Operation Manual Operation Manual C Series Dedicated Installation Amplifiers ▸ C 88:4 ▸ C 68:4 ▸ C 48:4 ▸ C 28:4 ▸ C 16:4 Rev. 2.2.3 Item no.
C Series C 88:4, C 68:4, C 48:4, C 28:4 and C 16:4 Operation Manual rev 2.2.
1. 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 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. Important Safety Instructions Read these instructions. Keep these instructions Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block any ventilation openings.
1. 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.
1. 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 on Amplifiers 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 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................................................................................. 14 5.4 Audio Input and Output connections, setup and features ����������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 5.4.1 Balanced / Unbalanced Input connection......................................................................................... 15 5.4.2 Output operation and connection.................................................
2 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 of C Series model C 88:4, C 68:4, C 48:4, C 28:4 and C 16:4 amplifiers.
2 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. 2.2.1 Class TD amplifier and Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS) Lab.
2 Welcome ▸▸ ▸▸ ▸▸ ▸▸ DC protection ensures destructive DC signals will not appear at the amplifier outputs. If such conditions occur an internal fuse opens and fault indication is displayed. Low impedance (short circuit) protection provides a fault warning indication and shuts down the output stage when, for example, an input signal is present and a malfunctioning cable or driver is short circuiting the output.
3. 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.
3. 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.
3. Installation 3.4 Operating voltage The label placed to the right of the mains cable on the rear of the amplifier indicates the AC mains voltage for which the amplifier is wired and approved: 115 V or 230 V. Connect the power cable only to the AC source type referred to on the label. The warranty will not cover damage caused by connecting to an incorrect type of AC mains. Lab.gruppen switch-mode amplifiers use primary switching.
4. Quick Guide Overview 4. Quick Guide Overview 4.1 Front Panel overview The amplifier’s front panel presents the performance and fault condition indicators, power and remote switches, and a removable dust-filter cover. Four level potentiometers located behind the cover provide individual attenuation for the four amplifier channels. Range is 0 dB to - infinity. The 12 o’clock position indicates -10 dB attenuation. A label area is located beneath the LED display.
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4. Quick Guide Overview 4.2 Rear Panel overview 200-240V 44dB 41dB 38dB 35dB 32dB 29dB 26dB 23dB C 88:4 50-60Hz :2500W Must be grounded/earthed Made in Sweden Mains input 115 V and 230 V operation (Not selectable) 141V* 118V 100V** 85V *100Vrms NomadLink network In and Out on EtherConhoused RJ45 connections Ser.
4. Quick Guide Overview Mode - Select VPL mode to either Hard or Soft operation. For channels driving sub-woofers and low-frequency drivers, it is recommended to use the Hard setting for optimal operation. For mid- and high- frequency drivers, always select Soft. 4.3 NomadLink / Ethernet network setup The amplifier includes, as a standard feature, internal facilities for the NomadLink monitoring and control network. All features of the NomadLink network are accessible via a PC running Lab.
4. Quick Guide Overview ETHERNET GENERAL NOMADLINK PURPOSE IN OUT INPUT, GPI ETHERNET 1 1 Crossed RJ45 Ethernet cable between NLB 60E and PC. If bridge is connected to switch of HUB, use " straight " cable. PC can also be connected on front panel. 2 IN OUT NOMADLINK 2 " Straight " RJ45 cables between bridge and amplifiers IN OUT NOMADLINK 11 C Series C 88:4, C 68:4, C 48:4, C 28:4 and C 16:4 Operation Manual rev 2.2.
5. 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.
5. Operation and Performance Sensing circuits also transmit local amplifier module temperature and power supply temperature to the appropriate protection mechanisms. Read the Protection, Faults and Warnings section for further details. 13 C Series C 88:4, C 68:4, C 48:4, C 28:4 and C 16:4 Operation Manual rev 2.2.
5. Operation and Performance 5.3.2 Headroom, sensitivity and VPL / Gain settings The input amplifier and limiter system is designed to accommodate extremes of performance. Typically, exceeding maximum input by much as +10 dB will only result in a 1% increase in distortion.
