Power Amplifiers Operating Manual nX, nXe, nXp Series Models 4002, 4004, 8002, 8004, 1.52, 1.54, 3.02, 3.04 ASHLY AUDIO INC. 847 Holt Road Webster, NY 14580-9103 Phone: (585) 872-0010 Toll-Free: (800) 828-6308 Fax: (585) 872-0739 ashly.com All Trademarks referred to herein are the property of their respective owners. 2014 by Ashly Audio Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Important Safety Instructions Consignes de sécurité à lire attentivement The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers FCC Compliance This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause harmful interference 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation 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.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Table of Contents 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1.1 Amplifier Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2 nX Installation Requirements . . . . . . . 7 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 AC Mains Voltage, Power, and Current . 7 Input Signal Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Output Speaker Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Remote Control Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 AUX Output Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 10 nX Remote Control Functions . . . . . 42 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 On/Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Power Switch Disable . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Front Panel Disable . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Sleep Clock Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Preset Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Gain Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Channel Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 1 INTRODUCTION Thank you for your purchase of this Ashly nX, nXe, or nXp power amplifier. This product uses state of the art, light weight, high power, high efficiency switching technology developed through years of design and field testing.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 2 nX INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS Before connecting to AC mains power, make sure that the mechanical installation, cooling requirements, wiring, controls, and software are all set to the configuration needed for your particular application. Failure to do so could result in damage to the unit or to other components in the system. 2.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 2.2 Input Signal Wiring Use shielded wiring for balanced or unbalanced audio signals. Shielding which is properly grounded will protect the signal from outside electrical interference such as RF, fluorescent lighting, and computer/display emissions. Unbalanced or single-ended (tip-sleeve) lines of less than 10 feet are generally ok, but for greater distance or noisy field environments, always use balanced signal.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 2.5 Aux Output Wiring (nXe and nXp only) The aux outputs are pseudo-balanced, meaning they use single ended signal (+) but with balanced impedance, and can be wired balanced or unbalanced. Always use shielded cable for audio signals. 2.6 Mechanical Each amplifier model is 2RU, and is designed to fit in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. Use four screws when mounting the amplifier to the front rack rails.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 3 nX AMPLIFIER PROTECTION Power-On Delay -All models have a fixed and undefeatable warm-up delay of three seconds when first powered on or awakened from sleep. This is necessary to prevent excessive in-rush current during start-up. Additionally, nXe and nXp amplifiers have programmable Power-On Delay ranging from zero to 25 seconds in 100ms increments (see section 9.2).
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 4.4 Channel Attenuators – These control the input signal level to the amplifier, and work in conjunction with the remote DC fader level controls and the software control surface fader controls (if the amp is networked). When an input attenuator is turned fully off, it's red Clip/Mute LED turns on and stays on to indicate mute status for that channel.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 5 nX SERIES REAR PANEL FEATURES 5.1 Channel Configuration DIP Switch - The DIP switches configure each channel's 80Hz 2nd Order Hipass Filter, Clip Limiter, Amplifier Gain, and Output Mode. In the example to the right, the DIP switch is set as follows: 6: 80Hz High Pass Filter is Off; 5: Clip Limiter is On; 4&3: Gain is 1.4V; 2&1: Output Mode is Low Z. Note: The Gain setting of 1.4V means that a 1.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 6 nXe SERIES REAR PANEL FEATURES The following nXe features are in addition to standard features found in nX series amplifiers: 6.1 Ethernet Port - This RJ-45 connector offers Ethernet control and monitoring of the amplifier using Proteane soft- ware. See section 8 in this manual for details on Ethernet communications. 