Please take the time to follow the instructions in this owner’s guide carefully. It will help you set up and operate
your system properly and enjoy all of its advanced features. Please save this owner’s guide for future reference.
WARNING: T
WARNING:
o reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the product to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
shall not be placed on the apparatus. As with any electronic products, use care not to spill liquids into any part of the
system. Liquids can cause a failure and/or a fire hazard.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle alerts the user to the presence of
uninsulated, dangerous voltage within the system enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electrical shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle, as marked on the system, is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in this owner’s guide.
WARNING: No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
CAUTION: Make no modification to the system or accessories. Unauthorized alterations may compromise safety,
regulatory compliance, and system performance.
CAUTION: This product shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
This product conforms to the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC and to the Low Voltage
Directive 73/23/EEC. The complete Declaration of Conformity can be found on
www.Bose.com/static/compliance/index.html.
Note: Where the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, such disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
Note: The product must be used indoors. It is neither designed nor tested for use outdoors, in recreation vehicles, or
on boats.
Note: Provide an earth connection before the main plug is connected to the mains.
Safety Information
Important safety instructions
1.Read these instructions.
2.Keep these instructions – for future reference.
3.Heed all warnings – on the product and in the owner’s guide.
4.Follow all instructions.
5.Do not use this apparatus near water or moisture.
6.Clean only with a dry cloth.
7.Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions – To ensure reliable opera
tion of the product and to protect it from overheating, put the product in a position and location that will not interfere with its proper
ventilation.
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 groundingtype 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 wider blade or third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit in 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. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified 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.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time – to prevent
damage to this product.
14. 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 nor
mally, or has been dropped – Do not attempt to service this prod-
uct yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltages or other hazards. Please call Bose to be referred
to an authorized service center near you.
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15. To prevent risk of fire or electric shock, avoid overloading wall
outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles.
16. Do not let objects or liquids enter the product – as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result
in a fire or electric shock.
17. See product enclosure for safety related markings.
18. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be
placed on the apparatus.
Information about products that generate
electrical noise
If applicable, this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installa
tion. 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 commu
nications. However, this 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, you are encour
aged 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 to an outlet on a different circuit than
the one to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
Note: Unauthorized modification of this product could void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
This product complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class A
specifications.
The information furnished in this user’s guide does not include
all of the details of design, production, or variations of the equipment. Nor does it cover every possible situation which may arise
during installation, operation, or maintenance.
1.1 The Bose® FreeSpace® DXA 2120
Digital Mixer/Amplifier
The Bose® FreeSpace® DXA 2120 Digital Mixer/Amplifier
integrates digital signal processing with two powered output
channels. Designed as a mixer or router for business music
applications, it features an LCD panel and controls behind the
front cover for easy access.
The mixer/amplifier provides six inputs, including four Mic/Line
inputs, one Page input, and one Direct input. The Direct input
overrides all sources playing on the output channels. Each Mic/
Line input provides both RCA and Euroblock jacks.
Two output channels are wired for 120 watts at 4 ohms each. For
70/100 volt applications, a jumper is required for proper configuration. In 70/100V applications, the two outputs will operate at
100 watts per channel. A third output is available for an auxiliary
line out.
Additional features include:
• Signal Mixing: In Mixer Mode, simultaneously combines up to
four inputs for any of the three outputs.
• Signal Routing: In Dual Mono Select Mode, one or two inputs
go to each of two outputs in different zones and can be
remotely selected. In Stereo Select Mode, two stereo sources
go to one output zone and can be remotely selected.
• Opti-voice® Paging: Provides a smooth transition between
music and page signals.
• Dynamic Equalization: Maintains tonal balance at all listening
levels.
• Bose Loudspeaker EQs: Provide equalization for Bose
loudspeakers.
• AGC (Automatic Gain Control): When enabled, automatically
compensates for low-level sources (i.e., microphone with low
sensitivity).
• Room Equalization: Allows easy adjustment of tonal balance
in each zone.
• Communications Port: Includes an RS-232 serial port
reserved for system updates.
• Backup power: Provides an input terminal for a +24V DC
backup power source.
1.2 Supplied with the product
Included connectors:
• 3-terminal inputconnectors: (4) for wiring source equipment
to the four Mic/Line input Euroblock jacks.
• 4-terminal inputconnectors: (2) for wiring to the Page and
Direct input jacks.
• 6-terminal inputconnector: (1) for wiring user interfaces to
the Remote input jack.
• 5-terminal output connectors: (2) for wiring to the loudspeakers.
• 3-terminal output connector: (1) for wiring to the AUX output
jack.
Included placement aids:
• Non-skid rubber feet: (4) for stable placement on a solid, level
surface.
• Rack ears: (2) with mounting hardware for installation in a
rack.
