Operation Manual Operation Manual C Series Dedicated Installation Amplifiers ▸ C 20:8X ▸ C 10:8X ▸ C 10:4X ▸ C 5:4X Rev. 1.1.4 Item no.
Important Safety Instructions 1. Important Safety Instructions Before using the device, be sure to carefully read the Safety Instructions. Keep this document with the device at all times 1.1 Important Safety Instructions To prevent electric shock do not remove top or bottom covers. No user serviceable parts inside. refer servicing to qualified service personnel. 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5.
Important Safety Instructions 1.4 Warning To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Français: Pour réduire les risques de blessure ou le choc électrique, n’exposez pas l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. Do not expose this system/apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus.
Important Safety Instructions 1.7 User Responsibility 1.7.1 Mains connection grounding Your amplifier must be connected to a grounded socket outlet. 1.7.2 Speaker output hazard Power amplifiers are capable of producing hazardous output voltages. To avoid electrical shock, do not touch any exposed speaker wiring while the amplifier is operating.
Table of Contents 9. Table of Contents 1. Important Safety Instructions ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� i 1.1 Important Safety Instructions ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� i 1.2 Standards ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� i 1.
Table of Contents 5.3.2 Headroom, sensitivity and VPL / Gain settings ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 5.4 Audio Input and Output connections, setup and features ������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 5.4.1 Balanced / Unbalanced Input connection ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 5.4.
Welcome 2. Welcome 2.1 Introduction Thank you for choosing Lab.gruppen C Series power amplifiers for your sound reinforcement system installation. We are confident that you will be very pleased with the performance, configuration flexibility, reliability, and long-term durability offered by the C Series products. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the features and functionality specifically of C Series model C 20:8X, C 10:8X, C 10:4X and C 5:4X amplifiers.
Welcome 2.2 Main Features Your new C Series amplifier incorporates a number of sophisticated technologies – many of them proprietary to Lab.gruppen – that are provided to ensure the best possible performance and many years of reliable operation. Familiarizing yourself with these technologies will prove invaluable in setting up and optimizing your loudspeaker system. 2.2.
Welcome ▸▸ CPL (Current Peak Limiter) ensures that the amplifier’s output does not exceed the safe current handling parameters of the amplifier components. ▸▸ Temperature protection ensures that the amplifier will not be damaged by exceeding thermal limits. ▸▸ PAL (Power Average Limiter) limits the maximum average power consumption according to the power supply and mains-breaker capabilities.
Welcome 2.2.6 NomadLink / Ethernet control and monitoring network The NomadLink network allows easy setup and control of C Series power amplifiers. The patented network topology allows automatic detection and addressing of multiple amplifiers. Control is via a PC running DeviceControl software, which is connected to the NLB 60E NomadLink Bridge & Network Controller using standard TCP/IP communication.
Installation 3. Installation 3.1 Unpacking Carefully open the shipping carton and check for any noticeable damage. Every Lab.gruppen amplifier is tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should arrive in perfect condition. If any damage is discovered, please notify the shipping company immediately. Only the consignee may institute a claim with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping. Save the carton and packing materials for the carrier’s inspection.
Installation 3.3 Cooling The amplifier uses a forced-air cooling system with air flow from front-to-rear, maintaining a low operating temperature within defined limits. Front-to-rear airflow is preferred as cooler air is present at the front in nearly all installed applications. (This allows higher continuous power levels without encountering thermal problems.) Never attempt to reverse the airflow.
Installation Once a suitable AC supply is connected, the amplifier can be turned on using the front-panel power switch. The amplifier then goes through a soft-start sequence as it self-checks its circuits. The fans will blow at high speed before dropping to idle, and the “power” LED will illuminate. Inrush power is controlled and limited during “soft start”, enabling multiple amplifiers to be powered up simultaneously. 3.5 Grounding There is no ground lift switch or terminal on the C Series amplifiers.
Quick Guide Overview 4. Quick Guide Overview 4.1 Front panel overview CH|A CH|B CH|C CH|D TEMP VHF CPL VPL | CLIP SIG | HI-IMP BRIDGE MUTE MUTE FAULT FAULT CH|E CH|F PAL BRIDGE CH|G CH|H TEMP VHF CPL VPL | CLIP SIG | HI-IMP POWER BRIDGE MUTE MUTE FAULT FAULT REMOTE BRIDGE ON/OFF LABEL AREA C10:8X C SERIES Figure 5.
