Bose Panaray

Sound System
(502 A, 502B, 502C)

New 5-driver array designoptimized for

smooth coverage at all frequencies
Modular components for system design
flexibility

Bose-patented Acountimass bass

enclosure
Sleek, elegant design for architectural
compatibility
Full line of Bose-designed accessories for
easy installation
New electronic systems controller
Available in two colors, plus paintable

Technical Information

502A Controlled Array 502B Acoustimass Bass 502C Systems Controller

Frequency range
130Hz 15kHz
Active equalization (with 502C)
Required
Nominal Impedance
8 Nominal Impedance
Maximum acoustic output
112dB-SPL average; 121dB-SPL peak
Recommended amplifier power
150-600 Watts continuous into 8
Sensitivity 2 450-1200 Watts continuous into 8
90dB-SPL (1W, 1m), 130Hz to 15kHz
Beamwidth (-6dB point)
120 horizontal; 70 vertical
Long-Term power handling
150 Watts continuous
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions: 23.5" H x 5.75" W x 6.75" D
(59.7 cm H x 14.6 cm W x 17.1 cm D)
Weight: 15 pounds (6.8 kg)
Mounting points: Six (6) 8mm threaded
inserts, 11mm depth
Fuse: 4-ampere AGC 4 (Buss) or 3AG
(Littelfuse)
Connectors: Two (2) parallel-wired barrier
strips 4
Enclosure
Number of audio channels
Frequency range Two
55Hz 150Hz Operating Modes
Active equalization (with 502C) 502A Full-range, bi-amp; option (w/option
Required card)
Rear panel connectors4
1 8 Balanced input x 2 (barrier strip)
Balanced high freq. output x 2 (barrier strip)
Maximum acoustic output1
Balanced low freq. output x 2 (barrier strip)
115dB-SPL average; 122dB-SPL peak
Crossover
Recommended amplifier power
140Hz in bi-amp mode (with 502B);
rolloff slope: -18dB/octave
Sensitivity2
Rear panel controls
90dB-SPL (1W, 1m), 55Hz to 150Hz
Mode switch
Long-Term power handling3 Input sensitivity switch x 2 (-10dB-V, +4dB-V)
3 450 Watts continuous Bass level control (range -18dB to +3dB)
Mechanical Specifications Bass mono switch (norm/sum)
Dimensions: 31.0" H x 14.0" W x 15.5" D Electrical specifications
(78.7 cm H x 35.6 cm W x 39.4 cm D) Channel separation: >60dB @ 1kHz
Weight: 85 pounds (38.6 kg) Input impedance: 2.4k nominal
Output impedance: 600 nominal
Mounting points: Eight (8) 8mm threaded inserts,
Output level: 8.0 V RMS max. into 600
20mm depth
Mechanical Specifications
Fuse: 7-ampere AGC 3AG (Littelfuse)
Dimensions: 120 V/barrier strip 1.75" H x
Connectors: Two (2) parallel-wired barrier strips 4
19.0" W x 8.75" D
(4.4 cm H x 48.3 cm W x 22.2 cm D)
220-240 V/XLR 1.75" H x 19.0" W x 8.0" D

(4.4 cm H x 48.3 cm W x 20.3 cm D)

Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg)

1
Full bandwidth pink noise is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a level at the speaker terminals corresponding to the long-term rated power handling of the
speaker. The average sound pressure level (dB-SPL) is measured at 1 meter from the speaker in an anechoic environment. The peak maximum acoustic output is the peak SPL
possible with the maximum recommended amplifier power using musical program material.
2
Full bandwidth pink noise is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a level at the speaker terminals corresponding to one Watt as referenced to the nominal
impedance. The average sound pressure level (dB-SPL) is measured at 1 meter from the speaker in an anechoic environment.
3
Full bandwidth noise, meeting the International Electrotechnical Commission standard #268-5, is applied to the 502C Systems Controller and amplified to a voltage at the speaker
terminals corresponding to the power handling of the speaker. The speaker must show no visible or measurable loss of performance after 100 hours of continuous testing.
4
International versions use XLR-type connectors.
System Description
The Bose Panaray Sound System is a
fully modular system which represents
significant advances in loudspeaker
array, low frequency transducer, and
system control technology. The basic
Panaray system consists of two 502 A
controlled arrays, one 502B Acousti-
mass bass enclosure, and one 502C
system controller, and provides up to
122dB peak SPL (at 1 meter, driven with
maximum recommended amplifier
power) over the 55Hz to 15kHz range.
Extensive research has yielded new
technology in array design which, using a
proprietary arrangement of Bose 4.5 inch
full range drivers, results in tightly
controlled horizontal and vertical
beamwidth, and extemely smooth band-
to-band directivity. The system also
features a new, compact low frequency
enclosure using Bose-patented Acousti-
mass technology. The Panaray sound
system is a highly aesthetic voice or
music sound reinforcement system for
permanent audio installations in theaters,
auditoriums, churches, nightclubs,
transportation facilities, and other places
where people gather to be entertained,
enlightened, or informed.
Component Description
The 502A Controlled Array is a mid-high
frequency component of the Bose
Panaray system. It features five new-
design 4.5" (11.4 cm) helical voice coil
drivers in a slim, elegantly-designed
enclosure. The result is natural sounding,
extremely even coverage at all frequen-
cies over the entire listening area. It can
be used either with the 502B Acousti-
mass bass enclosure for full frequency
sound reinforcement, or separately for
voice-only reinforcement systems. The
100
Directivity (Q)*
10
1
100
* Directivity is the ratio, in each one-third octave band, of the average response in the nominal 120 x 70 polar window, to the average response
over the entire solid angle about the source.
300
200
nominal horizontal
100
80 nominal vertical
Beamwidth* 60
(-6 dB point)
40
30
20
10
100 500
Beamwidth* vs. Frequency of 502A Controlled Array
* Beamwidth is the -6dB point, in each one-third octave band, on a polor plot representing the
average within ten degrees of the horizontal and vertical planes about the array.
502A array is designed for installability in
a variety of configurations, using its
integral 10x safety-rated attachment
points and Bose suspension and mount-
ing accessories. The baffle and rear panel
are constructed of high strength structural
foam, and the speaker grille is construct-
ed of a durable perforated steel. It is
available in both Professional Gray and
Arctic White, and both the enclosure and
grille are fully paintable to match interior
decor.
The 502B Acoustimass bass enclosure
uses a single high power handling, high
reliability 12" (30 cm) woofer. This new
Bose-designed low frequency transducer
features a high temperature 4" (10.2 cm)
voice coil, cast aluminum basket, and a
high durablility rubber surround. The
502B provides clear, deep bass reinforce-
ment from a small enclosure, as a result
of Bose-patented Acoustimass speaker
technology. Its low crossover frequency
results in a non-localizable sound source,
which allows it to be unobtrusively install-
ed apart from the 502A arrays. The enclo-
sure is fitted with 10x safety-rated attach-
ment points (top and bottom) for mount-
ing in a variety of orientations.
500 1,000
Directivity vs. Frequency of 502A Controlled Array
1,000 5,000 10,000
Frequency [Hz]
Two-point suspension is easy to
accomplish using the Bose CSB-5B
suspension bracket. The 502B is
available in both Professional Gray and
Arctic White, and is covered with a
scratch resistant vinyl, which can be
painted to match any decor.
The 502C systems controller is a single
rack space device which provides
cross-over functions, active electronic
equalization, and dual channel signal
processing for both the 502A and
502B. It features -10/+4dB-V input
sensitivity switches, all-balanced inputs
and outputs, -18/+3dB bass level
control, bass mono sum switch,
automatic output muting on turn-off,
and a secure, rear-panel operating
mode switch.
An optional plug-in card is available for
the 502C which allows 502A controlled
arrays to be combined in a sound
system design with the Bose Acoustic
Wave Cannon system.
The Panaray system includes a com-
plete line of accessories for suspending
or mounting both the 502A and 502B in
a wide variety of configurations.
5,000 10,000
Frequency [Hz]
 Figure 1: Basic Panaray system
System Configurations
The Bose Panaray system provides a

502 C Amplifier 502B
flexible, building-block approach to fit
the sound reinforcement requirements of From
Pre- WARNING: DOTONOT
REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION
AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 1
2
MODE SWITCH GUIDE
POSITION

3
4
OPERATING MODE
2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION
(NOT USED)
STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)
VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)
INPUT B INPUT A

many types of applications, from night amplifier INPUT

MODE
HIGH
FREQ
OUTPUT
LOW FREQ
LEVEL
. 0
LOW
FREQ
OUTPUT 230V~AC
50/60Hz 12W
INPUT B
BRIDGE
INPUT A

. . .
INPUT LEVEL INPUT LEVEL OUTPUT MODE
4

.
10 +4 10 +4 3
~

..
NORM SUM
2
1 -18 +3
220 V MADE IN USA ON

SER. NO. D.O.M. BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168

CAUTION
CH 1 CH 2 CH 1 CH 2 ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A. CH 1 CH 2 In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

L
PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove

clubs to cathedrals. Detailed installation

cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing. OFF
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker
ziehen.

