TOA Electronics Stereo Amplifier TA 1400 User Manual

B
TA 1400  
USER MANUAL  
 
2
APPROVALS  
This equipment conforms to the requirements of the EMC directive 89/336/EEC,  
amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC and the requirements of the Low Voltage  
Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.  
Standard Applied  
EMC Emission EN55103-1, E3  
EMC Immunity EN55103-2, E3, with S/N below 1% at normal operation level.  
Electrical Safety EN60065, Class  
3 WARNINGS  
3.1 Explanation of graphical symbols  
The lightning symbol within a triangle  
is intended to alert the user to the  
presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltage”  
within the amplifier’s enclosure that may be  
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of  
electric shock to humans.  
The exclamation point within a triangle  
is intended to alert the user to  
presence of important operating and service  
instructions in the literature accompanying  
the product.  
!
3.2 WARNING  
3.3 CAUTION  
To reduce risk of fire or electric shock, do not  
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.  
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do  
not remove screws. No user-serviceable  
parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified  
service personnel.  
3.4 Important Safety Instructions  
Before using your amplifier, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these  
operating instructions and the safety suggestions  
1. Keep this manual for future reference.  
2. Heed all warnings.  
3. Follow all instructions.  
4. Do not use this unit near water. Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit. Do not  
operate the amplifier while wet or standing in liquid.  
5. Clean only with dry cloth.  
6. Do not block the air intake or exhaust ports. Install the unit in accordance with the  
!
instructions.  
7. Do not operate the amplifier near heat producing devices such as radiators, heat registers,  
stoves or other apparatus that produce heat.  
8. Always operate the unit with the chassis ground wire connected to the electrical safety  
earth. Do not defeat the safety purpose of a grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug  
has two pins and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the  
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the  
obsolete outlet.  
9. Connect only to AC power outlets rated 230-240V (or 100-120V), 50-60Hz  
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10. Do not use this amplifier if the power cord is broken or frayed. Protect the power cord from  
being walked upon or pinched particularly at the plugs and the point where it exits from the  
apparatus.  
11. Only use accessories specified by the manufacturer.  
12. The unit is intended to use in a 19” rack. Follow the mounting instructions. When a rack on  
wheels is used, use caution when moving the loaded rack to avoid injury from tipping over.  
!
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.  
14. Do not connect an amplifier output in parallel or series with any other amplifier’s output. Do  
not connect the amplifier output to any other voltage source, such as battery, mains  
source, or power supply, regardless of whether the amplifier is turned on or off.  
15. Do not run the output of any amplifier back into another channel's input.  
16. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus  
has been damaged in any way such as:  
Power-supply cord or plug is damaged  
Liquid has been spilled into the unit  
An object has fallen into the unit  
The unit has been exposed to rain or moisture  
The unit does not operate normally  
The unit was dropped or the enclosure is damaged  
17. Do not remove top or bottom covers. Removal of the cover will expose hazardous voltages.  
There are no serviceable parts inside and removal may void the warranty.  
18. An experienced user shall always supervise this professional audio equipment, especially if  
inexperienced adults or minors are using the equipment.  
3.5 User responsibility  
3.5.1 Speaker damage  
Your amplifier is very powerful and can be potentially dangerous to both loudspeakers and  
humans alike. Many loudspeakers can be easily damaged or destroyed by overpowering,  
especially with the high power available from a bridged amplifier. Always check the  
speaker’s continuous and peak power capabilities.  
!
Even if using the amplifier’s front panel attenuator reduces the gain, it is still possible to reach full  
output power, if the input signal level is high enough.  
3.5.2 Speaker output hazard  
Power amplifiers are capable of producing hazardous output voltages. To avoid electrical  
shock, do not touch any exposed speaker wiring, while the amplifier is operating. See page  
6 about outputs for proper connection of speakers.  
3.5.3 Radio interference  
A sample of this product has been tested and complies with the limits for the European Electro  
Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive. This equipment has also been tested and found to comply  
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference from electrical equipment.  
