DP5235-01-CM

RS Series
RS15 & RS18 Subwoofers

System manual

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING .................................................................................. 5
1

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 7

2
RS GENERAL SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS ................................................................................................. 8
2.1
RS15 AND RS18 CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................................................8
2.1.1 RS15 connectors................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.2 RS18 connectors................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1.3 Configuring connector and owner plates................................................................................................................. 9
2.2
CABLING ................................................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3
RS15 AND RS18 RECOMMENDED AMPLIFICATION .......................................................................................... 10
2.4
RS15 AND RS18 SETUPS ON NEXO TD CONTROLLERS ................................................................................. 10
3
CONNECTION DIAGRAMS ..................................................................................................................... 11
3.1
RS15 / NXAMP4X1MK2 (BRIDGE STEREO) ................................................................................................... 11
3.2
RS18 / NXAMP4X1MK2 (BRIDGE STEREO) ................................................................................................... 11
3.3
RS15 / NXAMP4X2MK2 (4 CHANNELS MODE) .............................................................................................. 12
3.4
RS15 / NXAMP4X4MK2 (4 CHANNELS MODE) .............................................................................................. 13
3.5
RS18 / NXAMP4X4MK2 (4 CHANNELS MODE) .............................................................................................. 14
4

NS-1 SIMULATION SOFTWARE .......................................................................................................... 155
RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 16
5.1
SAFETY FIRST........................................................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.1 Flown systems safety .......................................................................................................................................................16
5.1.2 Ground stacking safety ...................................................................................................................................................175.1.3 Contacts .................................................................................................................................................................................17
5.2
RS15 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1 RS15 “Left” and “Right” ..................................................................................................................................................18
5.2.2 RS15 handles .......................................................................................................................................................................19
5.2.3 RS15 Flying Plates with handles (touring applications) ................................................................................195.2.4 RS15 Wheels ........................................................................................................................................................................20
5.2.5 RS15 Dolly .............................................................................................................................................................................21
5.3
RS18 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 22
5.3.1 Mounting Rigging Plate .................................................................................................................................................22
5.3.2 RS18 Dolly .............................................................................................................................................................................26
5.3.3 RS18 Wheel Board ............................................................................................................................................................27
5.4
ACCESSORIES ........................................................................................................................................................... 28
5.5
WARNINGS ON RS15 AND RS18 ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................. 29
5.6
FLYING RS15........................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.7
FLYING RS18........................................................................................................................................................... 34
5.8
TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM .................................................................................................. 38
6
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBWOOFER DESIGN...................................................................... 39
6.1
LOW FREQUENCY ISSUES ....................................................................................................................................... 39
6.2
GRADIENT SUBWOOFERS BENEFITS .................................................................................................................... 39
6.3
MONOPHONIC DESIGN ........................................................................................................................................... 40
6.4
STEREO DESIGN....................................................................................................................................................... 40
7
RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................................................. 42
7.1
OMNIDIRECTIONAL MODE..................................................................................................................................... 42
7.1.1 Single RS15 and RS18......................................................................................................................................................42
7.1.2 RS15 and RS18s arrays ...................................................................................................................................................42
7.2
DIRECTIONAL MODE .............................................................................................................................................. 43
7.2.1 Single RS15 or RS18 .........................................................................................................................................................43
7.2.2 RS15s pair .............................................................................................................................................................................44
7.2.3 RS18s pair .............................................................................................................................................................................45
7.2.4 RS15s and RS18s arrays .................................................................................................................................................46

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System Manual RS Series

CONTENTS

7.3
STEERED RS15S ARRAYS ...................................................................................................................................... 47
7.3.1 Steering technique ............................................................................................................................................................47
7.3.2 Delay values implementation ......................................................................................................................................47
7.3.3 Coverage result...................................................................................................................................................................48
7.4
STEERED RS18S ARRAYS ...................................................................................................................................... 49
7.4.1 Steering technique ............................................................................................................................................................49
7.4.2 Delay values implementation ......................................................................................................................................49
7.4.3 Coverage result...................................................................................................................................................................50
7.5
ALIGNING RS WITH MAIN SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................... 51
7.5.1 Alignment with distance measurement ..................................................................................................................51
7.5.2 Alignment with phase measurement .......................................................................................................................52
7.5.3 Driving RS from the AUX send .....................................................................................................................................52
7.6
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ................................................................................ 52
7.7
RS SYSTEM CHECK LIST......................................................................................................................................... 53
8
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................. 54
8.1
RS15 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 54
8.1.1 System specifications .......................................................................................................................................................54
8.1.2 Dimensions (mm/inches)...............................................................................................................................................55
8.1.3 Frequency response and impedance ........................................................................................................................55
8.1.4 Polar plots.............................................................................................................................................................................56
8.2
RS18 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 59
8.2.1 System specifications .......................................................................................................................................................59
8.2.2 Dimensions (mm/inches)...............................................................................................................................................60
8.3
RS15 AND RS18 ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................ 61
8.3.1 RST-BUMPER15 .................................................................................................................................................................61
8.3.2 RST-FPLATES15 .................................................................................................................................................................62
8.3.3 RST-HANDLES15 ...............................................................................................................................................................63
8.3.4 RST-WHEELS15 .................................................................................................................................................................64
8.3.5 RST-DOLLY15......................................................................................................................................................................65
8.3.6 RSI-INSP15 ...........................................................................................................................................................................66
8.3.7 RST-BUMPER18 .................................................................................................................................................................67
8.3.8 RST-FPLATES18 .................................................................................................................................................................68
8.3.9 RST-HANDLES18 ...............................................................................................................................................................69
8.3.10
RST-WB18..................................................................................................................................................................70
8.3.11
RST-DOLLY18...........................................................................................................................................................71
8.3.12
VXT-BL820.................................................................................................................................................................72
9

RS15 & RS18 MODULES & ACCESSORIES LIST.............................................................................. 73

10 USER NOTES ............................................................................................................................................. 75

System Manual RS Series

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING

Going one step further in low frequency control: Ray Sub Technology
Radiation control of low frequencies is hard to achieve due to wavelength being larger than cabinet size. Consequently, most of
current subwoofers available on the audio-professional market are omnidirectional.
Drawbacks in using omnidirectional subwoofers are known by experienced engineers:•

Low Frequency sound pressure level is typically higher on stage than over the audience; high-pass filters aremandatory in almost all microphones inputs to avoid feedback from the microphones to the subwoofers. Moreover,gain from microphone to speakers is highly limited due to that feedback (reinforcing a double-bass can be an enormous
challenge)•

Indoor environments typically have much higher reverberation time in the Low Frequency range than in the mid andhigh Frequencies. This characteristic is emphasized by the omnidirectional pattern of conventional subwoofers (allsound engineers experienced kick drum lasting forever•

Many outdoor shows occur nearby residential areas where noise constraints are very restrictive; in such cases, lowfrequencies levels over the audience have to be limited so that environment criteria are fulfilled (possibly leading to
unacceptable wideband limitations)

Gradient subwoofers provide an elegant solution to the above issues, based on a technology that is a simple transposition tosound sources of what has been applied for decades in microphones: radiated field derives from pressure differences generated
from two (or more) sources:•

Rear radiation is lowered by more than 12 dB, which benefits to stage as well as to neighbours•

Direct to reverberant ratio is increased by nearly 6 dB in the low frequency range (which potentially gives back a kickdrum its original “punch”)

However, there are efficiency limitations: gain in lower bandwidth is reduced when sources become too close in relation to
wavelength, and pattern control is limited in upper bandwidth when both sources interfere destructively in the radiation axis.
Operating bandwidth were efficiency combines with pattern control is around 2 octaves.
Poor correlation between cabinet design and targeted specifications leads to two (and eventually more) drivers in directionalmode producing less energy than one driver in omnidirectional mode, which is not acceptable for simple practical aspects suchas weight and volume.

NEXO released its first gradient subwoofer, the CD12, which has been complemented since then by CD18, GEO SUB and
RS15. These have been quickly adopted worldwide as standards and are considered today as state-of-the-art subwoofers. This
success is a consequence of proper cabinet design and optimized definition of phase relations through sophisticated DSP
algorithms leading to high directional control and SPL output.

