Ecler FAP30L Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES
NOTICE D’EMPLOI
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

FAP30L

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL FAP30L

1. IMPORTANT NOTE 04

1.1. Precautions 04

2. INTRODUCTION 04

2.1. General characteristics 04

3. INSTALLATION 05

3.1. Location and assembly 05

3.2. Connection and crossover frequency adjustment 05

3.3. Subsonic filter 07

3.4. Gain level adjustment 07

3.5. Limiter adjustment 07

3.6. Alien handling protector 08

4. REMARKS 08

4.1. Ground loops & noise 08

4.2. Cleaning 08

5. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 28

6. DIAGRAMS 29

6.1. Limiter configuration diagram 29

6.2. Function list 30

6.3. Function diagram 32

6.4. Block diagram 33

All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. ECLER S.A. reserves the right to make changes or
improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

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1. IMPORTANT NOTE
We Thank you for purchasing our FAP30L Active Filter with Limiter. IT IS VERY

IMPORTANT that you carefully read this manual BEFORE CONNECTING this equipment in order to
obtain its maximum performance.
We also recommend you our authorized Technical Services whenever any maintenance task
should be necessary, so that optimal performance of the equipment shall be guaranteed.

1.1. Precautions
This apparatus must be earthed through its mains cable.

Do not expose the unit to rain or water splashes, and do not place liquid containers or
incandescent objects like candles on top of the unit.

Any change in the configuration of the unit must be carried out by a qualified technician.
Should any connection / disconnection task be done, always disconnect the unit from the mains
supply.

There are no user serviceable parts inside the unit.

2. INTRODUCTION
The FAP30L offers the best solution to any professional multiamplification requirement,

considerably improving the acoustical efficiency of the loudspeakers by both avoiding the use of
passive components and making possible the operation on the optimal frequency response of the
loudspeakers.
The way-independent-limiters stop and compress input signals that could yield to output
levels higher than adjusted and, in consequence, it can be used as a sound pressure limiter.
The FAP30L can be configured in stereo mode (two ways per channel/one crossover
frequency) or in mono mode (three ways per channel/two crossover frequencies).
The crossover frequencies are easily selected by means of the switches on the back panel
and the wide range of adjustment makes possible to fit any real-life electroacoustical system that you
can ever face to. The fact that crossover frequencies are adjusted on the back panel, avoids dangerous
handling inside the equipment while also prevents direct access to the adjustments made by the
installator.

2.1. General characteristics

- Crossover frequencies programming through switches on the back panel and from 25Hz to 7750Hz
with the following adjustment characteristics:

* From 25Hz to 775Hz, 25Hz step.
* From 250Hz to 7750Hz, 250Hz step.

All the filters are Butterworth type with a fixed slope of -18dB/octave.

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- Independent -∞ to +6dB gain control for each way.

- +17dBV output clipping LEDs.

- -18dB/octave Butterworth-type 25Hz cut-off frequency subsonic filter switchable from the back panel.

- Electronically balanced XLR-3 input and output connectors.

- Independent way/channel limiter with operation LED and switch.

- Limiting threshold adjustable from the front panel.

- Internally configurable attack and recovery times (two settings).

3. INSTALLATION

3.1. Location and assembly
The FAP30L shall be preferably placed in the same rack with the power amplifiers. Its

dimensions are one 19" standard rack unit (44mm). All the external connections are made on the back
panel.
The FAP30L does not need any cooling at all because of its low-power consumption.
Nevertheless, it is important to place it as far as possible from the power amplifiers radiated heat in
order to avoid unwanted crossover frequency derating due to the components thermal drift.
The FAP30L operates under voltages between 90 and 264 V at 47 to 63 Hz. This device
features an over dimensioned power supply that adapts to the mains voltage in any country of the
world with no need to make any adjustments. Make sure that the mains wire (which plugs into 24) is
far away from the signal cables in order to avoid any possible audio hum.
In order to protect the unit from an eventual electrical overload it carries a 500mA fuse
(24). Should it ever blow up, unplug the unit from mains and replace it with an identical one. If the
new fuse blows again contact immediately with our Authorised Technical Service. YOU MUST
NEVER EVER USE A HIGHER VALUE FUSE.

3.2. Connection and bi/tri-amplification frequency selection.
The FAP30L input and output connectors are balanced XLR-3 type and the pin assignment is

as follows:
Pin1 > GND, negative, ground

Pin2 > HOT, phase, direct signal
Pin3 > COLD, non-phase, inverted signal

Whenever an UNBALANCED input or/and output connection should be done, Pin 3 shall
always be short-circuited to Pin1.

* STEREO BI-AMPLIFICATED CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SELECTION AND CONNECTION.
The FAP30L will operate in stereo bi-amplification when the 'WAYS' switch (37) on the back

panel is unpressed and the '2W' LED (21) on the front panel right hand will lit.
WARNING:
NEVER ADJUST CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES WITH THE UNIT POWERED.

