Tannoy VNETTM

A range of networkable High Definition Sound Reinforcement loudspeakers incorporating DSP

and Class D amplification.

Introduction

With undisputed expertise in the reproduction of sound, and constant development of its core technologies, Tannoy has maintained its position at the forefront of loudspeaker design and manufacture for the commercial installation market.

Crucial to that has been the continuous development of the patented Tannoy Dual ConcentricTM point source constant directivity drive unit. This class leading transducer design is the subject of ongoing development; incorporating the very latest materials and acoustic developments.

The highly experienced Tannoy engineering team has now integrated leading edge digital signal processing and electronic technologies into their high definition sound reinforcement (HDSRTM) loudspeaker designs. The amalgamation of these core strengths has led to the development of the self-powered VNETTM range of V Series - loudspeakers designed to form the complete installation solution.

All VNETTM enabled products feature high performance DSP, mains auto-sensing Class D amplification, network control and diagnostics.

A systems based solution with the ultimate in installation flexibility and premium audio quality.

The Product Range

VNETTM Networking System Overview

The loudspeakers are factory calibrated for optimum individual performance and then shipped with the VNETWARETM software package to facilitate easy on-site commissioning of the system. This intuitive Windows interface controls all of the critical install functions, as well as providing the interface for the ongoing monitoring of critical system status and performance data, all in real-time.

Implementation of the network could not be simpler; VNETTM will support ‘Free Network Topology’, using twisted pair cable & RJ45 connectors. Each loudspeaker will contain a unique address so no user input will be required to configure the network nodes. Each loudspeaker in the system can be individually optimised and acoustically profiled, taking into account its exact position within the venue relative to the room boundary, and its own performance relative to the acoustic properties of the room itself.

Bi-directional communication between speaker and a PC through via an RS485 interface enables access to each speaker for configuration. Speakers will maintain functionality in the event of a PC crash or fault occurring in another node on the network.

As well as offering real time system performance monitoring within the install venue, remote diagnostics and control are achievable via the Internet on a secure VPN connection or WLAN.

There are four speaker models – all developed from the Tannoy V Series:

VNET 12 – VNET 12HP – VNET 15 – VNET 300

Three subwoofers are also equipped with VNET to partner the speakers:

VNET 15BP – VNET 15HL – VNET 18DR

The Tannoy Dual Concentric™ - the driving force behind Tannoy High Definition Sound Reinforcement

Tannoy’s core technology, the Dual Concentric™, is unlike ordinary drive units in that it is effectively two drivers properly merged into one.

In nature all sounds emanate from a single point in space. The high frequency unit of the Tannoy Dual Concentric™, centrally mounted in the throat of the main mid/bass driver, is so positioned as to acoustically replicate this single point source.

This delivers an involving and natural sound with an incredibly wide imaging ‘sweet spot’, which serves to create an expansive soundstage with remarkably focussed placement of vocals and instrumentation. Important advantages of this configuration are the extremely long throw of information allied to superb detail and vocal articulation; essential elements of successful sound reinforcement installations.

The time coherent, point source and constant directivity nature of the dispersion characteristics of the Dual make it an accepted industry standard in audio monitoring. By exceeding the strict demands of the recording and mastering in the studio Tannoy can ensure that playback performance in installations, large and small, whether pre-recorded or live sound is strictly controlled to accurately reflect the artist and sound engineers’ skill.

What is a true point source?

Where the HF and LF are coincident in space/time Where integration between HF and LF are seamless Where phase response is flat through crossover frequencies

The Dual Concentric™ point source driver delivers:

A constant time delay, removing the need for separate HF delay lines that need careful and time consuming on-site adjustments

An exceptionally linear response with accurately reproduced harmonics Constant directivity that delivers an even response throughout listening

area with consistent performance in both the horizontal and vertical planes.

This controlled and even dispersion gives greater intelligibility, even in difficult acoustic spaces where the engineer can accurately target the sound from the speakers to cover all areas within the venue.

