Note: 120V and 230V units have different types of output
connectors on the rear panel.
Input Section:
There are two parallel input connectors (one female XLR and one
1/4” jack) per channel. Either can be used as an input or as a link to
chain amplifiers.
XLR Input Jacks (1, 5): electronically balanced inputs accept a standard
XLR male connector. Pin 1 = shield/ground, pin 2 = hot or positive (+)
and pin 3 = cold or negative (-).
1/4" Phone Input Jacks (2, 4): accept a balanced as well as an
unbalanced line level signal. The unbalanced line uses a standard tip-
sleeve connection. The tip is positive and the sleeve is negative/
ground. The balanced line uses a tip-ring-sleeve connection. Tip =
hot or positive (+), ring = cold or negative (-), and sleeve = shield/
ground.
Operation Mode Switch (3): switch is used to set the unit for Stereo
mode, Parallel Mono mode or Mono Bridge mode.
AC Power Section:
Fuse (7): replace fuse with those of proper type and rating.
Ground Lift Switch (8) is used to lift the ground from the chassis. See
the Ground Lift Switch Instructions for more detail.
AC Cord Outlet (6) is used to attach the power cord to the unit.
Output Section:
Disconnect unit from the AC power source before making any
connections. Pay close attention to polarity (shown on the back of the
unit) when connecting your speakers. Connecting your speaker systems
using the wrong polarity will not damage your speakers, but it will impact
the quality of the sound (lack of bass and incorrect stereo image).
Speaker Outputs for 120V Unit (9, 10, 11): the speaker output jacks
are 5-way binding posts that will accept a standard banana plugs,
spade lugs or bare wire. Make sure that all the connections are clean
when using bare wire connections. If any strands of wire from one
connector touch the adjacent connector, the sound will be distorted,
and your amplifier will overheat and go into protection mode.
Speaker Outputs for 230V Unit (9, 10, 11): Neutrik Speakon
connectors are provided to connect speakers to the amplifier quickly
and easily. They are high current rated and provide very stable and
durable contacts. A third Speakon connector in the center is provided
to be used if the amplifier is in the Mono Bridge mode. Every
Speakon connector has pin 1- as negative and pin 1+ as positive.
NOTE: Total speaker impedance must not be lower than 4
Ohm per channel for Stereo and Parallel Mono modes, or 8
Ohm for Mono Bridge mode.
Front Panel
Power Switch (20): turns the unit on and off.
Power LED (19): the power LED lights when the power is on. If the
power LED does not light, refer to the trouble shooting guide.
Mono LED (12): the mono LED will light when you have set the rear
panel Operation Mode Switch (3) for parallel mono operation.
Always make sure that this switch is in the correct position and that
all speaker connections have been made correctly for the mode of
operation you wish to use before powering up the amplifier.
Bridge LED (13): the bridge LED will light when you have set the rear
panel Operation Mode Switch (3) for mono bridge operation. Always
make sure that this switch is in the correct position and that all
speaker connections have been made correctly for the mode of
operation you wish to use before powering up the amplifier.
Signal LED (14): the signal LEDs for each channel show when a signal
is present. In Mono Bridge mode, both the channel A LED and the
channel B LED will light in unison.
Clip LED (15): the amplifier has true clip LEDs to help you properly
control the amplifier’s output and achieve undistorted sound. The clip
LEDs for each channel light when your signal level is so strong that
the distortion reaches 1% THD. The clip LED should not remain
constantly on or flash repeatedly during operation. For clean sound
reproduction, the clip should only light occasionally for an instant. If
the LED remains on or flashes repeatedly, you will hear distorted
sound that can be damaging to your speaker systems. If this occurs,
reduce the signal level by lowering the input level control for the
channel that is clipping or reduce the level at the source. If the clip
LED lights when no signal is present, it may indicate a RF signal on
the output which may cause damage to speakers (the RF signal will
not be audible). Please note that when you are using the amplifier in
the Mono Bridge mode, both clip LEDs of the bridged channels will
operate simultaneously.
Protect LED (16): when you first turn on the amplifier, the protect LEDs
light briefly during a turn-on delay which indicates that the outputs are
disconnected internally. There will be an audible click when the
outputs reconnect and the protect LEDs will turn off. Otherwise, the
protect LED indicates that there is a problem either in the amplifier’s
external connections, load or temperature conditions or its internal
functions. If one of these situations occur, the amplifier senses the
problem and automatically switches into protection mode. The LED
will light to warn you of the trouble and the amplifier will stop working.
If this occurs, switch off the amplifier and refer to the Trouble
Shooting Guide. If the protect LED remains lit when resuming
amplifier operation, do not use the amplifier and contact an
authorized service technician.