This product uses radio frequency energy and if not used or installed in accordance with these  
operating instructions, may cause interference to other equipment, such as radio receivers.  
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.  
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If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be  
determined by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the  
interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Check if the affected unit complies with the EMC limits for immunity, (CE-labelled). If  
not, address the problem with the manufacturer or supplier. All electrical products sold  
in the EC must be approved for immunity against electromagnetic fields, high voltage  
flashes, and radio interference.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
4 INTRODUCTION  
Thank you for purchasing a TANNOY power amplifier. This manual contains important information  
on operating your amplifier correctly and safely. Please take some time and read this manual to  
familiarize you with the advanced features of this amplifier.  
4.1 Unpacking  
Carefully open the shipping carton and check for any noticeable damage. Every Tannoy amplifier  
is tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should arrive in perfect condition. If found to  
be damaged, notify the shipping company immediately. Only the consignee may institute a claim  
with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping. Be sure to save the carton and packing  
materials for the carrier's inspection.  
It is also advisable to save the carton and packing material, even if the amplifier is undamaged.  
Should you ever need to ship the amplifier, always use the original packing.  
4.2 Front Panel  
Figure 1 front panel  
1. Input level attenuators  
These controls are used to alter the signal level entering the amplifier. They are calibrated in dB to  
assist the setup of active loudspeaker systems or cut down unwanted noise from the input signal.  
(See page 13).  
2. Protect indicator  
This indicator illuminates if the amplifier tries to operate above its maximum operating temperature  
(90°°C). The indicator first comes on as a warning to either turn down the input level or check the  
cooling arrangements. Beyond the maximum temperature the amplifier will mute the input signal.  
Once the cooling fans have brought the output heat sinks back to normal operating temperature  
the input signal is un-muted.  
This indicator also illuminates when signals above 12 kHz are continuously present at full power at  
the output terminals or if short circuit protection is activated. If this occurs the input signal is muted,  
and the process cycles until the VHF signal is no longer present or the short is removed. (See page  
14).  
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3. Clip/limit indicator  
This indicator signals when the amplifier output is clipping or limiting. It has two different indication  
states:  
If the clip limiter is engaged, it has a short time constant and it illuminates briefly. (See page 13).  
If the clip limiter is not engaged, it has an increased time constant and it illuminates for a longer  
period.  
4. Signal present indicator.  
Illuminates at –40dB below full output signal.  
5. On indicator  
The two bottom green ”ON” LEDs indicate that the output circuits are receiving the correct rail  
voltage.  
6. Power switch  
Turns mains power on or off.  
(See page 9 and 12)  
7. Fan grill filters  
A grille with foam filters is located on the front panel to prevent dust from entering the amplifier. The  
grille is removable for easy cleaning of the filter by simply pulling them off. The foam filter should  
always be used.  
8. Carry/protection handle  
Both handles can be used to carry the amplifier; they also act as protection for the front panel. In  
fixed installations or where rack front covers are too shallow, they may be removed by unscrewing  
the retaining bolts behind the front panel.  
4.3 Rear Panel  
Figure 2. Rear Panel  
1. Output / Speaker connector  
The Speakon connector from Neutrik® may be unfamiliar to some users. A full description is found in  
the operation section. (See page 12).  
3. Clip limiter switch  
Turns the clip limiter on (switch IN position) or off (switch OUT position). (See page 13).  
4. Input signal XLR. Neutrik® Combojack features also ¼” TRS phone jacks. (Pin 2 is “hot”, see  
page 10).  
5. Link Output. 3-pole screw terminal of Phoenix brand. Connected in parallel to the female XLR  
input connector for linking the channel to another input.  
6. Gain switch channel B. Three of the switches in the DIP-switch selects the maximum gain of  
the channel to be either 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 36, 39 or 41 dB. (See page 6).  
7. Link and Polarity reverse switch. Two of the switches in the DIP-switch are used for Link and  
Bridge operation. (See page 6).  
