K F 7 6 0 S E R I E S

T O U R I N G U S A G E

G U I D E

KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

0 INTRODUCTION
The KF760 Series Line Array represents a powerful, new second-generation line array technology
optimized for use in portable sound reinforcement applications. Because the system is scalable,
designers can create arrays as small as four enclosures or as large as 20.
Employing a technology we call Divergence Shading, a KF760 Series array will provide even SPL
coverage across radically different throw distances ranging from 15 feet to several hundred feet. Sonic
quality will be uniformly excellent and pattern control will be maintained well into the low frequency range.
All this is achieved with a minimum of DSP, enabling an intuitive approach to array design. And since
simple 1/3-octave EQ will usually suffice to tune the system, this intuitive quality extends to system
operation, as well.
A simplified rigging system speeds set-up and teardown, while properly dimensioned caster pallets create
a more uniform truck-packing environment.
This KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide will provide users with information on KF760 Series application,
array design concepts, powering and processing issues, and rigging and transportation techniques.
EAW engineers paid great attention to details of life on the road, making the KF760 Series the simplest,
most flexible line array system on the market.

1 OVERVIEW
Applications
The KF760 Series Line Array is engineered for concert touring use in venues such as arenas, large
ballrooms, music pavilions, convention center exhibit halls, theaters, auditoriums, and flat field or
amphitheater-style outdoor events. Using just two models (KF760 and KF761), designers can easily
reconfigure this scalable system for different size venues from theaters under 1,000 seats to large arenas
and even outdoor stadiums.

KF760 Series Loudspeakers

The KF760 Series comprises just two loudspeaker models: the KF760 general purpose/longthrow module
and the KF761 short-throw module. Like all other array-optimized EAW products, these loudspeaker
systems are engineered for use in clusters and not as stand-alone devices.
Both are full-range, three-way, tri-amplified systems. The chart below illustrates some key factors,
including subsystem components:

LF
MF
HF
Nominal Cov. (H x V)
Face to Face Angles
Recommended Throw Distances

KF760

KF761

dual 12 in horn loaded

dual 10 in horn loaded
dual 2 in horn loaded
80 x 3
0, 1.5 or 3
70 to 600 ft / 20 to 180

dual 12 in horn loaded

dual 10 in slot loaded
single 2in horn loaded
100 x 12
0, 4, 8 or 12
15 to 150 ft / 5 to 45 m

Horn design represents a key qualitative difference between the two models. The KF760 s horns are
optimized for long-throw capabilities while the KF761 s horns are optimized for smoothest sound in the
extreme nearfield.

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

2 Array and Overall System Design

The Basics
Much like the KF900 and KF750 Series, the KF760 Series is
intended to create array columns that address the different vertical
sections in their coverage areas (nearfield, main seating, long
throw, etc.). The minimum KF760 Series array comprises four
enclosures.
Both the KF760 and KF761 allow users to choose from different
face-to-face angle adjustments to create arrays with varying
curvature. Thus, by using the different models and different faceto-face angles, designers can create arrays custom-tailored to
each venue s profile.
The basic approach to array design can be summarized as:
flat-front KF760 s for longthrow sections
(0 face-to-face angle)
increase curvature as distance decreases (1.5 or 3)
transition to tight-packed KF761 s when you need
more arc/down-angle (12)
add more enclosures for more output
use recommended face-to-face angles only and do not
allow gaps between module faces
This approach focuses more transducers mounted on long-throw
horns (KF760 s) at the farthest seat, gradually focusing fewer
transducers as distance decreases, and, ultimately, transitioning to
short-throw horns (KF761 s) as distance drops below
approximately 50 feet.
As long as the no gap rule is maintained, arrays constructed according to these principles will provide
even SPL and a consistent sonic character throughout the venue without requiring complex processing.
This approach is known as Divergence Shading , where the same amount of acoustic energy is spread
over a larger or smaller vertical angle depending on required throw.
This discussion represents, of course, just a basic approach. Given the infinite variety of venues and
performers, users will find themselves needing to solve specific problems in specific situations. As always,
rely on your experience and common sense. Also, a KF760 Coverage Wizard designed to help calculate
optimum splay angles, aiming angles, and fly-bar pick points (crucial in aiming the array) for a given
venue, will be discussed later in this Guide.

Where s All the Science? It s in the Box.

