American Audio Amplifier XSPA Series User Manual

							
AmericAn Audio
6122 S. Eastern Ave.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90040
www.AmericanAudio.us
   5/09
XSP-A Series
Powered Professional Two-Way 
Sound reinforcement Loudspeaker 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 2
XSP-A Series                                                    Contents
XSP-A Series                                                   Unpacking
XSP-A Series                                                  Introduction
Every XSP-A Series 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  car-
ton appears to be damaged carefully inspect your units for any damage and be sure all accessories 
necessary to operate the system have 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 speaker to your dealer without first contacting customer support. 
Introduction: Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio® XSP-A Series pro-
fessional sound reinforcement loudspeaker. This loudspeaker is a representation of American Audio’s 
continuing commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio products possible at an afford-
able  price.  The  XSP-A  Series  is  a  wo-way  active  loudspeaker  encased  in  a  light  weight  cabinet.  This 
speaker has been designed to be used as both a portable and a permanently installed unit. The speaker 
includes a poll mount slot and rubber feet on the bottom of the unit for portable applications and also 
includes  rigging  points  on  the  top,  bottom,  and  rear  of  the  unit  for  permanent  and  flight  installations. 
Please  read  and  understand  this  manual  completely  before  attempting  to  operate  your  new  speaker 
system. This booklet contains important information concerning the proper and safe operation of your 
new speaker.
Customer Support: American Audio® provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help 
and  answer  any  question  should  you  encounter  problems  during  your  initial  set  up  or  operation.  You 
may also visit us on the web at www.americandj.com for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours 
are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
 Voice:    (800) 322-6337
 Fax:    (323) 582-2610
  E-mail:   [email protected]
caution! There  are  no  user  serviceable  parts  inside  this  speaker.  Do  not  attempt  any  repairs,  without 
being instructed to do so by an authorized American Audio technician. Doing so will void your manufac-
tures warranty. In the unlikely event your speaker may require service, please contact American Audio®.
CUSTOMER  SUPPORT........................................................................\
..................................................2
UNPACKING.............................................................................................................................2
HANDLING  PRECAUTIONS.............................................................\
......................................................3
FEATURES...........................................................................................................................................4
PRODUCT REGISTRATION.......................................................................................\
.............................5
FRONT  PANEL  FEATURES..........................................................................................\
..........................6
XSP-8A  REAR PANEL  CONTROLS....................................................................................\
...................7
XSP-10A REAR PANEL  CONTROLS....................................................................................\
..................9
XSP-12A REAR PANEL CONTROLS....................................................................................\
................11
XSP-15A REAR PANEL CONTROLS....................................................................................\
................13
RIGGING  AND  MOUNTING.................................................................................................................17
AVAILAbLE  ACCESSORIES......................................................................................\
...........................19
W ARRANTY .......................................................................................................................................20
SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................................\
..21  
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 3
ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCKDO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle isintended to alert the user to the presence of importantoperating and maintenance (servicing) instructions inthe literature accompanying the appliance.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within anequilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to thepresence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within theproducts enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitudeto constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
reAd inSTrucTionS — All the safety and operatinginstructions should be read before the product isoperated.reTAin inSTrucTionS — The safety and operatinginstructions should be retained for future reference.Heed WArninGS — All warnings on the product andin the operating instructions should be adhered to.FoLLoW inSTrucTionS — All operating and useinstructions should be followed.cLeAninG — The product should be cleaned only witha polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean withfurniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other volatileliquids since they may corrode the cabinet.ATTAcHmenTS — Do not use attachments notrecommended by the product manufacturer as theymay cause hazards.WATer And moiSTure — Do not use this productnear water — for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement;or near a swimming pool; and the like.AcceSSorieS — Do not place this product on anunstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. Theproduct may fall, causing serious injury to a child oradult, and serious damage to the product. Use onlywith a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or tablerecommended by the manufacturer, or sold withthe product. Any mounting of the product shouldfollow the manufacturer’s instructions, and shoulduse a mounting accessory recommended by themanufacturer.cArT — A product and cart combination should bemoved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, anduneven surfaces may cause the product and cartcombination to overturn.
VenTiLATion — Slots and openings in the cabinet areprovided for ventilation and to ensure reliableoperation of the product and to protect it fromoverheating, and these openings must not beblocked or covered. The openings should never beblocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug,or other similar surface. This product should not beplaced in a built-in installation such as a bookcase orrack unless proper ventilation is provided or themanufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.PoWer SourceS — This product should be operatedonly from the type of power source indicated on themarking label. If you are not sure of the type ofpower supply to your home, consult your productdealer or local power company.LocATion – The appliance should be installed in astable location.nonuSe PeriodS – The power cord of the applianceshould be unplugged from the outlet when left un-used for a long period of time.
GroundinG or PoLAriZATion•If this product is equipped with a polarized alternatingcurrent line plug (a plug having one blade wider thanthe other), it will fit into the outlet only one way. Thisis a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plugfully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plugshould still fail to fit, contact your electrician toreplace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat thesafety purpose of the polarized plug.•If this product is equipped with a three-wiregrounding type plug, a plug having a third (grounding)pin, it will only fit into a grounding type power outlet.This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert theplug into the outlet, contact your electrician toreplace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat thesafety purpose of the grounding type plug.PoWer-cord ProTecTion - Power-supply cordsshould be routed so that they are not likely to bewalked on or pinched by items placed upon oragainst them, paying particular attention to cords atplugs, convenience receptacles, and the point wherethey exit from the product.ouTdoor AnTennA GroundinG — If an outsideantenna or cable system is connected to the product,be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded soas to provide some protection against voltage surgesand built-up static charges. Article 810 of the NationalElectrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides informationwith regard to proper grounding of the mast andsupporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wireto an antenna discharge unit, size of groundingconductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,c o n n e c t i o n t o g r o u n d i n g e l e c t r o d e s , a n drequirements for the grounding electrode. See FigureA.LiGHTninG — For added protection for this productduring a lightning storm, or when it is left unattendedand unused for long periods of time, unplug it fromthe wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cablesystem. This will prevent damage to the productdue to lightning and power-line surges.PoWer LineS — An outside antenna system shouldnot be located in the vicinity of overhead power linesor other electric light or power circuits, or where itcan fall into such power lines or circuits. Wheninstalling an outside antenna system, extreme careshould be taken to keep from touching such powerlines or circuits as contact with them might be fatal.oVerLoAdinG — Do not overload wall outlets,extension cords, or integral convenience receptaclesas this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
oBJecT And LiQuid enTrY - Never push objects ofany kind into this product through openings as theymay touch dangerous voltage points or short-outparts that could result in a fire or electric shock.Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.SerVicinG — Do not attempt to service this productyourself as opening or removing covers may exposeyou to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer allservicing to qualified service personnel.dAmAGe reQuirinG SerVice  - Unplug this productfrom the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualifiedservice personnel under the following conditions:• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.•If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen intothe product.•If the product has been exposed to rain or water.•If the product does not operate normally by followingthe operating instructions. Adjust only those controlsthat are covered by the operating instructions as animproper adjustment of other controls may result indamage and will often require extensive work by aqualified technician to restore the product to itsnormal operation.•If the product has been dropped or damaged in anyway.• When the product exhibits a distinct change inperformance — this indicates a need for service.rePLAcemenT PArTS -- When replacement partsare required, be sure the service technician has usedreplacement parts specified by the manufacturer orhave the same characteristics as the original part.Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electricshock, or other hazards.SAFeTY cHecK - Upon completion of any service orrepairs to this product, ask the service technician toperform safety checks to determine that the productis in proper operating condition.WALL or ceiLinG mounTinG — The product shouldnot be mounted to a wall or ceiling.HeAT — The product should be situated away from heatsources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, orother products (including amplifiers) that produceheat.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
ANTENNALEAD INWIRE
GROUNDCLAMP
ANTENNADISCHARGE UNIT(NEC SECTION 810-20)
GROUNDING CONDUCTORS(NEC SECTION 810-21)
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDINGELECTRODE SYSTEM(NEC ART 250, PART H)
ELECTRICSERVICEEQUIPMENT
Fig. A
NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE
C A U T I O N : T O R E D U C E T H E R I S K O F E L E C T R I C SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). T H E R E A R E N O U S E R S E R V I C E A B L E P A R T S INSIDE  REFER SERVICE TO YOUR AUTHORIZED AMERICAN AUDIO® SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
XSP-A Series                                          Handling Precautions 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 4
XSP-A Series                                             Safety Precautions
XSP-A Series loudspeaker can easily reproduce sound pressure levels (SPL)   sufficient  enough  to 
cause sever and permanent hearing damage. A great degree of care should be taken to protect your 
ears to prolong exposure to SPL in excess of 85db.
