Lab.gruppen E 8-2 User Manual
E SERIES
ENERGY STAR® qualified installation amplifiers
▸ E 4:2
▸ E 8:2
▸ E 12:2
Operation Manual
1. Important safety instructions
1. Important safety instructions
Before using your E Series, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of this Operation Manual and the Safety
Instructions.
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 dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
9. D o no t defe a t th e safe t y purp o s e of the po l a r i zed or grou n d i n g type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong
is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied 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.
2. Approvals
This equipment conforms to the requirements
of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the
requirements of the Low Voltage Directive
2006/95/EC.
Standards applie d: EMC Emission EN551031, E3
EMC Immunity EN55103-2, E3, with S/N below
1% at normal operation level.
Electrical Safety EN60065, Class I
This equipment is tested and listed according to the
U.S. safety standard ANSI/ UL 60065 and Canadian safet y standard CSA C22.2 NO. 60065. UL
made the tests and they
are a Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory (NRTL).
This equipment is tested and found to comply with
the limits of a Class A device in part 15B of the FCC
rules. UL made these tests.
This equipment has been certied to comply
with PSE for Japan.
This equipment has been certied by CQC to
conform to CCC.
E Series is ENERGY STAR 3.0
qualied; this has been certied by UL.
3. Warnings
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3.1 Explanation of warning symbols
The lightning bolt triangle is used to
alert the user to the presence of
un-insulated “dangerous voltages”
within the unit’s chassis that may be
of sufcient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to humans.
The exclamation point triangle is used to
alert the user to presence of important
operating and service instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
110-125 V (US)
UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
220 -230 V (EUROPE)
CEE 7 page VII, S R section 107-2-D1/
IEC 83 page C4.
240 V (U K)
BS 1363 of 1984. Specication for
13 A fused plugs and switched and
unswitched socket outlets.
3. Warnings
3.2 Warnings
To reduce risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
Français: Pour réduire les risques d’incendie ou de choc
électrique, n’exposez pas l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Do not expose this system/apparatus to dripping or splashing
and ensure that no objects lled with liquids, such as vases,
are placed on the apparatus.
Français: N’exposez pas ce système/appareil au
ruissellement ni aux éclaboussures et assurez-vous qu’aucun
objet contenant du liquide tel qu’un vase n’est placé sur
l’appareil.
This apparatus must be connected to a mains socket outlet
with a protective earthing connection.
Français: Cet appareil doit être raccordé à une prise secteur
avec terre de protection.
The mains plug is used as a disconnect device and shall
remain readily operable.
Français: La che d’alimentation sert de dispositif de
déconnexion et doit rester constamment accessible.
To prevent electric shock do not remove top or bottom covers.
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied
service personnel.
Français: Pour prévenir un choc électrique, ne retirez pas
les capots du dessus et du dessous. Aucune pièce n’est
réparable par l’utilisateur à l’intérieur. Conez toute réparation
à un personnel de maintenance qualié.
To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC mains,
disconnect the power supply cord plug from the ac receptacle.
The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily
operable.
Français: Pour totalement isoler l’équipement de l’alimentation
secteur, débranchez le cordon d’alimentation de son
embase. La che secteur du cordon d’alimentation doit rester
accessible.
Do not install this device in a conned space.
Français: N’installez pas cet appareil dans un espace conné.
Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type of mains
connector.
Français: Vériez la tension en vigueur dans votre région et
utilisez le bon type de che secteur.
Please refer to the following table:
Voltage Line plug (according to standard)
3.3 User responsibility
3.1.1 Mains connection grounding
Your amplier must be connected to a grounded socket outlet.
3.1.2 Speaker output hazard
Power ampliers are capable of producing hazardous output
voltages. To avoid electrical shock, do not touch any exposed
speaker wiring while the amplier is operating. External wiring
connected to the speaker terminals shall be installed by a
qualied person, or ready-made leads or cords of appropriate
capacity shall be used. As the amplier outputs produce high
voltage, do not connect or disconnect speaker cables when
the mains power is on.
3.1.3 Radio interference
A sample of this product has been tested and complies with
the limits for the European Electro Magnetic Compatibility
(EMC) directive. It also has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference from
electrical equipment. This product uses radio frequency
energy and, if not used or installed in accordance with these
operating instructions, may cause interference to other
equipment, such as radio receivers. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference
to radio or television reception (determined by turning the
equipment on and off), the user may be able to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Check if the affected unit complies with the EMC limits for
immunity, (CE-labeled). If not, address the problem with
the manufacturer or supplier. All electrical products
sold in the EC must be approved for immunity against
electromagnetic elds, high voltage ashes, and radio
interference.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
for help.
• Reorient or relocate the antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
3.1.4 Speaker damage
Many loudspeakers can be easily damaged or destroyed by
overpowering them. Always check the speaker’s continuous
and peak power capabilities. Although the amplier’s
attenuators can be used to reduce the overall gain, an
increase of the input signal can still result in full output power,
which may cause damage to connected speakers.
