource library or an item from the catalog.

Symbol resources include preset data and detailed geometry for visualization in plan views, but respond more slowly to edits such as rotating the object. Catalog resources include preset data and a basic box of the correct size to respond quickly and efficiently to edits such as rotating the object.

When a symbol resource is inserted, most parameters are populated from the symbol and disabled.

Type

If Source is set to Catalog, select a bumper from the default bumper data available in the library file; alternatively, select <Generic> to create a bumper with custom data and then save the bumper as a custom bumper in the library file.

Select Import to import predefined bumper data only (such as width and weight) from a library or another file containing bumpers. The Import Bumper Type dialog box opens to select the file and type. A symbol is not imported from the file; only data is added.

Symbol

If Source is set to Symbol, click to select a symbol from the Resource Selector

Brand

Specifies the bumper manufacturer

Model

Specifies the manufacturer’s information

Save Type to Catalog

Saves the current bumper configuration as a new bumper type; enter the name of the bumper type. This custom bumper can then be selected from the Type list.

Delete Type from Catalog

Removes the bumper configuration currently selected in Type from the catalog; the current parameters remain as set, and the type becomes <Generic>

Attributes

Structure

Select whether to use a Frame or T type structure

Overall Width

Indicates the width of the entire bumper

Rear Width

Sets the width of the bumper at the back of the bumper

Overall Depth

Specifies the total depth of the bumper

Side Depth

Sets the depth of the bumper at the side

Thickness

Specifies the thickness of the bumper

Hardware Width

Sets the width of the bumper hardware (brackets)

Weight

Specifies the bumper weight

Extension Bar(s)

When extension bar or bars are present on the bumper to assist with balance and focus of the speaker array, select Center for one in the center, or Sides for bars on each side of the bumper

Length/Height/ Width

Specifies the dimensions of the extension bar or bars

Weight

Specifies the weight of the extension bar or bars

Front Shift

Enter the distance that the bar or bars extend from the bumper; a negative number extends the bars towards the front of the bumper

Side Inset

For side extension bars, specifies the distance to inset the bars on each side

Show rigging guides

Indicates the approximate placement of motors; the number and location of rigging guides depends on the presence of extension bars

Front Inset

Sets the inset distance of the guides from the front of the bumper

Side Inset

When there are no extension bars, sets the inset distance of the side rigging guides

Rear Offset

Sets the inset distance of the guides from the rear of the bumper

Preview

Displays a preview of the bumper, which updates as parameters change; the arrow indicates the front face

Rendering Mode

Select the rendering mode for the preview

Definition

Source

Select whether the speaker is a symbol from the resource library or an item from the catalog.

Symbol resources include preset data and detailed geometry for visualization in plan views, but respond more slowly to edits such as rotating the object. Catalog resources include preset data and a basic box of the correct size to respond quickly and efficiently to edits such as rotating the object.

When a symbol resource is inserted, most parameters are populated from the symbol and disabled.

Type

If Source is set to Catalog, select a speaker from the default speaker data available in the library file; alternatively, select <Generic> to create a speaker with custom data and then save the speaker as a custom speaker in the library file.

Select Import to import predefined speaker data only (such as width and weight) from a library or another file containing speakers. The Import Speaker Type dialog box opens to select the file and type. A symbol is not imported from the file; only data is added

Symbol

If Source is set to Symbol, click to select a symbol from the Resource Selector

Brand

Specifies the speaker manufacturer

Model

Specifies the manufacturer’s information

Save Type to Catalog

Saves the current speaker configuration as a new speaker type; enter the name of the speaker type. This custom speaker can then be selected from the Type list.

Delete Type from Catalog

Removes the speaker currently selected in Type from the catalog; the current parameters remain as set, and the type becomes <Generic>

Attributes

Front Width/Height

Indicates the width and height of the front face of the speaker

Back Width/Height

Indicates the width and height of the back face of the speaker; the back face cannot be larger than the front face

Depth

Specifies the speaker depth

Flip orientation

Rotates the speaker 90° to place the speaker on its side

Tilt Reference

For speakers in an array, sets the reference for tilting the speaker to either the front or back face

Weight

Indicates the weight of the speaker

Self-powered

Indicates whether the speaker uses an internal or remote amplifier

Minimum Wattage

Enter the minimum required wattage to operate the speaker, for power consumption calculations and reporting

RMS Wattage

Specifies the average power applied to the speaker

Peak Wattage

Indicates the maximum power that can be applied to the speaker

Impedance (ohms)