6.2 Network Audio - This is for an optional factory installed CobraNet or Dante network audio module on nXe and nXp models.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 7 nXp SERIES REAR PANEL FEATURES *The following nXp features are in addition to all of standard features found in nX and nXe series amplifiers: 7.1 Installed DSP - Factory installed DSP allows for comprehensive signal processing of amplifier signals (section 9.4d) as well as loudspeaker load impedance analysis (section 9.1i). 7.2 Network Audio - CobraNet or Dante network audio modules can be factory installed in nXe or nXp models. 7.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9 PROTEAne SOFTWARE 9.1 Installing and Using the Software Ashly Proteane software is included on a CD with each unit, and is also available on the Ashly website. After installing the software and starting the program, the startup screen will appear as shown to the right, with Ashly Network Tree, Project Canvas, and Menu items described below: 9.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.1c File Menu - A project file (*.cpj) contains a snapshot of all current settings for live and virtual Ashly devices. It also contains stand-alone control objects and their settings, as well as drawn or linked graphical objects placed on the project canvas. [File>Open Project] - opens a project file (*.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers [Add Item>Control Objects] - Stand-alone control objects can be added to the canvas and linked to control specific device functions. They include Level Fader, Signal LED, Level Meter, Preset Button, Standby Button, Mute Button, Logic Out Button, and Source Select Button. [Add Item>Display Objects] - Text and image files can be added to the canvas. 9.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers [Load Analysis>Launch Load Analysis] - This is the working window for performing a load analysis. The user must first select an available networked amplifier from the device tree, then select the output channel to test, then apply the appropriate test settings.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.2c Power On Delay - Use this feature to delay the amplifier turning on when first powered up or when waking from sleep. Delay is measured in increments of 100mS, with the limit at 25.5 seconds. The power amplifier should be the last device to power up after other system components have turned on and stabilized.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 3) Use an Ashly WR-5 or neWR-5 remote control. 4) Use the event scheduler. Note: A full preset recall event will overwrite any unsaved changes, so be sure the current configuration is saved before continuing or any changes will be lost. The amplifier always loads the last working settings on power-up, to preserve any changes should the power be inadvertently turned off prior to saving a preset.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.4a (continued) Software Control Surface - Channel Stereo/Bridged Status - This shows if a channel pair is in stereo or bridge mode as set by back panel switch. In bridge mode, input signal is automatically taken from the odd channel input and inverted, then sent to the even channel. The even channel controls become disabled.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.4b Security Tab Ashly nXe and nXp amplifiers have multi-user/multilevel security capability. When security levels are defined, a person must have a User Name, Password, and sufficient access level to make changes. Seven different users are supported; a Default user, an Admin user, and five additional custom named users. All security information is stored in the amplifier, not in presets. Passwords are case sensitive.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.4d DSP Control Tab All signal processing is done in the DSP control tab, with separate input and output sections and a cross-linking matrix mixer between. From left to right, each channel in the DSP tab includes the following features: Input/Output Channel Number - Click on this to use each channel's Clear, Copy/Paste, Link, and Sub Preset functions. Input/Output Channel Name - The user can name each input or output channel.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Pluggable DSP Block Descriptions 1) Dynamics Controls Brick Wall Limiter The Brick Wall Limiter is a compressor with fixed ratio (infinite). It allows for user-adjustable threshold, attack time and release time. It also allows for assignment to a Link Group to link the parameters of this block with limiters on other channels. For a full-featured compressor/limiter, refer to the Compressor.