A.900 / A.1800 / A.2800
HEAVY DUTY PROFESSIONAL AMPLIFIERS
USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your decision to purchase Stanton’s innovative new A Series professional power amplifier! Engineered for superior sound
reproduction, the A Series line of professional amplifiers deliver top quality audio at an affordable price. The A Series offer a standard of
reliability and efficiency that makes them the perfect solution for every DJ, musician, and sound engineer. Welcome to a new level of pro-
fessional quality sound performance!
UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
Although it is neither complicated to install, nor difficult to operate your amplifier, a few minutes of your time are required to read this
manual for a properly wired installation, and to become familiar with the unit’s features. Please take great care in unpacking the unit and
do not discard the carton and other packing materials. They may be needed when moving the unit and are required if it ever becomes
necessary to return the unit for service. Never place the unit near a radiator, in front of heating vents, in direct sunlight, in excessive
humidity, or dusty locations to avoid damages and to guaranty a long reliable use. Connect the unit with the system components accord-
ing to the description on the following pages.
FEATURES
• Stanton amplifiers deliver the following power ratings.
• A.900 - 2 x 210 Watts at 8 ohm, 2 x 320 Watts at 4 ohm and 2 x 420 Watts at 2 ohm
• A.1800 - 2 x 400 Watts at 8 ohm, 2 x 600 Watts at 4 ohm and 2 x 900 Watts at 2 ohm
• A.2800 - 2 x 600 Watts at 8 ohm, 2 x 900 Watts at 4 ohm and 2 x 1400 Watts at 2 ohm
• 2-channel, parallel or bridged mono operating modes for flexible application 900 Watts for A.900, 1800 Watts for A.1800 and 2800
Watts for A.2800
• Independent limiters for each channel reduce distortion
• Independent input level controls for each channel allow precision adjustments
• Precise signal and clip LED indicators to monitor performance, allow you to correct for overloading (clipping) condition
• Low-frequency filters (40 Hz) remove rumble and subsonic frequencies
• Twin-tunnel and two temperature-sensitivity forced-air cooling system to maintain a low operating temperature during use
• Balanced XLR or balanced 1/4-inch TRS Combination input connector for each channel and LINK ports
• 5-way output binding posts or Speakon® connectors enable secure operation
• High-current toroidal transformer for absolute reliability
• Independent DC and thermal overload protection on each channel automatically protects amplifier and speaker from damage or failure
• The A-Series can be mounted in any standard 19” rack
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1. Rack Ears
These ears are used to mount the amplifier in any standard 19”
rack.
6. Active Indicators
2. Fan Vent
These blue LED's indicate that AC power is connected and the
amplifier is turned on.
The A-Series amplifiers are cooled by two rear-mounted fans
(except for A.900 which is cooled by a single rear mounted fan).
Cool air flows through the front fan filters, reducing the tempera-
ture internal components while forcing the heat out the rear vents.
Never block these vents and keep them clean at all time.
7. Protect Indicators
These red LED's indicate that the channel is in Protect mode.
When the channel goes into protect mode all output for that chan-
nel will be muted. The protect LED's light when overheating or
other severe problems occur. This is to protect any speakers con-
nected to the channel. The LED's also light for approximately five
seconds whenever the unit is powered on and fade slowly when
the amplifier is powered off.
3. AC Power Switch
This switch powers the unit on and off.
4. Signal Indicators
These blue LED's will illuminate to indicate that a signal is pres-
ent at the amplifier input, and that the signal is being amplified.
8. Channel input level control
These two 21-position detented potentiometers adjust input level
for their respective amplifier channels. In Bridged Mono Mode,
only channel 1 level control are used to adjust signal level. In
Parallel Mode, both input level control are used to adjust signal
level for their respective amplifier channels. At their fully counter-
clockwise position, the signal is attenuated by more than 80dB. At
their fully clockwise position, the signal is at unity gain. When 0
dBu of signal arrives at the input jacks and the Channel input level
controls are set to their fully clockwise position, the unit delivers
full power output.
5. Clip Indicators
These red LED's will illuminate at the clipping threshold. These
lights should not light up during normal use as they indicate sig-
nal outside of the amplification range of the amplifier. When a sig-
nal is "clipped" and the clip indicator illuminates, it means that the
signal is being distorted at the output stage. Prolonged clipping
can not only damage your amplifier, but also your speakers, so be
careful to monitor the clip indicator during setup and use. If the
clip indicator is illuminated then simply lower the channel gain or
input signal until the indicator does not light.
