Dynacord X1201, X 1202 Owner's Manual

X1201 / X 1202

MODULAR POWER AMPLIFIER

OWNER’S MANUAL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

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 a damp cloth.

7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufactures instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

10. 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.

For US and CANADA only:

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. 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
electrican for replacement of the absolete outlet.

1. Security regulations as stated in the EN 60065 (VDE 0860 / IEC 65) and the CSA E65 - 94 have to be obeyed when
servicing the appliance.

2. Use of a mains separator transformer is mandatory during maintenance while the appliance is opened, needs to be
operated and is connected to the mains

3. Switch off the power before retrofitting any extensions, changing the mains voltage or the output voltage.

4. The minimum distance between parts carrying mains voltage and any accessible metal piece (metal enclosure),
respectively between the mains poles has to be 3 mm and needs to be minded at all times.
The minimum distance between parts carrying mains voltage and any switches or breakers that are not connected
to the mains (secondary parts) has to be 6 mm and needs to be minded at all times.

5. Replacing special components that are marked in the circuit diagram using the security symbol (Note) is only permissible
when using original parts.

6. Altering the circuitry without prior consent or advice is not legitimate.

7. Any work security regulations that are applicable at the location where the appliance is being serviced have to be strictly
obeyed. This applies also to any regulations about the work place itself.

8. All instructions concerning the handling of MOS - circuits have to be observed.

Note:

IMPORTANT SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified personnel only. To reduce the risk of

electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the Operating
Instructions unless you are qualified to do so. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

12

X-Amps

First of all, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for and congratulate you on buying the
DYNACORD X-Amp Series power amplifiers.

X-Amps - a modular power amplifier concept and the most flexible solution for any mobile and permanent
installation application. The modular architecture of the X-Amps allows flexible selection of filter / signal
processor as well as input and output modules. This provides the possibility to easily include X-Amps
power amplifiers into basically any existing and most of all any future application, using principally any
connection technique. Factory-shipped, the X-Amps are equipped with an input module Xi-11 (XLR-type
inputs with thru-connectors) and an output module Xo-1 (SPEAKON-type connectors). The front slots of
the X-Amps are covered with blind panels. These slots are meant for including filter or signal processor
modules into the signal path. Next to generic modules for general use, cabinet-pertinent modules for
DYNACORD V-Systems loudspeakers are available, which in regard to their response and dynamic
capacity optimally match the equalization of the V-Systems loudspeaker components.

The use of front modules makes it easy to establish high quality and yet cost effective multi-way systems
while cabling of the entire system is drastically reduced.

The power amplifiers X1201 providing 1 x 1200W into 4 ohms and X1202 providing 2 x 600W into 4 ohms
unite outstanding audio performance, highest reliability, and security.

The gapless protection concept not only prevents the power amplifiers from being damaged but also the
connected loudspeaker systems. This extensive protection circuitry includes dynamic limiters, DC/HF
protection, Back-EMF protection, inrush current limiter, short circuit protection, thermal brain circuit, and
of course the protection against thermal overload of the power stage transistors and the transformers.
During “soft start”, delayed switching the power outputs is performed via relays.

Thermal stability is guaranteed through extremely low-noise, 3-stage fans.
The air circulation is front-to-rear, allowing trouble-free operation even in smaller power amplifier rack

systems.
The embodied comparators constantly monitor the power amp’s input and output signals, and control the

integrated limiters whenever non-linearity is detected, thus protecting the connected loudspeaker systems
against overload and power amplifier clipping. The overall response of the X-Amps is simply extraordinary.
Using widely dimensioned power supplies with low-loss toroidal transformers provide additional headroom
way above the stated nominal power output capacity. The power amplifiers do not employ V/I-Foldback­Limiters, which allows to drive even complex loads with phase angles of up to 90° without a problem.

Also the mechanic construction and manufacturing guarantee highest precision. The robust and highly
rigid steel chassis is meant to survive the extensive wear of touring applications. The easily readable
LED-display provides quick information about the power amplifier’s operational state. Ready-mode, signal
presence, and the activation of limiters or of one of the protection functions are indicated for both channels
individually. All X-Amp Series power amplifiers are capable of handling loads down to 2 ohms.

This owner’s manual holds information about many other features of the X-Amp Series power amplifiers.
Therefore, carefully reading the entire manual is strongly recommended, so that you are able to get the
best performance from your new DYNACORD X-Amp Series power amplifier.

CONTENTS

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

X-Amp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Block diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

DESCRIPTION

13

Most important performance features of your modular power amplifier system.

Open input and output architecture.

The design of the X-Amps’ input and output channels also follows the modular concept. The open
architectureallowsto comfortablymatchthe basicpoweramplifierstochanging operationalenvironments.
Therefore,differentXi-inputmodules as well asXo-outputmodulesare available. EvenifanX-Amppower
amplifier is finally configured, quick and comparably inexpensive modification is still possible. Whether
you change the output connection to system cabling, include input transformers, or replace complete
module groups, opening the power amplifier itself is not necessary.

Besides, all X-Amp Series power amplifiers are prepared for later remote control operation.
The modular structure including the input and output channels is future-oriented and therefore your

guaranty to be able to quickly react to advancements in connection or signal transmission techniques.
Additionally,it providesthepossibilitytomatch yourX-AmpSeries poweramplifiertospecificrequirements
at any time. This open input/output architecture ensures that your X-Amp is not going to belong to the
“scrap-heap”.