KF760 Series arrays require relatively simple signal processing, facilitating an intuitive approach both for
design as well as operation. Simply design your array as described above, preferably with the aid of the
KF760 Coverage Wizard, apply the recommended signal processing, and mix to taste.
The complexities of producing a coherent wavefront from multiple sources are effectively nullified by
certain factors designed into of the products. The following discusses these on a surface level. For
detailed technical information on these technologies, consult the KF760 White Paper.

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

Array Coherency
Producing a coherent wavefront from multiple enclosures containing multiple transducers represents the
primary challenge in array design. The KF760 Series seeks to reduce the apparent number of
transducers by:
physically and electronically aligning the transducers within a single enclosure so they appear as
a single source
spacing transducers to maximize coupling
employing horns that maximize coupling
Within each module (both KF760 and KF761), all transducers are symmetrically spaced so that the sound
appears to come from points located along an axis passing from front to back through the center point of
the enclosure. Applying recommended signal delay then unifies those points, making each module an
apparent point source.
As enclosures are added to an array, these points then define a line source. Further, the box-to-box
transducer spacing is close enough to promote physical coupling through the entire LF and much of the
MF passband, even in flat-faced configurations.
Intelligent horn design facilitates box-to-box coupling through the upper MF and HF passbands.
Engineers paid particular attention to the HF horns, designing them to produce arced, not flat, wavefronts
for smoother response in single coverage as well as optimized coupling.
As stated above, all coupling features assume no gap between module faces.

Upfill
Many applications will require upfill coverage. Flown KF760 Series arrays can provide up to 12of upfill
coverage without additional rigging. Simply apply the basic array building techniques to up-angle KF760 s
or KF761 s for coverage above the horizontal axis. Upfill for groundstacked applications is covered
separately.

Horizontal Coverage and Side-fill Arrays

A KF760 Series array provides a horizontal coverage pattern
of approximately 80 for the KF760 s and 100 for the
KF761 s, with pattern control maintained to a very low
frequency regardless of the length of the array.
A KF760 array s horizontal coverage pattern features so-called
soft shoulders (consistent frequency response to well beyond
the nominal 6 dB points) that greatly improve horizontal array
integration. These soft shoulders add up to 20to the effective
coverage area, producing 120 of usable horizontal
Dispersion. This, in turn, greatly eases the implementation of
side-fill arrays. In some situations, the soft shoulders alone
may be sufficient.

KF760 Series Side-fill Arrays

Because of the well-controlled midrange, KF760 Series side fill
arrays can be hung adjacent to the mains, extending the
coverage up to 160. If needed, use the soft shoulders of the
array to extend coverage to nearly 180 with excellent
frequency response and adequate level.

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

KF750 Series Side-fill Arrays

Use vertical columns of KF750 Series enclosures as side-fill loudspeakers, angling the axis of the first
column 60 from the axis of the mains. Assuming left-right symmetry, this extends system coverage to
about 75 to either side of the stage axis for a total of 150. An additional column on each side will
extend coverage to 105 for a total of about 210. A typical arena will require a column that is three or four
enclosures high. The three-enclosure column would consist of 2x KF750 over 1x KF755. Where
substantial up-fill is required, the fourth enclosure would consist of 1x KF755, inverted, on top.
NOTES:

1. Use the KF750 Wizard to determine the delay and shading settings required for the side-fill array.
2. The overall level balance between the KF760 Series Arrays and the KF750 Side-fill Arrays can be
easily balance by ear. The sensitivities are close to equal so normally the same drive level from the
same processors will produce close to equal levels from each of the arrays.

Subwoofers
Although the impressive low frequency performance of KF760 Series arrays allows them to be used
without subwoofers for some events, subwoofers will normally be used for live musical performances.
EAW recommends using KF940 Super-Subs or the trusty SB1000e. In most arrays, use
one SB1000e per KF760 up to 16 subwoofers
one SB1000e per pair of KF761 s when KF761 s are used alone
one KF940 per three KF760 s, up to 16 subwoofers
Of course, if your program material demands additional sub bass response, employ additional
subwoofers as needed.

3 Power and Processing

Amplifier Set Up
As is true of all professional loudspeaker systems, the performance of the KF760s and KF761s depends
on amplifiers delivering an adequate supply of clean power.
The selection of the appropriate power amplifier is a subject of some debate. For more information on
selecting the right amplifier for a given loudspeaker system, please consult EAW s Technical Paper
Power Handling and Amplifier Selection.
In order for Divergence Shading to work properly, users must set all amplifiers for all passbands to the
same voltage gain, regardless of their power output ratings.
Note: This does NOT mean the same input sensitivity, but the same input to output voltage gain.
Consult your amplifier manufacturer if this cannot be readily determined.
Do not boost or attenuate response at the amplifiers; rather, adjust the curvature of the array as
described above. This will maintain coherent response throughout the venue.

