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Hybrid B Series - User Manual

Hybrid B Series
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USER MANUAL
PROFESSIONAL
POWER AMPLIFIERS
B1200 B1800 B2400 B4000
SERIES MK6
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Summary

Important Safety Precautions

Safety Symbols and General Warnings

Explains warning symbols and general safety advice for amplifier operation.

Electrical Safety and Connections

Details requirements for power outlets, cables, and earth connections.

Operational Safety Guidelines

Covers safe practices for volume controls, power switching, and environmental factors.

Internal Safety and Environmental Precautions

Warns against opening the unit and advises on environmental conditions.

Front Panel Controls and Features

Protection Indicators

Explains the function and activation of the red Protect LEDs.

Back Panel Controls and Features

Output Mode Switch

Explains the switch to select Stereo, Parallel, or Bridge-Mono output modes.

Additional Back Panel Features and Connections

Fuse Holder and Replacement Safety

Explains fuse holder function, replacement advice, and safety warnings.

PowerCON Connector and Cable

Details the AC power connector and safety advice for the supplied cable.

Connecting Inputs and Linking

Connecting Loudspeaker Outputs

Output Mode Operations

Bridged Mono Mode Configuration

Explains conversion to single mono output, input/output details, impedance, and safety.

Protection Features Explained

Active Clip Limiting

Explains how the amplifier limits output to prevent clipping and speaker damage.

Impedance Sensing Protection

Details protection against incorrect speaker load impedance and short circuits.

Thermal Protection

Describes how overheating activates protection and variable speed fans.

DC Voltage Protection

Explains protection against DC voltage on outputs and potential internal damage.

User Precautions and Maintenance

Specifications List

Summary

Important Safety Precautions

Safety Symbols and General Warnings

Explains warning symbols and general safety advice for amplifier operation.

Electrical Safety and Connections

Details requirements for power outlets, cables, and earth connections.

Operational Safety Guidelines

Covers safe practices for volume controls, power switching, and environmental factors.

Internal Safety and Environmental Precautions

Warns against opening the unit and advises on environmental conditions.

Front Panel Controls and Features

Protection Indicators

Explains the function and activation of the red Protect LEDs.

Back Panel Controls and Features

Output Mode Switch

Explains the switch to select Stereo, Parallel, or Bridge-Mono output modes.

Additional Back Panel Features and Connections

Fuse Holder and Replacement Safety

Explains fuse holder function, replacement advice, and safety warnings.

PowerCON Connector and Cable

Details the AC power connector and safety advice for the supplied cable.

Connecting Inputs and Linking

Connecting Loudspeaker Outputs

Output Mode Operations

Bridged Mono Mode Configuration

Explains conversion to single mono output, input/output details, impedance, and safety.

Protection Features Explained

Active Clip Limiting

Explains how the amplifier limits output to prevent clipping and speaker damage.

Impedance Sensing Protection

Details protection against incorrect speaker load impedance and short circuits.

Thermal Protection

Describes how overheating activates protection and variable speed fans.

DC Voltage Protection

Explains protection against DC voltage on outputs and potential internal damage.

User Precautions and Maintenance

Specifications List

Overview

The Hybrid B Series (MK6/2019) Professional Power Amplifiers are designed for high operating efficiency and accurate sonic performance across the full audio bandwidth, even under stressful conditions. These amplifiers are suitable for professional and commercial audio systems, building on advanced circuit topologies that have been a choice for professionals for many years. Each amplifier undergoes a thorough "burn-in" and testing process using precision audio test equipment before shipping, ensuring consistent and stable performance.

Function Description:

The Hybrid B Series amplifiers are professional power amplifiers available in four models: B1200, B1800, B2400, and B4000. They are designed to amplify audio signals for loudspeakers in various setups. The amplifiers feature a main power on-off switch, which, when activated, illuminates two green power-on LED indicators and an LCD screen.

Each amplifier includes independent volume controls for Channel A and Channel B. In Stereo Mode, these controls adjust the output volume of their respective channels. If the amplifier is set to Parallel or Bridge mode, the Channel A volume control will manage the volume for the entire amplifier, rendering the Channel B volume control ineffective. The LCD screen provides real-time feedback on the volume settings, ranging from a muted state (0.0) to maximum input volume (40.0).

The amplifiers are equipped with dual variable speed fans and designed for front-to-back forced air cooling, drawing cool air from the front panel vents and expelling it from the rear. This cooling system helps maintain optimal operating temperatures, which are also displayed on the LCD screen for both channels. The LCD screen also shows the mains voltage supplied to the amplifier, ensuring it operates within the recommended 220-240Vac range.

