Owner’s Manual TA1501C Clark Synthesis Amplifier PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS: QUICK SETUP INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 13! Table of Contents NOTE: READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE AMPLIFIER. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER AND/OR THE SOUND EQUIPMENT BEING POWERED BY THE AMPLIFIER.
COMPANY OVERVIEW Thank you for purchasing a Clark Synthesis Tactile Sound Amplifier! We are confident this product will be a welcome addition to your audio system. For many years, Clark Synthesis has been providing Tactile Sound Transducers for use in home theaters, listening rooms, outdoor decks, military simulators, theme park attractions, game chairs, professional music, and swimming pools.
WARRANTY United States Warranty and Return Policy TA1501C CLARK SYNTHESIS AMPLIFIER WARRANTY Clark Synthesis, Inc. warranties the TA1501C Amplifer to be free from defects and workmanship under normal use for a period of two (2) years from date of original purchase. Should warranty service be necessary, Clark Synthesis, Inc. will (at its discretion) repair or replace the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise at no charge.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. ! SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. HEED ALL WARNINGS. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS. DO NOT USE THIS AMPLIFIER NEAR WATER. CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH. DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS. 8. DO NOT INSTALL NEAR HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER EQUIPMENT. 9.
PRODUCT INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW OF THE AMPLIFIER The TA1501C amplifier is the first audio amplifier designed exclusively for use with Clark Synthesis transducers. This amplifier incorporates the latest digital technology and provides features not available on many amplifiers. Please read this manual in its entirety so you can get the maximum enjoyment from your Clark Synthesis product(s). USING THIS AMPLIFIER WITH A CLARK SYNTHESIS TRANSDUCER The TA1501C amplifier works with all Clark Synthesis transducers.
UNPACKING YOUR AMPLIFIER PACKAGE CONTENTS Please remove the amplifier and accessories from the carton. You should have the following: • (1) TA1501C Amplifier • (1) AC Power Cord • (4) Amplifier Feet • (1) Y Adapter Cable (Color may vary from the image shown here) • (1) Operating Manual CONTACT INFORMATION IF PARTS ARE MISSING If you are missing any items, please contact Clark Synthesis at 1-800-898-1945. We recommend that you save the original carton to use if you ever have to ship the amplifier.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Front Panel Rear Panel Ventilation Threaded Foot Hole Threaded Foot Hole Vents www.clarksynthesis.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Front Panel Overview Gain (Volume) Control Crossover (X-Over) Control Auto/On Switch Low Pass/Bypass Switch Power Indicator Light 8 TA1501C Amplifier www.clarksynthesis.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Front Panel Overview GAIN (VOLUME) CONTROL The Gain (Volume) Control on the face of the TA1501C amplifier controls the degree to which the input signal is amplified. The gain level, combined with the level of the input signal, determines the actual volume output. CROSSOVER (X-OVER) CONTROL The Crossover Control on the face of the TA1501C amplifier controls the range of low-frequency (bass) sound sent to the output device, i.e. transducer, speaker, etc.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Rear Panel Overview AC Power Switch High/Low Input Signal Switch Audio Input/Output Connectors AC Power Cord Connector (IEC-601) 10 TA1501C Amplifier Transducer Connector www.clarksynthesis.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW Rear Panel Overview AC POWER SWITCH The AC Power Switch controls the AC power to the amplifier. The round circle on the switch represents “OFF” and the line represents “ON.” This switch works independently from the Auto/ On Switch, which is discussed in the Front Panel Overview section. AUDIO INPUT/OUTPUT CONNECTORS The Audio Input/Output Connectors accept standard RCA plugs. These connectors are split into Left and Right channels, as indicated by L and R on the panel.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER This page intentionally left blank 12 TA1501C Amplifier www.clarksynthesis.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Quick Setup Instructions The following instructions are a quick overview of the steps necessary to install your new amplifier. For more detailed instructions, please refer to the sections in the manual that are referenced below. 1. Remove the amplifier from its package (for package contents, see “Unpacking Your Amplifier” on page 6). 2.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Initial Settings Prior to Making Connections ! CAUTION: Before connecting any wires or input/output lines, insure all equipment is off and no signals are being sent from the input device.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Mounting the Amplifier(s) on a Clamping Rackshelf Up to three (3) TA1501C Amplifiers may be installed in a 2U rack space using a Clamping Rackshelf. When mounting in a Clamping Rackshelf, DO NOT install the feet provided with the amplifier. The bottom of the amplifier MUST be in full contact with the metal rackshelf. ! ! CAUTION: Insure even spacing between the amplifiers and the side walls of the shelf. This will aid in providing adequate ventilation for the amplifier(s).
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Connecting the Audio Source HOME THEATER There are several different ways to hook up your system in terms of which source material (signal) is delivered to the amplifier(s) and transducer(s). Since our inception, we have discovered that approximately half of our customers prefer using the LFE/SUB signal with their transducers. The other half prefer using the Right Front (RF) and Left Front (LF) signals.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Right Front (RF) and Left Front (LF) Hookup For this hookup, connect the RF and LF Pre-Amp Outputs to the TA1501C amplifier inputs. NOTE: Not all receivers have Pre-Amp outputs for the Right Front and Left Front outputs. If you have a question about your receiver’s outputs, please consult your owner’s manual or contact your receiver’s manufacturer.