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Release Time - The rate (in ms/dB) at which the Compressor attenuation will return to normal, once the signal falls below Threshold. Link Group - Group to which all parameters are assigned, to facilitate simultaneous adjustment to multiple Compressors in the system. Attenuation Bus: All Compressors assigned to the same Attenuation Bus will apply the largest amount of attenuation on any of the assigned Compressors.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Advanced Parameters: (see image on previous page) Threshold Below Target - Determines the relative input signal level above which the Autoleveler increases gain, below which no action is taken. Ratio - This is the ratio of the input level change in dB to output level change in dB. It determines the degree of boost or cut applied to a signal to maintain the target level.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Ducking At Mixer(s) This feature is particularly useful when setting up multiple zones where only some of the output channels should be ducked (e.g. restaurants, courtrooms, etc.). When this feature is selected, each Matrix Mixer is allowed to enable or disable the Ducking on that particular output. Noise Gate A Noise Gate can be used to minimize unwanted, low level signals from an individual input.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Ambient Noise Compensation (output channels only) Ambient Noise Compensation (ANC) is an automatic output level control that uses a microphone to monitor background noise in a specific zone, then adjusts the output level to that zone accordingly in order to maximize intelligibility. One amplifier input channel must be dedicated to the sensing microphone and cannot be used for other inputs.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers ANC Setup Procedure 1) In the control software, assign the ANC function to the channel to be used for background music or voice paging (program audio). Set the ANC controls to the "typical" settings described above, which is also the default settings of a new ANC function when it is first placed in the signal processing block.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Gain with VCA The Gain w/ VCA block allows the user to modify a signal's level by either applying gain or attenuation. The Polarity of the signal may also be inverted. The Level control allows for gain adjustment between +12db and -50dB as well as OFF. The Level fader can be adjusted in 0.5 dB increments. Finer adjustment (0.1 dB increments) may be made by typing in the value into the provided text box below the fader.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers WR-5, neWR-5 Remote Control Gain The WR5/neWR5 Gain block is the DSP block where channel gain adjustments are made via the WR5 or ne-WR5 remote. This block is nearly identical to the standard gain block except that it is also controllable via the WR5 or ne-WR5 remote and does not have polarity inversion. This block may be linked for room-combining situations.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Parametric Equalizers (10, 6, 4, or 2 band PEQ) The Parametric Equalizer (PEQ) provides several types of filters to tailor the signal response with high precision. Four sizes are provided, with 2, 4, 6 or 10 filters. Filter types include Parametric, High-Shelf, Low-Shelf, Variable-Q High-Pass, Variable-Q Low-Pass, All-Pass, Band-Pass and Notch. Multiple PEQ's may be linked provided so that they are the same size (same number of filters).
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Level - Selected filter boost/cut amplitude. Bandwidth - Selected filter bandwidth (or Q). . Filter Type Details Parametric EQ Filters Parametric EQ uses peak filters with the ability to control boost or cut, frequency center, and bandwidth.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Feedback Suppressor (Inputs only) The Feedback Suppressor (FBS) provides automatic feedback control. This is done by constantly monitoring the audio and automatically adjusting any one of 12 filters to remove feedback. Notch and Parametric Filter types are used, depending on the characteristics of the feedback.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Background Information The feedback suppressor uses both notch filters and parametric filters to automatically and quickly suppress multiple feedback tones and also produce a smooth equalized response which sounds pleasing for music and speech program. Before using the FBS (Feedback Suppressor), it is helpful to understand the following basic concepts in order to effectively suppress feedback and achieve good sounding audio program.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 4) Crossover Functions Four-Way, Three-Way, and Two-Way Crossover (outputs only) The Crossover tool offers a convenient way to configure amplifier outputs. Depending on whether the desired crossover is two, three, or four-way, all High-Pass (HPF) and Low-Pass Filters (LPF) are automatically placed on output channels. Initial crossover frequencies are assigned with the default filter type of 24dB/oct Butterworth, both of which can be changed.