American Audio Amplifier ELX2000 User Manual

							User Instructions
Professional Power Amplifier
ELX Series
2/13 
						

							This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of non insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to 
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions\
 in the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: Risk of the electrical shock - DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer all  servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this amplifier to rain or moisture. Before using this amplifier, read the user manual for further warnings.
Ce symbole est utilisé pur indiquer  à l’utilisateur la présence à l'intérieur de ce produit de tension non-isolée dangereuse pouvant être d'intensité suffisante pour 
constituer un risque de choc électrique.
Ce symbole est utilisé pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu'il trouvera d'importantes instructions importantes sur l'utilisation et l'ent\
retien de l'appareil dans la littérature 
accompagnant le produit.
ATTENTION: Risque de choc électrique - NE PAS OUVRIR!  
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à l’intérieur aucune piéce pouvant être réparée par l'utilisateur. Confier 
l'entretien à un personnel qualifié.
AVERTISSEMENT: Afin de prévenir les risque de décharge ou de feu, n’exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité. Avant d’utiliser cet amplificateur, lisez les aver-
tissements supplémentaries situés dans le guide.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usuario de la presencia de  “voltaje peligroso“ que no tiene aislamiento dentro de la caja del producto que puede tener 
una magnitud suficiente como para constituir riesgo de corrientazo.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usuario de la presencia de instrucciones importantes sobre la operación y mantenimiento en la literatura que vienc con 
el producto.
PRECAUCIÓN:  Riesgo del choque eléctrico - NO SE ABRA
PRECAUCIÓN: Para disminuir el riesgo de choque eléctrico, no quite la cubierta. No hay piezas adentro que el usario puede reparar. Deje todo mantenimiento al los téc-
nicos cualificados.
ADVERTENCIA: Para prevenir choque eléctrico o riesgo de incendios, no deja expuesto a la lluvia o a la humedad este amplificador. Antes de usar este amplificador, lea 
mas advertencias en la guia de operacion.
Dieses Symobl soll den Anwender vor unisollierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses warnen, die von Ausreichender Stärke sind, um einen elek-
trischen Schlag verursachen zu können.
Dieses Symobl soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam machen, die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betref-
fen.
VORSICHT: Risiko - Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VORSICHT: Um ddas Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, nicht die Abdeckung enfernen. Es befinden sich keine Teile darin, die vom Anwender repariert 
werden könnten. Reparaturen nur von qualifizierte Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.
ACHTUNG: Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden, sollte diesen Gerät nicht dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetz werden. Vor Inbetriebnahme unbedingt die Bedienungsanleitung lesen. 
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 2 
						

							CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC 
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER.  
THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS 
INSIDE.  REFER ALL SERVICE TO YOUR 
AUTHORIZED AMERICAN AUDIO® DEALER.
CAUTION
Do not open -
risk of electric shockFOR  OPTIMUM  PERFORMANCE  AND 
RELIABILITY  DO  NOT  PRESENT  THE  AMPLIFIER 
WITH A SPEAKER LOAD OF LESS THAN 2 OHMS 
OR  ANY  COMBINATION  OF  SPEAKERS  THAT 
TOGETHER ARE LESS THAN 2 OHMS!
USING  ONE  SPEAKER,  IT  MUST  BE  RATED  AT 
4 OR  MORE  OHMS.  USING  ONE  SPEAKER  IN 
STEREO  MODE  THE  SPEAKER  MUST  BE  RATED 
AT  LEAST  2  OHMS.  IF  THE  AMP  IS  IN  BRIDGE 
MODE  THAN  ONE  SPEAKER  HAS  TO  BE  AT 
LEAST 4 OHMS.
USING  TWO  SPEAKERS  PER  CHANNEL,  THEY 
MUST RATED EACH  AT 4 OR MORE OHMS.
USING  THREE  SPEAKERS  PER  CHANNEL,  THEY 
MUST BE RATED EACH AT 8 OR MORE OHMS.
