POWER AMPLIFIERS
From Fender Pro Audio
Owner's Manual for
SPL-M500
P/N 050253
REV B
™
™
SPL-M500
STAGE MONITOR
POWER AMPLIFIER
INTRODUCTION
500 Watts into 2Ω
Thank you for your purchase of a Fender SPL-M500
Stage Monitor Power Amplifier. We are sure you will
Variable high pass filter (12 dB per octave, find it to be a useful and unique product, providing
sweeping from 12 Hz to 150 Hz)
years of trouble free service in both permanent and
portable applications. Although intended primarily
Variable low pass filter (12 dB per octave, for portable stage monitor use, the SPL-M500 is
sweeping from 2.5 kHz to 30 kHz)
also effective in sound reinforcement applications
where fixed microphones are used and feedback is
Three independent variable notch filters for a problem.
feedback control
Employing a unique design, the SPL-M500 provides
Built in switchable DELTACOMP™ Compressor
Forced air cooling with automatic 2-speed fan
a powerful tonal control system which fights
feedback while optimizing sound. This design is
comprised of a sweepable high pass filter, a
sweepable low pass filter and three advanced
Bi-amp patch point connect for versatility in narrow band notch filters.
larger monitor systems
This manual is arranged into four sections:
Balanced TRS phone jack and female 3-pin XLR
input connectors
- A description of the SPL-M500 panel features.
- A section on basic connections and wiring.
- A guide on operating the SPL-M500.
- Product specification sheet.
Rugged “road proof” 14 gauge steel chassis
Two rack space (3.5 in, 8.8cm) chassis
Optional rear rack supports (P/N 040661)
WARNING:
-To reduce the risk of fire or shock hazard, do
not expose this amplifier to rain or moisture.
-No user serviceable parts inside, refer
servicing to qualified personnel only.
-This amplifier must be earth grounded.
3
DESCRIPTION OF FEATURES
F
E
INPUT LEVEL LOW NOTCH DEPTH
MID NOTCH DEPTH
HIGH NOTCH DEPTH
6
ON
POWER
0dB
0dB
-3
0dB
16
120
+6dB
225
2k
4k
-3
-3
0dB
FLAT
150
700
70
430
4k
1k
9k
LOW FREQ. ROLLOFF
-6
12
-6
-12
-6
-12
12k
DELTACOMPTM
50
500
400
5k
800
10k
4k
35k
FREQUENCY
FREQUENCY
FREQUENCY
MAX.
MAX.
MAX.
2k
FLAT
POWER
HIGH FREQ. ROLLOFF
F
E
E
D
B
A
C
K
C
O
N
T
R
O
L
F
I
L
T
E
R
A
B
B
B
C
C
C
G
I
D
H
FRONT PANEL
A. INPUT LEVEL CONTROL - Variable attenuator permitted to pass through. Start with this control set
controls the amplifier's input sensitivity. Control at 30 kHz. If the performers complain of "edgy"
settings can vary between +8dB (fully up) and infinite sounding monitors and want smoother sounding
attenuation (fully down). At the full up position, a ones, rotate this control counter clockwise until they
360mV input signal is required for rated output. At are pleased with the sound.
0, a 360mV input signal will yield an output power of
1/8th rated power.
E. LOW FREQUENCY ROLL OFF CONTROL
(HIGH PASS FILTER) - Useful for removing rumble
B. NOTCH FREQUENCY CONTROL - Higher (mechanical noise) or resonance and L.F. leakage.
notch frequencies are selected as the knobs are When this knob is fully in its counter clockwise
rotated in the clockwise direction. Each knob position, all input signals above 12Hz are allowed to
covers a specified frequency range, but two pass. When it is positioned fully clockwise, only
adjacent knobs do have overlapped frequencies. frequencies above 150 Hz are permitted to enter the
This feature is intentional. Refer to the "Hints and power amplifier. Start with this control set at 12 Hz.
Precautions" found on page 7 for details concerning If the performers want crisper sounding sounding
this feature.
monitors slowly rotate this control clockwise until
they are pleased with the sound.
