Wohler AMP1-S8DA, AMP1-S8MDA-3G, AMP2-S8DA, AMP2-S8MDA-3G User Manual

AMPx-S8 Series

• AMP1-S8DA • AMP1-S8MDA-3G

• AMP2-S8DA • AMP2-S8MDA-3G

8-Channel, Multi-Format, Analog/Digital Audio Monitors

User Guide

Part Number 821030, Revision E

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Last Update

June 06, 2011

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Table of Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Introduction ................................................................. vii

Overview................................................................ vii

Topics.................................................................... vii

What’s New................................................................. viii

Functionality Enhancements .......................................... viii

3G........................................................................ viii

Software Termination.............................................. viii

Rear Panel Connector Arrangements ...........................ix

Chapter 1. Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Introduction ...................................................................1

Overview..................................................................1

Topics......................................................................1

Unpacking......................................................................2

Safety ...........................................................................2

Important Safety Instructions ..................................... 2

Safety Symbols.........................................................3

FCC Compliance..............................................................3

Installation Recommendations...........................................4

Mounting..................................................................4

Heat Dissipation........................................................4

Sympathetic Vibration................................................4

Mechanical Bracing....................................................5

Connections and Cable Recommendations.....................5

Electrical Interference ................................................5

Power ......................................................................6

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

iii

Installation.................................................................... 6

Intial Setup.............................................................. 6

Power Up................................................................. 6

Chapter 2. System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Introduction................................................................... 7

Overview................................................................. 7

Topics ..................................................................... 7

Front Panel Controls........................................................ 8

Features and Simple Controls..................................... 8

LCD Screen.............................................................10

User Interface.........................................................11

Multi-Mode Color Codes ......................................11

Menu Navigation................................................12

Rear Panel Connectors ...................................................13

Input Connectors.....................................................13

Output Connectors...................................................15

Programming and Remote Access Connectors..............18

RS-232 Connectors ............................................18

Remote Connector .............................................18

Rotary Switch Connectors.........................................19

Monitoring Inputs..........................................................20

System Overview.....................................................20

Monitoring an Analog Input.......................................20

Monitoring an AES Input...........................................21

Monitoring an SDI Input ...........................................21

Channel Selection and Mixing .........................................22

Chapter 3. Audio Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Introduction..................................................................23

Overview................................................................23

Topics ....................................................................23

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Analog Output Preference...............................................24

Monitoring and Mixing Modes..........................................25

Arbtrary Mixing .......................................................25

Single....................................................................26

Pairs......................................................................26

Downmix................................................................27

Muting the Speakers......................................................29

Phase Correlation..........................................................30

SDI Inputs ...................................................................31

Selecting SDI Groups and Subgroups .........................31

Configuring for SDI Delay ........................................32

Selecting the Input Signal ..............................................33

Setting the Monitor’s Startup Configuration.......................34

Terminating/Unterminating Inputs ...................................35

Chapter 4. Presets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Introduction .................................................................37

Overview................................................................37

Topics....................................................................37

What are Presets? .........................................................38

Methods of Accessing the Presets ....................................38

Setup Menu............................................................38

Preset Mode............................................................38

Enabling/Disabling Preset Mode ...........................39

Recalling a Preset ..............................................39

Speaker Assign/Preset Buttons

(Presets 1 through 4 Only) .......................................39

Saving a Preset .................................................40

Recalling a Preset ..............................................40

Overwriting a Preset ..........................................40

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 5. Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Introduction..................................................................43

Overview................................................................43

Topics ....................................................................43

Accessing Setup Mode....................................................44

Analog Output Preference Mode.......................................46

Recalling a Preset..........................................................46

Saving a Preset.............................................................47

Creating a New Preset .............................................48

Overwriting an Existing Preset...................................49

Preset Mode..................................................................51

Erasing a Preset ............................................................51

SDI Delay.....................................................................52

Startup ........................................................................53

Surround Gain ..............................................................53

Bitstream Detection.......................................................54

Phase Bits ....................................................................55

Chapter 6. Features and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Introduction..................................................................57

Overview................................................................57

Topics ....................................................................57

Features.......................................................................58

Common Features....................................................58

Model Dinstinctions..................................................58

Specifications................................................................59

Technical Functional Overview.........................................60

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Introduction

Overview

The preface lists the new features and functionality for this release.