Module slots on the front panel.

The module slots on the front panel of the X-Amp Series power amplifier allow the insertion of Xm-filter
and-signal processor modules. A wide range of modules with individual functions are available. In this
way it is possible to integrate the signal processing which normally is realized through externalequipment
into the power amplifier. The advantage of handling things this way is quite obvious. Using Xm-modules
provides the opportunity to set up very compact sound reinforcement systems, individually matching a
particular application. Cable length and connections are reduced to their minimal amount. In the daily
work this improves operational reliability and lessens causes for faulty operation. Compared to conven­tional solutions using external equipment, the modular concept not only saves space but also money.

By placing the signal processing modules on the front panel of the power amplifier all indicators and
controls can be accessed at any time. The X-Amps provide comfortable control and monitoring from their
front panel.

X-Amp basic version - without front modules.

The input module Xi-11 and the output module Xo-1 are already installed when the appliance is shipped.
Of course, the X-Amp already works without front modules. The input sensitivity of the X-Amps is set to
a constant value of 1.4Veff (5dBu) with linear frequency response.

The basic version does not offer level controls, since their functionality is provided through the use of the
front modules or specific input modules, depending on the individual field of use.

X-Amp SYSTEM

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The modules

A wide variety of rear and front panel modules are available. Here, we cannot provide a listing of all
modules, since the X-Amp system, because of its open architecture, is continuously expanded, as a
reaction to the changing demands and requirements. Please contact your local dealer to get an updated
list of modules. As example, the following figures show some front modules for the DYNACORD
V-Systems. These are cabinet-pertinent modules which in response and dynamic capacity optimally
match the corresponding loudspeaker system. Thus, it is extremely easy to create optimally tuned,
high-quality multi-way systems, that are truly unique in audio performance, controllability and configura­tion. The Xm-modules are simply inserted into the frontal module slots of the X-Amps. The inserted
modules take over the control of all connected system components.
Additional adjustments are not necessary.

Example - DYNACORD V-Systems modules

Xm-12 Xm-14

Xm-15 Xm-17

Xm-18 Xm-2

LEVEL

+6dB

160Hz

80Hz

LO-PASS-FREQUENCYMUTE

4

2

-24

-12

-6

-3

0

TBC

SUBWOOFER V 18 PWH

80Hz 160Hz

Xm-18

INPUT

X-Amp SYSTEM

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Power amplifier design and protections

Quitesomeofthepoweramplifiertopology of the X-Amps derives from the meanwhilelegendaryLINEAR
PRECISION Series amplifiers. The X 1202 power amps offer a class A/B design, while the X 1201Single
Channel power amplifier is based on the “Grounded Bridge” technology. These power amplifier designs
have stated their capabilities several thousand times and therefore guarantee truly superb quality audio
performance and a maximum in operational stability. Optimizing the power amplifiers’ weight and thermal
behaviorwas possiblewithoutcompromisingtheiroutstandingoutput power capacity, dynamic response,
and transmission quality.

Compared to conventional designs, the X-Amp Series power amplifiers provide several details in
electronic circuitry, and protections design that normally are not perceptible for the user, and yet they are
responsible for the absolute stable operation of X-Amps. Here is a list of some of these functions:

Back-EMF Protection, to protect the output stage transistors against electrical energy that is returned
from reactive loads and being re-induced into the amplifier outputs.

Peak Current Limiter, protects the power amplifier against peak output currents that result from the
connection of extremely low loads (below 2 ohms) and high modulation at the same time.

DC/HF Protection, protects the connected loudspeaker systems and the power amplifier against the
occurrence of DC or HF at the output of the power amplifier.

Thermal Protection, is activated if the output stage power transistors or the mains transformer suffer
from thermal overload; e. g. at extreme high environmental temperatures in a rack-shelf system
(insufficient ventilation) and extreme long lasting continuous operation with 2 ohms loads connected.

Inrush Current Limiter, limits the mains current during the power-on operation of the power amplifier
and therefore prevents the installation’s mains fuse from being blown.

Turn-on delay, protects the connected loudspeaker systems against power-on impulses.
The power amplifier immediately enters Protect Mode if one of these protections is activated. The output

relays separate the connected load from the power amplifier output to prevent the loudspeaker systems
and/or the power amplifier itself from being damaged.

There are other limiting functions and control mechanisms that are activated when needed; these are:
Dynamic Limiter, is controlled by extremely fast operating audio processors, which constantly monitor

the input and output voltages of the power amplification blocks and is activated whenever audible
non-linearity occurs; e. g. power amplifier clipping. This guarantees distortion-free reproduction and
reliable protection of the connected loudspeaker systems even at extremely high output levels.

Thermal Brain Circuit, is activated in association with the use of several different Xm-modules. During
dynamic peaks, the actual outputpower capacityoftheX-Amp Series poweramplifierscaneasilyexceed
the stated rated value, resulting in exceptionally dynamic reproduction of the entire sound system. If the
loudspeaker systems suffer from thermal overload over a longer period of time, they definitely get
damaged. The thermal brain circuits simulate the loudspeaker systems’ thermal behavior. Whenever the
thermal limit is exceeded, they temporarily reduce the energy that is fed to the loudspeaker systems.

X-Amp SYSTEM

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