Meyer Sound Documentation

All components in an audio system (self-powered loudspeakers, mixing consoles, and processors) must be properly connected to an AC power distribution system, ensuring that AC line polarity is preserved and that all grounding points are connected to a single node or common point using the same cable gauge (or larger) as the neutral and line cables.

120V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line)

Line-Neutral-Earth/Ground

The figure below illustrates a basic 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with the loudspeaker load distributed across all three phases and with each loudspeaker connected to a single line and common neutral and earth/ground lines. This system delivers 120 V AC to each loudspeaker.

120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line to Loudspeakers)

120V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Two Lines)

Line-Line-Earth/Ground

The figure below illustrates a 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with each loudspeaker connected to two lines and a common earth/ground line. This configuration is possible because the UPQ-D Series tolerate elevated voltages from the ground line and does not require a neutral line. This system delivers 208 V AC to each loudspeaker.

120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Two Lines to Loudspeakers)

Tip

The 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye system with two lines is recommended because it allows loudspeakers to draw less current than with single-line systems, thereby reducing voltage drop due to cable resistance. It also excludes the potential of varying ground to neutral voltages producing an audible hum.

230V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line)

Line-Neutral-Earth/Ground

Figure 5 illustrates a basic 230 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with the loudspeaker load distributed across all three phases and with each loudspeaker connected to a single line and common neutral and earth/ ground lines. This system delivers 230 V AC to each loudspeaker.

230 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line to Loudspeakers)

Caution

For 230 V AC, 3-phase Wye systems, never connect two lines to the AC input of a UPQ-D Series loudspeaker, as the resulting voltage would exceed the upper voltage limit (275 V AC) and will damage the loudspeaker.

The HMS-15AC user panel includes two powerCON 20 connectors, one for AC Input (blue) and one for AC Loop Output (gray), as shown in the figure below.

HMS-15AC User Panel (with RMS option)

AC Input (Blue)

The blue AC Input connector supplies power to the HMS-15AC. The 3-conductor powerCON 20 is rated at 20 A and uses a locking connector that prevents accidental disconnections. A 10-foot AC power cable, rated at 15 A, is included with each loudspeaker. If the included AC power cable is replaced, make sure to use a cable with the appropriate power plug (on the other end) for the region where the unit will be operated. HMS-15AC requires a grounded outlet. To operate safely and effectively, it is extremely important that the entire system be properly grounded.

The AC Input connector also supplies power to any additional loudspeakers connected to the loudspeaker’s gray Loop Output connector.

Caution

When looping AC power for loudspeakers, do not exceed the current capability of the AC Input connector (20 A) or the included AC power cable (15 A). Consider the total current draw for all loudspeakers on the circuit, including the first loudspeaker. See the table in AC Loop Output (Gray) to calculate the maximum HMS-15ACs that can be looped with AC power.

AC Loop Output (Gray)

The gray AC Loop Output connector allows multiple

HMS-15AC to be looped and powered from a single power source. The 3-conductor powerCON 20 is rated at 20 A and uses a locking connector that prevents accidental disconnections. For applications that require multiple

HMS-15AC, connect the AC Loop Output of the first loudspeaker to the AC Input of the second loudspeaker, and so forth.

The maximum number of loudspeakers that can be looped from the AC Loop Output connector is determined by the voltage of the power source, the current draw of the looped loudspeakers, the circuit breaker rating, and the rating of the AC power cable connected to the first HMS-15AC loudspeaker.

Table: Maximum HMS-15ACs that Can Be Looped with AC Power

Table 1. Maximum HMS-15ACs that Can Be Looped with AC Power

Circuit Breaker / Connector Rating	115 V AC	230 V AC	100 V AC
15 A	9 looped (10 total)	18 looped (19 total)	8 looped (9 total)
20 A	12 looped (13 total)	24 looped (25 total)	11 looped (12 total)

Note

Current draw for HMS-15AC is dynamic and fluctuates as operating levels change. The indicated number of loudspeakers that can be looped assumes that operating levels are normal and not such that loudspeakers are constantly limiting.

HMS-15AC ships with a gray powerCON 20 cable mount connector, rated at 20 A, for assembling AC looping cables. Assembled 1-meter AC looping cables (PN 28.115.032.03) are also available from Meyer Sound.

HMS-15AC ships with a gray powerCON 20 cable mount connector, rated at 20 A, for assembling AC looping cables. The pins on the powerCON 20 cable mount connector are labeled as follows:

HMS-15AC operates as intended when receiving AC voltage within the following range:

If the voltage drops below 90 V, the loudspeaker uses stored power to continue operating temporarily; the loudspeaker powers off if the voltage does not return to its operating range.

