Ashly ne4250, ne8250.70peD, ne8250 Users Manual

Operating Manual

Network Enabled Multi-Channel Power Ampliers

ne8250, ne8250.25, ne8250.70, ne8250.10

ne4250, ne4250.25, ne4250.70, ne4250.10

Protea software is available for free download on the Ashly website.

Ashly no longer includes a software CD-ROM with new units.

ASHLY AUDIO INC.

847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: [phone]

Toll-Free: [phone] Fax: [phone] www.ashly.com

 2016-2018 by Ashly Audio Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide.

All Trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners.

Operating Manual - NE Multi Channel Power Amplier

Important Safety Instructions

Consignes de sécurité à lire attentivement

The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point
within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature ac­companying the device.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus

to rain or moisture.

6. Do not use this apparatus near water.

7. Clean only with dry cloth.

8. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus.

10. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the

third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the ap­paratus.

12. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.

13. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution

when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.

15. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into
the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.

Le symbole de la èche dans un triangle équilateral symbolisant la foudre
est prévu pour sensibiliser l’utilisateur à la présence de tension de voltage
non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil. Elle pourrait constituer un danger de
risque de décharge électrique pour les utilisateurs. Le point d’exclamation
dans le triangle équilatérale alerte l’utilisateur de la présence de consignes
qu’il doit d’abord consulter avant d’utiliser l’appareil.

1. Lisez ces instructions.

2. Conservez ces instructions.

3. Observez les avertissements.

4. Suivez ces instructions.

5. Pour réduire le risque de feu ou la décharge électrique, ne pas exposer

cet appareil pour pleuvoir ou l'humidité.

6. Ne pas utiliser l’appareil près de l’eau.

7. Le nettoyer à l’aide d’un tissus sec.

8. Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures de ventilation, installer selon les con­signes du fabricant.

9. Eloigner des sources de chaleur tel: radiateurs, fourneaux ou autres

appareils qui produisent de la chaleur.

10. Ne pas modier ou amputer le système de la mise à terre. Une prise avec
mise à terre comprend deux lames dont une plus large ainsi qu’une mise
à terre: ne pas la couper ou la modier. Si la prise murale n’accepte pas la
che, consulter un électricien pour qu’il remplace la prise désuète.

11. Protéger le cordon de secteur contre tous bris ou pincement qui pour-

raient l’endommager, soit à la che murale ou à l’appareil.

12. N’employer que les accessoires recommandés par le fabricant.

13. N’utiliser qu’avec les systèmes de xation,chariots, trépied ou autres,

approuvés par le fabricant ou vendus avec l’appareil.

14. Débrancher l’appareil lors des orages électriques ou si inutilisé pendant
une longue période de temps.

15. Un entretient effectué par un centre de service accrédité est exigé si
l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque façon: si il a été exposé à la pluie,,

l’humidité ou s’il ne fonctionne pas normalement ou qu’il a été échappé.

FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in both a commercial and residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help..

2

Operating Manual - NE Multi Channel Power Amplier

Table Of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3 THE NE MULTICHANNEL AMP SERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Physical Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Front Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Rear Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Installation Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Constant Voltage Models and High Pass Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

4 REMOTE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

On/Off Remote Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Preset Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

WR-1 Remote Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

WR-2 Remote Preset Recall Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

WR-1.5 Remote Level Control and Preset Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

RD-8C and RW-8C Remote Fader Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

WR-5 Remote Programmable Button Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

neWR-5 Networked Remote Programmable Button Control . . . . . 11

FR-8 and FR-16 Networked Programmable Fader Control . . . . . . 11

Ashly Remote App for iPad® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 Protea

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

 AmplierControlSurface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The DSP Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6 SPECIFICATIONS/BLOCK DIAGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-16

7 WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ne

SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

WARNING:

THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

3

Operating Manual - NE Multi Channel Power Amplier

1. INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of this NE (network enabled) multi channel power amplier. NE power ampliers combine light­weight, state of the art, high efciency switching technology with integrated Ethernet control, and offer optional factory installed
expansion cards to provide comprehensive internal DSP processing, AES/EBU input, and networked digital audio input. Please
read the entire manual to fully understand the features and capabilities of this product.

About Ashly

Ashly Audio was founded in 1974 by a group of recording engineers, concert sound professionals, and electronics designers.
The rst products were elaborate custom consoles for friends and associates, but business quickly spread to new clients and
the business grew. The philosophy we established from the very beginning holds true today: to offer only the highest quality
audio tools at an affordable cost to the professional user – ensuring reliability and long life. Many years later, Ashly remains
committed to these principles.

Ashly’s exclusive Five Year, Worry- Free Warranty remains one of the most liberal policies available on any commercial- grade
product. The warranty covers every product with the Ashly brand name, and is offered at no extra cost.

FCC Compliance

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules for Class B operation, subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference

2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

2. UNPACKING

As a part of our system of quality control, every Ashly product is carefully inspected before leaving the factory to ensure aw­less appearance. After unpacking, please inspect for any physical damage. Save the shipping carton and all packing materials
, as they were carefully designed to reduce to minimum the possibility of transportation damage should the unit again require
packing and shipping. In the event that damage has occurred, immediately notify your dealer so that a written claim to cover
the damages can be initiated.

The right to any claim against a public carrier can be forfeited if the carrier is not notied promptly and if the shipping carton
and packing materials are not available for inspection by the carrier. Save all packing materials until the claim has been settled.

3. THE NE MULTICHANNEL AMP SERIES

Models:

ne4250 - Four Channels, Low-Z, 250W per channel into 4 ohms

ne8250 - Eight Channels, Low-Z, 250W per channel into 4 ohms

ne4250.70 - Four Channels, 70 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 70V)

ne8250.70 - Eight Channels, 70 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 70V)

ne4250.25 - Four Channels, 25 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 25V)

ne8250.25 - Eight Channels, 25 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 25V)

ne4250.10 - Four Channels, 100 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 100V)

ne8250.10 - Eight Channels, 100 volt output, 250W per channel (must be ordered as 100V)

4

Operating Manual - NE Multi Channel Power Amplier

The basic NE multichannel ampliers come in either four channel or eight channel congurations with Euroblock input and output
connectors. Standard features on all models include balanced inputs, bridge mono mode, and Ethernet control using Protea
software. Remote control functions include standby, contact closure preset recall, and DC level control. Programmable remotes
for NE ampliers with DSP include Ashly’s WR-5 or neWR-5 button controllers, RD-8C or FR-8/16 fader controllers, third
party RS-232 control, or Ashly Remote app for iPad®.

ne

Factory Installed Options

Factory installed hardware options for NE multichannel power ampliers include the following:

1) Internal DSP - With Protea DSP installed, each input channel benets from pluggable DSP blocks for dynamics control, gain
functions, graphic and/or parametric EQ, Hi-pass/Lo-pass lters, time delay, metering, and test signal generator. A mixer section
with assignable routing allows any input to drive any or all amplier outputs. Output channels have the same DSP functions as
inputs, with the addition of automated crossover setup and FIR lter capability. Both inputs and outputs can copy/paste their
settings to other channels, or can link with one or more other channels to track their settings.

Presets store and retrieve parameters of an entire amplier control surface and DSP settings. In addition, Sub Presets allow for
a collection of individual DSP parameters within and across multiple channels of an amplier to be stored and recalled as a
set, affecting only those parameters and channels which have been tagged. Up to 35 presets/subpresets can be stored within the
amplier and can be recalled in real time from a computer, by a programmable remote control, or by on-board contact closure
switch connections on the back panel.

2) AES3 Input - With a four or eight channel AES3 option installed, AES3 outputs can plug directly into the amplier. Using
AES3, 2 channels of digital audio are sent over a single mic cable, maintaining a completely digital signal path until just before the
power amplication stage. 48kHz & 96kHz data rates are supported. AES3 can be installed with or without DSP.

3) Network Audio - Dante® or CobraNet® network audio modules can be factory installed, with or without installed DSP. Note

that ampliers without DSP must have a factory installed OPDAC4 module to use network audio.

Dante®, created by Audinate, is an Ethernet based digital AV network technology that uses existing 100MB or 1GB network

infrastructure for delivery of high performance, high channel count audio signals. Ashly products with network audio capability
can be integrated into a Dante™ digital audio system by purchasing our OPTDante module as a factory installed option, and
controlled using Proteane software.

CobraNet® is a technology developed and supported by Cirrus Logic (www.cirrus.com). It is a combination of software, hard-

ware and network protocol which allows distribution of multiple channels of real-time, high quality digital audio over a standard
Ethernet Network. For detailed information about CobraNet or its implementation or installation please visit www.cobranet.info.

Protection

NE multichannel ampliers use the following protection schemes:

Over Current Protection - Is controlled in the output stage.

Thermal Protection - The amplier senses output device temperature and adjusts a two-speed fan to keep the operating tem-

perature within acceptable limits. If device temperatures exceed that limit, the input to that channel is rst reduced, and as a last
resort the power supply will be switched off while the fan continues to run.

Mains Protections – Protection within the power supply includes: Inrush Current Limitation during power up, Mains Over
Voltage Detection, and internal Mains Fuse Protection. To protect the Mains fuse against AC overcurrent due to excessive au­dio output current, there is also a protection scheme indicated on the amplier front panel and software control surface which
reduces audio output level until the overcurrent condition is no longer present.

5

Operating Manual - NE Multi Channel Power Amplier

Physical Description

Each model in the NE Multichannel series is 2RU. The model number is indicated in the lower left corner of the front panel.

Amplier Front Panel

1. Mounting Holes – For rack mounting

2. Power Switch – Switches the unit on or off. Note: The power switch can be disabled from software.

3. Status LEDs – Indicates status of Power, Standby, Protect, Power Switch Disable, and Ethernet activity.

4. Air Vents – Cool air enters the sides and is blown out the front.

5. Channel Controls – Channel control area.

6. Signal LEDs – The lowest LED will begin to light when the output voltage is -18dBu below rated output. The Clip LEDs

will begin to ash when output voltage is 1/2 volt below the rated output power supply voltage.

7. Bridge – This LED indicates that the channel pair is selected to BRIDGE mode from the back panel switch, and that only
the odd input channel level control is active.

8. Temp and Current LEDs – The Temp LED indicates an excessively high operating temperature and that countermeasures
are being used to cool the amplier. The Current LED conrms that the amplier output is delivered to a speaker load.

9. Channel Attenuators – These control the input signal level to the amplier. They can be disabled from software.

10. Factory Reset – To reset all internal congurations (including passwords) back to their original factory settings, press and

hold this recessed front panel momentary switch during power up until all channel LEDs are lit. Upon reset completion, the
LEDs will turn off and the amp will resume normal operating mode.

Amplier Rear Panel (illustration on next page)

1. Optional Network Audio – This factory option allows connection to a Dante or Cobranet audio network.

2. Optional AES3 - This slot is for factory installation of an AES3 digital audio input module.

3. Ethernet Port - This RJ45 jack is for connecting to an Ethernet network for software control.

4. Input Connector - This is used for a three wire (G, +, -) balanced input on Euroblock connectors.

5. Normal/Bridge Switch - This switches the channel pair to Bridge Mode.

6. Euroblock Speaker Connectors - Used to connect speakers to individual output channels or in bridged mode.

7. Remote Standby - These two contact closure pins are wired to a switch to remotely place the amp in standby.

8. Preset Recall - These four pins (and GND) can be wired to remote switches to recall up to four amplier presets.

6