E-Series Manual Final
E-Series Manual Final
E-Series Manual Final
Declarations
Throughout this manual the potential risks are indicated by these symbols.
AT TENTION
It is compulsory to read this manual before using
the E-Series system. Supervision and competency
are the responsibility of the system owners and
operators. All intersections, joints and rigging hard-
ware must be inspected regularly. Operators must
not assume rigging has been inspected prior to use
by someone else.
English Francais
•• Read these instructions, keep them available for reference, they can •• Lire les instructions ci dessous, maintenez-les disponibles pour
be downloaded any time from https://www.adamsonsystems.com/ référence. Ils peuvent être téléchargés à tout moment à cette
index.php/support . Heed all warnings and follow all instructions. adresse. https://www.adamsonsystems.com/index.php/support
•• Servicing is required when the loudspeaker has been damaged in any .Tenez compte de tous les avertissements et suivez toutes les
way, such as when the loudspeaker has been dropped; or when for instructions.
undetermined reasons the loudspeaker does not operate normally. •• Une maintenance s’avère nécessaire lorsqu’une enceinte a été
•• Protect the cabling from being walked on or pinched. endommagé de quelque façon que ce soit. Que celle ci soit tombé
•• Use only with the rigging frames/accessories specified by Adamson, ou qu’elle ne fonctionne pas normalement pour des raisons
or sold with the loudspeaker system. indéterminées.
•• This speaker enclosure is capable of creating a strong magnetic •• Protéger le câblage contre l’écrasement.
field. Please use caution around the enclosure with data storage •• Utiliser uniquement les accessoires d’accrochage fourni par
devices such as hard drives. ADAMSON ou vendu avec les enceintes.
•• Handles are for moving the system only. •• Cette enceinte acoustique génère des champs magnétiques
intenses. Prenez les précautions nécessaires avec les appareilles de
stockage de données comme les disques durs.
•• Les poignées ne doivent servir qu’à déplacer l’enceinte.
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•• Lea estas instrucciones y téngalas a mano cuando las necesite. •• Lesen sie diese Anleitung und bewahren Sie sie auf. Sie kann jederzeit
Puede descargarlas cuando desee desde https://www. unter https://www.adamsonsystems.com/index.php/support
adamsonsystems.com/index.php/support. Preste atención a todas heruntergeladen werden. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen und folgen
las recomendaciones y siga las instrucciones. Sie allen Anweisungen.
•• Debe reparar el altavoz cuando haya algún desperfecto de cualquier •• Service ist notwendig wenn der Lautsprecher in irgendeiner Art
tipo, por ejemplo cuando haya caído o en ocasiones indeterminadas beschädigt wurde, z.B. weil er heruntergefallen ist oder wenn er aus
en que el altavoz no funcione correctamente. anderen Gründen nicht ordnungsgemäß funktioniert.
•• Proteja el cableado para que no sea pisado o aplastado. •• Schützen Sie die Lautsprecherkabel davor gequetscht oder geknickt
•• Utilice solamente los Rigging Frames y accesorios especificados zu werden.
por Adamson o que vengan con el equipo original de Adamson. •• Verwenden Sie ausschließlich das von Adamson für dieses
•• Este recinto acústico es capaz de generar fuertes campos Lautsprechersystem spezifizierte bzw. das zusammen mit dem
magnéticos. Tenga especial cuidado al utilizar dispositivos de System erworbene Rigging-Zubehör.
almacenamiento de datos magnéticos como Discos Duros etc. •• Dieser Lautsprecher kann ein starkes magnetisches Feld erzeugen.
•• Las agarraderas son solo para mover el sistema. Bitte seien Sie in der Nähe des Lautsprechers z.B. mit Datenspeichern
wie Festplatten entsprechend vorsichtig .