Quick Guide Overview 4.1.
Quick Guide Overview Rear panel overview 1 Mains input 100-240 V (+/- 10%) VAC, @ 50 or 60 Hz NomadLink network In and Out 2 ON CH C CH B CH A VPL VPL VPL VPL MODE HP 35HZ CH D MODE HP 35HZ VPL MODE HP 35HZ CH E VPL MODE HP 35HZ CH F VPL MODE HP 35HZ FAULT CH G VPL MODE HP 35HZ ON POWER CONTROL CH H MODE HP 35HZ OUT BR. G+H BR. E+F OUT IN GAIN E-H 100V (70Vrms) 63V MODE HARD 45V SOFT 32V MODE HP 35HZ Removed! BR. C+D BR. A+B Ser.
Quick Guide Overview VPL - Voltage Peak Limiter adjustment is provided for 8 individual levels. Select the setting most appropriate for connected speakers. See Appendix for details. Mode - Select VPL mode between Hard and Soft. For channels driving sub-woofers and low-end frequencies, it is recommended to use the Hard setting for optimal operation. For mid- and high-frequency drivers, always select Soft. GPI 2 Level Trig - Disables GPI 1; GPI 2 turns amplifier on when closed, off when open. (See section 7.
Quick Guide Overview The OUT port from the NLB 60E must be connected to the IN port of the first amplifier. The OUT port from the first amplifier in turn connects to the next amplifier’s IN port to form a daisy chain The OUT port on the last amplifier is connected to the IN port on the NLB 60E to close the loop. There are performance limitations to cable lengths on a NomadLink network, both in terms of total cable length in the loop and between any two devices.
Quick Guide Overview ETHERNET GENERAL NOMADLINK PURPOSE IN OUT INPUT, GPI ETHERNET 1 1 2 VPL CH C VPL CH B VPL VPL MODE HP 35HZ MODE HP 35HZ CH D CH E CH H BALANCED CH G CH D CH C CH E CH B CH A VPL H G D C BR.
Operation and Performance 5. Operation and Performance 5.1 Introduction The following sections provide comprehensive information on amplifier connection, setup, operation, and performance. The detailed information included here is essential to realizing the full functionality of the C Series amplifiers. 5.
Operation and Performance The adjustable VPL (Voltage Peak Limiter) sets the maximum channel output voltage and therefore also the maximum channel output power. Four different voltage stages are available using the DIP-switches on the rear panel. The sophisticated output section monitors faults and generates appropriate warnings, which are displayed on the amplifier and transmitted through the NomadLink network. These alerts allow the operator to adjust system settings and thereby avoid problems.
Operation and Performance If an unbalanced connection is desired this can be achieved by summing the minus (“COLD”) and Ground terminals and using the + terminal as the “HOT” signal. For the best possible performance, the summing of ground and minus wires should be done at the source unit end of the cable (e.g. a CD player). Four or eight connectors as appropriate are supplied for attaching cables to the inputs.
Operation and Performance The main benefit of bridging the output is a doubling of output voltage. Bridging can be used to turn the amplifier into a 3-channel amplifier with, for example, 2 x 250 W and 1 x 500 W at 4 ohms utilizing the C 10:4X, or simply to achieve an impressive 200 V peak supply per channel.
Operation and Performance 5.4.5 Amplifier sensitivity Sensitivity is defined as how many volts (rms) or dBu (referred to 0.775 Vrms) are required to achieve full (maximum) output power. As the output power varies with the load impedance, 4 ohms is usually the common reference. Since C Series amplifiers are capable of providing multiple maximum output power levels through use of the VPL feature, many sensitivity calculations may be required for a single amplifier.
Operation and Performance 5.4.7 Constant voltage 70 V and 100 V systems setup and operation When using C Series amplifiers to drive constant voltage (high-impedance) speaker systems at 70 Vrms or 100 V peak, you can in most cases simply connect the speakers to the amplifier output terminals, select the correct VPL setting, and place the amplifier in service. 5.4.
