Inserting speakers

Source

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

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 catalog.

After placement, select Import from the Object Info palette Type list 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.

The Import Speaker Type dialog box accesses data in the default speaker and bumper libraries.

Select Symbol

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

Ceiling speaker

Indicates that the speaker is a circular, ceiling-mounted speaker

Brand

Specifies the speaker manufacturer

Model

Specifies the manufacturer’s information

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

Custom Color

Specifies the color of the speaker

Constant voltage

Indicates that this is a speaker system that uses constant-voltage, high-impedance speakers and amplifiers. Enter the transformer Tap Settings.

Constant voltage is typically 25 or 70 volts but could be higher.

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

Asymmetrical horizontal dispersion(s)

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

Expand dispersion features

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

Range 1/2/3

Enter notes for three dispersion ranges, such as a frequency range, key frequency, or crossover point. When Expand dispersion features 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

Save Type to Catalog

(Object Info palette only, Catalog Source only)

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

(Object Info palette only, Catalog Source only)

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

Listening Height

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

Override dispersions (V) with array angle

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

Show dispersion range 1/2/3

Draws the top, bottom, left, and right dispersion lines, along with a center reference line, for each of the three dispersion ranges selected for display (or the Overall range if expanded dispersion is not selected). 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

Support

Select the support method for the speaker. The Flown-Motors and Flown-Crank Lift options are for reference only; the other options draw additional pieces such as a tripod floor stand or a yoke and clamp as needed for support.

Tripod/Stand Height

For tripod or mic stand support, sets the height of the floor stand

Tripod Rotation Angle

Specifies the rotation angle of the tripod

Mounting Details

Specifies the mounting details for the speaker

Tilt Difference

Displays the tilt difference between the selected speaker and the one above it

Speaker Tilt Angle

Specifies the tilt angle of the speaker, from -90 to 90°

Location

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

Purpose

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

Zone

Indicates the group, area, or system for the speaker

Speaker ID

Indicates the speaker’s ID

Column ID

An individual speaker can optionally be part of a column of speakers or in a speaker array. This specifies the column ID. Speakers in the same column receive a stacked Column ID when Arrange Column is clicked.

Arrange Column

Provides selected speakers with a Column ID in order of their arrangement, based on their elevation (Z value); calculates tilt differences, and assigns each speaker a Position in Column number

Note

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

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. 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 Class> to place the speaker element in the same class as the speaker object.

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

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

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

Update

Updates the object when changes have been made to the Object Info palette parameters. For example, you may need to refresh the display when toggling Class Speaker Parts on and off, when the attributes of the speaker parts have been set by class.

Load Information

A speaker 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 in Braceworks calculations; deselect to exclude it from participating in structural calculations

Load Group Name

The load category is always Audio for speaker 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 object