With RAY SUB patented technology, NEXO is again moving one step forward. RAY SUB technology is about optimizing
positioning and phase relationship of radiating surfaces in vented enclosures, so that acoustic distance from rear to front sections
always increases as frequency decreases; consequently, rear and front section always sum up efficiently – typically 5 dB gainfrom rear section in the forward direction – and cancel in the rearward direction.

Used as a single cabinet, RAY SUB Technology allows the same cabinet to be configured for any polar pattern, omnidirectional
as a standard direct radiating subwoofer when speakers are facing the audience, or highly directional when cabinet is rotatedspeakers sideways or upwards.
Used in arrays, RAY SUB subwoofers can be set back to back, front to front, in vertical columns, and beam-steered upwards or
downwards provided column length is sufficient.

NEXO RAY SUB technology brings a never achieved low frequency directional control to the sound reinforcement industry,raising one more time NEXO standards.

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System Manual RS Series

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
BASIC PRECAUTIONS
Do not open the speaker system or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way. The speaker system
contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should appear to be malfunctioning or damaged, discontinue use immediately and haveit inspected by qualified NEXO service personnel.
Water exposure: Do not expose the speaker system to direct rain, do not use it near water or in wet conditions. Do not place
containers with liquid on speaker system as they might spill into openings. If any liquid such as water seeps into the speakersystem, have it inspected by qualified NEXO personnel.
Sun exposure: Do not expose the speaker system to direct sun.
Operating temperature with temperate climate: 0°C to +40°C (-20°C to +60°C for storage).

SYSTEM DEPLOYMENT SAFETY RULES
Read User Manual before deployment. Before use of enclosed speaker system, please ensure that anyone
involved in system deployment understands the rigging – stacking – pole mounting safety rules as describedin the speaker system User Manual. Failure to do this exposes people to potential injury or death.
Please check the web site nexo-sa.com for the latest update.
Always consult qualified NEXO personnel if the device installation requires construction work and make sure to observe thefollowing precautions:
Mounting precautions-

choose mounting hardware and an installation location that can support 4 times the weight of the speaker system;-

do not use speaker system handles for suspended installation;-

do not expose speaker system to excessive dust or vibration, or extreme cold or heat to prevent possibility of component
damage;-do not place the speaker system in an unstable position from which it might fall accidentally;-

if speaker systems use a stand, ensure that stand specifications are adapted, and that stand height does not exceed
1.40m/55”; never move the stand while the speaker is in position.

-in case of wind greater than 8 on Beaufort scale (72km/h – 45mph), a touring system has to be landed or an additional
securing has to be implemented.

-

for fixed installations, wind loading has to be taken into account in accordance to the national standards.

Connection and powering precautions-

remove all connected cables before moving the speaker system;-

turn off AC power of all power amplifier units before connecting the speaker system;-

when turning on the AC power to the audio system, always turn on the power amplifier last; when turning the AC power off,
always turn off the power amplifier first;-

when used in cold conditions, a gradual power ramp up should be applied to the system on a 5 mn period to allow theloudspeaker components to stabilize during the very first minutes of usage.

Inspect the speaker system periodically.

System Manual RS Series

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PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDINGHIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably
in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational and HealthAdministration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposures: Sound Duration Per

Day In Hours

Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

8

90

6

92

4

95

3

97

2

100

1½

102

1

105

½

110

¼ or less115

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs orprotectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent
permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous
exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing highsound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.

DISPOSAL OF OLD ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that it shall not be treated as household waste.
Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronicequipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
consequence for the environment and human health, which could otherwise be caused by inappropriate
waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve natural resources. For moredetailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local city office, your household
waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.

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System Manual RS SeriesINTRODUCTION

1INTRODUCTION
Thank you for selecting a NEXO RS Series Subwoofer.
This manual is intended to provide you with necessary and useful information about your RS System, which includes thefollowing products:•

RS15 comprises two 15” (38cm) long excursion Neodymium direct
radiating drivers mounted in a dual volume vented enclosure withaerodynamic profiled vents.

•

RS18 comprises 2x18’’ (46cm) long excursion Neodymium direct
radiating drivers mounted in a dual volume vented enclosure withaerodynamic profiled vents.

•

A full range of accessories that provides safe, flexible and simple meansof transporting and installing RS subwoofers in fixed installation as wellas in touring applications.

•

RS15 and RS18 are controlled, powered and monitored by NEXO
TDcontrollers. For a complete description of these controllers, pleaserefer to User Manuals. NEXO TDcontrollers DSP algorithms andparameters are fixed in software and updated regularly. Please consult
the NEXO web site (nexo-sa.com) for the latest software releases.

•

NS-1 simulation software assists in the design and implementation of RS
subwoofers. Please consult the NEXO web site (nexo-sa.com) for thelatest software releases.

•

Available for Mac, iPad and iPhone, NEXO NeMo provides full remotecontrol over a digital audio network from anywhere in the venue, thanks
to an intuitive and graphically attractive user interface. NeMo is available
on Apple App Store.

Please devote your time and attention to reading this manual. A comprehensive understanding of RS subwoofers specificfeatures will help you to operate your system at its full potential.

System Manual RS Series

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RS GENERAL SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

2RS GENERAL SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

2.1

RS15 and RS18 connections
RS15 and RS18 are connected with Speakon NL4FC plugs (not supplied). A wiring diagram is printed on the connection panel
located on the back of each cabinet. The 4 pins of the Speakon sockets identified in / out are connected in parallel within theenclosure.
Either connector can be used to connect amplifier or to link to an additional RS cabinet.

2.1.1

RS15 connectors
Speakon Connector

Omni Mode

Directional Mode

Comment

1(-)

Right driver (-)

Rear driver (-)1(+)

Right driver (+)

Rear driver (+)

Driver next toconnector panel

2(-)

Left driver (-)

Front driver (-)2(+)

Leftdriver (+)

Front driver (+)

Driver opposite toconnector panel

DIRECTIONAL
MODE

LEFT
(FRONT)
2-/2+

RIGHT
(REAR)
1-/1+

OMNI
MODE
2.1.2

RS18 connectors

Speakon Connector

Omni Mode

Directional Mode

Comment

1(-)

Right driver (-)

Rear driver (-)1(+)

Right driver (+)

Rear driver (+)

Driver next toconnector panel

2(-)

Left driver (-)

Front driver (-)2(+)

Leftdriver (+)

Front driver (+)

DIRECTIONAL
MODE

OMNI
MODE

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System Manual RS Series

Driver opposite toconnector panel

RS GENERAL SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

2.1.3

Configuring connector and owner plates
Owner and connector plates can be exchanged depending on chosen directional configuration.
Please note that connector plates can pass through the holes, it is therefore not required to unsolder the connectors.
Directional Mode: it is recommended to install the connector panel on the side which supports the rigging plates. Connection
side is always opposite to FOH (main lobe direction)

Connector plate in Directional Mode

Omni Mode: it is recommended to install the connector panel on the side opposite to the drivers (factory default configuration)

Connector PLATE IN Omni Mode

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RS GENERAL SET-UP INSTRUCTIONS

2.2

Cabling
NEXO recommends the exclusive use of multi-conductor cables to connect the system: the cable kit is compatible with all thecabinets, and there is no possible confusion between LF, MF and HF sections.
Cable choice consists mainly of selecting cables of the correct sectional dimension (size) in relation to the load resistance andthe cable length. Too small a cable section will increase both its serial resistance and its capacitance; this reduces the electrical
power delivered to the loudspeaker and can also induce response (damping factor) variations.
For a serial resistance less or equal to 4% of the load impedance (damping factor = 25), the recommended cable length is given
by:
S in mm2, Z in Ohm, Lmax in meters

Lmax = Z x S

The table below indicates these values, for 3 common sizes.
Load Impedance ()2Cable section

2.6

4

5.3

8

16

12m/39ft

24m/79ft

Recommended Cable Length

1,5 mm² (AWG #15)

3m/10ft

3m/13ft

6m/20ft

8m/26ft

2,5 mm² (AWG #13)
4 mm² (AWG #11)

5m/16ft

7m/23ft

10m/33ft

13m/44ft

20m/66ft

40m/131ft

8m/26ft

10m/33ft

16m/52ft

21m/70ft

32m/105ft

6 mm2 (AWG #9)64m/210ft

12m/40ft

16m/52ft

24m/79ft

32m/104ft

48m/160ft

96m/315ft

Maximum allowed length is 4 times recommended length.
Example:Each RS18 driver has a 8  nominal impedance; in omni mode, both loudspeakers can be driven in parallel on one amplifier
channel, presenting therefore a 4  load impedance.
Recommended length for 4mm2 / (AWG#11) is 16m / 52ft, maximum allowed length is 64m / 208ft.

