Martin Audio MA18K - 2010 User Manual page 7

Introduction
The totally new Martin Audio MA18K & 18K DSP technology 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, MA18K & 18K DSP 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 stadiums.
More sound and less weight
Compared to a conventional amplifier, Martin Audio MA18K & 18K DSP technology offers very high
efficiency and delivers more power to the loudspeakers with greatly 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 MA18K & 18K DSP 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 MA18K & 18K DSP 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 over parameters such as distortion, frequency
response, slew rate, power bandwidth and dumping factor.
Totally Digital with High Reliability
The MA18K & 18K DSP 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.
MA18K & 18K DSP amplifiers use very high sampling frequencies to obtain high performances across the
audio band.
The Best Amplifier for Your Mains
Martin Audio MA18K & 18K DSP 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.
Another great advantage of this technology is that its performance is, to a large extent, independent of mains
voltage. The rated output power does not vary with load/line conditions.
Martin Audio MA18K & 18K DSP power amplifiers
Martin Audio MA18K & 18K DSP power amplifiers have many advanced features, Digital control of many
parameters, adjustable maximum mains consumption, selectable digital presets and a graphic display that
shows detailed information of the status of the amplifier. You can appreciate the functionality of these and a
lot of other features by reading this manual carefully.
The Show Always Goes On
The MA18K & 18K DSP Series is completely protected against every possible error in operation and are
designed to work under every condition. They will deliver maximum power with maximum safety and
increased long-term reliability. Anticipating potential problems at the design stage means your show always
goes on!
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All material © 2010 Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice