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MC2 Audio ti series Instruction Manual

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  • Page 2 Page 2 Amplifier Operator’s Manual...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Important Safety Instructions................7 Thanks .......................... 10 Unpacking the amplifier ..................10 Introduction........................11 Installation........................12 Operation........................13 Front Panel Controls and Indicators............. 14 1: Limit Indicators..............................14 2: Power Switch ..............................14 3: Level Controls ..............................15 4: Bridged Mode Indicator..........................15 5: Comms Indicator ...............................15 6: A/P (Audio Protect) –...
  • Page 4 Remote Control and Monitoring ..............22 Overview ............................. 22 Basic Local System Control ....................22 Remote Control On-line via a Computer with ICORE ........23 Introduction to ICORE – a crash course (not literally) ........25 Going on-line for the first time ........................25 Layout of the Main Window..........................27 Amplifier “Front Panel”...
  • Page 5 Appendix 1 – Internal Adjustments............... 49 Disabling the Front Panel Gain Controls (Dual Channel Amps) ...... 49 Disabling the Front Panel Gain Controls (Ti-4250) ..........50 Adjusting the Amplifier’s Absolute Gain (Dual Channel Amps) ......51 Adjusting the Amplifier’s Absolute Gain (Ti-4250) ..........52 Resetting the Amplifier to Factory Defaults..............53 Dual Channel Amps Internal Reset......................
  • Page 6 An example of this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European and international Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety: Radiated Emissions (EU): EN55013-1 (1996) RF Immunity (EU): EN55103-2 (1996) RF Immunity, ESD, Burst Transient, Surge, Dips &Dwells Electrical Safety (EU): EN60065 (1993)

  • Page 7: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions Read the instructions. • Keep the instructions. • Heed all warnings. • Follow all instructions. • Do not use this apparatus near water. • Clean only with dry cloth. • Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with •...
  • Page 8 Lire les instructions. • Conserver les instructions. • Respecter tous les avertissements. • Suivre les instructions. • Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près de l'eau. • Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon sec. • Ne pas obstruer les ouvertures de ventilation. Installer l'appareil •...
  • Page 9 CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN. ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR. WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. AVERTISSEMENT: CET APPARIEL DOIT MIS A LA TERRE. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

  • Page 10: Thanks

    Thanks Ti Series Thank you for choosing an MC amplifier for your application. Please spend a little time reading through this manual, so that you obtain the best possible performance from the unit. All MC products are carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge performance and world-class reliability.

  • Page 11: Introduction

    Introduction Ti Series Your power amplifier is a no compromise, high quality, class AB power amplifier. There is no dynamic switching of the audio or power rails (a very common method of achieving extra power at the expense of audio quality) thus ensuring optimum sonic performance.

  • Page 12: Installation

    Installation Electrical Considerations The amplifier has been manufactured to comply with your local power supply requirements, but before connecting the unit to the supply, ensure that the voltage (printed on the rear panel) is correct, and that a mains fuse of the correct type and rating has been fitted.

  • Page 13: Operation

    Operation Read all documentation before operating your equipment and retain all documentation for future reference. Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit and do not operate the unit while standing in liquid. Do not block fan intake or rear ventilation outlets or operate the unit in an environment that could impede the free flow of air around the unit.

  • Page 14: Front Panel Controls And Indicators

    Front Panel Controls and Indicators 1: Limit Indicators Ti Series amplifiers incorporate signal limiters, which are preset to prevent clipping with high levels of drive. The LEDs on the front panel illuminate to indicate operation of the limiters. 2: Power Switch...

  • Page 15: 3: Level Controls

    At ‘switch-on’ the “POWER” LED will begin to flash red/amber until the power on delay time has expired, at which point the amplifier will fully activate, and the LED will turn green. This power on delay is remotely programmable from 0 to 60 seconds to allow racks of amplifiers in the same location to be power sequenced, preventing unnecessary in-rush surges and unwanted circuit breaker tripping.

