thomann the box MBA80W User Manual

MBA80W

mobile PA system

user manual

Musikhaus Thomann
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.thomann.de

20.05.2016, ID: 369704 (V2)

Table of contents

Table of contents

1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 5

1.1 Further information........................................................................................................................... 6

1.2 Notational conventions.................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Symbols and signal words............................................................................................................... 8

2 Safety instructions.................................................................................................................................. 10

3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 15

4 Installation and starting up................................................................................................................ 16

4.1 Battery operation............................................................................................................................. 17

4.2 Remote control................................................................................................................................. 17

4.3 Microphone........................................................................................................................................ 17

5 Connections and controls................................................................................................................... 18

6 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 38

7 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 41

8 Cleaning....................................................................................................................................................... 45

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Table of contents

9 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 46

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1 General notes

General notes

This manual contains important instructions for the safe operation of the unit. Read and follow
the safety instructions and all other instructions. Keep the manual for future reference. Make
sure that it is available to all those using the device. If you sell the unit please make sure that
the buyer also receives this manual.

Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. Thus, they are subject to
change.

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General notes

1.1 Further information

On our website (www.thomann.de) you will find lots of further information and details on the
following points:

Download This manual is also available as PDF file for you to download.

Keyword search

Online guides

Personal consultation For personal consultation please contact our technical hotline.

Service

Use the search function in the electronic version to find the topics of
interest for you quickly.

Our online guides provide detailed information on technical basics
and terms.

If you have any problems with the device the customer service will
gladly assist you.

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1.2 Notational conventions

This manual uses the following notational conventions:

General notes

Letterings

Displays

Cross-references

The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.

Texts and values displayed on the device are marked by quotation marks and italics.
Examples: ‘24ch’ , ‘OFF’.

References to other locations in this manual are identified by an arrow and the specified page
number. In the electronic version of the manual, you can click the cross-reference to jump to
the specified location.

Example: See

Ä

‘Cross-references’ on page 7.

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General notes

1.3 Symbols and signal words

In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words that are
used in this manual.

Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an

CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a pos‐

immediate dangerous situation that will result in death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.

sible dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it
is not avoided.

sible dangerous situation that can result in material and
environmental damage if it is not avoided.

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Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – high-voltage.

Warning – danger zone.

General notes

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Safety instructions

2 Safety instructions

Intended use

10

This device is intended to be used in a sound reinforcement system. Use the device only as
described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is consid‐
ered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be
assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

DANGER!
Danger for children

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!

Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!

Never let children unattended use electrical devices.

mobile PA system

Safety instructions

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside

Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit

Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord) with a pro‐
tective contact plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so
could result in electric shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a regis‐
tered electrician.

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Safety instructions

CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage

The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent
hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to
be uncritical can cause hearing damage.

Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or
hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use suffi‐
cient ear protectors.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire

Do not cover the device nor any ventilation slots. Do not place the device near
any direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames.

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Safety instructions

NOTICE!
Power supply

Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.

Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to incorrect polarity

Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.

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Safety instructions

NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries

Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer period.

Notes on radio transmission

14

n This equipment uses a frequency range that is free of charge and registration within the

European Union.
For more information, please visit: http://www.thomann.de.

n When operating, make sure that transmitter and receiver are set to the same channel.
n Never set more than one transmitter to the same channel.
n Make sure that no metal objects are located between transmitter and receiver.
n Avoid interference by other radio and in-ear systems.

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3 Features

Features

The mobile PA system is characterized by the following features:

n Compact all-in-one system
n Mains and battery operation for maximum flexibility
n 6.5" woofer, 1" compression driver
n Output power: 80 W in mains operation, 60 W in battery operation
n Frequency range 80 Hz … 18 kHz
n Integrated UHF receiver for the supplied UHF wireless microphone
n Integrated media player with display, SD card slot, USB port and Bluetooth receiver
n Infrared remote control
n 2 × MIC / Line inputs, 1 × stereo input, 1 × RCA input
n 1 × Line output
n Plastic housing with tripod flange, carrying handle

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Installation and starting up

4 Installation and starting up

Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep
the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture
during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material
suitable for transport or storage, respectively.

Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible high­quality cables for all connections.

NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate
distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external
magnetic field.

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4.1 Battery operation

4.2 Remote control

4.3 Microphone

Installation and starting up

You can also operate the device independently of the mains power supply with the two per‐
manently installed rechargeable lithium batteries (lithium ion batteries, 12 V, 1.5 Ah).

When shipping, the battery is already installed in the remote and protected against discharge
by a transparent plastic film. Remove the plastic film before initial use.

For replacing the battery, follow the instructions on the back of the remote control. Use only
lithium button cells CR 2025. Note the correct polarity when inserting the battery.

Use only LR6 AA (1.5 V) batteries or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (nickel metal hydride). Note
the correct polarity when inserting the batteries.

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Connections and controls

5 Connections and controls

Rear view – overview

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Partial view A

Connections and controls

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Connections and controls

1 [AF LEVEL]

The indicator LEDS light up when an audio signal from an external device is present.

2 [POWER-VOL]

On / off switch and volume control of the radio receiver.
3 SD card slot.
4

Display ( Ä ‘Display’ on page 29).
5 [IR]

Infrared sensor for the remote control signals.
6 USB port.

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Connections and controls

7

Depending on operating mode, Skip forward (to the next track) or switch to the next menu option.

Keep this button pressed to increase the volume of the internal media player.

It is recommended to keep the volume of the media player always on maximum value and to adjust the overall

volume using the [LEVEL] control of channel 3.
8

Depending on operating mode, Skip backwards (to the previous track) or switch to the previous menu option.

Keep this button pressed to decrease the volume of the internal media player.

It is recommended to keep the volume of the media player always on maximum value and to adjust the overall

volume using the [LEVEL] control of channel 3.

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Connections and controls

9

Selection button. Press the button repeatedly to activate a playback mode. The active mode and the title of the cur‐

rent track will appear on the display:

n Normal ‘N’ . All tracks of the selected audio source are played in succession.

n Random ‘R’ . All tracks of the selected audio source are played in random order.

n Intro ‘I’ . The first ten seconds of each track of the selected audio source will be played.

n All ‘A’ . All tracks in endless loop, like Normal mode ‘N’.

n Single ‘1’ . Only the selected track is played once.

n Folder ‘F’ . All tracks of a specific folder of the selected audio source are being played.

10

Stop button to stop playback.

11

Depending on operating mode, Play / Pause button to start / stop playback or button to select a menu item.

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Connections and controls

12 [MODE]

Selection button. Press this button to select an audio source: SD card, USB input or Bluetooth port. The active source

is shown on the display.

13 [RF]

The red indicator LED [RF] lights up when a radio signal is transmitted between microphone and receiver.

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Connections and controls

Partial view B

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Connections and controls

14 [CH1], [CH2], [CH3]

MIC / LINE input level toggle switch with volume control for channels 1, 2 and 3.

15 [TONE]

Tone control. Turn this knob to the right for a brighter sound with more treble.

Turn this knob to the left for a duller sound with more bass.

16 [ON | LIM]

Indicator LED. Lights solid green in normal operation and flickers red when clipping.

In this case, turn the volume of the active channel down.

17 [MASTER]

Volume control. Use this control to adjust the overall volume of the device (sum of all input channels).

18 [LINE OUT]

Line output (1/4" socket) to connect an amplifier, a PA or an additional speaker.

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Connections and controls

19 [LINE IN]

3.5 mm input socket to connect an external audio device to channel 3.

20 RCA input sockets to connect an external audio device to channel 3.
21 [BATTERY LEVEL]

State of charge indicators. All three green LEDs light when batteries are fully charged. When capacity decreases, the

green LEDs 3, 2 to 1 go out one by one. If only the red LED lights the remaining battery capacity is low. Then connect

the device to the mains power to charge the batteries. While charging, the yellow LED lights.

