VHD5 Constant Power Point Source

The VHD5 Constant Power Point Source System is a true feat of engineering. Over five years in development it brings the benefits of point source technology to large‑scale concert sound reinforcement. The system delivers audio over large areas with clarity and definition simply not achievable from the digitally processed line arrays that are so commonly used today. The system utilises highly advanced point source speaker design, extremely efficient power management amplifier technology and totally unique hybrid signal processing.

Description

For some time now line arrays have been predominantly used for large concert sound systems. Having all components in a single axis array has solved certain issues in respect to comb filtering problems in the horizontal plane, but destructive interference still occurs from the multiple HF horns mounted vertically. The loss of high frequencies and cancellations through air disturbance caused byaudience heat and wind is another major issue. Manufacturers have attempted to correct these problems in numerous ways both through acoustic design and DSP, however the end result has been further reductions in resolution, due to the limitations of digital sampling and the simple principles of physics that cannot be ignored

VHD5 Constant Power Point Source Array

KV2 Audio’s philosophy has always been to embrace the principles of point source speaker system design to provide optimum sound quality and coverage for applications and audiences of all sizes. The challenge for KV2 in building a large point source system for audiences of 50,000 people plus, was to reproduce the low mid energy that certain line arrays provide, though the summing of multiple drivers whilst maintaining the key benefits of point source technology. These benefits include minimal destructive interference in the higher frequency range, accurate impulse response and superior sound.

Utilising highly advanced point source speaker design, extremely efficient power management amplifier technology and totally unique hybrid signal processing, KV2 has created the first major advancement in large scale concert sound reinforcement since the development of the Line Array.

The VHD5 Constant Power Point Source System is a true feat of engineering. Over five years in development it brings the benefits of point source technology to large‑scale concert sound reinforcement. The system delivers audio over large areas with clarity and definition simply not achievable from the digitally processed line arrays that are so commonly used today.

For some time now line arrays have been predominantly used for large concert sound systems. Having all components in a single axis array has solved certain issues in respect to comb filtering problems in the horizontal plane, but destructive interference still occurs from the multiple HF horns mounted vertically. The loss of high frequencies and cancellations through air disturbance caused byaudience heat and wind is another major issue. Manufacturers have attempted to correct these problems in numerous ways both through acoustic design and DSP, however the end result has been further reductions in resolution, due to the limitations of digital sampling and the simple principles of physics that cannot be ignored.

Dispersion Pattern of Line ArrayvsDispersion Pattern of Point Source

At KV2 we believe that definition equals distance and the higher the reproduction quality of the source, the better the intelligibility over distance. The theory that line arrays have less losses over distance than point source is not only incorrect, but somewhat irrelevant if the sound is not intelligible at the back of the venue anyway. To achieve the high definition needed to cover long distances we have focused on developing unique hybrid processing, which takes the very best available technologies in both the analogue and digital domains, advancing system design to a whole new level. The end result is ultimate resolution, Very High Definition sound, impulse accuracy and phase coherent audio arriving at the listening position, even over long distance.

To cover very large crowds you need a large system capable of delivering high SPL, running multiple components. To do this, as one large point source enclosure is somewhat difficult as it would be almost impossible to move around or transport. With the VHD5Constant Power Point Source Array, KV2 has focused on creating a modular system that has minimal destructive interference whileutilising multiple components in a small number of cabinets. VHD8.10 Low Mid Expansion Boxes are arrayed around the VHD5.0 Mid High Enclosure providing the extra headroom needed to deliver the low mids, keeping the sound balanced.

In essence the system is pieced together to represent one very large point source, each part of the system is proportional in size to the frequency wavelengths it reproduces. The radiated power of each bandwidth therefore remains consistent and balanced in relevance to the overall frequency response. This ensures the same sound is delivered to every seat in the house. The high frequency horn in the VHD5.0 combines three 3” NVPD (Nitrate Vapour Particle Deposition) Titanium Drivers on a special manifold horn with summing wave‑guide. Delivering incredible output with extremely low distortion, this unique horn assembly provides crystal clear highs over distance with much higher resistance to air disturbances.