Topics

Topics Page

What’s New viii

Preface

Functionality Enhancements viii

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

vii

Preface

What’s New

This release provides several changes and functionality enhancements:

• 3G functionality (now available in 1RU!)

• Signal termination moved to software control

• Bitstream Detection on page 54

• Phase Bits on page 55

Functionality Enhancements

In adding the 3G functionality, we have also discontinued the MDA models as shown in the following table:

Old Version

AMP1-S8MDA AMP1-S8MDA-3G AMP2-S8MDA AMP2-S8MDA-3G

Moreover, we are replacing some similar products as well that may also include other changes.

Old Version

AMP1-S8DA (PN 8101-0030) AMP1-S8DA (PN 8101-0110) AMP2-S8DA (PN 8103-0020) AMP2-S8DA (PN 8102-0060)

Software Termination

New Version Replacement

Suggestions

New Version Replacement

Suggestions

In this release, all terminations are no longer on the rear panel; they are now controlled by the software. Refer to Terminating/Unterminating

Inputs on page 35 for details.

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

viii

Functionality Enhancements

Rear Panel Connector Arrangements

Note that in the process of redesigning the AMPx-S8 Series monitors, we have rearranged the rear panels. Refer to Appendix A on page 67 for remapping information.

Preface

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Introduction

Overview

This chapter describes the front panel controls and the rear panel connectors in detail. It also describes how to use the front panel user interface for data display and system configuration. Configuration procedures are covered in detail in Chapter 3 on page 23.

CHAPTER 1

Installation

Topics

Topics Page

Introduction 1 Unpacking 2 Safety 2 FCC Compliance 3 Installation Recommendations 4 Installation 6

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 1 Installation

Unpacking

Unpack the AMPx-S8 Series monitor and inspect for any apparent physical damage that may have occurred in transit. If the unit has been damaged, contact Wohler customer support for assistance. (Wohler’s contact information is on page ii of this document.)

In addition to the monitor, the package should contain:

• A CDROM containing the product’s user guide,

• A power cord, and

• A warranty card

Note:

We recommend you retain the shipping carton for future use.

Safety

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read, keep, and follow all of these instructions; heed all warnings.

2. Do not use this equipment near water, rain or moisture.

3. Use only a dry cloth to clean the equipment.

4. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install only in accordance

with the instructions in Installation Recommendations on page 4.

5. Do not install near any heat source such as a radiator, heat register,

amplifier, or stove.

6. Do not attempt to plug the unit into a two-blade outlet (with only

two prongs of equal width).

IMPORTANT:

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

By design, these monitors will only plug into a three-prong outlet for your safety. If the plug does not fit into your outlet, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete outlet.

Chapter 1 Installation

FCC Compliance

7. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,

particularly at plug’s source on the equipment and at the socket.

8. Use only the attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

9. Unplug the equipment during lightning storms or when unused

for long periods of time.

10. Use of a cart is neither recommended nor approved by Wohler.

11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing will be

required under all of the following conditions:

• The equipment has been damaged in any way, such as when

the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

• Objects have fallen onto the equipment; or the equipment has

been exposed to rain or moisture, or liquid has been spilled onto the equipment.

• The equipment does not operate normally.

• The equipment has been dropped.

Safety Symbols

WARNING:

The symbol to the left warns of electric shock hazard inside the unit. Disconnect the power cord before removing access panels when installing upgrades. Only qualified service personnel are to operate the equipment with covers removed, and are to exercise caution to avoid personal injury.

FCC Compliance

This equipment 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 when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 1 Installation

Installation Recommendations

instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Installation Recommendations

Mounting

The unit is designed to install into a standard 19" rack mounted at ear level for best high frequency response and visual observation of the monitor screen. Please adhere to the following clearances:

Clearance Surface

24” Front

3” Rear 2” Sides

1.75” Top and Bottom (if either radiates heat) 0” Top and Bottom (if no heat)

Heat Dissipation

The ambient temperature inside the mounting enclosure should not exceed 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit). Adjacent devices can be rack mounted (or stacked) in proximity to the unit if this temperature is not exceeded. Otherwise, allow a 1RU (1.75”/44.45mm) space above and below the unit for air circulation.

Important:

To reduce noise, the monitor does not have any fans. As a result, the heat generated by the class D power amplifiers, power supplies, and other components is vented by slots in the side of the unit. Therefore, as a safety precaution, you must allow proper ventilation on both sides of the unit.

Sympathetic Vibration

Sympathetic vibration from other equipment (cables, etc.,) in the rack may be serious enough to interfere with the unit’s sound quality. The

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 1 Installation

Installation Recommendations

use of thin card stock and/or felt or foam weather-stripping type materials between adjacent vibrating surfaces, or tying up loose cables, etc., may be required to stop vibrations external to the unit.

Mechanical Bracing

Even though the 2U models are fairly heavy, the chassis is securely attached to the front panel. In addition, the chassis has mounting tabs through which you attach it to the rack rail. This feature will reduce or eliminate rear bracing requirements in many mobile/portable applications. The weight of internal components is distributed fairly evenly around the unit.

Connections and Cable Recommendations

We recommend that you limit the length of the cables that you use for feeding HD-SDI signals sources to the HD-SDI inputs of the AMPx-E8 Series units and that you use a Belden 1694A cable (or equivalent).

Note:

The connections of all DB-25 connectors are compatible with Tascam DB-25 to XLR cable assemblies. Consult the factory for availability. All rear panel connectors are female except for the XLR connectors.

Table 1–1 Cable Length Limit Recommendations

Signal Type

SD 300 984 HD 150 492 3G 22 75

Electrical Interference

Be careful to apply proper input termination settings and avoid mismatched cable types and other similar causes of undesired reflections in digital signal systems. If severe enough, such reflections can result in corruption of the digital data stream. As with any audio equipment, maximum immunity from electrical interference requires the use of shielded cable; however, satisfactory results can sometimes be obtained without it. The internal circuitry ground is connected to the chassis.

Maximum Length

Meters Feet

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 1 Installation

Installation

Power

The unit comes with a standard 24VDC/3.0 A internal power supply and connects an A/C mains power source (65W, 100 to 240 VAC, 50/ 60Hz) through the IEC connector provided on the rear panel of the unit.

When the mains plug or appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device should remain operable.

Installation

Intial Setup

Power Up

1. Carefully install the monitor into a standard 19”-rack.

2. Connect all signal cables to and from associated equipment.

3. Connect the power cord from the monitor to A/C mains.

The AMPx-S8 Series monitors are factory-configured so that all settings are non-volatile. When power to the unit is cycled (off/on), the unit will restore itself so that each setting such as channel selection(s), input type, and so on, are automatically restored to the unit’s previous factory setting. However, you can custom configure the monitor to automatically restore your configuration settings on power up. Refer to

Setup Menu on page 43 for details.

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Introduction

Overview

This chapter describes how to install the AMPx-S8 Series monitor into a standard 19”-rack and how to connect the audio cables.

Topics

CHAPTER 2

System Overview

Topics Page

Introduction 7 Front Panel Controls 8 Rear Panel Connectors 13 Monitoring Inputs 20 Channel Selection and Mixing 22

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 2 System Overview

Front Panel Controls

Features and Simple Controls

Refer to the images in Figure 2–1 and Figure 2–2 on the next page.

In addition, on the AMP1s, the top LED segment of each bar graph serves as the speaker assign LED for the respective channel.

• Speakers: The AMP2s features two mid-range speakers (left and

right) and one woofer speaker. The AMP1s have two woofers. All models of the AMPx-S8 Series contain high performance transducers driven by three power amplifiers. Two amplifier/ driver combinations handle midrange and high frequency information in the left and right (stereo) speaker channels, while the third channel reproduces and sums the left and right channel information below the crossover point in the woofer (bass) speaker. Note that the woofer channel is not a dedicated LFE (sub-woofer) or center channel.