If the voltage rises above 275 V, the power supply could become damaged.

Current draw for loudspeakers is dynamic and fluctuates as operating levels change. Because different cables and circuit breakers heat up at varying rates, it is important to understand the following types of current ratings and how they affect circuit breaker and cable specifications.

Use the information in the table below to select the appropriate cable gauge and circuit breaker ratings for the system’s operating voltage

The minimum electrical service amperage required by a loudspeaker system is the sum of the maximum long-term continuous current for all loudspeakers. An additional 30 percent above the combined Maximum Long-Term Continuous amperages is recommended to prevent peak voltage drops at the service entry.

HMS-15AC’s Intelligent AC™ power supply automatically selects the correct operating voltage (allowing the loudspeaker to be used internationally without manually setting voltage switches), eliminates high inrush currents with soft-start power up, suppresses high-voltage transients up to several kilovolts, filters common mode and differential mode radio frequencies (EMI), and sustains operation temporarily during low-voltage periods.

Powering on HMS-15AC

When powering on HMS-15AC, the following startup events take place over several seconds.

1. Audio output is muted.

2. Voltage is detected and the power supply mode is auto- matically adjusted as necessary.

3. The power supply ramps up.

4. On the user panel, the On/Status LED flashes multiple colors successively.

5. The Active/Status LED turns solid green, indicating the loudspeaker is unmuted and ready to output audio.

Caution

If the Active/Status LED does not turn solid green, or the HMS-15AC does not output audio after 10 seconds, remove AC power immediately and verify that the voltage is within the required range. If the problem persists, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support.

HMS-15AC includes 3-pin XLR audio connectors for Input and Loop Output.

The USW-112P compact narrow subwoofer provides big bass sound for very tight spaces. Its compact rectangular enclosure and slanted connector panel enable flushmounting of the cabinet against wall surfaces, reducing required installation depth to 12 inches, including connectors.

Audio Loop Output Connector

The male XLR Loop connector allows multiple HMS-15AC loudspeakers to be looped from a single audio source.

Connect the Loop Output of the first loudspeaker to the Input of the second, and so forth. The Loop Output connector is wired in parallel to the Input connector and transmits the unbuffered source signal even when the loudspeaker is powered off.

To avoid distortion when looping multiple HMS-15AC loudspeakers, make sure the source device can drive the total load impedance of the looped loudspeakers. In addition, the source device must be capable of delivering 20 dBV (10 V rms into 600 ohms) to yield the maximum peak SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeaker.

To calculate the load impedance for the looped loudspeakers, divide 10 kOhms (the input impedance for a single HMS-15AC) by the number of looped loudspeakers. For example, the load impedance for 10 HMS-15AC loudspeakers is 1000 ohms (10 kOhms / 10). To drive this number of looped loudspeakers, the source device should have an output impedance of 100 ohms or less. This same rule applies when looping HMS-15AC loudspeakers with other self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers and subwoofers.

Note

Most source devices are capable of driving loads no smaller than 10 times their output impedance.

Tip

Meyer Sound’s Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform is highly recommended for driving systems with multiple loudspeakers. In addition to maintaining signal integrity for long cable paths, GALAXY processors offer independent inputs and outputs and presets for optimizing HMS-15AC array performance and subsystem integration.

Audio Loop Output Connector

The male XLR Loop connector allows multiple HMS-15AC loudspeakers to be looped from a single audio source.

Connect the Loop Output of the first loudspeaker to the Input of the second, and so forth. The Loop Output connector is wired in parallel to the Input connector and transmits the unbuffered source signal even when the loudspeaker is powered off.

To avoid distortion when looping multiple HMS-15AC loudspeakers, make sure the source device can drive the total load impedance of the looped loudspeakers. In addition, the source device must be capable of delivering 20 dBV (10 V rms into 600 ohms) to yield the maximum peak SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeaker.

To calculate the load impedance for the looped loudspeakers, divide 10 kOhms (the input impedance for a single HMS-15AC) by the number of looped loudspeakers. For example, the load impedance for 10 HMS-15AC loudspeakers is 1000 ohms (10 kOhms / 10). To drive this number of looped loudspeakers, the source device should have an output impedance of 100 ohms or less. This same rule applies when looping HMS-15AC loudspeakers with other self-powered Meyer Sound loudspeakers and subwoofers.

Note

Most source devices are capable of driving loads no smaller than 10 times their output impedance.

Tip

Meyer Sound’s Galileo® GALAXY Network Platform is highly recommended for driving systems with multiple loudspeakers. In addition to maintaining signal integrity for long cable paths, GALAXY processors offer independent inputs and outputs and presets for optimizing HMS-15AC array performance and subsystem integration.

