Overview - ALLEN & HEATH PA-CP Series User Manual

Overview

PA Series consoles provide all the tools you need to run a small PA system in an easy 'walk up and
go' format. You simply plug in your microphone and line sources and connect to the speakers. All the
control and processing you need to run a small PA system is built into the console.
Two powered models are available. The PA12-CP has 8 mono and 2 dual stereo channels. The
PA20-CP has 16 mono and 2 dual stereo channels. Both are portable and include protective side
trims and front carry handles. The PA12-CP can be mounted in a standard 19" rack or plinth by
removing its trims and fitting optional rack ears provided.
The two amplifiers can be configured in several different ways according to your PA requirements. For
example, you may run a stereo house system without monitors, or a mono system with additional
musicians monitor speaker, or you may connect to externally powered house speakers and use the
internal amplifiers for two independent monitor speakers. The additional mono line output can be
used, for example, to feed a sub bass amplifier/speaker system or another listening zone.
The power amplifier is without doubt the most critical device in the audio signal path. It converts a
reservoir of power derived from the mains supply into amplified sound. The PA-CP amplifier is a third
generation design that has been rigorously field tested both for absolute reliability and sound quality. It
uses a solid, no-nonsense 1.6kW linear power supply and bi-polar assisted MOSFET Class AB
amplifier design. The unique Allen & Heath constant power system ensures that all the available power
is converted into useable speaker power so achieving the full 500W per side into 4 ohms or 8 ohms.
Full protection is provided including isolating relays, short circuit and over current protection, output
sensing clip limiter, and twin fan thermal management.
We recognise the importance of accurate equalisation both for creative sound processing and for
dealing with problems such as feedback and room resonance. The channel strip features a powerful 4
band EQ with two mids, one with swept frequency.
parametric rather than traditional graphic EQ on the amplifier channels. These provide far greater
accuracy and therefore less colouration of the sound. Our 'EQ Visualiser' software is available to help
you learn how the parametric controls affect the frequency response.
Years of designing mixers and listening to our customers has resulted in a control surface that presents
a well thought out set of functions including many innovative touches that make the job of mixing a
simple pleasure. Notable features include individual phantom power, space saving dual stereo inputs,
standby and BGM (background music) modes, built-in digital effects processor, lamp connector,
selectable sub filter, recording source selector and even an SPDIF digital output.
The name Allen & Heath is well regarded in the professional audio world. The standards applied to our
top end consoles also apply to the PA Series. High grade circuits and components, 100mm Alps
faders, individual vertical circuit cards with sealed potentiometers nutted to the panel, solid grounding
with internal copper buss and steel chassis construction are just a few of the qualities that put this
powered mixer into a class of its own. Our objective was to provide a truly professional solution for
small system mixing. We hope you enjoy using your PA Series console.
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We have chosen to include 4 band semi-
PA-CP User Guide