MCA Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers provide eight channels of power amplification. Model MCA 8050 delivers 50 watts/channel into 4 ohms. Model
MCA 8150 delivers 150 watts/channel into 4 ohms. Channels may be bridged
in pairs for higher combined wattage. Connections are provided for remote
control of channel levels & muting. MCA Series amplifiers are covered by
Biamp Systems' five-year warranty.
MCA Series features include:
♦ 8 channels of 50W (MCA 8050) or 150W (MCA 8150)
♦ channels may be bridged in pairs for combined power
♦ terminals for remote control of channel levels/muting
♦ balanced line-level inputs on plug-in barrier strips
Install in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and no objects, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
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. When the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
Refer all servicing to qualified 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.
2
MCA 8050 front panel
signal
temp
peak
fault
Channel 1
MCA 8150 front panel
signal
temp
peak
fault
Channel 1
signal
peak
Channel 2
signal
peak
Channel 2
temp
fault
temp
fault
signal
peak
Channel 3
signal
peak
Channel 3
temp
fault
temp
fault
signal
peak
Channel 4
signal
peak
Channel 4
temp
fault
temp
fault
FRONT PANEL
signal
temp
signal
peak
Channel 5
signal
peak
Channel 5
fault
temp
fault
peak
Channel 6
signal
peak
Channel 6
temp
fault
temp
fault
signal
peak
Channel 7
signal
peak
Channel 7
temp
fault
temp
fault
signal
temp
peak
faulton
Channel 8
signal
temp
peak
faulton
Channel 8
MCA 8050
MCA 8150
Signal / Peak Indicators: These 2-color LEDs indicate the signal
level for each channel. When an LED is green, that channel has
signal (above -30dB). When an LED is red, that channel signal is
clipping (max. power). CAUTION: Signal levels should be
adjusted to avoid clipping. Clipping can cause severe distortion,
over-temperature conditions, and even loudspeaker damage.
NOTE: Signal / Peak indicators will turn off during Temp / Fault
conditions (see Temp / Fault Indicators below).
Temp / Fault Indicators: These red LEDs indicate overtemperature and output fault conditions for each channel. When
an LED remains lit, that channel has an over-temperature
condition. When an LED is flashing, that channel has an output
fault condition. Either condition will temporarily de-activate the
channel, causing the Signal / Peak LED to turn off as well. The
channel will attempt to self-reset once the over-temperature or
output fault condition is resolved.
On Indicator: This green LED remains lit when AC power is
applied to the unit.
3
MCA 8050 115VAC rear panel
CAUTION:
Risk of fire -
F
U
E
S
S
replace fuse only
E
U
F
with same type
F 10 A H 250 V
O
U
CUS
R
LISTED
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO
EQUIPMENT
E158021
52SJ
115V
~
50/60Hz
900 Watts
8
L
signal / peak
inputinput
remote control
level
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
REAR PANEL
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
7
level
OFF
HPF
signal / peak
78
6
level
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
5
level
56
MCA 8050
signal / peak
Class 2 Wiring
BIAMP SYSTEMS
an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.
MADE IN U.S.A.
4
level
level
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
3
signal / peak
34
2
level
signal / peak
inputinput
outputs
1
level
OFF
OFF
OFF
HPF
HPF
BRIDGE
12
signal / peak
MCA 8050 230VAC rear panel
CAUTION:
Risk of fire -
F
U
E
S
S
replace fuse only
E
U
F
with same type
T 4 A L 250 V
O
U
CUS
R
LISTED
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO
EQUIPMENT
E158021
52SJ
230V
~
50/60Hz
900 Watts
8
L
signal / peak
inputinput
MCA 8150 115VAC rear panel
CAUTION:
Risk of fire -
F
U
E
S
S
replace fuse only
E
U
F
with same type
F 15 A H 250 V
O
U
CUS
R
LISTED
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO
EQUIPMENT
E158021
52SJ
115V
~
50/60Hz
1800 Watts
8
L
signal / peak
inputinput
remote control
level
OFF
HPF
outputs
remote control
level
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
OFF
BRIDGE
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
7
level
OFF
HPF
signal / peak
78
6
level
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
5
level
56
MCA 8050
signal / peak
Class 2 Wiring
BIAMP SYSTEMS
an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.
MADE IN U.S.A.
4
level
level
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
3
signal / peak
34
2
level
signal / peak
inputinput
outputs
1
level
OFF
OFF
OFF
HPF
HPF
BRIDGE
12
signal / peak
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
7
level
OFF
HPF
signal / peak
78
6
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
5
level
56
MCA 8150
signal / peak
Class 2 Wiring
BIAMP SYSTEMS
an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.
MADE IN U.S.A.
4
levellevel
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
3
signal / peak
34
2
level
signal / peak
inputinput
outputs
1
levellevel
OFF
OFF
OFF
HPF
HPF
BRIDGE
12
signal / peak
MCA 8150 230VAC rear panel
CAUTION:
Risk of fire -
F
U
E
S
S
replace fuse only
E
U
F
with same type
T 6.3 A L 250 V
O
U
CUS
R
LISTED
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO
EQUIPMENT
E158021
52SJ
230V
~
50/60Hz
1800 Watts
8
L
signal / peak
inputinput
remote control
level
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN.
7
level
OFF
HPF
signal / peak
78
6
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
5
level
56
MCA 8150
signal / peak
Class 2 Wiring
BIAMP SYSTEMS
an affiliate of Rauland Borg Corp.
MADE IN U.S.A.
4
levellevel
OFF
OFF
HPF
outputs
OFF
BRIDGE
HPF
signal / peak
inputinput
3
signal / peak
34
2
level
signal / peak
inputinput
outputs
1
levellevel
OFF
OFF
OFF
HPF
HPF
BRIDGE
12
signal / peak
4
REAR PANEL
Input: These plug-in barrier strips provide the balanced line-level
inputs to the channels. For balanced connection, wire high (+), low
(-), and ground (
ground to both (
'bridged' mode (see Bridge below), input signal must be connected
to the odd
Level: These screw-driver adjustable controls determine the level
of input signals allowed into the channels. Level provides a gain
range from 'off' (min.) to 'unity' (max.). The Level control is factory
set for -24dB of gain, which will produce maximum output power
with input signal peaks of +24dBu. For best performance, first
adjust the source
adjust the MCA Series Level controls for the desired volume.
Signal / Peak Indicators: These 2-color LEDs indicate the signal
level for each channel. When an LED is green, that channel has
signal (above -30dB). When an LED is red, that channel signal is
clipping (max. power). CAUTION: Signal levels should be
adjusted to avoid clipping. Clipping can cause severe distortion,
over-temperature conditions, and even loudspeaker damage.
NOTE: Signal / Peak indicators will turn off during Temp / Fault
condition (see Temp / Fault Indicators on pg. 3).
HPF: These DIP switches provide High-Pass Filters for the input
channels. High-Pass Filters are used to eliminate unnecessary
lower frequencies (12dB/octave @ 125Hz) for speech and
distributed speaker applications. From the factory, the High-Pass
Filters are bypassed (switches up). To assign a High-Pass Filter
on an input channel, move the switch to the down position.
CAUTION: To avoid output fault conditions, High-Pass Filters
must be assigned on channels driving 25/70/100 Volt speaker
systems (see Output below). Also, any other system equalization
affecting frequencies below 125 Hz should remain flat or be used
as cut-only.
Bridge: These DIP switches allow adjacent channels to Bridge
together in pairs, for a higher, combined output power (see
Bridging on pg. 6). Bridge disables the even numbered input, and
applies the odd numbered input signal to both amplifier channels.
From the factory, Bridge is bypassed (switches up). To assign
Bridge to a pair of channels, move the switch to the down position.
). For unbalanced connection, wire high (+) and
) & (-). NOTE: When using a pair of channels in
numbered channel.
signals for optimum (maximum) levels, then
Output: These screw terminals provide the speaker outputs from
the channels. Connect the positive speaker line to the (+) terminal
and the negative speaker line to the (-) terminal of the channel
being used. The minimum speaker load on an individual channel
is 4 ohms. NOTE: When using a pair of channels in 'bridged'
mode (see Bridge above), connect the positive speaker line to the
(+) terminal of the odd
speaker line to the (+) terminal of the even
numbered channel and the negative
numbered channel.
The minimum speaker load for a bridged output is 8 ohms. Output
transformers for 25/70/100 Volt speaker systems are available as
user-installed options (installation instructions are included with the
output transformers). Transformers (by model) are as follows:
Remote Control: This 15-pin Sub-D (female) connector provides
remote level & muting control of the input channels (see Remote
Control on pg. 6). NOTE: When using a pair of channels in
'bridged' mode (see Bridge above), apply Remote Control only to
the odd
numbered input channel.
