d&b D12 User Manual

D12 Amplifier
Hardware manual (4.9 EN)

Symbols on the equipment

Please refer to the information in the operating manual.

WARNING!
Dangerous voltage!

General Information

D12 Amplifier
Hardware manual

Version 4.9 EN, 02/2014, D2012.E.04

Copyright © 2014 by audiotechnik GmbH; all rights reserved.

Keep this manual with the product or in a safe place so
that it is available for future reference.

When reselling this product, hand over this manual to the new
customer.

If you supply d&b products, please draw the attention of your
customers to this manual. Enclose the relevant manuals with the systems.
If you require additional manuals for this purpose, you can order them
from d&b.

d&b audiotechnik GmbH
Eugen-Adolff-Strasse 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
Telephone [phone], Fax [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail], Internet: www.dbaudio.com

Contents

1. Safety precautions...........................................................5

1.1. Information regarding use of the D12 amplifier..............................5

2. Introduction......................................................................6

2.1. Scope of supply.........................................................................................6

3. D12 Amplifier...................................................................7

3.1. D12 based systems...................................................................................7

3.2. D12 block diagram...................................................................................7

3.3. Digital signal processing..........................................................................8

3.4. D12 power amplifiers..............................................................................9

3.5. SenseDrive..................................................................................................9

3.6. Power supply............................................................................................10

3.6.1. Inrush current limiter..................................................................11

3.7. Fan..............................................................................................................11

3.8. Remote control........................................................................................11

4. Controls and indicators.................................................12

4.1. Controls.....................................................................................................12

4.1.1. Mains power switch [1].............................................................12

4.1.2. MUTE switch (A/B) (green LED) [2]........................................12

4.1.3. LEVEL/PUSH MENU (Digital rotary encoder) [3]...............13

4.2. Indicators...................................................................................................14

4.2.1. LC Display [4]...............................................................................14

4.2.2. ISP LED (A/B) - Input Signal Present (green) [5].................14

4.2.3. GR LED (A/B) - Gain Reduction (yellow) [6]........................14

4.2.4. OVL LED (A/B) - Overload (red) [7]:.....................................14

5. Connections....................................................................15

5.1. Mains panel..............................................................................................15

5.1.1. Mains power connection [8]....................................................15

5.1.2. Fuse protection [9 (a/b)]...........................................................15

5.1.3. REMOTE [10]...............................................................................16

5.1.4. SERVICE [11]................................................................................16

5.2. Connector panel (I/O Panel)...............................................................17

5.2.1. INPUT A/B [12] and LINK A/B [13].......................................17

5.2.2. INPUT DIGITAL AES/EBU [14a] and LINK [14b]................17

5.2.3. OUT A/B [15 (a/b/c)]................................................................17

5.2.4. D12 I/O modes...........................................................................17

5.2.4.1. Dual channel mode.....................................................18

5.2.4.2. Mix TOP/SUB mode...................................................18

5.2.4.3. 2-Way Active mode - Single input........................18

5.2.5. Loudspeaker wiring....................................................................19

5.2.5.1. Loudspeaker pin assignments and equivalents...19

6. Installation and operation............................................20

6.1. Installation.................................................................................................20

6.2. Operation.................................................................................................20

6.2.1. Power consumption and power loss......................................20

6.2.2. Operating conditions.................................................................21

6.2.3. Mains supply................................................................................22

7. Technical specifications..................................................23

7.1. Technical drawings.................................................................................25

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Contents - 1

8. Manufacturer's declarations.........................................26

8.1. EU declaration of conformity (CE symbol).......................................26

8.2. WEEE Declaration (Disposal)...............................................................26

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Contents - 2

1. Safety precautions

1.1. Information regarding use of the D12 amplifier

WARNING!

The following information is intended to prevent fires
and possible electric shocks:

The D12 is a protective class 1 unit. Make sure that the earth (ground)
contact is attached when the unit is in operation. A missing earth
(ground) contact may lead to dangerous voltages in the housing and
controls.

Never connect an amplifier output pin to any other input or output
connector pin or earth (ground). This might damage the unit or lead to
electric shock.

Lay all cables connected to the unit in such a way that they cannot be
crushed by vehicles or other equipment and that no one can step on
them.

Keep dust, moisture, water or other liquids well away from the unit. Do
not place any kind of object filled with liquids (e.g. drinks) on the unit.

