MCA Series
Multi-Channel Amplifiers
Operation Manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The third prong is provided for your safety.
When the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
12) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
13) 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.
14) WARNING - To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
15) The MAINS plug or appliance coupler is used
as the disconnect device. This disconnect device
must remain redily accessible after installation.
16) In order to comply with international safety
requirements for operating temperature, clearance
of at least 5cm or 1.97" must be maintained
between this device and other rack-mounted
devices. This spacing will ensure that all exposed
metal surfaces are safe to touch.
Explanation of safety related markings and symbols which appear on the outside of the apparatus.
Lightning Bolt
marked with this symbol while the unit is connected to live power.
Exclamation Point
manufacturer. Failure to do so will compromise safe operation of this unit.
Biamp Systems | 9300 S.W. Gemini Drive | Beaverton, OR | 97008 | USA | +1.503.641.7287 | www.biamp.com
: Hazardous Live voltages present when this unit is in operation. Do not touch terminals
: Replace components (i.e. fuses) only with the values specified by the
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Bridging / Remote Control
Specifications
Warranty
CE Declaration
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg. 2
pgs. 3 & 4
pg. 5
pg. 6
pg. 7
pg. 8
11Feb09
MCA Series
INTRODUCTION
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' fiveyear 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
♦ rear panel level controls & high-pass filter switches
♦ amplifier outputs on screw-terminal connectors
♦ dual-color signal/peak indicators on front & rear panels
♦ front panel indicators for amplifier temp/load faults
♦ fan cooled with complete output/speaker protection
♦ optional transformers for 25/70/100 Volt systems
♦ incorporates AES recommended grounding practices
♦ CE marked and UL / C-UL listed
♦ CCC Certified
♦ covered by BiampSystems' five-year warranty
1
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
fault on
Channel 8
signal
temp
peak
fault on
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.
2