SPXZ18T - Haut-parleur voiture ALPINE - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SPXZ18T ALPINE

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English Crossover Network Introduction It is common knowledge that the automotive interior is one of the most inhospitable environments for high-fidelity sound, and that every vehicle poses its own unique set of installation and acoustic challenges. While many of these problems can often be over- come with proper speaker placement, equalization, or other techniques, the attempt is a time consuming task without guaranteed results. Yet with all these tools and methods available, it is surprising to realize that one of the most powerful tuning tools has been misunderstood or neglected by so many for so long. It is for this reason that Alpine has developed the most advanced crossover network design in the history of car audio. Much of the difference between demo-board and in-car performance can be attributed to the fact that crossover networks have been traditionally tuned for only one specific application – usually the demo-board. Without taking into account typical real world installations, the transition between drivers and resultant frequency response will be degraded for the majority of vehicles that installers are confronted with today. Through Alpine’s unique phase coherent flat summation design methodology, however, it is now possible to optimize performance for a variety of installations by intentionally altering various filter characteristics. By achieving an “in-phase” condition between drivers in the overlapping frequency range at the listening position, image smear, response aber- rations and other typical problems can be dramatically reduced or eliminated altogether. This “phase linkage” technique can be thought of as a kind of passive time correction in the crossover region. With Alpine’s introduction of such revolutionary processing technologies as digital time correction and adaptive equalization, all of this may seem superlative. Unfortunately however, such processing can significantly increase system complexity and therefore may not be practical for every situation. Additionally, without careful use of time correc- tion for each individual speaker in the system, integration problems between them can remain. Subsequently, it may be advantageous to use such processing to compensate for seating position bias in conjunction with the phase correction of the passive network for the transition between individual drivers. Simply stated, the flexibility of the AlpineF#1Status™ crossover network allows it to be a complimentary solution for achiev- ing the best of both worlds, either as a stand alone solution or an integral component of a partially active system. As with all AlpineF#1Status™ products, it is the attention to the smallest details that truly brings out ultimate performance... or in a word, MicroDynamics™. From the hand coated crosscut wood fiber cones to the symmetric drive motor structures, nothing is left to chance. This philosophy is carried throughout every aspect of the SPX-Z18T speaker system, including the components, layout and design of the crossover network. All series capacitors are the highest grade metalized polypropylene, and all series inductors are heavy gauge air core. Even parallel inductors are of powder core con- struction, to maximize consistancy and sound quality. All elements are intentionally placed in such a way to as to minimize any chance for magnetic or thermal influence, and all signal path lengths are minimized with extra heavy circuit board traces. In the end, this level of quality and attention to detail has but one purpose, to bring true sonic realism to the automotive environment once and for all.10 Jumper Group Function Although recommendations are made for the most common system types in the following pages, there are actually over 1000 unique and useful jumper combinations available for a wide variety of vehicles, installations and personal tastes. While this flexibility has obvious advantages, too many choices can also be confusing. Therefore, it will be helpful to under- stand the function of each jumper group in order to tune the network more effectively: TW-HP: In addition to functioning as a high-pass filter, this section also provides the necessary adjustments for proper integration with the midrange. The transition between these two drivers in the frequency and time domains is essential to the total performance of a multi-element system, as it has a direct effect upon imaging, staging, focus and tonal balance. In real world installations, distance and angle of both drivers relative to the listener, their proximity to each other, and certainly the vehicle's interior also exert additional influence. In anticipation of this, variations of filter slope, Q, cut-off frequency and resultant phase shift are provided so that "phase linkage" and flat summation can be maintained. As a general reference, the layout and available filter types of the tweeter high-pass section are provided below: TW LEVEL: In general, this section provides precise level adjustment for optimum performance or personal taste. However, it also allows for “tilting” of the filter frequency response in order to compensate for the natural high frequency roll-off associated with off-axis lis- tening angles. In other words, this jumper choice will have a direct effect on both Q and cut-off frequency of the various filter combinations listed above. This effect can be seen in the filter transfer function graphs for the various system types. If the TW-HP section is set to bypass in favor of an electronic crossover, the off-axis feature will no longer func- tion, but basic level adjustment will still be possible. R1 = 1.5Ω R2 = 3.3Ω R3 = 4.7Ω R4 = 5.6Ω R5 = 0.5Ω C1 = 3.3µF C2 = 8.2µF L1 = 0.65mH L2 = 0.1mH HP-1 HP-2 BYPASS+1.5dB/15°0dB/0°–1.5dB–3dBL1 L2

