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 USW-112P user panel includes two powerCON 20 connectors, as shown in the figure below, one for AC Input (blue) and one for AC Loop Output (gray).

AC Input (Left) and AC Loop Output (Right) Connectors

The weather-protected and digital versions use the robust PowerCON TRUE1 TOP chassis connector shown in the figure below.

PowerCON TRUE1 TOP Connector Panel (Covers Open)

AC Input (Blue)

The blue AC Input connector supplies power to USW-112P. 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. USW-112P 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.

AC Loop Output (Gray)

The gray AC Loop Output connector allows multiple USW-112P 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 USW-112P, 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 USW-112P loudspeaker, as described in the table below.

Table 1. Maximum USW-112Ps that Can Be Looped with AC Power

Circuit Breaker/ Connector Rating	115 V AC	230 V AC	100 V AC
15 A	10 looped (11 total)	18 looped (19 total)	8 looped (9 total)
20 A	14 looped (15 total)	The	11 looped (12 total)

Note

Current draw for USW-112P 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.

USW-112P ships with a gray powerCON 20 cable mount connector, rated at 20 A, for assembling AC looping cables. Assembled 1-meter AC looping cables are also available from Meyer Sound.

USW-112P ships with a gray powerCON 20 cable mount connector, rated at 20 A, for assembling AC looping cables, as shown in the figure below. The pins on the powerCON 20 cable mount connector are labeled as follows:

powerCON 20 Cable Mount Connector

How AC power cables are wired is determined by the type of AC power distribution system used (see “AC Power Distribution” on page 5). When wiring AC power cables for single-line systems, use one of the wiring schemes shown in the figure below and described in the table below:

AC Wiring Scheme

USW-112P 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.

USW-112P’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.

Make sure to observe the following important electrical and safety guidelines.

Meyer Sound assumes normal and accepted installation practices are used when installing Meyer Sound Loudspeakers outdoors. Deviation from such practices may cause weather protection to be ineffective and void the warranty for the loudspeaker.

Examples of unacceptable and acceptable installation practices include:

If in doubt about an installation method, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support for assistance.

Always discuss the environmental conditions of your Meyer Sound installation with your Sales Manager, and verify the availability of Weather Protection for your selected loudspeaker models. The Sales Manager, together with Technical Support, will verify the appropriate level of weather protection for the loudspeakers and related rigging hardware.

The MUB-USW-112 U-Bracket (PN 40.298.050.01) allows a single USW-112P loudspeaker to be mounted to a wall in either vertical or horizontal orientations, to the ceiling, onto the floor, or from a truss. The MUB-USW-112 kit includes two M8 bolts/washers and two M8 knobs/washers. The bolts are recommended for fixed installations.

MUB-USW-112 U-Bracket

When installing Meyer Sound loudspeakers, the following precautions should always be observed:

The top and bottom faces of the USW-112P cabinet each include a high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel point that provides an M8 x 1.25 threaded hole for easy connection to QuickFly rigging and third-party mounting options.

USW-112P Rigging Points

The USW-112P also includes an integral 35 mm pole mount receptacle on one side with M20 threads for added stability.

USW-112P Integral Pole Mount

One USW-112P or USW-112XP can be safely mounted with the MUB-USW-112 U-bracket at a 5:1 safety factor.

When mounting a USW-112P or USW-112XP with the U-bracket, the U-bracket must be secured to the mounting surface with one of the configurations shown in the table below.

Mounting Hole Locations

MUB-USW-112 Wall Mount, Horizontal

MUB-USW-112 Wall Mount, Vertical

MUB-USW-112 Ceiling Mount

The MPK-POLE-35MM-M20 (PN 40.010.973.01) provides an easy and efficient way to mount a loudspeaker (such as the ULTRA-X20) on top of the USW-112P. It features a lift assist that provides approximately 40 lb of internal gas cylinder pneumatic lift.

The MPK-POLE-35MM-M20 features all steel shafts that telescope from 36.5–60 inches and employs a secure knob to hold it in a specific position. The lower end is 35 mm in diameter and has an M20 threaded lug to stabilize and make the connection to the USW-112P pole mount more secure. The upper shaft includes the removable PAS-M8 Adapter Sleeve that fits the ULTRA-X20/22/23 M8 rigging point and a PAS-M20 Adapter Sleeve that fits internal 35 mm and M20 pole mount receptacles is available for other pole applications.

MPK-POLE with PAS-M8 in USW-112P Pole Mount

MPK-POLE kit

IP stands for “Ingress Protection.” The current format for expressing an IP rating is a 2-digit code. The first digit of an IP rating represents protection from solid objects. The second digit of an IP rating represents protection from water or moisture. The table below provides a chart of IP ratings and the corresponding definitions of the rating.

