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7 OPERATION AND PERFORMANCE
7.1 Introduction
The following sections provide comprehensive infor-
mation on amplifier connection, setup, operation, and
performance. The detailed information included here
is essential to realizing the full functionality of the Q
Series amplifiers.
7. Operation precautions
Make sure that the Power switch and the Remote
•
switch on the amplifier front panel are set to
"off" before making any input, output or network
connections, and also before manipulating the
DIP switches on the rear-panel.
Make sure that the AC mains voltage is correct
•
and matches the voltage printed on the rear panel
of the amplifier (115 V or 230 V).
•
Make sure that no signal is present at the input
to the amplifier when powering up. This will
produce an unintentionally loud initial volume
from the speakers.
7.3 Signal flow and headroom
7.3.1 Signal flow blocks
All Q Series amplifiers have the same signal flow
and feature set. The only difference is the amplifier's
maximum output current per channel.
The input stage of all Q Series amplifiers has a high
sensitivity to provide ample system headroom. This
in effect means that the input stage is almost impos-
sible to clip.
Input Amplifier
Gain select switches
14 Q Series Operation Manual
Level control
Clip Limiter
Front panel
Gain reduction
potentiometer
All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
Overall amplifier input gain is adjusted using the
input stage DIP switches. Please note that the gain
setting is global, affecting all four channels. Following
the input stage, the dedicated level control on each
channel allows signal attenuation from 0 dB to minus
infinity.
The Current Peak Limiter (CPL) section dynamically
limits the input signal based on three parameters:
sensed current level, feedback from the output stage,
and sensed voltage clip from the VPL (and output
amplifier voltage clip if "Soft Clip" activated). This
ensures that power output is maintained within the
design limits of the amplifier.
The adjustable Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL) sets the
maximum output voltage and therefore also the
maximum output power. Eight (8) different voltage
stages are available using the DIP switches on the
rear-panel. See table in Appendix section with VPL
ratings at typical loads.
The sophisticated output section monitors faults
and generates appropriate warnings, which are
displayed on the amplifier front panel and transmitted
through the NomadLink network. These alerts allow
the operator to adjust system settings and thereby
avoid problems. In the rare event that conditions are
extraordinarily severe, the amplifier will shut down
until the fault or problem setting has been rectified
or adjusted. These sensing circuits are also employed
to feed back voltage and current level information,
via a side chain, to the limiters. Sensing circuits
also transmit local amplifier module temperature
and power supply temperature to the appropriate
protection mechanisms. Read the Protection, Faults
and Warnings section for further details.
Voltage Peak Limiter
Dynamic
VPL select switches
Hard/Soft switch
Voltage Clip sensing
Current clip sensing
Output Power Amplifier
Class TD
Control Mute
Monitoring Level
Temperature
Fault/Warning
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