Better harmonic alignment resulting in superb vocal intelligibility within an accurate and natural overall sound

The VNETTM Module

Combining a switch mode PSU, PWM amplification, Networking Control and user configurable DSP functionality, the VNETTM module offers a fully integrated installation solution in a single High Definition Sound Reinforcement loudspeaker package.

VNETTM control functionality

User Control Functions

User DSP Switch on the rear panel has two settings: The Off position will contain only the factory default settings, optimised for a ‘free space’ environment, as well as critical crossover functions & frequency dependent dynamics. On will contain both factory settings and user control functionality

Identification Functions

Each device will have its own unique factory installed ID handle, so no user input will be required to physically address & configure the network nodes.

Speakers on the network are identified with these factory default names; these can be edited by the user to zone addresses.

Speakers identified on the network set up screen can be physically located on the network by selecting the ‘Flash’ function to activate an LED mounted on the front of the loudspeaker. If the loudspeaker is not actually ‘in the line of sight’, then the loudspeakers internal noise generator can be used as a locater.

Each device control panel will have a properties tab. The properties will consist of the following:

Model NameFactory set with product model name

Network Handle - read onlyA numerical value set at the time of manufacture to uniquely identify the device on the network

Device NameSpecific user defined name, such as ‘Prosc.Left’ or ‘Delay 1’

Firmware Version - read onlyA numerical value of firmware version running in the device

Configuration Name12 character name the user can define to describe the current settings (Such as ‘Live Mode’)

Current ‘Voice’ profile indication - read onlyA numerical value indicating the current speaker ‘voicing’ profile (factory set equalization, crossover, & dynamics functions). VNETTM allows software file uploading if a future modification to the ‘voicing’ is made.

VNET 300

Signal Processing

Gain Sectiono Input Gain Fader With Edit Box (-30 to +15dB in 0.2dB Steps)o Input Mute – On, Off

High – Pass Filter sectiono Frequency Spin / Edit Boxo Shape Drop-Down Box

Low – Pass Filter Sectiono Frequency Spin / Edit Boxo Shape Drop-Down Box

Equaliser Sectiono High Resolution Input EQ Curve Displayo Low Shelf Band

Frequency Spin / Edit Box Slope Spin / Edit Box Boost-Cut / Edit Box

o High Shelf Band Frequency Spin / Edit Box Slope Spin / Edit Box Boost-Cut / Edit Box

o Parametric EQ Bands (x 8) Frequency Spin / Edit Box Slope Spin / Edit Box Boost-Cut / Edit Box

Delay Sectiono Delay Spin / Edit Box (up to 180ms)

VNET 300

Monitoring Functions

During normal operation the speakers on the network will appear as minimised panels on the computer screen. These are laid out to reflect the physical layout of the speakers within the venue so that the user can monitor system status, component condition and can therefore identify any fault at a glance.

In the event of any unusual system behaviour the minimised panels can be expanded to reveal the following detailed information in real time:

Input clip indicator Output limiter bar graph meter (2) Heat sink temperature bar graph meter Amplifier clip indicators (HF & LF on full range units) Transducer Failure Indicators (HF & LF on full range units) Amplifier protect status indicator

VNETTM System screen – showing a sample 6 node set up, one monitor screen expanded.

VNET 300

VNET

VNETTM System Features

Integral amplification and signal processing

Class leading 96kHz DSP

High power Class D amplifiers

Universal mains input

Exceptional thermal efficiency – no fans required

Optimised driver protection and dynamics

Frees up processing power on OEM matrix / routers

Complete control

Intuitive real-time software interface

Complete system control and ongoing supervision capability

Potential for remote supervision & Control

Flexible configuration

VNETTM System Applications

Where critical performance and accuracy are required

High quality public address

Live sound reinforcement

Theme pubs / nightclubs

Theatre front of house and effects

Movie theatre / cinema

Side fill in large scale music reinforcement

Theme parks and leisure venues

Sports and multi-use stadiums

Audio visual

Houses of Worship

Loudspeaker specifications

MO

DEL

SYSTEMTYPE

DR

IVER

FREQ

UEN

CY

RESPO

NSE

(1)