Specifies the speaker’s impedance

Dispersion(s)

Override vertical dispersion(s) with array angles

Calculates the dispersion based on the array’s Angle Relative to Preceding value for each speaker set on the Array tab, rather than the individual speaker’s vertical dispersion angles

Asymmetrical horizontal dispersion(s)

Allows asymmetrical coverage to be defined, with different left and right dispersion angles

Expanded dispersion

When selected, allows you to enter range notes and dispersion area information for up to three ranges; deselect to enter only Overall information

Range 1/2/3

Enter notes for three dispersion ranges, such as a frequency range, key frequency, or crossover point. When Expanded Dispersion is deselected, the range is automatically set to Overall and only one set of values can be entered.

Horiz. Dispersion Full

When dispersion is symmetrical, enter the horizontal dispersion angle, from 0 to 180°; for asymmetrical dispersions, the total dispersion (left + right) is displayed

Horiz. Dispersion Left

When dispersion is asymmetrical, enter the left dispersion angle, from 0 to 90°

Horiz. Dispersion Right

When dispersion is asymmetrical, enter the right dispersion angle, from 0 to 90°

Vert. Dispersion

Enter the vertical dispersion angle, from 0 to 180°

Throw Distance

Sets the throw distance reference for the dispersion lines

Preview

Displays a preview of the speaker, which updates as parameters change; the arrow indicates the front face

Rendering Mode

Select the rendering mode for the preview

Array Support

Specify how the speaker array is supported: Flown-Motors, Flown-Crank Lift, Ground-Stacked, Tripod, or Sub Pole. Flown arrays place the speakers below the bumper. Ground-stacked arrays are inserted above the bumper. Arrays supported by a tripod or a sub pole do not include a bumper.

Main Bumper Type

Displays the bumper type that is selected on the Bumper tab (does not apply to tripod-supported arrays)

Main Bumper Angle

Sets the angle of the bumper, establishing a starting angle for the top mounting (does not apply to tripod-supported arrays)

First Speaker Shift

Controls the offset of the speaker stack from the bumper. Enter a positive value to shift the speaker stack towards the rear of the bumper; enter a negative value to offset the speaker stack towards the front of the bumper.

Tripod/Pole Height

For tripod- and sub pole-supported arrays, specifies the height at the top of the support

Tripod Rotation Angle

Specifies the rotation angle of the tripod

Ground Speaker Count

For sub pole-supported arrays, specifies the number of ground speakers before the sub pole is inserted

Definition

Lists the speakers that make up the array and their relative and actual dispersion angles, in order from top to bottom starting from below the bumper. Add speakers to the list by selecting one or more from the Bumper and Speaker Types to Add list, and then clicking Add/Swap Bumper(s) or Speaker(s). To re-order the speakers, click the # column of the speaker to be moved, and drag it up or down the list. A horizontal line indicates where the speaker will be inserted in the current order.

Bumper and Speaker Types to Add

Lists the bumper and speaker(s) defined on the Bumper and Speaker tabs. The bumper and speakers in this list are available for placement in the array.

Add/Swap Bumper(s) or Speaker(s)

Adds one or more selected bumper or speakers to the array; to swap one or more units, select the unit or units to be replaced in the definition list first. To add speakers without swapping, ensure that no speakers are highlighted in the definition list.

Delete Bumper(s) or Speaker(s)

Deletes the bumpers or speakers selected in the definition list

Bumper and Speaker Counts

Lists the number of each type of bumper and speaker, as well as the total number of bumpers and speakers, included in the array

Angle Relative to Preceding

Sets the angle of the speaker selected in the definition list. Individual speakers have range dispersion angle settings, but these can be overridden to use this angle set for the array instead. The Rel° and Act° angles in the definition list update to reflect the current speaker angles.

Rack

Enter notes about the rack driving the speaker (this can only be accessed when accessing the speaker settings from the Object Info palette of a selected speaker array)

Amplifier

Specifies the selected speaker’s amplifier

Drive Line

Indicates information about the drive line feeding signal to the speaker (this can only be accessed when accessing the speaker settings from the Object Info palette of a selected speaker array)

Cable

Indicates the cable used for the selected speaker

Note

Enter notes about the selected speaker

Preview

Displays a preview of the speaker array, which updates as parameters change; the arrows indicate the front face

Rendering Mode

Select the rendering mode for the preview