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Bessel These filters, as implemented in Ashly's NE devices, are always -3dB at the displayed crossover frequency. Bessel filters have a maximally flat group delay. Stated another way, Bessel filters have the most linear phase response. When a Bessel HPF and LPF of the same corner frequency are summed, the combined response is +3dB for 12dB/oct, 18dB/oct, and 48dB/oct Bessel filters, and -2dB for 24dB/oct Bessel filters.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 5) Delay Speaker Delay and Delay Both the Speaker Delay and Delay allow the signal to be delayed by a given number of samples (a given amount of time). The only differences between the Speaker Delay and Delay is the total amount of delay available and the amount of DSP resources used by each block. The Speaker Delay uses far less DSP resources than the Delay and should be used first, whenever possible.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.4d DSP Control Tab functions, continued . . . . . Input/Output Matrix Router - Any input can be routed to any or all outputs. Click and drag from the input to output to assign routing. For faster routing of a single input or output to multiple channels, highlight its node and then press Ctrl+Click over the desired nodes to connect to. To delete a route or clear the matrix, right click on the routing line or node.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Global Automixer Response - Controls the response time constant of all output automixers. The automixer response time is the speed in which the automixer makes gain changes in response to the input signal RMS levels. This value is shared among all automixers. Enable Ducking At Mixer - Checkbox allows selecting the ducking action to be applied at the mixer's summing point rather than in the signal path prior to the mixer.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 9.4e Input Source Tab Inputs are analog balanced line, AES3 digital audio (optional), or network audio (optional). Setting the input source to Auto gives priority to network audio, then AES3, then analog. 9.4f Metering Tabs (not shown) There are three meter tabs, including general I/O Meters, Meter Dynamics for gate and compressor/limiter functions, and Autoleveler Meters. All meter tabs display both DSP input and DSP output level for each channel. 9.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 10 REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS This section details nXe and nXp amplifier remote control functions (see section 11 for remote control by Ashly device). Base nX model amplifierss have no remote control capability other than DC level control. iPad control of select amplifier functions: "Ashly Remote" can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 10.4 Sleep Clock Timer On all amplifier models, the sleep clock timer can be enabled or disabled using the front panel factory reset switch as described in section 4.3. On nXe and nXp series models only, the sleep clock timer can be adjusted from zero (off) to 120 minutes.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 3) neWR-5 - The neWR-5 function buttons are assigned gain control function in the same manner as the WR-5, but instead of connecting to the amplifier's data port, the neWR-5 uses an Ethernet network connection. 4) RD-8C - The RD-8C is programmed from Proteane software when wired to a nXe or nXp amplifier under software control. The RD-8C will appear in software as a captive device to the host amplifier.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 11 ASHLY REMOTE CONTROL DEVICES In addition to iPad control, the following Ashly devices are available for remote control of amplifier functions. 11.1 WR-1 Level Control (All nX models) - The WR-1 is a dual potentiometer remote volume control designed to fit in a standard wall electrical box, and is wired to the amplifier back panel Euroblock connector labeled “CH (1-4) Remote DC Level” using four conductor wire.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 11.4 WR-5 Programmable Button Controller (nXp, limited nXe) The WR-5 (see WR-5 owner's manual) is a programmable button remote control which mounts into a standard US electrical wall box and is wired to the four back panel data port pins labeled "G, +18, Out, and In". Maximum wire length is 1000 ft using #24 gauge twisted pair.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 11.6 neWR-5 Programmable Button Controller (nXp, limited nXe) 11.6 - neWR-5 Networked Programmable Remote Control The neWR-5 remote control is a networked version of the WR-5, using Ethernet instead of the data port to communicate with the amplifier. Connecting and powering the neWR-5 is done using Cat-5 Ethernet cable and an IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch, hub, or in-line PoE injector.