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Connecting the Transducer to the Amplifier If you are able to locate the amplifier within 3 feet of the transducer (3 ft. is the approximate length of the speaker wire attached to the transducer), connect the transducer wires directly to the amplifier. This can be done by unscrewing the wire binding posts, inserting the wire through the hole in the post (see photo #1 on this page), and then retightening the binding posts (see photo #2).
SETTING UP YOUR AMPLIFIER Using the Powered Loop-Through to Run Multiple Transducers The TA1501C has powered loop-through. This feature enables the user to take the signal from an audio source and pass it to a series of TA1501C amplifiers in order to drive multiple transducers. The drawing for this type of hookup is shown below. Use a standard “Y” adapter to get the signal from the audio source (e.g., from the LFE/SUB output). If the input signal is coming from two ports (e.g.
OPERATING YOUR AMPLIFIER Balancing the Transducer with the Subwoofer Once you have properly set up your amplifier, it is important to take time to balance the transducer and subwoofer sound. The volume of the transducer is controlled by the receiver and will rise or fall in direct proportion to that of the primary speakers. This proportion is determined by both the volume setting on the receiver and the gain setting on the TA1501C amplifier. NOTE: Some receivers have internal, automatic balancing systems.
OPERATING YOUR AMPLIFIER 4. If you are using the LFE/SUB signal as your input for the transducer, insure the Low Pass/Bypass Switch is set to “Low Pass” (see photo #4) and the Crossover Control on the TA1501C is set to 400 Hz (photo #5). If you are using the RF/LF signal, set the switch to “Bypass.” Photo #4 Photo #5 5. Select an action-based DVD and play your favorite action scene. 6.
SPECIFICATIONS General • Power Supply................................................................................................................100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, Auto • Standby Current (110 VAC / 220 VAC)....................................................................................................0.12 A / 0.11 A • Max Current (110 VAC / 220 VAC)..............................................................................................................2.4 A / 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom No Power Troubleshooting Question Is the power cord plugged into the wall? Remedy Plug the power cord into the wall. Is the power cord plugged into the back of Plug the power cord into the back of the the amplifier? amplifier. Is the power switch on the back of the amplifier switched on? Switch on the power switch. Is the fuse blown? Replace the fuse with a fuse of the same rating. Is the transducer connected? Connect the transducer properly.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Term Definition 2U Rack Space With U (Unit), being a standard unit of measurement for audio/video racking systems, a 2U rack is a standard rack that occupies 2 units within the rack system. A 2U rack is 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) high. Audio Input/Output Connectors Audio connectors on the amplifier that receive or transmit the main signal. Auto/On Switch The switch under the Gain Control that allows the user to place the amplifier into either Auto On/Standby mode or On.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Term Definition LFE/SUB Signal A low-frequency signal that is often associated with subwoofer (bass) sound. Loop-through The ability to connect multiple amplifers to a single audio source. Low Pass/Bypass Switch A switch on the TA1501C that enables and disables the Crossover function of the amplifier. Multiple Signal Hookup Using multiple audio input signals, e.g., RF, LF, Center, and LFE/SUB signals, as the source signal for the amplifier. This type of hookup requires a mixer.
INDEX Symbols 5-Way binding post 5, 18 A AC Power Cord Connector 5, 10, 11 AC Power Switch 10, 11, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23 Audio Input/Output Connectors 10, 11, 13, 16, 17, 19, 24 Auto/On Switch 5, 8, 9, 21, 23, 24 B Balancing 13, 20 C Contact Information 6 Crossover Frequency 5, 9, 21, 22, 23 Crossover (X-Over) Control 8, 9, 21, 23, 24 D Dimensions 22 F Features 5 Feet 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 22 Frequency Response 22 Front Panel 7, 8, 9 G Gain (Volume) Control 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24 Glossary 24 H High/Lo
INDEX M Mixer 17 Mounting 14 Clamping Rackshelf 14, 15 Multiple Signal Hookup 17 P Package Contents 6 Placing/Mounting 14 Power Indicator (LED) 8, 9 Power (Output) 22 Pre-Amp 17, 25 Q Quick Setup Instructions 13 R Rear Panel 7, 10, 11, 14, 20 Return Policy 3 RF/LF Hookup 17 Right Front (RF) 25 S Specifications 22 T Transducer Connector 10, 11, 18 Troubleshooting 23 W Warranty 3 International Warranty 3 Wire size 18 Y Y Adapter 6, 16, 17, 19 www.clarksynthesis.
05/2008 Ver. 1 ©2008 Clark Synthesis, Inc. For additional questions/concerns/issues, contact Clark Synthesis or visit our web site. Clark Synthesis, Inc. 8020 Southpark Circle, Suite 600 Littleton, CO 80120 Phone: 1-800-898-1945 Fax: 303-797-7501 Web: www.clarksynthesis.com Email: info@clarksynthesis.com www.clarksynthesis.