IMPORTANTLong speaker cables induce capacitive effects – up to hundreds of pF depending on the quality of thecable - with a low-pass effect on high frequencies. If long speaker cables must be used, ensure that they
do not remain coiled while in use.

2.3

RS15 and RS18 recommended amplification
NEXO TD Controllers

2.4

Recommended amplification

NXAMP4x1mk2 Powered Controller Bridged Stereo mode (2x2.6kW/4)

1 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per bridged
channels
1 x RS18 in omni mode (drivers in //) per bridged
channels

NXAMP4x2mk2 Powered Controller 4 channels mode (4x2.5kW/2)

1 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
2 x RS15 in directional mode: 2 channels

NXAMP4x4mk2 Powered Controller 4 channels mode (4x4.5kW/2)

2 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
4 x RS15 in directional mode: 2 channels
1 x RS18 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
2 x RS18 in directional mode: 2 channels

RS15 and RS18 setups on NEXO TD Controllers
Please consult nexo-sa.com for NEXO TD Controllers firmware information.

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System Manual RS Series

CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

3

CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

3.1

RS15 / NXAMP4x1mk2 (Bridge Stereo)

3.2

RS18 / NXAMP4x1mk2 (Bridge Stereo)

System Manual RS Series

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CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

3.3

RS15 / NXAMP4x2mk2 (4 channels mode)

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System Manual RS Series

CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

3.4

RS15 / NXAMP4x4mk2 (4 channels mode)

System Manual RS Series

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CONNECTION DIAGRAMS

3.5

RS18 / NXAMP4x4mk2 (4 channels mode)

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System Manual RS SeriesNS-1 SIMULATION SOFTWARE

4

NS-1 SIMULATION SOFTWARE
NS-1 software is a R&D simulation tool derived application. It processes measured speaker data with complex mathematicalalgorithms to assist the user in optimizing system design.
NS-1 is an easy to use tool that allows to shape the energy leaving the cluster to fit the audience. It predicts pressure levels
radiated from the system to ensure enough cabinets are provided for the application, as well as mechanical constraints for safe
flown systems.
In addition, it provides mechanical information for all clusters in agreement with Structural Analysis Reports (available in theHelp section): dimensions, weight, gravity centre position, forces, moments, working load and safety factor.
NS-1 installation package includes all NEXO User Manuals, Structural Analysis Reports and Certificates PDF files.

NS-1 is a freeware available on nexo-sa.com
IMPORTANT
Never install a RS15 or RS18 cluster without checking its acoustical performances and mechanical safety
in NS-1 prior to installation.
Any question or bug report please contact technical@nexo.fr

System Manual RS Series

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE
Before proceeding with assembly of RS arrays, please ensure that the components are present and undamaged. A component
list is appended to this manual. In the event of any shortage, please contact your supplier.
For maximum efficiency the RS rigging system requires three experienced persons for set-up: typically, one motor hoist operator,and one operator per side of the array. Good synchronisation and crosscheck between the operators are key elements for areliable and safe set-up.

5.1

Safety first
RS Rigging System structural computations and related documents are available in NS-1 or at NEXO (info@nexo.fr) uponrequest.
We include this section to remind you of safe practice when flying the RS system. Please read it carefully. However, user must
always apply his or her knowledge, experience and common sense. If in any doubt, seek advice from your supplier or NEXO
agent.
This manual offers guidance only for RS systems. References in this manual to other rigging equipment such as motor hoists,
steels, shackles etc. are made to clarify the description of rigging procedures. The user must ensure that operators are properly
trained by other agencies in the use of these items.
The RS Rigging System has been optimised for the deployment of vertical arrays of RS loudspeakers. No angle adjustment isallowed between cabinets.
The RS Rigging System is a professional RS Rigging System and provided with suitable safety equipment should deploy RS
Arrays. Misuse of the RS Rigging System could lead to dangerous consequences.
Used and maintained correctly, the RS Rigging System will give many years of reliable service in portable systems. Please takethe time to read and understand this manual. Cluster configuration must be implemented and validated in NS-1 prior to
installation.

5.1.1

Flown systems safety
Always inspect all the rigging components and cabinets for damage before assembly. Pay special attention to the lifting points,
and safety clips. If you suspect that any of the components are damaged or defective, DO NOT USE THE AFFECTED PARTS.
Contact your supplier for replacements.
Read this manual carefully. Also, be familiar with the manuals and safe working procedures for any ancillary equipment that will
be used with the RS Rigging System.
Cluster configuration must be implemented and validated in NS-1 prior to installation.
Ensure that all local and National regulations regarding the safety and operation of flying equipment are understood and adhered
to. Information on these regulations can usually be obtained from Local Government Offices.
When deploying a RS system always wear protective headwear, footwear and eye protection.
Do not allow inexperienced persons to handle a RS system. Installation personnel should be trained in loudspeaker flying
techniques and should be fully conversant with this manual.
Ensure that motor hoists, hoist control systems and ancillary rigging components are currently certified as safe and that they
pass a visual inspection prior to use.
Ensure that public and personnel are not allowed to pass beneath the system during the installation process. The work area
should be isolated from public access.
Never leave the system unattended during the installation process.
Do not place any object, no matter how small or light, on top of the system during the installation procedure. The object may fallwhen the system is flown and is likely to cause injury.
Secondary safety steels must be installed once the system has been flown to the operating height. Secondary steels must be
fitted irrespective of requirements of the local safety standards applicable to the territory.
Ensure that the system is secure and prevented from pivoting around the motor hoist.
Avoid any form of excessive dynamic loading to the assembly (structural computations on RS Rigging System are based on a
1/1.2 factor for hoist or motor acceleration).
NEVER attach any item to the RS system other than the RS accessories.
When flying outdoor systems ensure that the system is not exposed to excessive wind or snow loads and is protected fromrainfall.
In case of wind greater than 8 on Beaufort scale (72km/h – 45mph), a touring system has to be landed or an additional securing
has to be implanted.

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System Manual RS Series

RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

For fixed installations, wind loading has to be taken into account in accordance to the national standards.
The RS Rigging System requires regular inspection and testing by a competent test centre. NEXO recommend that the system
is load tested and certified annually or more frequently if local regulations require.
When de-rigging the system ensure that the same duty of care is given to the procedure as for the installation. Pack RS
components carefully to prevent damage in transit.

5.1.2

Ground stacking safety
Statistically, many more injuries occur due to unstable ground stacked PA systems than those associated with flown systems.
There are several reasons for this fact, however the message is clear:
Always survey the supporting structure upon which a ground stack is to be built. Always look beneath PA wings to inspect thedeck support and if necessary, ask for the stage scrims and dressings be removed to allow access.
If the stage surface slopes, as it does in some theatres, ensure that the system is prevented from sliding forwards due tovibration. This may require the fitting of timber battens to the stage floor.
For outdoor systems ensure that that the system is protected from wind forces which might cause the ground stack to become
unstable. Wind forces can be huge, especially upon large systems, and should never be underestimated. Observe
meteorological forecasts, calculate the “worst case” effect upon the system prior to erection and ensure that the system issecured appropriately.
Take care when stacking cabinets. Always employ safe lifting procedures and never attempt to build stacks without sufficientpersonnel and equipment.
Never allow anyone, whether operators, artists or members of the public to climb onto a ground stacked PA system. Anyone
who needs to climb over 2m (6 ft) high should be fitted with suitable safely equipment including a clip-on harness. Please refer
to local Health and Safety legislation in your territory. Your dealer can help with advice on access to this information.
Apply the same attention to all safety matters when de-stacking systems.
Be aware that safety procedures are as important in the truck and in the warehouse as they are at the venue.