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 12 AES3 DIGITAL AUDIO INPUT/PASS-THROUGH nXe and nXp amplifiers support factory installed two or four channel AES3 input options, named OPAES2* and OPAES4*. The AES3 format uses two channels of digital audio transmitted over a single cable, maintaining a completely digital signal path into the amplifier stage or into the DSP stage if DSP is installed.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 13 NETWORK AUDIO OPTIONS Ashly offers a CobraNet and Dante network audio interface module that must be factory installed on nXe and nXp amplifiers. AVB will become available from Ashly in the future. 13.1 CobraNet® CobraNet is an Ethernet-based digital audio transport technology developed and supported by Cirrus Logic.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers CobraNet Receiver Control Bundle: Selected bundle this receiver is listening to. Status: Indicates if a valid (green) bundle is being received. Channel Status (1-8): The Signal Status indicates the current bit depth, sampling rate, and latency of the received audio stream. The LED indicates this is a valid stream for this device. The sampling rate and latency of the transmitting device must match that of the receiver.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Active CobraNet Jack: Shows which of the two CobraNet jacks is currently active (only one can be active at a time). Primary CobraNet Jack: Shows the status of the primary CobraNet jack. Secondary CobraNet Jack: Shows the status of the secondary CobraNet jack. Error Indicators Fault: A serious fault has occurred. Receive: An error has occurred in the reception of a packet. Not necessarily a problem.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 14 nX AMPLIFIER TROUBLESHOOTING No AC Power 1) Is the detachable AC power cord properly installed? Is it plugged into a known live outlet? 2) Has the power switch been disabled? (sec 4.7, 9.4a, 10.2) 3) Is the Power-On Delay time set high? (sec 3, 9.2c) 4) Is the amp asleep? (sec 4.6) No Amplifier Output 1) Is the amplifier in Standby Mode? (sec 4.7, 6.3, 9.4a, 10.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 4) Is the amplifier device icon placed on the software project canvas a virtual device instead of a live amp? Any virtual device MAC address will always read FF-FF-FF-FF-FF-FF. (sec 9.1b) 5) Was the amplifier IP address auto-detected (recommended) or manually assigned? (sec 8.1) 6) Is firewall software blocking initial communication from the device? (sec 8.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 15 nX AMPLIFIER SPECIFICATIONS General Power Amplifier Specifications nX Amplifier Model (0dBu = 0.775V rms) nX3.04 nX3.02 nX1.54 nX1.52 nX8004 nX8002 nX4004 nX4002 Maximum Output Power CEA-2006/490A, 20ms 1kHz 1%THD+N, 480ms 1kHz -20dB, 120VAC, all channels driven at rated load Low Z output, per channel 2 Ohm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3000W 4 Ohm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Distortion (SMPTE, typical) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <0.5% Distortion (THD-N, typical) (8 Ohm, 10dB below rated power, 20Hz-20kHz) . . . . . . . . . . . . <0.5% Signal to Noise (26dB input sensitivity, 20Hz-20kHz, unweighted) . . . >114dB (3.0x models), >111dB (1.5x models) >108dB (800x models), >105dB (400x models) Frequency Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continuously variable temperature controlled axial fan(s) Power Cable Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20A powerCON® (32A powerCON® on 3.04 model only) Operating Voltage Range (85V, 170V minimum startup) . . . . . . 70V-135V (120VAC), 140V-270V (240VAC) Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 2, 4, 6, or 10 Band Parametric Equalizers Filter Types: Parametric: Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz-20kHz Level -30dB to +15dB Q Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92.436 to 0.267 Hi/Low Shelf 6/12 dB/oct Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz-20kHz Level -15dB to +15dB All Pass Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Hz-20kHz Variable Q HP/LP Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 16 LIMITED WARRANTY (USA ONLY) (Other countries please contact your respective distributor or dealer.) For units purchased in the USA, warranty service for this unit shall be provided by ASHLY AUDIO, INC. in accordance with the following warranty statement. ASHLY AUDIO, INC. warrants to the owner of this product that it will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of FIVE years from the original-date-of-purchase.
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp Power Amplifiers 17 nX, nXe, and nXp BLOCK DIAGRAMS 59
Operating Manual - NX, NXe, and NXp Power Amplifiers ASHLY AUDIO INC. 847 Holt Road Phone: (585) 872-0010 Webster, NY 14580-9103, USA Fax: (585) 872-0739 Toll Free (800) 828-6308 www.ashly.com 2014 by Ashly Audio Corporation. All rights reserved worldwide. Ashly Audio is a division of Jam Industries, Ltd. All features, specifications, and graphical representations are subject to change or improvement without notice.
