| KF850z - FAQ |
Line Array KF300/600 KF750 KF850 KF900 |
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SHIPPING/SALES
When are the new "z" products shipping?
The KF850zF, KF850zR, and SB850zR will begin shipping at the end of February 2004.
Are the KF850z Series products easy to buy?
While designing the "Z" upgrade, we explored ways to build efficiencies into large production runs. As such, EAW can now offer very attractive pricing on the KF850zF, KF850zR, and SB850zR when purchased in volume. This, in conjunction with our Touring Systems Payment program, means users may easily step into a sizable concert touring loudspeaker system without stressing the bottom line. Please contact a local sales representative for more details.
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UPDATES
What are the differences between the KF850E and KF850z? What are the differences between the SB850R and SB850zR?
Please see /products/KF/kf850.html for full
details.
What is the difference between the "F" and "R" versions of the KF850z?
The "F" enclosure includes fly track for suspension, while the "R" enclosure does not. The omission of fly track in the "R" version reduces net weight by 41 lb/18.6 kg, or 22%. Dimensions, enclosure construction, transducers, and acoustical performance are identical. Both have handles and stacking pads and both use the same caster pallet for transport.
Why does the KF850z LF woofer have less power handling than the KF850E, at least according to their datasheets?
As EAW's specifications have evolved since their inception, there have been changes in the ways products have been measured and specified. In all cases, such changes were made only if they produced more accurate, precise data and more complete specifications. We measured and specified the KF850z using the newest S3 System Specifications Standard. The KF850E measurement and specification procedures were those in use ten years ago. So, while the KF850E specifications cannot be directly compared to the new KF850z data, the resulting specifications are similar. On paper, the difference in the LF power handling is only about 1.6 dB. This easily accountable by a more accurate method of power testing.
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ENCLOSURE
What are the input connectors?
Standard KF850z input connectors are dual Neutrik NL8 Speakons. The NL8s are wired such that amp racks configured to power KF650z or KF760 loudspeakers may also be used with the KF850z. The SB850z utilizes dual Neutrik NL4 Speakon jacks, with each woofer wired independently at the connector. This allows the drivers to be connected in parallel to one amplifier channel or connected individually to separate amplifier channels. Input panel drawings with specific connector pin outs are on the last page of each product datasheet. For a small up-charge, all products may be special-ordered with different connectors, e.g. AP6 or AP4.
I will be purchasing new KF850zF loudspeakers and updating my older KF850EF inventory with the KF850z upgrade kits. Will I be able to fly these enclosures together in the same rig?
Yes. The rigging hardware and locations are identical.
Can I retrofit rigging and convert a KF850zR to a KF850zF?
No. The top and bottom of the KF850zF enclosure is equipped with two industry-standard flytracks. The track is attached to the Baltic birch enclosure via internal steel that runs the full height of the enclosure and through several cross members. This construction is such that the enclosure bears no weight when flown and cannot be retrofitted into an "R" enclosure.
Will you be building permanent installation and/or weather-protected versions of the KF850z and SB850z
"P" permanent installation and "P-WP" fiberglassed, weather-protected versions of the KF850z and SB850z will be available as special order items, if demand warrants. Each will utilize 3/8-16 threaded suspension points rather than fly track. Please contact a local sales representative for more details.
Will you be building a flying version of the SB850z?
There are no immediate plans to build an SB850z with flytrack.
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ACCESSORIES
Can I have the KF850z bi-amp kit installed at the factory?
At this moment, no. The bi-amp kit was designed to reduce the total cost of ownership of a KF850z system. Adding factory labor to install the kit will drive up its price to a point where it would no longer be an attractive option.
Does the KF850z bi-amp kit allow me to switch between powering modes from gig to gig?
Once the kit is installed, the powering mode of the KF850z will be bi-amp only. We reasoned that very few users looking to save money will build both bi-amp and tri-amp functionality into an amplifier and processing rack. As such, we chose not to burden the price of the kit with power mode switching and additional connectors. It is relatively easy to remove the bi-amp kit and re-wire the KF850z to tri-amp mode if at some point you choose to upgrade your system.
Can I get locking casters on caster pallets?
Locking casters are not available on factory-built pallets. User-supplied locking casters may be easily retrofitted to the pallet or pallet kit. Here are the mounting hole patterns:
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APPLICATION
Can I use the KF850z with my inventory of KF850E loudspeakers?
