Soundchoice PROAudio C2 Series - User Manual

C2 Series Commercial
Class-D Two Channel Amplifier
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL

Summary

Important Safety Information

General Safety Precautions

Key safety instructions for operating the apparatus, covering usage, environment, and maintenance.

Safety Warnings and Symbols

Electrical Hazard Warnings

Alerts users to electrical hazards like shock and fire, emphasizing safe plug usage and avoiding moisture.

Introduction

Product Features

Highlights key features of the C2 Series amplifier, including technology, design, and connectivity.

Product Description

Details the C2 Series amplifier's Class-D technology, power output, efficiency, and applications for public address systems.

Front Panel Overview

Front Panel Indicators and Controls

Explains the function of indicators like PROT, CLIP, INPUT, OUTPUT, POWER, and the POWER SWITCH on the front panel.

Rear Panel Overview

Rear Panel Connections and Settings

Details rear panel connections including power inputs, line inputs, speaker outputs, and DIP switch settings for standby and filters.

Speaker Connection Guide

Connecting Speaker Systems

Provides guidance on connecting 4-16 Ohm, 100V distributed, and low impedance speaker systems correctly.

Block Diagram

Product Specifications

Service and Warranty Information

Procedures and Options

Outlines troubleshooting procedures, product variations, and available options for the amplifier.

Warranty Terms

Details the global warranty period and how to determine specific terms and conditions based on country and product.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The C2 Series Commercial Class-D Two Channel Amplifier is a robust audio device designed for professional sound installations, offering a blend of efficiency, reliability, and versatile connectivity. Its core function is to amplify audio signals across two channels, making it suitable for various public address systems and commercial audio environments.

Function Description

At its heart, the C2 Series amplifier utilizes switching technology digital power amplification, specifically Class-D PA power amplification. This design choice is critical for achieving minimum power consumption and a high efficiency rate, often exceeding 85%. The benefit of this efficiency extends beyond energy savings; it also results in less heat generation, which in turn reduces the need for extensive cooling solutions and helps to conserve rack space. The reduced heat also contributes to a longer operational lifespan for the amplifier.

The amplifier is a two-channel unit, meaning it can process and amplify two distinct audio signals simultaneously. It provides separate speaker outputs for each channel, supporting both high-impedance 100V line loudspeakers and low-impedance 8 Ohm loudspeakers. This dual output capability offers significant flexibility for installers, allowing the amplifier to be integrated into a wide range of speaker setups, from distributed public address systems to more conventional low-impedance speaker configurations.

Input signals are handled via balanced line inputs, which are connected using phoenix connectors. Each input channel features its own gain control, enabling precise adjustment of input sensitivity to match various audio sources and achieve optimal sound response. Additionally, each channel is equipped with a high-cut filter, which can be enabled or disabled via DIP switch settings on the rear panel, providing further control over the audio output.

A notable feature is the built-in auto-standby function. This intelligent power-saving mechanism activates after one minute of no signal input, automatically placing the amplifier into a low-power standby mode. As soon as an input signal is detected, the amplifier immediately wakes up and resumes operation, ensuring both energy efficiency and instant readiness.

For power supply, the amplifier supports a wide AC input range of 230V, making it suitable for global sound system installations. It also includes a 24V DC battery input, which allows the unit to automatically switch to battery power in the event of an AC mains failure, ensuring continuous operation and reliability in critical applications.

Usage Features

The front panel of the C2 Series amplifier is designed for clear visual feedback and straightforward operation. It includes a power indicator that illuminates blue when the unit is powered on, and a power switch for easy on/off control.

For each of the two channels, there are dedicated indicators that provide real-time status updates:

• PROT (Protection) Indicator: This indicator lights up orange when the amplifier enters a protection state. This can be triggered by various issues such as speaker line short circuits, open circuits, amplifier overload, or excessive working temperature (above 55°C). The light serves as a visual guide, turning off once the fault is resolved, helping users diagnose and troubleshoot problems quickly.
• CLIP Indicator: A red light indicates that the input or output signal level is too high, signaling potential clipping and distortion.
• INPUT Indicator: A green light confirms the detection of an input signal on the respective channel.
• OUTPUT Indicator: A green light indicates that an output signal is being detected on the respective channel.