•• Die Griffe dienen ausschließlich zum Transport des Lautsprechers
System Configuration 14
2.0 E-Rack Description 14
2.1 E-Rack Overview 15
2.2 Configuration and Wiring 16
2.2 Configuration and Wiring 17
2.2 Configuration and Wiring 19
Rigging 21
3.0 The 4 Stack Dolly 21
3.1 Rigging Overview 22
3.2 Rear AutoLock Rigging 28
3.3 Front Autolock Rigging 29
3.4 Rigging Sticker Legend 31
3.5 Setting Angles 32
3.6 Attaching the Rigging Frame 33
3.7 Consequent Arrays 35
3.8 Highly Curved Arrays 37
3.9 Lowering the Array 38
3.10 Rigging the E-Subs 39
3.11 Attaching Tops to Subs 41
Ground Stacking 43
4.0 Ground Stacking Legs 43
Truck Pack 44
5.0 Possible Configurations 44
This manual is designed to give the E-Series user the necessary information to accurately fly or
stack E-Series loudspeakers in all the available configurations, as well as the proper deployment
and use of E-Series loudspeakers. Safe step by step rigging procedures will be outlined, as well
as example system configurations, correct wiring and amplification and transport.
1.1 Overview
At Adamson, we believe that loudspeakers need to be built from the ground up. This means
having total control over every aspect of the design and manufacturing process. The E-Series
is the culmination of decades of research that has allowed us to deliver the highest performing,
large format line array on the planet.
At the heart of the E-Series is the E-Capsule. It houses the patented Co-Linear Drive Module - a
revolutionary dual chamber waveguide concept capable of virtually eliminating mid-frequency
lobing in line source designs. The patented Autolock™ rigging system is mounted to this core
rather than the cabinet exterior. One engineer can set angles and hoist the system in tight
quarters using the smallest and lightest rigging frame in the industry. In true Adamson tradition,
Kevlar cones are essential to the design and a part of an unmistakable sonic signature of
unmatched vocal clarity, power and punch.
We’ve set the modern touring standard by using only rugged, durable and light weight materials.
From Marine Grade Baltic birch to Air Craft Grade aluminium and Kevlar Neodymium drivers.
The entire system is designed to maximize use of space in a standard North American or
European truck pack. It features the fastest and most intuitive rigging system available.
Blueprint AV
Blueprint AV is a 2D & 3D modeling suite which offers a fast and intuitive work-flow, without sacrificing
precision. The E-Series is included, along with all of Adamson’s other Line Array products. Design is simple
and easy, yet complex simulation options are at your finger tips.
Use basic geometric shapes to design anything from a basic field to a complex structure. Multi-point
extrude and revolve surfaces allow for intuitive arena or stadium design.
Depending on your time constraints, Blueprint AV can be easily switched from in-depth 3D operation to
streamlined 2D operation, saving on simulation time.
Once your hang is designed, Blueprint gives you all pertinent mechanical information needed to correctly
fly the system.
Blueprint AV is now available as a native Java-run program for both PC and Mac platforms. Please contact
[email protected] for license information and technical support.
E15
The Adamson E15 is a 3 way, true line source enclosure, incorporat-
ing proprietary transducer and waveguide technology which reduc-
es weight and minimizes the footprint. The heart of the E15 is the
E-Capsule, which is precisely engineered and constructed of lightweight
aluminum. The patent pending skeletal structure provides an accurate
and rigid frame for mounting the modular aircraft grade steel Auto-
lock™ rigging system, while simultaneously housing a series of efficient
mid-high components coaxially mounted on Adamson’s pioneering
Co-Linear Drive Modules.
Two vector corrected low-excursion 7” Kevlar Neodymium midrange
transducers paired with two next generation 4” HF compression drivers
energize the drive modules and provide seamless mid-high energy
with no audible distortion at very high SPL levels. Critically optimized
waveguides based on a prolate-spheroidal geometry ensure precise
pattern control and minimum THD, producing a dispersion pattern of
90° x 6° (H x V). The E-Capsule is flanked with two separate birch ply
enclosures, each containing Adamson’s proprietary Kevlar Neodymium
15” woofer, capitalizing on the advantages of Adamson’s Advanced
Cone Architecture and optimized heat dissipation management of the
4” voice coil.
Specifications
Frequency Range (+/-3 dB) 60 Hz - 18 kHz
Nominal Impedance HF 16 Ω
Power Handling (AES / Peak) LF 2x 800 / 2x 3200 W
Power Handling (AES / Peak) MF 700 / 2800 W
Power Handling (AES / Peak) HF 320 / 1280 W
Rigging Autolock™ Rigging System
Connection 2x Speakon™ NL8
Height Front (mm / in) 391 / 15.4
333 mm / 13.125 in
E12
The Adamson E12 is a 3 way, true line source enclosure, incorporat-
ing proprietary transducer and waveguide technology which reduc-
es weight and minimizes its footprint. The heart of the E12 is the
E-Capsule, which is precisely engineered and constructed of lightweight
aluminum. The patent pending skeletal structure provides an accurate
and rigid frame for mounting the modular aircraft grade steel Autolock™
rigging system, while simultaneously housing ultra-efficient mid-high
components coaxially mounted on Adamson’s newly modified E12
Co-Linear Drive Module.
Specifications
Frequency Range (+/-3 dB) 60 Hz - 18 kHz
Nominal Impedance LF 2x 8 Ω
Nominal Impedance MF 8Ω
Nominal Impedance HF 8Ω
543 mm / 21.4 in
E119
The E119 Subwoofer was developed to bolster the low-end of the
E-Series line of products. The enclosure is loaded with a light weight,
long excursion, 19” SD19 Kevlar Neodymium driver utilizing Adamson’s
Advanced Cone Architecture and Symmetrical Drive Technology. The
driver employs a dual 5” voice coil for exceptional power handling, with
a dual-spider suspension system for extra stability even under extreme
excursion. It is mounted in an ultra-efficient front-loaded enclosure,
designed to reproduce clean, musical low frequency information. Users
will appreciate the lower fundamental notes of this design.
Specifications
Frequency Range (+/- 3dB) 30 Hz - 60 Hz
Page 10
Introduction & Product Details
1.6 E218 Spec Sheet
E218
The E218 subwoofer was developed to pair with the E12 or E15
enclosures. Two light-weight, long excursion ND18-S Kevlar Neodym-
ium drivers which utilize Adamson’s Advanced Cone Architecture are
mounted in an efficient band-pass subwoofer. The design achieves a
remarkable reduction of the rearward radiated energy without dedicated
cardioid setups and algorithms. A typical user would appreciate the
sonic attack of this design.
The E218 can be used ground stacked or flown utilizing the E-Frame
Full Line Adapter. The frame also allows the E218, E219 and E12/E15
enclosures to be flown in the same array.
Specifications
Frequency Range (+/- 3dB) 30 Hz - 110 Hz
E219
The E219 Subwoofer was developed to bolster the low-end of the
E-Series line of products. The enclosure is loaded with two light weight,
long excursion, 19” SD19 Kevlar Neodymium drivers utilizing Adam-
son’s Advanced Cone Architecture and Symmetrical Drive Technology.
The drivers employ dual 5” voice coils for exceptional power handling,
with a dual-spider suspension system for extra stability even under
extreme excursion. They are mounted in an ultra-efficient front-loaded
enclosure, designed to reproduce clean, musical low frequency infor-
mation. A typical user would appreciate the lower fundamental notes of
this design.
The E219 can be ground stacked or flown utilizing the E-Frame FUll
Line Adapter. The cabinet construction uses marine grade birch
plywood as well as aircraft grade steel and aluminum, and is equipped
with three Speakon™ NL8 connectors, two parallel In/Out plugs and one
dedicated output connection to optimize speaker cabling. The inte-
grated rigging system allows for either 0° or 3° splay between adjacent
cabinets.
Specifications
Frequency Range (+/- 3dB) 28 Hz - 90 Hz
Every Adamson subwoofer has specifically designed cardioid presets. Adamson utilizes three
configurations ranging from a minimal footprint and minimized rear rejection to larger setups
that eliminate virtually all audio energy behind the array. Please refer to the Lake Preset Loading
Manual for further instructions.
Front-Back
The FB preset should be used in situations End-Fire 66
where a minimal footprint is desired.