• HP1 + HP211 English R6 = 1.0Ω R7 = 1.0Ω R8 = 22Ω C3 = 18µF C4 = 33µF C5 = 10µF L3 = 0.32mH L4 = 2.0mH L5 = 2.9mH MID HP/LP: As a selectable bandpass filter for the midrange, the net effect of this section is naturally linked to the selections made in the tweeter high-pass and woofer low-pass sections. Achieving the most phase coherent and flat summation possible requires controlling the amount of inherent phase shift of each filter, and is directly related to the selection of filter order, Q and cut-off frequency. Again, this relationship is also affected by the dis- tance and angle of each driver relative to the listener and their proximity to each other. Since the acoustic center of the midrange will be farther back than the tweeter in nearly all applications, minimal delay is desirable in the midrange low-pass. Subsequently, this filter is of low order, and leaves much of the adjustment capability for the mid/tweeter transition to the tweeter high-pass section. For the midrange high-pass, higher order configurations are used in most applications to achieve phase linkage with the woofer (see WF-LP section). For general reference, the available midrange network configura- tions are listed below. In certain installations where positioning or placement necessi- tates level adjustment, a jumper is provided that boosts midrange output by approxi- mately +2dB. As an additional note, either filter (high-pass or low-pass) may be by- passed independently for semi-active applications. HP-2

• HP1 + HP212 WF-LP: While functioning as a low-pass filter for the woofer, this section also provides a wide degree of adjustments for optimizing performance and system integration. Since it is often difficult to position the woofer and midrange close together or at equal distances, it is critical to achieve phase linkage between them to avoid localization, image smear, poor staging, etc. Additionally, vehicle interior dimensions are typically close to the wave- length of the woofer/midrange crossover region, so it may be necessary to minimize overlap to reduce the chance of generating a complex canceling sound field or re- sponse aberrations. Therefore, a variety of higher order filter types and characteristics are provided in this section, making it possible to link the two drivers in relative phase for a smooth transition in many applications. Again, it is important to note that the selec- tions made in both the WF-LP and MID-HP sections produce a net effect, and must be set in such a way so as to work together. As a general reference, the available woofer low-pass filter configurations are listed below. R9 = 2.2Ω R10 = 1.5Ω C6 = 100µF C7 = 47µF C8 = 220µF L6 = 0.65mH L7 = 0.65mH BYPASS L6 L7 R10R9 C7C6 C8 LP-1 LP-2 LP-3

SIGNAL LINK: The signal link jumpers provide a parallel connection between the input sides of the terminal blocks, eliminating the need for extra terminals or wiring when using a single or dual input. Caution: These jumpers must be removed accordingly when used in a bi-amp or tri-amp configuration to prevent possible damage to amplifiers.

• Type-1B is for such cases where pathlength is nearly the same to all drivers, but where the mount- ing surface orientation creates a uniform but fairly extreme off-axis listening angle. System Description With all three drivers mounted close together and equidistant to the listening position, this is surely the most favorable configuration for a component speaker system. Al- though such an installation may not often be practical in situations other than the demo- board, it is certainly possible given the custom fabrication techniques available today. In anticipation this, a degree of tolerance is built into the settings described below for the most likely cases, though some experimentation may be necessary if all conditions cannot be met. If choosing to go beyond the recommended settings or utilizing the network in a partially active mode, keep in mind that phase coherence and flat summa- tion remains critical even in the idyllic flat baffle situation, as each driver type exhibits unique phase and group delay characteristics.