When source levels for HMS-15AC exceed optimum input levels for its drivers, limiting is engaged and is indicated by the two Limit LEDs on the user panel. The bottom LED indicates limiting for the low-frequency channel. The top LED indicates limiting for the high-frequency channel. When engaged, limiting not only protects the drivers, but also prevents signal peaks from causing excessive distortion in the amplifier’s channels, thereby preserving headroom and maintaining smooth frequency responses at high levels.

When source levels return to normal, below the limiter’s threshold, limiting ceases.

HMS-15AC performs within its acoustical specifications at normal temperatures when the Limit LEDs are unlit, or if the LEDs are lit for two seconds or less and then turn off for at least one second. If an LED remains lit for longer than three seconds, the loudspeaker enters hard limiting where:

Limit and On/Status LEDs

During normal operation, when HMS-15AC is powered on, the On/Status LED is solid green. If the loudspeaker encounters a hardware fault, or the unit begins to overheat, the LED flashes red. In some instances, the loudspeaker will continue to output audio while the LED flashes red, though with a reduction in the limiter threshold and acoustic output to protect the loudspeaker.

If a loudspeaker is overheating (for RMS-equipped loudspeakers, this situation can be verified in Compass RMS), a reduction in SPL may be necessary. If after a reduction in SPL and an appropriate cooling period the On/Status LED continues to flash red (does not return to solid green), contact Meyer Sound Technical Support.

If the On/Status LED flashes red and the loudspeaker does not output audio, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support immediately.

HMS-15AC’s amplifier relies solely on natural convection for cooling from air flowing over its heat sink. The efficient design of the amplifier and heat sink profile keeps temperatures low, even when the unit is used at high ambient temperatures in tightly packed conditions, and when driven continuously at high output levels.

Compass RMS™ software provides extensive system status and performance data for each loudspeaker, including amplifier voltage, limiting activity, power output, fan and driver status, as well as mute and solo capability. Loudspeakers are added to the RMS network and assigned a node name during a one-time discovery procedure. Once loudspeakers are identified on the RMS network, they appear in Compass RMS as icons that can be customized to suit your needs, as shown in the figure below.

Compass RMS Window

Individual loudspeakers can be physically identified with the Wink option in RMS, which lights the Wink LED on the RMS module of that particular loudspeaker. Conversely, a loudspeaker can be identified in Compass RMS by pressing the Identify button on the loudspeaker’s RMS module.

Loudspeaker icons can be arranged in Compass RMS and saved as pages to represent how the loudspeakers have been deployed in the system. Multiple pages can be saved and recalled for specific performances and venues.

The AcheronDesigner RMS user panel, shown below, includes an Identify button, Remote Mute switch, Wink/Activity LED, and two Network connectors.

Acheron Designer RMS Module

Identify Button

The Identify button serves the following functions:

• If the loudspeaker has not yet been discovered on the RMS network (Wink/Activity LED not lit), press the Identify button to discover it.

• To remove the loudspeaker from the RMS network, press and hold the Identify button during startup (see Resetting the RMS Module).

• To wink a discovered loudspeaker, press the Identify button. The Wink LED on the loudspeaker icon in Compass RMS lights up and the Wink/Activity LED on the loudspeaker’s RMS user panel turns solid green. Press the Identify button again to unwink the loudspeaker.

Tip

The loudspeaker can also be winked by clicking the Wink button on the loudspeaker icon in Compass RMS.

Wink/Activity LED (Green)

The green Wink/Activity LED indicates the status of the loudspeaker:

• During startup, the LED flashes green 10 times.

• If the loudspeaker has not yet been discovered on the RMS network, the LED is not lit after startup.

• • If the loudspeaker has been successfully discovered on the RMS network, the LED flashes green continuously and flashes more rapidly with increased data activity.

• When the loudspeaker is winked, either by clicking the Wink button in Compass RMS or by pressing the Identify button on the RMS user panel, the LED is solid green. The LED remains solid green until the loudspeaker is unwinked.

Tip

The Wink function is useful for identifying the physical loudspeaker corresponding to a loudspeaker icon in Compass RMS.

Remote Mute Switch

The recessed Remote Mute switch on the RMS module, shown in the figure below, determines whether Compass RMS can control muting and soloing of the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker ships from the factory with the switch enabled.

Remote Mute Switch

• Disable: When the Remote Mute switch is set to Disable (to the left), the loudspeaker cannot be muted or soloed from Compass RMS.