REAR PANEL CONTROLS
7. 5-way Binding Post
1. Fan
Connect each channel of the unit to 4 ohms or 8 ohms loudspeak-
ers.Two pairs of 5-way binding posts are provided for each chan-
nel, so that paralleling of speakers is possible. Connection to the
binding posts can be made with bare wire, banana plugs, or
spade lug terminations. Make connections to both the Channel 1
and Channel 2 terminals for Stereo or Parallel Mode, or a single
connection across the red terminals only of Channel 1 and
Channel 2 for Bridged Mono Mode.
This is a variable speed cooling fan. Cool air enters the amplifier
through the fan filters located on the front of the amplifier. Be sure
not to block these ports when installing the amplifier or other
equipment.
2. Input connectors
Connect the input source to the balanced combo connectors
using either XLR or 1/4” TRS plugs. They are configured as fol-
lows : Pin 2 (Tip) hot, Pin 3 (Ring) cold, and Pin 1 (Sleeve)
ground. We recommend using balanced three-conductor cabling
wherever possible. Unbalanced two-conductor 1/4” plugs can
also be inserted into these inputs, but you will get better signal
quality and less outside noise and hum if you use balanced lines.
Stereo signal should be connected to both the Channel 1 and
Channel 2 input jacks. When operating the unit in Bridged Mono
or Parallel modes, use the Channel 1 input jack only.
8. Speakon® output connectors
You can use these to connect each channel of the unit to 8 ohms
or 4 ohms loudspeakers. Using Speakon® speaker cables, make
connections to both the channel 1 and channel 2 connectors for
Stereo or Parallel Mode, or to the Bridged mode connector for
Bridged Mono Mode.
9. Circuit breaker
The breaker acts in place of common disposable fuses. This cir-
cuit breaker will trip if there is a fault with the main voltage or if
maximum output is exceeded. Simply depress the circuit breaker
and power up the unit again.
3. Link connectors
These jacks are used to send a parallel signal to another device
or amplifier.
4. High Pass Filter (HPF) switch.
10. AC input
These switches are used to activate the built-in High Pass Filter.
The HPF rolls off signals below 40Hz. This improves bass per-
formance by limiting sub-audio cone motion, making more power
available for the speaker’s rated frequency range. When the filter
is turned off, a 5 Hz roll off protects against DC or deep sub-audio
inputs.
IEC connector for AC power cable. Connect the supplied heavy-
gauge 3-pin IEC power cable.
5. Limiter switch
When the input signal connected to your amplifier is too high, you
end up with a distorted output signal. To prevent this, both chan-
nels feature a clip limiter that can be engaged or disengaged
selectively.
6. Bridge / Stereo / Parallel switch
This switch changes the amplifier operating mode between
stereo, mono bridged, and parallel.
PROTECTION
Every model in the A-Series incorporates protection features. The front panel Protection LED indicates the activity of the relay speaker
connection circuitry in each channel. When the protection LED turns on, this circuitry is active, and all connected speakers are muted.
Initial power-up : For approximately five seconds after initial
power-up, the protection circuitry is activated and the speaker
outputs are muted. If everything is operating normally, you will
hear an audible click at the conclusion of this brief period, as the
protection circuitry is deactivated and the unit begins delivering
signal to the connected speakers. It is normal for the Protection
LED to fade gradually after the amplifier is powered off.
Subsonic Frequency Protection : The built-in High Pass Filter
provides subsonic frequency protection for each channel.
Current limiting Protection : At the amplifier’s full power limit, or
clipping point, the limiter circuitry will be activated. This is indicat-
ed by illumination of the Clip LED. The channel gain is automati-
cally reduced, protecting the speakers from high power.
Uncontrolled feedback, oscillations, or improper equipment gain
setting may activate this circuitry, which is virtually transparent in
operation as full signal bandwidth is maintained.
Thermal Protection : Abnormally high heat sink temperatures
will engage the protection circuitry for the overheating channel
only. An output relay disconnects the speakers until normal tem-
perature range is restored. The Protect indicator will light to show
the protection circuit is active. To guard against this problem,
make sure the unit receives adequate ventilation on all sides and
that both the front and rear panels are unobstructed. If the power
transformer gets too hot, its thermal switch will disconnect all of
the secondary power and disconnect both channel outputs.