3.1.5 Maintenance
For safe and reliable operation, any dust collected in the front
panel should be removed regularly. In rare circumstances,
accumulated dust could ignite due to high internal
temperatures and cause a re. If the front is clogged so that
air cannot pass, then the unit will eventually go into thermal
protection; any resultant problems will not be covered by the
wa rr an ty.
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4. Table of Contents
4. Table of Contents
1. Important safety instructions 2
2. Approvals 2
3. Warnings 2
3.1 Explanation of warning symbols 2
3.2 Warnings 3
3.3 User responsibility 3
5. Introduction 6
5.1. Welcome 6
5.2. Features 6
5.2.1. Class D output stage and universal power supply with low current draw 6
5.2.2. Amplier sensitivity / gain 7
5.2.3. Protection and performance optimization 7
5.2.4. 50 Hz high-pass lter 8
5.2.5. Auto Power Down / On (APD / APO) scheme 8
5.2.6. General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) facilities 8
6. Unpacking and visual checks 8
7. Installation 9
7.1. Mounting 9
8. Cooling and fan operation 9
9. Operating voltage 10
10. Grounding 10
11. Front panel 11
12. Rear panel 12
12.1. Power 12
12.2. Input Signal Present Threshold (SPT) 13
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4. Table of Contents
13. Operation and performance 14
13.1. Introduction 14
13.2. Operating precautions 14
13.3. Signal ow and headroom 14
13.4. Audio input and output connections, setup and features 15
13.4.1. Balanced / unbalanced Input connection 15
13.4.2. Output operation and connection 15
13.4.3. Output bridge mode and asymmetric loading 16
13.4.4. Constant Voltage 70 V system setup and operation 18
13.4.5. Output Current Peak Limiter (CPL) 18
14. Appendices 18
14.1. Maintenance 18
14.2. Thermal dissipation 19
14.3. Asymmetric loading data 20
14.4. Technical specications 24
15. Warranty 25
16. Service 26
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5. Introduction
5. Introduction
5.1. Welcome
Thank you for choosing a Lab.gruppen E Series product built around Lab.gruppen’s IDEEATM, the IntelliDrive
Energy Efcient Amplier. This manual provides a comprehensive guide to the features and functionality of E Series
model E 12:2, E 8:2 and E 4:2 ampliers. Please read through this manual in its entirety to become fully acquainted
with conguration options and protection circuitry.
This brief summary, in conjunction with Installation (Section 7), contains the basic information needed to safely
install the amplier and place it in service. However, we highly recommend reading through this manual in its
entirety, beginning with Features and Technologies and continuing through to Operation and Performance. As you
become thoroughly familiar with all aspects of operation, you may learn of features or options that will affect your
choices on amplier modes or loudspeaker system conguration.
Lab.gruppen E Series power ampliers are designed and built specically for the unique demands of permanent
installation applications. By packing two channels of efcient recongurable power amplication into a 1U chassis,
the E Series achieves a high power and channel density. The benets include reduced rack space requirements
and minimal heat build-up. The exible output stages enable each amplier channel to be set for either low
impedance or “70 V”-constant voltage (70.7 Vrms = 100 V peak) mode.
Although E Series features and facilities are tailored for installation applications, each amplier draws on the
foundational engineering that has made Lab.gruppen the benchmark of quality for touring concert systems:
exceptional sonic performance, rugged construction, proven reliability, and protection features that anticipate every
unwelcome possibility.
This manual was created for the E Series E 12:2, E 8:2 and E 4:2 amplier models. Any references to “E Series” in
this manual refer to all models in the range.
5.2. Features
Your new E Series amplier incorporates a number of sophisticated technologies – many of them proprietary to
Lab.gruppen – that ensure the best possible performance and years of reliable operation. Familiarizing yourself with
these technologies will prove invaluable in setting up and optimizing your loudspeaker system.
5.2.1. Class D output stage and universal power supply with low current draw
All E Series ampliers employ a unique Class D output stage that is ideally matched to the rated power output. To
provide exibility, each channel offers sufcient voltage swing and current capacity to drive either constant voltage
(“70 V”) or low impedance (2/4/8 or 16 ohms). In order to have low thermal losses as well as the voltage swing
required to drive 70 V, the design is based on a permanently bridged output.
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5. Introduction
5.2.2. Amplifier sensitivity / gain
For ease of use in system integration, E Series have been designed with a xed sensitivity of 4 dBu. Each model
offers two operational modes individually selectable per channel:
* “70 V” – Optimized for constant voltage systems but also can be used when load impedance is 8 ohms or higher.
Input signal of 4 dBu produces 70.7 Vrms output, for gain of 35.2 dB.
* “Lo-Z” – Optimized for driving loads with impedance below 16 ohms. Input signal of 4 dBu produces the rated
burst power into 4 ohms; gain varies by model.