Low Frequency
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

and system design guidelines for the R Output

Panaray System are provided in the 502A

(Right)
Panaray System Owner's Guide. For L
INPUT B INPUT A

220 V ~
INPUT B
BRIDGE

MADE IN
INPUT A

USA ON
Amplifier
CAUTION

illustrative purposes, here are some

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing. OFF

High
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

Frequency R R
typical system configurations. Output L

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the

basic Panaray System, consisting of one
502 B, two 502A's, one 502C, and three

502A
channels of amplication for a stereo (Left)
system. This system provides 115dB
SPL @ 1 m average acoustic output.
Additional low frequency output can

easily be achieved by locating the

cabinet against large hard surfaces.
(There is also bass volume adjustment Figure 2: Expanded Panaray system
502B
possible through the rear-panel control
502B
on the 502C).
Figure 2 illustrates how components can
Bass Amplifier
be added to the basic Panaray system to 502 C

achieve a variety of SPL or coverage WARNING: DOTONOT

REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION
AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK

EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

INPUT
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR

1
MODE SWITCH GUIDE
POSITION

2
3
4
OPERATING MODE
2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION
(NOT USED)
STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)
VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)

HIGH LOW
INPUT B

INPUT B
BRIDGE
INPUT A
INPUT A

requirements. One example of an

FREQ FREQ
OUTPUT
LOW FREQ
LEVEL OUTPUT 230V~AC
MODE . 0
50/60Hz 12W

. . .
INPUT LEVEL INPUT LEVEL OUTPUT MODE
4

.
10 +4 10 +4 3
220 V

..
2 1 -18 +3 NORM SUM
MADE IN USA ON

SER. NO. D.O.M. BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168

CAUTION
CH 1 CH 2 PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964
CH 1 CH 2 ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A. CH 1 CH 2 In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing. OFF
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

expanded system would be a small disco

dance area. In this application, four
High Frequency
arrays at the outer corners of the dance
220 V ~ MADE IN USA
CAUTION
INPUT B INPUT A In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in
a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove

502A
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
INPUT B INPUT A Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker

Amplifier One
BRIDGE ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

ON
INPUT B INPUT A

floor, plus two 502B's on the floor

OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

OFF

INPUT B INPUT A
BRIDGE

adjacent to the dance area, will deliver

approximately 118dB SPL average, with
130dB SPL peaks, all components driven 502A
High Frequency
INPUT B INPUT A

at maximum recommended amplifier 220 V

CAUTION
~
INPUT B
BRIDGE

MADE IN
INPUT A

USA

In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in

a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove
cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing.
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker
ON

OFF
OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A
Amplifier Two
power.
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

502A
Figure 3 shows how the Panaray compo-

nents can be interconnected for a voice-

only paging system. This system is ideal
for applications where voice reinforce- 502A

ment is needed over a large area, such

as an airport terminal or a train station.

Through the use of the Bose CVT-5

constant voltage transformer, multiple
502A's can be installed in a 70/100V Figure 3: Distributed voice-only system
constant voltage distributed system. Constant-Voltage
CVT-5
502 C
(This system operates from 130Hz and
above only, and is not recommended for REFER TO YOUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR PROPER INSTALLATION
AND OPERATING PROCEDURES. INCORRECT WIRING MAY RESULT IN
CAUTION AVIS
MODE SWITCH GUIDE
POSITION OPERATING MODE 502A
4

use where music is an integral part of the

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE 2-WAY WITH LOW FREQUENCY OPTION
DO NOT OPEN NE PAS OUVRIR
3 (NOT USED) INPUT B INPUT A
2 STANDARD 2-WAY (WITH 502B)
WARNING: DOTONOT
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. 1 VOICE ONLY/FULL RANGE (WITH 502A)

INPUT B INPUT A
BRIDGE
INPUT HIGH LOW
FREQ FREQ
OUTPUT
LOW FREQ
LEVEL OUTPUT 230V~AC
MODE . 0
50/60Hz 12W
. . .

INPUT LEVEL INPUT LEVEL OUTPUT MODE

4

~
.

10 +4 10 +4 3
220 V
..