5.1.3

Contacts
Correct training is fundamental to safe practise when working with loudspeakers flying systems. NEXO recommend that users
contact local industry associations for information on specialist course.
Information for International training agencies can be obtained by contacting either:

The Production Services Association (PSA),
School Passage,
Kingston-upon-Thames,
KT1 SDU Surrey,
ENGLAND
Telephone: +44 (0) 181 392 0180
www.psa.org.uk/

Rigstar Training and Testing Center
82 Industrial Dr. Unit 4
Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 U.S.A.
Phone: 413-585-9869
www.rigstar.com/

ESTA
Entertainment Services & Technology
Association
875 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1005
NEW YORK, NY 10001 USA
Phone: 212-244-1505
www.esta.org

System Manual RS Series

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.2

RS15 General Instructions
IMPORTANTIN ORDER TO PREVENT SCREWS FROM GETTING LOOSE, USE BLOCKING LIQUID LOCTITETM 243 OR
EQUIVALENT FOR ALL SCREWS USED WITH RS15 ACCESSORIES.

5.2.1

RS15 “Left” and “Right”
NEXO RS15 Subwoofer is delivered with a pair of skids to be mounted on the cabinet.
NEXO recommends to create pairs of “RS15 LEFT” and “RS15 RIGHT” for optimized flexibility.
Benefits of such recommendation are related to directional use in array configurations, where RS15s are to be positioned backto back, face to face or in vertical columns alternating speaker side.
However, users might prefer to have all RS15s configured identically, in which case they should all be “RS15 RIGHT” so thatskids are opposite to pole stand hole.
Mounting skids on the pole stand hole side defines a “RS15 LEFT”.
In such a case, front grid must be removed, flipped over and reinstalled so that NEXO logo appears on the same side than theskids.

CONFIGURING RS15 AS LEFT

Mounting skids opposite to the pole stand hole side defines a “RS15 RIGHT”.

CONFIGURING RS15 AS RIGHT

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.2.2

RS15 handles
Procedure-

Remove the four screws on each side of RS15-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-

Position spacers and handles according to below drawing (vertical opening must be aligned with connector panel or owner’splate)-

Insert the four washers and screws provided with the RST-HANDLES15 kit and tight them

INSTALLING RS15 HANDLESIMPORTANT
RS15 handles must not be used to fly RS15’s (through illegal use of straps for example)
5.2.3

RS15 Flying Plates with handles (touring applications)
Procedure-

Remove the four screws on each side of RS15-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-

Position flying bars so that articulated link bars are opposite to skids, ie at the top of the cabinet-

Position handles according to below drawing (vertical opening must be aligned with connector panel or owner’s plate)-Insert the four washers and screws provided with the RST-FLPLATES15 kit and tight them (torque value must be 10 Nm
minimum)

INSTALLING RS15 FLYING PLATES AND HANDLES

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

Holes to be filledwith Loctite 243

Link Bars going
upwards opposite
to skids

Vertical Openings
opposite to
loudspeakers

5.2.4

RS15 Wheels
Procedure-

Remove the four screws on RS15 back panel-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-

Position wheels according to below drawing-

Insert the 8 washers and 4 screws provided with the RST-WHEELS15 kit (see detail in below drawing) and tight them

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5.2.5

RS15 Dolly
IMPORTANTTransporting RS15 on Dolly requires that flying plates are installed on ALL CABINETS so that RS15’s canbe secured together.
RS15 Dolly is designed for up to 3 RS15’s and bumper. Never exceed these quantities.
The first RS15 must be locked to the RS15 dolly using four push-pins according to below drawing.
Subsequent RS15s are stacked on top using four push-pins per additional cabinet to secure the assembly.
Bumper is to be attached to the top cabinet.

System Manual RS Series

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.3

RS18 General Instructions
IMPORTANTIN ORDER TO PREVENT SCREWS FROM GETTING LOOSE, USE BLOCKING LIQUID LOCTITETM 243 OR
EQUIVALENT FOR ALL SCREWS USED WITH RS18 ACCESSORIES.

5.3.1

Mounting Rigging Plate
RS18 Painted
Procedure-

Remove the twelve screws on each side of RS18-

Remove the four screws on each side of RS18-

Insert Spacer between cabinet and Rigging plates-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-

Tighten the 6 screws alternately, at the rate of 4 revolutions per screw

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-Insert the 8 handles washers and screws and tight them

INSTALLING PAINTED RS18 RIGGING PLATESIMPORTANT
RS18 handles must not be used to fly RS18’s (through illegal use of straps for example)

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

RS18 Carpeted
Procedure-

Remove the twelve screws on each side of RS18-

Remove the four screws on each side of RS18-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 or equivalent-

Tighten the 6 screws alternately, at the rate of 4 revolutions per screw

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE-

Fill each screw hole with Loctite 243 TM or equivalent-Insert the 8 handles washers and screws and tight them

INSTALLING CARPETED RS18 RIGGING PLATESIMPORTANT
RS18 handles must not be used to fly RS18’s (through illegal use of straps for example)

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.3.2

RS18 Dolly
IMPORTANTTransporting RS18 on Dolly requires that flying plates are installed on ALL CABINETS so that RS18’s canbe secured together.
RS18 Dolly is designed for up to 3 RS18’s and bumper. Never exceed these quantities.
The first RS18 must be locked to the RS18 dolly using 4 push-pins according to below drawing;
Subsequent RS18s are stacked on top using four push-pins per additional cabinet to secure the assembly.
Bumper is to be attached to the top cabinet.

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5.3.3

RS18 Wheel Board
Procedure-

Pull wheel board latches inwards-

Maintain lockers while positioning wheel board on RS18 front panel-

Release lockers

IMPORTANT
Ensure wheel board is properly locked to RS18

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.4

Accessories
RS15 & RS18 accessories are:Page 28 / 76

RST-BUMPER15

RST-FPLATES15

RST-HANDLES15

RST-WHEELS15

RST-DOLLY15

RSI-INSP15

RST-BUMPER18

RST-FPLATES18

RST-HANDLES18

RST-WB18

RST-DOLLY18

VXT-BL820

System Manual RS Series

RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.5

Warnings on RS15 and RS18 accessories
WARNINGAll RS15 and RS18 accessories are specifically rated in agreement with structural computations.
Never use other accessories – including push-pins - when assembling RS15 and RS18 cabinets than theones provided by NEXO: NEXO will decline responsibility over the entire RS115 and RS18 accessory range
if any component is purchased from different supplier.

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.6

Flying RS15IMPORTANT
Maximum allowed RS15 quantity to be flown is 12.
RS15 bumper rigging point must be adjusted so that bumper always remains horizontal.
RS15 flying system forbids angles between adjacent cabinets.
IMPORTANT
RS15 bumper is designed to be flown from one rigging point only.
Motor hoist must be rated to support entire cluster weight.
Required items-

1 x Bumper (RST-BUMPER15)-

N x pair of RS15 rigging plates (RST-FPLATES15) for N cabinets-

4 x N Quick release pins (VXT-BL820) for N cabinets-

1 hoist (not provided)

Hoist rating
N being RS15 quantity within cluster, cluster weight is given by:
Wcluster = (17kg/38lbs) + Nx(70kg/154lbs)
NB: this formula includes cable weight up to 5kg/11lbs per RS15
Typical cases are:
3 RS15 cluster = ¼ ton hoist
6 RS15 cluster = ½ ton hoist
12 RS15 cluster = 1-ton hoist

Procedure
Connecting first RS15 to bumper-

Connect bumper to first RS15 flying system link plates; ensure quick release pins are properly locked-

Insert axis in centre hole and secure it with provided “R” clips-

Connect hoist hook to bumper axis and lift assembly so that RS15 is off the ground

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

Adjusting rigging point for horizontality
Before connecting a second cabinet, bumper angle has to be adjusted for perfect horizontality.
This requires that the rigging point is adjusted in the two horizontal directions so that the bumper remains horizontal within +/1°. Adding cabinets will reduce this tolerance.
•

Adjusting 0° along the cabinet depth

Adjusting horizontality along cabinet depth is done by properly selecting bumper hole:

Case Description
Top center bumper rigging point centered geometrically (0mm):-

RS15 equipped with wheels clusters (gravity center of a single RS15 withwheels precisely matches geometrical center)-

Alternated RS15 clusters (speakers alternately turned to the left and to the right,
gravity center of a single RS15 is precisely 17mm ahead of geometrical center).

