Ashly TRA-4150 User Manual
Multi-Channel Power Amplifiers
Operating Manual
Chann el 1 Chann el 2 Channel 3 C hannel 4 Cha nnel 5 Cha nnel 6
Prot ect
Thermal
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Signal
Powerflex
Power
Powerflex
6250
Chann el 1 Chann el 2 Channel 3 C hannel 4
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Thermal
Signal
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Power
Powerflex
4400
ASHLY AUDIO INC.
847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: (716) 872-0010
Toll-Free: (800) 828-6308 Fax: (716) 872-0739
www.ashly.com
Operating Manual - Powerflex Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
Table Of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2 UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 AC POWER REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1 AC Voltage Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Current Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 AC Grounding & Earth Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 CABLE REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 Input Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Output Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5 RACK-MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.1 Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.2 Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.3 Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
6 FRONT PANEL INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7 REAR PANEL FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7.1 Input Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7.2 Input Ground Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.3 Multi-Channel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.4 Input Level Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.5 Stereo/Mono Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.6 Dual Channel Mode/Bridge Mode Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.7 50Hz Low Cut Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.8 Loudspeaker Output Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7.9 AC Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8 SELF-PROTECTION FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.1 Power Supply Undervoltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.2 Power Supply Overvoltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.3 Output Overcurrent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.4 Heat Sink Overtemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.5 Unacceptable DC or High Frequency Output Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.6 AC Power Interruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9.1 Individual Channel Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9.2 Dual Mono Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9.3 Bridged Mono Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
9.4 Typical PA Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
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Operating Manual - Powerflex Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
10 DESIGN THEORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
11 TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
11.1 No Audio Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
11.2 Distorted Sound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
11.3 Hum or Buzz Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
12 DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
13 SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
14 WARRANTY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Caution:
This power amplifier can produce dangerous output voltage levels, high power levels,
and high sound pressure levels in loudspeakers. In order to minimize the risk of injury, damage, or
hearing loss, please read the entire owner’s manual before connecting to a sound system.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECT R I C SH O C K
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equalateral triangle, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock
to persons.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER SER-
VICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
angle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance instructions in
the literature accompanying the device.
The exclamation point within an equalateral tri-
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE.
REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED THROUGH THE SUPPLIED
POWER LINE CORD
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Operating Manual - Powerflex Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
1. INTRODUCTION
The Ashly Po werflex amplif iers combine the effi-
ciency of a MOSFET high-speed switching output stages
with the sophistication of modern microprocessors and DSP
technology to produce a multi-channel amplifier with unprecedented versatility and power in a single 3RU package.
Although similar to other amplifiers with class D
output stages, Powerflex amplifiers employ internal microprocessor and DSP algorithms to optimize output
switching characteristics and eliminate the usual harshness
associated with high-frequency audio in standard class D
amplifiers. This optimization results in a spread-spectrum
switched output that varies with input amplitude and frequency, and minimizes radiated emissions by eliminating
the single-frequency high-energy radiated interference
normally associated with switching outputs. The use of a
simple linear power supply removes another potential
source of radio-frequency interference, an important consideration as racks become more and more heavily populated with digital signal processing equipment. A small
switching supply using flyback topology provides an efficient power source for logic, protection, pre-amplifier and
indicator circuits.
To assure reliable operation, the usual protection
from excessive high-frequency, DC offset, and thermal
overload is supplemented by power supply undervoltage,
power supply overvoltage, and output overcurrent detection, all monitored and controlled by the latest in miniaturized microprocessor technology.
In sum, Ashly Powerflex amplifiers combine the
best of the new digital technologies with the best of the
traditional analog technologies to provide a product that
will supply clean sound at full output from every channel
while generating minimal heat, thus increasing the reliability of every other piece of equipment in a rack as well
as preserving its own.
2. UNPACKING
As a part of our system of quality control, every
Ashly product is carefully inspected before leaving the
factory to ensure flawless appearance. After unpac king,
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 notified 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. AC POWER REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Voltage Requirements
The Powerflex amplifiers can be operated from
nominal 120VAC or 240VAC, 50/60Hz mains. This is userconfigurable by changing the insert in the AC Inlet (See
section 7.9). The power connector on the amplifier accepts
a standard IEC-320 receptacle.
For nominal 120VAC operation, the power cord
should be three-conductor, rated for at least 13A (16AWG).
The line fuse should be type MDA, 12A.
For nominal 240VAC operation, the power cord
should be three-conductor, rated for at least 10A (18AWG).
The line fuse should be type MDA, 10A.
3.2 Current Requir ements
1.) Idle (no audio):
Powerflex 6250 Powerflex 4400
120V: 0.81A 120V: 0.9A
240V: 0.42A 240V: 0.5A
2.) With typical audio inputs:
8Ω loads on all channels
120V: 4A 120V: 4.6A
240V: 2A 240V: 2.3A
4Ω loads on all channels
120V: 6.5A 120V: 7.0A
240V: 3.3A 240V: 3.5A
70 Volt systems - (Powerflex 6250 Only,
3 channels Bridged Mono)
120V: 6.5A
240V: 3.3A
Powerflex amplifiers consumes less than 12 amps
when all channels operate at 1/8 power into rated (4 ohm)
loads. This condition satisfies the UL, CSA and building
electrical code requirements for a piece of audio equipment not to consume more than 80% of the current available when plugged into a grounded 15 amp outlet and
operated at 1/8 of maximum power.
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Operating Manual - Powerflex Multi-Channel Power Amplifier
3.3 AC Grounding Requirements
T o reduce the risk of ground loop hum, all system
ground references should originate at the same point in
your A C po wer distribution. Do not remov e the amplifier’ s
ground pin, as it creates a potential shock hazard.
4. CABLE REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Input Cables
Be sure to use shielded cable whether balanced or
unbalanced. Shielding which is properly grounded will
protect the signal from outside electrical interference such
as RF, fluorescent lighting, and computer/display emissions. As a general rule, unbalanced or single-ended (tipsleeve) lines of less than 10 feet are satisf actory , but gr eater
distances or noisy field environments require a balanced
signal. Avoid running input lines in close proximity or
parallel to long speaker lines, AC power cables, or power
transformers, as this may generate hum or oscillation.
4.2 Output Cables
Powerflex amplifiers are capable of delivering
high levels of output current, therefore the wire gauge used
for speaker cables is particularly important. Inadequate
wire gauge can add significant resistance to the speaker’s
own impedance, especially over long distances, reducing
the power which is actually delivered to the speaker. It
could also result in a decreased damping factor and possible fire hazard. Since power at the speaker load is of
primary concern in system design, we hav e included a table
to best determine appropriate wire gauge for your application. The following table lists the resistance per 100
feet of common copper wire gauges, and also gives the
percentage of the speaker load power which would be lost
in an arbitrary 100 ft run of different gauges of 2-conductor copper speaker wire.
power loss in the cable would be half that of a 100 ft run
of #14 wire as shown in the table, or 1.6% of 150W, which
is an insignificant 2.4 watts. However, if you were to run
200 ft of 18 ga. cable to a 4Ω load, the loss would be twice
that of the 100 ft run shown in the table, or 32.6% of 250W ,
which is 81.5 watts lost as heat. Always be sure to use
adequate gauge speaker wire.
5. RACK-MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Mechanical
Powerflex amplifiers are designed to fit in standard 19-inch equipment racks. The front panel rack-mount
ears are sufficiently strong for most applications, howev er
if you desire further integrity for mobile racks, we recommend using the four additional holes in the back of the
chassis for supplemental rear-mounting (see dimensional
drawing for details).
5.2 Cooling
Be certain that both the front and back of the rack
have unhindered access to free air flow. Fan direction is
from front to back. It is not necessary to leave empty space
above or below.
5.3 Grounding
In some installations where the sound system is
sensitive to RF noise or system-induced oscillation, it may
be necessary to ground the amplifier’s chassis to the rack
enclosure. This is accomplished using star type
lockwashers on the four rack mounting screws. These star
washers will penetrate through the amplifier’s paint to adequately ground the chassis to the rack.
Wire Gauge Ω/100ft 8Ω load 4Ω load
#8 .0605Ω 0.8% 1.5%
#10 .1018Ω 1.3% 2.5%
#12 .1619Ω 2.0% 4.0%
#14 .2575Ω 3.2% 6.4%
#16 .4094Ω 5.1% 10.2%
#18 .6510Ω 8.1% 16.3%
Table 4.1: Wire gauge resistance/power loss
This table expresses the power loss as a percent-
age of the load’s power rather than the total amplifier output power in order to accurately determine power loss at
other cable lengths. For example, if you plan to deliver
150 watts to an 8Ω load through 50 ft of 14 ga. cable, the
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