Bridged Mono Operation; Switches And Controls; Input Attenuators; Mode-Select-Switch - DAPAudio Palladium P-400 User Manual

Bridged Mono Operation

Both amplifier channels can be bridged together to make a very powerful single channel amplifier. When
the Mode switch is set to the "Bridge" position, 1 channel "pushes", while the other "pulls" equally. Thus
effectively doubling the power. Use extreme caution when operating the amplifier in the bridged mode.
To bridge the amplifier, set the mode switch to the "Bridge" position. Apply the signal to Channel A's
input and connect the speakers across the "hot" outputs – the red binding posts – of Channel A and B.
Channel B's "hot" output is in phase with the input. For operation adjust only the Channel A's input
attenuator, while Channel B's input will not function (Channel B's input signal has been disconnected).
Bridging Precautions
Never ground either side of the speaker cable when the amplifier is in bridged
mode; Both sides are „hot". If an output patch panel is used, all terminals must
be isolated from each other and from the ground.

Switches and controls

Input Attenuators

Whenever possible, set attenuators fully clockwise to maintain optimum system headroom. The input
attenuator controls (one for channel A, one for channel B) located at the front panel adjust gain for their,
respective amplifier channels in all modes. See the specifications at the end of this manual for standard
voltage gain and input sensitivity information. When operating the amplifier in bridged mode, both
attenuates must be in the same position, so the speaker load will be equally shared between the
channels.

Mode-Select-Switch

The rear panel mode select switch determines whether the amplifier is in the stereo or bridged mono
mode. Do not operate the mode select switch with the amplifier on.

Ground Lift Switch

In a properly designed system (for safety and to minimize noise), the amplifier should receive its ground
from the line cord. Whenever possible, the signal source equipment should share the same AC ground as
the amplifier(s). In some cases, this may result in a ground loop. If this happens, remove the use the
ground lift switch to lift the signal ground and isolate it completely from the chassis / AC ground.

Indicators

The Palladium features 4 front LED indicators per channel: Clip, Signal, Protect und Power. These LED
indicators inform the user of each channel's operating status and warn of possible abnormal conditions.

Clip LED

A channel's red clip LED will light dimly at the onset of clipping and increase in brilliance, as clipping
becomes more severe, staying on until the clipping ceases. If the LED's are flashing quickly and
intermittently, the channel is just at the clip threshold, while a steady, bright glow means the amp is clip
limiting, or reducing gain to prevent severely clipped waveforms reaching the speakers.
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