American Audio Amplifier VLP 2500 User Manual
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User Instructions Professional Power Amplifier VLP 2500AmericAn Audio® 6122 S. eastern Ave. Los Angeles ca. 90040 rev. 9/10
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'entretien 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. Aver TiSSemenT : 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 - vLP 2500 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 o PT imum Per Form Ance And re LiAB iL iTY do no T P reSen T TH e Am PL iF ier WiTH A SP eAK er LoAd o F L eS S T H A n 2 oHm S o r AnY com Bin AT ion o F SP eAK erS THAT ToGeTHer Are LeSS THAn 2 oHmS! uSin G one SPeAK er, iT mu ST B e rATed AT 4 or more oHmS. uSin G TW o SP eAK erS, TH eY mu ST rATed eAcH AT 4 or more oHmS. uSi n G T H r e e S PeA K e rS , T H eY 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. Po u r A S S u r e r L A F iA B iL e Te eT o BT eniT une P erForm Ance oPTim ALe, n eSo u m e T Te JA mAiS L’A mPL iF i c AT eu r A u n e c H A rG e d ’i m Pe d An c e ToTA L e inFerieure A 2 oHm S, ni A vec un H.P. ni en com Bin AiS on de S H.P. Av e c u n H . P. , iL FA uT u n e c H A rG e d’im Ped Ance minimum de 2 o Hm S. Avec deu X H.P., FA uT P our c HA oun une c H A rG e d ’i m Pe d An c e m i n i m u m d e 4 oHm S. Avec T roiS H.P., FA uT P our cHA oun une cH u r Ge d ’i m Pe d An c e m i n i m u m d e 8 oHm S. Contents: Safety Precautions.......................................................................................................................................................................................4 introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................................4 Front Panel...................................................................................................................................................................................................5 rear Panel....................................................................................................................................................................................................6 inputs...........................................................................................................................................................................................................7 outputs............................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Speakon output connector Assembly.......................................................................................................................................................9 operating modes........................................................................................................................................................................................10 Protection circuitry Limiter.................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Short circuit Protection...................................................................................................................................................................11 Thermal Protection..........................................................................................................................................................................12 Amplifier Features.......................................................................................................................................................................................12 Speaker Setup............................................................................................................................................................................................13 Warranty.................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Specifications...............................................................................................................................................................................................15 ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 3
Important Precautions
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this
unit rain or 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 fixture 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® vLP 2500 amplifier. This amplifier is a represen-
tation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the
best and highest quality products all 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 vLP 2500 amplifier has been thoroughly tested
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 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
v oice: (800) 322-6337 e-mail: [email protected]
Fax: (323) 582-2941
©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 4
PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER VLP2500 PROCLIP POWER1015 CH A0 dB 106 3 1 80 30 15PRO CLIP POWER1015 CH B0 dB 10 6 3 1 80 30 15 1. Channel 1 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. 2. Channel 1 Protect Indicator - The red 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. 3. Channel 1 Clip Indicator - This red Led will begin to flash when channel one begins to overload (clip). At this point channel one will be- gin to distort. 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. 4. Channel 1 signal Indicators - These green and yellow Led’s will glow according to the average signal output. 5. Function Indicators - These indicators detail the operating mode of the amplifier. These Leds will also function as a power indicator. 6. Power switch - This switch is used to control the units main power. 7. Channel 2 signal Indicators - These green and yellow Led’s will glow according to the average signal output. 8. Channel 2 Clip Indicator - This red Led will begin to flash when channel one begins to overload (clip). At this point channel one will be- gin to distort. under heavy clipping activity lower the channel one gain ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 5 Front Panel VLP2500 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. 9. Channel 2 Protect Indicator - The red 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. 10. Channel 2 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. Figure 1 110987543265
