EV ZXA1 overheating problems?
- Thread starter Bill Kexel
- Start date
Denon x500, straight to the EV cabs. I'm running stereo with the subwoofer out hitting my sba760. No inline effects or processors and I'm not over-driving the signal.
You and your equipment should never be in direct sunlight. The EZ 10 X 10 Pop Up Shade is economical, and simple to erect.
I don't leave home without it!
I don't leave home without it!
Agreed 100% Why would anyone risk their gear out in direct sunlight... or the risk of rain.... seems a little stupid if you ask me.
There are times where an EZ-up is not welcome. My gig this past weekend is an example. It was a very upscale event and I can guarantee you a tent would not have been welcomed by the bride and would've gotten me black-balled by the planner and photogs.
You do what you have to for the job at hand. BTW, I had my EZ-Up in the van.
There are times where an EZ-up is not welcome. My gig this past weekend is an example. It was a very upscale event and I can guarantee you a tent would not have been welcomed by the bride and would've gotten me black-balled by the planner and photogs.
You do what you have to for the job at hand. BTW, I had my EZ-Up in the van.
You don't need a tent by the looks you could setup under the overhang of the building behind the pilars and recieve cover from sun and rain... for the most part....
But the point was.... setting up in the hot sun.... knowing you're speakers can't handle it is poor planning.... and a recipe for disaster.
It's interesting that these ZXA1 models seems to have the issue, but not others used. There may indeed be a specific A1 model issue. If I recall, the A1 is a 8 inch speaker, correct? I've often thought that perhaps that with this particular speaker size, the amount of output is a little too optimistic, and actually violates the laws of physics?
Thoughts?
Electrovoice - 2 Channel
Response1 (-3 d - B) - 60 Hz - 20 k - Range1 (-10 d - B) - 48 Hz - 20 k - Hz,Maximum Calculated SPL - 123 d - B,Horizontal Coverage - 90 or 50,Vertical Coverage - 50 or 90,Amplifier Power Output - 800 Watts
First, Thermalling out is a good thing as opposed to let's say burning up.
Despite it's proclivity for ruining your event, It is a correct mechanical and electrical response to self protect the speaker from permanent ruin and destruction via fire. But it isn't welcome as an operating condition.
I wonder if perhaps there are other factors at play:
1. Is there any sort of maximizer in play....sending a signal too big for the speaker to handle will result in thermalling(The mackie handbooks tell you that this is definitely a situation where this can occur)
2. Is the volume boosted up above the recommended setting (which coupled with a setting on the master volume of unity or higher, cause overdriving of the speaker input circuitry)
Here is a link fro mEV, that may or may not assist with isolating the issue.
http://www.electrovoice.com/sitefiles/downloads/Safely Driving Your Sound System v2.1.pdf
Thoughts?
Electrovoice - 2 Channel
Response1 (-3 d - B) - 60 Hz - 20 k - Range1 (-10 d - B) - 48 Hz - 20 k - Hz,Maximum Calculated SPL - 123 d - B,Horizontal Coverage - 90 or 50,Vertical Coverage - 50 or 90,Amplifier Power Output - 800 Watts
First, Thermalling out is a good thing as opposed to let's say burning up.
Despite it's proclivity for ruining your event, It is a correct mechanical and electrical response to self protect the speaker from permanent ruin and destruction via fire. But it isn't welcome as an operating condition.
I wonder if perhaps there are other factors at play:
1. Is there any sort of maximizer in play....sending a signal too big for the speaker to handle will result in thermalling(The mackie handbooks tell you that this is definitely a situation where this can occur)
2. Is the volume boosted up above the recommended setting (which coupled with a setting on the master volume of unity or higher, cause overdriving of the speaker input circuitry)
Here is a link fro mEV, that may or may not assist with isolating the issue.
http://www.electrovoice.com/sitefiles/downloads/Safely Driving Your Sound System v2.1.pdf
lots of missing factors to make a real time explanation but in Arizona the heat can be huge. The Mackies run hot and I have done events (car shows and outdoor events all day with both my EV and Mackies over the years. Bill Smith makes some great comments in regards to over driving.
Thanx . I was going to edit the post to add more, but I believe that I may have discovered why, and it's not a proveable thing for me, but I do have a 30 yr history in electronics of all kinds, and I've fixed and/or repaired any number of heat producing devices. I know that there must be a vent or place for the heat to go, to prevent buildup and subsequent damage.
I've looked very hard, reviewed all the pictures of the speaker. I do not see a Fan, and I do not see an external heat sink unless it resides underneath the grill cover..
I conclude based only on what I see, and what i know, that without some external ability to cool, this speaker will thermal out even in reasonable weather, as the heat has no place to go.
I've looked very hard, reviewed all the pictures of the speaker. I do not see a Fan, and I do not see an external heat sink unless it resides underneath the grill cover..
I conclude based only on what I see, and what i know, that without some external ability to cool, this speaker will thermal out even in reasonable weather, as the heat has no place to go.
Both times they quit on me was just prior to the start of a wedding. I was playing classical music at a low level. One speaker was in the sun, the other was in the shade. It was about 84 degrees. The speakers had been playing about 20 minutes. The speakers are both connected directly to my mixer (no addit. devices involved) The first time, luckily, I had time to replace the speaker, the second time, I had enough time to get it out of the sun & let it cool down & find a shady spot to set it up.