Meyer Sound offers two rigging options for the USW-112P as described in the table below. For self-weight, rigging loads and dimensional information, see USW-112P Specifications.

The USW-112P employs Meyer Sound’s advanced TruPower® limiting. Conventional limiters assume a constant driver impedance and set the limiting threshold by measuring voltage alone. This method is inaccurate, because driver impedances change as frequency content in the source material changes, and as thermal values for the loudspeaker’s voice coil and magnet vary. Consequently, conventional limiters often begin limiting prematurely, which reduces system headroom and dynamic range.

In contrast, TruPower limiting anticipates varying driver impedances by measuring both current and voltage to compute the actual power dissipation in the voice coil. This approach improves performance, both before and during limiting, by allowing the driver to produce the maximum SPL across its entire frequency range, while also retaining signal peaks. TruPower limiting also eliminates power compression at high levels over lengthy periods, which helps regulate voice coil temperatures, thereby extending the life of the driver.

The USW-112P user panel, shown in the figure below, includes Input and Loop output connectors for audio, a combined Limit and On/Status LED, and optional RMS connectors and controls (see RMS Remote Monitoring System).

USW-112P User Panel (5-pin XLR and optional RMS)

Audio Connectors

USW-112P is available with XLR 5-pin, shown in the first figure below, or 3-pin connectors, as shown in the second figure below, for audio Input and audio Loop output. XLR 5-pin connectors accommodate both balanced audio and RMS signals.

XLR 5-Pin Audio Connectors, Input and Loop Output

XLR 3-Pin Audio Connectors, Input and Loop Output

Audio Input (XLR 3-Pin or 5-Pin Female)

The XLR 3-pin or 5-pin female Input connector accepts balanced audio signals with an input impedance of 10 kΩ. The connector uses the following wiring scheme:

• Pin 1 — 1 kΩ to chassis and earth ground (ESD clamped)

• Pin 2 — Signal (+)

• Pin 3 — Signal (–)

• Pin 4 — RMS (polarity insensitive)

• Pin 5 — RMS (polarity insensitive)

• Case — Earth (AC) ground and chassis

Note

Pins 4 and 5 (RMS) are included only with XLR 5-pin connectors.

Pins 2 and 3 carry the input as a differential signal. Pin 1 is connected to earth through a 1 kΩ, 1000 pF, 15 V clamped network. This circuitry provides virtual ground lift for audio frequencies while allowing unwanted signals to bleed to ground. Make sure to use balanced XLR audio cables with pins 1–3 connected on both ends. Telescopic grounding is not recommended and shorting an input connector pin to the case may cause a ground loop, resulting in hum.

Tip

If the loudspeaker produces unwanted noise or hiss, disconnect its input cable. If the noise stops, there is most likely nothing wrong with the loudspeaker. To locate the source of the noise, check the source audio, AC power, and electrical ground.

Audio Loop Output (XLR 3-Pin or 5-Pin Male)

The XLR 3-pin or 5-pin male Loop output connector allows multiple loudspeakers to be looped from a single audio source. The Loop output connector uses the same wiring scheme as the Input connector (see Audio Input (XLR 3-Pin or 5-Pin Female)). For applications that require multiple USW-112P, connect the Loop output of the first loudspeaker to the Input of the second loudspeaker, and so forth.

Note

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.

Calculating Load Impedance for Looped Audio Signals

To avoid distortion when looping multiple 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 approximately 20 dBV (10 V rms into 600 Ω) to yield the maximum SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeakers.

To calculate the load impedance for the looped loudspeakers, divide 10 kΩ (the input impedance for a single loudspeaker) by the number of looped loudspeakers. For example, the load impedance for 10 USW-112P is 1000 Ω (10 kΩ/ 10). To drive this number of looped loudspeakers, the source device should have an output impedance of 100 Ω or less. This same rule applies when looping USW-112P with other Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers.

Note

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

Tip

Audio outputs from Meyer Sound’s loudspeaker GALAXY Network Platform have an output impedance of 50 ohms. Each output can drive up to 20 Meyer Sound (10 kΩ) loudspeakers without distortion.

Caution

Make sure that all cabling for looped loudspeakers is wired correctly (Pin 1 to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2, and so forth) to prevent the polarity from being reversed. If one or more loudspeakers in a system have reversed polarity, frequency response and coverage will be significantly degraded.

Weather-Protected Analog Audio Connectors

The weather-protected analog audio units are equipped with 3-pin XLR TOP connectors—a 3-pin female for the audio input and a 3-pin male for the audio loop.

