AUDAC PMQ480 (01) PDF Document

For protection from fault currents, the AUDAC PMQ480 amplifier must be connected to a grounding terminal. You should plug the system power cord into an AC outlet that provides a ground connection. Only use the power cord supplied with this product or an authorized/equivalent replacement, as substitute cords may not provide adequate fault protection.

The fuse (T500mAL/250V) provides a safeguard function. When replacing the fuse, ensure the replacement matches the value of the original. Identification and replacement of a suitable component should be done by qualified technicians.

To ensure your safety when using the AUDAC PMQ480, please follow these instructions:

• ALWAYS KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS. NEVER THROW THEM AWAY

• ALWAYS HANDLE THIS UNIT WITH CARE

• HEED ALL WARNINGS

• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

• NEVER EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN, MOISTURE, ANY DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUID. AND NEVER PLACE AN OBJECT FILLED WITH LIQUID ON TOP OF THIS DEVICE.

• DO NOT PLACE THIS UNIT IN AN ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS A BOOKSHELF OR CLOSET. ENSURE THERE IS ADEQUATE VENTILATION TO COOL THE UNIT. DO NOT BLOCK THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.

• DO NOT STICK ANY OBJECTS THROUGH THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.

• DO NOT INSTALL THIS UNIT NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS OR OTHER APPARATUS THAT PRODUCE HEAT

• DO NOT PLACE THIS UNIT IN ENVIRONMENTS WHICH CONTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF DUST, HEAT, MOISTURE OR VIBRATION

• THIS UNIT IS DEVELOPED FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT USE IT OUTDOORS

• PLACE THE UNIT ON A STABLE BASE OR MOUNT IT IN A STABLE RACK

• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER

• UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME

• ONLY CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION

This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not perform any servicing unless you are qualified to.

The pin connections for the AUDAC PMQ480 are as follows:

XLR (for balanced microphone input connections):

• Pin 1: Ground

• Pin 2: Signal +

• Pin 3: Signal –

3-Pin Euro-Terminal Block (for balanced in and output connections):

• Left: Signal – (corresponds to XLR Pin 3)

• Center: Signal + (corresponds to XLR Pin 2)

• Right: Ground (corresponds to XLR Pin 1)

The RS232 serial connection interface on the AUDAC PMQ480, used for connection with home automation systems or other remote control equipment, has the following pinout and settings:

Connection (Standard RS232):

• PIN 2: TX

• PIN 3: RX

• PIN 5: GND

Settings:

• 19200 Baud

• 8 Bit

• 1 Stop bit

• No parity

• No Handshaking

The front panel of the AUDAC PMQ480 provides the following controls and indicators:

USB port: Located on the left side, this port is for inserting USB flash drives (FAT32 format) to load configuration files or to save system configurations.

Graphical LCD display: A 2.5″ true color display that provides a clear system overview and an intuitive user interface for browsing the menu structure.

Rotary selection dial: This multifunctional dial allows for easy one-hand operation. Turn it to browse through menus and options, and press it to select or confirm actions.

Channel selection buttons with indicator LEDs: Each of the four channels has a selection button and four indicator LEDs.

• Pressing a button calls up the settings for that channel.

• The LEDs provide a continuous indication of the channel’s status:

• Signal (Green): Illuminates when a signal is present.

• –20dB (Green): Illuminates when the input signal exceeds the -20 dBu level.

• Clip (Red): Illuminates when the channel is at maximum level. It should only light up at peak levels to ensure the best signal-to-noise ratio. When it illuminates, the output limiter will intervene to prevent distorted “clipping” sound.

• Protection (Red): Illuminates when overheating or another fault is detected. When lit, no signal will be available on the outputs.

Power switch: Switches the amplifier on and off. A blue indicator LED next to the switch illuminates when the power is on.

To change the volume for multiple outputs at the same time on your AUDAC PMQ480, press and hold the channel selection buttons for the desired channels for about 3 seconds. The selected channels will be grouped, and any volume change made with the rotary dial will apply to all of them simultaneously.

The rear panel of the AUDAC PMQ480 features the following connections:

• AC Power inlet with fuse: For connecting the mains power supply (230~240 V AC / 50 Hz) using an IEC power connector. It is fitted with a fuse.

• Loudspeaker output connections: Implemented as 4-pin terminal block connectors for each of the four output channels.

• Signal input connections: Implemented in two ways for each of the four input channels: a balanced XLR connector and a 3-pin terminal block connector. These are linked in parallel, allowing for signal link-through to other amplifiers.

• RS232 Connection: For controlling the amplifier via external hardware like home and industrial automation systems.

• Optional expansion port: A D-size slot, covered by a blind plate in standard configuration, for installing optional modules.

Follow these steps for a quick start setup of your AUDAC PMQ480. ATTENTION: Ensure the amplifier is powered OFF before making any connections.

1) Connecting audio sources: Connect your audio sources (pre-amplifiers, mixers, etc.) to the input connections (XLR or terminal block) on the rear panel.

2) Connecting loudspeakers: Connect your loudspeakers to the output terminal blocks. For standard applications, use the + and – terminals. If bridging channels, make connections as indicated on the rear panel.

3) Other connections: Connect the mains power cord and an RS-232 cable if required. The amplifier is now ready to be powered up and configured.

4) Configuration using presets (optional): If you have a predefined set solution file (*.SOL), save it to a USB drive and insert it into the front USB port. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘USB’ > ‘Load’, find the file, and press the function dial to load it. This will configure all settings automatically, and you can skip the following steps.

5) Configuring the outputs (if not using presets): In a standard setup, each output channel functions independently, so this step can be skipped. If you need to bridge channels or make other output configurations, do so in the ‘Output setup’ menu.

6) Configuring the inputs: By default, Input 1 is patched to Output 1, Input 2 to Output 2, etc. If you need to assign different inputs to outputs, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Input’. After assigning inputs, adjust the input gain for each source under ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘Input gain’. A correct gain setting is achieved when the green indicator blinks frequently, the orange indicator (-6 dB) lights up only on peaks, and the red indicator rarely blinks.

7) Acoustics configuration: To optimize sound, you can configure filters, such as low-pass for subwoofers and high-pass for mid/high speakers. This is done in the ‘Setup’ > ‘Output configuration’ > ‘Filters’ menu. You can also use the 7-band equalizer in the same menu to tailor the sound to the room’s acoustics.

After these steps, your system is ready to use.

The AUDAC PMQ480 provides flexible input connections. For each input channel, there is a balanced XLR connector and a 3-pin terminal block connector (3.81 mm pitch). These two connectors are linked in parallel.

You can apply your signal to either the XLR or the terminal block connector. The second, unused connector can be used to link the input signal through to another amplifier if needed. The input matrix allows any input signal to be patched to any amplifier channel, making external linking redundant when driving multiple channels with the same signal.

Loudspeaker connections on the AUDAC PMQ480 are made using the 4-pin terminal block (5.08 mm pitch) connectors on the rear panel. Each output channel has its own connector with two identical 100V terminals and two identical COM terminals for convenient connection of two loudspeaker lines.

For 100V Systems: Connect the loudspeaker lines to the ‘100V’ and ‘COM’ terminals. You can connect numerous 100V loudspeakers in parallel as long as the total load impedance does not fall below the minimum specified for the amplifier.

For 8 Ω Systems: When the amplifier is configured for 8 Ohm output, connect your loudspeaker to the ‘100V’ and ‘COM’ terminals. It is not allowed to connect a load impedance below 8 Ω. This means you can connect one 8 Ω loudspeaker or two 16 Ω loudspeakers in parallel.

The output voltage, impedance, and maximum power load for the AUDAC PMQ480 are as follows:

In 100 Volt output configuration:

In 8 Ohm output configuration:

To guarantee proper functioning of the AUDAC PMQ480 system, follow these wiring rules:

1. Speaker cable for amplified outputs:

• Minimum: 2 x 1.5 mm²

• If distance is greater than 15 meters: 2 x 2.5 mm²

2. Music sources and zone outputs:

• Must be connected with high-quality audio cable and high-quality connectors.

The main screen of the AUDAC PMQ480 displays a fader overview for all output channels. It shows the output channel name, the linked input, and the current output level.

To adjust the level of a single channel:

1. Press the ‘Channel selection button’ below the VU meter for the channel you wish to adjust.

2. Turn the rotary function dial clockwise to increase the level or counter-clockwise to decrease it. The fader on the screen will move accordingly.

The output level can be adjusted from 0 dB to –70 dB.

At the bottom of the screen, a mute indicator is shown for each channel. It is green when the channel is active and turns red when muted.

To access the Settings menu on the AUDAC PMQ480, press the rotary function dial once from the main screen. This menu is only accessible in administrator mode.

Once in the menu, you can:

• Scroll: Turn the rotary function dial to scroll through the menu options (Level, Input, Mute, Output setup, General setup). The currently selected option will be highlighted.

• Select: Press the rotary function dial to call the settings for the highlighted option.

Depending on the selection, a new menu, a selection screen, or a toggle option will appear.

To select the input source for a specific output channel on your AUDAC PMQ480, follow these steps:

1. Press the channel selection button for the output you want to configure.

2. Press the rotary dial to enter the Settings menu.

3. Turn the dial to highlight ‘Input’ and press the dial to select it.

4. A list of available inputs will appear. You can link any single input to the selected output. You can also select summed inputs (e.g., Input 1+2), which is useful for patching stereo input channels to a mono output.

5. Turn the dial to highlight your desired input source and press the dial to confirm.

To configure the audio filters on your AUDAC PMQ480:

1. Select the desired output channel and navigate to the Settings menu.

2. Select ‘Output setup’.

3. Select either ‘Low pass’ or ‘High pass’ to configure the desired filter type. You can create a ‘Band pass’ filter by using a combination of both.

4. You can adjust the following characteristics:

• Filter Type: Selectable between Butterworth, Bessel, and Linkwitz-Riley.

• Roll-off: Selectable between 12 dB/Oct and 24 dB/Oct.

• Cutoff frequency: Infinitely adjustable between 1 Hz and 22 kHz.

5. To adjust a parameter, turn the dial to highlight it, then press to toggle between values (for Type and Roll-off). For frequency, press the dial, then turn and press to select and change each digit. Once the desired frequency is set, confirm it by pressing and turning the dial to the ‘OK’ prompt.

6. After setting all characteristics, select the ‘BACK’ option to return to the output setup menu.

To adjust the 7-band parametric equalizer for an output channel on the AUDAC PMQ480:

1. Select the output channel and navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Output setup’.

2. Select ‘EQ settings’. A fader overview for the 7 bands will be shown.

3. To adjust the level (gain) of a band: Turn the rotary dial to select the desired frequency band (it will be indicated in green), then press the dial. Turn the dial to adjust the level (+15 dB to –15 dB), and press again to confirm.

4. To adjust the center frequency or Q-factor: Select the ‘EQ-frequency’ or ‘EQ Q-factor’ button at the bottom of the screen. A pop-up window will appear. Here you can adjust the center frequency (1 Hz to 22 kHz) and Q-factor (0.1 to 15) for each band in a similar way to adjusting the filter frequency.

5. After making the required adjustments, select the ‘BACK’ button to return to the equalizer screen, and then again to return to the output setup menu.

To set a specific delay between the input and output signal on your AUDAC PMQ480, which is useful for time alignment of loudspeakers:

1. Select the desired output channel and go to the ‘Settings’ > ‘Output setup’ menu.

2. Turn the dial to highlight ‘Delay’ and press to select it.

3. Turn the rotary selection dial to adjust the delay. It is configurable in meters, from 0 to 12 meters, with a resolution of 0.1 meter per step.

4. Once the desired delay is set, press the rotary function dial to confirm.

This function guarantees that the output level will never exceed a certain configured value, providing protection against non-authorized users turning the volume too high.

1. Select the desired output channel and go to the ‘Settings’ > ‘Output setup’ menu.

2. Select ‘Max level’.

3. The screen will show a fader with the currently configured maximum output level. The fader will turn green when selected.

4. Turn the rotary function dial to adjust the maximum level. The fader will slide up or down. The range is adjustable from 0 dB (no restrictions) to -70 dB.

5. After setting the desired value, press the rotary function dial to confirm.

The automatic standby mode on the AUDAC PMQ480 switches a channel to a low-power state when no signal is detected for a set period. To configure it:

1. Select the output channel you wish to configure and navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Output setup’.

2. Select ‘Standby’.

3. You can set the delay time between the absence of a signal and switching to standby mode. The range is from 1 to 10 minutes, or you can disable it by selecting ‘never’.

4. Turn the rotary dial to your desired setting and press to confirm.

To set the gain for each individual input on the AUDAC PMQ480:

1. From the main screen, press the rotary dial to enter the Settings menu.

2. Select ‘General setup’.

3. Select ‘Input gain’.

4. Turn the dial to scroll to the input you want to adjust (Input 1, 2, 3, or 4).

5. Press the dial, then turn it to adjust the gain within a range of –16.5 dB to +30.75 dB.

6. Monitor the three-color level indicators on the right side of the display to set the correct level. A correct regulation is achieved when:

• The green indicator is frequently blinking.

• The yellow indicator only illuminates at the peaks (–6 dB).

• The red indicator blinks rarely or not at all. If it blinks frequently, the input is overdriven and the gain should be reduced.

The AUDAC PMQ480 provides two levels of password protection: administrator (full access) and user (volume access only). By default, both passwords are set to ‘0000’, giving full access without a prompt.

To configure passwords:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘Password’.

2. Select either ‘Admin pass’ or ‘User pass’ from the left column.

3. The currently selected password will be shown. Press the rotary dial to start editing.

4. The first digit will turn red. Turn the dial to change its value.

5. Press the dial to confirm the digit and move to the next one. Repeat for all four digits.

6. After the last digit is set, press the dial, then turn it clockwise until the ‘OK’ word appears. Press the dial again to confirm the new password.

If a password other than ‘0000’ is set, it will be requested before access to the relevant functions is provided.

To adjust the settings for the LCD display on your AUDAC PMQ480:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘LCD’.

2. You can adjust two settings:

• Brightness: Adjust the screen brightness within a range of 10% to 100%.

• Backlight off: Set the time after which the backlight will automatically turn off. This can be adjusted from 5 to 120 minutes (in 5-minute steps) or set to ‘never’ (always on).

3. Turn the dial to highlight the setting you want to change, press the dial, then turn it to the desired value and press again to confirm.

To save a complete backup of the AUDAC PMQ480’s configuration:

1. Insert a FAT32 formatted USB flash drive into the front USB port.

2. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘USB’.

3. Select ‘Save’.

4. A window will appear where you can select a filename for the configuration backup. The file will be saved as …\AUDAC\SETTINGS\FILENAME.SET on the USB drive.

This allows you to create a complete backup for system recovery or to duplicate the configuration on other amplifiers.

To load configuration files into your AUDAC PMQ480:

1. Insert a FAT32 formatted USB flash drive containing the configuration files into the front USB port.

2. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’ > ‘USB’.

3. Select ‘Load’. A file browser window will appear.

4. Turn the rotary dial to browse through the files and folders on the USB drive. Press the dial to enter folders or select a file.

5. The loading process depends on the file type:

• Loudspeaker Presets (*.SPF): After selecting an .SPF file, a pop-up window will appear. Select the channel(s) where you want to apply the preset, then select ‘load settings’. This will overwrite existing EQ settings on those channels.

• Complete System Configurations (*.SOL): When a .SOL file is selected, it will be loaded immediately without requiring channel selection. All previous EQ and filter settings are removed.

• System Backups (*.SET): These files are created by the user via the ‘Save’ function. They load in the same way as a .SOL file, immediately overwriting the current configuration.

A factory reset will recall all settings to their factory defaults, and all previously made settings and configurations will be lost.

1. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’.

2. Scroll to and select ‘Factory reset’.

3. A confirmation will be asked to ensure you want to reset all settings.

4. Confirm the action. All settings will be lost and returned to their default state.

To save the current settings for output levels, selected inputs, and channel muting so they are automatically reloaded after a power cycle:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’.

2. Scroll to and select ‘Save’.

The values will be saved. Other configuration settings (like filters, EQ, passwords) are automatically saved when they are modified and will be recalled automatically after a power down and restart.

To lock the amplifier and prevent unauthorized access to the user interface:

1. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General setup’.

2. Scroll to and select ‘Lock’.

The amplifier will be locked. If a password has been configured, it will be required before any access is given to the user interface of the amplifier.