Rane MA 3 User Manual

OPE RATORS MAN UAL MA 3

MULTICHANNEL AMPLIFIER

QUICK START

Sure, you say, “it's just a three channel amp, I'm in a hurry and I don't need to read the manual.” But at least read this

little section so you really know what to expect, and your installation can go even faster.

Be sure the Amplifier is off before making any connections. Euroblocks make Amplifier connection easy. They are just

like “snap on” terminal blocks. The balanced Input blocks are three-terminal female connectors. The Output blocks are two­terminal female connectors.

Driving the MA 3 from a balanced source is recommended. If you must drive the MA 3 Input with an unbalanced
source, we recommend using a cable that has two conductors plus a shield, and be sure to keep cable lengths as short as
possible (under 10 feet). See Rane Note 110, “Sound System Interconnection” (contained in this booklet).

Nominal speaker loads should be no lower than 4 ohms per Output. If you are running series or parallel combinations,
be sure and check your total load impedance. For constant-voltage distribution, consider using the optional TF 407 (40 W /

70.7 V) or TF 410 (40 W / 100 V) transformer. Transformers may be installed inside the MA 3 on any number of Output
Channels required. If you intend to use constant-voltage distribution transformers, you may want to read RaneNote 136
“Constant-Voltage Audio Distribution Systems” (contained in this booklet).

Once Input and Output connections are completed, be sure all rear panel LEVEL controls are all the way counterclock­wise. Now flip the POWER switch on. After a couple of seconds, slowly turn up each Channels’ LEVEL control to the
desired gain. Maximum yields the most effective dynamic range control for the built-in Limiter). If all is well, you will hear
something pleasant. If not, re-check connections, put on a better CD, and read more of the manual.

WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts.

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FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION

 Heat tunnel exhaust vents are located on the left of the unit. Large aperture vent slots are used for low noise. Air is taken

in at the back of the unit and exhausts out the front. When installed in a rack, make sure there is ample room for air to exit.
The sealed heat tunnel design does not require the use of an air filter.

 OUTPUT HEADROOM meters indicate the amount of remaining headroom (how much more signal can be applied before

Limiting occurs).

0 dB OUTPUT HEADROOM remaining is indicated by a red indicator. When lit, any additional signal causes the Limiter to

operate. It is possible to “compress” the signal as much as 20 dB with very little effect on sound quality. This gives the
MA 3 the overload characteristics of a much larger amplifier, without the use of external compressors. The MA 3 was
designed to be driven hard (heavily compressed signal) so it is not necessary to buy extra power to obtain the headroom
required to prevent overload.

3 dB OUTPUT HEADROOM remaining is indicated by a yellow indicator. When lit, 3 dB of additional signal may be

applied before Limiting.

6 dB OUTPUT HEADROOM remaining is indicated by a green indicator. When lit, 6 dB of additional signal may be

applied before Limiting.

12 dB OUTPUT HEADROOM remaining is indicated by a green indicator. When lit, 12 dB of additional signal may be

applied before Limiting.

 PWR: This yellow indicator lights when power is applied to the unit. See  below.

 POWER switch: This control obediently turns the MA 3 on and off every time you poke it with your finger. Poking the top

half of the switch turns the unit on when it is off. Poking the bottom portion of the switch turns the unit off when it it on. All
three Channels have turn-on and turn-off muting to reduce switching transients.

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