• Do not operate the unit in ambient temperatures above
35°C.
• Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the
hazardous live symbol ( ) while power is supplied to
the unit.
• Do not perform any internal adjustments unless you
are qualied to do so and fully understand the hazards
associated with mains-operated equipment.
• The unit has no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing
to qualied service personnel.
Safety Considerations and Information
The unit must be earthed. Ensure that the mains power
supply provides an effective earth connection using a threewire termination.
When the mains switch is in the off ‘O’ position the live
and neutral conductors of the mains transformer are
disconnected.
Caution - High Voltages
Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the hazardous
live symbol ( ) while power is supplied to the unit.
Terminals to which the hazardous live symbol refers require
installation by a qualied person.
Caution - Mains Fuse
Replace the mains fuse only with the same type and rating as
marked on the rear panel.
The fuse body size is 20 mm x 5 mm.
• If the moulded plug is cut off the AC power lead for
any reason, the discarded plug is a potential hazard and
should be disposed of in a responsible manner.
Conformities
This product conforms to the following European EMC
Standards:
BS EN 55103-1:1997
BS EN 55103-2:1997
This product has been tested for use in commercial and
light industrial environments. If the unit is used in controlled
EMC environments, the urban outdoors, heavy industrial
environments or close to railways, transmitters, overhead
power lines, etc., the performance of the unit may be
degraded.
The product conforms to the following European electrical
safety standard:
BS EN 60065:2002
Caution - Servicing
The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing
to qualied service personnel. Do not perform servicing
unless you are qualied to do so.
Disconnect the power cable from the unit before removing
the top panel and do not make any internal adjustments with
the unit switched on.
Only reassemble the unit using bolts/screws identical to the
original parts.
The CXV Series was developed and manufactured with high
quality materials and components, which can be recycled
and/or reused.
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.04
General Description
The Cloud CXV225NA and CXV425NA are high power
(250 W/ch), multi-channel audio ampliers intended for use
with high quality PA and background music systems in ofces,
hotels, factories, leisure facilities and other commercial and
industrial premises.
They are designed to drive 70 V-line speaker systems directly,
and have no low-impedance outputs. Low impedance
loudspeakers can only be connected to these ampliers
with the use of an intermediate 70 V-line transformer.
Loudspeakers designed for such ‘installed-sound’ applications
will normally include an integral transformer, typically with
selectable output power taps. If you have any doubt about
the suitability of this amplier for the speaker system it is to
be connected to, please verify that the speakers are of the
70 V-line type with the manufacturer.
Unlike traditional 70 V-line amplier designs, the CXV225NA
and CXV425NA do not employ an output transformer. This
produces a considerable saving in weight and a signicant
improvement in audio quality.
Applicable Models
This manual describes the installation and operation of the
following models:
• Cloud CXV225NA 2-channel amplier –
2 x 250 W, 2U 19” rack unit
• Cloud CXV425NA 4-channel amplier –
4 x 250 W, 3U 19” rack unit
Apart from the number of channels and the units’ physical
dimensions and power consumption gures, the two
models are otherwise identical for the practical purposes of
installation and operation.