2 1 -18 +3 NORM SUM

MADE IN USA ON

SER. NO. D.O.M. BOSE CORPORATION, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701-9168

CAUTION
CH 1 CH 2 CH 1 CH 2 ENGINEERED AND MANUFACTURED IN U.S.A. CH 1 CH 2 In order to grant a secure operation do not mount the amplifier in OUTPUT B BRIDGE OUTPUT OUTPUT A

program material).
PROTECTED BY U.S. PATENT 3,038,964

a fully closed housing. To preven electric shock, do not remove

cover. Disconnect power line in case of servicing. OFF
ACHTUNG:
Um sichere Funktion zu gewhrielsten, Gert nicht in vollstndig
geshlossenes Gehuse einbauen. Abdeckung whrend des
Betriebes nicht entfernen. Bor Offnen des Gertes Netzstecker
ziehen.
Bose Corporation, Framinhman 01701, Mass, U.S.A.
Serial No.:
Made in Germany

From

High Frequency CVT-5

502A

CVT-5

502A

CVT-5

502A

Panaray Accessories
A full line of accessories has been
specially designed by Bose for use with
the Panaray system components. These
accessories increase system configura-
tion flexibility and provide simple
solutions for typical installation chal-
lenges.
502 A Controlled Array Accessories
CSB-5A Suspension Bracket (2-point
gravitational type, 045 pitch range)
WCB-5 U-bracket (for wall/ceiling
surface mounting, 90 range)
WBP-5 Bi-Pivot Bracket (single-point
surface mount, 045 pitch, 80 yaw)
CVT-5 Constant Voltage Transformer
(70/100 volt distributed system trans-
former and housing)
PSA-5 Stand Adapter (compatible with
Bose SS-5 and SS-10 stands)
502B Acoustimass Bass Enclosure
Accessories
CSB-5B Suspension Bracket (2-point
gravitational type, 030 pitch range)
502C Systems Controller Accessories
Acoustic Wave Cannon system option
card for active equalization (not shown)
CSB-5A
Suspension
Bracket
WCB-5
U-bracket
WBP-5
Bi-Pivot
Bracket
PSA-5
Stand Adapter
502B Acoustimass Bass Enclosure
The low frequency device shall be a dual
ported highly compact enclosure with
matched active equalization as follows:
The transducer complement shall consist
of one (1) high power handling driver of
30 cm diameter, mounted inside an
enclosure such that distortion is mini-
mized as a result of acoustic filtering. Its
operating frequency range shall be below
CVT-5 Constant Voltage Transformer 150Hz so that non-localizability shall
allow a high degree of location place-
ment flexibility.
The input connector, located on the rear
of the enclosure, shall be a screw-type
barrier strip.
The enclosure shall be made of high
strength, high density resin-impregnated
vinyl wrapped particle board, with outer
dimensions of 31.0" H x 14.0" W x 15.5"
CSB-5B
D (78.7 cm H x 35.6 cm W x 39.4 cm D);
Suspension
its weight shall be 85 lbs (38.6 kg).
Brackets
The bass enclosure's maximum acoustic
output shall be 115dB SPL from 55Hz to
150Hz, with measurements reference to
a full-bandwidth pink-noise input at 1
meter at the enclosure's rated power. Its
power handling capacity shall be 450
Watts continuous referenced to IEC
noise for 100 hours.
The bass enclosure shall be the Bose
Panaray 502B Acoustimass Bass
enclosure.
Engineers' and Architects'
Specifications
502C Systems Controller:
502A Controlled Array: The array and/or bass enclosure shall be
The mid-high frequency device shall be a supplied with a fixed 2-channel, systems
multiple-driver system with matched controller which provides active elec-
active equalization as follows: tronic equalization and crossover
The transducer complement shall functions, to be connected before the
consist of five (5) high-sensitivity drivers input(s) of the system power amplifier(s).
of 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) diameter, The systems controller shall use screw-
mounted vertically on a single baffle type terminal strips for balanced input
assembly such that directional charac- and output wiring connections, and shall
teristics are optimized for smooth be rack mountable in a single space of a
response. standard 19" equipment rack.
The input connector, located on the rear It shall also include an operating mode
of the array enclosure, shall consist of a switch,input sensitivity switch, low
screw-type barrier strip. frequency output level control, and mono
The array enclosure shall be composed sum switch.
of copolymer materials, with outer The electronic controller shall be the
dimensions of 23.5" H x 5.75" W x 6.76" Bose 502C System Controller.
D (59.7 cm H x 14.6 cm W x 17.1 cm D);
its weight shall be 15 lbs (6.8 kg). Warranty Information
The array maximum acoustic output
shall be 112dB SPL from 130Hz to The Bose Panaray 502A Controlled Array
15kHz, with measurements referenced to and the 502B Acoustimass Bass Enclo-
full-bandwidth pink-noise input at 1 sure, are both covered by a five-year,
meter at the array's rated power. Its transferable limited warranty. The Bose
power handling capacity shall be 150 502C System Controller is covered by a
Watts continuous referenced to IEC two-year, transferable limited warranty.
noise for 100 hours. The nominal
horizontal beamwidth shall be 120. The
nominal vertical beamwidth shall be 70.
The loudspeaker shall be the Bose
Panaray 502A Controlled Array. 1995 Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA
01701-9168 USA JN96508 PN171946-Rev. 1