Level Controls (17, 18): establish the input levels required for each
channel. Only the Channel A Level Control (17) works in Mono
Bridge mode.
Operating Instructions
THE AMPLIFIER’S POWER MUST BE TURNED OFF WHEN
CHANGING MODES OF OPERATION.
Stereo Operation
The unit has two channels for stereo operation. Each channel
provides a separate and discrete signal at the speaker outputs according
to the signal received at the inputs. The following instructions are for
applications with 4 Ohm or 8 Ohm speakers of matched power ratings.
1. With the power off, set the OPERATION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
STEREO position. When the power is on, the Mono and Bridge LEDs
on the front panel will not light. If these LEDs illuminate, you have the
switch in the wrong position. Correct before continuing.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to the channel A and B
inputs using either the XLR INPUT JACKS (1, 5) or 1/4" INPUT
JACKS (2, 4) of each channel. The other channel A and channel B
inputs can be used to link to an additional amplifier.
3. Connect the loudspeakers to the channel A and channel B SPEAKER
OUTPUTS (9, 11). THE TOTAL SPEAKER LOAD MUST BE AT
LEAST 4 OHMS PER CHANNEL. If you try to operate at a lower
impedance, the amplifier will go into protection mode and stop
operation until you correct the load conditions.
4. With the LEVEL CONTROLS (17, 18) of both channels set to zero
(fully counterclockwise), turn the POWER SWITCH (20) on. Apply a
signal to the input of the amplifier. The level of the input signal should
be as high as you will ever need it to be. This way, it will be as high
above the amplifier’s noise floor as possible, ensuring an excellent
performance and signal to noise ratio. Adjust the LEVEL CONTROLS
for each channel to achieve the desired maximum listening level.
Note, when the clip LEDs light, there is distortion present in the
amplifier’s output section. If a clip LED remains on or flashes
repeatedly, reduce the signal level by lowering the input level control
for the channel that is clipping or reduce the level at the source.
Page 4
Parallel Mono Operation
Follow these instructions for Parallel Mono Operation using a single
input cable, and you will have the same monophonic signal on both the
channel A and the channel B outputs. Each channel’s output is
controlled independently by that channel’s level control.
1. With the power off, set the OPERATION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
PARALLEL MONO position. When the power is on, the MONO LED
(12) on the front panel will light. If the LED does not illuminate, you
have the switch in the wrong position. Correct before continuing.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to the channel A input
only using the either the XLR INPUT JACK (5) or 1/4" INPUT JACK
(4) of channel A. The other channel A input can be used to link to an
additional amplifier.
3. Connect the loudspeakers to the channel A and channel B SPEAKER
OUTPUTS (9, 11). THE TOTAL SPEAKER LOAD MUST BE AT
LEAST 4 OHMS PER CHANNEL. If you try to operate at less than 4
Ohms per channel, the amplifier will go into the protection mode and
stop operation until you correct the load conditions.
4. With the LEVEL CONTROLS (17, 18) set to zero (fully
counterclockwise), switch the power on. Apply a signal to the input.
The level of the input signal should be as high as you will ever need it
to be. This way, it will be as high above the amplifier’s noise floor as
possible, ensuring an excellent performance and signal to noise ratio.
Adjust the LEVEL CONTROLS for each channel to achieve the
desired maximum listening level. Note, when the clip LEDs light,
there is distortion present in the amplifier’s output section. If a clip
LED remains on or flashes repeatedly, reduce the signal level by
lowering the input level control for the channel that is clipping or
reduce the level at the source.
Using the Ground Lift Switch
Depending on your system configuration, sometimes applying the
ground will create a quieter signal path. Sometimes lifting the ground can
eliminate ground loops and hum to create a quieter signal path.
1. With the power amp on, listen to the system in idle mode (no signal
present) with the ground applied (the GROUND LIFTSWITCH (8) in
the left position).
2. Then turn the power off before moving the GROUND LIFT
SWITCH (8). Lift the ground by moving the GROUND LIFT SWITCH
to the right, turn the power back on and listen to determine which
position will provide a signal devoid of background noise and hum.
Keep the GROUND LIFTSWITCH in the ground position if the noise
level remains the same in either position.
CAUTION: DO NOT TERMINATE THE AC GROUND ON THE POWER
AMPLIFIER IN ANY WAY. TERMINATION OF THE AC GROUND CAN
BE HAZARDOUS.
Mono Bridge Operation
Follow these instructions to bridge the unit’s outputs. Bridging the
amplifier converts the unit to a monophonic or single channel. The
amplifier can be used with 8 Ohm or higher loads only in Mono Bridge
mode. This mode is used to provide a higher voltage with greater
headroom to your speaker. Before setting your amplifier for Mono Bridge
operation, make sure that your speaker can handle the high power level
provided by the amplifier in Mono Bridge mode. CAUTION: VOLTAGE
OVER 100 VOLTS MAY BE PRODUCED AT THE BRIDGE OUTPUT
TERMINALS IN THIS MODE.
1. With the power off, set the OPERATION MODE SWITCH (3) to the
BRIDGE position. When the power is on, the BRIDGE LED (13) on
the front panel will light. If the LED does not illuminate, you have the
switch in the wrong position. Correct before continuing.
2. With the power off, connect your input cables to channel A input only
using the either the XLR INPUT JACK (5) or 1/4" INPUT JACK (4) of
channel A. The other channel A input can be used to link to an
additional amplifier.
3. Connect the loudspeaker to the BRIDGE SPEAKER OUTPUT (10)
only. With a 230V unit, use the center speakon. With a 120V unit, use
the two innermost red terminals. Be sure the polarity of your
connections is correct. The total speaker load must be at least 8
Ohms or above. If you try to operate at less than 8 Ohms in the Mono
Bridge mode, the amplifier will go into the protection mode and stop
operation until you correct the load conditions.
4. With the CHANNEL A LEVEL CONTROL (17) set to zero (fully
counterclockwise), switch the power on. Apply a signal to the input.
The level of the input signal should be as high as you will ever need it
to be. This way, it will be as high above the amplifier’s noise floor as
possible, ensuring an excellent performance and signal to noise ratio.
Adjust the LEVEL CONTROL (17) for channel A to achieve the
desired maximum listening level. Note, when the clip LEDs light,
there is distortion present in the amplifier’s output section. If a clip
LED remains on or flashes repeatedly, reduce the signal level by
lowering the input level control for channel A or reduce the level at
the source. During Mono Bridge operation, the channel B level is
inactive, however, both channels LEDs will flash simultaneously and
show output conditions.
Page 5
SYMPTOMCAUSESOLUTION
UNIT DOES NOT PRODUCE SOUND. POWER
LED DOES NOT LIGHT .
POWER LED LIGHTS, BUT NO SOUND IS
PRODUCED BY AMPLIFIER.
SOUND IS PRESENT BUT VOLUME IS TOO
LOW EVEN THOUGH SOURCE DEVICE IS
SET TO A HIGH LEVEL.
LOUD 50/60 HZ OR 100/120 HZ HUM IS
HEARD AT ALL TIMES THROUGH THE
SPEAKER SYSTEMS.
SOUND IS DISTORTED.
PROTECT LED REMAINS LIT OR GOES ON
AND OFF INTERMITTENTL Y AFTER USING
AMPLIFIER FOR A SHORT TIME.
FUSE BLOWS INTERMITTENTL Y .
PROTECT LED(S) STAY ON WITH NO
SPEAKERS CONNECTED AND WITH THE
AMPLIFIER COOLED DOWN.
• POWER SWITCH NOT IN ON POSITION.
• POWER CABLE NOT CONNECTED TO AMPLIFIER
OR TO OUTLET .
• AC OUTLET NOT ACTIVE.
• MAIN AMPLIFIER FUSE DEFECTIVE.
• NO INPUT SOURCE SIGNAL.
• INPUT SOURCE NOT CONNECTED.
• INPUT CONNECTING CABLE DEFECTIVE.
• SPEAKER(S) NOT CONNECTED.
• SPEAKER CABLE DEFECTIVE.
• SPEAKER SYSTEM(S) INOPERATIVE.
• AMPLIFIER’S LEVEL CONTROLS ARE SET TO
ZERO.
• AMPLIFIER INPUT LEVEL CONTROLS ARE SET
TOO LOW.
• WRONG PIN CONNECTIONS IN CABLES.
• IMPROPER OR DEFECTIVE GROUND
CONNECTION AT INPUTS. IMPROPER OR
DEFECTIVE GROUND AT INPUT SOURCE
DEVICE(S).
• IMPROPER OR DEFECTIVE GROUND
CONNECTION ON AC OUTLET .
• GROUND LOOP THROUGH AC LINE
CONNECTION/RACK MOUNTING.
• DISTORTION OCCURRING IN SOURCE DEVICE.
• INPUT LEVEL IS SET TOO HIGH.
• UNIT IS OPERATING AT EXCESSIVELY HIGH
TEMPERATURE.
• EXTREMELY LOW SPEAKER IMPEDANCE.
• SHORT IN SPEAKER CONNECTORS, SPEAKER
CABLE OR SPEAKER SYSTEM.
• SPEAKER LOAD IMPEDANCE IS TOO LOW.
• TYPE OR RATING OF THE FUSE IS NOT
CORRECT .
• FAILED AMPLIFIER.
• MOVE POWER SWITCH TO ON POSITION.
• CONNECT POWER CABLE TO AC SUPPLY.
• CHECK CONDITION OF OUTLET.
• REPLACE AMPLIFIER MAIN POWER FUSE ON REAR
PANEL WITH CORRECT TYPE AND RATING.
• CHECK FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF INPUT
SOURCE DEVICE.
• CHECK INPUT CABLES AND CONNECTIONS.
REPLACE QUESTIONABLE CABLES WITH KNOWN
GOOD CABLES.
• CHECK SPEAKER CABLES AND CONNECTIONS.
REPLACE QUESTIONABLE CABLES WITH KNOWN
GOOD CABLES.
• CHECK OPERATING CONDITION AND STATUS OF
SPEAKER SYSTEM(S). BE SURE THE LEVEL
CONTROLS ARE PROPERLY S ET.
• ADJUST LEVEL CONTROLS AS PER INSTRUCTIONS.
• USE CORRECT CABLES (AS SHOWN ON BACK OF
UNIT).
• CHECK FOR PROPER AC LINE GROUND ON POWER
AMP AND ALL INPUT DEVICES.
• CHECK INPUT CABLES FOR ALL SOURCE DEVICES
AND SIGNAL PROCESSING AS WELL AS INPUT
CABLES TO POWER AMPLIFIER. CHECK POSITION
OF GROUND LIFT SWITCH AS PER INSTRUCTIONS
FOR LIFTING THE GROUND.
• NEVER LIFT THE AC LINE GROUND ON THE POWER
AMPLIFIER. IF YOU ARE NOT TOT ALLY F AMILIAR WITH
GROUND LIFTING OR UNIFICATION PROCEDURES,
DO NOT ATTEMPT THEM WITHOUT FIRST CONSUL TING
YOUR DEALER OR A QUALIFIED SOUND
TECHNICIAN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
GROUNDING. IMPROPERLY DONE, SUCH
PROCEDURES CAN POSE A SAFETY AND/OR FIRE
HAZARD.
• CHECK CLIP INDICATORS ON INPUT SOURCE
DEVICES AND RESET LEVELS IF NECESSARY TO
ELIMINATE DISTOR TION.
• ADJUST LEVEL CONTROLS AS PER INSTRUCTIONS.
• CHECK THAT AMPLIFIER IS ADEQUATELY
VENTILATED ON THE FRONT AND REAR PANELS
WHERE THE AIR VENTS AND FANS ARE LOCATED.
IF OVERHEATED, LET THE AMPLIFIER COOL DOWN
BEFORE APPLYING AN INPUT SIGNAL.
• CHECK THE POSITION OF OPERATION MODE
SWITCH. BE SURE THAT THE SPEAKER
CONNECTIONS ARE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE SWITCH SETTING.
• VERIFY SPEAKER SYSTEM IMPEDANCES. BE SURE
THE TOTAL SPEAKER SYSTEM IMPEDANCE IS AT
LEAST 4 OHMS PER CHANNEL WHEN THE
OPERATION MODE SWITCH IS IN THE STEREO
POSITION OR PARALLEL MONO POSITION. IF THE
SWITCH IS IN THE BRIDGE MODE, THE IMPEDANCE
MUST BE AT LEAST 8 OHMS. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE
OF YOUR TOTAL SPEAKER IMPEDANCE LOAD,
CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR MORE INFORMA TION.
• CHECK CONDITION OF SPEAKER CABLES.
• IF USING BARE WIRE CONNECTIONS ON THE
OUTPUTS OF THE AMPLIFIER, BE SURE THAT NO
STRANDS FROM ONE CONNECTOR ARE TOUCHING
ANY OTHER CONNECTOR.
• CHECK FOR SHORTS ON THE OUTPUTS.
• CHECK YOUR SPEAKER IMPEDANCE (INFO FROM
DEALER).
• CHECK THAT THE FUSE TYPE AND RATING IS
CORRECT.
• CONTACT THE GEMINI SERVICE DEPARTMENT OR
YOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER TO SPEAK TO A
QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN. IN THE U.S.A.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-476-8633
Page 6
Specifications
Output Power EIA: 1kHz @ 1% THD
Single Channel 8Ω230310400
Both Channels Driven 8Ω200280360
Single Channel 4Ω300480630
Both Channels Driven 4Ω270400530
Mono Bridge 8Ω5508001060