The lightning flash with an arrow triangular 
symbol is intended to alert the user to the 
presence of non insulated “dangerous volt-
age” within the products enclosure, and 
may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-
tute a risk of electric shock.
The  exclamation  point  triangular  symbol  is 
intended to alert the user to the presence 
of important operating and maintenance 
(servicing) instructions in the user manual 
accompanying the amplifier.
POUR  ASSURER  LA  FIABILETE  ET 
OBTENIT  UNE  PERFORMANCE  OPTIMALE,  
NESOUMETTE  JAMAIS  L’AMPLIFICATEUR 
A  UNE  CHARGE  D’IMPEDANCE  TOTALE 
INFERIEURE  A  2  OHMS,  NI  AVEC  UN  H.P.  NI 
EN COMBINAISON DES H.P.
AVEC  UN  H.P.,  IL  FAUT  UNE  CHARGE 
D’IMPEDANCE MINIMUM DE 2 OHMS. 
AVEC  DEUX  H.P.,  FAUT  POUR  CHAOUN  UNE 
CHARGE  D’IMPEDANCE  MINIMUM  DE  4 
OHMS.
AVEC  TROIS  H.P.,  FAUT  POUR  CHAOUN  UNE 
CHURGE  D’IMPEDANCE  MINIMUM  DE  8 
OHMS.
CONTENTS:
Safety Precautions...............................................................\
........................................................................\
................................................4
Introduction................................................................\
...............................................................................................................................\
4
Front  Panel...................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Rear Panels..................................................................\
........................................................................\
........................................................6
Inputs..................................................................\
...............................................................................................................................\
..........7
Outputs.................................................................\
...............................................................................................................................\
............7
Speakon Output Connector Assembly........................................................................\
........................................................................\
.........9
Operating Modes...................................................................\
........................................................................\
.............................................10
Protection Circuitry........................................................................\
........................................................................\
.....................................11
Amplifier Features.......................................................................................................................................................................................12
Speaker Setup...................................................................\
........................................................................\
.................................................13
Warranty.................................................................................................................................................................................................14
Specifications...............................................................................................................................................................................................16
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 3 
						

							Important Precautions
•   To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this  
   unit rain or excessive moisture.
•   Do not spill water or other liquids into or on to your unit.
•   Do not attempt to operate this unit if the power cord has been  
   frayed or broken.
•   Do not attempt to remove or break off the ground prong from  
   the electrical cord. This prong is used to reduce the risk of elec- 
   trical shock and fire in case of an internal short.
•   Disconnect main power before making any type of connection
•   Do not remove the cover under any conditions. There are no 
   user serviceable parts inside.
•   Never plug this unit in to a dimmer pack.
•   Always be sure to mount this unit in an area that will allow  
     proper ventilation. Allow about 6” (15cm) between this device 
   and a wall.
•   Do not attempt to operate this unit, if it becomes damaged.
•   This unit is intended for indoor use only, use of this product out-
   doors voids all warranties.
•   During long periods of non-use, disconnect the unit’s main 
   power.
•   Always mount this unit in a safe and stable manner.
•   Power cords should be routed so they are not likely to be    
   walked on, pinched by items placed upon or against them.
•   Cleaning -The outside of the unit should be wipe down with a 
   soft cloth and mild cleaner when needed.
•   Heat -The appliance should be situated away from heat sources  
   such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances  
     (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•   The amplifier should  be serviced by qualified service personnel 
   when:
     A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
    B. Objects have fallen on, or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
    C. The appliance has been exposed to rain or water.
    D. The fixture does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a  
         marked change in performance.
Introduction
Introduction:  Congratulations and thank you for purchasing this 
American Audio® ELX Series amplifier. This amplifier is a represen-
tation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the 
highest quality products at an affordable price. Please read and 
understand this manual completely before attempting to operate 
your new amplifier. This booklet contains important information 
concerning the proper and safe operation of your new amplifier.
Unpacking: Every  ELX  Series  amplifier  has  been  thoroughly  test-
ed and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully 
check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred 
during shipping. If the carton appears to be damaged, carefully 
inspect your unit for any damage and be sure all accessories nec-
essary to operate the unit has arrived intact. In the event damage 
has been found or parts are missing, please contact our toll free 
customer support number for further instructions. Please do not 
return  the  amplifier  to  your  dealer  without  contacting  customer 
support first. 
Installation: This amplifier is designed to mount into a standard 
19” rack. The front panel provides four holes used to screw the 
unit into a rack. The unit also provides a way to rear mount the 
unit into a rack for added security. Rear mounting the unit is espe-
cially recommended for this amplifier if the unit is to mounted into 
a mobile rack.  
Customer Support: American Audio® provides a toll free custom-
er support line, to provide set up help and  to answer any question 
should you encounter problems during your set up or initial opera-
tion.  You  may  also  visit  us  on  the  web  at  www.americanaudio.us 
for any comments or suggestions. For service related issue please 
contact American Audio®.  Service  Hours  are  Monday  through 
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
    Voice: (800) 322-6337      E-mail: [email protected]
    Fax: (323) 582-2610
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 4 
						

							1. Indicator LEDs -  
Channel Protect Indicator - The yellow Protect LED will begin to glow 
when the channel goes into protect mode. When the channel goes into 
protect mode all output for that channel will turn off. This is to protect any 
speakers connected to the channel.
Channel Clip Indicator - This red LED will begin to flash when channel 
one begins to overload (clip). At this point channel one will begin to\
 dis-
tort. Under heavy clipping activity lower the channel one gain control to 
reduce the risk of damage to your speakers and amplifier. This LED may 
glow when the unit has been turned off, this is normal.
Channel Signal Indicators - These green LED’s will glow according to 
the average signal output.
Active Indicators -  These  green  LED’s  will  glow  when  the  amp  is 
switched on.
2. Power Switch - This switch is used to control the units main power. 
NOTE: The amp must always be turned on last in a audio set up, and 
turned off first in a audio set up. Before powering on or down the amp, 
turn the gain controls to the lowest position.
3. Channel B Gain Control - This rotary knob is used to control the 
output signal of channel two. Turning the knob in a clockwise direction 
will increase signal output. Before powering down the amp, turn the gain 
control to the lowest position.
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 5
Front Panel
4. Channel A Gain Control - This rotary knob is used to control the out-
put signal of channel one. Turning the knob in a clockwise direction will 
increase signal output. This gain control is also used when the amp is in 
Bridge  Mode.  Before  powering  down  the  amp,  turn  the  gain  control  to 
the lowest position.
5. Air Inlet - These air inlets draw in air from the outside to help cool 
down the amp as it is running. Do not place anything in front or obstruct 
these inlets. Keep these air inlets clean for max air flow.
Figure 1
1
543
2 
						

							Rear Panel
Figure 2
8
1211
10
9
1314
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 6
8. Channels A & B Speakon Outputs - Optional speaker output connections. 
Use pins 1+ and 1- of this 4-pole Speakon connector to connect to your s\
peak-
er’s Speakon input jack.
9. Channel A & B Output Jack/5 way Binding Post - Connect to your speak-
er’s input jack. Red is positive signal and Black is negative signal. When using 
Bridge Mode, use Channels A & B.
10. AC Cord - Plug this cable into a standard wall outlet. Check that the voltage 
in your area matches the amplifiers required voltage. 
     Fuse Holder - This housing stores a 12 amp protective fuse. Never defeat 
the fuse, the fuse is designed to protect the electronics in the event of severe 
power fluctuations. Always be sure to replace the fuse with an exact match as 
the one being replaced, unless otherwise told to do so by an authorized Ameri-
can Audio® service technician.
11. Channel A & B XLR Inputs - Channel A & B 3-pin XLR balanced input jack. 
See page 7 for more details.
      Channel A & B XLR THRU Inputs - These inputs are parallel outputs of  
the inputs used to link multiple amps.
12. Ground Lift Switch - This switch allows the ground signal or chassis ground 
to  be  separated  in  case  of  a  ground  conflict.  For  the  safety  of  the  amp,  it  is 
recommended to keep the switch in the GND FLOATING position. In case of a 
ground conflict please set the switch to GND LIFT.
13. Mode Switch - This switch controls the amplifier’s operating mode. The am-
plifier can operate in two different modes; Mono Bridge or Stereo. The amplifier 
is shipped in stereo mode.
14. Air Vents - These vents allow hot air to exit the amp. Do not place anything 
in front or obstruct these vents.  
THRU 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 7
OUTPUTS: 
Binding Post -  Connect  your  speakers  to  the  binding  post  outputs  on  the  rear  of  the  amplifier.  The  speaker  wire  may  be  connected 
by bare wire (directly connected, usually for permanent connections). Connections are made to Channels A and B output’s for stereo 
mode or across the red terminals of Channels A and B for Mono Bridge Mode. 
Important Notice:  Although  a  speaker  will  operate  with  the  positive  and  negative  leads  plugged  into  either  terminal  on  the  amplifier 
binding post, be sure to plug the negative lead into the black terminal and positive lead in\
to the red terminal. Ensuring proper polarity 
will avoid speakers being out of phase, that can cause a loss of bass response.
Set Up
INPUTS - The ELX Series amplifier allows you to use two types of input connector per a channel, a XLR jack for balanced connections 
and a 1/4” female jack that will accept balanced and unbalanced conne\
ctors. Use these connections to connect the output signal 
from  a  mixer,  cross-over  or  EQ  to  your  ELX  Series  amplifier.  A  balanced  connection  is  recommended  for  cable  runs  longer  that  20ft. 
When constructing your own XLR cables follow the pin configuration describe below for proper connections. 
Male XLR Pin Confi guration:
US ITT Standard
Figure 3
1 Ground/Return/ 0v 3 Negative (- data) 2 Hot (+ data) 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 8
Mono Bridge Connections:
Mono bridge operation connections will follow the above descriptions how\
ever, when operating in mono 
bridge operation the speaker connections will run between the two positi\
ve (red) leads. Use channel two pos-
itive output terminal for the negative connection and the channel one po\
sitive output terminal for the positive 
connection.
Stereo Connections Using the Neutrik Speakon output connectors:
Recent regulatory requirements in Europe have outlawed the use of the dual banana plug and forced amp users to terminate their 
speaker  cables  with  spade  lugs  or  bare  wire  ends.  This  is  not  advantageous  to  most  users  that  want  to  reconfigure  their  systems  or 
quickly change out an amp. The Neutrik Speakon® connector provides the most convenient solution to this problem, eliminating the need 
for spade plugs or bare wire end cables. Major speaker manufacturers have been using Speakon connectors on their products for years, 
so chances are you are ready to use the Speakon connection. With Speakon connectors, you can connect straight from the amplifier 
to the speaker. The Speakon connector used on this amplifier meets all known safety regulations. Once wired correctly, the connector 
cannot be plugged in backwards, causing the type of inverted polarity situations that have become co\
mmon with banana hookups. This 
connection  will  provide  a  safe,  secure  and  reliable  method  of  connecting  your  speakers  to  your  new  amplifier.  You  can  purchase  the 
Speakon® NL4FC connectors from your local audio dealer.
Bare Wire Connections:  (Figure 4)
When  connecting  your  speakers  to  the  amplifier  using  bare  wire;  Unscrew  the  red  and 
black caps on the binding post, be sure not to completely remove or unscrew the red 
and black caps. Strip back the wire insulation 1/2” (13mm). Insert the bare wire into the 
hole that was reveled by unscrewing the binding post cap. After inserting the wire into 
the binding post hole, screw the binding post cap down on the wire. To reduce the risk of 
shock or damage to your amplifier, be sure that the wire connected to one binding post 
does not come in contact with that of another.  Typical speaker output using bare wire. Insert 
bare wire into the binding post and tighten.
Figure 4 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 9
SPEAKON ASSEMBLY:  You  will  need  a  pair  of  Neutrik  Speakon®  NL4FC 
connectors.  You  will  also  need  high-quality  two  or  four  conductor  speaker 
cable, a pair of needle-nosed pliers and a 1.5-mm Allen key to assemble the 
Speakon connectors to your speaker wire. To assemble the Neutrik Speakon 
NL4FC connector, complete the following steps:
1. Strip back 3/4-inch of the cable casing. Strip off 1/4-inch from the end of 
each of the conductors down to bare wire, and insert the brass fittings. See 
Figure 5.
2.  Slide  the  cable  tension  clip  (D)  and  the  speakon  coupler  (E)  through  the 
cable end. See Figure 6.
3. Insert each wire with the brass fittings into the top of appropriate slot of the 
connector insert (B) as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Use a 1.5-mm Allen key to 
tighten the connection. See Figure 7.
4.  Be  sure  to  properly  match  the  positive  (+)  and  negative  (–)  leads  of  each 
wire. See Figure 8.
5. Slide the connector insert (B) into the connector housing (A), making sure 
that the large notch on the outer edge of the insert lines up with the large 
groove on the inside of the connector housing. The insert should slide eas\
ily 
through  the  housing  and  out  the  other  side  until  it  extends  approximately  3 
/4-inch from the end of the housing.
6. Slide the cable tension clip (D) along the cable and insert into the housing 
(A), making sure that the large notch lines up with the large groove on the 
inside  of  the  connector  housing  (A).  The  cable  tension  clip  (D)  should  slide 
easily into the housing until only 3 /8-inch of the cable tension clip (D) extends 
from the back end of the connector.
7. Slide the coupler (E) along the cable and screw it onto the end of the housing 
(A). Before tightening, you may want to test the connector to make sure it has 
been assembled properly.
Figure 5
C 1
C 2UTPUTSCAUTIONMINIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE 2 OHM PERCHANNEL 4 OHM BRIDGEINPUT T UINPUT BA ANCE120 60
4800 A TTSSPEAKON 1+ HOT
1COLDC 1
C 2-+-+N-  BI DE +
+
+1
-1+2
+2
++1
-1+2
+2
Figure 8
Figure 7 4-Conductor Speaker Cable
Brass Inserts
Figure 6
D E
B
A C 
						

							©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.us  -  ELX Series Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 10
OPERATING MODES: Always configure your amplifier operating mode before beginning operation. If you want to change it dur-
ing performance. You must decrease the gain controls to their lowest levels to protect the speakers from any popping noise.
Stereo Operation - Page 13/Figure  9 details  an  example  of  a  typical  stereo  set-up.  Connect  your  inputs  into  channels  one  and 
two of the amplifier. Connect your speakers to the outputs on the rear of the amplifier. Be sure that your front gain controls are turned 
down to their lowest level (full counter-clockwise). Turn your amp on.\
 Turn your input source level up. Use your front gain controls to 
regulate the output volume. Be sure not to raise the volume to the clip level, however an intermittent clip signal is acceptable.
Mono Bridge Operation - Page 13/Figure 10 details a mono bridge set-up. Be sure your amplifier and all other audio equipment 
is powered down. Flip the Stereo/Parallel/Bridge switch to the Bridge position. Connect an input signal to channel one. Connect your 
speaker across  the red output binding post on the rear of your amplifier. Turn your equipment on (your amplifier should always be the 
last item you turn on). Apply an input source signal to your amplifier. Turn channel two gain up. Use the channel one gain to regulate 
your amplifier output.
Bridged-Mono Mode Caution - The voltage across the output terminals of a bridged ELX Series amplifier may equal or \
exceed 100 volts RMS and may be as high as 130 volts. Use fully insulated CLASS ONE wiring, and the load must be rated for up  
      to 2500 watts (@4 ohms).