There are many times where shade is NOT an option & tents cannot be used.
The other DJ in my area had the same issue, his was at 9am in the morning during an outside ribbon-cutting type of ceremony at a business. The speaker was in the sun & it quit during the ceremony. He wound up refunding the DJ fee back because he felt so bad.
Like I said, I love these speakers, but they need a better way to cool themselves. All my other powered speakers do not have this problem.
Rick,
Are your audio files edited in some way through software or are they just ripped from the subscription CD and put in your library? The thermal issues have a huge number of variables, a draft caused by the building's shape, hallways, door openings, etc. can move a lot of air over the heat sinks so cooling gets a boost. Even with some direct sunlight, the system will still be working. However if it's in direct sunlight and there's zero breeze and/or draft then you can run into shut down issues. Like I said there's a huge number of variables.
We're trying to figure out a way to get you through your events without having to worry about the system shutting down, No attempts to lecture or look down on you, we just need to ask all of the questions to be able to narrow things down
Are your audio files edited in some way through software or are they just ripped from the subscription CD and put in your library? The thermal issues have a huge number of variables, a draft caused by the building's shape, hallways, door openings, etc. can move a lot of air over the heat sinks so cooling gets a boost. Even with some direct sunlight, the system will still be working. However if it's in direct sunlight and there's zero breeze and/or draft then you can run into shut down issues. Like I said there's a huge number of variables.
We're trying to figure out a way to get you through your events without having to worry about the system shutting down, No attempts to lecture or look down on you, we just need to ask all of the questions to be able to narrow things down
You gotta be kidding. There are times where you have no choice (ceremonies) & a tent is not an option.
Rain is one thing, sunshine is the other.
Nope not kidding in the least.... if my gear is not protected from ALL elements then we are a no go... including excessive heat and sun...
You live and work in Arizona how can you not take into consideration heat and sun and it's affects on electronics enclosed in a black plastic casing.... what do you thinks going to happen?
If a client expects one to set up gear/speakers in the sun or without overhead protection they either don't know much about your equipment, don't care or are just selfish in their desires for aesthetic appeal. I have seen white EZ ups nicely decorated with greenery/flowers/lights at very elegant events where the function was outdoors. The DJ also need to play an active role in ensuring these things are worked out beforehand and not just take what is handed to them.
I personally would not use powered speakers in the sun. It is an undue stress on the equipment before the music even starts. There are speakers designed and built rugged enough that can withstand the abuses of outdoor use. Hell, even my Bose AWM works quite well at outdoor pool parties without even a Hiccup.
I personally would not use powered speakers in the sun. It is an undue stress on the equipment before the music even starts. There are speakers designed and built rugged enough that can withstand the abuses of outdoor use. Hell, even my Bose AWM works quite well at outdoor pool parties without even a Hiccup.
Folks we're talking 84 degrees, not 120 degrees. While it's ideal....you can't have cover all of the time. I ran 1 FBT Maxx6A outside in 80+ degree heat with no issues...I dam near passed out, but that's another story.
It likely is an issue with 1) the small cabinet size 2) little or no venting or 3) no fans....
It may be a box that just isn't suitable for direct sunlight.
I don't think its reasonable that all gear needs to be shaded/cooled....
It likely is an issue with 1) the small cabinet size 2) little or no venting or 3) no fans....
It may be a box that just isn't suitable for direct sunlight.
I don't think its reasonable that all gear needs to be shaded/cooled....
I agree with you Steve, however if the gear in question is having problems with this then it would be necessary to try and find a solution to avoid having the problems.
That's exactly what I did. I did a site survey and determined that the bride's original wishes weren't workable. My contract would've let me no-play it but instead, I suggested to setup under the overhang. My speakers were setup just outside the overhang, but close enough that I could've thrown garbage bags over them in a heartbeat (and I had bags laying beside them, at the read). I agree that setting up speakers in the hot sun is a recipe for disaster. I've also seen where a laptop can start going south as well under the same conditions. I'll bend on speaker placement but I do whatever to keep the laptop out of it. Obviously, I'm not in Arizona so fewer heat challenges and, so far so good. I think this season has me leaning more towards houston's approach. I'm going to beef out a passive system that I can use for outdoor events and I'm really thinking about the X12s for that (I have a pair of Peavey's currently that I can use).
As noted earlier, I had to inform the client that I'd have to use the overhang for partial coverage. She wanted me to be out in the middle with no cover (no clue of the issues). I did have the EZ-up in the van but, after seeing that posh setup, I decided it would have been entirely out of place and chose to not use it. It stayed in the van by my choice. The client was obviously delighted with the final results and thought I was a hero by making it all happen. Additionally, the photogs were from one of the biggest multi-op outfits in town with the owner's daughter as lead. This was my 3rd event to work with them and after it was over she said I'd be going on their preferred vendor list. I consider that as a major nut that got cracked in this market and that would not have happened had I been pissy about the covering or the contract.
My outdoor system is a pair of Peavey SP2's (or Peavey 115 Precision Pro's) backed by a Crown xti-2000. I been saving my EV's for indoor stuff.