The rear panel provides all necessary connections and configuration options:

• AC Power Socket: For connecting the main 230V, 50-60Hz AC power cord.
• 24V DC Power Input: For connecting a 24V DC power supply, which acts as a backup in case of AC mains failure.
• Line Inputs (1-2 Channel): Phoenix connectors for balanced or unbalanced audio inputs from sources like mixers. For unbalanced inputs, the "-" and "GND" terminals should be tied together.
• Gain Control: Separate rotary controls for each channel to adjust input sensitivity.
• 100V Speaker Output (PIN1=COM & PIN3=100V +): Phoenix connectors for connecting 100V line loudspeakers. It is crucial to connect the negative end of the speaker to the COM terminal and the positive end to the 100V+ terminal. Mixing polarity or connecting low-impedance speakers to these outputs will cause short-circuit protection or damage.
• 8Ω Speaker Output: Phoenix connectors for connecting 8 Ohm low-impedance loudspeakers. Similar to the 100V outputs, correct polarity (negative to COM, positive to 8Ω+) must be observed to prevent short circuits. Connecting 100V line speakers to these outputs will cause damage.
• AUTO-STANDBY (DIP1-2): DIP switches to enable or disable the auto-standby function for each channel. When enabled, the amplifier enters standby after two minutes of no signal and wakes up instantly upon signal detection.
• HIGH PASS FILTER (DIP3-4): DIP switches to enable or disable the high-pass filter function for each channel, allowing for further audio shaping.

Maintenance Features

The C2 Series amplifier is designed with several features that contribute to its ease of maintenance and long-term reliability:

• Complete Protection Circuitry: The amplifier incorporates comprehensive protection mechanisms against short circuits, overloads, high temperatures, clipping, and DC faults. These protections are crucial for safeguarding both the amplifier and connected speakers from damage, reducing the need for frequent repairs.
• Visual Indicators for Troubleshooting: The front panel's PROT, CLIP, INPUT, and OUTPUT indicators provide immediate visual cues for operational status and potential issues. This allows users to quickly identify the nature of a problem (e.g., an overload, an input signal issue, or a protection event) without needing specialized diagnostic tools, simplifying troubleshooting.
• Efficient Design for Reduced Wear: The Class-D switching technology inherently generates less heat compared to traditional amplifier designs. This reduced thermal stress on internal components extends their lifespan and minimizes the likelihood of heat-related failures, thereby decreasing maintenance frequency.
• Modular Internal Design: While not explicitly detailed for user servicing, the internal block diagram suggests a modular approach with separate boards for power, amplification, and display. Such a design can facilitate easier diagnosis and potential component replacement by qualified service personnel, should a repair be necessary.
• Clear Connection Guidelines: The manual provides explicit instructions and diagrams for speaker connections, emphasizing correct impedance matching and polarity. Adhering to these guidelines is a primary preventative maintenance step, ensuring the amplifier operates within its specified parameters and avoids triggering protection circuits or causing damage.
• Auto Standby for Component Longevity: The auto-standby feature not only saves energy but also reduces the operational hours of internal components when no signal is present. This lessens wear and tear, contributing to a longer overall service life for the amplifier.
• Robust Build Quality: Designed as a 19" rack-mount unit, the amplifier is built to withstand the rigors of commercial installations, ensuring physical durability and stability within a rack environment.
• Warranty Support: The product comes with a global three-year warranty, providing assurance and support for potential manufacturing defects or failures, reducing the burden of unexpected repair costs during the warranty period. Users are advised to contact their warranty provider for servicing if issues arise that are not related to operator error or external devices.

Soundchoice PROAudio C2 Series Specifications

General

Channels	2
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (±0.5dB)
THD	<0.05%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Input Impedance	20k ohms
Connectors	XLR, Speakon, Binding Post
Protection	Short circuit, Overload, Thermal, DC
Power Requirements	50Hz - 60Hz