Lab.gruppen E 8-2 User Manual

E SERIES

ENERGY STAR® qualified installation amplifiers

E 4:2E 8:2E 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 amplifiers) that produce heat.

9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype 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 fit 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 specified by the manufacturer.

12.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified 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 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.

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 applied: EMC Emission EN55103- 1, 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 safety 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 certified to comply with PSE for Japan.

This equipment has been certified by CQC to conform to CCC.

E Series is ENERGY STAR 3.0 qualified; this has been certified by UL.

3. Warnings

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 sufficient 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.

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3. Warnings

3.2 Warnings

To reduce risk of fire 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 filled 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 fiche 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 qualified 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. Confiez toute réparation à un personnel de maintenance qualifié.

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 fiche secteur du cordon d’alimentation doit rester accessible.

Do not install this device in a confined space.

Français: N’installez pas cet appareil dans un espace confiné.

Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type of mains connector.

Français: Vérifiez la tension en vigueur dans votre région et utilisez le bon type de fiche secteur.

Please refer to the following table:

	Voltage	Line plug (according to standard)
	110-125 V (US)	UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
	220-230 V (EUROPE)	CEE 7 page VII, SR section 107-2-D1/
		IEC 83 page C4.
		BS 1363 of 1984. Specification for
	240 V (UK)	13 A fused plugs and switched and
		unswitched socket outlets.

3.3 User responsibility

3.1.1 Mains connection grounding

Your amplifier must be connected to a grounded socket outlet.

3.1.2 Speaker output hazard

Power amplifiers are capable of producing hazardous output voltages. To avoid electrical shock, do not touch any exposed speaker wiring while the amplifier is operating. External wiring connected to the speaker terminals shall be installed by a qualified person, or ready-made leads or cords of appropriate capacity shall be used. As the amplifier 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 fields, high voltage flashes, 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 amplifier’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 fire. 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 warranty.

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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. Amplifier sensitivity / gain	7
	5.2.3. Protection and performance optimization	7
	5.2.4. 50 Hz high-pass filter	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 flow 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 specifications		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 Efficient Amplifier. 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 amplifiers. Please read through this manual in its entirety to become fully acquainted with configuration options and protection circuitry.

This brief summary, in conjunction with Installation (Section 7), contains the basic information needed to safely install the amplifier 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 amplifier modes or loudspeaker system configuration.

Lab.gruppen E Series power amplifiers are designed and built specifically for the unique demands of permanent installation applications. By packing two channels of efficient reconfigurable power amplification into a 1U chassis, the E Series achieves a high power and channel density. The benefits include reduced rack space requirements and minimal heat build-up. The flexible output stages enable each amplifier 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 amplifier 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 amplifier models. Any references to “E Series” in this manual refer to all models in the range.

5.2. Features

Your new E Series amplifier 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 amplifiers employ a unique Class D output stage that is ideally matched to the rated power output. To provide flexibility, each channel offers sufficient 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 fixed 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 amplification is vital to any audio system. Inadequate or faulty power amplifiers could cause damage to loudspeakers, or in some cases to the power amplifiers themselves. To prevent damage or service interruptions, E Series amplifiers offer advanced features to protect both internal circuits and connected loads. These features include the mains current limiter that allows several amplifiers to be connected to a typical mains outlet.

Standard E Series protection features include:

•A CPL (Current Peak Limiter) ensures that the amplifier’s output does not exceed the safe current handling parameters of the amplifier components.

•Temperature protection ensures that the amplifier will not be damaged by exceeding thermal limits. A TEMP indicator LED flashes when the amplifier 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 amplifier outputs. If such conditions occur an internal fuse opens.

Note! There is no open fuse indication on the amplifier. 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 amplifier 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 amplifier will remain operational. This limiting allows the amplifier 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 amplifiers 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 filter. In the default full-range position the amplifier has a flat response with a -3 dB point at 2 Hz. When engaged, the filter rolls off low frequencies (12 dB/octave) for greater efficiency and reliability in, for example, 70 V high-impedance systems where the removal of very low frequency content may be desired. The filter 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 amplifiers 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 amplifiers 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 amplifier is either in standby or protective mute is activated in one or both channels.

6. Unpacking and visual checks

Every Lab.gruppen amplifier 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 amplifier is one rack unit high (1U) and will fit 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 airflow from front-to-rear of the amplifier must be allowed. Therefore, no doors or rack-lids should be mounted in front of or behind the amplifiers.

Amplifiers 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 amplifiers have very low idle power draw and they are very efficient. However, to reduce the risk of engaging thermal protection, the amplifier has been designed with a forced-air cooling system (air flow from

front-to-rear) that activates as needed. Front-to-rear airflow 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 airflow.

Always allow adequate air supply in front of the amplifier, and ensure that the rear of the amplifier has sufficient space to allow exhaust to escape. If the amplifier 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 airflow 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 amplifiers in rooms with an air-conditioning system, please refer to the Thermal Dissipation specifications provided in the Appendix (Section 14.2).

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