5.2.3. Protection and performance optimization
Appropriate and reliable power amplication is vital to any audio system. Inadequate or faulty power ampliers
could cause damage to loudspeakers, or in some cases to the power ampliers themselves. To prevent damage
or service interruptions, E Series ampliers offer advanced features to protect both internal circuits and connected
loads. These features include the mains current limiter that allows several ampliers to be connected to a typical
mains outlet.
Standard E Series protection features include:
• A CPL (Current Peak Limiter) ensures that the amplier’s output does not exceed the safe current handling
parameters of the amplier components.
• Temperature protection ensures that the amplier will not be damaged by exceeding thermal limits. A TEMP
indicator LED ashes when the amplier approaches thermal limits to allow user action before protective muting
engages.
• A PAL (Power Average Limiter) limits the maximum average power consumption from the mains.
• DC protection ensures destructive DC signals will not appear at the amplier outputs. If such conditions occur
an internal fuse opens.
Note! There is no open fuse indication on the amplier. If a channel indicates signal presence but
there is no sound, an open fuse could be the cause. If an internal fuse is blown, then the amplier
needs service.
• Under Voltage Limit - A temporarily low mains voltage will indirectly initiate limiting if a high output level
is attempted. In most circumstances, depending on signal characteristics and level, the amplier will remain
operational. This limiting allows the amplier to remain functional during sustained periods of lower mains
voltage, as well as during temporary dips and when very long mains cords are used.
• Low inrush current ensures that the mains breaker will not trip when several power ampliers are turned on
simultaneously.
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6. Unpacking and visual checks
5.2.4. 50 Hz high-pass filter
Each channel has a switchable 50 Hz high-pass lter. In the default full-range position the amplier has a at
response with a -3 dB point at 2 Hz. When engaged, the lter rolls off low frequencies (12 dB/octave) for greater
efciency and reliability in, for example, 70 V high-impedance systems where the removal of very low frequency
content may be desired. The lter can also be used if desired when the output channel is connected to low
impedance loudspeakers that are unable to reproduce deep bass frequencies.
5.2.5. Auto Power Down / On (APD / APO) scheme
To comply with Energy Star 3.0 requirements, all E Series ampliers incorporate an APD scheme with power
consumption below 1 W in sleep/standby mode. The E Series will go to standby mode after 20 minutes without
input signal.
E Series also incorporates an APO functionality that restores full operation less than two seconds after signal is
applied to either of the inputs. Section 12.2 describes the threshold that is used.
5.2.6. General Purpose Input / Output (GPIO) facilities
The GPIO connections allow seamless interfacing with many third-party control and power sequencing systems.
Functions are optional; the ampliers will operate normally when GPIO is not connected.
The General Purpose Input (GPI) controls the power state via external contact closure as follows:
• It reacts to a transition from open to closed by forcing the unit to the on state. The APD function will still apply,
and the on state will be retained after a power cycle.
• It reacts to a transition from closed to open by forcing the unit to the standby state. This will also disable the
APO until it is turned on again.
The General Purpose Output (GPO) is an internal contact closure that, when closed, indicates the unit is on and
both channels functional (neither muted due to high temperature). Open indicates that the amplier is either in
standby or protective mute is activated in one or both channels.
6. Unpacking and visual checks
Every Lab.gruppen amplier is carefully tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should arrive in perfect
condition. If any damage is discovered, please notify the shipping carrier immediately. Save the packing materials
for the carrier’s inspection and for any future shipping.
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7. Installation
7. Installation
7.1. Mounting
The amplier is one rack unit high (1U) and will t into a standard EIA 19” rack. The depth is 276 mm (10.9”). The
weight is approximately 4.2 kg (9.3 lbs) depending on model type.
Free airow from front-to-rear of the amplier must be allowed. Therefore, no doors or rack-lids should be mounted
in front of or behind the ampliers.
Ampliers may be stacked directly on top of each other. There is no need for spacing in between units, although
spacing might enable more convenient installation of cabling on the rear panel.
8. Cooling and fan operation
The E Series ampliers have very low idle power draw and they are very efcient. However, to reduce the risk
of engaging thermal protection, the amplier has been designed with a forced-air cooling system (air ow from
front-to-rear) that activates as needed. Front-to-rear airow is preferred as cooler air is present at the front in nearly
all installed applications, allowing higher continuous power levels without encountering thermal problems.) Never
attempt to reverse the airow.
Always allow adequate air supply in front of the amplier, and ensure that the rear of the amplier has sufcient
space to allow exhaust to escape. If the amplier is rack-mounted, do not use covers or doors on the front or rear
of the rack.
Should a heat sink overheat, the temperature sensing circuits will mute the overheating channel. If the power
supply overheats, another sensing circuit will mute all output channels until the power supply cools to safe
operating temperature. An early warning before shut down will be indicated on the front-panel TEMP LED.
Always make sure that the recessed dust grille in the front is clean to ensure maximum possible airow as this will
minimize the risk of thermal protection, any required repairs are not covered by the warranty.
To calculate the maximum heat emission value when installing the ampliers in rooms with an air-conditioning
system, please refer to the Thermal Dissipation specications provided in the Appendix (Section 14.2).
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