The Amplifier Design Philosophy; Constant Power Explained; The Amplifiers - ALLEN & HEATH PA-CP Series User Manual

The AMPLIFIERS

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Overview
The two built-in power amplifiers are
called Amp A and Amp B. You decide how you
want to use them. Different combinations of the LR,
FB1 and FB2 mixes can be selected according to
your preferred system setup. Each channel includes
a 4-band semi-parametric equaliser for precise
speaker/room frequency shaping. The level controls
let you match the console signals to the speaker
volume you require. A row of LED indicators display
important information about the amplifier status.
The philosophy
produce a powerful, good sounding amplifier in a
compact package for
application. The result is a third generation design
benefiting from many refinements and lessons
learned, and adding a few unique touches of our
own. There are none of the common frequency
boosting tricks to try to sweeten the sound from low
quality speakers. Instead we chose to provide a
perfectly flat, accurate response with genuine
performance figures.
The design uses a bipolar assisted MOSFET
Class AB configuration producing a total of 1kW
continuous music power into 4 or 8 ohms. A heavy
duty linear power supply ensures rock solid bass
and full range clarity. The amplifier is fully protected.
Short circuit protection is provided with precision
sharp knee current limit.
dependent clip limiter monitors the output easing
psu stress and preventing
Temperature is controlled using a 3 speed twin fan
thermal management system with cut out on
overload. The fans run slow on power up, medium
speed when 35 degrees C is reached, fast speed at
50 degrees, and thermal cut triggers at 85 degrees.
The speakers are protected using relays which
activate if a fault is sensed and have a two second
switch-on delay and instant power off.
Constant power
their maximum output into 4 ohms with considerably
less into 8 ohms. The unique PA Series CP system
achieves its full rated 500W+500W into either
impedance. This is done using a rear panel slide
switch which sets the power supply for maximum
current (4 ohms) or maximum voltage (8 ohms).
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500
100 200 1k 1k
200 120Hz 2k 500Hz
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500
100 200 1k 1k
200 120Hz 2k 500Hz
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Our objective was to
the high end audio
A built-in program
harmful overload.
Most amplifiers produce
2k5 7k
5k 2k5 10k
10k 1k5 20k
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2k5 7k
5k 2k5
10k 1k5 20k
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LEVEL
Sets the input level to each channel of
the amplifier. Turn the control fully off when
plugging up the equipment. For normal operation
turn it up to the position where it produces loudest
volume required when the console meters are
reading around '0'.
SIGNAL METERS
two meter indicators. The green SIG indicator turns
on when audio signal presence is detected. The red
LIM indicator turns on when the built-in limiter starts
to work and the amplifier is producing close to its
maximum output.
amplifier LEV control until it turns off.
SPK OFF
The yellow SPK OFF indicator on
each amplifier channel lights when the speaker relay
is turned off. This happens during the power up
delay, when the amplifier has been put into standby
mode, or when a fault condition is detected.
TMP
The TMP indicator lights when the amplifier
operating temperature reaches 50 degrees C and
the cooling fans are running at fast speed. It is quite
normal for this to light when the amplifier is working
hard.
SOURCE SELECT
L FB1 FB1
R L R + FB2
RELAY
STANDBY
SPK A SPK B
MIN MAX
LIM
SIG
SPK
OFF
L FB1 FB1
TMP
R L R + FB2
SPK
OFF
SIG
LIM
MIN MAX
Each channel provides
If LIM lights then back off the
LF LM HM HF
4 BAND EQUALISER
LF LM HM HF
AMP A
LEV
LIMITER
SIGNAL
PROTECT
TEMP
PROTECT
LEV
SIGNAL
LIMITER
AMP B
4 OHM 8 OHM
PA-CP User Guide
A
SLAVE OUT
B
A
AMP IN
B