AC Power Entrance: The switch applies AC power to the unit.
The receptacle accepts the detachable AC Power Cord. The AC
Power Cord is for connection to three-prong grounded AC outlets.
CAUTION: Do not remove or defeat the ground prong on the AC
Power Cord, as this constitutes a shock hazard.
type and value only. NOTE: If the Fuse continues to blow (even
after checking for proper output connections and speaker loads)
the amplifier may require service.
5
BRIDGING / REMOTE CONTROL
BRIDGING
Bridge DIP switches allow the adjacent odd/even numbered channels to be bridged together
in pairs, for a higher, combined output power (see Bridge on previous page). When a pair of
channels are bridged, their wattage is combined, but the minimum load increases to 8 ohms
(MCA 8050 = 100 watts @ 8 ohms; MCA 8150 = 300 watts @ 8 ohms). Bridge disables the
even numbered input, and applies the odd numbered input signal to both amplifier channels.
From the factory, Bridge is bypassed (switches up). To assign Bridge to a pair of channels,
move the related switch to the down position. Connect the source signal to the odd
numbered input channel, connect the positive speaker line to the (+) output terminal of the
odd
numbered channel, and connect the negative speaker line to the (+) output terminal of
the even
numbered channel (see diagram on right). NOTE: Only adjacent odd/even
numbered channels, which share a common Bridge switch, can be bridged. When channels
are bridged, the minimum load is increased to 8 ohms. The negative (-) output terminals on
bridged channels are not
used (no connection). For remote control of a bridged pair of
channels, only the odd numbered input channel requires control (see Remote Control below).
REMOTE CONTROL
The 15-pin Sub-D (female) Remote Control connector provides terminals for remote
level/mute control of Channels 1~8 (see diagram & table on right). A variable control voltage
(0~+10 VDC) is used to control levels (+10 VDC = unity gain; 0 VDC = off). Remote Control
provides +10V and ground terminals (for use with potentiometers), but external ‘ramp’
voltage devices, such as a BIAMP DRI, may be used instead (see Applications on pg. 8).
Potentiometers should be 25k
Ω linear taper, and are wired with high to +10V, low to ground,
and wiper to the desired channel terminal(s). See examples below. The wiper of a single
potentiometer may be wired to multiple control terminals (to control a group of channels).
However, wipers from multiple potentiometers should not be connected to a single control
terminal (undesirable interaction). Switches, Logic Outputs, or other contact-closures can be
used to mute channels, by simply shorting the associated control terminal(s) to ground. A
switch may be wired to multiple control terminals (to mute a group of channels). Multiple
switches may be wired to a single control terminal, but wiring multiple switches to multiple
control terminals would require a diode matrix. The combination of a potentiometer & a
switch can be used to perform level adjustment & muting, or to provide an adjustable amount
of mute attenuation. NOTE: Remote controls simply decrease volume from a maximum,
which is established with the channel Level controls (see Level on previous page). When
using a pair of channels in 'bridged' mode (see Bridging above), apply Remote Control only
to the odd
Power Requirements: 115/230 VAC, 50/60Hz 115/230 VAC, 50/60Hz
50 watts/channel
30 watts/channel
100 watts/channel
150 watts/channel
90 watts/channel
300 watts/channel
> 85dB
< 0.2%
20k ohms
10k ohms
> 85dB
< 0.2%
20k ohms
10k ohms
Power Consumption: 900 watts max. 1800 watts max.
Dimensions:
height
width
depth
Weight:30 lbs. (13.6kg) 35 lbs. (15.9kg)
Biamp Systems reserves the right to make changes to performance specifications without prior notice.
3.5 inches (89mm) - 2U
19 inches (483mm)
15.5 inches (394mm)
10
5.25 inches (133mm) - 3U
19 inches (483mm)
15.5 inches (394mm)
WARRANTY
BIAMP SYSTEMS IS PLEASED TO EXTEND THE FOLLOWING 5-YEAR
LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE
PROFESSIONAL SOUND EQUIPMENT DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL.
BIAMP Systems expressly warrants this product to be
free from defects in material and workmanship for a
period of 5 YEARS from the date of purchase as a
new product from an authorized BIAMP Systems
dealer under the following conditions.