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8. Gain switch channel A. Three of the switches in the DIP-switch selects the maximum gain of  
the channel to be either 20, 23, 26, 29, 32, 36, 39 or 41 dB. (See page 6).  
9. AC power cable. WARNING!  
A label just below the mains cable on the rear of the amplifier indicates the AC  
mains voltage, for which the amplifier is wired. Connect the power cable only to the  
AC source referred to on the label.  
!
5 REAR PANEL FEATURES  
5.1 Gain switch  
The gain switch located on the rear panel (the central DIP-switch) changes the input sensitivity of the  
amplifier. This can be handy when using low or high nominal input signals. E.g. most professional  
mixing consoles operate at a nominal level of +4 to +6 dBu; therefore you may use the 32dB position  
to provide you with plenty of fader movement. On the other hand, for a disco mixer operating at a  
nominal level of 0dBu or less use the higher gain positions.  
5.1.1 The DIP-switch  
There are separate sections for the two channels, so different gain  
can be selected for channel A or B. The selection of maximum gain  
in the amplifier is always a trade between noise and headroom. A  
low gain amplifier amplifies less of the noise of the preceding  
equipment (mixer, crossover, equalizer etc.). On the other hand a  
higher lever is needed to get full power, so the headroom will be  
decreased on mixer output and/or crossover units. In an actively  
divided system there is very often a so-called loudspeaker  
processor or controller involved, being unique for the loudspeaker  
system. In most cases the manufacturers of these processors  
and/or loudspeakers recommend a specific system gain for the  
amplifiers.  
There are eight positions with different gain, from 20dB to 41dB in 3dB steps. See the different  
settings for the DIP-switches in the table below. The three switches to the very left are for channel B,  
and the three to the very right are for channel A.  
5.1.2 Sensitivity  
Sensitivity is defined as how many volts (rms) or dBu (referred to  
0.775Vrms) are required to get full output power. As the output power  
varies with the load impedance, usually 4 ohms is the reference. But in  
case of an MLS-switch equipped amplifier there are enough choices for full  
output levels into different load impedances for a sensitivity table to fill  
several pages.  
Hence we recommend calculating the sensitivity if this is necessary. Our  
”Audio calculator” can do this, which is an Excel file with many useful  
formulas. It contains help for setting up digital loudspeaker processors and  
can be found on our website: www.tannoy.com .  
The sensitivity calculator is found in the box labeled “Amplifier gain conversions”. The values to enter  
are in red; desired output power (see MLS-table), load impedance and the selected maximum gain.  
The sensitivity is in the box labeled “Input level for clip” in Vrms or dBu  
5.13.Options  
As the DIP-switch is recessed, one can put a sticker across the bay and prevent from unauthorized  
changes. Another option is to remove the DIP-switch. This should be done by authorized service  
personnel only! This corresponds to all switches set to “off”, i.e. 32dB gain and stereo mode.  
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5.2 Link switch  
The Link switch located on the rear panel (the central DIP-switch) is for changing the operation mode  
of the amplifier (see below, section 5.3).  
5.3 Operation modes  
5.3.1 Stereo mode  
In this mode, both channels operate independently of each other. This is  
used for all 2-channel modes, such as stereo and bi-amping. Set the two  
center switches to off position for the stereo mode. The level attenuators  
on the front panel will control the respective channels levels.  
Never connect either output terminal to ground or in parallel. The  
recommended minimum nominal impedance, for stereo or tandem  
operation, is 2 ohms per channel.  
5.3.2 Note for bench test  
NOTE: Channel B is always polarity reversed on the input, but polarity compensated by  
feeding the minus pin on the Channel B output with the output voltage. Channel A output is  
connected in normal polarity mode. By having channel A and B operating in opposite  
polarity, the energy storage in the power supply is more efficient. This is significant for signals  
below 100 Hz (sub bass etc.) and improves the power bandwidth. Be sure to use balanced  
inputs on all measurement equipment (also oscilloscope probes) if you are bench testing.  