Please ensure the mains connector is accessible at any time to
disconnect the unit in case of malfunction or danger.

Never operate the unit when it is open. Always disconnect the mains
power supply when replacing a defective fuse. Only use the type of
fuse listed in the specifications.

Only carry out work specified in this manual and always disconnect the
mains power supply. Even if the mains power supply is disconnected
electrical charge remains to several electronic components. After
15 min. the respective components will be discharged.

IMPORTANT!

All other work should be performed by trained service staff, especially
in the following cases:

- Mains power cable, socket or plug has been damaged

- Objects or liquids have entered the unit

- The unit is not operating normally

- The unit was dropped or the housing is damaged

The device complies with the electromagnetic compatibility requirements
of EN 55103 (product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual
and entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use) for
the environments E1 (residential), E2 (business and commercial), E3
(outdoor use in urban areas) and E4 (outdoor use in rural areas).

Acoustic interference and malfunctions may occur if the unit is operated
in the immediate vicinity of high-frequency transmitters (e.g. wireless
microphones, mobile phones, etc.). Damage to the unit is unlikely, but
cannot be excluded. To meet the EMC requirements, use only shielded
cables with properly connected plugs for all input signal terminals.

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Safety precautions - 1/Page 5 of 28

2. Introduction

This manual describes the facilities and functions of the hardware of the
d&b D12 amplifier.

A detailed description of the D12 Software and remote control is given
in the D12 Amplifier Software manual, which is also provided with the
D12 amplifier.

A number of publications with supplementary information on our
products are available from the Documentation section of our website
at www.dbaudio.com
online order form to request a printed version.

If the document you want is not detailed on the form, please enter the
title in the box after entering your address information.

2.1. Scope of supply

Initial inspection

Before starting up the following inspections should be carried out:

- Please verify the shipment for completeness (refer to the table below

- Tab. 1).

- Please carry out a visual inspection of the packaging, the D12 unit
and the power cord for obvious damage during shipment.

. You can either download these directly or use the

Fig. 1: D12 Amplifier, scope of supply

If there is any sign of damage or incompleteness to the items listed in
the table below please contact your local dealer from whom you
received the unit.

Quantity d&b Code Description

1 Z2600 D12 Amplifier [1],

dependent on chosen output option
(EP5, NL4 or NL8 output connectors)

1 Z2610 Power cord [2]

D12 CEE (specific to country)

1 K6007.050 RJ45 Patch cable [3]

0.5 m (1.6 ft) CAT 6/AWG 24-STP
(shielded twisted pair) to be used for
daisy chaining multiple amplifiers within a
rack.

1 Z6116 RJ 45 M Terminator [4]

1 D2012.EN D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual [5]

1 D2013.EN D12 Amplifier, Software manual [6]

Tab. 1: D12 Amplifier, scope of supply

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Page 6 of 28

Fig. 2: D12 Amplifier

Output
routing

Power

amplifier

Input

routing

Analog A
Analog B

Digital A
Digital B

Signal

generator

sine wave or
pink noise for
acoustic tests

Input

monitoring

User

EQ

Delay

t

Dynamics

Coil temp.

t°

Power supply

Information

on headroom,

temperature,

power, mains

voltage

Excursion

1/2
3/4

5

from / to channel A

Channel B

1/2
3/4

5

System
EQ/XO

pilot signals

for load

monitoring

Channel A

LC Display

Output
Ch A
Ch B
Link A>B

Dual channel

> LINEAR
off

D12

remote

interface

Output
routing

uC

> LINEAR

Z analysis:

load
monitoring,
wiring fault

detection

1/2
3/4

5

I

3. D12 Amplifier

3.1. D12 based systems

The d&b D12 amplifier is a two channel power amplifier that
incorporates digital signal processors (DSP) providing loudspeaker
specific controller functions. It is designed for use with all current d&b
loudspeakers, and a linear mode is available.

The D12 is designed with both digital and analog signal inputs,
loudspeaker outputs, and has remote control and monitoring
capabilities.

The switch mode power supply will function with a variety of mains
voltages and allows less weight at high output power.

The level control on the front panel incorporates a digital rotary
encoder, which enables selection of all operating modes in conjunction
with a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The D12 includes complete signal
processing, all necessary protection circuits, REMOTE and SERVICE
interfaces, all connectors and status indicators.