Input connections are made via XLR (Female) connectors for Channel A and Channel B. For linking multiple amplifiers, XLR (Male) link connectors are provided for Channel A and Channel B (Channel B link is for Stereo mode only). The output mode can be selected using a three-position recessed switch on the rear panel, allowing for Stereo, Parallel, or Bridge-Mono operation. In Stereo Mode, both channels operate independently. In Parallel Mode, an input signal to Channel A is amplified and sent to both Channel A and B outputs, with independent volume control for each. In Bridged Mono Mode, the amplifier converts into a single, powerful mono output, doubling its output power. In this mode, only Channel A's input and volume control are active, and the output is routed through Channel A's speakon connector.

Output connections to loudspeakers are made using Speakon connectors. The pin-out configurations for these connectors vary depending on the selected output mode (Stereo, Parallel, or Bridge).

Usage Features:

To ensure proper and safe operation, users should always read the manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference. When switching the amplifier on or off, it is crucial to ensure that both volume controls are rotated fully counter-clockwise to the lowest position to prevent damage to loudspeakers.

For optimal audio quality and to prevent damage to loudspeakers, it is recommended to drive the power amplifier just before the point where the Active Clip Limiting LEDs illuminate. Pushing the amplifier beyond this point can degrade audio quality and potentially harm loudspeakers.

When connecting inputs, it is recommended to use balanced line inputs over unbalanced inputs to achieve a +6dB gain structure and noise reduction. For outputs, quality speaker cables free of defects and short circuits should be used. It is also important to ensure that connected loudspeakers do not exceed the amplifier's maximum load parameters. For Stereo and Parallel modes, the recommended maximum load is 4Ω per output channel, while for Bridge Mono mode, it is 8Ω. Operating with loads lower than recommended can cause erratic behavior, activate protection circuits, and lead to high operating temperatures.

In Bridged Mono Mode, extreme caution is advised, as both sides of the speaker cable/output connection are "hot" and at different voltages relative to ground. Connecting amplifier outputs to oscilloscopes or other test equipment in Bridge Mono mode may damage both the amplifier and the test equipment.

The amplifier incorporates several protection features:

  • Active Clip Limiting: Automatically activates when the amplifier reaches its full output power potential, reducing gain to protect loudspeakers from square waveforms. This feature is transparent in operation and cannot be bypassed.
  • Impedance Sensing: Protects the amplifier from stressful or short-circuit loads by activating an output relay to disconnect loudspeakers and illuminating a red protection LED.
  • Thermal Protection: Activates if heat sink or power supply temperatures become abnormally high, disconnecting loudspeakers and illuminating a red protection LED until temperatures return to normal.
  • DC Voltage Protection: Activates if a DC voltage is sensed on either output, disconnecting speakers and illuminating a red protection LED until the DC condition is rectified.
  • Soft Start: Gradually increases gain/output volume during switch-on or after a protect condition, preventing "thumps" to loudspeakers.
  • Subsonic Frequency Limiting: Built-in high-pass filtering reduces subsonic frequencies (below 20Hz) to protect loudspeakers from over-excursion and overpowering in inaudible audio ranges.

Maintenance Features:

The Hybrid B Series amplifiers require minimal routine maintenance. The primary maintenance task involves the occasional cleaning of the airflow vents on both the front and rear panels, as well as the heat sinks within the amplifier. This is crucial to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust, which can lead to overheating.

To clean the airflow vents, the amplifier should be switched off and unplugged from the mains supply. High-pressure air from an air compressor or blower can then be used to clear the vents. It is important not to remove the amplifier's lid for this operation, as dangerous voltages may still be present on capacitors and other passive components.

Cleaning of the heat sinks and air vents is recommended every 3-6 months, depending on the operating environment. Users should not attempt any internal adjustments, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Any servicing or repairs should be carried out by an authorized and qualified service center. If the amplifier needs to be shipped for service, it should be correctly packed in its original packaging to prevent further damage.

The amplifier comes with a 1-year "No-Quibble" carry-in guarantee, emphasizing the brand's commitment to after-sales service and customer satisfaction.

Hybrid B Series Specifications

General IconGeneral
Channels2
Input Impedance47k Ohms
TypeHybrid
Frequency Response20Hz - 20kHz +/- 0.5dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio90dB

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