!
Reverse operation of Channel B.  
5.3.3 Tandem mode  
In tandem mode both channels' inputs are linked and receive the same signal. The tandem mode  
is active if the Link switches are in position "On". Both level attenuators are active, allowing you to  
set different levels for each channel. Note that only the inputs are connected in parallel. This is  
NOT a parallel output mode. Never connect either output terminal to ground or in parallel.  
You can use the remaining input connectors to carry signal to other amps. This is called “Daisy-  
chaining”.  
NOTE: Always turn off the Link switch when using the amplifier for Bi-amping.  
5.3.4 Bridge mono mode  
Bridge mono mode is used to deliver both channels' power to a single  
load. The nominal impedance of the load must be more than 3 ohms.  
Set the Link switches to the “On” position and use one of the input  
connectors. You can use the remaining input connectors to carry  
signal to other amps. Both level attenuators must be at the same  
position. We recommend that you put them in the 0dB (full) position.  
Connect the speaker as shown. Always use Channel A’s output  
connector.  
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5.3.5 Bridge mono mode features  
Bridged mono mode combines the power of both channels into one speaker. This results in twice  
the voltage swing, four times the peak power and just less than three times the full power of a  
single channel.  
One way to understand the load and power from the amplifier’s perspective in bridged mode is that  
it is zero voltage at the center of the voice-coil winding. This is because the coil is driven with  
positive voltage at one pole and an equivalent negative voltage at the other pole. So, if an 8 ohms  
load is connected in bridged mode, one channel shares one 4 ohms part of the load, and the other  
channel shares the other 4 ohms part. The power into 4 ohms from an TA 1200 is 700W. So, the  
total bridged power into the 8 ohms load will be 2 x 700 = 1400W  
6 INSTALLATION  
6.1 Mounting  
The amplifier is two rack units high (2U) and will mount in a standard EIA 19” rack. Amplifiers may  
be stacked directly on top of each other. There is no need for spacing between units. If it is the  
intention to fill a rack with amplifiers, we recommend racking is started from the bottom of the rack.  
It is also recommended that rear supports are used for amplifiers mounted in the middle of the  
rack, especially if used as part of a portable system.  
6.2 Cooling  
Your amplifier uses a forced air cooling system to maintain a low and even operating temperature.  
All fan cooled Tannoy amplifiers have front to rear airflow. There are several reasons for this, one  
being that there is usually cooler air outside the rack than inside, and therefore the amplifiers can  
run at higher continuous power levels without thermal problems. Never try to reverse the airflow, as  
the Intercooler® needs a pressure chamber between the fans and heat sink, and this only works in  
one direction of the airflow.  
Should a heat sink get too hot, its sensing circuit will mute the hot channel. If the power supply  
overheats, another sensing circuit will mute all output channels, until it cools down to a safe  
operating temperature.  
Make sure that there is an adequate air supply in front of the amplifier, and that the rear of the  
amplifier has sufficient space to allow the exhaust to escape. If the amplifier is rack-mounted, do  
not use covers or doors on the front or rear of the rack.  
For installations with a central cooling system, usually found in fixed installations with a dedicated  
rack room, it may be necessary to calculate the maximum heat emission. Refer to Power  
consumption on page 9.  
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6.3 Operating voltage  
WARNING!  
A label just below the mains cable on the rear of the amplifier indicates the AC  
mains voltage, for which the amplifier is wired. Connect the power cable only to the  
AC source referred to on the label. The warranty will not cover damage caused by  
connecting to the wrong type of AC mains.  
!
If the power plug is not appropriate for your country, it can be cut off and wired to a suitable  
connector in the following way:  
BLACK or BROWN  
LIVE  
WHITE or BLUE  
NEUTRAL  
EARTH  
GREEN or GREEN/YELLOW  
Once the AC connector is connected to a suitable AC supply, the amplifier can be started with the  
power switch. When you power up the amplifier it takes a couple of seconds to check its circuits (this  
is known as the "soft start" or "slow start" sequence), the fans then blow at high speed before going  
into "idle" and the two bottom green LED’s come on to show the output circuits are receiving the  
correct rail voltage.  
