RCF UP 8504 Power Amplifier User Manual

UP 8504 Power Amplifier
User Manual

UP 8501,UP 8502 ,UP 8504
– AMPLIFIERS

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

IMPORTANT
Before connecting and using this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and keep it on hand for future reference. The manual is to be considered an integral part of this product and must accompany it when it changes ownership as a reference for correct installation and use as well as for safety precautions. RCF S.p.A. will not assume any responsibility for the incorrect installation and/or use of this product.
WARNING:
To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this product to rain or humidity.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.

2. 1 PRIMARY POWER SUPPLY FROM MAINS
   – The mains voltage is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution: never install or connect this product when its power cable is plugged in.
   – Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit, if not, please contact your RCF dealer.
   – The metallic parts of the unit are earthed by means of the power cable.
   – An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a main socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
   – Protect the power cable from damage. Make sure it is positioned in a way that it cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
   – To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open this product: there are no parts inside that the user needs to access.
   2.2 SECONDARY (/ EMERGENCY) POWER SUPPLY THROUGH BATTERIES
   – The apparatus operating voltage is 48 V dc (therefore, it is necessary to connect in series several batteries having a lower nominal voltage, for example, 4 x 12 V, 2 x 24 V).
   – Always use rechargeable batteries, which need to be chosen according to the maximum possible load.
   – Verify the polarity of batteries is correct. – Do NOT short-circuit batteries (i.e. connecting the 2 opposite poles together with metallic wires).
   – Throw empty batteries away according to your country’s laws about ecology and environmental protection.

3. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short circuit. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. No naked sources (such as lighted candles) should be placed on this apparatus.

4. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications, or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual. Contact your authorized service center or qualified personnel should any of the following occur:
   – The product does not function (or functions in an anomalous way).
   – The power supply cable has been damaged.
   – Objects or liquids have got in the unit.
   – The product has been subject to a heavy impact.

5. If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cable (and or batteries).

6. If this product begins emitting any strange odors or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power supply cable (and/or batteries).

7. The terminals marked with the symbol are HAZARDOUS LIVE and their connection is to be made by an INSTRUCTED PERSON or the use of ready-made cables is required.

8. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not foreseen. For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this product by using elements that are unsuitable or not specific for this purpose. Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall, ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attac,hment (screw anchors, screws, brackets not supplied by RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system/installation over time, also considering, for example, the mechanical vibrations normally generated by transducers. To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the user manual.

9. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualified installers (or specialised firms) who can ensure correct installation and certify it according to the regulations in force. The entire audio system must comply with the current standards and regulations regarding electrical systems.

10. Supports and trolleys The equipment should be only used on trolleys or supports, where necessary,that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn.

11. There are numerous mechanical and electrical factors to be considered when installing a professional audio system (in addition to those which are strictly acoustic, such as sound pressure, angles of coverage, frequency response, etc.).

12. Hearing loss Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure level that leads to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the duration of exposure. To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate protection devices. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is therefore necessary to wear ear plugs or protective earphones. See the technical specifications in loudspeaker instruction manuals to know their maximum sound pressure levels.

13. Do not obstruct the ventilation grilles of the unit. Situate this product far from any heat sources and always ensure adequate air circulation around the ventilation grilles.

14. Do not overload this product for a long time.

15. Never force the control elements (keys, knobs, etc. ).

16. Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product. Use a dry cloth.

NOTES ABOUT AUDIO SIGNAL CABLES

IMPORTANT NOTES
To prevent the occurrence of noise on microphone/line signal cables, use screened cables only and avoid putting them close to:
– Equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields (for example, high-power transformers)
– Mains cables
– Loudspeaker lines.
RCF S.P.A. THANKS YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO GUARANTEE RELIABILITY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE.