1. In the event the warranted BIAMP Systems product
requires service during the warranty period, BIAMP
Systems will repair or replace, at its option, defective
materials, provided you have identified yourself as the
original purchaser of the product to any authorized
BIAMP Systems Service Center. Transportation and
insurance charges to and from an authorized Service
Center or the BIAMP Systems factory for warranted
products or components thereof to obtain repairs shall
be the responsibility of the purchaser.
2. This warranty will be VOIDED if the serial number
has been removed or defaced; or if the product has
been subjected to accidental damage, abuse, rental
usage, alterations, or attempted repair by any person
not authorized by BIAMP Systems to make repairs; or
if the product has been installed contrary to BIAMP
Systems's recommendations.
3. Electro-mechanical fans, electrolytic capacitors,
and the normal wear and tear of appearance items
such as paint, knobs, handles, and covers are not
covered under this warranty.
4. BIAMP SYSTEMS SHALL NOT IN ANY EVENT BE
LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST
PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, PROPERTY DAMAGE, INJURY
TO GOODWILL, OR OTHER ECONOMIC LOSS OF ANY
SORT. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN,
BIAMP SYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER LIABILITY TO
PURCHASER OR ANY OTHER PERSONS ARISING OUT
OF USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT,
INCLUDING LIABILITY FOR NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT
LIABILITY IN TORT.
5. THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. BIAMP
SYSTEMS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE REMEDIES SET
FORTH HEREIN SHALL BE THE PURCHASER'S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES WITH RESPECT TO ANY
DEFECTIVE PRODUCT. THE AGENTS, EMPLOYEES,
DISTRIBUTORS, AND DEALERS OF BIAMP SYSTEMS
ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO MODIFY THIS WARRANTY
OR TO MAKE ADDITIONAL WARRANTIES BINDING ON
BIAMP SYSTEMS. ACCORDINGLY, ADDITIONAL
STATEMENTS SUCH AS DEALER ADVERTISEMENTS
OR REPRESENTATIONS DO NOT CONSTITUTE
WARRANTIES BY BIAMP SYSTEMS.
6. No action for breach of this warranty may be
commenced more than one year after the expiration of this
warranty.
Thank you for purchasing BIAMP SYSTEMS...
AMERICAN SOUND CRAFTSMANSHIP
Biamp Systems
10074 S.W. Arctic Drive
Beaverton, Oregon 97005
(503) 641-7287
http://www.biamp.com
585.0075.00
Declaration of Conformity
Biamp Systems, Inc., as the manufacturer, hereby declares that the following described product, in our
delivered version, complies with the provisions of the DIRECTIVES except as noted herein. In case of
alteration of the product, not agreed upon or directed by us, this declaration is no longer valid.
Special Considerations for Product Environment or Compliance:
Shielded cabling must be used for system connections. The apparatus is deemed incapable of
producing harmonic emissions or flicker levels sufficient enough to interfere with other apparatus as
noted in EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-3.
RF interference conducted through interconnect cabling or connectors may cause varying degrees of
random signal degradation. The effect of increased noise or distortion due to this interference is
typically masked by the desired signal. In no instance is operation inhibited.
The Technical Report/File is maintained at: Biamp Systems, Inc.
10074 S.W. Arctic Drive
Beaverton, OR USA 97005
phone: (503) 641-7287 fax: (503) 626-0281
e-mail: biamp@biamp.com
Biamp Systems, Inc., as the manufacturer, hereby declares that the following described product, in our
delivered version, complies with the provisions of the DIRECTIVES except as noted herein. In case of
alteration of the product, not agreed upon or directed by us, this declaration is no longer valid.
Special Considerations for Product Environment or Compliance:
Shielded cabling must be used for system connections. The apparatus is deemed incapable of
producing harmonic emissions or flicker levels sufficient enough to interfere with other apparatus as
noted in EN61000-3-2 and EN61000-3-3.
RF interference conducted through interconnect cabling or connectors may cause varying degrees of
random signal degradation. The effect of increased noise or distortion due to this interference is
typically masked by the desired signal. In no instance is operation inhibited.
The Technical Report/File is maintained at: Biamp Systems, Inc.
10074 S.W. Arctic Drive
Beaverton, OR USA 97005
phone: (503) 641-7287 fax: (503) 626-0281
e-mail: biamp@biamp.com