Tannoy QFLEX 16LS-WP Digitally Steerable Life Safety Powered Column Array Loudspeaker with 16x Independently Controlled Drivers, Weather Protected

Tannoy has developed the QFlex Life Safety (LS) models as a cost effective solution for critical, life safety applications, a solution that balances complex power consumption needs with the high performance and intelligibility that is the core of the proven QFlex range. Based on Tannoy's superior knowledge and heritage of speech intelligibility in critical listening in difficult acoustic environments, the new models have an optimized driver placement and improved current draw, making them perfect for applications where emergency voice alarms or communications may be required.

• Steering control (+/- 40 degrees)
• Sleek aesthetic design available in custom colors
• Intuitive BeamEngine GUI
• Integrated cutting edge VNET DSP, network control and amplification
• Fully PA/VA compliant
• AES / Dante digital audio connectivity
• IP54 Certified

The new QFlex 16LS column loudspeaker is designed primarily for large transportation hubs as part of a PA/VA system where speech is the main audio source, either from live announcements or via pre-recorded message. These new QFlex life safety models are specifically intended to optimize voice reinforcement and as a result make them more affordable and therefore applicable, to a wider range of projects. The QFlex 16LS makes use of a fewer number of wider bandwidth 4-inch low frequency drivers than the equivalently sized QFlex 40 model to achieve an emphasis on the speech band only, over an effective distance of up to 70 meters.

Each of the 16 drivers is controlled by its own discrete channel of 100 Watt (RMS) Class D amplification and cutting edge DSP, the reduced driver count and wider spacing enabling a 50% reduction in power consumption. The QFlex 16LS provides a beam steering range of +/-40 degrees with effective low frequency control down to 230Hz. Dispersion is nominally 120 degrees horizontal and a vertical range of between 5 degrees and 100 degrees, either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Overcoming "Acoustical Nightmares"
QFlex comprises a complete range of digitally steerable, multichannel array loudspeaker systems for the professional installation market. Purpose-designed for applications with exceptionally problematic acoustics, QFlex technology gives the system designer a unique set of tools for controlling sound in large, acoustically challenging, highly reverberant spaces - typically involving expansive surfaces of glass, metal, concrete or stone. QFlex is revolutionary in being able to achieve even coverage and sound pressure levels across the full listening plane. By creating an asymmetrical pattern, QFlex can produce equivalent SPL results in both the near and far field.

Precise full-range beam control, effective to frequencies beyond 12 kHz, allows the system designer to steer the QFlex beam away from surfaces that cause reflections. This makes QFlex the first digitally steerable array to maintain music quality over the desired area of coverage, all in a very architecturally pleasing package.

SPL Requirements
Larger QFlex arrays will produce higher SPL levels. This is the case with all loudspeakers, as there are more drivers and amplifier channels producing sound. QFlex can generate substantial SPL levels at considerable distance, with its high amplifier count producing more available headroom than any column in its class. Qflex is unique in that every transducer has its own dedicated amplifier channel.

Predictive Simulation
Tannoy's BeamEngine software provides a simple and effective way to select the correct model for your application. This powerful design and control software for Windows PC is available free to download on tannoypro.com.

Life Safety Requirements
Our LS models are specifically engineered to offer fully optimized solutions for life safety and voice only applications with improved current draw and lower bandwidth drivers.

Comprehensive Connectivity
QFlex is designed to allow fast, direct and trouble-free interfacing with virtually any type of audio system. Standard audio inputs are balanced analogue and AES3 digital, each with a loop-through link output. Terminations are on installation-standard Euro block plug-in connectors. As an option, QFlex offers a VNET / AES break-in interface that allows the VNET network and AES3 audio signal to share the same Cat-5 cable. Also available is the Constant Voltage Interface, which steps down the audio signal from 70 V/100 V to line level for direct connection to a QFlex system. And, for the fully networked future, just one optional Dante network bridge connects all QFlex systems in a zone to Audinate's Dante digital audio network.

BeamEngine GUI for precise coverage configuration
The intuitive BeamEngine GUI is a Windows based program that enables a system designer to specify a target area and then generate a steering algorithm tailored for optimum coverage of that area. BeamEngine graphically represents the sectional view (elevation) of the audience area as well as the location and aiming angle of the QFlex array. The resultant steering algorithm is saved and loaded into the QFlex DSP via the VNET software. For more resolute and comprehensive acoustical simulations, the balloon DLL can be exported for utilization in EASE or CATT Acoustic acoustical modeling software programs.

PA/VA standards compliance
Recent upgrades deliver the most comprehensive safety and monitoring facilities available, making QFlex fully compliant in any life safety environment. A new pilot tone detection feature enables constant checking of the complete audio signal path and cable integrity, meeting BS5839 requirements. Input switching can be implemented should the pilot tone indicate primary input failure, giving full system redundancy.

For larger QFlex networks, the Sentinel SM1 System Monitor provides complete system-wide fault monitoring and reporting. Built on a thoroughly proven processing platform, Sentinel monitors the entire audio system as well as any controlling PCs, reporting problems via relay contacts and indicating faults on the front panel display complemented by an onboard alarm.

VNET monitoring and control
QFlex is fully compatible with Tannoy's proprietary VNET monitoring and control protocol, allowing QFlex loudspeakers to share the same network as other VNET-compatible Tannoy loudspeakers and subwoofers. Because VNET supports a free network topology, loudspeakers may be linked in daisy-chain or star topologies or any combination of the two. The supplied VNET software program supervises and controls all commissioning and performance monitoring functions.

Weather protected
The Q Flex 16LS is weather protected as standard providing protection against water and dust ingress to IP54 standard. These enhanced QFlex models benefit from gasket sealed enclosures, solid aluminum rear panels, grade 304 stainless steel mounting hardware and sealed cable gland on the input and power connector. This specification is available with additional lead-time on delivery and makes QFlex capable of operating in more challenging environments where limited moisture and dust/airborne contaminants are an issue, such as railway stations.