Operation and Performance 5.5 5.5.1 GPIO connection and operation Introduction C…X amplifiers provide extensive GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) facilities to enable interfacing with third-party systems for AV control and power sequencing. GPIO functions are accessed through two-pole Phoenix connectors and DIP-switches on the rear panel. 5.5.2 7.5.2 General Purpose Outputs (GPO) Two GPOs are provided, with connectors labeled ON (GPO 1) and FAULT (GPO 2).
Operation and Performance The following additional technical information describes GPI port functionality: Maximum “open” contact voltage: 5 V Maximum “closed” contact current: 1 mA Maximum resistance for “closed” contact: 1 kOhm 5.5.4 NomadLink disable switch The DIP-switch labeled “GPI (➟NomadLink)” completely disables the amplifier’s connectivity to the NomadLink network. 5.6 5.6.
Operation and Performance Output power - 6 dB slope 20 Hz 10 kHz Slow Fast VHF protection operation area 20 kHz Max. Peak output power Max. Continous output power 30 kHz Attack time VHF protection 20 Hz 10 kHz 20 kHz 30 kHz Figure 6.6.2: VHF protection operational area The VHF protection is indicated by a yellow LED on the amplifier front panel, with output muting for six seconds when active. It is reported as a fault via the NomadLink network on the DeviceControl GUI. 5.6.
Operation and Performance illumination of the Current Peak Limiter (CPL) LED on the front panel. The protection will sequence at six second intervals to re-measure conditions. If the low-impedance fault is no longer detected, the amplifier will un-mute. If the CPL turns constant orange, the output is muted, and the -4dB signal LED is ON, then the amplifier has gone into maximum current protection. This situation is caused by an excessive input signal and is not due to a short circuit.
Operation and Performance Several amplifiers will, under normal conditions, be able to be powered up simultaneously. If you do experience problems powering up multiple amplifiers simultaneously, use the NomadLink network and the NLB 60E to establish a power sequence with a pre- set delay between each amplifier’s start-up. Front-panel monitoring and adjustments 5.6.8 Level indicators Each channel pair of the C...X amplifier has an indicator window with five LEDs per channel plus a bridge indicator.
Operation and Performance 5.6.9 Level adjust Level adjust potentiometers (one per channel) are located behind the removable dust-filter cover on the amplifier’s front-panel. It is not possible to adjust the level settings with the cover in place. Step 1 (Min) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Attenuation -Inf. dB -Inf. dB -50 dB -40 dB -35 dB -21.5 dB -21.5 dB -14.7 dB -12.9 dB -11.4 dB -10.0 dB Step Attenuation 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 (Max) -8.7 dB -7.4 dB -6.0 dB -4.5 dB -2.7 dB -0.6 dB -0.3 dB -0.
Operation and Performance ▸▸ CPL, Current Peak Limiter (orange), when flashing indicates the maximum possible current draw has been reached. ▸▸ CPL, Current Peak Limiter (orange), when constant indicates excessive current draw caused by a short circuit on the output or very low operational impedance. When detected, the output will mute for six seconds before re-measuring the output impedance. This will continue until the short circuit is removed.
Operation and Performance Each networked group of amplifiers being controlled by an individual NLB 60E is referred to as a Subnet. When the NLB 60E is powered up, the NomadLink network receives phantom power. This causes the blue NomadLink LED on the amplifier front panel and the NomadLink LED on the rear panel to light up. Because the entire network receives phantom powering from the NLB 60E, NomadLink is active even when the amplifier has mains power disconnected or is not yet powered up.
Operation and Performance 5.7.3 NomadLink network cable lengths The connection between the NLB 60E and your PC is a standard Ethernet network running the TCP/IP protocol. Cable distances between NLB 60E and your PC follow standard rules for Ethernet systems.
Operation and Performance Figure 6.7.4: Typical NomadLink network configurations 5.7.5 DeviceControl software DeviceControl is Lab.gruppen’s proprietary software application for monitoring and controlling networked C Series (as well as FP+ Series) power amplifiers. DeviceControl runs on a Windows PC, which connects via Ethernet to the NLB 60E. DeviceControl provides comprehensive monitoring of amplifier status as well as control of amplifier power on/off and individual channel mute and solo functions.
Appendix The current versions of DeviceControl software and the DeviceControl Operation Manual are available for download on our web site: www.labgruppen.com 5.7.6 Third Party Control and Monitoring Capabilities The NLB 60E NomadLink Bridge & Network Controller can be integrated with third party control systems via its Ethernet connection.
