Matrix Elements GT800fX, GT1000fX, GT1600fX User Manual

guitar amplification

made in britain, heard worldwide

MATRIX

POWER

BRIDGE

MONO

CHANNEL LEVELS

PROTECT

SIGNALSIGNAL

GT 800FX

POWER AMPLIFIER

GT1000FX

POWER AMPLIFIER

GT1000FX

GT1600FX

gt series amplifiers

user manual

models covered:

gt800fx, gt1000fx (1u & 2u),

gt1600fx

WWW.MATRIXAMPLIFICATION.COM

CONTENTS:

1. Thank You & Unpacking.

PAGE:

Thank You

Congratulations on the purchase of your new

Matrix Professional Power Amplifier.

Matrix amplifiers are the result of many

decades of experience in the design of

exceptionally robust and reliable amplifiers.

They are designed to breathe life into your

sound, by controlling your speakers with

exacting authority through the uncompromising

delivery of clean, undistorted power, from a

package which is smaller and lighter than you

might expect for the performance it delivers.

This manual will help you to get the most from

your amplifier. For maximum benefit, it is

recommended that all instructions and

warnings are carefully read. Also be sure to

read the notices regarding correct wiring of

output connectors as this impacts the operation

of the amplifier.

For warranty service, please retain your receipt

and all packaging that comes with the

amplifier, as it has been specifically designed to

transport the amplifier safely.

Unpacking

Please unpack and inspect your new amplifier

for any damage that may have occurred during

transit. If damage is found, notify the carrier

immediately.

Note: A suitable mains lead is provided and can

be found packaged with the amplifier.

PLEASE RETAIN ALL FACTORY

PACKAGING FOR ANY FUTURE POSTAL

TRANSIT.

2. Safety Notices & FCC

Declaration.

3. Layout:

3.1 Front Panel.

3.2 Rear Panel.

4. Before You Start.

5. Getting Started, Powering

Up & Connections.

6. Set-Up Examples.

7. International Voltage

Selection.

8. Choosing Cables.

9. Troubleshooting.

10. Warranty.

11. Care & Contact Us.

12. Technical Specs.

13. CE Declaration.

14. Notes.

3-7

3-4

5-7

8-9

10-13

16-17

CAUTION:

OBSERVE ALL SAFETY AND

USAGE INSTRUCTIONS TO AVOID

POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO

EQUIPMENT AND EXPOSURE TO

HAZARDS. THIS SYMBOL

UNIVERSALLY FLAGS CAUTION

NOTICES

LETHAL VOLTAGES PRESENT AT

SPEAKER, CABLE AND AMPLIFIER

TERMINALS; ENSURE ALL

WIRING IS SAFE AND CORRECT

BEFORE USE. THIS SYMBOL

ALSO UNIVERSALLY FLAGS

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

DO NOT OPEN UNIT; LEAVE ALL

INTERNAL SERVICE OPERATIONS

TO A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN.

THIS PRODUCT IS CAPABLE OF

PRODUCING SOUND PRESSURE

LEVELS WHICH MAY DAMAGE

HEARING.

THE USER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

EXPOSURE LEVELS AND USE OF

HEARING PROTECTION.

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:

The amplifier is designed for use in environments which

protect it from rain, unusually high air humidity and

temperature.

Place on a surface where it cannot be easily dislodged,

potentially causing damage to the unit or injury to a person.

Ensure that the location will not expose the amplifier to

spillage of liquids/drinks, sprays/vapours or high humidity.

Ensure the amplifier is installed in a place which is not

subject to abnormally high temperatures and maintain

sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.

For temporary use outside, apply similar caution however,

careful to ensure placement accounts for changing weather

conditions and that extreme wind/rain/heat will not find its

way to the equipment.

When taking any equipment from a cold environment

(unheated storage, vehicles, etc), into a warm one, allow the

equipment time to become acclimatised to the ambient

temperature, as condensation is likely to form in the

amplifier, potentially causing it to malfunction if put into

service too soon.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply

with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part

15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide

reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and

can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and

used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful

interference to radio communications. However, there is no

guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be

determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is

encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more

of the following measures:

— Reorient or relocate the receiving 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.

— Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician

for help.

FRONT AND REAR PANEL LAYOUTS: 1U & 2U MODELS

The front and rear panels on 1U & 2U versions of the amps share the same

features and layouts.

1U MODEL (GT800 & GT1000) & 2U MODEL (GT1000 & GT1600)

POWER

MATRIX

POWER

(1) Power Switch

MONO

BRIDGE

PROTECT

BRIDGE

PROTECT

SIGNALSIGNAL

CHANNEL LEVELS

SIGNALSIGNAL

CHANNEL LEVELS

GT x x x FX

GT x x x F X

POWER AMPLIFIER

This switch controls the power supply to the amplifier.

(2) Indicator Section, Status:

a. Power Indicator

This indicator shows when the amplifier is on and is receiving power.

b. Parallel Mono Mode Indicator

This indicator shows if (parallel) MONO mode is selected on the rear panel.

For channel pair A and B only Input A will be used to drive both channels. Full

independent level control of the amplifier output stages is still possible via the Gain

controls.

c. Bridged Mono Mode Indicator

This indicator shows if Bridged mode is selected on the rear panel. It is most

important that this indicator is not illuminated unless bridged mode is required. This

is because when bridged mode is selected, Channel A will be out of phase with

Channel B. This will result in poor bass response and an unsatisfactory sound if left

and right outputs are used. In this mode Channel A controls the output level.

d. Protect Indicator

This indicator lights briefly during the power up cycle and also lights should a

fault occur. Illumination of the protect indicator, shows that the output of the

amplifier has been disconnected by means of an internal relay to protect connected

speaker systems from being damaged by the fault.

(3) Gain Controls

Ohms

8 Ohms

(Bridged)

16 Ohms

(Bridged)

GT800FX

100

GT1000FX

120

GT1600FX

100

200

120

Ohms

8 Ohms

(Bridged)

16 Ohms

(Bridged)

GT800FX

100

200

120

GT1000FX

120

240

160

GT1600FX

200

120

400

240

The level of each Channel is individually adjusted by these controls.

Rotating these controls fully clockwise, results in no attenuation to the incoming audio

signals.

(4) Indicator Section, Signal levels:

These show the (Peak) output level of the amplifier for each channel, in both

Stereo and Mono modes. These will start to illuminate when a signal is present at the

speaker sockets when driven above a threshold of approximately -9db. Note that for

levels below this amount the led may not illuminate. The signal level lights are useful in

indicating how much power is being sent to the speaker connected. The -9db threshold

relates to approximately 12.5% of the amps available power at the load it is connected

to. The table below gives the ratings at -9db for typical impedances connected.

Signal lights starting to blink at -9db

For every increase of 3db that occurs, a doubling of the power is needed, so to that

effect, when the signal lights start to stay permanently on at -6db the power the amp

produces is doubled. Most stage volumes will occur somewhere between the two

Signal lights starting to stay on at -6db

but if you’re happy with the volume levels and the signal lights are not lighting up,

that’s fine!

1U MODEL (GT800 & GT1000) & 2U MODEL (GT1000 & GT1600)

WWW.MATRIXGUITARAMPLIFICATION.COM

For A+B Bridged Output Use Socket Marked X

For Bridged Output Only !

NL2

1/4”

1:X

1:A

NL2

1/4”

1/4” & SPKN. OUT

AC Power Supply Requirement

50 to

230V 6A

110V 12A

60Hz

DO NOT REMOVE COVERS

LETHAL VOLTAGES INSIDE.

THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE

EARTHED.

DO NOT USE IN

DAMP CONDITIONS.

AC Power Supply Requirement

50 to

230V 6A

110V 12A

60Hz

DO NOT REMOVE COVERS

LETHAL VOLTAGES INSIDE.

THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE

EARTHED. DO NOT USE IN

DAMP CONDITIONS.

WWW.MATRIXGUITARAMPLIFICATION.COM

+0 dBu/0.775V

+0 dBu/0.7V

Both Input and Output Connectors

Accept 1/4” Jackplugs in Addition to XLR/NL2

1/4” & XLR IN

For Bridged Output Use Socket Marked X - For Bridged Output Only !