C. NOTCH DEPTH CONTROL - These sliders
provide attenuation control for each notch filter
frequency band. At the highest position, 0dB of
attenuation is obtained. At the lowest position, they
can provide more than 25 dB of attenuation at the
selected frequency. Refer to the "Hints and
Precautions" found on page 7 for details concerning
this feature.
F. POWER LED INDICATOR - LED is illuminated
when the monitor amplifier is turned on, and the AC
mains voltage is present. If the indicator does not
light when the power switch is turned on (and does
not trip the circuit breaker), check the AC power
supply and fuse.
G. DELTACOMP™ SWITCH - This switch activates
the internal compressor circuit. Peak clipping is
minimized when the compressor circuit is active.
This will also "clamp" feedback, helping protect your
monitor speakers. During normal operation, keep
this switch engaged.
D. HIGH FREQUENCY ROLL OFF CONTROL
(LOW PASS FILTER) - Useful for smoothing out
"edgy" sounding speakers. When this knob is fully in
its clockwise position, all signals below 30 kHz are
allowed to enter the power amplifier. If set fully
counter clockwise, only signals below 2.5 kHz will be
4
DO NOT BLOCK FAN OPENING
TYPE: PR 308
OUTPUTS
PATCH POINT
BALANCED INPUTS
PARALLEL SPKR. JACKS
SERIAL NUMBER
RETURN
SEND
900W
500W
FUSE
2Ω
MIN
F10A
250V
CAUTION:
CHASSIS SURFACE HOT
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE
TOTAL
WARNING:
OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
,
CAUTION:
ATTEON:
UTILISER IBLE DE
RECHANMEME
TYPE ERE
CLASS 2 WIRING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE, REPLACE FUSE WITH
SAME TYPE AND RATING
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION:
SUPERFICIE DE CHASSIS CHAUDE
J
K
L
L
M N
O
O
H. PEAK LED INDICATOR - The red Peak LED M. PATCH POINT RETURN CONNECTOR -
Indicator illuminates when the output voltage of the Provides the possibility of using the power amplifier
amplifier reaches clipping (maximum output voltage). by bypassing the preamp section of the unit. When
The threshold for the peak indicator automatically this connector is used, the preamp is totally
adjusts for load impedance and supply voltage disconnected from the power amplifier section. If
variations.
nothing is plugged into this jack, it normally takes its
signal from the preamp output, via the PATCH POINT
I. POWER SWITCH - The power switch turns the SEND jack. (See section N).
unit on and off. The LED (item F) is illuminated when
the amplifier is turned on and main voltage is present. N. PATCH POINT SEND CONNECTOR - This
connection can be used with the patch point return
connector, if further signal processing by an external
unit is desired. Processing could include the
REAR PANEL
insertion of a 1/3 octave graphic equalizer for tonal
J. POWER CORD - The SPL-M500 is equipped
shaping, an external compressor/limiter and/or the
with a grounding type supply cord to reduce the
insertion of an active electronic crossover network
possibility of shock hazard. Be sure to connect it to
for bi-amped monitor systems. The output of this
a grounded AC receptacle. DO NOT ALTER THE
jack is normally tied to the patch point return
AC PLUG.
connector. Using this connector will not disconnect
the preamp section from the power amplifier section.
K. EXTERNAL FUSE - When necessary, replace the
external fuse ONLY with one of the same type and
O. BALANCED INPUT CONNECTORS - This unit
rating as shown on the label next to the external fuse
provides two types of input connectors: a 1/4 inch
holder.
TRS and an XLR female connector. The 1/4 inch
TRS connector polarities are: tip (+), ring (-), and
sleeve (ground). The XLR female connector
polarities are: pin 2 (+), pin 3 (-), and pin 1 (ground).
L. OUTPUT SPEAKER JACKS - Two parallel-wired,
1/4"output connectors are provided capable of
providing 500 Watts of power into a 2Ω minimum load
total. (One 2Ω speaker or two speakers at 4Ω each).
5
BASIC CONNECTIONS and WIRING
Power and audio signal cables are the most Larger diameter (small gauge number) wire is
common sources of sound system failure. Well expensive and long cables made from it are heavy.
made and carefully maintained cables are essential Rather than running long speaker cables, it is better
to the reliability of the entire system. If long speaker to locate power amplifiers near speakers and run a
cables are required, make sure the wire is of line-level signal cable over the long distance to the
sufficient size to transfer all of the available amplifier amplifier. This approach eliminates most of the
power to the speakers rather than absorbing power signal loss due to speaker cable resistance so the
itself. As a rule of thumb, the larger the wire the speakers are fed all of the amplifier's power without
better (larger wire has smaller "gauge numbers").
the need for heavy cables. In cases where speakers
and power amplifiers are located far away from the
Below are two charts listing speaker wire gauges signal source, "balanced line" cables are a wise
and recommendations for best results.
choice. Doing so can actually save money.
The use of stranded wire is highly recommended
since it is flexible and less prone to metal fatigue
breakage. If an end is nicked while insulation is
being stripped for connection, only one or two
strands will break and not the entire wire.
SPEAKER WIRE GAUGE
100'-UP
10
12
12
14
8
14
16
(30.5 m-UP)
50'-100'
10
12
14
NEVER use coiled cords for
speaker hookup, even in an
emergency.
(15.25-30.5 m)
*25'-50'
14 *16 18
(7.60-15.25 m)
Coiled guitar-type cords usually have higher internal
resistance than the speakers themselves. This is
due to the light-gauge wire used to keep the coil
cords flexible. Unfortunately, these types of cord
prevent most of the power from reaching the
speakers. In high power operation, a coil cord can
melt causing a fire hazard and possible damage to
the amplifier. As a general rule, both straight and
coiled guitar-type connecting cords make poor
speaker cables.
10'-25'
16 18
18 18
18
(3.05-7.60 m)
0'-10'
16
18
(0.00-3.05 m)
4Ω
2Ω
*8Ω 16Ω
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE [z]
*Example - If the speaker wire length
required is between 25-50 feet (7.60-15.25
meters) and the speaker impedance is 8Ω,
the minimum recommended speaker wire
gauge is 16.
The SPL-M500 can produce enough power output
to damage electronic equipment connected to its
output. Besides being capable of destroying
speakers, shock and / or fire hazards are also
possible. High power amplifiers should always be
properly applied and used with care in a clean and
dry environment.
Resistance in Ω per foot
AWG mm2
(30.5 cm) @ 77º F (25º C)
18
0.83
.00651
Be sure to turn on all other equipment before turning
on the SPL-M500 power amplifier. This will prevent
turn-on "thumps" from the mixer or other pieces of
gear that could possibly damage speakers.
Likewise, the reverse logic should also be applied --
turn OFF the amplifier FIRST -- when shutting down
the system.
.00409
.00258
.00162
.00102
.00064
16
14
1.32
2.10
3.32
5.27
8.38
12
10
8
6
The SPL-M500 is timed to turn on the speaker 8. If feedback is encountered, slide the appropriate
outputs after the amplifier's power supply is fully (LOW, MED or HIGH band) notch depth control down to
charged up, thus preventing any turn-on noise. its lowest position. Next, turn the frequency control
Timing of the amplifier's turn-on circuit is usually knob to pinpoint the location of the problem
sufficient to accommodate all the turn-on anomalies frequency and cancel it.
from other pieces of gear in a system, making it
acceptable to use a single switched power string in 9. Slide the control level up until feedback or ringing
a permanent or semi-permanent application.
is heard, then move down until the feedback or
ringing stops.
The SPL-M500 can draw a lot
of AC power. Be sure the AC 10. Step 8 may need to be performed more than
power source for your AC distribution system once if several feedback problems occur
has adequate current capability.
simultaneously.
In multiple amplifier installations, a sequential turn-on
(either manually or via timed relays) is recommended
to avoid a sudden major drain on the AC line.
HINTS AND PRECAUTIONS
Remember, severe reduction of power line voltages A. To reduce the chance of unwanted noise in your
affects the amount of power you can get FROM the system, keep all patch cables and input signal
amplifier. If you need to run long AC extension cables away from all AC power cords, lighting
cords, make sure their conductors are as large as cables and speaker wires. Always use shielded
practical (small gauge number). Just as smaller cables for all low level (input and patch point)
diameter wire causes speaker lines loss, smaller connections to this unit. Never use shielded cable
power lines cause loss. The effect of small AC lines for speaker wires.
is one of the intermittent clipping under severe
conditions.