Appendix Q: What are the maximum cable lengths allowed when using the NomadLink network? A: NomadLink uses a daisy-chain topology to connect amplifiers and an NLB 60E in a network. Standard RJ45-equipped Cat-5 cables are used throughout. The daisy chain may be made into a closed-loop by connecting a return cable to the NLB 60E from the last amplifier. General rules of cable lengths: ▸▸ The maximum cable length in between any two devices may not exceed 300 meters / 980 feet.
Appendix 6.4 Current Draw and Thermal Dissipation specification The following tables contain information on measured current consumption as well as calculated heat dissipation during normal operation(1/8 rated power); and during extreme heavy duty operation (1/4 rated power). C 20:8X Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 120 VAC Watt *1) 230 VAC In Out Thermal Dissipation Dissipated BTU/hr kCal/hr Standby w.
Appendix C 10:8X Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 120 VAC 230 VAC Watt *1) Thermal Dissipation In Out Dissipated BTU/hr kCal/hr Standby w. remote Power Off via NomadLink 6 0 6 20 5 Power On, Idling 91 0 91 312 79 Amp Pink noise (1/8) Pink noise (1/4) 70 V / Ch. 125 x8 16 Ω / Ch. 125 x8 32 Ω / Bridged 250 x4 100 V / Ch. 250 x4 8 Ω / Ch. 125 x8 16 Ω / Bridged 250 x4 4 Ω / Ch. 125 x8 8 Ω / Bridged 250 x4 2 Ω / Ch.
Appendix C 10:4X Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 120 VAC 230 VAC Watt *1) Thermal Dissipation In Out Dissipated BTU/hr kCal/hr Standby w. remote Power Off via NomadLink 6 0 6 20 5 Power On, Idling 51 0 51 312 79 Amp Pink noise (1/8) 70 V / Ch. 250 x4 16 Ω / Ch. 250 x4 32 Ω / Bridged 500 x2 250 x4 500 x2 500 x2 4 Ω / Ch. 250 x4 8 Ω / Bridged 500 x2 100 V / Ch. 8 Ω / Ch. 16 Ω / Bridged Pink noise (1/4) 2 Ω / Ch.
Appendix C 5:4X Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 120 VAC 230 VAC Watt *1) In Out Thermal Dissipation Dissipated BTU/hr kCal/hr Standby w. remote Power Off via NomadLink 6 0 6 20 5 Power On, Idling 51 0 51 312 79 Amp Pink noise (1/8) Pink noise (1/4) Watt 70 V / Ch. 125 x4 1,7 0,9 176 63 114 387 98 16 Ω / Ch. 125 x4 1,5 0,8 156 63 94 319 80 32 Ω / Bridged 250 x2 100 V / Ch. 250 x2 1,4 0,7 152 63 89 305 77 8 Ω / Ch.
Appendix 6.5 Signal flow and VPL to output measurements The table below shows the block signal flow of the C...X Series amplifiers, as well as a table providing output power based on the settings of the rear panel VPL DIP-switches. VPL Set to 100 V peak Sensitivity: dBu Vrms Gain 1.2 0.9 +38 dBu 4.2 1.3 +35 dBu 7.2 1.8 +32 dBu 10.2 2.5 +29 dBu VPL Set to 63 V peak Sensitivity: dBu Gain Vrms -2.8 0.6 +38 dBu 0.2 0.8 +35 dBu 3.2 1.1 +32 dBu 6.2 1.
Technical Specifications 7. Technical Specifications Following are the C...X Series technical specifications. These figures are accurate at the time of printing but please note that all figures are subject to change without notice. For the most accurate and current information available, please visit www.labgruppen.com.
Warranty 8. Warranty General This product is manufactured by Lab.gruppen, and it is warranted to be free from any defects caused by components or factory workmanship, under normal use and service, for a period of six (6) years from date of purchase from an authorized Lab.gruppen dealer. If the product fails to perform as specified during the warranty period, Lab.
Warranty Technical assistance and service International If your Lab.gruppen product requires repair, contact your Lab.gruppen dealer or distributor, or contact Lab. gruppen by fax or email to obtain the location of the nearest authorized service centre. Factory service In the event a Lab.gruppen product requires factory service, you may contact Lab.gruppen’s service department for return instructions and a Return Authorization number. Please note for product return: 1. Use the original packing. 2.
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