Top center bumper rigging point 17mm ahead of geometrical center:-

RS15 without wheels clusters (all speakers facing same direction, gravity centerof a single RS15 is precisely 17mm ahead of geometrical center).

Other available rigging point positions:
Cable weight influence over gravity center position cannot be precisely anticipated.
Additional rigging point configurations are available so that the RS15 bumper is always set
horizontally.
These rigging point positions are:-

34mm behind geometrical center;-

17mm behind geometrical center (requires flipping the bumper horizontally);-

34mm ahead geometrical center (requires flipping the bumper horizontally).

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE•

Adjusting 0° along the cabinet width

Adjusting horizontality along cabinet depth is done by properly adjusting the bumper axis as described in drawings below:

Do not forget to secure the axis with “R” clips once horizontality is achieved. Assembly is now ready for second RS15
connection.

Flying the second RS15-

Lift assembly to sufficient height in order to connect a second RS15-

Connect second RS15 to first RS15 flying system link plates-

Ensure quick release pins are properly locked

OMNI MODE

DIRECTIONAL MODE / ALTERNATEDDIRECTIONAL MODE / BACK TO BACKDIRECTIONAL MODE / FACE TO FACE

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE
Flying subsequent RS15’s-

Repeat above steps for subsequent RS15’s-

Lift cluster defined rigging height-

Secure cluster horizontally to prevent it from rotating

IMPORTANTDo not attempt to make any change to the bumper rigging point once the cluster is lifted-

Secure bumper with secondary safety steel.

IMPORTANTThe requirements for secondary safety systems vary with territories. However, the secondary safety steel
MUST have a SWL equivalent or greater than that of the rigging system

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.7

Flying RS18

IMPORTANT
Maximum allowed RS18 quantity to be flown is 12.
RS18 bumper rigging point must be adjusted so that bumper always remains horizontal.
RS18 flying system forbids angles between adjacent cabinets.
IMPORTANT
RS18 bumper is designed to be flown from one rigging point only.
Motor hoist must be rated to support entire cluster weight.
Required items-

1 x Bumper (RST-BUMPER18)-

4 x Quick release pins 10x25mm (included)-

N x Pair of RS18 rigging plates (RST-FPLATES18) for N cabinets-

4 x N quick release pins 10x25mm (included)-

1 hoist (not provided)

Hoist Rating
N being RS18 quantity within a cluster, cluster weight is given by:
Wcluster = (30kg/66lbs) + Nx(131kg/289lbs)
including cable weight up to 5kg/11lbs per RS18
Hoist rating is:
Up to 3 RS18 cluster = ½ ton hoist;
4 to 6 RS18 cluster = 1-ton hoist;
7 to 12 RS18 cluster = 2-ton hoist.
Procedure
Connecting first RS18 to bumper-

Connect bumper to first RS18 flying system link plates by using 4 10x25mm quick release pins-

Ensure the 4 quick release pins are properly locked-

Connect hoist hook to bumper axis (see below)

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

Adjusting rigging point for horizontality
Before connecting a second cabinet, bumper angle has to be adjusted for perfect horizontality.
This requires that the rigging point is adjusted in the two horizontal directions so that the bumper remains horizontal within +/1°. Adding cabinets will improve this tolerance.
•

Adjusting 0° along the cabinet depth

Adjusting horizontality along cabinet depth is done by properly selecting bumper hole:OMNI MODE - GRIDS SAME SIDECARDIO MODE – GRIDS ALTERNATED

Flying the second RS18-

Lift assembly to sufficient height in order to connect a second RS18-

Position and align second RS18 below assembly-

Remove the 4 quick release pins from the PARKING position so that sliding connector plate can be moved

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE-

On both sides, push the top RS18 sliding connecting plate all the way downwards into the second RS18 rigging system-

Insert the 4 quick release pins into the FLOWN position of second RS18-

Ensure quick release pins are properly locked

Flying subsequent RS18’s-

Repeat above steps for subsequent RS18’s-

Lift cluster up to defined rigging height-

Secure it horizontally to prevent rotation

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE-

Secure bumper with secondary safety steel

IMPORTANTDo not attempt to make any change to the bumper rigging point once the cluster is lifted
IMPORTANTThe requirements for secondary safety systems vary with territories. However, the secondary safety steel
MUST have a SWL equivalent or greater than that of the rigging system

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RS HARDWARE SETUP PROCEDURE

5.8

Testing and Maintenance of the system
General: please keep regular maintenance attention to the RS flying system in order to provide long and reliable service. NEXO
recommends regular testing of loudspeaker rigging components, preferably using a suitable test rig coupled with a visualinspection.
Fasteners: there are several critical points in the RS cabinets.
Of primary concern are:a) The grid screws attaching the grid to the cabinetb) The machine screws attaching the connecting plates to the cabinet.
These fasteners should be regularly checked and tightened as necessary.
Cleaning: The exterior of the cabinet and the rigging system can be cleaned with a damp cloth soaked in mild soapy water. On
no account use solvent based cleaners, which may damage the finish of the cabinet
After cleaning, the rigging system must be treated with a suitable lubricant to prevent rusting. NEXO recommends the use of
Scottoil FS365 which is a water-based lubricant with a mixture of machine oil, surfactant and anti-rust treatment.

.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBWOOFER DESIGN

6
6.1

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBWOOFER DESIGN

Low Frequency Issues
Even low frequency coverage is amongst the toughest issues in sound system design. Common issues that are faced in design
are as follow:

Low frequency radiation is hard to control efficiently because of wavelength
becoming large (10m / 30ft at 34 Hz) in relation to sources; and most ofavailable subwoofers are omnidirectional; this results in important low
frequency feedback on stage, environmental problems in outdoor venues
and increased reverberation time in indoor venues;

Stereophonic implementation of subwoofers introduces very strong
interference patterns; these are related to Left and Right path length
difference to listener location while pressure levels are comparable for Leftand Right arrays; while always maximum at the center – where distance toLeft and Right arrays are equal -, pressure level can severely drop at
locations where path length equals half the wavelength of frequency ofinterest. This effect is well-known from audio-engineers, and often referred
to as “Power Alley”;

In closed venues, room eigen modes (nulls and max) are dominant oversource location; because these modes depend on accurate characterizationof boundary surfaces (walls, ceiling, floor), audience coverage is very hardto predict.

L(m)f1=C/2L

To overcome these difficulties, some common-sense rules can help.

6.2

Gradient Subwoofers benefits
Gradient subwoofers can provide up to 15 dB front to rear average attenuation (Please refer to Ray
Sub technical note for in-detail explanation on gradient subwoofers).
Low frequency level on stage is therefore significantly reduced on stage, and in the neighbouring
environment in open air venues.
Because of their directional pattern, Gradient subwoofer are also less sensitive to room eigen
modes.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBWOOFER DESIGN

6.3

Monophonic Design
Left and Right subwoofer arrays can be merged into a monophonic system so that interferences no longer exist.
When using few cabinets, this can be done by installing these cabinets at the centre front stage. If cabinets are set on the groundin front of the stage, level discrepancy from first to last rows will be important. Flying cabinets above centre stage will reduce
first to last rows discrepancies significantly.

CENTRE STACKED DIRECTIONAL SUBWOOFERCENTRE FLOWN DIRECTIONAL SUBWOOFERWhen using a larger amount of cabinets, these can then be installed all across the stage provided distance between units does
not exceed half the wavelength of the upper frequency limit (1.7m/5.6ft at 100 Hz). Array coverage can then be adjusted
geometrically (by curving the array horizontally so that it matches the audience area, which creates an asymmetrical front stage
to rear stage pattern with a “hot” point on stage) or electronically (by implementing a delay that increase from the centre to thesides, which creates a symmetrical pattern front to rear). In both cases, omnidirectional subwoofers should be avoided so low
frequency that level on stage does not exceed level in the audience.

CURVED SUBWOOFER ARRAY ACROSS STAGE

STRAIGHT DELAYED SUBWOOFER ARRAY ACROSS STAGE

Main drawback of monophonic designs as the ones described above is inconsistent phase relationship between subwoofer
arrays and main systems over the audience area (lack of impact in the 80Hz-125Hz bandwidth).

6.4

Stereo Design
If stereophonic implementation has to be maintained, then Left and Right array coverage patterns have to be as independent
as possible – ie coverage overlap from Left to Right has to be minimized.

When using few cabinets, minimizing overlap can only be achieved
with directional devices by rotating the subwoofers 30° to 45°
outwards (rotating an omnidirectional subwoofer makes nodifference in the coverage pattern).

When using a larger amount of cabinets, Left and Right subwoofers arrays must be designed so that level drops as much as
possible inwards, and is maintained as going outwards. Therefore, main axis efficiency must be orientated outwards (throughuse of delays or curving the array outward as in below figure). Such arrays must be experimented playing one side only to check

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GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SUBWOOFER DESIGN

if above condition is fulfilled, and then summed left and right for interference evaluation (see below drawings). Although pressurelevel will still drop in the centre vicinity, overall level in the audience area is comparable to what occurs at the centre.

Curved Sub Array

Steered Sub ArrayLEFT IMPLEMENTATION MINIMIZING RIGHT COVERAGE

LEFT AND RIGHT SUM

Advantage of stereo design as oppose to mono design is much improved phase relationship between subwoofer arrays andmain systems since distance between them is greatly reduced.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that stereo subwoofer array design always leads to strong interferences in the centre
alley vicinity (a couple of steps left and right of mixing position).
A successful design requires minimizing the audience area over which these interferences occur, and therefore lots of on-siteexperimentation.

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.1
7.1.1

Omnidirectional Mode
Single RS15 and RS18
Omnidirectional Mode implementation should be favoured in configurations where:•

sufficient depth is not available for directional implementation (proscenium, front stage etc…)•

strong rear radiation is not critical.

Although wide in both cases, coverage is slightly narrower along RS15’s or RS18’s width than height (see drawings below).

HORIZONTAL COVERAGE IN OMNI MODE (100 HZ)

7.1.2

VERTICAL COVERAGE IN OMNI MODE (100 HZ)

RS15 and RS18s arrays
IMPORTANT
RS15s and RS18s arrays must be installed with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0°.
Design procedure should be in agreement with what has been described in the preceding section.
See following section on Steered Arrays

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.2

Directional Mode
IMPORTANT
RS15 can be installed “Left” or “Right” (see section 5.2.1):- “Left” means grid is Left when looking from front- “Right” means grid is right when looking from front
Whenever possible, NEXO recommends symmetrical designs.

7.2.1

Single RS15 or RS18
Single RS15 and RS18 have an asymmetrical pattern in the horizontal plane (ie speakers on the side), which is tilted 30°
off-axis towards speakers direction; vertical pattern (ie speakers facing up or down) is symmetrical).

HORIZONTAL COVERAGE IN DIRECTIONAL MODE (100 HZ)

VERTICAL COVERAGE IN DIRECTIONAL MODE (100 HZ)IMPORTANTSo that directional behaviour and acoustic load are not altered, no reflecting surface should be at lessthan 50cm (20”) from the RS15 and RS18 side walls and drivers.
In case of stereo configurations, NEXO recommends that speaker side is set outwards to minimize interference region instereo designs. (ie “RS15s LEFT” should be installed Left and “RS15s RIGHT” should be installed Right).

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.2.2

RS15s pair
There are three ways of using pairs of RS15s in directional mode: “alternated”, “back to back” and “face to face” (50cm / 20”
between grids).
All of these configurations have symmetrical patterns with a smooth 15dB attenuation at the rear over the entire RS15
bandwidth, but significantly different horizontal coverage.
•"alternated" configuration has a constant -3dB coverage of 120° from 31.5Hz to 100Hz•“back to back” configuration has a -3dB coverage which decreases from 120° at 31.5 Hz to 60° at 100Hz•“face to face” configuration has a -3 dB coverage which increases from 120° at 31.5 Hz to 180° at 100 Hz"ALTERNATED" CONFIGURATION"ALTERNATED" CONFIGURATION AT 100HZ“BACK TO BACK“ CONFIGURATION“BACK TO BACK” CONFIGURATION AT 100 HZ“FACE TO FACE“ CONFIGURATION“FACE TO FACE” CONFIGURATION AT 100 HZPage 44 / 76

System Manual RS Series

RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.2.3

RS18s pair
There are three ways of using pairs of RS18s in directional mode: “one side”, “back to back” and “face to face” (50cm / 20”
between grids).
All of these configurations have symmetrical patterns with a smooth 15dB attenuation at the rear over the entire RS18
bandwidth, but significantly different horizontal coverage.
•“one side” configuration has a constant -3 dB coverage of 120° from 31.5 Hz to 80 Hz•“back to back” configuration has a -3dB coverage which decreases from 90° at 31.5 Hz to 60° at 80Hz•

“face to face” configuration has a -3 dB coverage which increases from 90° at 31.5 Hz to 120° at 80 Hz“ONE SIDE" CONFIGURATION"ONE SIDE" CONFIGURATION AT 80HZ“BACK TO BACK“ CONFIGURATION"BACK TO BACK" CONFIGURATION AT 80HZ

“FACE TO FACE“ CONFIGURATION"FACE TO FACE" CONFIGURATION AT 80HZ

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.2.4

RS15s and RS18s arrays
IMPORTANT
RS15s and RS18s arrays must be installed with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0°.
Flying RS15s and RS18s columns can significantly improve low frequency coverage in the vertical plane, and therefore overaudience depth provided height is sufficient.
A 12 RS15 cluster flown at 10m/30ft will provide a +/- 3dB pressure level deviation at 100Hz over an audience area 75m/200ft
deep while maintaining 15 to 20dB attenuation on stage.
A 10 RS18 cluster flown at 10m/30ft will provide a +/- 3dB pressure level deviation at 100Hz over an audience area 75m/200ft
deep while maintaining 15 to 20dB attenuation on stage.

12 RS15 CLUSTER OVER 75M/200FT

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10 RS18 CLUSTER OVER 75M/200FTRAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.3

Steered RS15s arrays

7.3.1

Steering technique
RS15s arrays must be flown vertically with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0°.
Coverage adjustments can be efficiently implemented through the “steering” technique, which consists in implementing
delays in cabinets to tilt coverage up or down.

IMPORTANT“Steering” techniques should not be applied to clusters of less than 4 RS15.
Coverage control through steering technique increases with cluster height.
Steering can be applied by group of 2, 3 or 4 RS15s in Omni Mode as well as in Directional Mode.

GROUP OF 2 RS15S STEERINGGROUP OF 3 RS15S STEERINGGROUP OF 4 RS15S STEERING“Steering” delays values for the pairs can easily be computed according to following formula: = h*sin()/C(metric)

 is the value to be applied to the second pairh is the height of tilted elements (0.91m for 2 RS15s, 1.365m for 3 RS15s, 1.82m for 4 RS15s)
C is the speed of sound (343m/s)

7.3.2

Delay values implementation
If the coverage is to be tilted down, then top group delay should be set at 0ms and delay should progressively increase on
lower groups.
If the coverage is to be tilted up, then lower group delay should be set at 0ms and delay should progressively increase on
upper pairs.
Delay value for first group is always 0ms.
Delay value for second group is 
Delay values for subsequent groups are 2, 3 etc…

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

Table below lists these values for typical angle values:
TILT ANGLE
GROUP
2 RS15s

GROUP
3 RS15s

GROUP
4 RS15s

7.3.3

0°

5°

10°

15°

20°

25°

30°

35°

40°

45°

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.2

0.5

0.7

0.9

1.1

1.3

1.5

1.7

1.9

DISTANCE
(cm)

0.0

7.9

15.8

23.6

31.1

38.5

45.5

52.2

58.5

64.3

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.3

0.7

1.0

1.4

1.7

2.0

2.3

2.6

2.8

DISTANCE
(cm)

0.0

11.9

23.7

35.3

46.7

57.7

68.3

78.3

87.7

96.5

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.5

0.9

1.4

1.8

2.2

2.7

3.0

3.4

3.8

DISTANCE
(cm)

0.0

15.9

31.6

47.1

62.2

76.9

91.0

104.4

117.0

128.7

Coverage result
Below figure shows coverage control over distance with a “steering” delay sequence corresponding to a 15° tilt down.