Only 2 enclosures stacked ensures that The EF66 preset should be used
sightlines will not be impaired. in situations where the most
rear cancellation is desired.
Unlike traditional end-fire
arrays, Adamson’s proprietary
preset eliminates a wide range
of frequencies in the rear of the
array.
Front-Back-Front
The FBF preset exhibits higher output from
the front of the array. A similar footprint
to the FB configuration, this stack is 3
enclosures high.
66"
Adamson has developed a unified rack solution configured to interface seamlessly with our
line of Loudspeaker products. For more information on the E-Rack, please refer to the E-Rack
brochure available on the Adamson Systems website.
Page 19
System Configuration
2.2 Configuration and Wiring
Page 20
Rigging
TIP HAZARD
3.0 The 4 Stack Dolly ALWAYS MOVE LOADED
DOLLY ON THE LONG EDGE
There is a tip hazard when transporting a 4 stack on uneven ground or on a ramp. To avoid tipping the dolly,
It should always travel with sides of the cabinet to the front or back.
*On the 4 stack dolly, the bottom cabinet is held in place by the rear, red autolock mechanism..
The order of operation of the rigging system is: prep angles, arm pins, guide into place (pinning happens
automatically) and secure rigging parts to ‘Closed’ position.
The levers are color coded for ease of use. All front rigging contains black levers at the bottom and and blue levers
on top, the rear levers are red.
The black bottom levers hold and release the rigging bar from the
box above, the blue top lever receives the rigging frame, as well as
the above box’s rigging bars and locks them into place. The black
lever only has one function; to release rigging bar either to put into
use or to store it away. Pull it to release, let it go and it flips back
into place.
The blue and red levers have 3 functions: Closed, Armed, and
Open. (pages 25-26)
All rigging levers feature a ‘peep hole’(Fig. 1) where you can assure
the the pin is fully ejected and is in fact in its proper place. Always
make sure your red and blue levers are set to ‘Closed’ position.
Fig. 1
The Autolock™ Rigging features a ‘peep
hole’ where you can see the rigging bar
when it is locked. When it is unlocked you
will see a clear avenue. To be sure, make
sure you can set all blue and red levers to
‘Closed’ position (down).
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
ER
Cyan - object outline - do not print
Magenta (100%) are diecuts - do not print
Black (Pantone Black C)
Colors are “Neon” from Pantone “Solid Coated Formula Guide”
Red (Pantone 812C), Purple (Pantone 814C) E-Series Sub Rigging
The E-Series Subs’ front rigging pieces allow for either 0° (Flush) or 3°
rigging. (Fig.1) The 3° option is available so that a sub array may be
curved to match the curvature of a main array.
In the case of the E119, 3° rigging is also available at the rear, so that
the E119 array can still be curved when used in cardioid configurations.
TIP: If flying E119s in a straight array, extend the length of your array
by using 3° rigging on both the front and the rear. This will increase
the LF directivity of your array!
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Page 24
Rigging
3.1 Rigging Overview ATTENTION
IMPORTANT OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
The E-Frame with Extender Beam is designed for use with the E12 and E15 cabinets. It consists
of a steel frame, paired with an extension beam, of which there are several combination
configurations. Always refer to Blueprint AV™ for correct rigging instructions.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
ALWAYS USE A 3/4” SHACKLE TO SUSPEND E-SERIES RIGGING FRAMES
Beam Center
Fig. 1
Beam Back
Fig. 2
Beam Front
Fig. 3
The E-Frame Full Line Adapter is designed for use with the E15, E12, E218 and E219 enclosures.
It consists of a steel frame, long enough to not need the addition of an extension beam. It can
be configured as a stand-alone frame to hang any cabinet, or as an adapter frame to hang top
cabinets under flown subs, or to stack top cabinets on ground stacked subs. Always refer to
Blueprint AV™ for correct rigging instructions.
The frame faces one direction while in stacking mode and is reversed when in hanging mode. If
the E218/E219 and E12/E15 are to be flown in the same array, two frames are needed. Please
refer to sections 3.10 and 3.11 for detailed descriptions of how to deploy the frame.