• Level Meters (1 through 8): Source channels 1 through 8 are

displayed through eight audio level meters, four on the left side; four on the right side. These level meters, high-resolution LED bar graph displays and feature a dynamic range of 66 dB with PPM dot over VU bar ballistic characteristics.

• Headphones (1/4” Jack): Select the headphone audio sources as

you would for the internal speakers. When you plug in headphones the speakers will mute.

• Volume (Rotary Knob): This control adjusts the loudness of the

audio reproduced by the internal speaker channels or connected headphones.

• Balance (Rotary Knob): This control adjusts the volume balance

between the left and right speaker channels. Note that this control attenuates the signal from the source, so that the left and right bass frequencies (summed together and reproduced in the woofer channel) will respond to balance adjustments in tandem with the left and right speaker channels.

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 2 System Overview

Front Panel Controls

Figure 2–1 The AMP1-S8 Series Front Panel

Figure 2–2 The AMP2-S8 Series Front Panel

CH1 AES1 CH2

Speakers

Level

Meters

Headphones Speaker AssignVolume LCD Screen Balance

Left Down/Pairs

Left Up/Single

Right Down/Enter

Right Up/Escape

Brightness

Mute

Phase/Function

Group/Setup

Input/Downmix

Speaker Assign/ Presets

Top segment of each level meter acts as a speaker assign indicator.

Speakers

Speaker Assign/ Presets

Meters/Speaker Assign LEDs

Speaker Assign

Headphones

Meters/Speaker AssignLEDs

Volume

LCD Screen

Balance

Brightness (R)

Pairs/Left Down

Left/Single/Up Right Down/Enter

Right/Escape

Brightness (L)

Mute

Phase/Function

Group/Setup

Input/Downmix

Chapter 2 System Overview

Front Panel Controls

• Level Meter Brightness (Potentiometers, Left and Right): Use a

small slot screwdriver to adjust the brightness of the bar graph meters using these two recessed trim pot controls. The left control adjusts the brightness of the left four LED bar graphs and the right control adjusts the brightness of the right four bar graphs. Clockwise rotation increases the brightness.

• Speaker Assign LEDs (1 through 8, Left and Right): These LEDs

• Speaker Assign/Preset Buttons (Speaker Assign, 1 through 8;

LCD Screen

The LCD screen displays various parameters and settings, and is also used to configure/program the monitor. The features of the LCD screen (shown in Figure 2–3 through ) include:

Note:

The AMP1s only have one brightness control.

indicate the speaker mix of selected channels. The speaker assign LEDs are located above each of the 53-segment bar graphs.

Note:

In the AMP1s, the speaker assign LEDs are the top segment of the meters.

Preset Buttons, 1 through 4): Pressing any of these buttons selects the channels to be summed into either or both speaker channels, or to create and recall presets when used in conjunction with the

button. Refer to Chapter 4 on page 37 for more information about presets.

• Mix Status: Displayed on the top right and top left corners of the

LCD screen, the

Mix Status indicates how the current input signal

is mixed to the internal speakers.

• Source Status: Displayed in the top center of the LCD screen, the

Source Status indicates the current signal type and current input

currently audible in the internal speakers. If a preset has been recalled, this area displays the name of the preset until a monitoring or input change is made.

• SDI Groups: Displayed in the bottom left and bottom right corners

of the LCD screen, these groups indicate the SDI channels that are currently mixed to the internal speakers.

• Input Lock Status (Digital Inputs Only): Displayed in the center of

bottom line, the

Input Lock Status shows the lock status of the

selected digital input(s). If any input channel pairs are not locked,

Chapter 2 System Overview

MIX HD.SDI1 MIX

5 7

-- 6 8

GP3

GP4

Source Status

(HD-SDI Input 1)

Mix Status

(Custom)

Mix Status

(Custom)

Input Lock Status

(Channels 1 through 4 Not Locked;

Channels 5 through 8 Locked)

SDI Group (Group #4)

SDI Group (Group #3)

Front Panel Controls

then they will display as short dashes. Each dash (-) indicates a position for displaying the channel pairs available for monitoring

from left to right: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. The unit updates the Input

Lock Status

whenever it detects a signal change. See Figure 2–3

and below for an example.

Figure 2–3 Status Display Example: Standard Input

Source - HD-SDI Input 1

User Interface

Multi-Mode Color Codes

Most of the user interface buttons are multi-functional. They affect the unit differently depending on whether they are used alone or in combination with another button. The monitor’s front panels have color-coded legends to help identify the different functions of each button:

• White indicates normal operation.

Table 2–1 White Control Functionality

Button Setup Mode Single-Channel Mode Pair Mode

Attaches the left

Left Up

Left Down

Selects the next option for any given menu.

Selects the previous option for any given menu.

speaker to the next higher-numbered channel.

Attaches the left speaker to the next lower-numbered channel.

Selects the next higher-numbered pair.

Selects the next lowernumbered pair.

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Chapter 2 System Overview

Front Panel Controls

Table 2–1 White Control Functionality (Continued)

Button Setup Mode Single-Channel Mode Pair Mode

Right Up

Right Down

Like an “Escape” key: Cancels and returns to the previous menu option

Like an “Enter” key: Accepts changes, or drills deeper into the menu structure.

Attaches the right speaker to the next higher-numbered channel.

Attaches the right speaker to the next lower-numbered channel.

Selects the next higher-numbered pair.

Selects the next lowernumbered pair.

• Blue for functions controlled by the Fn button.

Table 2–2 Blue Control Functionality

Button Functionality

Fn + Single

Fn + Pairs

Fn + Downmix Fn + Setup

Selects single channel monitoring mode: one channel per speaker, selected independently

Selects pair monitoring mode: one channel per speaker, selected pair by pair

Selects downmix mode: one of several available downmixes

Displays the Setup menu

• Yellow indicates the button functions for the

Setup menu. Refer to

Chapter 5 on page 43 for more details about using the Setup menu

for system configuration.

Table 2–3 Yellow Control Functionality

Button Functionality





Esc Enter

Displays the previous menu item Displays the next menu item Returns to the previous menu and cancels

changes Returns to the previous menu and saves changes

Menu Navigation

When making changes to the Setup menu, you will generally press the

Enter button to select menu options and settings, and press the Esc

(Escape) normal operation.

button to back out of the menu, setting, or display to return to

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

Rear Panel Connectors

• Analog In (DB-25-F): This connector accepts balanced, low

impedance, line level analog signals. See Figure 2–4 below for pinout information.

Figure 2–4 Analog Input Connector Pin-Out

Chapter 2 System Overview

Rear Panel Connectors

Input Connectors

• Power: Attach a standard IEC-320 power cord between this

connector and AC mains power.

• AES/PCM In (1 through 4, BNC-F): These connectors accept

unbalanced (75 ) PCM (AES/EBU) formatted signals. These inputs appear as AES1 in the LCD screen.

If you are not connecting downstream equipment, then you should terminate the selected input connector. Otherwise, unterminate them.

• AES/PCM In (and Loop Out) (DB-25-F): This connector accepts

balanced (110 ) AES signals. Inputs are internally connected to the loop-through outputs. These inputs are referred to as AES2 in the LCD screen. If you are connecting downstream equipment to the AES loop-through outputs of this connector, then you should unterminate this connector. If you are not connecting downstream equipment, then you should terminate them. Refer to Terminating/

Unterminating Inputs on page 35 for details.

Note:

The pin-out for this connector is compatible with Tascam DB-25 to XLR cable assemblies. Contact your Wohler sales representative for availability. (Wohler’s contact information is on page ii of this document.)

821030: AMPx-S8 Series User Guide

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Wohler AMP1-S8DA, AMP1-S8MDA-3G, AMP2-S8DA, AMP2-S8MDA-3G User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

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User Manual