1.3 Mixer/Amplifier accessories
Application-specific Bose accessories:
•Bose® Volume Control User Interface
A user interface with a volume control knob that fits into a
standard U.S. double-gang junction box.
•Bose® Volume Control with A/B Select User Interface
A user interface that fits into a standard U.S. double-gang
junction box. It features volume control and A/B select knobs
for remote source selection.
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2.0 Hardware Description
2.1 Front panel with open compartment
1
2
5
6
7
2.1.1 System Controls
1LCD panel – Displays menu selections for configuring and
viewing system settings.
2Directional buttons – Navigates system menus and setting
options shown on the LCD.
3SELECT button – Confirms selections and settings in the
system menus.
4POWER LED – Blue light indicates the system is on. No
light when unit is off.
5SIGNAL and CLIP LEDs – Shows signal states for
OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2, PAGE, and DIRECT.
Signal Unlit = No signalClip Unlit = No clipping
Signal Green = Signal present Clip Red = Clipping
3
4
9
10
8
6GAIN knobs – Adjusts gain for OUTPUT 1, OUTPUT 2, and
PAG E.
7BASS and TREBLE knobs – Adjusts tonal balance for
OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2.
2.1.2 Control Compartment
8Enclosure door – Conceals system controls.
2.1.3 Input Controls
9SIGNAL and CLIP LEDs – Shows signal states for
Inputs 1-4.
Signal Unlit = No signalClip Unlit = No clipping
Signal Green = Signal presentClip Red = Clipping
10 Gain knobs – Adjusts gain for INPUT 1- INPUT 4.
2.2 Front panel with compartment closed
1
1
Door – Provides access to system controls.
2
6 of 36
2
Power status window – Reveals Power LED.
2.3 Rear panel
2.0 Hardware Description
1
2
3
4
5
14
2.3.1 Audio source inputs
1LINE INPUTS – Two unbalanced RCA audio jacks per input
(summed to mono).
2MIC/LINE INPUTS – Balanced Euroblock input jacks. One
per input.
3MIC/LINE switch – Adjusts for the proper signal level being
used with the four Euroblock input connectors.
(Mic connections require using the Euroblock input jacks.)
4DIRECT INPUT – Balanced override input jack.
5PAGE INPUT – Balanced audio input jack.
2.3.2 Outputs
6AUX OUTPUT – Line-level signal output for other amplified
equipment.
7OUTPUTS 1 and 2 – Speaker connections for two powered
outputs (70V, 100V, or 4 ohms operation).
6
8
7
910
13
12
2.3.4 Power
9BACKUP POWER – For connection to backup power
source.
10 POWER OFF/ON – AC power switch.
11 FUSE – 120V T6.3AL/250V or 220-240V T3.15AL/250V.
12 AC mains line cord jack – AC line voltage input.
13 120V/220-240V switch – Switches between 120V and
220-240V AC input voltage. This switch is not provided on
100V AC input voltage models.
2.3.5 Communication
14 COM – RS-232 serial port is reserved for system updates.
11
2.3.3 Control input
8REMOTE – Input jack for volume-only control and volume
control with A/B select user interfaces.
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3.0 Operation Mode Options
3.1 Operation mode options
Before making connections, decide how you want the sound
sources distributed throughout the site. This depends on whether
the area is specified for one or two zones, the kind of coverage
needed, and the sources to be used.
The mixer/amplifier provides three different modes of operation.
•Mixer Mode
In Mixer Mode, the system can mix up to four mic/line inputs to
each of the two output channels for use in one or two zones.
•Stereo Select Mode
In Stereo Select Mode, with up to two stereo sources
connected and using both output channels, the system
provides stereo sound to a single output zone. Refer to “Stereo
Select Mode” on page 9.
• Dual Mono Select Mode
In Dual Mono Select Mode, with up to two input sources
connected to each of the two output channels, the system
provides audio in two zones. Refer to “Dual Mono Select
Mode” on page 9.
3.1.1 Mixer Mode
Line-level sources can be connected using the RCA jacks or
Euroblock connectors. The system sums the two RCA jacks for
each input to mono.
Microphones must be connected using the Euroblock connectors. Make sure the MIC/LINE switch is set to MIC.
Mixer mode sources can be routed to either or both outputs, as
shown below.
Sources can be independently routed to the auxiliary output.
In normal operation, the OUTPUT 1 and 2 gain controls are used
to control the gains of OUTPUT 1 and 2, respectively. In this
mode, you have the MASTERVOL LINKED option, which allows
you to configure the OUTPUT 1 gain control to control the gains
of OUTPUT 1 and 2 simultaneously.
Note: With use of a user interface, the chassis output gain knob is
disabled.
Use of one or two volume control user interfaces is optional. For
further detail, see
page 31.
