Setup - B-52 US-5000 Owner's Manual

overloading. The limiter activates at "clipping" when
the output voltage reaches the power supply voltage
rails. Without limiters, the output voltage will grossly
distort if the signal elevates beyond this point. The
signal wave form is flattened ("clipped"), producing
excessive high frequency distortion not present in the
original signal. This makes music sound "dirty" and
increases stress on the high frequency transducers,
significantly shortening their life span (most loud-
speaker manufacturers will not honor warranties if
SETTINg uP YOuR uS-SERIES AMPLIFIER
ClIP lIMITeR: Clipping is the result of an amplifier running into a power supply limitation.
The maximum output voltage that any amplifier can produce is limited by its power supply.
Attempting to output a voltage level that exceeds the power supply voltage rails results in a
flattening effect of the signal causing it to clip. A clipped waveform exhibits severe distor-
tions, making it sound harsh. The clip limiter detects this condition and reduces the gain to
minimize the amount of overdrive. To preserve as much of the program dynamics as pos-
sible, the limiter reduces the average program level until the peaks barely clip. Each chan-
nel has its own clip limiter and you can switch it ON or OFF. The clip limiter allows brief
clipping which is not detectable to the ear. It activates when a clip condition repeats, to
avoid prolonged distortion. When driving full-range speakers, clip limiting reduces the high
frequency distortion caused by low frequency overload. It also protects higher frequency
drivers from excess overdrive and harsh clipping harmonics.
hPF (high-Pass Filter): High Pass Filters (HPF) are also known as low-cut filters. HPFs
on the US-5000 and US-6000 amplifiers can be set to cut off signals below either 30Hz or
50Hz. As a result, bass reproduction is optimized, since ultra-low frequencies, which most
speakers cannot reproduce anyway, are eliminated and more power becomes available for
the reproduction of the remainder of the music signal.
NOTe: You should set the filters to best suit the frequency response of your speakers as
some speakers are particularly sensitive to over-excursion. The 50Hz filters on the US-Series
amplifiers work well with most full-range speakers and 30Hz settings are well suited for
subwoofers.
NOTe: For some critical applications you may want to keep the HPF in the OFF position.
THE BEAUTY OF POWER
NOTe: You may want to keep the limiters OFF when connecting the US-5000 and
US-6000 to subwoofers.
high frequency drivers are "burnt" due to a clipped
signal overload). Clip limiters effectively solve this
problem by compressing the signal at clipping. US-
Series amplifiers use intelligent clipping circuitry to
protect both the loudspeakers and amplifier.
NOTe: B-52 recommends the clip limiter switch
remains ON when used with full range speakers.
You may choose to turn OFF the limiters when
using the US-5000 and US-6000 to power
subwoofers.
B-52 US Series Professional Power Amplifiers - Instruction Manual
US SERIES AMPLIFIERS
15