Frequently answered questions
Can Q1 cabinets be angled upwards in an array and if so what are the limits?
Yes they can be angled upwards and in many cases this is necessary. Please refer to the Q-Calc calculators regarding the physical limits. These are available at the Support/Downloads/Array calculators section of this website.
Can you build a Q1 array using smaller angles in the middle; a curved array as opposed to a J shape?
If you define a space with a balcony at the back in Q-CalcRig, the result will produce an array with smaller angles somewhere between the standard FOH position and the balcony if you are looking for an even SPL coverage. Achieving equidistant aiming points in the vertical plane in this type of venue will generally produce this sort of result.
Can Q1 columns be arrayed horizontally?
The horizontal dispersion of the Q1 exhibits similar constant directivity behaviour to the C-Series as can be seen in the isobar plots. This allows two columns of Q1 cabinets to be placed side by side at an angle of between 40° and 60° to produce a wider horizontal coverage. We propose 50° as the best compromise between frequency response and level on the axis between the columns.
Are delays required for horizontally arrayed Q1 columns?
This will depend on whether or not you are able to get your rigging points in a semicircle with the correct radius. Pleaser refer to TI 350 at the Documentation/White papers/Application notes section of this website.
Is it possible to use the Q1 with the C3?
It is not an option to use the Q1 as a downfill in a C4/C3 system. It may be possible to use Q-Series loudspeakers as side and rear fills with C4/C3 systems, but this is not a recommended use.
Is it possible to use a Q7 as a downfill in a Q1 column or will the comb filtering in the overlap zone be unacceptable?
The measurements and listening tests arrived at an appropriate configuration to enable the Q7 loudspeaker to be effectively used in this manner. The D12 amplifier in Q7 configuration automatically introduces an additional 0.2 msec delay into the Q7’s signal path to align it with the Q1’s. We recommend a 14° splay angle, which is also the value Q-CalcRig uses when a single Q7 is selected as a downfill. Do not forget to rotate the HF horn to the correct orientation.
Is it possible to use three Q-SUBs in CSA mode with Q1s in a ground stack?
Yes, three Q-SUBs on a riser with the centre cabinet reversed for CSA performs very well. Though musicians may at first be concerned by the lack of bass energy on the stage. Please refer to TI 330 available at the Documentation/White papers/Technical information section of this website.
Can B2 subwoofers be used with Q1 loudspeakers?
In the D12 amplifier (with software V1.02>) the B2 standard configuration has been slightly modified. The frequency response (-5 dB) is now 37 Hz - 90 Hz, which is designed to work perfectly with Q1 loudspeakers in CUT.
Is there a calculation tool for the d&b Q-Series loudspeakers?
Yes, there are two calculation tools that cater for either stacked or flown arrays. Q-CalcStack is used to aid the planning, dimensions and aiming of ground stacked Q1s and Q-SUBs, whilst Q-CalcRig is recommended for the acoustical and mechanical design of all flown Q1 arrays. Both are available at the Support/Downloads/Array calculators section of this website.
Does Q-CalcRig and Stack include all Q-Series loudspeakers?
No, the spreadsheets contain the Q1, Q-SUB and enables a single Q7 to be used as a downfill in the Q-CalcRig version, however the Q10 loudspeaker is not included in either. These calculation tools are available in the Support/Downloads/Array calculators section of this website.
Using Q-CalcRig I sometimes achieve a good SPL curve whether using six or seven Q1s in an array. How do I know the correct number of Q1s needed for my system?
Good question, this is somewhat like, "How do I become a superior sound engineer in one week?" There is no rule, try to avoid using unnecessary cabinets if you do not need high continous levels, in other words, reduce the number to a minimum and use wider splay angles. In the end this will sound more even and consistent and be much easier to finely tune. For medium throw applications the larger the number of cabinets used, the greater the variations will be in the frequency response over distance.
Is there a way to compensate for the low / mid coupling in the near field without affecting the far field?
No, this is caused by the pure physics of coupling multiple elements and adjacent wavelenghts. At lower frequencies it is not possible to effectively adjust the EQ for only part of a line array column. This is true of all line arrays, both in the theory and in practice.
If I try to achieve a well-balanced frequency response in the far field, I have too much low / mid energy in the near and mid field. Conversely, if I try to achieve a well-balanced frequency response in the near field, I lack low / mid energy in the...
...far field. This effect can also be predicted in Q-CalcRig. Is there a way to avoid this?
No, you cannot avoid this.
Can the Q Flying frame be used upside down to support a ground stack?
Yes, with the Q-SUBs placed on top of the frame it can be used to build a ground stack, for example of three Q-SUBs and two Q1s.
Are there Macintosh versions of the Q calculators?
Yes, the Q-CalcRig and Q-CalcStack calculators can both be run on Mac and Windows platforms.
What is the difference between the Qi loudspeakers and the standard Q loudspeakers?
Acoustically there is no difference at all. They only differ in cabinet hardware and front grill.
Is the d&b Q-Series intended to be used as a downfill for the J-Series?
This makes, taking the horizontal dispersion into account, no sense. The horizontal dispersion angle has to be larger for smaller "throws", also the vertical wavefront has to be identical for proper coupling. For that reason the J12 is the only choice for that purpose.