There is reason to be concerned any time the Protection LED
lights up (except for initial power-up during approximately five
seconds). If this occurs, turn the amplifier off immediately and
check all wiring and external equipment carefully in order to
locate and correct the condition.
Short circuit : If output is shorted due to faulty wiring, the ther-
mal circuitry will automatically protect the amplifier. If this occurs,
the load will be disconnected by thermal protection circuitry.
DC Voltage Protection : If an amplifier channel detects DC volt-
age at the speaker output, the output relay will immediately open
to prevent speaker damage.
SETUP
Clip limiter
HPF (Hi-Pass Filter)
Clipping is the result of an amplifier running into power supply lim-
itation. The maximum output voltage that any amplifier can pro-
duce is limited by its power supply. Attempting to output a voltage
(or current) level that exceeds the power supply limit will result in
a flattening effect on the signal. A clipped waveform exhibits
extreme harmonic distortion, making it sound harsh or dissonant.
The clip limiter detects this and reduces the gain to minimize the
amount of overdrive. To preserve as much of the program dynam-
ics as possible, limiting reduces the average program level until
peaks barely clip. Each channel has its own clip limiter, which can
be switched on or off. When driving full-range speakers, clip lim-
iting reduces high frequency distortion caused by bass overload.
It also protects higher frequency drivers from excess overdrive
and harsh clipping harmonics.
Also known as a low-cut filter, a High Pass Filter rolls off signals
below 40Hz. The reproduction of the signal’s bass portion is thus
optimized, since ultra-low, distracting frequencies are eliminated,
and more power is available for the reproduction of the wanted
segment of the signal.
You should set up the filters so they best suit the frequency
response of your speakers, since some speakers are particularly
sensitive to over-excursion. The 40Hz filter works well with most
compact full-range speakers.
SETUP
CONNECTIONS
Stereo Mode
Mode Select
(5-Way Outut Binding Posts)
Stereo Mode
In stereo mode, both channels operate independently with individ-
ual input gain controls. Signal at channel 1’s input produces out-
put at channel 1, while signal at channel 2’s input produces out-
put at channel 2’s output. Recommended minimum nominal load
impedance for stereo operation is 2 ohms per channel.
Parallel Mode
When set to Parallel mode, a signal applied to channel 1’s input
will be amplified and appear at outputs for both channel 1 & 2.
The parallel mode is well suited for applications in which driving
two speakers with the same signal but with separate amplifica-
tion.
Parallel Mode
(5-Way Outut Binding Posts)
Bridged Mono Mode
Bridged mono mode straps both amplifier channels together to
make a very powerful, single-channel monaural amplifier. One
channel ”pushes” and the other channel “pulls” equally, doubling
the power over that of either channel alone. Therefore the voltage
is doubled, the peak power is quadrupled, and program power is
roughly three times as high as that of the individual channel.
Signal is applied to the channel 1 input only and channel 1 input
gain control is used to adjust signal level. The input gain control
belonging to channel 2 are not used.
Note : Bridged mono mode is to be used only when the A-Series
is connected to a 4 or 8 ohms speaker load. Use of Bridged mode
with speaker loads of 4 ohms or less can result in severe damage
to the unit due to excessive heat and current limiting.
Bridged Mono Mode
Use extreme caution when operating the amplifier in
Bridged Mono Mode. Never ground either side of the
speaker cable; the speaker load must “ float “ away
from the amplifier chassis.
(5-Way Outut Binding Posts)
CONNECTIONS
Stereo Mode
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
SPK+ to PIN 2+
SPK- to PIN 2-
Parallel Mode
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
SPK+ to PIN 2+
SPK- to PIN 2-
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 1-
Bridged Mono Mode
SPK+ to PIN 1+
SPK- to PIN 2-
WIRING
These are several ways to interface the amplifier to support a variety of applications.
Unbalanced 1/4” Connector
Unbalanced 1/4” Connector
Balanced TRS 1/4” Connector
XLR Balanced Wiring Guide
SPECIFICATIONS
A.900
A.1800
Stereo Both Channel Driven
400 W
A.2800
Rated Output Power
8 ohms
210 W
320 W
420 W
600 W
900 W
1400 W
4 ohms
600 W
2 ohms
900 W
Rated Output Power
8 ohms
Bridged Mono
1200 W
650 W
845 W
1800 W
2800 W
4 ohms
1800 W
Signal to Noise Ratio
(20 Hz ~ 20k Hz)
100dB
102dB
104dB
Distortion (SMPTE-IM)
Input sensitivity @8 ohms
Voltage Gain
0.05%
4dBu
30dB
AB
0.01%
4dBu
0.04%
4dBu
35dB
H
33dB
Output Circuitry
Current Consumption
@ 1/8 power @4 ohms
@ 1/3 power @4 ohms
@ Rated power @4 ohms
Distortion
AB
120Vac / 240Vac
7.2A / 3.5A
12A / 6A
4.5A / 2.2A
7A / 3.6A
8.5A / 4.1A
17A / 8.3A
32A / 16A
10.5A / 5.5A
19.5A / 9.5A
0.01%
0.1%
0.01%
0.1%
0.03%
0.1%
20 Hz-20k Hz Half Power
1k Hz Rated Power
Frequency Response
Damping Factor (400 Hz)
Input Impedance
Input Clipping
0/-0.5dB ; 20Hz-20KHz, 0/-3dB ; 5Hz-60KHz
200 280 350
15Kohm Unbalanced, 30Kohm Balanced
22dBu (10Vrms)
Cooling
Continuously variable speed, Front to rear
Connectors (each)
Input
Active balanced combo (XLR and 1/4” TRS common use)
5-way Binding post and Speakon®
Output
Control
Front
AC power switch, Channel 1 and 2 volume
Rear
HPF switch, Limiter switch, Mode selector switch
Active(light blue), Protection(red), Clip(red), Signal (dark
blue)
Indicators
Protection
Short circuit, Thermal, Current limit, DC offset, Current
inrush, RF protection, Turn on / Turn off muting
Power requirements
100v 50/60Hz(JP) 120V 60Hz(U.S.A. & Canada) 240V 50Hz(EU)
19”(482mm) _ 3.5”(88mm) _ 16.5”(420 mm)
Dimensions (W _ H _ D)
28 lb
(12.6 kg)
40 lb
(18 kg)
46 lb
(20.7 kg)
Net Weight
SPEAKER COMPATIBILITY
The A Series of amplifiers are designed to work with many different speakers on the market. They have been paired with the following
WARRANTY & RETURN POLICY
Warranty
Through Stanton’s authorized dealers around the World, Stanton, or one of Stanton’s authorized distributors outside the U.S., will, with-
out charge, repair or replace, at the sole discretion of the entity responsible for making the repair or providing the replacement, any
Stanton merchandise proved defective in material or workmanship for a period of three (3) years following the date of original purchase.
Stanton will warrant all replacement parts and repairs for ninety (90) days from the date of original shipment. Repairs made necessary
by reason of misuse, alteration, normal wear, or accident are not covered under this warranty.
Returns
Authorized Stanton dealers are only authorized to sell and distribute merchandise within a specific country. All goods requiring warranty
repair or replacement must be returned (freight prepaid if not hand-delivered) to the authorized Stanton dealer from whom the merchan-
dise was purchased and in the same country where the merchandise was purchased. For purposes of purchases made via the Internet,
the merchandise must be returned to the authorized Stanton dealer in the country where the authorized Stanton dealer which sold the
merchandise to purchaser is located and not the authorized Stanton dealer in the country where the purchaser is located or the country
in which the merchandise was received. Any returns to a non-authorized dealer or to an authorized Stanton dealer not in the same coun-
try as the merchandise was intended to be sold or as set forth above will void this warranty.
To initiate a warranty repair, you must contact the authorized Stanton dealer from whom you purchased the merchandise, and follow such
authorized Stanton dealer’s return policy.
Stanton assumes no risk and shall be subject to no liability for damages or loss resulting from the specific use or application made of the
merchandise. Stanton’s liability for any claim, whether based on breach of contract, negligence, infringement of any rights of any party,
or product liability, and relating to the merchandise shall not exceed the price received by Stanton from your purchase of such merchan-
dise. In no event will Stanton be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages (including loss of use, loss of profit and claims
of third parties) however caused, whether by the negligence of Stanton or otherwise. To the extent permitted by law and except as oth-
erwise provided above, Stanton disclaims any express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
The above warranty provides you with specific legal rights. You may also have additional rights, which are subject to variation from state
to state and country to country.
If there is a dispute regarding the warranty of merchandise that does not fall under the warranty conditions stated above, please include
a written explanation with the merchandise when returned pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
Stanton Magnetics, Inc, 3000 SW 42 St. Hollywood, Florida 33312.
NOTES
NOTES
|