“Mode user interface requirements” on
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3.0 Operation Mode Options
3.1.2 Stereo Select Mode
Line-level sources can be connected using RCA jacks or
Euroblock
use either the left or right RCA jack of each INPUT.
Stereo Select Mode source routing is fixed, as shown below.
Auxiliary output can be set up to:
• Play constant audio from Inputs 1 + 2 (summed to mono),
Source 1.
• Play constant audio from Inputs 3 + 4 (summed to mono),
Source 2.
• Track source selected using A/B select on user interface.
This mode supports the use of one user interface in a single zone
using the volume control with A/B select user interface.
Note: With use of a user interface, the chassis output gain knob is
disabled.
For further detail, see “Mode user interface requirements” on
page 31.
connectors. To connect a stereo source to RCA jacks,
3.1.3 Dual Mono Select Mode
Line-level sources can be connected using RCA jacks or
Euroblock
each input to mono.
Dual Mono Select Mode source routing is fixed, as shown below.
Auxiliary output can be set up to track Output 1 or constant audio
from Input 1.
This mode supports the use of one user interface for each output
channel using a volume control with A/B select user interface.
Note: With use of a user interface, the chassis output gain knob is
disabled.
For further detail, see “Mode user interface requirements” on
page 31.
connectors. The system sums the two RCA jacks for
9 of 36
4.0 Hardware Installation
4.1 Introduction
This section provides instructions for installing and wiring the
Bose FreeSpace
®
DXA 2120 Digital Mixer/Amplifier.
4.2 Included accessories
• 3-terminal input connectors (4) – For wiring
equipment to the MIC/LINE INPUT Euroblock
jacks.
• 4-terminal input connectors (2) – For wiring
equipment to the single PAGE IN P U T and
single DIRECT INPUT jacks.
• 6-terminal input connector (1) – For wiring
to the REMOTE jack.
• 5-terminal output connectors (2) with
screw caps – For wiring
OUTPUT 1 and OUTPUT 2.
• 3-terminal output connector (1) – For wiring to
the AUX OUTPUT jack.
• Rubber feet (4) – For installing the chassis on a
level surface.
• Rack ears
with
mounting
hardware (2) –
For installing the
mixer/amplifier
chassis (2U) in a
rack.
speakers to
Rack ears
(6) #8-32 x 1/2 in
CAUTION: Do not allow the chassis to exceed the maximum
operating temperature of 50° C (122° F). Be aware of conditions in
an enclosed rack that may increase the temperature above roomambient conditions.
4.4 Shelf mounting the chassis
The Bose® FreeSpace® DXA 2120 Digital Mixer/Amplifier has
rubber feet for use when positioning the chassis on a shelf or
counter top. They help to protect the surface that supports the
unit and to prevent chassis movement. Be sure to follow the
“Placement guidelines” previously described when choosing a
location for the unit.
1.Place the mixer/amplifier upside-down on a solid, level
surface on a protective covering to avoid scratching the
top of the chassis.
2.Insert the supplied rubber feet to the four existing holes on
the bottom of the chassis. Use a screwdriver to push the
locking pins fully into the chassis, securing the feet.
Note: The rubber feet may be removed by inserting a screwdriver into
the screw and turning counterclockwise until the screw backs out of the
hole.
4.5 Rack-mounting the chassis
The chassis requires two 1.75" (4.4 cm) rack-space units with a
16" (40.6 cm) inside depth (including the rear supports).
1.Use the supplied rack ears and hardware for attachment to
the chassis.
2.To secure the chassis to the rack, use four screws with
washers (not provided) to prevent marring the front panel.
Note: Neoprene rubber washers are a good choice because they grip
the screw head and prevent the screws from backing out from vibration
or during transportation.
4.3 Placement guidelines
For placement of the mixer/amplifier chassis, keep the following
in mind:
• Make sure that air can circulate freely behind, beside, and
above the chassis for adequate ventilation. There are intake
vents on the sides and an exhaust vent on the back of the unit.
Do not cover or block the vents.
• Make sure the chassis is protected from heat and kept away
from direct heat sources, such as heating vents and radiators.
Attaching rack ears
to the chassis
Mounting the chassis
in the rack
(rack screws and
washers not provided)
CAUTION: To transport the rack-mounted chassis, be sure
the rear of the chassis is supported mechanically in the rack.
Install a shelf under the unit or use brackets for rear support.
Lack of proper support may result in damage to the chassis.
10 of 36
4.0 Hardware Installation
4.6 User interface (accessory)
The FreeSpace® DXA 2120 Digital Mixer/Amplifier is designed to
be compatible with the following Bose
•Bose® Volume Control User Interface (PC 041966)
•Bose® Volume Control with A/B Select User Interface
(PC 041967)