• For adult use only - Keep out of the reach of children.
•   be sure all power is turned off before making speaker connections
•  Do not remove the speaker cover or grill under any conditions
•    Always use a power cord that meets the manufactures exact power specifications
•   Disconnect from main power before making any type of connection
•   To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit rain or moisture
•   This speaker is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
•   Always mount this speaker in safe and stable matter.
•  be sure to tighten the pole mount screw when using a pole stand.
• Make sure your speaker stand has proper footing. Use sand bags when needed.
•   Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be     
 walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords   
 at  
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the speaker.
•    Heat -The speaker should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,    
 stoves, or other mixers (including amplifiers) that produce heat
•  be sure to save the packing carton in the event the unit needs to be returned for service
• Read all documentation before attempting to operate your new mixer. Please save all your docu-   
 mentation for future reference
•  Do not spill water or other liquids in to or on to your speaker
•  be sure that the local power outlet matches that of the required voltage for your speaker.
• Do not attempt to operate this speaker if the power cord has been frayed or broken. Please route 
 your   power cord out of the way of foot traffic
• Always have the gain controls set to their lowest level during initial power-up to prevent    
 speaker   damage
• Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the speaker beyond that described in this
 manual. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. The speaker should 
 only be serviced by qualified personal when;
    A.  Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the speaker
    b.   
The speaker has been exposed to rain or water
   C.  The speaker does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a change in performance
      D. The terminal/cross-over plate has been damaged 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 5
XSP-A Series                                                        Registration
XSP-A Series                                                    Main Features
XSP-8A:
•  100 Watt Built-In Bi-Amplifier
•  Heavy Duty Nylon Fiber Cabinet
•  built in XLR Mic and Line Level Inputs
•  Attached heavy Duty Rubber Feet
•  built-in Pole Mount
•  Three built-in Rigging Points
XSP-10A, 12A, & 15A:
•  200 Watt Built-In Bi-Amplifier (XSP-10A)
•  300 Watt Built-In Bi-Amplifier (XSP-12A)
•  400 Watt Built-In Bi-Amplifier (XSP-15A)
•  Neodymium Woofers (12P & 15P)
•  Clip and Power LEDs
The XSP-A Series speakers carry a one year (365 days) limited warranty. Please fill out the enclosed 
warranty  card  to  validate  your  purchase.  All  returned  service  items  whether  under  warranty  or  not, 
must be freight pre-paid and accompany a return authorization (R.A.) number. The R.A. number must 
be clearly written on the outside of the return package. A brief description of the problem as well as 
the  R.A.  number  must  also  be  written  down  on  a  piece  of  paper  and  included  in  the  shipping  con-
tainer. If the unit is under warranty, you must provide a copy of your proof of purchase invoice. You 
may obtain a R.A. number by contacting customer support at (800) 322-6337. All packages returned 
to  the  service  department  not  displaying  a  R.A.  number  on  the  outside  of  the  shipping  package  will 
be returned to the shipper unopened. 
The serial and model number for this unit is located on the rear panel  Please write down the num-
bers here and retain them for future reference.
Model No.________________________________   Date Purchased___________________________
Serial No.________________________________   Dealer Name______________________________
•  built-in Heavy Duty Carrying Handle
•  Seperate Microphone Volume Controls
•  XLR and RCA balanced Inputs 
•  Electronic Crossover
•  1/4” and XLR Line Outputs
•  bass, Treble, Level and Volume Controls
•  built in XLR & 1/4” Mic and Line Level Inputs
•  built In RCA Inputs
•  Heavy Duty Nylon Fiber Cabinet
•  built in XLR Mic and Line Level Inputs
•  Attached heavy Duty Rubber Feet
•  built-in Pole Mount
•  Three built-in Rigging Points 
						

							
MASTERTHROUGH

©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 6
XSP-A Series                                        Controls and Features
1. HIgH  FReqUenCy  tRAnSdUCeR  – This  unit  is  used  to  reproduce  the  high  frequency 
response.
2. WooFeR  –  The  high-powered  woofer  is  used  to  reproduce  the  midrange  and  low  frequen-
cies.