  • Page 16: 6: A/P (Audio Protect) - Fault Indicator

    6: A/P (Audio Protect) – Fault Indicator If the outputs are shorted or if DC is present, the protection circuit will disengage the outputs and the “A/P” LED will illuminate. The amplifier will continue to be monitored and depending on the type of fault, will either reset after the fault has cleared or require manual resetting by switching off at the mains switch and then on again after a few seconds.

  • Page 17: Rear Panel Controls, Connections And Indicators

    Rear Panel Controls, Connections and Indicators 1: Internal Safety Earth Connection This earth point may be used as a common ground within a rack of equipment. (Not fitted to Ti-4250.) 2: RS485 Comms Connections Remote control connections are either via the pair of XLR sockets, wired as follows: Pin 1: Shield/Ground Pin 2: Data A (+)

  • Page 18: 3: General Purpose Interface Port (Gpi)

    (Ti4250) , which is wired the same way as the XLR connections. For details of setting up remote control, or connecting to a Breakout box running in master mode (for automatic system monitoring), please see the section on page 22 of this manual.

  • Page 19: Mode Switch

    Mode Switch This momentary action switch cycles through the three amplifier modes, illuminating the accompanying mode LED as appropriate: Mono Mode – Yellow LED Stereo Mode – Green LED Bridge Mode – Red LED (and front panel LED) This mode is automatically stored by the microprocessor. It is also adjustable by remote control.

  • Page 20: 7: Audio Input "Phoenix" Connections

    7: Audio Input “Phoenix” Connections The “Phoenix” audio connectors are simply wired in parallel with the XLR connectors, and should be GND + connected as follows, (left to right): PIN1: Screen PIN2: Hot (signal +) PIN3: Cold (signal -) Speaker Output Connections The speaker outputs are via Neutrik Speakon connectors.

  • Page 21: Bridged (Mono) Operation

    Bridged (Mono) Operation Supply the signal to Channel A input only & select “Bridge Mode” by pressing the “MODE” switch until the “Bridge” LED is illuminated. Use Channel A Output Speakon connector and connect as follows: PIN 2+: HOT PIN 1-: COLD Ti-4250: Bridge mode only operable on channel C&D, using channel C’s Speakon PIN 2+: HOT PIN 1-: COLD...

  • Page 22: Remote Control And Monitoring

    Remote Control and Monitoring Overview Ti Series There are three distinct methods of remote control available to the amplifiers, allowing for various levels of system complexity. These may be thought of as: Basic Local System Control • Remote Monitoring and Control On-line via a Computer with ICORE •...

  • Page 23: Remote Control On-Line Via A Computer With Icore

    Remote Control On-line via a Computer with ICORE Amplifiers can be connected, via their RS485 port, directly to a computer running ICORE, allowing for comprehensive configuration of their properties, adjustment of various real time parameters, and monitoring of their operating condition. Network audio link INPUT...
  • Page 24 9-pin D type Phoenix Pin 4 Pins 3+7 (Brown + Orange) Pins 8+2 (Black + Yellow) Connect to the first amplifier via its RS485 input socket. To connect to further amplifiers, just use standard microphone leads and daisy chain in to out. Note that the RS485 Phoenix connector is wired in parallel with the RS485 XLRs, so these may be used instead –...

  • Page 25: Introduction To Icore - A Crash Course (Not Literally)

    Introduction to ICORE – a crash course (not literally) Going on-line for the first time Having physically connected all devices to the computer through a suitable RS485 converter, and installed the software successfully, we now need to check the virtual COM port that the converter is using so we can match this with the COM port in ICORE.
  • Page 26 Expand the window to fill your screen and then, from the menus, choose Tools Options, and select the Comms tab. Make sure the COM port number selected from the drop down list matches the one discovered earlier. The baud rate must remain at 57600 to ensure compatibility with all connected...