22 XLR / 1/4" combo sockets for signal input channel 1 and 2.

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Partial view C

Connections and controls

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Connections and controls

23 Mains connection socket.
24 Fuse holder.
25 [POWER]

Main switch to turn the device on and off.

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Display

Connections and controls

a Play/Pause.

b Endless loop.

c Number of the currently playing track and number of tracks in the current folder.

d Selected EQ setting.

e Bit rate and file type of the currently playing track.

f Symbol for the selected data source.
g Elapsed time / total time of the currently playing track.
h Frequency spectrum bar graph.

i File name of the currently playing track.

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Connections and controls

Remote control

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Connections and controls

1 [CHANNEL]

Without function.

2 [VOL– / VOL+]

To decrease or increase the volume.

3 [PREV / NEXT]

Forward (skip to the next track) or backward (skip to the previous track).

4 Numeric keypad for direct access to tracks.
5 [MODE]

Selection button. Press this button to select an audio source: SD card, USB input or Bluetooth port. The active source
is shown on the display.

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Connections and controls

6 [ENTER]

This button opens a menu with the following options:

n ‘EQ’ – selects an equalizer setting, corresponds to the key [EQ] on the remote.
n ‘PLAY MODE’ – selects a play mode, corresponds to the key on the unit.
n ‘CHANGE DEVICE’ – selects an audio source, corresponds to the key [MODE] on the remote.
n ‘EXIT’ – to exit the selection menu.

To navigate within the selection menu use [PREV / NEXT]. To select an option use [PLAY/PAUSE].

7 [PICK SONG]

Without function.

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8 [EQ]

Selects an EQ setting:

n ‘NOR’ – Normal
n ‘POP’ – Pop music
n ‘ROCK’ – Rock music
n ‘JAZZ’ – Jazz
n ‘CLAS’ – Classic music
n ‘COU’ – Country music
n ‘BAS’ – Bass boost

9 [PLAY/PAUSE]

Play / Pause button to start / stop playback.

Connections and controls

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Connections and controls

Microphone

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Connections and controls

1 Microphone head grill to prevent damage and to reduce wind and breath noise.
2 This LED shows the state of the batteries. When the microphone is turned on and the capacity of the batteries is

sufficient, the LED lights green. When the batteries are exhausted, the LED lights red.

3 [ON/OFF]

Slide switch to turn the microphone on and off.

4 Lower housing part with battery compartment and transmitter. Unscrew to open.

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Connections and controls

Playback via Bluetooth

Establishing connection to Bluetooth device

Follow the instructions given in the manual of the Bluetooth device and turn it on. Place it near
the device.

Press [MODE] and select the Bluetooth interface as the source for playback. After a few seconds
your Bluetooth device is detected. The display shows the message ‘BT Connected’ . If that
doesn't work automatically, press and start the synchronization from the Bluetooth device.

Bluetooth menu

Keep [MODE] pressed for a few seconds to open the Bluetooth menu.
To navigate within the menu use [PREV / NEXT]. To select an option use [PLAY/PAUSE].
The menu offers the following options:

n ‘Recently reconnection’ – re-connect to the last used Bluetooth device.
n ‘EQ’

– ‘Normal’ – Normal
– ‘Pop’ – Pop music
– ‘Rock’ – Rock music
– ‘Jazz’ – Jazz
– ‘Classic’ – Classic music
– ‘County’ – Country music

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Connections and controls

– ‘Lowbass’ – Bass boost

n ‘Deleted paired info’ – erases all information on last link with a Bluetooth device. Try this

option to solve problems establishing a Bluetooth connection.

n ‘Device Information’ – shows information about the name and address of the Bluetooth

interface of the device on the display.

n ‘Exit’ – to exit the menu.