Input Connectors
The connections for the KF760 and KF761 are identical, both using Neutrik NL8MP input connectors.
Input Connector Pin-Outs
Model
KF760
KF761

LF 1
(left looking from rear)
1- / 1+
1- / 1+

LF 2
(right looking from rear)
2- / 2+
2- / 2+

MF Pins
3- / 3+
3- / 3+

HF Pins
4- / 4+
4- / 4+

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

Note: Each of the two LF transducers has its own input connections.

Signal Processing
The signal processing adjustments determined by EAW for the KF760 Series Array should be fully
implemented as is. These settings are determined from extensive measurements in typical venues as
well as the theory of curved sources from the acoustical work of physicists Harry Olsen and Leo Beranak.
As such, they will normally provide excellent results in a variety of venues.
Normally only 1/3 octave equalization should be required to modify the performance for a particular venue
and/or type of program material. If multiple processors are used, it is recommended that a 1/3-octave
equalizer be used in line with the KF760 s and another with the KF761 s. This way, the longer and shorter
throw characteristics of the array can be individually modified as needed.
Signal Block Diagram
The following block diagram shows the required signal flow for a large KF760 Series line array. For
smaller venues, reduce this setup by eliminating (in this order) the long throw section, the medium throw
section, the short throw section, ultimately leaving a near-field array comprised only of KF761 s. Note that
the minimum array comprises four enclosures. Subwoofers, as always, are optional depending on
program needs.

User EQ
1/3
Octave

8-way
Crossover
(This may
consist of one
or more
processors)

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

Subwoofers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF761 LF Amplifiers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF761 MF Amplifiers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF761 HF Amplifiers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF760 LF Amplifiers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF760 MF Amplifiers

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF760 HF Amplifiers
(short/medium throw section

PEQ

HPF

LPF

Gain

Delay

Lim/Comp

To KF760 HF Amplifiers
(long throw section)

Signal Processor Settings

6 KF760 / 2 KF761 / KF940
SUB (KF940)
GAIN 8dB
DELAY 5msec
PEQ1 99.2Hz
PEQ2 66.2Hz
HPF
27.8Hz
LPF
74.3Hz

-8dB
Q = 2.0
-8dB
Q = 4.0
24dB Linkwitz-Riley
24dB Linkwitz-Riley

Parametric
Parametric

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

INPUT (6 x KF760)
GAIN 0dB
DELAY 20msec
PEQ1 364Hz

-4dB

Q = 1.5

Parametric

LF (6 x KF760)
GAIN -5.5dB
DELAY 0.00msec
PEQ1 54.1Hz
PEQ2 118Hz
PEQ3 236Hz
PEQ4 167Hz
HPF
76.5Hz
LPF
172Hz

+6dB
Q = 1.6
-5dB
Q = 2.5
-9dB
Q = 2.2
+6dB
Q = 2.1
24dB Butterworth
24dB Butterworth

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

MF (6 x KF760)
GAIN -13.5dB
DELAY 2.71msec
PEQ1 273Hz
PEQ2 408Hz
PEQ3 841Hz
PEQ4 1189Hz
HPF
193Hz
LPF
1335Hz

+3dB
Q = 2.0
-1.5dB
Q = 2.8
-4dB
Q = 2.7
-1dB
Q = 2.0
24dB Butterworth
24dB Butterworth

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

HF (6 x KF760)
GAIN -6dB
DELAY 3.10msec
PEQ1 1682Hz
PEQ2 3175Hz
PEQ3 5496Hz
PEQ4 16469Hz
PEQ5 595Hz
HPF
1059Hz
LPF
21983Hz

-11.5dB
Q = 2.7
-5dB
Q = 2.4
-3dB
Q = 3.4
+9dB
Q = 1.3
-10dB
Q = 4.0
24dB Butterworth
12dB Bessel

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

LF (2 x KF761)
GAIN -5.5dB
DELAY 0.00msec
PEQ1 54.1Hz
PEQ2 118Hz
PEQ3 236Hz
PEQ4 167Hz
HPF
76.5Hz
LPF
172Hz