ADJUSTMENTS SHALL ALWAYS BE DONE WITH THE 'POWER' MAIN SWITCH (23) OFF.

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The 'CHI LOW' output (30) is the left-channel bass-way and the 'CHII LOW' output (29) is the
right-channel bass-way. Both outputs shall be connected to the bass amplifier.
The 'CHI HIGH' output (28) is the left-channel high-way and the 'CHII HIGH' output (27) is the
right-channel high-way. Both outputs shall be connected to the high amplifier.

WARNING:
TAKE SPECIAL CARE WHEN WIRING THIS CONNECTIONS AND MAKE SURE THAT

THE BASS SIGNAL IS NOT SENT TO THE HIGH AMPLIFIER BECAUSE THIS COULD SERIOUSLY
DAMAGE THE LOUDSPEAKERS.

The input signals to the FAP30L whether from a mixer or an equalizer shall be connected to
the 'CHII INPUT' and 'CHI INPUT' connectors (38 & 39).
The crossover frequency between both ways is selected through the SWITCHES of the
'CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SELECTOR. The upper line of switches corresponds to the CHII
crossover frequency selector while the lower one is for the CHI. The crossover frequency must be the
same for both channels because the configuration is for a stereo system.
The 'x10' switch (31) multiplies the frequency values of the switches (32-36) by a factor of
ten, so that the new frequency values become 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz. The crossover
frequency value is obtained adding the 'weights' of the activated switch or switches. For example, if only
the (34) switch is on the crossover frequency will be 100Hz. If the (34-35-32) switches are on then the
crossover frequency will be 325Hz, which is the result of adding the 'weights' of each switch (25Hz +
100Hz + 200Hz = 325Hz).

* MONO TRI-AMPLIFIED CROSSOVER FREQUENCY SELECTION AND CONNECTION.
The FAP30L can also be configured in tri-amplified mode. This kind of configuration needs

one FAP30L unit per channel. When the 'WAYS' switch (37) on the back panel is on the FAP30L will
operate in mono tri-amplified mode and the '3W' LED (22) on the front panel right hand will lit. When
operating in tri-amplified mode the valid labels on the front and back panel are the ones in bracketts.

WARNING:
IN 3-WAY MONO OPERATING MODE, THE CHANNEL II (LOW) OUTPUT LED AND THE

LIMITER CIRCUIT WORK ON THE BAND-PASS FILTER.
WARNING:
NEVER ADJUST CROSSOVER FREQUENCIES WITH THE UNIT POWERED.

ADJUSTMENTS SHALL ALWAYS BE DONE WITH THE 'POWER' MAIN SWITCH (23) OFF.
The 'LOW' output (30) is the bass-way, the 'MID' output (29) is the medium-way and the

'HIGH' output (27) is the high-way. The 'UNUSED' output (28) is not used in this mode.
WARNING:
TAKE SPECIAL CARE WHEN WIRING THIS CONNECTIONS AND MAKE SURE THAT

THE BASS SIGNAL IS NOT SENT TO THE HIGH AMPLIFIER BECAUSE THIS COULD SERIOUSLY
DAMAGE THE LOUDSPEAKERS.

The input signal to the FAP30L whether from a mixer or an equalizer shall be connected to
the 'INPUT' connector (39).

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The two crossover frequencies are selected through the SWITCHES of the 'CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY SELECTOR'. The upper line of switches corresponds to the 'MID-HIGH' crossover
frequency selector while the lower one is for the 'LOW-MID' selector.
Both 'x10' switches (31) multiply the frequency values of the switches (32-36) by a factor of
ten, so that the new frequency values become 250, 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000Hz. The crossover
frequency value will be obtained adding the 'weights' of the activated switch or switches. For example, if
only the (34) switch of the lower line selector is on the crossover frequency between bass and medium
frequencies will be 100Hz. If the (34-35-32- x10) switches of the upper line selector are on then the
crossover frequency between medium and high frequencies will be 3250Hz, which is the result of
adding the 'weights' of each switch (250Hz + 1000Hz + 2000Hz = 3250Hz).

3.3. Subsonic filter
This filter avoids the reproduction of unaudible frequencies (subsonic) on the amplifier which

could damage the loudspeakers because they can generate over-displacement of the loudspeaker
cone.
The FAP30L has a built-in subsonic filter. This filter is switchable from the back panel
'SUBSONIC' switch (40) and it is a -18dB/octave Butterworth-type filter with a cut-off frequency of 25Hz.
The subsonic filter is very important when reproducing vinyl records because audio cartridges
are specially sensible to very low frequency feedback and acoustical coupling.