6.4 Denmark:  
National deviation concerning installation of the TA 1400:  
Danish safety regulation only permits 8A main fuse. As the TA 1400 use an internal primary mains  
fuse of 15A, TA 1400 must be equipped with an industrial mains connector rated for 16A, or as an  
alternative be fixed installed to a 16A circuit.  
6.5 Switzerland:  
National deviation concerning installation of the TA 1400:  
Swiss safety regulation stipulates that mains connector of the type 23 must be used.  
6.6 Grounding  
There is no ground lift switch or terminal on this amplifier. The signal ground is always floating via a  
resistor to chassis and the grounding system is automatic. If a potential above 0.6V presents itself  
between signal ground and chassis ground, a short circuit is introduced between the two, thereby  
enabling electrical protection. If a unit in the system is faulty, its mains fuse will blow, due to this  
automatic ground system.  
If however you wish to tie the signal ground to chassis, connect the XLR-connector’s shell lug to pin  
1. In the interest of safety never disconnect the earth pin on the AC power cord.  
For all units that are CE approved (radio interference), there is an AC mains filter. This filter needs  
the chassis ground for reference, otherwise a current loop is formed via the signal ground.  
Use the balanced input to avoid hum and interference.  
6.7 Power consumption  
There are three ways to determine the power/current consumption of the amplifier:  
First, the peak current draw at full output power. Under this condition the power will blow the mains  
breaker within 30 second and the amplifier will operate for less than 2 minutes before thermally  
limiting. During this time, the temperature of the power supply will be stabilised at a temperature  
that will have no effect on the insulation rating of the AC line cord.  
Second, the maximum expected average current under worst case program material which is 1/3  
of full power according to the FTC-standard. At this level the music will be in the state of constant  
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clip and is therefore the highest power level one can obtain without completely obliterating the  
program.  
Last, the "normal operating power", as defined by the safety standard IEC 65/ANSI/UL 6500 and  
used by a majority of safety agencies. The normal operating power is measured using pink noise,  
with an average output power equal to 1/8 of full power. The one eighth of the total power is as  
loud as you can play music while making some attempt to avoid obvious clipping. It also  
corresponds to headroom of 9dB, which is very low for normal audio program.  
MAX OUTPUT POWER  
MAINS INPUT POWER  
Power  
1/3 Power  
note 1  
690  
1/8 Power  
note 2  
430  
Idle  
[W]  
TA 1400  
8 ohms  
4 ohms  
2 ohms  
2x  
2x  
2x  
425  
700  
90  
90  
90  
1150  
760  
1050  
1925  
1225  
note 1 Average power with music as program source. The amplifier driven to clip level.  
note 2 Normal music power with 9dB headroom, IEC standard power rating.  
Table 1.  
6.7.1 Calculation  
The current draw can be calculated by dividing the mains input power by the mains voltage.  
We recommend you to design the power distribution for at least the current at 1/8 power, and 1/3  
power for heavy-duty demands like discos etc.  
The heat power can be calculated as in the following example:  
We consider headroom of at least 9dB and a 4 ohms load on an amplifier producing 700 watts per  
channel. The 1/8 power per channel is accordingly; 700 / 8 = 87 watts, and total output; 2 x 87 =  
175 watts.  
The power consumption according to the chart above is then 1200 watts.  
The heat power produced is the difference between the power consumption and output power;  
1200 - 175 = 1025 watts per amplifier.  
7 CONNECTIONS  
7.1 Input connections  
7.1.1 Balanced inputs  
XLR Input connectors are active balanced and wired according to the IEC 268, that is pin 2 hot, and  
wired in the following way:  
PIN 1  
PIN 2  
PIN 3  
GROUND/SHIELD  
HOT (+)  
COLD (-)  
Figure 4. XLR input connector  
Figure 5. XLR balanced  
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Within the Neutrik® Combojack there is a ¼”(6.3mm) phone jack, which is wired in parallel with the  
XLR.  
TIP  
HOT  
RING  
SLEEVE  
COLD  
SHIELD/GROUND  
Figure 6. ¼” TRS plug  
The input impedance is high enough (20 kohms balanced) to  
allow ”daisy-chaining”, or multiple parallel input connections.  
The headroom of the input circuits is also high enough to  
accept the maximum output level from virtually any low-level  
signal source. Balanced signals are less sensitive to AC hum  
and radio interference. The source impedance should be less  
than 1 kohms to avoid high frequency loss in long cables.  
To daisy chain amplifiers, use the screw-terminal  
(Phoenix  
connector), labeled Link, provided on each  
channel. It is connected in parallel with the Neutrik® Combo  
jack on each input.  
7.1.2 Unbalanced inputs  
To connect an unbalanced source, tie pin 3 (ring on TRS jack) down to the shield of the connector. If  
you leave one pin disconnected, you will lose 6 dB.  
A better method for using unbalanced sources is shown in Figure 8. This is similar to the connection  
for balanced lines, but pin 3 is connected to the shield at the source. The hum and noise rejection for  
the cable is equivalent to that for a balanced line. To minimize hum in the audio, use balanced inputs  
whenever possible.  
Figure 7. Unbalanced line connection  
Figure 8. Balanced line with unbalanced  
equipment  
For two-channel (stereo) operation, use both channels A and B. For tandem stereo or bridged  
mono operation, use only one of the inputs. See operation modes for more details.  
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7.2 Connecting speakers  
Speaker connections are made via the two Neutrik® NL4FC Speakon connectors. The Speakon  
connector is designed for high power speaker connections. It assures the correct polarity, it locks in  
place and prevents from shock hazard.  
They are wired in the following manner:  
The right jack, Channel A, has both channel A and B outputs, so it’s useful for bridging and bi-amp  
operation (see bridged mono operation on page 7). The left Speakon, Channel B, carries only the  
channel B output.  
Channel A and B into one  
Speakon (Stereo and Bi-  
amp)  
Bridged mono  
Channel A and B into two  
separate Speakons.  
Never connect either output terminal to ground or to some other output or input terminal  
(see warnings in chapter 1)  
For normal two-channel operation, connect each speaker load across the output’s positive and  
negative terminals. Pay attention to speaker polarity; loudspeakers connected out of polarity  
degrade sound quality and may be damaged as a consequence.  
Keep the speaker cable wires as short as possible and use a good quality stranded speaker cable.  
Do not use shielded wire, such as microphone or guitar cable. Remember that the speaker cable  
robs the power of the amplifiers in two ways:  
Increases the load impedance and introduces resistive power losses.  
WARNING: To prevent from electric shock, do not operate the amplifier with any of  
the conductor portion of the speaker wire exposed.  
8 OPERATION  
8.1 Operation precautions  
Make sure that the power switch is set to “off” before connecting any input or output or  
operating the switches on rear panel. See pages 8 about installation.  
Make sure that the AC mains voltage is correct and the same as the one printed on the  
rear panel of the amplifier. See pages 9, about operating voltage and power consumption.  
Make sure that the switches on the rear panel for operation modes, gain-switch and clip-  
limiter switch are in the correct position. See page 7 about operation modes and page 13  
about clip limiters.  
It is always a good idea to turn down the gain controls during power-up, to prevent speaker  
damage in case a high signal is present at the input.  
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8.2 Powering up – Soft start  
When you power up the amplifier it takes a couple of seconds to check its circuits. This is known as  
the "soft-start" or "slow-start" sequence. The fans then blow at high speed before going into "idle"  
and the two bottom green LED’s illuminate to show the amplifier is operational.  
8.3 Input attenuators  
The two input level attenuators on the front panel adjust the signal level for their respective amplifier  
channel in all modes. They are calibrated in dB to help setting up active loudspeaker systems or  
cutting down unwanted noise from the input signal.  
In bridged mode, both controls must be in the same position, so that the speaker load will be shared  
equally between the channels.  
8.4 Indicators  
The yellow LEDs at the top indicate if  
any protection circuits are activated.  
These are described on page 13.  
The Clip/limit indicator tells when the  
amplifier output is clipping or limiting. It  
has two different indication statuses:  
If the clip limiter is engaged it has a  
short time constant and it  
illuminates briefly.  
If the clip limiter is not engaged it  
has an increased time constant  
and it illuminates for a longer  
period.  
Front Indicators  
The ”-40 dB” LED’s illuminate if the output signal is greater than -40dB (with 0dB as reference to  
full output power). These LED’s also act as signal present indicators.  
The two bottom green ”ON” LED’s indicate that the output circuits are receiving the correct rail  
voltage.  
9 PROTECTION FEATURES  
Each Tannoy amplifier has many advanced protection features, protecting both the amplifier and the  
speakers connected to it should a fault condition arise. Under normal use these features are  
inaudible. All protection circuits are independent.  
9.1.1 Clip Limiter  
The clip limiter is included to prevent dangerous clipped signals reaching the speaker and damaging  
it. When an amplifier is severely overdriven, its output waveform is clipped (its peaks are squared off)  
–reducing the crest factor. In extreme cases, the waveform can approach that of a square wave. An  
amplifier is normally capable of producing far more power under these conditions than its normal  
undistorted rated output power.  
The limiter works by monitoring the output and comparing the distortion produced between the input  
and output of the amplifier. If the distortion exceeds 1%THD for any reason (voltage or current  
clipping), the limiter reduces the input signal proportionally. Note that, if the signal is distorted or  
clipped before it reaches the amplifier, the clip limiter cannot detect it, and will not be activated.  
Under normal operation the clip limiting is inaudible. The limiter can be turned On or Off by  
depressing or pressing the relevant clip limit switch.  
Some manufacturers of loudspeaker controllers do not recommend the use of clip limiters in  
amplifiers, as they tend to upset the tracking of the controller’s limiters.  
Apart from this one exception, Tannoy recommend leaving the clip limiters switched "on" (button  
depressed). (As a side-effect, once the amplifier comes out of a protect condition, the output level  
has a slow rise time -the effect is like turning the gain up slowly).  
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9.1.2 Thermal protection  
If the amplifier is driven very hard into a low impedance load, the cooling fans will run at high speed.  
If the causing conditions continue, the Temperature indicator(s) will illuminate indicating that the  
amplifier is about to go into thermal shutdown.  
After five seconds the amplifier will go into thermal protection by muting the input signal. After 15-20  
seconds the amplifier will have cooled down enough for the amplifier to come out of shutdown and  
operate as normal. If the load conditions remain unchanged the thermal protection will be reinitiated.  
Thermal protection starts when the Intercooler® heatsink reaches a temperature above 900 C.  
9.1.3 VHF protection  
If a signal above 12kHz is detected at the amplifier outputs for more than five seconds at full output  
power, the VHF protection mutes the input signal. (This is indicated on the front panel (2) labeled  
Protect). After five seconds the outputs will un-mute and return to normal operation, unless the  
output signal has remained unchanged, in which case the VHF protection will re-initiate.  
9.1.4 Short circuit protection  
All Tannoy amplifiers are completely short circuit protected. The protection circuit permits very high  
peak currents, but still holds the output devices within the safe operation area. If a short circuit is  
maintained, the channel affected will eventually go into thermal protect cycle until the short circuit has  
been removed.  
9.1.5 AC mains voltage protection  
If the AC mains voltage is over the allowed operational voltage, the power supply will automatically  
shut down. Once the mains voltage is above the minimum start voltage and below its maximum  
operating voltage the amplifier will restart.  
