Introduction - Martin Audio MA12K - 2007 User Manual

speaker "bottoming out" - harsh pops or cracking distortion that indicate that the speaker voice coil or
diaphragm is striking the magnet assembly.
Martin Audio recommends that you use amplifiers of this power range for more headroom (cleaner sound)
rather than for increased volume.
Consult the relevant Martin Audio User Guide paying particular attention to limiter recommendations. Our
usual limiter recommendations restrict the continuous power delivered to the loudspeaker system whilst
allowing short-term peaks to pass unhindered.
Speaker output shock hazard
A Martin Audio amplifier is capable of producing hazardous output voltages. To avoid electrical shock, do
not touch any exposed speaker wiring while the amplifier is operating.
This manual contains important information on operating your Martin Audio amplifier correctly and
safety. Please read it carefully before operating your amplifier. If you have any questions, contact
your Martin Audio dealer.

Introduction

The totally new technology employed in the Martin Audio 9.6K, 12K & 18K power amplifiers has changed the
way the world looks at professional audio amplification. No other amplifiers come close for applications
demanding high power and long term reliability. Thanks to amazing reductions in heat output along with
reductions in weight and the specific high output power, 9.6K, 12K & 18K amplifiers can be used in an
unlimited range of applications such as concert touring, opera houses, theatres, churches, cinema, theme
parks, television sound stages and industrial applications.
More sound and less weight
Compared to a conventional amplifier, Martin Audio 9.6K, 12K & 18K amplifiers offer very high efficiency and
deliver more power to the loudspeakers with much reduced heat dissipation. This greater efficiency enables
dimensions, weight and power consumption to be reduced. The output stages of the amplifiers typically run
at 95% efficiency, dissipating only 5% of the input energy as heat.
One of the most interesting characteristics is that 9.6K, 12K & 18K efficiency is almost independent of output
level. Conventional amplifiers achieve their best efficiency only at full rated power output. Since standard
music has an average power density of 40% of the maximum level, conventional amplifiers can easily
generate 10 times more heat than 9.6K, 12K or 18K amplifiers for the same volume of sound.
Superior Sound-Sonic Accuracy
Crystal-clear highs, and a tight, well-defined low end: the most accurate reproduction of an audio signal.
Patented design features ensure very high performance in parameters such as distortion, frequency
response, slew rate, power bandwidth and dumping factor.
Totally Digital with High Reliability
The 9.6K, 12K & 18K series is based on PWM technology that has been used for 30 years or more in power
supplies and inverters. PWM provides high reliability, small size, low weight and high efficiency. A PWM
converter works as a high frequency sampler, converting the variable amplitude (audio) signal into an
impulse sequence with average value equal to the audio input.
9.6K, 12K & 18K amplifiers use very high sampling frequencies to obtain high performances across the
audio band.
The Best Amplifier for Your Mains
Martin Audio 9.6K, 12K & 18K amplifiers adopt Power Factor Correction. This unique feature ensures that a
predominantly resistive load is presented to mains, minimizing current distortion and voltage/current
displacement. This leads to much improved performance of the amplifier at high levels of output and avoids
mains-voltage collapses, typical of standard and switching power supplies.
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.