WET ARRAY 5: How To Select Wattage Tap Settings

Introduction

The Rockville Wet Array 5 Speaker is a 70V-compatible speaker designed for commercial and outdoor applications, including restaurants, bars, and patios. This guide explains:

• How to set the tap for different wattage levels
• What a 70V system is and its advantages
• Wiring and amplifier considerations
• How to connect the Wet Array 5 to a 70V amplifier

What’s Included

• Wet Array 5 Speaker (Black or White)
• Swivel Mount Bracket (Check our other guide for mounting instructions)

Step 1: Understanding 70V Audio Systems

A 70V system is a commercial sound system designed to:

• Distribute audio across multiple speakers while maintaining consistent sound levels.
• Allow mixing and matching of different speakers with varying wattage settings.
• Use parallel wiring for simplified installation.

Each 70V speaker has a built-in transformer, which lets you "tap" the speaker at different wattages. Tapping determines how much power the speaker pulls from the amplifier.

Step 2: Choosing the Correct Tap Setting

The Wet Array 5 has four wattage tap options when used with a 70V amplifier:

Additionally, there is an 8-ohm bypass mode, which disables the transformer so the speaker can be used with a standard home theater amplifier.

Important: If using a standard amplifier, set the speaker to 8-ohm mode.

Step 3: Understanding Amplifier Wattage Limits

When setting up a 70V speaker system, make sure the total wattage of all speakers does not exceed the power rating of the amplifier.

Example Using the Rockville RCS 350-6 Amplifier

• The RCS 350-6 delivers 350W of total power across all speakers.
• If each Wet Array 5 speaker is tapped at 30W, you can safely power up to 10 speakers (10 x 30W = 300W).
• To ensure headroom and avoid distortion, keep the total wattage below the amplifier’s max rating.

Step 4: Wiring the Wet Array 5 Speaker

70V Parallel Wiring

In a 70V system, speakers are wired in parallel, meaning:

• All speaker positives connect to the amplifier’s positive terminal.
• All speaker negatives connect to the amplifier’s negative terminal.

Wiring Steps:

1. Run the negative speaker wire into the negative terminal on the speaker.
2. Run the positive speaker wire into the positive terminal.
3. Set the tap position to the desired wattage.
4. Repeat for each additional speaker, ensuring all are connected in parallel.
5. Connect the last speaker in the chain to the amplifier’s speaker terminals.

Important:

• Do NOT mix 8-ohm and 70V speakers on the same amplifier output.
• Make sure all speakers in the chain are in 70V mode.

Step 5: Setting Up Multiple Zones with a 70V Amplifier

Many 70V amplifiers, like the RCS 350-6, have multiple zones, allowing you to:

• Send different volumes to different speaker groups.
• Ensure balanced audio levels for various areas.

Zone Considerations for the RCS 350-6:

• Each zone supports up to 100W.
• The total power across all zones should not exceed 350W.

For example, if using three zones, you could distribute power as follows:

• Zone 1: (2 speakers at 30W) → 60W
• Zone 2: (3 speakers at 15W) → 45W
• Zone 3: (5 speakers at 7.5W) → 37.5W

Step 6: Listening to the Wet Array 5 Speaker

After setting up the Wet Array 5 speaker with the RCS 350-6 amplifier, you’ll notice:

• Clear bass response
• Balanced mids and highs thanks to the built-in tweeter
• Great performance in both indoor and outdoor settings

Ideal Applications

• Restaurants & Bars
• Outdoor Patios & Pool Areas (IP55-rated for weather resistance)
• Retail Stores
• Office Buildings

Conclusion

The Rockville Wet Array 5 Speaker is a powerful and flexible solution for 70V audio systems, providing great sound, easy installation, and weather resistance. Whether for background music or a full outdoor event setup, this speaker integrates seamlessly into parallel-wired 70V systems.