±2dB

DISPER

SION

MA

X SPL

CR

OSSO

VERD

SP G

ENER

ATED

ENC

LOSU

RE

VNET 12 Full range 300mm (12”) 60Hz – 25kHz 90 123dB program 1.5kHz 36 litre vented

Dual ConcentricTM 126dB peak 18mm (¾”)

birch

VNET 12HP Full range 300mm (12”) 55Hz – 23kHz 75 126dB program 1.5kHz 36 litre vented

PowerDualTM 129dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

VNET 15 Full range 380mm (15”) 50Hz – 23kHz 90 124dB program 1.5kHz 44 litre vented

PowerDualTM 127dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

VNET 300 Full range 300mm (12”) 45Hz – 23kHz 70 128dB program 1.5kHz 63 litre vented

SuperDualTM 131dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

VNET 15BP Band pass 380mm (15”) 35Hz – 150Hz - 127dB program

Variable LPF 100 litre vented

Subwoofer Bass unit 130dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

VNET 15HL Horn loaded 380mm (15”) 48Hz – 250Hz - 130dB

programVariable LPF Horn loaded

Subwoofer Bass unit 136dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

VNET 18BP Band pass 458mm (18”) 27Hz – 200Hz - 130dB program

Variable LPF 200 litre vented

Subwoofer Bass unit 136dB peak 18mm (¾”) birch

Electronic system specifications

MO

DEL

SYSTEMTYPE

INPU

T SESN

SETIVITY

OU

TPUT

POW

ER

(PRO

GR

AM

ME)

INPU

T IM

PEDA

NC

E

DISTO

RTIO

N

DA

MPIN

G

FAC

TOR

EFFICIEN

CY

VNET 12

Dual channel

Class D

1.4V (+5.5dBu)

400W LF

5.6kΩ unbalanced

11.2kΩ balanced

-

<0.05% @

1kHz -3dB

output(22kH

z bandwidth)

120 ref 8Ω

>85% typically

400W HF limited

VNET 12HP 700W LF

700W HF limited

VNET 15 500W LF

500W HF limited

VNET 300 800W LF

800W HF limited

VNET 15BP 600W

VNET 15HL 800W

VNET 18BP 1200W

DSP system specifications

MO

DEL

FOR

MA

T

SAM

PLING

FR

EQU

ENC

Y

DSP

DYN

AM

IC R

AN

GE

CO

MM

UN

ICA

TION

S

CO

MM

S FA

CILITIES

VNET 12

1 IN - 2 O

UT

96kHz

24 bit A/S-D

/Aw

ord length

3rd generation

SHA

RC

112dB(A

) typical

Serial – RS485

Proprietary m

essage format

All param

eters editable, Firm

ware

updatable

VNET 12HP

VNET 15

VNET 300

VNET 15BP

VNET 15HL

VNET 18BP

PSU specifications

MO

DEL

INPU

T VO

LTAG

E

SWITC

HIN

G

FREQ

UEN

CY

VOLTA

GE

SELECTIO

N

INPU

T C

ON

NEC

TOR

VNET 12 115/230V +10/-20%

192kHz

Syncronised to D

SP

Autom

atic 45 – 65H

z

Locking Speakon Pow

ercon

VNET 12HP

VNET 15

VNET 300

VNET 15BP

VNET 15HL

VNET 18BP

Tannoy Ltd, Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire, Scotland ML5 4TFTel: +44 (0) 1236 420199 Fax: +44 (0) 1236 428230

E-mail: enquiries@tannoy.com

Tannoy North America, 335 Gage Avenue, Kitchener, Ontario, CanadaTel: (519) 745 1158 Fax: (519) 745 2364

E-mail: inquiries@tannoyna.com

Tannoy Germany, Postfach 1461, 22904 Ahrensburg, DeutschlandTel: (+49) 41 02-88 83 93 Fax: (+49) 41 02-88 89 59

E-mail: matthias.exner@tannoy.com