Caution

• Ensure the rubber sealing cover is in place when either connector (input or loop) is not in use.

• This XLR TOP chassis connector is certified for outdoor protection only when used in combination with an XLR TOP cable connector or with the sealing cap in place when the chassis connector is not in use.

Weather-Protected Loudspeakers Have 3-pin XLR TOP Connectors

Limiting

During normal operation, when USW-112P is powered on, the shared Limit and On/Status LED is solid green (see ON/STATUS on this page for fault conditions). The low-frequency driver for USW-112P is powered by an amplifier channel with a limiter. Limiting activity is indicated by the Limit and On/Status LED illuminating yellow on the user panel, as shown in the figure below.

USW-112P Limit LED

The Limit and On/Status LED displays yellow when the loudspeaker’s signal rises above the limiting threshold, indicating that a safe, optimal level has been exceeded. When limiting is engaged for a channel, its gain is reduced. The limiter protects the driver and prevents signal peaks from causing excessive distortion in the amplifier, thereby preserving headroom and maintaining a smooth frequency response at high levels. When source levels return to normal below the limiter’s threshold, the LED turns green and limiting ceases.

USW-112P performs within its acoustical specifications at normal temperatures when the Limit and On/Status LED is green, or when limiting is not continuous. During continuous limiting, the loudspeaker is nearing its operational limits, resulting in the following effects:

• Increases to the input level have no effect

• Distortion increases due to clipping and nonlinear driver operation

• Driver is subjected to excessive heat and excursion, which compromises its lifespan and may eventually damage it.

Caution

The Limit LED indicates when a safe, optimum level is exceeded. If an USW-112P loudspeaker system begins to limit before reaching the desired SPL, consider adding more units to the system.

CAUTION: If tilting the loudspeaker from 0° horizontal, ensure that the horizontal tilt leaves the port below the electronics, so that water

does not enter from the port and accumulate in the cabinet (Figure 5).

Figure 5: Horizontal Tilt-Away from Electronics Permissible (top); Horizontal Tilt-Toward Electronics NOT Permissible (bottom)

Figure 6: Proper PowerCON Connector Orientation

CAUTION: Incorrect insertion may cause electrical contact misalignment resulting in equipment malfunction and/or personal injury.

After inserting properly as indicated in Figure 6 (top left), twist the cable connector clockwise to lock (Figure 7).

WEATHER-PROTECTED USW-112P INSTALLATION

NOTE: The proper twist-lock is achieved when the silver-colored tab is in the position shown in Figure 8 and an audible click is heard.

Figure 7: Rotate the Connector to Lock

Figure 8: Locked Connector Position

The USW-112P Digital version user panel (also referred to as the Type 3M Audio Input Module, Figure 13) includes an etherCON TOP for audio input, an Ethernet/Network connectivity LED, an On/Status LED, and a Wink button/LED.

USW-112P User Panel (with etherCON TOP)

Audio Connector

The Milan Endpoint loudspeaker has an etherCON TOP chassis connector.

Caution

• Ensure the rubber sealing cover is in place when either connector (input or loop) is not in use.

• This etherCON chassis connector is certified for outdoor protection only when used in combination with an etherCON TOP cable connector or with the sealing cap in place when the chassis connector is not in use.

etherCON TOP Audio Input

Remote Monitoring

Milan Endpoint loudspeakers include Meyer Sound remote monitoring functionality. No additional connections are required. When a Milan Endpoint loudspeaker and Compass computer are connected to the same network via an AVB-enabled network switch, the loudspeaker will appear under the Compass Control Software Inventory tab. The Milan Endpoint loudspeaker must be allocated to an available audio source channel (Talker) as a Listener. See the Type 3M Audio Input Module Quick Start Guide, available at meyersound.com/documents for more information. Also refer to the AVB Networking Guide, also available at meyersound.com/documents (under Galileo GALAXY) for more details about how to set up an AVB network that includes the Milan Endpoint loudspeaker. Help videos are available at meyersound.com/videos.

Wink Function

Once the Milan Endpoint loudspeaker has been configured into a network in Compass Control Software, the icons within the loudspeaker’s detail page include a W (Wink) icon.

Pressing this icon will turn it green and cause the Wink push button of the associated loudspeaker to illuminate at the center.

Result of Pressing Wink Button on Rear of Loudspeaker

Conversely, if the physical Wink button on the Milan Endpoint loudspeaker is pressed, a winking happy face is displayed on the associated loudspeaker page in Compass (Figure16).

Note

When pressed and released, the physical Wink button LED toggles between dark and solid green. When the Wink button is pressed and held, the On/Status LED will turn solid red. This is normal.