Schematic Diagram
CXV225NA
+
3
2
-
1
+
3
2
-
1
+
3
2
-
1
+
3
2
-
1
CXV425NA
fig.1: CXV Series schematic diagram
LEVEL
LEVEL
LEVEL
LEVEL
VCA
VCA
VCA
VCA
FREQ
FREQ
FREQ
FREQ
J1
SPEAKER
EQ
J2
SPEAKER
EQ
J3
SPEAKER
EQ
J4
SPEAKER
EQ
CLIP
LIMITER
CLIP
LIMITER
CLIP
LIMITER
CLIP
LIMITER
PROTECT
POWER
AMPLIFIER
PROTECT
POWER
AMPLIFIER
PROTECT
POWER
AMPLIFIER
PROTECT
POWER
AMPLIFIER
7
OUTPUTS
CHANNEL.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.05
4
3
6
fig.2: CXV425NA Front panel
4
0
1
0
1
1
2
CXV425
4 CHANNEL 70V LINE AMPLIFIER
PROTECT
PEAK
SIGNAL
3
POWER
2
6
4
1
5
CXV225
500W STEREO 70V LINE AMPLIFIER
3
PROTECT
PEAK
SIGNAL
POWER
2
1
fig.3: CXV225NA Front panel
Front Panel Description
1
SIGNAL LEDs (one per channel) – illuminate
when the output voltage exceeds approx. 12.5 V
(18 dB below maximum output)
2
PEAK LEDs (one per channel) – illuminate if
maximum output voltage is reached (70 V
3
PROTECT LEDs (one per channel) – indicate
fault conditions
REMOTE VOLUME CONTROL CONNECTORS
– when remote control option is tted (one per
channel)
6
OUTPUT TERMINAL COVER
7
OUTPUT TERMINALS – accessible when Output
Terminal Cover (6) is removed
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.07
Installation
Mechanical
The ampliers are designed to be mounted in a standard 19”
equipment rack. The front panels are tted with rackmount
ears for this purpose. The CXV225NA requires 2U of
vertical rack space, the CXV425NA requires 3U. See notes
below regarding spacing and ventilation.
Due to the units’ weight, the use of additional side supports
is recommended.
Ventilation
The CXV425NA is force cooled by two thermostaticallycontrolled fans mounted on the rear panel. The fan is
operative at all times, remaining at low speed at internal
temperatures below 50°C, then increasing in speed above
this temperature to a maximum speed at 70°C.
The CXV225NA has a single fan mounted internally to keep
noise to a minimum.
Always allow adequate space around the amplier(s) to
allow a free ow of air through the unit(s). Ensure that cable
bundles or other items do not obstruct any grilles.
In 19” rack applications we recommend leaving 1U of rack
space above and below each unit. Plain 1U blank panels,
not slotted ventilation panels should be used, as the latter
reduce the effect of forced-air cooling. The direction of
airow is from front-to-rear (CXV425NA) and front-to-
sides (CXV225NA); it is recommended not to mix these
ampliers with other equipment employing forced-air
cooling which acts in the opposite direction within the same
rack.
Connections and Adjustments
123
-
Amplifier input
pin 1: n/c
pin 2: cold
pin 3: hot
123
-
Amplifier input
pin 1: n/c
pin 2: cold
pin 3: hot
+
+
3
2
1
Balanced output
(typically XLR):
pin 1: ground
pin 2: hot
pin 3: cold
Unbalanced outputs
(e.g. phonos):
screen: ground
pin: hot
g.6: Input wiring
-
+
BALANCED CONNECTION
UNBALANCED CONNECTION
Sensitivity and Gain Control
Control of input level is provided by a preset rotary
control adjacent to each input connector. The control
should be adjusted using a trim tool or small screwdriver.
Full attenuation of the input signal – i.e., zero output – is
obtained with the control fully anti-clockwise. Maximum
sensitivity is with the control fully clockwise; at this setting
the maximum output level of 70 V
input signal level of 0.775 V
rms
will be produced for an
rms
(0 dBu).
We recommend that the level for each channel should
be adjusted after installation is complete to ensure that
adequate, but not excessive sound levels are achieved with
the programme material that will be used in practice.
Input Routing
To facilitate the use of the ampliers in multi-zone
applications, input selection switches are provided on all
channels except Ch1. This gives the installer an easy method
of paralleling channels from a single input.
Inputs
Each amplier channel has an electronically-balanced input
on a 3-pin 3.5 mm-pitch screw terminal connector. Twincore screened cable should be used when driving the
amplier inputs from a device with a balanced output. Single-
core screened cable can be used when connecting to an
unbalanced source.
CXV225NA only: The CXV225NA’s single switch allows
Channel 2 to be operated in parallel with Channel 1, with
Input 1 acting as the common input connector.