+6dB
Q = 1.6
-5dB
Q = 2.5
-9dB
Q = 2.2
+6dB
Q = 2.1
24dB Butterworth
24dB Butterworth

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

MF (2 x KF761)
GAIN -13.5dB
DELAY 4.06msec
PEQ1 273Hz
PEQ2 944Hz
PEQ3 1414Hz
PEQ4 612Hz
HPF
198Hz
LPF
1634Hz

+2dB
Q = 3.4
+3.5dB
Q = 2.1
+2.6dB
Q = 1.5
-1dB
Q = 3.6
24dB Butterworth
24dB Butterworth

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

HF (2 x KF761)
GAIN -7dB
DELAY 2.60msec
PEQ1 612Hz
PEQ2 2059Hz
PEQ3 5496Hz
PEQ4 10679Hz
PEQ5 3175Hz
HPF
1297Hz
LPF
19027

-5dB
Q = 2.0
-11.5dB
Q = 1.1
-5dB
Q = 1.7
+8dB
Q = 1.5
+0.5dB
Q = 3.0
24dB Butterworth
12dB Bessel

Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric
Parametric

4 Rigging and Transportation

WARNING: Suspending anything, especially overhead of people, should be done with
extreme caution. Always engage the services of a certified professional who is qualified to
determine the requirements for and to implement overhead rigging.
The KF760 Series features a simple, elegant rigging system that enables a crew of two people to fly
arena-sized arrays in a matter of minutes. Connecting pins stay with the enclosure rigging, recessed
within the enclosure envelope, eliminating loose pieces that can get lost or damaged.
The complete rigging system includes:
KF760 Caster Pallet: The caster pallet designed for the KF760 can normally transport a stack of up to
four enclosures. The pallet automatically provides a staging platform for any array to add or remove a
pre-rigged assembly of up to four enclosures at one time. It also serves as a rigging aid to mount
KF761 s to an array.
KF761 Caster Pallet: The caster pallet designed for the KF761 Series is for transporting a single KF761
enclosure. Normally the KF761 is transferred to a KF760 pallet for rigging to the array.
KF760 Series Fly-Bar: The fly-bar designed by EAW specifically for the KF760 Series, is modular
allowing considerable versatility for flying a KF760 Series array. The fly-bar can be set up in several
different configurations depending on the particular rigging situation and/or pullback requirements. The
fly-bar is made of heat-treated, structural steel with a working load capacity well in excess of typical array
requirements.
Pull-Back Bar: This piece attaches to the bottom rear of the bottommost enclosure in the array. This is
used as the attachment point for a pull-back motor to tilt the array by pulling up from the bottom rear of
the array.
Tail-Piece: This piece attaches to the center of the Fly-Bar Spreader. This is used as the attachment
point for a pull-back motor to tilt the array by pulling up from the top rear of the array.

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

KF760 SERIES FLY-BAR

Enclosure to Enclosure Connections

Three splay angles have been engineered into each KF760 Series models: 0, 1.5 or 3 for the KF760 and
0, 4, 8 or 12 for the KF761. Splay angle is set at the rear of the enclosures rather than the front,
leaving the fronts of all enclosures tight-packed.
A captured hinge on top of the lower enclosure slides freely in the steel tube on the bottom of the upper
enclosure (or Fly-Bar). Load-rated, aircraft-grade aluminum quick-release pins then fit through precisely
located holes to lock the hinge in the tube.
The KF760 Wizard will specify the proper connecting holes to use on each enclosure in order to achieve
the required face-to-face angles. Remember that these refer to holes at the rear of the enclosure. Always
keep the fronts of the enclosures tight-packed.

ENCLOSURE RIGGING HARDWARE

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

Rigging Load Rating

The KF760 Series Fly-Bar can safely suspend arrays comprising any combination of up to 20 KF760
Series array enclosures. The design factor for the above rating is 8-to-1. Certified pull-test results for the
EAW-supplied rigging system are available from EAW upon request.
WARNING: The Design Factor listed is only for the KF760 Series enclosures and Fly-Bar
System. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that any attachments to the Fly-Bar
and to building architecture, as well as any other external rigging components and
hardware are appropriately load-rated for the intended use.
WARNING: The Design Factor listed is only for a vertical pull, 5, (10 with a pull-back),
on the enclosure rigging and KF760 Series Fly-Bar System. This is the intended rigging
method. EAW cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from using the
KF760 rigging components in other than the intended method.