Result of Pressing Wink Button on Rear of Loudspeaker

These features facilitate matching of the physical loudspeaker to the Compass control software loudspeaker listings.

On/Status

During normal operation, when the Milan Endpoint is powered on, the On/Status LED is solid green.

The On/Status LED works in an identical manner to the analog version. It indicates limiting activity by turning yellow (see Limiting) and fault status with red (see On/ Status).

USW-112P Digital Audio Wink Push Button and LED

Conversely, if the physical Wink button on the Milan Endpoint loudspeaker is pressed, a winking happy face is displayed on the associated loudspeaker page in Compass, as shown in the figure below.

Note

When pressed and released, the physical Wink button LED toggles between dark and solid green. When the Wink button is pressed and held, the On/Status LED will turn solid red. This is normal.

USW-112P On/Status LED and Ethernet connectivity LED

Tip

When a USW-112P Digital and a computer running the Compass Control Software are connected to the same network, the Compass soft- ware provides additional feedback about the loudspeaker’s hardware status and operating temperature (see RMS Remote Monitoring System).

Connecting to the USW-112P Digital Version

A detailed setup guide for the Type 3M Audio Input Module is available at meyersound.com/product/usw-112p under the Resources tab.

Please refer to the AVB Networking Guide, also available at meyersound.com/documents (under Galileo GALAXY) for more information about how to set up an AVB network that includes the Milan Endpoint loudspeaker.

Help videos are also available at meyersound.com/videos.

The USW-112P loudspeaker is convection-cooled. The amplifier’s heat sink provides natural convection cooling from the air flowing near its fins.

Weather Protection is strongly recommended for all permanent outdoor installations where loudspeakers are directly exposed to the elements. This includes desert and semi-arid climates, where protection against dust and sand is important, and where infrequent rainstorms can contribute to deterioration of loudspeaker components.

Weather Protection is also recommended when the loudspeakers are sheltered from direct exposure to precipitation but are nevertheless exposed to prolonged high humidity, fog or mist. Examples would be installations on covered outdoor terraces or pavilions

Weather Protection is further advisable for portable or touring systems when any significant outdoor use is anticipated. Even though standard procedures may call for using external protective measures, these are often not implemented in time to prevent moisture intrusions that could lead to premature performance degradation of the loudspeaker.

The wear and tear on a loudspeaker will vary significantly with different climatic conditions. For example, a weather protected loudspeaker installed in a sunlight-exposed location on an ocean pier will experience much harsher conditions than a loudspeaker in a similar installation that is shaded by trees and exposed only to rainfall. The constant exposure to direct UV radiation and salt air environment will cause a loudspeaker to wear more quickly than one with partial UV shielding and exposed only to freshwater moisture.

Wear can eventually affect the performance of the loudspeaker. It also affects aesthetics. For example, in salt air environments, the exterior grille can quickly show signs of oxidation, causing unsightly discoloration.

Apart from selecting suitable weather protection, the progress of wear and tear on the loudspeaker can be slowed by a regular schedule of inspection and cleaning. This maintenance is particularly necessary in harsh environments. Inspection and cleaning should include routine removal of any visible oxidation or environmental particulates, as these can accelerate metal corrosion or decay of the cabinet. If installed loudspeakers are not in use for an extended period, exterior protection or temporary removal and storage of the loudspeakers should be considered.

There are several benefits to selecting the Meyer Sound Weather Protection option:

Meyer Sound assumes normal and accepted installation practices are used when installing Meyer Sound Loudspeakers outdoors. Deviation from such practices may cause weather protection to be ineffective and void the warranty for the loudspeaker.

Examples of unacceptable and acceptable installation practices include:

If in doubt about an installation method, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support for assistance.

Always discuss the environmental conditions of your Meyer Sound installation with your Sales Manager, and verify the availability of Weather Protection for your selected loudspeaker models. The Sales Manager, together with Technical Support, will verify the appropriate level of weather protection for the loudspeakers and related rigging hardware.

IP stands for "Ingress Protection." The current format for expressing an IP rating is a 2-digit code. The first digit of an IP rating represents protection from solid objects. The second digit of an IP rating represents protection from water or moisture. The table below provides a chart of IP ratings and the corresponding definitions of the rating.

To connect a PowerCON cable to the chassis, match the one wider notch on the cable connector to the corresponding one larger guide slot on the chassis.

Downtilt Permissible (left); Uptilt NOT Permissible (right)

After inserting properly as indicated in Figure6 (top left), twist the cable connector clockwise to lock (Figure7).

Rotate the Connector to Lock

Locked Connector Position