The D12 is housed in a 19" x 353 mm (13.9") 3 rack unit enclosure
made from stainless steel with an extruded aluminium front panel.

3.2. D12 block diagram

Fig. 3: D12 Amplifier block diagram

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Page 7 of 28

IMPORTANT!

3.3. Digital signal processing

The digital signal processing provides loudspeaker specific setups that
are selected using the front panel controls. These setups include all
loudspeaker equalization and protection functions.

A 4-band parametric equalizer is incorporated in each channel to
provide optional Boost/Cut or Notch filtering. A signal delay capability
also allows delay settings of up to 340 msec. (= 100 m/328.1 ft) to be
applied independently to either channel.

A signal generator offering pink noise or sine wave program can be
selected from the front panel controls.

Each unit can be given a unique Device Name to simplify identification
and a password protected LOCK function is also incorporated to inhibit
unauthorized setup changes.

System configurations are specific to the characteristics of each
loudspeaker and affect the frequency response and maximum output
level. To ensure optimum performance and prevent damage to system
components each type of loudspeaker has to be used in conjunction
with a suitably configured D12.

The D12 digital signal processing circuits introduce a processing delay
of 0.3 msec. into the signal path. If two identical loudspeakers are
driven by different controllers the respective delays of the units used
have to be considered (D12 = 0.3 msec., E-PAC = 1.0 msec. and
A1/P1200A no delay). The D12 effectively positions its respective
loudspeaker at a distance of 24 cm (0.79 ft) in front of a loudspeaker
driven by the E-PAC and 10 cm (0.33 ft) behind a loudspeaker driven
by the A1/P1200A.

Where the two loudspeakers form an array this will lead to an increase
in comb filtering and unpredictable coverage patterns. If the distance
between the cabinets is much greater than 1 m (3 ft) this effect becomes
negligible.

Please note that all digital signal processing equipment used in the
signal path will delay the signal. For example external digital equalizers
have a typical processing delay of about 3 ms.

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Page 8 of 28

IMPORTANT!

Note:

3.4. D12 power amplifiers

The two power amplifiers fitted to the D12 can deliver 2 x 750 W
continuous sine wave power into an 8 ohms load, increasing to 2 x
1200 W continuous sine wave power into a 4 ohms load. These
maximum output ratings measured with sine wave are valid for minutes
only until the unit will switch into thermal protect.

The D12 is specifically designed to produce high power into low
impedance loads, typically those between 4 and 16 ohms. Please check
in the relevant loudspeaker manual for the recommended maximum
number of cabinets that may be driven by each channel. Due to
differences in impedance response against frequency this may vary
depending on the specific loudspeaker type.

Connecting and driving more loudspeakers will not damage the
amplifier but will limit the quality and dynamic range of reproduced
sound as the load dips below 4 ohms. Driving low impedance loads at
high levels can also trigger the amplifier protection circuits for thermal
or output current overload.

A D12 will normally be operated with speech or music program ­complex signals where the average power requirement is below peak
power. The D12 will continue to operate indefinitely when the Crest
Factor is higher than 2.4, provided the device is installed to enable the
heat generated to be adequately dissipated.

Please also refer to section 6.2.1. Power consumption and power loss
on page 20and section 6.2.2. Operating conditions on page 21.

Note:

3.5. SenseDrive

The accuracy of a loudspeaker’s signal reproduction, both level and
transient response, is influenced by dynamic damping factor - the ratio
of the load to source impedance.

Whilst amplifier source impedance remains constant the impedance of
the cables and connectors will largely depend upon the length and type
of cable used - longer cables produce greater signal losses depending
on the loudspeaker impedance. The impedance of a loudspeaker will
vary markedly with frequency and especially those at low frequencies.
With long cable runs this impedance variation will significantly affect the
system response.

With applicable d&b systems (EP5 and NL8 connectors only) d&b
SenseDrive compensates for the electrical properties of the loudspeaker
cable. A "sense" wire connects the signal from the LF driver back to the
amplifier where it is compared and corrected to compensate for the
cable losses. Signal reproduction is enhanced by delivering the correct
signal to the loudspeaker terminals irrespective of the cable losses.

A detailed description of the D12 SenseDrive function is given in the
technical information TI 340 (d&b code D5340.E.).

Not connecting SenseDrive for C-Series subwoofers (e.g. NL4
connectors) does not change the present performance of the system.

D12 Amplifier, Hardware manual (4.9 EN) Page 9 of 28