3.4. Gain level adjustment
The FAP30L has independent gain controls for each way and channel labeled as 'LEVEL' (5-

10-15-20).
When testing the system, we recommend you to start with the gain controls at their minimum
and slowly raise them, one at once, until the desired level is reached for each way and channel. The
final adjusted values depend on diverse factors such as the power of the amplifiers, the final
equalization and the electro-acoustical system efficiency.
It is important to adjust the gain levels in such a way that the power amplifiers do not distort.
The 'CLIP-LIMITER' LEDs (4-9-14-19) will lit whenever any FAP30L output gets distorted.

3.5. Limiter adjustment
The 'LIMITER ON' switches (1-6-11-16) make operative the selected limiter(s), protecting the

loudspeakers of excessive power and distorted signals at their input.
The FAP30L limiter circuitry is only operative whenever the input signal is greater than the
selected threshold level. This adjustment is set on the 'THRESHOLD' potentiometers (2-7-12-17)
provided for each way and channel. All the input signals greater than the threshold level will be
compressed by a 30:1 ratio; for instance, a 30dB input signal increase will correspond to a 1dB output
increase.
While the limiter circuitry is inactive, meaning that the input signal is under the limiter
threshold, the 'CLIP/LIMITER' LEDs are off and will lit whenever any of the limiters become active.
The attack and recovery times are internally selected to 14ms or 7ms the former and 5s or

2.5s the latter. To avoid the 'breathing effect' we recommend, as a general rule, to use fast attack times
and slow recovery times. The FAP30L attack 14ms and recovery 5s times are factory set. Remove the
cover and change the bridges shown on the schematics whenever different times are required.
It is important to adjust the different threshold levels in a coherent way so that tonality
divergence does not arise when, for example, compressing the bass frequencies but not the high
frequencies.

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3.6. Alien handling protector
Once the FAP30L is correctly adjusted we recommend to fix the metacrilate protector

supplied with the machine. The protector is fixed on the FAP30L rack mounting holes and is intended to
protect the gain levels and limiter switches against alien handling which could yield to system
unbalancement or serious damaging if done by unqualified personnel.

4. REMARKS

4.1. Ground loops & noise
Special care must always be taken when connecting the ground of different signal sources to

the mixing desk to ensure the absence of ground-loops that could degradate the audio quality of the
system. A ground-loop is created when there exist more than one ground path between two points
within the same system. To avoid this, the FAP30L has the 'GROUND LINK' switch (26) that isolates
the electrical ground from the mechanical ground.
The FAP30L has been designed to be the less noisy possible. Notice that the noise also
depends on a proper use and installation of the unit.

4.2. Cleaning
The control panel must not be cleaned with any dissolvent, abrasive or petroleum

derivated substance else paint and silk-printing could be damaged.
Whenever cleaning should be necessary use a soft cloth slightly wet with water and
neutral liquid soap. Be careful that no liquid gets into the unit. Never use sharp or erosive objects to
scratch the control panel.

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MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES FAP30L

1. NOTA IMPORTANTE 10

1.1. Precauciones 10

2. INTRODUCCIÓN 10

2.1. Características generales 10

3. INSTALACIÓN 11

3.1. Ubicación y montaje 11

3.2. Conexión y ajuste frecuencias de corte 11

3.3. Filtro subsónico 13

3.4. Ajuste de los niveles de ganancia de vía 13

3.5. Ajuste del limitador 14

3.6. Protector contra manipulación ajena 14

4. CONSIDERACIONES 14

4.1. Bucles de masa, Ruido de fondo 14

4.2. Limpieza 15

5. CARACTERÍSTICAS TÉCNICAS 28

6. DIAGRAMAS 29

6.1. Diagrama configuración limitador 29

6.2. Lista de funciones 30

6.3. Diagrama de funciones 32

6.4. Diagrama de bloques 33

Todos los datos están sujetos a variación debida a tolerancias de producción. ECLER S.A. se reserva el derecho de
realizar cambios o mejoras en la fabricación o diseño que pudieran afectar las especificaciones.

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1. NOTA IMPORTANTE
Agradecemos su confianza por haber elegido nuestro Filtro Activo con Limitador FAP30L.

Para conseguir la máxima operatividad y rendimiento de este aparato es MUY IMPORTANTE ANTES
DE SU CONEXIÓN leer detenidamente y tener muy presentes las consideraciones que en este manual
se especifican.
Para garantizar el óptimo funcionamiento de este aparato recomendamos que su
mantenimiento sea llevado a cabo por nuestros Servicios Técnicos autorizados.

1.1. Precauciones

Este aparato debe ser conectado a tierra mediante su cable de alimentación.