The KF850z's advanced performance is not sonically compatible with existing KF850E inventories when arrayed together. In addition, each model requires a different DSP configuration. To facilitate integration, kits are available to upgrade the KF850E to the KF850z. Mixed inventories are of course compatible if used in different applications, e.g. a KF850z FOH array and KF850E side fill stage monitors. The KF850z's enclosure and rigging hardware (KF850zF only) are fully compatible with the KF850E Series.
Can I use the SB850zR with my inventory of SB850R loudspeakers?
Side-by-side comparisons of the two versions demonstrate that the SB850zR has vastly improved low end authority and punch and will handle much greater dynamic power. This being said, both versions share the same nominal impedance and long term power handling. Their enclosures have the same basic footprint, excepting their depth. They may be mixed in a sub array, however, performance will depend on the ratio of the mix and fine-tuning DSP settings.
How deep can I fly the KF850zF?
The following table is the recommended maximum number of KF850zF enclosures that may be suspended in a single column for the listed design factors. It is the responsibility of user to determine the appropriate design factor for their application.
| Design Factor |
Max # of Enclosures |
| 10:1 |
4 |
| 7:1 |
6 |
| 5:1 |
7 |
How high may KF850zF, KF850zR, and/or SB850zR be stacked?
Each of the 850z enclosures is 42 in / 1067 mm high, with a stack of two being 84 in / 2120 mm high. Given these dimensions, enclosure weights, and stability factors, we recommend a maximum stack of no more than two high. In addition, we recommend that stacked enclosures be strapped together to provide even greater stability. Note that all 850z Series enclosures are equipped with a UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) plastic stacking pad that keys into the recess in the bottom of another enclosure when stacked. This provides for a more secure stack.
Will there be a KF850z wizard?
There are no plans for a KF850z software wizard.
Will the new KF850z make me more attractive to the opposite sex?
Yes, of course. And the more boxes you have the better looking you get.
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PROCESSING
Do the KF850z processor settings also work with KF850E product that has been updated with a KF850z upgrade kit?
Yes.
I have an old MX800i analog processor configured for a KF850E and SB850/1000. Can I use it to process the KF850z and SB850z?
To get the most performance from the KF850z and SB850z it is recommended that you use a modern DSP loudspeaker processor. In an pinch however, the MX800i can get you through a gig if you follow a few guidelines. The HF section should be turned down 3 dB using either the MX800i's "UNCAL" attenuators or the input attenuators on the HF amplifier. The sub output should be boosted 3 dB to 6 dB, depending on the number of subs in use and your personal taste. Implement the boost at the sub amplifiers, or use the SUB +6 dB button on the MX800i. Finally, EQ to taste using your trusty graphic or parametric FOH equalizer.
Can I have the factory produce DSP settings for my favorite processor?
(Coming Soon) KF850z and SB850z DSP settings are available for the EAW MX8750 or MX8700 processor and are published online via a PDF file. DSP settings are also available for a select group of third party loudspeaker processors that are popular in the touring market. Due to the overwhelming number of DSP processors available, EAW cannot support requests for additional custom settings. We have measured the transfer function of our MX8750 processor and have published Smaart reference traces for those who wish to develop additional settings.
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SERVICE / PARTS
Can I just buy the new MF section components?
No. The MF assembly is only available as part of the KF850E to KF850z upgrade kit.
Can I upgrade my SB850R using the new SB850zR woofers?
Unfortunately no. The new SB850zR woofer is capable of much greater excursion than the woofer in the SB850R. If installed in the older enclosure, the new woofer will hit the grille, resulting in a) an unpleasant "thwack" sound, and b) eventual damage to the woofer.
Who manufactures the new transducers?
They are EAW transducers manufactured to our specifications by several long-time OEM partners.
Now that RCF is no longer a LOUD Technologies brand, what is the status of KF850E replacement parts?
Will recone kits and HF diaphragms continue to be made available? RCF is now an independent operation and still very much in business. It is committed to supplying EAW with service parts, as well as developing new designs to sell to EAW for use in future products. Rest assured that in the unlikely event service is necessary, we will be able to repair any EAW loudspeaker in the same manner as always. Currently we can repair 99% of all EAW loudspeaker products with original parts or engineered, drop-in replacements. It should be noted that EAW used RCF transducers long before the companies were joined under the Mackie/LOUD umbrella. It is EAW's mission to design and manufacture the best loudspeakers in the world. When RCF transducers fit our needs, we will certainly use them, just as we have for the past 25 years.
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