Important Rigging Factors

The Fly-Bar must be suspended from supporting structure using a minimum of two pick points, one
each for the hoisting ring on each rigging bar.
Without a pull-back, the pull on the fly-bar must be within 5 of level from front-to-back.
Where the Fly-Bar angle must be in excess of 5 from level front-to-back to achieve the desired
coverage, an additional pick point and the Tail-Piece or Pull-Back Bar must be used as a pull-back
system.
The Fly-Bar must always be level side-to-side.
All four suspension points between an enclosure and the Fly-Bar and between any two enclosures
must be fully engaged and locked into position using the appropriate connecting pins.

Final Adjustments to the Flown Array

Two important criteria must be evaluated for the final physical adjustments to the flown array. An accurate
assessment is crucial to aim the array.
1. The top of the array must be set so that the furthest and/or top row of seating can barely see the
top surface of the top enclosure. If the top surface can be readily seen, that location is out of the
dispersion pattern. Even a slight change in angle of a couple of degrees can miss the desired
coverage area. If a pull-back is used for the array, it should be set with this in mind.

2. The same is true for the bottom of the array. Because of the tight pattern control, the bottom
KF761 or KF760 must be angled to properly cover near the stage. The nearest listener should
barely be able to see the bottom surface of the bottom enclosure. If a pull-back is used for the
array, it should be set with this in mind.
KF760 Coverage Wizard
The KF760 Wizard is a tool for physically configuring a KF760 Series Line array. It determines the best
configuration for a given quantity of KF760 s and/or KF761 s in a given venue. This Wizard requires the
user to enter various venue dimensions in order to calculate the desired array performance and
recommend the configuration that will provide the best vertical coverage. The Wizard will not select the
optimum number of enclosures, but will calculate the optimum enclosure splays, array aiming angles, and
Fly-Bar pick point for a given quantity of KF760 s and/or KF761 s.

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

Wizard Results
The results in the Wizard show:
Graphical representations of the array and the venue.
Axial splay angle between each pair of enclosures. Note this is NOT the rear splay angle but the
angle between the aiming axes of the enclosures.
On-axis aiming angle for each enclosure as a difference from 0 horizontal. A positive angle is
above horizontal and a negative one is below horizontal.
Various angles and throw distances calculated from the venue s dimensions.
Difference between the array dispersion angle and the needed coverage angles.
Length of the array and trim height to the bottom of the array from the floor.
Weight of the array.
Pick Point on the Fly-Bar to achieve the calculated array angle when suspended. This is
calculated from the centers of gravity of the enclosures and the Fly-Bar.
An adjustment angle for tilting the entire array to equalize the difference in the top and bottom
dispersion angles versus the needed coverage angles.

Transport
The KF760 Series is designed for easy transportability, not only by itself, but
as part of the typical compliment of touring road cases and other equipment.
The optional KF760 Caster Pallet is exactly 45-in wide, the same width as a
standard road case, and can support up to four KF760 s. Integrated rigging
hardware locks the enclosures together and to the Caster Pallet, leaving the
topmost enclosure surface flat to accept decking for a second level of
equipment.
The KF761 pallet supports a single KF761.
WARNING: In no case should more than four enclosures be
placed on a KF760 Series Caster Pallet. Doing so can create an
unstable stack that could fall over causing property damage,
physical injury, or death.
Truck Packing
The KF760 Series was carefully dimensioned to easily fit several ways in conventional commercial trucks.
The enclosures are normally loaded two wide in the truck, riding up to four high on KF760 Series Caster
Pallets. However, because of the 31-in depth, they can also be turned 90 and loaded three wide in most
trucks. Typical truck dimensions are given in the following table.
TRUCK
Standard North American drop-frame semi-trailers
Standard European drop-frame lorry trailers
Sea containers standard High Cube
Smaller trucks such as 24 ft Ryder-type rental boxes
Maxi-size European drop-frame lorry trailers
Standard North American flat-floor semi-trailers

INTERNAL WIDTH
91"
91
92.5"
95"
98"
99.5"

PACKING
2 pallets wide
2 pallets wide
2 pallets wide
2 or 3 pallets wide
2 or 3 pallets wide
2 or 3 pallets wide

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KF760 Series Touring Usage Guide

90"

71"
37"
32"

112"
TRUCK PACKING FOR 12 KF760 AND 6 KF761

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