No exponga el aparato a la caída de agua o salpicaduras, no ponga encima objetos con

líquido ni fuentes de llama desnuda, como velas.
Cualquier cambio en la configuración debe ser realizado por personal técnico cualificado.
En caso de requerir alguna intervención y/o conexión desconexión del aparato debe desconectarse
previamente de la alimentación.
En el interior del aparato no existen elementos manipulables por el usuario.

2. INTRODUCCIÓN
El FAP30L ofrece la solución precisa a cualquier requisito de multiamplificación profesional,

mejorando considerablemente el rendimiento acústico de los altavoces al eliminar la existencia de
componentes pasivos y posibilitar que los altavoces trabajen en la parte óptima de su respuesta en
frecuencia. Sus limitadores independientes por vía evitan entregar a la salida niveles superiores a los
previamente ajustados, comprimiendo además el exceso de nivel, con lo que el FAP30L puede
utilizarse como limitador de presión sonora.
El FAP30L puede utilizarse en modo estéreo (dos bandas por canal - una frecuencia de
corte) o bien en modo mono (tres bandas - dos frecuencias de corte).
Las frecuencias de corte son fácilmente seleccionables mediante pulsadores desde el mismo
panel posterior, ofreciéndose un amplio margen de ajuste que permite adaptar la frecuencia de corte a
cualquier sistema electroacústico por poco común que éste sea. El hecho de que las frecuencias de
corte se ajusten desde el panel posterior evita peligrosas manipulaciones en el interior de la unidad e
impide el acceso directo a los ajustes realizados por el instalador.

2.1. Características generales

- Programación de las frecuencias de corte mediante conmutadores desde el panel posterior,
de 25Hz a 7750Hz, con las siguientes posibilidades de ajuste:

* De 25Hz a 775Hz en saltos de 25Hz
* De 250Hz a 7750Hz en saltos de 250Hz.

Todos los filtros tienen una pendiente fija de 18dB/oct y son de característica tipo
Butterworth.

- Controles de ganancia para cada una de las vías de -∞ a + 6dB.

- Indicadores de saturación en la salida a +17dBV.

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- Filtro subsónico a 25Hz conmutable desde el panel posterior. Característica tipo Butterworth con
pendiente de 18dB/oct.

- Conectores tipo XLR-3 en entradas y salidas. Balanceado electrónicamente.

- Limitadores independientes por vía y canal con indicadores de funcionamiento e interruptor de
activación.

- Umbral de limitación ajustable desde el panel frontal.

- Tiempo de ataque y recuperación internamente configurable (2 niveles).

3. INSTALACIÓN

3.1. Ubicación y montaje
El FAP30L se ubicará preferentemente en el mismo rack donde están situadas las etapas de

potencia. Sus dimensiones son las de una unidad rack standard (44mm) de 19" de anchura. Todas sus
conexiones externas se efectúan a través de su panel posterior.
El FAP30L no precisa ventilación pues su consumo es muy bajo. Debe evitarse que esté
expuesto al calor que proporcionan los amplificadores de potencia, en este sentido es importante
separarlo lo más posible de estos elementos. (El hecho de someter al filtro activo a altas temperaturas
podría redundar en la precisión del ajuste de las frecuencias de corte).
El FAP30L funciona con tensión alterna de 90 a 264V y 47 a 63 Hz. Este aparato equipa
una fuente de alimentación sobredimensionada capaz de adaptarse sin ningún tipo de ajuste a la
tensión de red de cualquier país del mundo. Debe evitarse que el cable de red (que se conecta en

24) se entremezcle con los cables blindados que transportan la señal, ya que ello podría ser causa
de zumbidos a la salida.
Para proteger al mezclador de eventuales sobrecargas en la línea de red o bien excesos
ocasionales en el consumo de los circuitos internos, está provisto de un fusible (24) de red de
500mA. En caso de que éste se fundiera se desconectaría el aparato y se sustituiría por otro de
idénticas características. Si éste último se volviera a fundir, consulte con nuestro Servicio Técnico.
EN NINGÚN CASO DEBE PONERSE UN FUSIBLE DE VALOR MAS ELEVADO.

3.2. Conexión y ajuste frecuencias de corte.
Las entradas y salidas del FAP son del tipo XLR-3 y simétricas o balanceadas tal y como en

el siguiente diagrama se indica:
Pin1 > GND, negativo, masa

Pin2 > HOT, phase, señal directa
Pin3 > COLD, non phase, señal invertida

En el caso de realizar una conexión NO balanceada la señal invertida, Pin3, se
cortocircuitará a masa, Pin1, tanto si es de entrada como de salida.

* CONEXIÓN Y SELECCIÓN DE FRECUENCIA DE CORTE BI-AMPLIFICADA ESTÉREO
Con el conmutador "WAYS" (37), situado en el panel posterior, sin presionar, el FAP30L

trabaja en modo bi-amplificación estéreo, iluminándose el indicador "2W" (21) que se encuentra en la
parte derecha del panel frontal.