• Enable: When the Remote Mute switch is set to Enable (to the right), the loudspeaker can be muted and soloed from Compass RMS.

Note

Compass RMS has a preference that can be set to disable Mute and Solo functions, eliminating any possibility of accidentally muting loudspeakers.

RMS Network Connectors

The Weidmuller 2-conductor, locking connectors transfer data to and from the RMS network. Two connectors are provided to allow for easy connection of multiple (daisy-chained) loudspeakers on the network. Included with each RMS-equipped loudspeaker are RMS cable connectors and mounting blocks for constructing RMS cables. The mounting blocks allow the Weidmuller connectors to be securely attached to the RMS module with screws.

Each RMS module has a unique 12-character Neuron ID (NID) that identifies the loudspeaker on the network. The NID is automatically detected by RMServer but can also be entered manually, if necessary when configuring RMS systems in Compass RMS without loudspeakers present. The NID label is located on the RMS user panel near the orange Network connectors.

You can use the Identify button to reset the RMS module when powering on the loudspeaker. This action will cause the module to be removed from the RMS network.

The MAPP System Design Tool is a powerful, cross-platform application for accurately predicting the coverage pattern, frequency response, phase response, impulse response, and SPL capability of individual or arrayed Meyer Sound loudspeakers.

MAPP System Design Tool

Whether planning for fixed installations or for tours with multiple venues, use MAPP to accurately predict the appropriate loudspeaker deployment for each job, complete with coverage data, system delay and equalization settings, rigging information, and detailed design illustrations. MAPP’s accurate, high-resolution predictions ensure that systems will perform as intended, thereby eliminating unexpected coverage problems and minimizing onsite adjustments.

The key to the accuracy of MAPP’s predictions is MeyerSound’s exhaustive database of loudspeaker measurements. Performance predictions for each loudspeaker are based on 3-dimensional, 65,000+ 1/48th-octave-band measurements taken in the MeyerSound anechoic chamber. The extraordinary consistency between Meyer Sound loudspeakers guarantees that predictions from MAPP will closely match their actual performance.

MAPP software allows for configuration of MeyerSound loudspeaker systems and definition of the environment in which they operate, including air temperature, pressure, humidity, and the location of prediction surfaces. Importing both CAD (.DXF) and Sketchup (.SKP) files containing detailed venue information to act as an anchor model to the prediction surfaces and a visual aid to facilitate prediction data interpretation is also possible.

MAPP Capabilities

With MAPP, you can:

• Simulate different loudspeaker configurations to refine system designs and determine the best coverage for intended audience areas

• Model loudspeaker interactions to locate constructive and destructive interferences so that loudspeakers can be re-aimed and repositioned as necessary

• Place microphones anywhere in the Model View space and predict loudspeaker frequency response, phase response, and sound pressure levels at each microphone position

• Determine delay settings for fill loudspeakers using the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform and phase response feature

• Preview the results of signal processing to determine optimum settings for the best system response

• Automatically calculate load information for arrays to determine necessary minimum rigging capacity, front-to-back weight distribution, and center of gravity location

• Generate and export system images and system PDF reports for client presentations

• Synchronize GALAXY processor output channel settings in real-time with virtual or real GALAXY units, allowing in-the-field changes to be predicted during system alignments.

The Galileo GALAXY Network Platform is a sophisticated loudspeaker management tool for controlling all MeyerSound speaker types. The GALAXY loudspeaker processor extends a high level of audio control in driving and aligning loudspeaker systems with multiple zones. It provides a powerful tool set for corrective equalization (EQ) and creative fine-tuning for a full range of applications from touring to cinema.

Users can readily program the GALAXY processor using Compass software running on a host computer or via the Compass Go application for the iPad. Connecting MAPP to the GALAXY processor will also allow the user to push output channel settings created in MAPP as a starting point. Compass Control Software includes custom-designed settings for each family of speakers, as well as to integrate families together. For example, the Product Integration feature matches the phase characteristics between Meyer speaker families to ensure the most coherent summation.

Processing tools for inputs and outputs include delay, parametric EQ and U-Shaping EQ. Output processing also includes polarity reversal, Low-Mid Beam Control (LMBC), atmospheric correction, and All Pass filters.

The built-in summing and delay matrices allow a user to easily assign gain and delay values, respectively, at each cross point. This capability greatly facilitates using one loudspeaker to satisfy multiple purposes.

Front panel controls let a user intuitively and quickly operate a GALAXY processor without a computer during live use.

The GALAXY 408, GALAXY 816 and GALAXY 816-AES3 processor versions have the same audio processing capability with different I/O. See www.meyersound.com to locate their datasheets for more information.