CXV425NA only: The three switches on the CXV425NA
allow a total of 8 routing possibilities, including 4-channel,
dual stereo and mono operation with 4 channels paralleled.
The table below claries the options:
BUTTON
POSITION
Ch 2Ch 3Ch 4Input 1Input 2Input 3 Input 4
InInIn
OutInIn
InOutIn
OutOutIn
InInOut
OutInOut
InOutOut
OutOutOut
INPUT ROUTING: CHANNELS
FED BY EACH INPUT
Ch 1Ch 2Ch 3Ch 4
Chs 1 & 2Ch 3Ch 4
Chs 1 & 3Ch 2Ch 4
Chs 1, 2 & 3Ch 4
Ch 1Chs 2 & 4 Ch 3
Chs 1, 2 & 4Ch 3
Chs 1 & 3Chs 2 & 4
Chs 1, 2, 3
& 4
Remote Control of Level
The CXV225NA and CXV425NA ampliers are compatible
with standard Cloud remote control plates type RL-1 Series,
allowing control of level from a remote position. In order
to use the ampliers with the RL-1, VCA cards must rst be
tted in the channels to be controlled remotely. See page 10
for details of VCA cards and tting. Once VCA cards have
been tted, RL-1s may be connected at the rear 3-pin 5 mm-
pitch screw terminal connectors (Remote Level), using the
wiring shown below.
RL-1
123
REMOTE LEVEL
CONNECTOR
123
Outputs
The 70 V-line speaker output terminals are behind the
removable output terminal cover (see page 7). The covers
are tted with a cable gland (one per channel); to use these,
slacken the rear nut by a few turns and feed the cable
through. The plug-in connectors are suitable for cable cores
up to 2.5 mm2.
Connect as shown below:
CXV425NA
1234
-+ -+ -+ -+
-+
CH 1CH 2
CXV225NA
1234
-+ -+
CH 1CH 2
g.8: Output wiring
After making the connections, replace the cover and tighten
the gland nuts. They only need to be rmly nger-tight; take
care not to over tighten, use only enough torque to give
reasonable cable retention. Do not use a wrench.
6785
CH 3CH 4
USE TWO-CORE SCREENED CABLE
g.7: Remote level control wiring
Use two-core screened cable to connect the remote level
plate (maximum length 100 metres).
Caution: The amplier should never be operated without
the output terminal cover installed. Apart from exposing
the high voltage terminals, leaving the cover off also
compromises the amplier’s forced-air cooling.
The amplier’s transformerless output stage is designed
to drive up to 70 V
into an impedance of at least
rms
20 ohms (each channel). Check the input impedance of the
loudspeaker type in use and divide this gure by the number
of loudspeakers* to ensure that the total impedance is
greater than 20 ohms. Alternatively, add the wattages of all
the loudspeakers being driven by each channel (taking power
tappings into account); the total must be less than 250 W.
* Assumes all loudspeakers in the system are of the same type and have the
same tap setting.
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.09
Protection
The ampliers include comprehensive protection circuitry
to prevent damage to loudspeakers, the output devices and
other components in the event of a fault condition.
speaker processor) or when the speaker manufacturer
explicitly states that they will operate correctly at such low
frequencies.
For speech-only
Thermal Protection
The output device heatsink temperatures are monitored and
the protection circuitry activated if any should exceed 90°C.
The red front panel PROTECT LED for the appropriate
channel illuminates to indicate the fault condition.
DC Protection
Crowbar protection is provided to safeguard the
loudspeakers in the event of DC being present at the output
terminals. This is an emergency protection feature that
will only operate in the event of the amplier developing a
fault. Its action is liable to blow internal DC rail fuses. The
amplier must be serviced before any attempt is made to
use it further.
Short-circuit protection
VI limiting is implemented in the ampliers to protect the
output stages from excessive dissipation caused by abnormal
loads; for example, a short-circuit.
Switch-on protection
Settings somewhere between 100 Hz (12 o’clock) and
200 Hz are appropriate. Start with the lter set to 100 Hz
and turn the control clockwise whilst listening to speech
through the system until you can hear a loss of bass in the
voice. Few voices contain any useful signal below 200 Hz,
so in many cases the lter can be set to 200 Hz without
any real loss of quality. Often a setting this high will actually
enhance the clarity of the speech, reduce microphone
handling noise and reduce breath blasts.
For music systems
The optimum lter setting will depend on the speakers
and their transformers. It should be recognised that many
70 V-line speakers have inferior LF performance compared to
low impedance speakers. If the manufacturer recommends
a minimum frequency of operation, set the lter to this.
Otherwise, settings between 70 Hz and 100 Hz should be
appropriate.
Test the system at full volume with a variety of music
containing high level, low bass notes and listen for any
distortion. If the transformers saturate, distortion will be
clearly audible. In this case, turn the control clockwise until
it disappears.
The protection circuitry is also activated immediately after
the amplier is switched on. This is to prevent any voltage
spikes due to start-up conditions from damaging the
loudspeakers. The protection circuitry automatically times
out after approx. 5 seconds. All PROTECT LEDs illuminate at
switch-on for the duration of the time-out period.
High Pass Filters
Most transformers tted to 70 V-line speakers exhibit
core saturation when fed with high-level signals at low
frequencies. Transformer saturation creates unpleasant
distortion and stresses the system. To counteract this, a
correctly congured high pass lter is an essential part of
any 70 V-line system. The CXV225NA and CXV425NA have
variable frequency high pass lters in each channel, accessible
at the rear panel (see page 7). These should be adjusted to
reject low frequencies, to suit both the speakers and the
application. When adjusting, bear in mind that the higher
the frequency setting, the less likely it is that the system will
suffer from saturation problems.
The minimum (20 Hz) setting should only be used when
the system has some other form of lter or protection
from high-level low frequency signals (e.g., a dedicated
VCA Cards (optional)
Cloud VCA-5 modules must be tted to the CXV225NA
and CXV425NA ampliers if remote control of audio level
is required. One VCA-5 module is required for each channel,
and as many as necessary may be tted. The VCA modules
use the industry-standard That’s 2181 VCA device, which
provides very low distortion and up to 90 dB attenuation at
cut-off.
The VCA module can also be used to provide muting by
using an auxiliary relay connected to a re alarm control
panel. Please contact our technical department for further
details.
Installation
• With the power turned off and the mains cable
removed, remove the top panel.
• Refer to the pcb layout diagrams on page 13. Locate the
VCA connector for the rst channel being tted, and
remove the jumper joining one pair of pins.
• Unscrew the blanking plate from the rear panel.
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.010
• Remove and retain the M3 xing screw adjacent to the
connector, and t the 35mm M3 hex spacer supplied
with the VCA-5 in its place.
• Push the 10-way VCA plug onto the PCB connector,
aligned so the cable enters it from the rear of the
chassis. Check there is contact with all 10 pins.
• Locate the VCA module’s 3-pin socket in the rear panel
cut-out and secure using the M3 screw provided.
• Replace the top panel.
Once the VCA-5 modules have been installed, RL-1 remote
level control plate(s) may be connected to the REMOTE
LEVEL connector(s) on the rear panel.
General Notes
EMC Considerations
CXV Series ampliers have been designed with a range
of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) measures and so
are technically well behaved. You should experience no
problems interfacing units to other items of equipment and
under normal circumstances, no special precautions need
to be taken. If the unit is to be used in close proximity to
potential sources of HF disturbance such as high power
communication transmitters, radar stations and the like, it is
suggested that input signal leads be kept as short as possible.
Always use balanced interconnections wherever possible.
Loudspeaker Equalisation Modules
(optional)
The CXV225NA and CXV425NA may be optimised for
use with certain popular installation speakers from various
manuafcturers; a single-channel equalisation module may be
tted to as many channels as necessary. Equalisation modules
for the following loudspeakers are available:
Bose®
• Panaray® MA12
• Panaray® 402-II, 502B and 502BEX
• Panaray® LT Series: Models 3302, 4402, 9402 and 9702
• Freespace® DS 16 range
• Freespace® Model 16
• Freespace® Model 32 range
Amina
• AIWX Series
• LFiT Series
Other modules are available; please enquire.
Installation
• With the power turned off and the mains cable
removed, remove the top panel.
• Refer to the pcb layout diagrams on page 13. The
modules plug into the white 12-pin connectors on the
PCB. Note the header connectors on the PCB have two
notches on one side only; these engage with lugs on
the equalisation module’s mating connector to ensure
correct orientation.
Earthing
When several mains powered units are connected together
via their signal cables, there is a risk of one or more earth
loops which may cause an audible hum on the system even
with the gain controls set to minimum.
The 0 V rail of a CXV Series amplier is directly coupled to
the chassis ground. No interconnection problems should be
encountered, but if there is any hum or other extraneous
noise when source equipment is connected, the situation can
generally be remedied by observing the following guidelines:
• Always connect sources using balanced connections
wherever possible, with the cable screen only connected
at the receiving end (amplier input).
• Use audio isolating transformers (readily available from
trade suppliers) at the inputs if necessary. These will
ensure that the amplier is electrically isolated from the
source equipment.
• The signal source units should be located as close as
possible to the ampliers and the metal housing of
the various units should not be electrically connected
together through the equipment rack. If this is a
problem, rack isolating kits are available from specialist
hardware suppliers. If the problem persists, try to
connect all interconnected units, including power
ampliers, to a common power source to ensure a
common ground is provided.
• After tting equalisation modules to any channel(s),
the corresponding module bypass jumper(s) must be
removed in order for the module to function. Refer to
the pcb layout diagrams for jumper locations.
• Replace the top cover with the original screws after
tting.
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.011
Technical Specications
CXV225NA & CXV425NA
Outputs70 V
; 250 W into 20 ohm min. load (per channel)
rms
Frequency Response20 kHz -0.6 dB; LF response dependent on lter setting
High Pass Filter-3 dB @ 20 Hz – 200 Hz variable
Distortion<0.04% @ 1 kHz & 1 dB below limiting, 20 ohm load
Crosstalk-80 dB @ 10 kHz
Sensitivity0.775 V
(0 dBu)
rms
Input Impedance10 kohm balanced, 5 kohm unbalanced
Noise (rms)-96 dB, 22Hz - 22kHz, relative to 70 V
rms
Power Input120 V ±5%
Fuse Rating120 V, 8 A (CXV225NA)/10 A (CXV425NA)
Fuse TypeT8A (CXV225NA)/ T10A (CXV425NA), 20 mm x 5 mm 120 V
General Specications
CXV225NACXV425NA
InputsElectronically balanced; 3-pin 2.5 mm-pitch plug-in screw terminal connectors
Outputs2-pin 5 mm-pitch plug-in screw terminal connectors
ProtectionClip Limiting, VI Limiting, DC Offset, Thermal & switch-on delay
Status IndicatorsLED indicators on each channel for Signal, Peak & Protect
CoolingForce cooled; internal variable speed
DC fan
Dimensions
(W x H x D)
482.6 x 88 (2U) x 300
19” x 3.46 (2U) x 11.81”
Weight8.8 kg / 19.4 lbs net21 kg / 47 lbs net
Force cooled; two rear-mounted
variable speed DC fans
482.6 x 132.5 (3U) x 332
19” x 5.22” (3U) x 13.07”
CXV225NA & CXV425NA User Manual v1.012
Location of Internal Jumpers and Connectors.
CXV225NA connector and jumper details
CXV225NA: MAIN PCB LAYOUT.
TOP VIEW. ONLY PRIMARY
COMPONENTS SHOWN.