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Technical specifications

6 Technical specifications

Amplifier / speaker

Inputs 2 × XLR/6.35 mm combo jack as microphone / line input

1 × 3.5-mm phone socket for line input
2 × RCA sockets for additional signal input, for CD players or similar devices with

line out signal.
Output 1 × 1/4" phone socket for line output
Speaker Two-way system with 1" compression driver and 6.5" woofer
Frequency response 80 Hz … 18 kHz (–3 dB)
Output power 80 W (mains operation)

60 W (battery operation)

Radio link

Carrier frequency UHF band (863 MHz … 865 MHz)

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NF frequency response 60 Hz … 16 kHz (–3 dB)
Modulation type Frequency modulation (FM)
Signal-to-noise ratio > 100 dB
Transmission power < 10 mW
THD < 0.1 %

General

Technical specifications

Operating supply voltage

Power consumption 27 W
Fuse 5 mm × 20 mm, 2 A, 250 V, slow-blow
Operating time per battery charge 4 h … 6 h
Charging time 7 h … 9 h

100…240 V 50/60 Hz

Built-in rechargeable battery: lithium ion battery 22.2 V / 1500 mAh, mainte‐

nance-free

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Technical specifications

Dimensions (W × H × D) 240 mm × 380 mm × 200 mm
Weight 6 kg

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7 Plug and connection assignment

Plug and connection assignment

Introduction

Balanced and unbalanced trans‐
mission

This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect your valuable equip‐
ment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is ensured.

Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is indicated: Even if a
plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may result in a destroyed power amp, a short
circuit or ‘just’ in poor transmission quality!

Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical representatives of
the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and shielding while the signal is trans‐
mitted through the core.

Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, especially at low
levels, such as microphone signals and when using long cables.

In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is preferred, because this
enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over long distances. In addition to the conduc‐
tors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers
the signal, but phase-shifted by 180°.

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Plug and connection assignment

1/4" TS phone plug (mono,
unbalanced)

1/4" TRS phone plug (mono, bal‐
anced)

Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-shifted signals, the
interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result is a pure signal without any noise inter‐
ference.

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

1 Signal (in phase, +)
2 Signal (out of phase, –)
3 Ground

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Three-pole 1/8" mini phone jack
(stereo, unbalanced)

XLR plug (balanced)

Plug and connection assignment

1 Signal (left)
2 Signal (right)
3 Ground, shielding

1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal (in phase, +)
3 Signal (out of phase, –)

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Plug and connection assignment

RCA connection

Drawing and table indicate the pin assignment of an RCA plug.

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

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8 Cleaning

Cleaning

Device components

Fan grids

Clean the device components that are accessible from the outside regularly. The cleaning fre‐
quency depends on the operating environment: damp, smoky or particularly dirty environ‐
ments can cause greater accumulation of dirt on the device components.

n Clean with a dry soft cloth.
n Stubborn dirt can be removed with a slightly dampened cloth.
n Never use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.

The fan grids of the device must be cleaned on a regular basis to remove dust and dirt. Before
cleaning, switch off the device and disconnect AC-powered devices from the mains. Use a lint­free damp cloth for cleaning. Never use solvents or alcohol for cleaning.

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Protecting the environment

9 Protecting the environment

Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial

For the packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been chosen that can be supplied
to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that

they are collected for recycling. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

Disposal of batteries

Batteries do contain some hazardous chemicals so they should not be thrown away with the
normal household waste. They should be returned to the manufacturer for disposal or recycled
elsewhere in accordance with your local regulations.

Remove lithium batteries from the device before disposal. Protect used lithium batteries
against short circuit, for example by taping the poles.

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Disposal of your old device

Protecting the environment

This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE) in its currently valid version. Do not dispose with your normal household waste.

Dispose of this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste
facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

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Notes

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Notes

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Notes

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mobile PA system

Musikhaus Thomann · Hans-Thomann-Straße 1 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de