9.1.6 D.C. protection  
There are two types of DC protection:  
Fuses on the supply branches of each channel.  
A DC crowbar protection that shorts the output if more than 10 volts DC are being detected  
on the outputs. Both these circuits come into effect once a DC level are beeing detected on  
either channel.  
10 MAINTENANCE  
Under normal use the amplifier should provide years of trouble-free service. The only user  
maintenance required by the user is to vacuum the front grill periodically.  
In some extreme cases it may be necessary for authorized service personnel to clean the inside of  
the amplifier. These conditions usually occur after prolonged use, e.g. in environments using  
"cracked- oil" smoke machines.  
If you are using your amplifier for heavy duty use i.e. concert touring or industrial music it is  
recommended that you have your amplifier serviced every 3 years, purely as a preventative  
measure.  
10.1Troubleshooting  
These are typical things to check if you think your amplifier is faulty:  
Fault: No output.  
If the Signal Present (-40dB) is illuminating there is nothing wrong with the amplifier; the likely  
cause is an unsecured Speakon speaker connector.  
Check also that the VHF protection is not activated. If it is, remove possible high frequency  
oscillations from the relevant input.  
Fault: The amplifier goes into thermal protection when driven at low level.  
Check that nothing causes a short circuit at the amplifier's output, e.g. any component in the  
loudspeaker (this can occur when the speaker coil gets warm).  
Fault: The amplifier goes into protection with power indicators off.  
Check that the AC line voltage is within the amplifier’s operating range, 130-265V@ 230V, (65-  
135V @ 115V). Over-voltage protection may have occurred. If the amplifier is connected by  
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mistake to a 3 phase supply, an internal non-resetable fuse or resistor may have blown. Then  
return the amplifier to your supplier for service.  
Fault: The amplifier does not respond even after checking above items.  
In the unlikely event of on a non-user rectifiable fault, return the amplifier to your supplier or an  
approved service centre.  
Tannoy cannot be held responsible for damage or injury as a result of the top cover being  
removed.  
11 WARRANTY  
General  
This product is manufactured by Tannoy and is warranted to be free from defects in components  
and factory workmanship under normal use and service, for a period of one (1) year from the date  
of original purchase.  
During the warranty period, Tannoy or its nominated agents, will undertake to repair, or at their  
option, replace this product at no charge to its owner, when failing to perform as specified,  
provided the unit is returned undamaged and shipping pre-paid, to factory or authorised service  
facility.  
This warranty shall be null and void, if the product is subjected to:  
Repair work or alteration by person other than those authorised by Tannoy or its agents.  
Shipping accidents, war, civil insurrection, misuse, abuse, operation with incorrect AC voltage,  
operation with faulty associated equipment, exposure to inclement weather conditions and normal  
wear and tear. Units, on which the serial number has been removed or defaced, will not be eligible  
for warranty service.  
Tannoy shall not be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages, with respect to the  
products warranted.  
Tannoy reserve the right to make changes or improvements in design or manufacturing, without  
assuming any obligation to change or improve products previously manufactured.  
This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied. This warranty does not  
affect your statutory rights.  
International  
Please contact your supplier for this information, as rights and disclaimers may vary from country  
to country.  
Technical assistance and services  
International  
If your Tannoy product needs repair, contact your Tannoy dealer or distributor, or contact Tannoy  
Limited by fax or email to obtain the location of the nearest authorized service center.  
Factory services  
In the event of your Tannoy product needing factory service, you may contact Tannoy’s service  
department for return instructions.  
Please note for product return:  
1. Use the original packing.  
2. Include a copy of the sales receipt, your name, return address, phone and fax number,  
email address and description of the defect.  
3. Mark the Return Authorisation number on the outside of the packing.  
4. Ship the product prepaid to:  
Tannoy Limited  
Rosehall Industrial Estate  
Coatbridge  
ML5 4TF  
Tel: +44 01236 420 199  
Fax: +44 01236 428 230  
Tannoy Limited  
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