• Type-1A is the default setting of the network, and assumes essentially on-axis positioning and equal pathlength of all drivers relative to the listening position.14 System Type 1

–10–20–30–40–5020Hz 30Hz100Hz1.0KHz 3.0KHz 10KHz 30KHz300Hz Type-1A: Pathlength to the listening posi- tion is considered to be basically equal in this case (ideally 2-3m away), with relative on-axis positioning of all drivers. Phase link- age is accomplished with a low Q 2

Order high-pass filter on the tweeter, 1

Order low- pass and 4

Order high-pass on the midrange, and a semi-4

Order low-pass on the woofer. This results in acoustic crosso- ver points of 3.8kHz and 700Hz respectively. Network Jumper Setting HP-2 HP-1 LP-2 LP-1 +2dB

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed.15 English

–10–20–30–40–5020Hz 30Hz100Hz1.0KHz 3.0KHz 10KHz 30KHz300Hz Type-1B: While the mounting configuration is the same as Type-1A, this network set- ting provides a variation for when personal taste, positioning or vehicle acoustics neces- sitates more high frequency output from the midrange and tweeter. Rear deck installa- tion is one particular example where the extreme off-axis positioning will require such level compensation due to the natural roll- off. Although this will also result in some additional delay of the woofer, it does not exert significant influence in this case. The resultant acoustic crossover points are the same as indicated above. Network Jumper Setting HP-2 HP-1 LP-2 LP-1 +2dB MID HP/LP–3dB–1.5dB0dB/0 +1.5dB/15 +4dB/30

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed.16 System Type 2

• Type-2A takes into account that all drivers are mounted more or less flush to the panel on a mostly flat vertical surface such as the door, thus present- ing varying degrees of both axis and distance of each driver to the listener.

• Type-2B is the same as above, but assumes the woofer somewhat farther away than is typical. This will accommodate different vehicle types as well as kick panel mount- ing of the woofer. System Description As one of the more common applications, this installation type is the most likely to be accommodated by factory speaker locations to some degree, thus requiring the least amount of custom fabrication. However, due to the mounting arrangement and surface orientation, it also results in significant differences in distance and angle of all three drivers relative to the listener. In order to optimize performance in this case, it especially critical to link each driver together in relative phase throughout the transitional crosso- ver regions, while also taking into account the frequency response effects of the various off-axis listening angles of each driver. Two network configurations are provided for the most typical variations of this installation type, each employing specific phase correc- tion and response compensation. Again, please note that the tuning of the settings below considers the best balance between driver and passenger listening positions, so all distances and angles are referenced to the nearest side. Also worth noting is the fact that the shorter near side pathlenths to the midrange and tweeter will result in more dramatic seating position bias than other installation types. While it is possible to adjust each network individually in order to specifically tune for one listening position, it will often be more beneficial to utilize basic time correction to correct for this left/right pathlength difference if available. In general though, a high tweeter location is thought to be advantageous for improving perceived height and width of the soundstage, as well as achieving a strong high frequency output level.17 English

–10–20–30–40–5020Hz 30Hz100Hz1.0KHz 3.0KHz 10KHz 30KHz300Hz Type-2A: For the tweeter in this case, pathlength from the listening position is con- sidered to be 85cm, at approximately 15- 20° off-axis. Located at a moderate vertical distance down from the tweeter and basi- cally flush to the panel, the midrange is 8.5cm farther away and presents a listening angle of about 40-50°. Due to the low door woofer location however, the listening angle for the woofer is close to 60° off-axis, with its acoustic center 8cm farther relative to the mid. For the tweeter/mid transition, a 3rd order high-pass and semi-1st order low-pass with increased level on the mid are engaged, resulting in a summation point of 4kHz. Op- timum integration between the woofer and mid is then achieved with 4th order high-pass and low-pass at 700Hz. Network Jumper Setting HP-2 HP-1 LP-2 LP-1 +2dB MID HP/LP–3dB–1.5dB0dB/0 +1.5dB/15 +4dB/30

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed.18

–10–20–30–40–5020Hz 30Hz100Hz1.0KHz 3.0KHz 10KHz 30KHz300Hz Type-2B: Tweeter and midrange positioning are the same as in Type-2A, but the woofer is located farther forward. This results in a more extreme woofer listening angle of ap- proximately 70°, with a delay of 28cm rela- tive to the mid. Subsequently, level attenua- tion is applied to both the tweeter and mid while also adjusting filter characteristics appropriatly for the mid/woofer transition. In this case, changing the midrange high-pass to a low Q 3rd order and the woofer low- pass to very high Q 2nd order results in an acoustic crossover point of 500Hz. Network Jumper Setting HP-2 HP-1 LP-2 LP-1 +2dB MID HP/LP–3dB–1.5dB0dB/0 +1.5dB/15 +4dB/30

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed. System Type 219 English System Type 3

• Type-3A assumes that both the midrange and tweeter are mounted close together in the same plane, and therefore relatively on-axis and equidistant to the listener.