3. RUbbeR  Foot  – The  speaker  includes  heavy-duty  rubber  feet  on  the  bottom  of  the  unit. 
These  feet  are  used  to  secure  a  speaker  to  another  when  stacking.  They  are  also  used  to 
secure the speaker to the ground to prevent it from shifting during heavy bass reproduction.
4. Pole MoUnt SoCket – This socket is designed to fit a standard speaker pole mount or tri-
pod such as the American Audio® SPS-1b speaker stand.
5. StACkIng notCHeS – These notches are designed to line up with the rubber feet of another 
XSP-A Series and are used to support another speaker when they are stacked together.
6.  RIggIng PoIntS – The XSP-A Series speaker has three rigging points. These points are to be 
used  to  “fly”  or  suspend  the  speaker  in  the  air  by  some  means.  be  sure  to  follow  the  “flying” 
outlines on page 17.
7.  tRAnSPoRt HAndle – The XSP-A Series speakers come with built-in heavy-duty transpor-
tation handle. Use this handle for secure and easy transportation.
8. Pole MoUnt  loCkIng bolt – This pin is used to secure the speaker in place when mount-
ing the speaker in a pole mount configuration. Always be sure to tighten down on the locking 
bolt to prevent the speaker from shifting during use.
1
6
4
6
5
2
3
7
8
3 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 7
XSP-A Series                                        Controls and Features
1.  bAlAnCed XlR lIne InPUt – This connection is designed to accept a balanced line input 
signal  from  a  mixer  or  other  line  level  device  with  a  balanced  output  jack.  Use  a  balanced 
cable when the signal cable length exceeds 15 feet, this will reduce excessive signal loss.  be 
sure to connect only line level input devices such as mixers and tape machines to this jack.
2.  MIC  XlR  InPUt  - Plug  a  mic  directly  into  this  port  for  public  address  usage  and  let  your 
voice be heard. (No phantom power)
3.  MICRoPHone/lIne  InPUt VolUMe – This knob is used to increase or decrease the vol-
ume ouput on your XSP-8A.  
     4.  PoWeR IndICA toR led - LED lights up to indicate the speaker is on.
5.  ClIP  led - If this LED is lit it means your signal is clipping. To stop the signal from clipping 
lower the volume to the point where the LED is blinking along with the bass beat.
     6.  AC V oltAge  Sele Cto R - This switch is used to change the operating voltage. Operat-
  ing voltage can be toggled between 115v or 230v/50~60Hz.  be sure the selector is set to   
 the proper voltage for your area before attempting to operate the unit. Always be sure   
 main power is shut off before change the position of the Voltage Selector Switch.
7.   MAIn PoWeR SWItCH – This is the main power ON/OFF button. A green LED directly above 
the power switch will glow indicating power is ON.  before main power is applied, be sure you 
have made all connections to the speaker. Remember to avoid damaging pops to the speak-
ers, the mixer is turned on first and turned off last. Always turn down the INPUT VOLUME (3) 
before switching off the speaker. never turn off the speaker when there is a running sig-
nal! 
Rear of XSP-8A   
LEVEL
110V220V
MIC
INPUT
200WATTS
LINE INLINE OUT
1
2
3
7
6
5
4
9
8
10 
						

							
8. MAIn PoWeR Inlet – This connector is used to supply main power to the unit via the in-
cluded  detachable  power  cord.  The  power  connection  uses  an  I.E.C.  type  connector,  use 
only a power cord that matches this type of connection. be sure to only connect this unit to 
a power outlet that matches the printed power label on the unit. Never use a power when the 
ground prong has been removed or broken off. The ground prong is used to reduce the risk 
of electrical shock in case of an electrical short.  This cord is designed to fit in one direction 
only. Do not attempt to force a cord if it does not fit, be sure the cord is being inserted prop-
erly.
9.  FUSe HoldeR – This housing stores the 2 amp GMA protective fuse. Always replace with 
the  exact  same  type  fuse,  unless  otherwise  instructed,  by  an  authorized  American  Audio® 
service technician. Replacing with any other type of fuse than that of the recommended fuse 
will void your unit warranty.
10.  XlR  lIne  oUtPUt  –  Using  a  XLR  cable,  use  this  port  to  daisy  chain  from  your  XSP-8A  to 
another XSP-8A or other powered speaker.