  • Page 27: Layout Of The Main Window

    None the less, the entire process will take approximately 90 seconds to complete. As the search continues, the device view should begin to fill up with connected units. When complete, depending on what’s connected of course, there should now be a “rack” of devices like this: Device View Window Properties Window Virtual rack shows all connected...
  • Page 28 In the example on the last page, all devices are off-line, as shown by the red indicator by each unit in the Device View and the System Monitor view. When connected and on-line, the indicators will be green. A yellow flashing indicator means there is a problem –...
  • Page 29 Reorganising the Main Window To move inner windows about, pick them up by their title bar: Pick window up by the title bar and begin to drag... For example, to move the properties window and re-dock it, pick up the properties window by its title bar and begin to drag it.
  • Page 30 of the main window, and either fully across this window, or bracketed by the device view and/or properties window. The device view and properties windows can be combined into a single tabbed window by picking either up and dragging it directly onto the other window where a new anchor will appear.
  • Page 31 Auto-hiding Windows All inner windows can be set to “auto-hide”, so they disappear into the edge of the main window when not required to maximise available screen area, but make them quickly available if necessary. Remember, if any windows have been closed they can be reinstated through the menu View Toolbars and Docking Windows.
  • Page 32 Zoning Devices The zones shown in the Device View and System Monitor windows allows groups of devices to be logically arranged to reflect their physical locations more accurately than just one large list of units. The example below has different amplifiers (and breakout boxes) split into two zones, and the units reordered to make it easier to locate them on screen.

  • Page 33: Amplifier "Front Panel" Controls, Readouts And Indicators

    Amplifier “Front Panel” Controls, Readouts and Indicators Double click an amplifier in the system monitor or device window to show the front panel. When on-line, the bottom “vent” glows green. If the amplifier is off- line, perhaps due to a comms issue then this glow will change to red. The controls, indicators and displays are: 1) Channel output voltage indicator: This gives an averaged indication of signal present and is deliberately not calibrated, as it will show full scale at...
  • Page 34 8) “Cycle Display” button: Pressing this will change the Status Display to show connected load readings, along with averaged output voltage and current readings. This can also be actioned with a double click on the actual Status Display screen. 9) “Mode” button: Press this to cycle through the three amplifier modes. Note that in “Bridge”...

  • Page 35: Additional Amplifier Properties

    Additional Amplifier Properties All other amplifier properties that are not directly related to audio and real time control are listed in the Properties window. These are: General: ID: This is the amplifier’s unique serial number (Read only) Amp Name: Click to edit the name of the amplifier Firmware version: Currently running amp firmware (Read only) Channel names: Click to edit channel names Power on Delay: Enter a time from 0 to 60 seconds to adjust the...

  • Page 36: Remote Monitoring Off-Line With A Breakout Box

    Remote Monitoring Off-line with a Breakout Box Ti Series By using a Breakout box, the system can be monitored for any fault conditions using the same connections as for full on-line remote monitoring, but with the advantage that a PC doesn’t have to remain on and running ICORE at all times.
  • Page 37 There are G.P. input lines available on the breakout boxes as well, which can be used to send global network commands to all amplifiers, putting them into standby or muting them. For more information on connecting Breakout boxes and configuring the GPIO, please see its operator’s manual.

  • Page 38: The General Purpose Interface - Utilisation

    The General Purpose Interface – Utilisation Overview The general purpose input output port has many uses including the following operating options, all programmable via ICORE: A general purpose input which may be programmed to: Control the amplifier's standby/active state (logic level) Mute both channels (logic level) Bypass the power on delay (logic level) Variable VCA level control of both channels (analogue voltage)

  • Page 39: Example Uses Of The Gpio Port Lines

    Example uses of the GPIO port lines Ti Series Given the flexibility of the GPIO lines on the of amplifiers, there will undoubtedly be many uses beyond what we intend, but just to help, here are some examples of how we envisage the port to be used.
  • Page 40 Note that changing the property of the “Output” GPIO Config will make the amplifier trigger it’s output line (and relay, if enabled) in response to different conditions, such as excessive limiting, or measured load errors. Please see the section on page 45 for how to configure the amplifier to monitor its connected loads.

  • Page 41: Automatic Muting Of Single Or Multiple Amplifiers

    Automatic muting of single or multiple amplifiers The GPI input line can be configured to automatically mute the amplifier, or multiple amplifiers, in the event of a fire alarm system needing to take precedence for voice evacuation purposes. Note that local muting takes precedence over remote muting though ICORE.