• Type-3B takes into consideration that the tweeter and midrange are mounted basically flush to the panel with little or no build out. This results in both an off-axis condition and a difference in pathlength. System Description Although the midrange and tweeter are mounted close together in this case, space limitations, aesthetics or practicality requires that the woofer be mounted separately. Utilizing the kick panel and door locations is the most common method, though it is certainly not the only one. What is most significant, is that by mounting the midrange and tweeter in close proximity with a minimized off-axis angle at the greatest distance possible, it provides one of the best arrangements for optimum imaging in the vehicle. Since there are varying degrees of axis and pathlength that will be achievable in some installations, two basic configurations are provided to accommodate the most common cases. Keep in mind that the network tuning described below considers the best bal- ance between driver and passenger listening positions, so all distances and angles are referenced to the nearest side.20

System Type 3 Type-3A: Both midrange and tweeter are at the same distance and angle, while the woofer position is closer and fairly off-axis to the listening position. Therefore, the acoustic center of the woofer is considered to be the closest driver by approximately 18.5cm. In order to minimize overlap while maintaining phase coherence between the mid and woofer, a 3

order high-pass and semi-2

order low-pass are applied, result- ing in a summation point of 600Hz. Since the tweeter and midrange are farther away, minimal delay and some level adjustment are desirable, utilizing a low Q semi-2

order low-pass on the mid for a resultant acoustic crossover point of 3.8KHz. Network Jumper Setting Notes:

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed.21 English Type-3B: Despite the fact that the midrange and tweeter are mounted in the same plane and in close proximity, their orientation re- sults in the acoustic center of the midrange being farther away. Therefore, the midrange is considered to be 8.5cm farther than the tweeter, while the woofer is approximately 25cm closer than the midrange. For the upper crossover point, a relatively low Q 3

order high-pass filter is employed on the tweeter in conjunction with a semi-1

order low pass on the mid. Then for the midrange to woofer transition, a 3

order high-pass on the mid integrates well with a semi-2

order low-pass on the woofer. To- gether, these filter combinations result in acoustic crossover points of 3.8kHz and 600Hz. Network Jumper Setting Notes:

• Highlighted tweeter level jumpers are the recommended settings for each configura- tion, but user adjustment may be desirable.

• Transfer function simulations only illustrate the effect of the filter upon the input sig- nal, and therefore do not represent the actual frequency response of the system.

• If separate channels of amplification are used (bi-wire or tri-wire mode), the appro- priate signal link jumpers must be removed.

—22 System Type 4 System Description In this system type, some level of external signal processing is available, allowing use of the network in a partially active mode. Although speakers may be mounted in a wide variety locations in this case, it is recommended that traditional techniques be used regarding both positioning and placement. Fully active systems have often been considered to be the most flexible, but they are certainly not the most effective or practical in all cases. While it is usually considered best to have individual channels of amplification for each driver, it may not always be appropriate to use the electronic crossover that is included with many amplifiers today. This can be especially true for systems where optimum placement or tuning is not possible, as it may be advantageous to use this network for its various phase correction and response compensation capabilities. Additionally, digital time correction can be a complimentary solution to correct for left/right seating position bias, while leaving the network in place to achieve phase linkage between the woofer, midrange and tweeter. The only situation where the network might not be used at all, is in a fully active system with individual channels of amplification, equalization and time correction available for each driver. There are essentially three ways to use the network in a partially active mode:

1) Use all functions of the network appropriate for the installation type, but engage an

electronic high-pass on the woofer for increased power handling (usually recom- mended in systems with subwoofers).

2) If only a limited number of channels or coarse adjustment of digital time correction

is available, use it to compensate for basic left/right seating position bias while using the appropriate network setting to achieve phase linkage between individual drivers.

3) Bypass particular high-pass or low-pass section of the network in favor of an elec-

tronic crossover, still utilizing the phase and response adjustments of the others.23 English Network Jumper Setting HP-2 HP-1 LP-2 LP-1 +2dB MID HP/LP–3dB–1.5dB0dB/0 +1.5dB/15 +4dB/30

The +4dB/30° setting in the TW LEVEL jumper group bypasses all resistors in the tweeter section.