5. Operation and Performance 5.4 Audio Input and Output connections, setup and features 5.4.1 Balanced / Unbalanced Input connection Two electronically balanced Phoenix-type inputs are available. Follow the +,– and Ground labels when connecting the input signal. 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.
5. 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 three-channel amplifier with, for example, 2 x 1200 W and 1 x 2400 W at 4 ohms utilizing the C 48:4, or simply to achieve an impressive 200 Vrms supply per channel.
5. Operation and Performance 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. We recommend use of the DeviceControl software to simplify this process. DeviceControl’s Device View page, used in combination with the DIP-switch settings display, will automatically produce a sensitivity calculation from the given data (VPL, gain and load). 5.4.
5. Operation and Performance 5.4.7 Output Current Peak Limiter (CPL) The Current Peak Limiter (CPL) ensures that the amplifier will not be damaged by trying to deliver current to the outputs exceeding the physical limits of the transistors. The CPL keeps the amplifier within the Safe Operating Area. The CPL is non-adjustable and has different limit values depending on model type. The maximum output current values for the four C Series models are: ▸▸ C 88:4, 35.5 Arms per channel ▸▸ C 68:4, 24.
5. Operation and Performance 5.5 Protection, faults and warnings 5.5.1 Introduction The C Series amplifiers incorporate a sophisticated and comprehensive set of protection features. Faults and warnings are indicated on the front-panel and reported via the NomadLink network for indication on the DeviceControl GUI. 5.5.
5. Operation and Performance The Attack time for the VHF protection is increasingly shorter at higher frequencies. For example, an ultrasonic continuous signal will cause the outputs to mute rapidly, where it will take several milliseconds for a 10 kHz continuous signal to trigger the output mute. This is shown in the illustration above. The VHF protection is NOT a limiter and does not alter the amplifier’s frequency response. It is implemented solely to detect continuous VHF content.
5. Operation and Performance 5.5.7 Temperature protection Thermal measurement points are provided on each output channel as well as on the power supply. If these sensors detect temperatures above the specified maximums, a high temperature warning will be indicated by a flashing Temp LED on the front panel. The warning also will be transmitted to the Device Control GUI via the NomadLink network.
5. Operation and Performance 5.6 Front-panel monitoring and adjustments 5.6.1 Level indicators Four signal/level/clip LEDs per channel are contained on the C Series front panels : ▸▸ ▸▸ ▸▸ ▸▸ ▸▸ Orange CPL (Current Peak Limiter) flashing indicates signal exceeds the limits of the output devices and limiting is in effect. Red VPL/CLIP indicates that the signal has exceeded maximum output voltage. (Maximum voltage is determined by rear-panel VPL settings.
5. Operation and Performance 5.6.3 Mute indication Individual channel Mute is indicated by illumination of the two yellow LEDs at the top of the channel’s LED bargraph. If both LEDs are illuminated and all other indications are normal, then the channel has been muted by a command from the NLB 60E front-panel or the DeviceControl application. Otherwise, a Mute could indicate a fault condition. (See section 7.6.4 following.) 5.6.
5. Operation and Performance The amplifier does not have a stand-by power supply for the network. The network is solely powered from the NLB 60E. Should an amplifier fail or be inadvertently disconnected from the mains, network integrity is fully maintained and all amplifiers remain visible on the system. 5.7.2 Connection and setup The NomadLink network requires use of an NLB 60E NomadLink Bridge & Network Controller.
5. Operation and Performance 5.7.3 NomadLink network cable lengths In situations where the amplifiers and the NLB 60E will be positioned in different locations at some distance from each other, or where groups of amplifiers within a single subnet with up to 60 units will be installed with a distance in between, these general rules may be considered: Rule 1: The maximum cable length in between any two devices may not exceed 300 meters / 980 feet.
5. Operation and Performance 5.7.5 DeviceControl software DeviceControl is Lab.gruppen’s proprietary software application for monitoring and controlling networked FP+ Series and other Lab.gruppen NomadLink-ready power amplifier. DeviceControl runs on a Windows PC, which connects via Ethernet to the NLB 60E NomadLink Bridge & Network Controller. DeviceControl provides comprehensive monitoring of amplifier status as well as control of amplifier power on/off and individual channel mute and solo functions.
6. Appendix 6. Appendix 6.1 Maintenance During normal operation your C Series amplifier will provide trouble-free service. The only user maintenance required is to periodically vacuum clean the foam dust filters behind the front grille. In some extreme cases it may be necessary for authorized service personnel to clean the inside of the amplifier. These conditions usually occur after prolonged use in extreme environments such as those using “cracked oil” smoke machines.
6. Appendix Q: How can I be sure that no protection circuits or safety functions interfere with the output signal? A: If no Clip or Warning LEDs on the front-panel light up, you can be fully confident that the rated maximum output power in the full frequency range is available for your speakers. No limiting or gain-reduction takes place without a warning or fault indication. 6.
6. Appendix C 68:4 Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 115 VAC Watt *1) 230 VAC In Out Thermal Dissipation Dissipated BTU/hr kCal/hr Standby with remote power off via NomadLink 0 0 0 0 0 Powered on, idling. 133 0 133 454 114 Amp (I) Pink noise (1/8 rated power) Pink noise (max power) *3) 8 Ω / Ch. 1200 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 2400 x 2 4 Ω / Ch. 1700 x 4 8 Ω / Bridged 3400 x 2 2 Ω / Ch. 1200 x 4 4 Ω / Bridged 2400 x 2 100 V / Ch.
6. Appendix C 48:4 Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 115 VAC 230 VAC Standby with remote power off via NomadLink Powered on, idling. Watt *1) Out 0 0 0 0 0 123 0 123 420 106 Amp (I) Pink noise (1/8 rated power) 8 Ω / Ch. 1000 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 2000 x 2 4 Ω / Ch. 1200 x 4 8 Ω / Bridged 2400 x 2 2 Ω / Ch. *4) 600 x 4 4 Ω / Bridged *4) 100 V / Ch. 900 x 4 200 V / Bridged Pink noise (max power) *3) 1200 x 2 1800 x 2 8 Ω / Ch. 1000 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 2000 x 2 4 Ω / Ch.
6. Appendix C 28:4 Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 115 VAC 230 VAC Standby with remote power off via NomadLink Powered on, idling. Watt *1) Out 0 0 0 0 0 123 0 123 420 106 Amp (I) Pink noise (1/8 rated power) 8 Ω / Ch. 700 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 4 Ω / Ch. 700 x 4 8 Ω / Bridged 1400 x 2 2 Ω / Ch. 300 x 4 4 Ω / Bridged 600 x 2 100 V / Ch. 200 V / Bridged Pink noise (max power) *3) 1400 x 2 8 Ω / Ch. 700 x 4 1400 x 2 700 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 4 Ω / Ch.
6. Appendix C 16:4 Level Load Rated power Line Current *2) 115 VAC 230 VAC Standby with remote power off via NomadLink Powered on, idling. Watt *1) Out 0 0 0 0 0 129 0 129 440 111 Amp (I) Pink noise (1/8 rated power) Pink noise (max power) *3) 8 Ω / Ch. 400 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 800 x 2 4 Ω / Ch. 300 x 4 8 Ω / Bridged 600 x 2 2 Ω / Ch. n.r. *4) 4 Ω / Bridged n.r. *4) 100V / Ch. 400 x 4 200V / Bridged 800 x 2 8 Ω / Ch. 400 x 4 16 Ω / Bridged 800 x 2 4 Ω / Ch.
7. Technical Specifications 7. Technical Specifications Following are the C 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. Information for C...X models is contained in a separate manual.
8. 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.
8. Warranty Technical assistance and service International If your Lab.gruppen product requires repair, contact your 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 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.
C Series C 88:4, C 68:4, C 48:4, C 28:4 and C 16:4 Operation Manual rev 2.2.
Operation Manual L ab . gr u pp e n A B ► S w e d e n int e rnationa L contact ► info @ L abgr u pp e n . com U S C O N T A C T ► info @ tc G - A M E R I C A S . com www.labgruppen.