The E-Frame Sub is designed for use with the E218, E119 and E219 enclosures. It consists of
a steel frame, long enough to not need the addition of an extension beam. It has two separate
rigging widths to accomodate the differences between the range of subwoofers in the E-Series
family. Always refer to Blueprint AV™ for correct rigging instructions.
The frame is fully symmetrical and can be deployed facing either direction. Please refer to
sections 3.10 for detailed descriptions of how to deploy the frame.
Page 28
Rigging
3.2 Rear AutoLock Rigging ATTENTION
IMPORTANT OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Angle Chart
E15
0 0°
1 0.3°
2 0.6°
3 1.3°
4 2.0°
Stacking Pin - When maintaining a rigid 5 3.1°
angle, place the Stacking Pin in the “Stack
6 4.4°
Pin” hole. When not in use, leave it in the
“Idle Stack Pin” hole. 7 6°
R in enclosure
Rigging Actual
Position Angle
Red Autolock Lever - This lever is used to
connect to the enclosure underneath. Refer
to the next few pages for positions.
1. The front blue levers on the top cabinets of each 4-up dolly are on
‘Armed’ mode.
2. Red levers in the rear on the BOTTOM cabinet of each 4-stack are in
‘Open’ mode, allowing the 4-stack to be lifted out of the dolly.
3. Remove the angle pin. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
5. Remember to check that all cabinets are fully bolted through and
locked by confirming that all levers can be placed in ‘Closed’ mode.
(Fig. 3) Make sure to perform this every time - even with enclosures
which are already pinned, to guarantee than no one has changed the
mode of the levers during set-up, tear-down or transport.
Fig. 3
6. Stack pin should always be in “Idle Stack Pin” mode unless you’re
ground stacking the system or need a rigid array.(Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
The rigging Frame contains 4 pins: 2 in the front which are fixed in place and 2 in the rear, one of which needs to be
pinned manually using attached push pin. The system ideally uses 2 motors: one in front, one in back of the frame
for easy adjustment once the array has been flown. For flying from a single point, you’ll need to firmly decide the
angle of the frame prior to rigging all the cabinets.
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
6. Ensure the rear red pin that connects to the dolly on the bottom
cabinet is in the open position. (Fig. 3)
Fig. 3
7. Lift cabinet stack up, release and lift off dolly. (Fig. 4)
Fig. 4
1. Lift Frame with the attached 4 enclosures high enough to clear the
next 4 -stack underneath. (they should all have their angles set)
2. Set rear rigging (red levers on box #4, 8, 12, 16...28) to ‘Armed’
mode, make sure the same cabinets’ front rigging bars are released
using black levers. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
3. Place front rigging’s blue levers (box #5, 9, 13, 17...29)... (first box in
the new 4-stack to be suspended) to ‘Armed’ mode (Fig. 2)
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6 Fig. 7
1. Place ALL rear red levers on the 4 stack on the ground to the
“Open” position. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
2. Set the front blue levers on the top cabinet of the 4 stack to
“Armed” mode (Fig. 2)
3. Connect the front of the upper array to the 4 Stack in the same
manner as outlined in section 3.7, #5.
4. Lift the motor slightly so that there is minimal weight on the
dolly of the 4 stack - without actually lifting the dolly from the
ground
Fig. 2
5. Ensure the rear red lever on the bottom cabinet of the flown
array is set to “Armed” mode. (Fig. 3) Lift the top cabinet in the
stack by hand, so it meets the upper array. The rear red lever
should automatically latch in place. This should be relatively easy
with two people. If the cabinet seems very heavy- there is too
much weight on the cabinet- and the motors must be raised
slightly.
6. Set the next rear red lever to “Armed” mode
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until all cabinets are connected at the rear.
NOTE: With enough stage hands, this process can be carried out
with two cabinets at a time- meaning only the red lever connecting
the backs of the 2nd & 3rd cabinet need be disconnected. Please
Fig. 3 ensure safe lifting practices are being adhered to to avoid injury.
If straining to lift cabinets - use more stage hands or try lifting the
motors slightly.