B. When a problem frequency occurs within the
overlapping part of the two adjacent frequency
bands, the notches can be dialed to have the same
center frequency. By doing so, the resulting notch
depth provided by the two notches will be deeper
than a single notch depth.
AMPLIFIER OPERATION
1. Turn all equipment OFF.
2. Plug the AC cord into a power source with the C. When two notches are juxtaposed, the result will
correct voltage. In the U.S. and Canada, this is a be a wider notch. This can be helpful in some
120 Volt, 60 Hz AC. In other countries, this voltage cases, but may not be desirable in normal operation
may vary from 100 to 240 Volts, 50 to 60 Hz AC.
of the unit as audible frequency loss will occur.
3. Connect the wiring from the signal source to the D. When notches are not in use, all the notch sliders
amplifier's input jack(s).
must be at the top of their travel. A narrow band is
NOT a graphic equalizer. Do NOT put the notch
4. Connect the speaker(s) to the to the output depth sliders in the middle of their travel to boost or
terminals. cut frequencies. These are CUT ONLY controls.
5. Adjust the input control level to the minimum E. To help prevent overdriving this unit and unwanted
(infinity) setting. Set the notch sliders at 0 dB (top).
distortion, keep the Deltacomp™ switch "in".
6. Turn all other equipment ON first, then the SPL- F. If you wish to obtain either the optional rear rack
M500 monitor amplifier.
ear supports (P/N 040661), please contact your
local authorized Fender Pro Audio dealer.
7. Slide the level control slowly up and listen for any
feedback problem(s) that may occur.
7
SPECIFICATIONS
DESIGNATION TYPE
PART NUMBER
PR 308
071-5000-070 100V
071-5000-000 120V
071-5000-060 230V
071-5000-040 230V (UK)
071-5000-030 240V (AUSTRALIA)
POWER SPECIFICATION
100V version: 100 VAC, 50-60 Hz 900W
120V version: 120 VAC, 60 Hz 900W
230V versions: 230 VAC, 50 Hz 900W
240V versions: 240 VAC, 50 Hz 900W
OUTPUT POWER
At 1 kHz, 0.20% THD
200W into 8 Ω
330W into 4 Ω
500W into 2 Ω
POWER BANDWIDTH
20 Hz to 50 kHz, 500W +0, -3dB into 2 Ω
12 Hz to 28 kHz @ +ø, -3dB
6.55V / µs
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
SLEW RATE
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION
DELTACOMP COMPRESSOR RANGE
HUM AND NOISE
<0.2% THD, 20 Hz to 20 kHz at rated power into 2 Ω
18 dB
200µV into 2 Ω
105dB below 500W unweighted
SENSITIVITY (PATCH POINT LEVEL)
(INPUT LEVEL)
1.2V for 500W into 2 Ω @1kHz
360mV for 500W into 2Ω @ 1kHz
NOTCH FILTER BANDS
50 Hz to 500 Hz
400 Hz to 4 kHz
1 kHz to 10 kHz
HIGH PASS FILTER RANGE
LOW PASS FILTER RANGE
FILTER ALIGNMENT
Corner frequency variable between 12 Hz and 150 Hz
Corner frequency variable between 2.5 kHz and 30 kHz
Sub-Bessel
NOTCH FILTER ATTENUATION
FILTER SELECTIVITY FACTOR
INPUT IMPEDANCE
Better than -20 dB at any selected notch frequency
Q = 8
1/4 in Phone Jack: 21 kΩ unbalanced input
32 kΩ balanced input
XLR Connector: 27 kΩ balanced input
DIMENSIONS
Weight
Height
Width
Depth
25 lbs. (11.3 kg)
3.5 in. (8.9 cm)
19 in. (48.3 cm)
12.3 in. (31.2 cm)
THIS EQUIPMENT CONFORMS TO
THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIVES :
EMC 89/ 336/ EEC AND LV 73/ 23/ EEC
A PRODUCT OF:
FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP.
CORONA, CA 91720 USA
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