©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 6 rear Panel Control VLP2500 21. Cooling Fans - dual high speed cooling fans 22. Channel 2 XLr Input - channel two 3-pin XLr balanced input jack. See page 9 for more details. 23. Channel 2 trs Input - channel two 1/4” female jack. excepts either a bal- anced or unbalanced plug. See page 9 for more details. 24. Mode switch - This switch controls the amplifier’s operating mode. The amplifier can operate in three different modes; mono Bridge, Stereo, or Parallel mono. The amplifier is shipped in stereo mode. 25. ground on/off switch - if hear a hum or any interference, put the Ground switch in the “on” postion . 26. Channel 2 speakon output - optional speaker output connections. use pins 1+ and 1- of this 4-pole Speakon connector to connect to your speaker’s Speakon input jack. 27. Channel 2 output Jack/5 way Binding Post - connect to your speaker’s input jack. red is positive signal and Black is negative signal. 28. Fuse holder - This housing stores 30 amp G mA protective fuse for the 120 v version and 15 amp GmA fuse for the 230/245 v version. 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 American Audio® service technician. 29. aC Cord - Plug this cable into a standard wall outlet. check that the voltage in your area matches the amplifiers required voltage. 30. Channel 1 output Jack/5 way Binding Post - connect to your speaker’s input jack. red is positive signal and Black is negative signal. 31. Channel 1 speakon output - optional speaker output connections. use pins 1+ and 1- of this 4-pole Speakon connector to connect to your speaker’s Speakon input jack. 32. Filter switch - This switch controls the amplifier’s filter mode. The amplifier can operate in three different filter modes; High Pass, Low Pass, and By-Pass. 33. sensitivity switch - This switch lets you choose the input sensitivity. 34. Channel 1 trs Input - channel one 1/4” female jack. excepts either a bal- anced or unbalanced plug. See page 9 for more details. 35. Channel 1 XLr input - channel one 3-pin XLr balanced input jack. See page 9 for more details. 36. Limiter switch - This switch is used to limit the input level. use this function to avoid damage to your speakers. Figure 2 212128272625242322 30293433323135 36
oUtpUts: binding post/banana plug - connect your speakers to the binding post outputs on the rear of the amplifier. The speaker wire may be connect by bare wire (directly connected, usually for permanent connections), banana plug, or spade connector. connections are made to channels 1 and 2 output’s for stereo mode or across the red ter- minals of channels 1 and 2 for mono Bridge mode. Important notice: Although a speaker will operate with the positive and negative leads plugged into either ter- minal on the amplifier binding post, be sure to plug the negative lead into the black terminal and positive lead into the red terminal. ensuring proper polarity will avoid speakers being out of phase, that can cause a loss of bass response. Important notice: Banana Plugs - When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using banana jacks; Be sure that the red and black caps on the binding post are completely screwed in. insert the banana jacks into the caps of the binding post, be sure that the banana jack is inserted securely to avoid the risk of it popping out. Figure 6 ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 7 set Up InpUts - The vLP 2500 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 connectors. use these connections to connect the output signal from a mixer, cross-over or eQ to your vLP 2500 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. For cable runs shorter than 20ft. you may choose the 1/4” unbalanced input option. The 1/4” unbalanced input option may be more convenient for most users due to the abundant supply of prefabricated cables available at your local audio dealer. Unbalanced TS 1/4” Plug Hot (+) Negati ve (-) Figure 5 Balanced TRS 1/4 ” Plug Ground/Shield Hot (+) Ne gati ve (-) Figure 4 2 Hot (+ data) 3 Negative (- data)1 Ground/Return/ 0v) 1 3 2 Male XLR Pin Con guration: US ITT Standard Figure 3
spade Connector: (Figure 8) When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using spade connector; unscrew the red and black caps on the binding post, be sure not to completely remove or unscrew the red and black caps. insert the spade con- nector in to the binding post and tighten the caps down on the spade connector. 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. When connecting your speakers to the amplifier using banana jacks; Be sure that the red and black caps on the binding post are tighten down completely. insert the banana jacks into the caps of the binding post, be sure that the banana jack is inserted securely to avoid the risk of it popping out. Mono bridge Connections: mono bridge operation connections will follow the above descriptions however, when operating in mono bridge operation the speaker connections will run between the two positive (red) leads. use channel two pos- itive output terminal for the negative connection and the channel one positive output terminal for the positive connection. Typical speaker output using spade connectors. insert bare wire into the binding post and tighten. Figure 8 stereo Connections Using the neutrik speakon output connectors: recent regulatory requirements in europe have outlawed the use of the dual banana plug and force 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 common 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. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 8 bare Wire Connections: (Figure 7) 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 7
sPeakon asse MBL y: You will need a pair of neutrik Speakon® n L4F c 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 9. 2. Slide the cable tension clip (d) and the speakon coupler (e) through the cable end. See Figure 10. 3. insert each wire with the brass fittings into the top of appropriate slot of the connector insert (B) as shown in Figures 10 and 11. use a 1.5-mm Allen key to tighten the connection. See Figure 11. 4. Be sure to properly match the positive (+) and negative (–) leads of each wire. See Figure 12. 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 easily 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. ©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 Power Amplifier user manual Page 9 Figure 9 C 1 C 2UTPUTSCAUTIONMINIMUM LOAD IMPEDANCE 2 OHM PERCHANNEL 4 OHM BRIDGEINPUT T UINPUT BA ANCE 120 60 4800 A TTSSPEAKON 1+ HOT 1 COLDC 1 C 2-+- +N- B I DE + + +1 -1+2 +2 ++1 -1+2 +2 Figure 12 Figure 11 4-Conductor Speaker Cable Brass Inserts Figure 10 D E B A C
©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - vLP 2500 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 13 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 16 details a mono bridge set-up. Be sure your amplifier and all other audio equipment is powered down. Flip the Stereo/mono Bridge switch to the mono 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 vLP 2500 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) Parallel Mono - “Parallel ” ties the two channel line inputs together so that they will both be driven by the same signal, without the need for external jumpers or wiring. Both amplifier channels will operate independently. Though they carry the same signal, their gain controls affect only their respective channels, and they both must use their respected speaker outputs. never attempt to parallel the speaker outputs, this may cause serious damage to your amplifier! This mode is recommended when using the vLP 2500 to run bass speakers, to achieve better low end. To run in parallel mono mode connect your system as you would if you were going to run in stereo mode. Then flip the mode switch to “mono.” Be sure the amp is off or the power is disconnected before making any changes.