12 RS15 CLUSTER OVER 75M/200FT, STEERED 15° DOWN

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.4

Steered RS18s arrays

7.4.1

Steering technique
RS18s arrays must be flown vertically with bumper set horizontally and all cabinets at 0°.
Coverage adjustments can be efficiently implemented through the “steering” technique, which consists in implementing
delays in cabinets to tilt coverage up or down.

IMPORTANT“Steering” techniques should not be applied to clusters of less than 3 RS18
Coverage control through steering technique increases with cluster height.
Steering can be applied by unit, group of 2 or group of 3 in Omni Mode as well as in Directional Mode.

GROUP OF 2 RS18S STEERINGGROUP OF 3 RS18S STEERING“Steering” delays values for the pairs can easily be computed according to following formula: = h*sin()/C(metric)

 is the value to be applied to the second pairh is the height of tilted elements (1.04m for 2 RS18s, 1.56m for 3 RS18s)
C is the speed of sound (343m/s)

7.4.2

Delay values implementation
If the coverage is to be tilted down, then top group delay should be set at 0ms and delay should progressively increase on
lower groups.
If the coverage is to be tilted up, then lower group delay should be set at 0ms and delay should progressively increase on
upper pairs.
Delay value for first group is always 0ms.
Delay value for second group is 
Delay values for subsequent groups are 2, 3 etc…

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

Table below lists these values for typical angle values:
TILT ANGLE
1 RS18GROUP
2 RS18s

GROUP
3 RS18s

7.4.3

0°

5°

10°

15°

20°

25°

30°

35°

40°

45°

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.1

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

DISTANCE
(cm)

0

5

9

13

18

22

26

30

33

37

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.3

0.5

0.8

1.0

1.3

1.5

1.7

1.9

2.1

DISTANCE
(cm)

0

9

18

27

36

44

52

60

67

74

DELAY  (ms)

0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

1.9

2.3

2.6

2.9

3.2

DISTANCE
(cm)

0

14

27

40

53

66

78

89

100

110

Coverage result
Below figure shows coverage control over distance with a “steering” delay sequence corresponding to a 15° tilt down.

10 RS18 CLUSTER OVER 75M/200FT, STEERED 15° DOWN

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System Manual RS Series

RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.5

Aligning RS with main system
The NEXO TD Controllers factory presets are optimised to provide the best possible crossover between the RS15 and RS18
and other NEXO main systems. These crossover algorithms are defined for speaker acoustic reference points being aligned.
The acoustic reference point on all NEXO products is the front of each cabinet, therefore:•

RS reference point in Omni Mode is center of the front grid•

RS reference point in Directional Mode is center of the face opposite to connector panel

REFERENCE POINT IN OMNI MODE

7.5.1

REFERENCE POINT IN DIRECTIONAL MODE

Alignment with distance measurement
The fastest way to align RS arrays to a main system is simply to measure distance difference from listening point to RS andmain system reference points.
r1 being the distance from main array to listener position, and r2 being the distance from RS to listener position, the distancedifference is then r1–r2 (specified meters or feet).
r1 > r2, the delay should be set on the RS TDcontroller channel.
r1 < r2, the delay should be set on the main system TDcontroller channel

t = (r1-r2)/C

gives conversion from distance to delay

r1, r2 in meters, C = 343 m/s.

NEXO recommends that main system and subwoofer systems are adjusted so that arrivals from RS and main system arecoincident at a fairly distant listening position (mixing position or further).
Because of proper acoustic reference point definition in NEXO TDControllers DSP setups, this method is highly reliable.

r1

r2
Mixing position
or further

System Manual RS Series

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RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.5.2

Alignment with phase measurement
Phase measurement with real time FFT analyzer can also provide reliable measurements, provided:•

measurement microphone is set on the ground to avoid floor interference in the reading•

floor is perfectly rigid (concrete)•measurement microphone is set far from any walls / ceiling, or inside angles / corners•

coherence values are high (typically above 75%)

If one of above conditions is not respected, then distance measurement should be preferred.

7.5.3

Driving RS from the AUX send
It is common to use the AUX send of a mixing desk to drive the Sub section of a PA system. This gives the mixing engineer
more flexibility to set the level of the subbass relative to the main PA, apply special effects, or to use a different EQ on theSub. However, it also raises some serious issues for the performance & safety of the system (mostly time alignment).
At NEXO, great care is taken to design optimum phase alignment from one octave above to one octave below the crossover
frequency point. By doing so, drivers are working perfectly together and providing the best efficiency possible. It is then up
to the user to adjust the delay on the NX TDControllers to match the physical path difference of the different systems. It isthus possible to get a well-adjusted system, even without measuring instruments.
If RS subwoofers are driven form an AUX output, NEXO TDController is fed with two signals coming from different sources.
If those two sources (MAIN output & AUX send) are not exactly in phase, delay is introduced into the crossover between
main system array and RS subwoofers. It is then mandatory to use proper measurement tool to optimize phase response.

IMPORTANT
Before using different outputs of a mixing desk, ensure that MAIN and SUB outputs are in phase.
Never add additional low pass filtering on the SUB output or high pass filtering on the MAIN output.
Always apply identical processing (EQ etc…) on both outputs, so that the phase relationship between
MAIN and SUB is not altered.

7.6

Recommended installation tools and equipment
Tape measure – should be 30m/100ft in length and be of durable fibre material. Have one per array available to speed up
the installation process.
Laser Inclinometer – For measuring vertical and horizontal angles in the venue.
Spirit level – used to ascertain the trueness of the surface from which the angle measurements originate.
Rangefinder measuring device – either a Disto type laser measure or an optical laser rangefinder can be used. Devices
such as the Bushnell ‘Yardage Pro’ sports rangefinders provide sufficiently accuracy and are easy to use. They have theadditional advantage of working very well in bright sunlight.
Electronic calculator with trigonometric functions to calculate the height from ground level to points in the room. The formula
to calculate height of a point from measured angle and distance is:
Height of point = Sin (vertical angle in degrees) x distance to point
NB: Take care when using spreadsheets as they calculate using radians by default. To convert degrees to radians, use theformula:Angle (in radians) =3.142 x Angle (in degrees)/180
Computer – Laptop or Desktop PC running Windows 8 with the current version of NEXO NS-1 installed. It is not possible toconfigure a GEO tangent array properly without using NS-1. Note that, when NS-1 designs are prepared prior to arrival at
the venue, it is often necessary to modify or update the design to accommodate special circumstances. A PC is absolutely
essential to make such changes.
Audio Analysis Software – recommended but not absolutely essential, programs such as SystuneTM, SmaartTM enable rapidand detailed analysis of the installation. Consider taking a training course in using one of these tools if you are not alreadycompetent with them – it will pay dividends in increased performance of the system.

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System Manual RS Series

RAY SUB IMPLEMENTATION

7.7

RS System Check List
It is essential to execute all these check steps prior to perform a sound check on the “front end” to the system. Following thischecklist step by step will prevent many troubles and will save time in the end.

Are the speakers properly connected?
Attach the first series of modules to the bumper.
Before flying, verify that all channels of all modules are functioning properly.
Make sure that each RS driver is producing proper summation in omni mode:•

the two RS individual driver should sum up by 6 dB•doubling RS quantity (2, 4 and so on) should also produce 6 dB gain.

Make sure that each RS is producing the proper front/rear summation in directional mode:•

when listening from behind the system, switch the front drivers in and out. You should hear a reduction in the LF
range when the both front and rear drivers are on as compared to when the rear drivers only are on•when listening from the front, you should hear a strong increase in the LF range when connecting the rear drivers

Raise the bumper, attach the next series of modules and repeat the above checks.
Make sure that these series of modules sum properly with the modules above them.

Final Pre-Sound Check Check
Play a CD track (preferably generous and periodic in the LF content) on the SUB output, mono left, mono right and thenboth sides:•

both sides must sound strictly identical when listening at the center;•

level must not decrease at the center when playing left and right simultaneously as opposed to one side only.

Play the same CD track on the MAIN system, on the SUB system, then on both:•inverting polarity on one of these outputs – MAIN or SUB - should always result in a massive difference near the
crossover point.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS8TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.1
8.1.1

RS15
System specifications

Omni

Directional

35 Hz to 250 Hz

35 Hz to 150 Hz

105 dB SPL Nominal

103 dB SPL Nominal

136 to 139 dB

133 to 136 dB

35-85, 35-120, 35-180 Hz

35-85 Hz

RS15 WITH NEXO TDCONTROLLER SETUP
Frequency Response @-6 dB
Sensitivity 1W@1m
Peak SPL@1m
Available Crossover Frequencies
Nominal Impedance

2 x 8 Ohms

Recommended Power

1700 Watts

PRODUCT FEATURES
Component

2 x 15” long excursion neodymium 8 Ohms drivers

Height x Width x Depth

454 mm x 564 mm x 1074 mm (17.9” x 22.2” x 42.3”)

Weight: Net

52 kg (115 lb)

Connectors

2 x NL4, 4 poles connectors (1+/1- right or rear / 2+/2- left or front)

Construction

Baltic Birch Plywood & structured black coating

Operating temperature range

0°C - 40 °C (32° F - 104° F)

Storage temperature range-20 °C - 60 °C (-4 ° F - 140° F)

SYSTEM OPERATIONNXAMP4x4mk2 Powered TD controller:
2 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
Recommended powering solution

4 x RS15 in directional mode: 2 channels
NXAMP4x2mk2 Powered TD controller:

Optional powering solution

1 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
NXAMP4x1mk2 Powered TD controller (Bridged):
1 x RS15 in omni mode (drivers in //) per bridged channels

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System Manual RS Series

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.1.2

Dimensions (mm/inches)

8.1.3

Frequency response and impedance(dB)

Level, Sound pressure

120
115
110
105
100
95
90
85
80
75
70

10

20

50

100

200

500

1k
Frequency(Hz)

Frequency(Hz)

OC : Response C urve for 2.83Vrms at NX242 input

Amplitude log

50

20

10

5

2
10

20
F: Omni Mode

50

100

200

500

1k

FC : C ardio Mode

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.1.4

Polar plots

Omni Mode (2xRS15 front)

Directional Mode (2xRS15 side)

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System Manual RS Series

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Directional Mode (2xRS15 alternated)

Directional Mode (2xRS15 face to face – 50cm – 20”)

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Directional Mode (2xRS15 back to back)Page 58 / 76

System Manual RS Series

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.2
8.2.1

RS18
System specifications

Omni

Directional

29 Hz to 250 Hz

29 Hz to 150 Hz

105 dB SPL Nominal

103 dB SPL Nominal

143 to 146 dB

140 to 143 dB

30-60, 30-85, 30-120 Hz

30-60, 30-85 Hz

RS18 WITH NEXO TDCONTROLLER SETUP
Frequency Response @-6 dB
Sensitivity 1W@1m
Peak SPL@1m
Available Crossover Frequencies
Nominal Impedance

2 x 8 Ohms

Recommended Power

2500 Watts

PRODUCT FEATURES
Component

2 x 18” long excursion neodymium 8 Ohms drivers
520 mm x 1403 mm x 732 mm (20.46” x 55.24” x 28.81”) with handles

Height x Width x Depth

520 mm x 1238 mm x 732 mm (20.46” x 49.92” x 28.81”) without handles
105 kg (231.5 lb) with handles

Weight: Net

90 kg (199 lb) without handles

Connectors

2 x NL4, 4 poles connectors (1+/1- right or rear / 2+/2- left or front)

Construction

Baltic Birch Plywood & structured black coating

Operating temperature range

0°C - 40 °C (32° F - 104° F)

Storage temperature range-20 °C - 60 °C (-4 ° F - 140° F)

SYSTEM OPERATIONNXAMP4x4mk2 Powered TD controller:
1 x RS18 in omni mode (drivers in //) per channel
Recommended powering solution

2 x RS18 in directional mode: 2 channels
NXAMP4x1mk2 Powered TD controller (Bridged):

Optional powering solution

1 x RS18 in omni mode (drivers in //) per bridged channels

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.2.2

Dimensions (mm/inches)

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System Manual RS Series

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3

RS15 and RS18 accessories

8.3.1

RST-BUMPER15

Parts
X1

X1

X2

Dimensions

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.2

RST-FPLATES15

Parts
X2

X8

Dimensions

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System Manual RS Series

X8

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.3

RST-HANDLES15

Parts
X2

X8

X8

Dimensions

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.4

RST-WHEELS15

Parts
X2

X4

Dimensions

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System Manual RS Series

X4

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.5

RST-DOLLY15

Parts

X1

Dimensions

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.6

RSI-INSP15

Parts
X4

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X8

System Manual RS Series

X8

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.7

RST-BUMPER18

Parts
X1

X2 (3.25T)

X4 (10x25)

Dimensions

Weight: 38 kg / 84 lb

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.8

RST-FPLATES18

Parts
X2

X4 (10x25)

Dimensions

Weight: 18 kg / 40 lb

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System Manual RS Series

X2

X4

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.9

RST-HANDLES18

Parts
X2

X4

X4

X12

X16

X16

Dimensions

Weight: 16 kg / 35.3 lb

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.10 RST-WB18
Parts
X1

Dimensions

Weight: 16 kg / 35 lb

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System Manual RS Series

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.11 RST-DOLLY18
Parts
X1

X4

Dimensions

Weight: 31 kg / 68 lb

System Manual RS Series

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

8.3.12 VXT-BL820

Parts

X1

Dimensions

Weight: 0.04 kg / 0.1 lb

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System Manual RS Series

RS15 & RS18 MODULES & ACCESSORIES LIST

9

RS15 & RS18 MODULES & ACCESSORIES LISTREFERENCEDRAWINGDESCRIPTION

RS152x15” Subwoofer

RS18

2x18’’ Subwoofer

NXAMP4x1mk2

NXAMP4x2mk2
NXAMP4x4mk2

Powered Digital TD Controller 4x1300W

Powered Digital TD Controller 4x2500W

Powered Digital TD Controller 4x4500W

NX.ES104

Ethersound Network Card for NXAMP

NX.DT104MK2

Dante Network Card for NXAMP

NX.AE104

AES Card for NXAMP

System Manual RS Series

Page 73 / 76

RS15 & RS18 MODULES & ACCESSORIES LISTREFERENCEDRAWINGDESCRIPTION

RST-BUMPER15

RS15 Bumper

RST-FPLATES15

RS15 Rigging plates

RST-HANDLES15

RS15 Handles

RST-WHEELS15

RS15 Wheels (single RS15)

RST-DOLLY15

RS15 dolly (3 RS15 max)

RSI-INSPI15

RS15 Installation rigging bars

RST-BUMPER18

RS18 Bumper

RST-FPLATES18

RS18 Rigging plates

RST-HANDLES18

RS18 Handles

RST-WB18

RS18 Wheelboard (single RS18)

RST-DOLLY18

RS18 Dolly (3 RS18 max)

VXT-BL820

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Quick release pin

System Manual RS Series

USER NOTES

10 USER NOTES

System Manual RS Series

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NEXO S.A.
Parc d’activité de la Dame Jeanne
F-60128 PLAILLY

Tel: +33 3 44 99 00 70
Fax: +33 3 44 99 00 30
E-mail: info@nexo.fr

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