(5) Cooling Fan Outlets

Hot air exits here. Make sure all rear (and front) ventilation paths are

free from obstruction and air flows freely, otherwise the amplifier will

trip into thermal protect mode prematurely and in some extreme

circumstances damage may occur.

(6) Output Connectors

The Output sockets are Neutrik® Speakon / 1/4” combi connectors.

They accept both Neutrik® NL2FC & 1/4” jack plugs (NL4FC

accepted, however only terminal pair 1 carry signals). Avoid inferior

alternatives, as they may present numerous hazards due to less than

ideal construction.

When inserting speakon plugs turn clockwise until you hear it

click; This ensures correct connection has been made. To remove, pull

back the levered tab and turn anti-clockwise.

Ready-made, sensibly priced, quality interconnection leads

suitable for use with the amplifier should be easy to source. However,

with sufficient skill, it is possible to make/modify leads for the task.

•Only the first two pins (+1 and -1) are used in this amplifier.

•When utilising the 1/4” output option the centre pin (Tip) is

connected to +1 & the outer sheath (Sleeve) is connected to

-1.

•For STEREO/MONO operation, unmodified “off the shelf”

cables will usually work fine.

•For BRIDGED MONO mode, Output is exclusively available

from OUTPUT X, do not use at any other time.

CAUTION: Whilst we recommend that Neutrik speakon connections

are always used for the safest way of connecting to the amplifier, the

option is also provided to use 1/4” jack connections with these

outputs. Take extra care when connecting leads to ensure that these

are not accidentally connected to the inputs and outputs of other

equipment not designed specifically to do so, otherwise damage to

equipment is likely to occur.

Take extra care with 1/4” jack speaker connections, the exposed plug end

can present an electric shock hazard, also never allow the outputs to be

shorted, equipment damage may occur. Finally, never use standard 1/4”

instrument leads for connection between amplifier and loudspeaker, choose a

quality speaker lead for this specific task for safe operation. and optimal

performance.

(7) Input Signal Sockets.

These are Neutrik® combined female XLR and 1/4" jack sockets.

For cable runs of under 12”, (ie. within a rack system) standard good quality

instrument leads should provide a similar level of RF shielding to XLR cables.

For longer cables runs, balanced cables (XLRs) are recommended.

(8) Output Mode Selector.

STEREO, MONO or BRIDGED (mono) Output can be selected using this

switch.

Take care to ensure the correct mode for your application is selected.

•In Stereo mode, channels A and B operate independently, when fed

with separate input signals. (Think of this as two separate mono amps

fed by their own input.)

•In Parallel (Mono) mode, Input A is connected to feed both amplifier

channel A and B. Input B is not used. Full independent level control

over each amplifier output channel remains possible. (This is useful if

you want to send the same mono signal to two separate cabs).

•In Bridged (Mono) mode, the input from channel A is fed out of phase

to channel B and combined to give a higher power mono output.

Note: Bridged Output X is used exclusively for this mode, do not

use at any other time. Using output channel A or B whilst

Bridged mode is selected will give a thin, out of phase sound,

lacking bass through those outputs.

(9) Power Connection

Mains power is supplied to the amplifier by a standard 10 Amp IEC

mains socket.

An appropriate mains lead is supplied with the amplifier.

Note: The amplifier requires a stable power supply to function

as intended. Ensure that the power source (mains power

supply, generator, etc.) is suitable for this application and

adequate power is available. Poorly selected power sources

result in sub-optimal performance, increased likelihood of

tripping breakers, blowing fuses and in extreme situations

damage to equipment may occur.

BEFORE YOU START:

If you intend to rack mount your GT series amplifier you may want to

consider removing the rubber feet from the amplifier to allow maximum

room for other units that may share the rack space. This is a simple

process. Using a small flat bladed screwdriver gently prise the shiny plastic

insert up from the chassis which will enable the feet to be removed. Store

somewhere safe!!

1234

To replace the feet simply pull the plastic insert so the mechanism is closed,

line up the foot with the chassis hole and push into place.

123

+ 16 hidden pages

Matrix Elements GT800fX, GT1000fX, GT1600fX User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual