Four Audio PPA Series Manuel utilisateur

PPA Series Datasheet and Manual

(HW rev. 2.1)

This document covers passively and actively cooled product versions

Version 1.9

2017-06-28

Content

1. Important Safety Information............................................................................................................................................3

2. EC Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................................................................6

3. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................8

4. Product Specifications........................................................................................................................................................8

4.1. Cooling Concept ........................................................................................................................................................8

4.2. DRC or 2CH? ..............................................................................................................................................................8

4.3. PPA Versions..............................................................................................................................................................9

5. Technical data.................................................................................................................................................................. 10

5.1. PPA500-Series ........................................................................................................................................................ 10

5.2. PPA1000-Series ...................................................................................................................................................... 12

5.3. PPA1600 and 2200-Series...................................................................................................................................... 14

6. Block Diagram of Signal Processing ................................................................................................................................ 16

7. Loudspeaker Connections............................................................................................................................................... 17

7.1. PPA500 and 1000 / Pascal® T/ S-PRO Module...................................................................................................... 18

7.2. PPA1600 / Pascal® M-PRO Module ....................................................................................................................... 19

7.3. PPA2200-1 to 3 / Pascal® X-PRO1 to 3.................................................................................................................. 20

7.3.1. Bridging.......................................................................................................................................................... 20

8. Preset or Source Selector................................................................................................................................................ 21

9. Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22

10. CAD Drawings .................................................................................................................................................................. 23

11. PC Software ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24

11.1. Driver installation ................................................................................................................................................... 24

11.2. Application Key....................................................................................................................................................... 25

11.3. Example: Generate a Preset for a 2.1 Speaker Setup .......................................................................................... 25

11.3.1. Speaker Tab ................................................................................................................................................... 27

11.4. Crossover Tab......................................................................................................................................................... 29

11.5. EQ Gain Tab ............................................................................................................................................................ 32

11.6. Limiter Tab.............................................................................................................................................................. 33

11.7. Upload Project to Device ....................................................................................................................................... 33

11.8. Firmware Update ................................................................................................................................................... 34

12. Contact............................................................................................................................................................................. 37

13. Document Revision History............................................................................................................................................. 37

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

1. Important Safety Information

This device complies with the CE and VDE directives and fulfills the requirements of class 1 (DIN EN 62368-

1:2016-05). It has been manufactured and tested with your safety in mind. However, improper use can result in

potential electric shock or fire hazards.

To avoid defeating the safeguards that have been built into the device, please observe the precautions discussed

in this document.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within a triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of

uninsulated “dangerous” voltages within your device’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to

constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important instructions in the

literature accompanying the device.

Warnings

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OF THE DEVICE.

THERE ARE DANGEROUS VOLTAGES INSIDE THE UNIT EVEN WHEN MAINS IS DISCONNECTED.

THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE IT.

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO BY FOUR AUDIO.

REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

SERVICING THE DEVICE YOURSELF WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.

THIS IS A PROTECTIVE CLASS 1 DEVICE AND MUST THEREFORE BE EARTHED! NEVER DISCONNECT THE

PROTECTIVE EARTH CONDUCTOR.

Ventilation

Slots and openings in the casing of the device are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable operation of the

device and to protect it from overheating.

MAKE SURE THAT ALL VENTILATION SLOTS ARE CLEAN AND FREE OF DUST.

NEVER BLOCK THE VENTILATION OPENINGS BY PLACING THE DEVICE ON A BED, SOFA, RUG OR OTHER SIMILAR

SURFACE.

NEVER COVER THE VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH ITEMS SUCH AS NEWSPAPERS, CLOTHS ETC.

DO NOT PLACE THE DEVICE IN A BUILT-IN INSTALLATION SUCH AS A BOOKCASE OR RACK UNLESS PROPER

VENTILATION IS PROVIDED OR YOU HAVE ADHERED TO THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

Water and moisture

THE APPLIANCE IS BUILT FOR INDOOR USE. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER:

DO NOT EXPLOIT IT TO HUMIDITY OR EXTREME TEMPERATURES.

ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, ARE PLACED ON THE DEVICE.

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ THE INFORMATION FOR USE (USER MANUAL).

PLEASE KEEP THE USER MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE PRODUCT. THE USER

MANUAL FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PRODUCT. RESELLING OF THE PRODUCT IS ONLY POSSIBLE

IF THE USER MANUAL IS AVAILABLE. ANY CHANGES MADE TO THE PRODUCT HAVE TO BE

DOCUMENTED IN WRITING AND PASSED ON TO THE BUYER IN THE EVENT OF RESALE.

HEED ALL WARNINGS.

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, IN DAMP ROOMS OR NEAR A SWIMMING

POOL).

CLEAN ONLY WITH DRY CLOTH.

DO NOT COVER THE HEAT SINK. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE USER MANUAL.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER

APPARATUS THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED OR DAMAGED IN ANY OTHER WAY.

PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO PLUGS AND THE POINT WHERE THEY EXIT FROM THE AMPLIFIER UNIT.

THE PRODUCT MAY ONLY BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE USER

MANUAL.

BEFORE AND DURING THE USAGE OF THE AMPLIFIER PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL RECOMMENDATIONS,

ESPECIALLY THE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE USER MANUAL, ARE ADHERED TO. THE AMPLIFIER

UNIT IS DESIGNED FOR THE AMPLIFICATION OF PULSED AUDIO SIGNALS AND THE AMPLIFIER UNIT

SHOULD ONLY BE CONNECTED TO SPEAKERS WITH AN AVERAGE IMPEDANCE THAT IS NOT LOWER

THAN THE IMPEDANCES SPECIFIED IN THE USER'S MANUAL.

DO NOT PLACE THE PRODUCT ON AN UNSTABLE CART, STAND, TRIPOD, BRACKET, OR TABLE. THE

DEVICE MAY FALL,CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, AND SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE DEVICE ITSELF.

THE AMPLIFIER UNIT CAN ONLY BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SUPPLY BY REMOVING THE

PLUG, WHICH MUST BE FREELY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. UNPLUG THIS AMPLIFIER UNIT DURING

LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

DAMAGES THAT REQUIRE SERVICE

UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER UNIT FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY AND REFER TO YOUR DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER

AUTHORIZED REPAIR WORKSHOP. SERVICING IS REQUIRED WHEN:

THE POWER-SUPPLY CORD OR PLUG HAS BEEN DAMAGED.

LIQUID HAS BEEN SPILLED OR OBJECTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE AMPLIFIER.

THE AMPLIFIER HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

THE AMPLIFIER HAS BEEN DROPPED OR SUFFERED DAMAGE IN ANY OTHER WAY.

THE AMPLIFIER EXHIBITS A DISTINCT CHANGE FROM ITS NORMAL FUNCTION OR PERFORMANCE.

SERVICING:

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS PRODUCT YOURSELF. AS OPENING OR REMOVING COVERS MAY EXPOSE

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

YOU TO DANGEROUS VOLTAGE OR OTHER HAZARDS, THE AMPLIFIER MAY ONLY BE OPENED BY QUALIFIED

PERSONNEL. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR.

SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT PARTS:

ALL SERVICE AND REPAIR WORK MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR. WHEN

REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR ONLY USES

REPLACEMENT PARTS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE USE OF UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS

MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE THROUGH FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICITY-RELATED

HAZARDS.

SAFETY CHECK:

UPON COMPLETION OF ANY SERVICE OR REPAIRS TO THIS PRODUCT, ASK THE DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR TO

PERFORM SAFETY CHECKS TO DETERMINE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS IN PROPER OPERATING CONDITION.

READ THE INFORMATION FOR USE (USER MANUAL):

WHEN SHIPPING THE PRODUCT, ALWAYS USE THE ORIGINAL SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS. FOR

MAXIMUM PROTECTION, REPACK THE UNIT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY PACKED AT THE FACTORY.

ENVIRONMENTS:

USE THIS PRODUCT ONLY IN E1, E2, E3 OR E4 ENVIRONMENTS ACCORDING TO EN55103-2.“ELECTROMAGNETIC

COMPATIBILITY –PRODUCT FAMILY STANDARD FOR AUDIO, VIDEO AND AUDIO-VISUAL AND

ENTERTAINMENTLIGHTING CONTROL APPARATUS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE –PART 2: IMMUNITY”.

VENTILATION AND HEAT SINK:

THE HEATSINK IS PROVIDED TO ENSURE RELIABLE OPERATION OF THE AMPLIFIER UNIT AND TO PROTECT IT

FROM OVERHEATING.THE HEAT SINK MUST NOT BE BLOCKED OR COVERED. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD NOT BE

INSTALLED UNLESS PROPER VENTILATIONIS PROVIDED OR MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN

ADHERED TO.

WATER AND MOISTURE:

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, IN DAMP ROOMS OR NEAR A SWIMMING POOL).

CLEANING:

UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER UNIT FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE CLEANING. DO NOT USE LIQUID OR AEROSOL

CLEANERS.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION:

POWER SUPPLY CORDS SHOULD BE ROUTED SO THAT THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE WALKED ON OR PINCHED BY

ITEMS PLACEDUPON THEM OR AGAINST THEM, PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO CORDS AND PLUGS, AND

THE POINT WHERE THEY EXIT FROM THE AMPLIFIER UNIT.

LIGHTNING:

FOR ADDED PROTECTION OF THE PRODUCT DURING LIGHTNING STORMS, OR WHEN IT IS LEFT UNATTENDED

AND UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, UNPLUG IT FROM THE WALL OUTLET. THIS WILL PREVENT DAMAGE

TO THE PRODUCT DUE TO LIGHTNING AND POWER-LINE SURGES. DISCONNECTION FROM THE MAINS POWER

SUPPLY CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY REMOVING THE PLUG FROM THE MAINS SOCKET AND BY EXTERNAL

DISCONNECTION OF ALL POLES FROM THE MAINS.

INTERFERENCE OF EXTERNAL OBJECTS AND/OR LIQUIDS WITH THE APPLIANCE:

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

NEVER PUSH OBJECTS OF ANY KIND INTO THIS PRODUCT THROUGH OPENINGS AS THEY MAY TOUCH

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE POINTS OR SHORT OUT PARTS THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK.

NEVER SPILL LIQUID OF ANY KIND ON THE AMPLIFIER.

ACCESSORIES:

DO NOT PLACE THIS PRODUCT ON AN UNSTABLE CART, STAND, TRIPOD, BRACKET, OR TABLE. THE PRODUCT

MAY FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, AND SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT. ANY MOUNTING OF THE

PRODUCT SHOULD FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS, AND SHOULD USE A MOUNTING

ACCESSORY RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

CONNECTING:

WHEN YOU CONNECT THE AMPLIFIER UNIT TO OTHER EQUIPMENT, TURN OFF THE POWER AND UNPLUG ALL OF

THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE SUPPLY SOURCE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHOCK AND SERIOUS

PERSONAL INJURY. READ THE USER'S MANUAL OF THE OTHER EQUIPMENT CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE

INSTRUCTIONS WHEN MAKING THE CONNECTIONS.

SOUND VOLUME:

REDUCE THE VOLUME TO MINIMUM BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE AMPLIFIER TO PREVENT SUDDEN HIGH LEVELS

OF NOISE WHICH MAY CAUSE HEARING OR SPEAKER DAMAGE.

SPEAKON CONNECTORS:

WARNING: SPEAKON CONNECTORS MARKED WITH THE LIGHTNING FLASHES INDICATE HIGH VOLTAGES THAT

ARE POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING.

WIRING TO THESE TERMINALS REQUIRES INSTALLATION BY AN INSTRUCTED PERSON AND THE USE OF READY-

MADE LEADS OR CORDS.

CUSTOM WIRING SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

Disposal

When the end-of-life of your device is reached, do not dispose this device in the household waste.

This protects our environment and saves raw materials. Return it to your distributor who will dispose

it free of charge for you.

Four Audio assumes no liability for improper use of the product (e.g. operating errors, incorrect line voltage)

KEEP THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

2. EC Declaration of Conformity

An example of this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European and

international Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety:

Radiated Emission (EU): EN55103-1 (1996)

RF Immunity (EU): EN55103-2 (1996)

Electrical Safety (EU): EN60065 (1993)

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

Manufacturer's Name & Address

Four Audio GmbH & Co. KG

Konrad-Zuse-Str. 4

52134 Herzogenrath

Germany

Product Names

PPA2200-n-AC, PPA1600-n-AC, PPA1000-n-AC, PPA1000-n-PC, PPA500-n-AC, PPA500-n-PC

with n as number 1..4

Aachen, May-10-2017

Rainer Thaden

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

3. Introduction

The PPA Series provides a high-quality DSP-powered class-D amplifier solution for active loudspeakers. It

features amplifier modules from Pascal ®, analogue and digital AES and optional Dante® inputs.

The PPA range covers modules with one to four output channels and either active (low-noise fan) or passive

cooling.

4. Product Specifications

Analog signals are converted to digital by a dual range ADC for high dynamic input range. Signal processing is

done in 32-bit floating point on an Analog Devices SHARC® DSP.

In general, FIR filters are available for linear phase system response. Usual IIR X-Overs and EQs can be used

instead or additionally. An advanced limiter concept protects speakers and prevents amp and PSU overheating.

The PPA is programmed via USB. The operational status of the PPA is shown on the touch display which can also

be used to e.g. change presets.

Main features:

Up to 2500 + 2x800 W Output power (PPA2200-3)

1..4 Channel versions available to cover a wide variety of speaker configurations

Dante digital audio network optionally available

32-bit floating-point SHARC DSP

Analog, digital AES and optional Dante® signal input

Output channels are bridgeable to double single-channel power

PFC (power factor correction)

Low-noise fan or passive cooling option

USB and touch screen

4.1. Cooling Concept

The PPA models with active cooling use low-speed spinning fans. In some cases (Hi-Fi applications), these fans

could produce an audible noise. For these applications, PPA models with passive cooling can be used. They are

fanless and provide a milled aluminum backplate. The passive cooling option is available for PPA modes up to the

PPA 1000-4.

4.2. DRC or 2CH?

To achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio all single input channel models use a dual-range analog-to-digital

converter. It is also possible to split the dual-range converter and have two analog inputs. Please also see 6.

You can tell 2Ch from DRC models from the nr of XLR jacks. In addition to one analog input and one AES input,

the 2Ch model has a third XLR jack for the second analog input.

PPA –1000 –4 –AC - DRC

Total output power

Number of amp outputs

[1..4 channels]

AC: active cooling (fan)

PC: passive cooling

DRC: dual range converter)

2CH: 2 analog inputs

Figure 1 PPA product naming scheme

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

4.3. PPA Versions

The PPA 500 to 1000 Versions are also available in a passively cooled version, which makes them particularly

suitable for Hi-Fi or cinema applications.

(standard values in bold)

Type

Output

Channels

Pascal

Amp

Analog

AES

Dante

Output Power1

Total

output

power2

Passive

cooled

available?

Application

example

PPA…

see 3

SE @ 4 Ω

BTL (8 Ω)

500-1

T-PRO1

1/ 2

yes

optional

500 W

n.a.

500 W

yes

1-way speaker or

with passive XOV

500-2

T-PRO2

1/ 2

yes

optional

500

+150 W

n.a.

500 W

yes

2-way speaker

with active XOV

500-3

T-PRO2

+S-A1

1 / 2

yes

optional

2x500

+150 W

n.a.

500 W

yes

2.1 system with

active XOV

500-4

T-PRO2

+S-A2

1 / 2

yes

optional

3x500

+150 W

n.a.

500 W

yes

2.1 system with

active XOV

1000-2

S-PRO2

1/ 2

yes

optional

2x500 W

100 W

1000 W

yes

2-way speaker

with active XOV

or one 1-.way

speaker

1000-3

S-PRO2

+S-A1

1 / 2

yes

optional

3x500 W

1000

+500 W

1000 W

yes

3-way speaker

with active XOV

1000-4

S-PRO2

+S-A2

1 / 2

yes

optional

4x500 W

1000

+2x500 W

1000 W

yes

2-way speaker

with BTL

subwoofer

1600-2

M-PRO2

1/ 2

yes

optional

2x800 W

1600 W

2-way speaker

with active XOV

2200-1

X-PRO1

1/ 2

yes

optional

2500 W

1000 W

subwoofer

2200-2

X-PRO2

1/ 2

yes

optional

2500

+700 W

2-way speaker

with active XOV

2200-3

X-PRO3

1 / 2

yes

optional

2500

+2x800 W

2x1500 W

2.1 system:

Subwoofer and

two tops with

passive XOV or 3-

way active XOV

speaker

Amplifier output power, total output power is limited by the power supply unit

Maximum output of power supply unit

Standard configuration is one analog input. Ask for 2 analog inputs

Date: 2017-06-28

PPA DSP amplifier user manual

5. Technical data

5.1. PPA500-Series

PPA500-1

PPA500-2

PPA500-3

PPA500-4

Power Amp section

Pascal Module(s)

T-PRO1

T-PRO2

T-PRO2+S-A1

T-PRO2+S-A2

Total module output power

(limited by power supply)

520 / 470 W (230/120 V)

Number of amplifier channels

Single channel output power

(1% THD+N, 1kHz)

Ch. 1, 3, 4: 245 W at 8 Ω

Ch. 2: 120 W at 16 Ω

Single channel output power

(1% THD+N, 1kHz)

Ch. 1, 3, 4: 500 /430 W (230/120 V) at 4 Ω

Ch. 2: 220 W at 8 Ω

Peak output current

Ch. 1,3,4: 30 A, Ch. 2: 11 A

Peak output voltage (SE)

±70 V (equals RMS value of 36 dBu)

Peak output voltage (BTL)

±140 V

THD+N

(1kHz, 1W, 8 Ω)

0,003 %

Dynamic range

A-weighted: 120 dB, unweighted: 118 dB

Output idle noise

All channels: 53 µVRMS / -83.3 dBu unweighted, 41 µVRMS / -85.5 dBu A-weighted

Output impedance

Protection

Over current, DC, temperature, high frequency

DSP section

Max. input level

+22.9 dBu

Total system gain with flat DSP

preset (no signal processing)

14.5 dB

Analog input SNR

128 dB(A)

Output SNR

112 dB(A)

Limiters

Look ahead peak limiter, thermal limiter, overall power supply limiter

Low-/Highpass 6 and 12 dB, Bell filter, allpass, shelving filter 6 dB and 12 dB

Crossovers

Bessel, Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley, Critical

Other DSP features

input delay, output delay, phase inversion, gain

FIR

Linear phase X-over and linear phase loudspeaker equalization

Connectors

Analog in 1

balanced XLR (input impedance 20 kΩ)

Analog in 2 (optional)

n.a.

balanced XLR

(input impedance

20 kΩ)

balanced XLR

(input impedance

20 kΩ)

Digital AES in

XLR

Ce manuel convient aux modèles suivants

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