If the bottom cabinet in the array is still at a steep angle - repeat this
procedure.
Fig. 4
The E-Frame Sub is used to suspend all three subwoofers in the E-Series. It runs the depth of the subwoofers, so no
extender beam is necessary. It comes with two lifting plates, but to hang a sub array with one motor, simply remove
a lifting plate and pin the second plate to the holes determined by Blueprint AV.
The E-Frame Sub contains two channels of rigging pieces; an inner channel to attach E218 and E219 subs, and an
outer channel for E119 subs. To release the rigging pieces, simply remove the push pins until the pieces drop, and
then re-insert the pins.
E119
Please refer to Blueprint AV for proper Lifting Plate placement, as well as safe rigging limits.
For any further questions, please contact your Adamson Technical Representative.
The E-Frame Full Line Adapter can be used to hang all E-Series cabinets except the E119 and has two modes; flying
and stacking. A tray for the Adamson Inclinometer exists at one end of the frame. If the tray is facing forward, the
frame is in flying mode. If the tray is facing backwards, the frame is in stacking mode.
Four rigging pieces drop down from the center capsule to connect
another E218, E219 , or an E-Frame Full Line Adapter to adapt for
use with an E12 as well. Four chambers at the top of the center
capsule allow connection between 2 E218 Steps to rigging the
E-Series Subwoofers:
1. Set the angle of all cabinets to be flown to either 0° or 3° splay, as
specified in your Blueprint AV™ design. (Note that in order to connect
the top box to the rigging frame, the angle must be set to 0°)
2. Attach the E-Frame Full Line Adapter to the top E218 or E219
cabinet and secure in place with the push pins provided (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Page 41
Rigging
3.11 Attaching Tops to Subs PINCH POINT
CAN CAUSE SEVERE
WARNING
SAFETY RISK
PERSONAL INJURY PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION
The E-Frame Full Line Adapter is designed to allow the E15, E12, E218 and E219 to be safely rigged to one another,
whether in a ground-stacked or flown configuration.
Ground Stacked
Fig. 1
3. Make sure the Stacking Plates are in the up position, and se-
cured with the push pins provided. The position of the Stacking
Plates is adjustable, follow the sticker on the frame to obtain
correct angles. (Fig. 2)
Fig. 2
4. Set the E12/E15 red lever to “Spring” mode and place the
cabinet on the rigging frame, confirm the rear rigging is locked.
Lift the cabinet and place the stacking pin in the “Stack Pin”
position to lock the cabinet in place.(Fig. 3)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Note: The steps in section 3.10 must be complete before going any further
Pictures shown are E12 and E218, the same principles apply to
the E15 and E219.
8. Lower and guide the suspended E218 onto the rigging frame,
securing the rigging pieces to the E-Frame Full Line Adapter,
using the push pins previously removed. (Fig. 4)
9. Lift the array and add full range enclosures as specified by
Blueprint AV™ (Fig. 5)
Fig. 3
Fig. 4 Fig. 5
1. Make sure all wheel locks are engaged and the dolly is situated
where the design has specified.
2. Insert stacking leg into rectangular chamber directly above the
dolly wheel. (Fig. 1)
Fig. 1
3. Insert first push pin into the hole directly above the dolly wheel. (Fig.
2)
4. Insert second push pin into the hole above and behind the dolly
wheel. (Fig. 3)
5. Repeat procedure for all four stacking legs.
6. Turn handle until all stacking legs are firmly planted on the ground.
(Fig. 4)
7. If a negative inclination is desired, tighten the back two stacking legs
until desired incline is achieved.
8. If a positive inclination is desired, tighten the front two stacking legs
until desired incline is achieved. (Fig. 5)
Fig. 2
The E-Series system has been designed to fit standard truck widths in several different configu-
rations. This section shows some of the options.
E12 Side/Front
64”
45” 92.5”
E15 Top/Front
92.5”
53” 69.2”
E15 / E219
110” 76.4”
84”
E119 3 Stacks
90”
73.4” 73.4”
36” 36”
90”
Page 46