SpotlightInserting speakers

Tool

Tool set

Speaker

Audio/Video

Use the Speaker tool to insert individual speakers that are not part of an array. Manually-inserted speakers can be placed as single speakers, or as several speakers arranged in a column. A variety of supports and labeling options are available.

Mode

Description

Insert by Symbol

Inserts a speaker symbol from the resource library; symbol resources include preset data and detailed geometry for visualization, but respond more slowly to edits such as rotating the object

Insert by Catalog

Inserts a speaker from the speaker catalog; 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

Speaker Symbol

(Insert by Symbol mode only)

Click to select a resource from the Resource Selector

Catalog Item

(Insert by Catalog mode only)

Click to select a speaker with preset data from the catalog

Alignment modes

Defines how the speaker is aligned on insertion; see The Symbol Insertion tool

Automatic Numbering

When toggled on, enables automatic numbering as objects are placed

Automatic Numbering Preferences

Sets the automatic numbering preferences

Preferences

Sets the default parameters for the speaker

To insert a speaker:

Click the tool and modes.

Do one of the following:

For Insert by Symbol mode, click Speaker Symbol on the Tool bar to select a resource from the Resource Selector.

For Insert by Catalog mode, click Catalog Item on the Tool bar to select a speaker with preset data from the catalog.

To create a custom speaker, click Preferences to open the object properties dialog box and specify the tool's default parameters; set the Source to Catalog and Type to Generic, and then enter the parameters. The speaker can be saved to the catalog from the Object Info palette after placement.

Click to place the object, and click again to set the rotation. You can place the speaker on or near a rigging object for automatic attachment; see Concept: Attaching loads to rigging objects.

EventDesign203668.png 

Depending on the insertion method used, some parameters are automatically populated and disabled, and others can be edited later from the Object Info palette. Some information from parameters can also be placed on the drawing using the Text Options

Click to show/hide the parameters.Click to show/hide the parameters.

Parameter

Description

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

Enclosure Spec.

Ceiling speaker

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

Brand

Specifies the speaker manufacturer

Model

Specifies the manufacturer’s information

Grill Diameter

For ceiling speakers, enter the grill diameter

Cutout Diameter

For ceiling speakers, enter the diameter of the speaker housing

Height

For ceiling speakers, specifies the speaker height

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

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

Weight

Specifies the speaker’s weight

Custom Color

Specifies the color of the speaker

Electrical and Signal Spec.

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

Dispersion Spec.

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>

Dispersion Visibilites

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

Draw focus arrow

Indicates the direction of the speaker's focus; specify the length of the arrow and the size of the arrow head

Placement

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

Yoke Tilt Angle

Sets the yoke tilt angle

Yoke Weight

Specifies the yoke weight

Rotate clamp 90º

When selected, rotates the yoke's clamp 90º

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°

Power and Signal Details

Self-Powered Wattage

For self-powered speakers, specifies the power applied to the speaker

Self-Powered Circuit Number

For self-powered speakers, indicates the circuit number where the speaker is plugged in

Self-Powered Circuit Name

For self-powered speakers, specifies the name of the bundled circuit group

Rack

Enter notes about the rack driving the speaker

Amplifier

Specifies the speaker’s amplifier

Drive Line

Indicates information about the drive line feeding the signal to the speaker

Cable

Indicates the cable used

Location

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

Position

Enter notes about the object's positiom

Unit

Enter notes about the object's unit

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

Place in Column

When speakers are arranged in a column or array, indicates the speaker’s position in the stack. Position 1 is the top speaker.

Vendor

Enter notes about the object's vendor

Cost

Enter notes about the object's cost

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

Position

Displays the name of the associated rigging object, if the speaker is attached. Optionally, attach this object to a rigging object, or change the rigging object association, by entering the Position Name of the rigging object. Delete the name to break the association.

For other methods to attach loads, see Making the attachment.

Equipment Subparts

Lists the subparts that make up the object. These subparts are counted and reported separately in equipment and inventory lists.

The parameters must be selected for display for this type of object in Spotlight preferences: Inventory pane.

Equipment Virtual Parts

Virtual parts are associated with an object and are reported in equipment and inventory lists, but do not display in the drawing. After adding virtual parts, they are listed in the Object Info palette.

Edit Virtual Parts

Opens the Virtual Parts dialog box to add virtual parts to the object; see Managing virtual parts and independent virtual parts

Assign Sources

Opens the Assign Sources dialog box to assign the object and its subparts and virtual parts to an inventory source; see Assigning equipment to an inventory

Inserting speakers and speaker arrays

Formatting speaker object labels 

Inserting speaker arrays

Numbering objects at placement

Concept: Attaching loads to rigging objects

 

Was this page helpful?