User guide

26  PA-CP User Guide 
The AMPLIFIERS 
Overview
 The two built-in power amplifiers are 
called Amp A and Amp B.  You decide how you 
want to use them. Different combinations of the LR, 
FB1 and FB2 mixes can be selected according to 
your preferred system setup. Each channel includes 
a 4-band semi-parametric equaliser for precise 
speaker/room frequency shaping. The level controls 
let you match the console signals to the speaker 
volume you require. A row of LED indicators display 
important information about the amplifier status. 
 The philosophy Our objective was to 
produce a powerful, good sounding amplifier in a 
compact package for the high end audio 
application. The result is a third generation design 
benefiting from many refinements and lessons 
learned, and adding a few unique touches of our 
own. There are none of the common frequency 
boosting tricks to try to sweeten the sound from low 
quality speakers. Instead we chose to provide a 
perfectly flat, accurate response with genuine 
performance figures. 
 The design uses a bipolar assisted MOSFET 
Class AB configuration producing a total of 1kW 
continuous music power into 4 or 8 ohms. A heavy 
duty linear power supply ensures rock solid bass 
and full range clarity. The amplifier is fully protected. 
Short circuit protection is provided with precision 
sharp knee current limit. A built-in program 
dependent clip limiter monitors the output easing 
psu stress and preventing harmful overload.  
Temperature is controlled using a 3 speed twin fan 
thermal management system with cut out on 
overload. The fans run slow on power up, medium 
speed when 35 degrees C is reached, fast speed at 
50 degrees, and thermal cut triggers at 85 degrees.  
The speakers are protected using relays which 
activate if a fault is sensed and have a two second 
switch-on delay and instant power off. 
 Constant power Most amplifiers produce 
their maximum output into 4 ohms with considerably 
less into 8 ohms. The unique PA Series CP system 
achieves its full rated 500W+500W into either 
impedance. This is done using a rear panel slide 
switch which sets the power supply for maximum 
current (4 ohms) or maximum voltage (8 ohms). 
LEVEL Sets the input level to each channel of 
the amplifier. Turn the control fully off when 
plugging up the equipment. For normal operation 
turn it up to the position where it produces loudest 
volume required when the console meters are 
reading around ‘0’. 
SIGNAL METERS Each channel provides 
two meter indicators. The green SIG indicator turns 
on when audio signal presence is detected. The red 
LIM indicator turns on when the built-in limiter starts 
to work and the amplifier is producing close to its 
maximum output. If LIM lights then back off the 
amplifier LEV control until it turns off. 
SPK OFF The yellow SPK OFF indicator on 
each amplifier channel lights when the speaker relay 
is turned off. This happens during the power up 
delay, when the amplifier has been put into standby 
mode, or when a fault condition is detected. 
TMP The TMP indicator lights when the amplifier 
operating temperature reaches 50 degrees C and 
the cooling fans are running at fast speed. It is quite 
normal for this to light when the amplifier is working 
hard. 
FB1
FB2
MAX
FB1L
L R+R
SIG
TMP
SPK
OFF
OFF
SPK
LIM
MIN
2k5
7k2k5
5k
-10
1k5
7k
+10
10k
2k5
+10
20k
10k
MAX
LIM
SIG
MIN
1k5
-10
2k5
10k
+10
5k
20k
+10
1k 1k200
500
-10
500Hz120Hz
-10
500
2k
+10
70
10030
+10
70
200
-10
20Hz
1k
500Hz
-10
1k
120Hz
-10
200
2k
+10+10
200
100
20Hz
-10
30
FB2R+L R
FB1LFB1
SOURCE SELECT
LM HM HFLF
LM HM HF
4 BAND EQUALISER
LF
A
B
A
B
LEV
LEV
TEMP
PROTECT
SIGNAL
LIMITER
PROTECT
SIGNAL
LIMITER
STANDBY
SPK A SPK B
AMP A
AMP B
RELAY
SLAVE OUT
AMP IN
8 OHM4 OHM