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 8
XSP-A Series                                         Controls and Features 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 9
XSP-A Series                        XSP-10A - Controls and Features
Rear of XSP-10A   
1.  MIC  XlR  InPUt  - Plug  a  mic  directly  into  this  port  for  public  address  usage  and  let  your 
voice be heard. (No phantom power)
2.  MICRoPHone  InPUt  VolUMe  –  This  knob  is  used  to  increase  or  decrease  the  volume 
ouput on your XSP-10A.  
3. 1/4” MIC InPUt – Plug a mic directly into this port. 
4.  lIne leVel InPUt VolUMe – This knob is used to regulate the output signal of the line level 
source connected to the Line Level Inputs (5 & 7). 
5.  bAlAnCed RCA  lIne InPUt – This connection is designed to accept a balanced line input 
signal  from  a  mixer  or  other  line  level  device  with  a  balanced  output  jack.  Use  a  balanced 
cable when the signal cable length exceeds 15 feet, this will reduce excessive signal loss.  be 
sure to connect only line level input devices such as mixers and tape machines to this jack.
6.    oUtPUt  VolUMe  – This  knob  is  used  to  regulate  the  output  signal  being  sent  to another 
XSP-8A or other powered speaker. 
7.  bAlAnCed XlR  lIne InPUt – This connection is designed to accept a balanced line input 
signal  from  a  mixer  or  other  line  level  device  with  a  balanced  output  jack.  Use  a  balanced 
cable when the signal cable length exceeds 15 feet, this will reduce excessive signal loss. 
     8. tReble ContRol – This knob is used to regulate the amount treble applied to the output  
 signal. The maximum amount of treble gain is +12db and the maximum amount of treble  
 decrease is -12db. Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the   
 amount of treble applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will  
 increase the amount of treble applied to a channel signal.
1
10
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
17
16
15
14
13
12
11 
						

							
©American Audio®   -   www.AmericanAudio.us   -  XSP-A Series   -   Instruction Manual Page 10
XSP-A Series                                        Controls and Features
     9.  1/4” lIne oUtPUt JACk – This jack is used to send the incoming line level signal from  
 either of the Line Level Inputs Jacks to another XSP-10A or other powered speaker. 
    10. bASS ContRol – This knob is used to regulate the amount bass applied to the output  
 signal. The maximum amount of bass gain is +12db and the maximum amount of bass   
 decrease is -12db. Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the   
 amount of bass applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will  
 increase the amount of bass applied to a channel signal.
     11. XlR lIne oUtPUt – Using a XLR cable, use this port to daisy chain from your XSP-10A to  
 another XSP-10A or other powered speaker.
     12. PoWeR IndICA toR led - LED lights up to indicate the speaker is on.
13. ClIP led - If this LED is lit it means your signal is clipping. To stop the signal from clipping 
lower the volume to the point where the LED is blinking along with the bass beat.
     14. AC V oltAge  Sele Cto R - This switch is used to change the operating voltage. Operat-
  ing voltage can be toggled between 115v or 230v/50~60Hz.  be sure the selector is set to   
 the proper voltage for your area before attempting to operate the unit. Always be sure   
 main power is shut off before change the position of the Voltage Selector Switch.
15. MAIn PoWeR Inlet – This connector is used to supply main power to the unit via the in-
cluded  detachable  power  cord.  The  power  connection  uses  an  I.E.C.  type  connector,  use 
only a power cord that matches this type of connection.  be sure to only connect this unit to 
a power outlet that matches the printed power label on the unit. Never use a power when the 
ground prong has been removed or broken off. The ground prong is used to reduce the risk 
of electrical shock in case of an electrical short.  This cord is designed to fit in one direction 
only. Do not attempt to force a cord if it does not fit, be sure the cord is being inserted prop-
erly.
16.  FUSe  HoldeR  –  This  housing  stores  the  3.15  amp  GMA  protective  fuse.  Always  replace 
with  the  exact  same  type  fuse,  unless  otherwise  instructed,  by  an  authorized  American 
Audio®  service  technician.  Replacing  with  any  other  type  of  fuse  than  that  of  the  recom-
mended fuse will void your unit warranty.
17.  MAIn PoWeR SWItCH – This is the main power ON/OFF button. A green LED directly above 
the power switch will glow indicating power is ON.  before main power is applied, be sure you 
have made all connections to the speaker. Remember to avoid damaging pops to the speak-
ers, the mixer is turned on first and turned off last. Always turn down the INPUT VOLUME (3) 
before switching off the speaker. never turn off the speaker when there is a running sig-
nal!