  • Page 42: Vca Control Of Amplifier Levels

    VCA control of amplifier levels Each amplifier is equipped with a digital potentiometer which can be controlled either remotely using ICORE, or locally via the GPIO port. Note that the local control will take precedence over any remote settings so it’s advisable not to enable local control at the same time as trying to make remote adjustments.
  • Page 43 If required, the front panel pots can be disabled – this setting can be monitored through ICORE, but not adjusted. Please see the section on page 49 for how to disable these controls. *Muting is specified as –90dB gain reduction relative to 0dB and this is only possible using the mute facility –...
  • Page 44 The slave amplifier is set to “Standby Enable” via the GPI line. In this way, a 3v3 signal on its GPI line will hold it in standby. Under normal operating conditions, the 3v3 signal will be supplied by the master amplifier though the NC relay contact.

  • Page 45: Load Monitoring - What For And How

    Load Monitoring – What For and How Overview Ti Series All the amplifiers incorporate sophisticated load monitoring facilities that may be used for general feedback of the connected load conditions, or programmed to provide simple go/no-go status. The system has been optimised to work with steady state stimuli – that is either a continuous tone, or pink noise.

  • Page 46: Learning" The Connected Impedance

    “Learning” the Connected Impedance Whilst the amplifier is always measuring the impedance of the connected (or disconnected!) load, it is necessary to interface with a PC and use ICORE to set the impedance reference and the allowable deviation from this value. Assuming the amplifier is connected to its load and also to the PC, in ICORE bring up the amplifier’s “Front Panel”.
  • Page 47 Once the impedance reading has registered, click in the Properties window by the Impedance Alarm Value for this channel. A “Set” button will appear. Pressing this will capture the impedance displayed on the main panel, and the amplifier will learn this as its valid load reference. You can press this as often as you want to capture the value required.
  • Page 48 To summarise, if there is going to be program material present then use a wide window value. A smaller value can be used for testing if this can be performed under guaranteed conditions – no program material - and a set frequency stimulus signal.

  • Page 49: Appendix 1 - Internal Adjustments

    Appendix 1 – Internal Adjustments Disabling the Front Panel Gain Controls (Dual Channel Amps) For added security the front panel potentiometers can be disabled, preventing unwanted tampering with gain settings of any amplifier. This is achieved by setting links on the input board internally. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any...

  • Page 50: Disabling The Front Panel Gain Controls (Ti-4250)

    Disabling the Front Panel Gain Controls (Ti-4250) For added security the front panel potentiometers can be disabled, preventing unwanted tampering with gain settings of any amplifier. This is achieved by setting links on the input board internally. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any heatsinks as they may still be at a high potential! After removing the lid and with the rear panel facing you, locate the input circuit...

  • Page 51: Adjusting The Amplifier's Absolute Gain (Dual Channel Amps)

    Adjusting the Amplifier’s Absolute Gain (Dual Channel Amps) The voltage gain of the amplifier can be selected to be either +32dB (standard) or +36dB to match system sensitivity as required. This is achieved by setting links on the input board internally. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any...

  • Page 52: Adjusting The Amplifier's Absolute Gain (Ti-4250)

    Adjusting the Amplifier’s Absolute Gain (Ti-4250) The voltage gain of the amplifier can be selected to be either +32dB (standard) or +36dB to match system sensitivity as required. This is achieved by setting links on the input board internally. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any heatsinks as they may still be at a high potential!

  • Page 53: Resetting The Amplifier To Factory Defaults

    Resetting the Amplifier to Factory Defaults If for any reason you need to set the amplifier back to its factory default settings, there are three levels of reset available. These are performed using either the rear panel reset switch or the internal reset link. The internal reset link’s location is described overleaf.

  • Page 54: Dual Channel Amps Internal Reset

    Dual Channel Amps Internal Reset After removing the lid and with the rear panel facing you, locate the input circuit board as shown below – it is attached to the input and RS485 XLR connectors. Find the link as marked by the arrow, and move it as shown to reset. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any...