VHD5.0 MID HIGH MODULE

The VHD5.0 is a three‑wayenclosurehandling low mids, mids and highs overa frequency range from 45Hz through to20kHz. It incorporates eight front‑loadedten inch low mid drivers, six horn‑loadedeight inch mid range drivers and three 3"NVPD (Nitrate Vapour Particle Deposition)Titanium compression drivers on a customdesigned, manifold horn assembly withsumming waveguide. With the capacity torun full range down to 45Hz the VHD5.0is usually crossed over at 70Hz to theVHD4.21 Active Sub Bass Modules.

Both the VHD5.0 and VHD8.10 cabinetsincorporate very simple to use integratedfly ware that links cabinets togetherquickly and easily

VHD8.10 LOW MID EXPANSION MODULES

When multiple low mid drivers are arrayedon a single axis they sum providinga considerable increase in the amount oflow mid energy present and available in the200Hz to 500Hz range.

A lot more energy is needed in this areathan in the higher frequency ranges so thissumming effect helps deliver headroomin the system and keeps the overall soundbalanced.

To provide the required energy in the low mid,needed to cover very large audiences KV2developed the VHD8.10 LowMidExpansionBox. This enclosure carries a further 8front‑loadedten inch speakers and 3 of thesecabinets are added to each VHD5.0.This provides a total of 32 ten inch speakersgiving the extra headroom needed in the lowmid band and extended projection of thesefrequencies over distance.

VHD5.1 DOWNFILL MODULE

VHD5.1 is a dedicated downfill performance enclosure and integral to the VHD5.0 system. A three-way design featuring a 3" high frequency compression driver with NVPD treated dome assembly; one horn loaded 8" mid range woofer featuring AIC technology and six front loaded 10” low mid woofers. All speaker components employ neodymium magnets to increase force, improve control and reduce weight

VHD4.21 ACTIVE BASS MODULE

The VHD4.21 Active Bass Moduleconsists of two purpose designed VeryHigh Definition enclosures, one activeand one passive, each containing twocustom designed 21" woofers. A Low Qdesign has been applied to attain theoptimum speaker loading, enabling a highsensitivity of 109dB 1w/1 m.

Running at close to 100% efficiency onany voltage from 160 to 270 Volts, theamplifier for the VHD4.21 is a revolutionin electronic engineering, utilising a hugebank of capacitors as a power store.This unique and innovative new powermanagement system enables the onboardamplifier to deliver peak output levels of 14 kW, whilst operating at a modestconstant power consumption of 3.5 kWfrom a 16A circuit. The VHD4.21 ActiveModule represents proven KV2 SubwooferAmplifer technology that has beenconsistently improved over the last decadeto provide maximum control over themovement of large mass speakers.

The end result is a fast, dynamic, VeryHigh Definition subwoofer, truly capableof reproducing the articulation in a bassguitar, whilst also extending down to28Hz.

VHD5000Amplifier Controller, VHD5000S Slave Amplifier, VHD5100 Amplifier for Downfill

The VHD5000 amplifier controller contains twoClass AB amplifiers totalling 900W for the high frequencies and a 1200W Class H amplifier for the mids. It alsocontrols the VHD5000S which houses two2500WClass G amplifers that powerlow mids in the system. The VHD5100 is a two channel, three-way, active control and amplification system specially designed for the KV2 Audio VHD5.1 Downfill and ESR215MkII loudspeaker system.

The VHD5000 incorporates state of theart hybrid processing via discrete ultrafast analog circuitry and our proprietary20MHz PDM technology for all requiredfiltering and time alignment.

A front panel touch screen allows easymuting and level adjustment of thefrequency bands and full adjustmentof the digital delay lines and otherparameters on board. Control can also bedone remotely via Ethernet or Wi Fi.

The VHD5000 is fully networkableallowing viewing and adjustment of allamplifiers and slaves from the one remotelocation. Onboard two 96Khz PCM delaysare available to adjust the position of thesubs or for creating cardoid sub patternswhile two Very High Definition 20MHzPDM delays allow movement of the mainsystem without the loss of resolutionexperienced when using much lowersampling rates.

A harmonics restoration circuit is also builtin and fullycontrollable from the touchscreen. This adds back in harmonics lostthrough a digital sampling process earlierin the audio chain, such as losses causedby the internal processing of digitalmixers. Full diagnostics show a numberof parameters including impendancesensing, providing information in respectof any potential problems with thesystem’s components.

 

Logistics

The VHD5 is a Constant Power Point Source System designed for large audiences, long throw and intended to be flown at a minimum height of 10 metres. As well as the exceptional audio quality, what is also remarkable about the system is how fast and easily it can be deployed.The system does not require complicated set up or pre show analysis via prediction software, although this is available and the pan and tilt aspects of the VHD5 Flybar system mean that any fine tuning or environmental adjustments can be made to the coverage area once the system is flown.

VHD5 system is easily transportable using dedicated wheel carts and protected with heavy duty padded cover.

The system is transported on a total of six transport carts.

1x VHD5.0 (left side)
1x VHD5.0 (right side)
2x VHD8.10 (left side)
2x VHD8.10 (right side)
2x VHD8.10 (one left side, one right side)
2x VHD5.1 (downfill if required one left side, one right side)

Whilst Ease focus will allow you to confirm your proposed choice of flying height, pan / tilt angle and intended coverage, because VHD5 is a point source system, there is no requirement for extensive calculations, or complicated re-configurations, which all take time and are normally associated with building multi-source arrays.

The unique design of the system ensures that as long as the system is carefully placed and aimed correctly, the sound will be extremely even and linear within the entire listening area, out to beyond 100 metres. In the case of a venue where the audience areas extend to the sides of the stage, there may also be a need for additional side hangs to cover these zones.

With KV2’s flying systems, all of the internal flyware is pre-configured for each box and does not require any adjustments or changes of angles in the field. In addition there is an innovative remote controlled motorised Flybar that allows the whole system, once hung, to be rotated / panned or tilted at the simple push of a button. Not only does this feature speed up the initial set up time, it also gives the user extreme accuracy when aiming or fine tuning the system.

Remaining operable during the show, this feature can be extremely useful if there are any environmental and climatic changes through the day, which can affect a systems high frequency response, or an increased requirement for off site noise attenuation during the show.

Wiring schemes

 

System Specifications

System Acoustic Performance (VHD5.0 and VHD8.10)

Max SPL Long-term147dB
Max SPL Peak150dB
-3dB Response45Hz to 20kHz
-10dB Response45Hz to 22kHz
Full Range mode -3dB Response50Hz to 20kHz
Crossover Point70Hz, 400Hz, 2.0kHz

High Frequency Section

Acoustic DesignHorn Loaded
High Horn Coverage Horizontal / Vertical80° x 30°
High Frequency Amplifier RequirementVHD5000
Throat Exit Diameter / Diaphragm Size3x 1.4” / 3.0”
Diaphragm MaterialNitride Titanium
Magnet TypeNeodymium

Mid Range Section

Acoustic DesignHorn Loaded
Horn Coverage Horizontal / Vertical80° x 30°
Mid Frequency Amplifier RequirementVHD5000
Throat Exit Diameter / Diaphragm Size6x 8” / 3.0” / Trans Coil
Diaphragm MaterialEpoxy Reinforced Cellulose
Magnet TypeNeodymium

Mid-Bass Section

Acoustic DesignFront Loaded
Mid-bass Amplifier RequirementVHD5000 + VHD5000S
Woofer Size32x10”
Diaphragm MaterialEpoxy Reinforced Cellulose
Magnet TypeNeodymium / Ferrite

Ultra Low Frequency Section (VHD4.21)

Max SPL Long-term147dB
Max SPL Peak150dB
-3dB Response34Hz to 180Hz
-10dB Response28Hz to 240Hz
Crossover Point70Hz
Acoustic DesignBandpass with low port losses
Subwoofer Amplifier RequirementActive system
Woofer Size4x 21” / 5.3”
Diaphragm MaterialEpoxy Reinforced Cellulose
Magnet TypeNeodymium Advanced Ventilated

Physical Dimensions

VHD5.0 module (height x width x depth): 1125mm (44.29") x 1110mm (43.7") x 500mm (19.69"), weight 151kg (332.2lbs)
VHD8.10 module (height x width x depth): 640mm (25.20") x 1110mm (43.7") x 500mm(19.69"), weight 92kg (202.4lbs)