  • Page 55: Ti-4250 Internal Reset

    Ti-4250 Internal Reset After removing the lid and with the rear panel facing you, locate the input circuit board as shown below – it is attached to the input and RS485 XLR connectors. Find the link as marked by the arrow, and move it as shown to reset. SAFETY WARNING Removing the lid will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages! Disconnect the amplifier from the mains supply and do not touch any...

  • Page 56: Appendix Ii: Updating Amplifier Firmware

    Appendix II: Updating Amplifier Firmware Overview The firmware that runs the amplifier hardware and controls the remote comms may be updated via the RS485 network using the loader engine built into ICORE. Before explaining how to update the firmware, please note that ONLY ONE AMPLIFIER/BREAKOUT BOX MAY BE UPDATED AT A TIME –...
  • Page 57 The loader will start scanning for all connected devices to determine what unit it has to update. After a few seconds the amplifier will be found and identified (its Power LED will begin to flash yellow). Check the model number which will be shown in the status pane, and if OK, press the “Load”...

  • Page 58: Recovery Update Procedure

    Recovery Update Procedure If there was a problem during the update procedure, or iCore is not available, it is possible to update the amplifier in “boot-load” mode using a basic terminal program, provided a copy of the firmware is available. We recommend using HyperTerminal, which is always built into Windows.
  • Page 59 It should now be possible to connect to the amplifier to begin the boot-load procedure. ONLY ONE AMPLIFIER/BREAOUT BOX MAY BE UPDATED AT A TIME – TURN OFF ALL OTHER CONNECTED UNITS DURING THE UPDATE PROCEDURE! To force the amplifier into boot-load mode, press the Identify button on the rear panel and hold it in whilst turning the amplifier on.
  • Page 60 Pressing “Open” when the file has been located will start the load procedure immediately. The COMMS LED on the amplifier will begin to flash quickly in yellow. The load will take under 90 seconds. When complete the HyperTerminal window will show and the amplifier will reboot.

  • Page 61: Appendix Iii: Maintenance

    Appendix III: Maintenance The amplifier will require little in the way of routine maintenance, apart from occasional routine checking of the fan outlets on the rear panel, and possible cleaning of the foam inserts on the front panel. The fans should be cleaned with the amplifier turned OFF. Simply brush any debris collected off the rear guards with a soft brush (a half inch paintbrush is ideal), whilst holding a vacuum cleaner nozzle over them.

  • Page 62: Appendix Iv: Specifications

    Appendix IV: Specifications Connections: Audio in: 2 x XLR & Phoenix Network I/O: 2 x XLR & Phoenix GPIO Port: 6 way mini-Phoenix Speaker out: 2 x Speakon GPI Port: Maximum input voltage: 24V Minimum input voltage 0V Isolated relay rating: DC: 2A, 28V, 60W / AC: 0.5A, 125V, 60VA Audio performance: Ti500 Ti1000...
  • Page 63 Weight: Ti500 Ti1000 Ti1500 Ti2000 Ti3500 Ti4250 Net Unit 13.2 14.2 19.7 20.5 22.5 13.4 Boxed 15.0 16.0 21.2 22.3 24.4 13.9 MC2 Audio reserves the right to change and improve the specifications without notice. Amplifier Operator’s Manual Page 63...

  • Page 64: Index

    Index Adjust Max Gain......47 iCore Audio XLR Pin-outs ......16 Amp Properties ....... 32 Auto amp switchover ....40 Auto-hiding Windows ....28 Front Panels ......30 Main Wndow ......24 Moving Windows ..... 26 Set COM port ......23 Breakout Box Monitor ....33 Zoning Devices .......
  • Page 65 Remote Control......19 Update Firmware ......50 Remote Gain Pot ......39 USB to RS485 Converter ..... 20 Remote Muting ......38 Reset Switch.......17 Restore Defaults ......48 RS485 Pin-out ......14 VCA Control ....... 39 Vents cleaning ......55 Volume Controls ......12 Safety Information ....... 6 Speakon Wiring......17 Specifications ......56 Windows System Properties ..

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