DESCRIPTION

The UP 8500 amplifier series includes 3 similar models having different channel number and maximum output power per channel:
– UP 8501 …….. 1 channel, max. power: 500 W
– UP 8502 …….. 2 channels, max. power: 250 W per channel
– UP 8504………….. 4 channels, max. power: 125 W per channel.
Each channel has 3 audio inputs (all line’ level): – INPUT 1…………. LINE’ balanced input (for signals coming from preamplifiers, active paging microphones, message players, etc.).
– INPUT 2……………. `LINE’ balanced input (for signals coming from preamplifiers, active paging microphones). It can be used for unbalanced stereo signals (from CD ­ MP3 players, tuners, etc.).
– IN TEST……………… Unbalanced input for channel test signals.
INPUT 1 is open when its priority command is activated only.
INPUT 2 is disabled when input 1 priority is in progress.
TESTING input allows using a test signal to verify the proper channel operation.
TEST IN input is open when its priority command is activated only (INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 are disabled when the priority is in progress).
Channel outputs are 70 V ­ 100 V constant voltage lines (for loudspeakers having matching transformers).
In addition to the connection to the mains, the amplifier can also be powered by batteries (voltage: 48 V dc), in order to ensure its proper operation even when the mains supply is temporarily unavailable.
Front panel LEDs indicate the device state (on ­ stand-by), power supplies, protections and audio signal levels.

MOUNTING INTO 19″ RACK CABINETS

Fix each amplifier on the 19″ rack cabinet front side through 4 screws. UP 8500 series amplifiers have forced ventilation controlled by a thermostat and can be stacked without spaces or ventilation panels.
Air ventilation is horizontal, so it is necessary to keep open the lateral sides.

FRONT PANEL

UP 8501 (1 x 500 W)

1. STAND-BY switch.
   The STAND-BY switch is disabled (the amplifier stays on) if the secondary 48 V dc power supply is present (batteries connected to the respective input 20).

2. AC Mains Powered LED:
   (when lit) the amplifier is operating through the mains power supply (115 – 230 V ac).

3. DC PSU Powered LED:
   (when lit) the amplifier is operating through batteries (48 V dc).

4. AC Mains Presence LED:
   when lit) the mains power supply (115 – 230 V ac) is detected.

5. DC PSU Presence LED:
   (when lit) the 48 V dc power supply (by batteries) is detected.

6. Thermal Protection LED:
   (when lit) the thermal protection is activated (the amplifier is muted).

7. Amplifier Disabled LED:
   (when lit) the amplifier has been disabled by the `Amplifier Disable’ command

9. Master Vol. OFF LED:
   (when lit) all the MASTER volume controls 12 are disabled (volumes depend on remote controls, see `Rem Vol’16).

10. Signal LED:
    (when lit) the signal level is equal or higher than ­20 dB. UP 8502 and UP 8504: each LED indicates the signal level on the respective channel.

11. Peak LED:
    (when lit) signal level (0 dB, peak) that allows to get the maximum
    deliverable power of the amplifier and is the limiter threshold. UP 8502 and UP 8504: each LED indicates the maximum signal level on the respective channel. Occasional flashing is normal, but it is advisable to turn the respective MASTER volume down when a `Peak’ LED is steadily lit.

12. Overload LED:
    (when lit) the overload protection is activated on the respective channel (no signal is sent to the relative output).

13. MASTER volume control
    UP 8502 and UP 8504: volume control of each channel 12a, 12b, 12c,12d .

REAR PANEL

UP 8501

13 SPEAKER LINE OUTPUT
UP 8501: amplifier output to connect the 70 ­ 100 V constant voltage line for loudspeakers (which need matching transformers). Max. output power: 500 W.
UP 8502: 2 amplifier outputs ( 13a: A channel, 13b: B channel) to connect two 70 ­ 100 V constant voltage lines for loudspeakers (which need matching transformers). Max. output power: 250 W per channel.
UP 8504: 4 amplifier outputs ( 13a: A channel, 13b: B channel, 13c: C channel, 13d : D channel) to connect four 70 ­ 100 V constant voltage lines for loudspeakers (which need matching transformers). Max. output power: 125 W per channel.
READ THE `LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION’ MANUAL SECTION.
Dip-switches
UP 8501

Fltr – OFF| Fltr: the band-pass filter is inserted (200 Hz ÷ 8 kHz).| OFF: the band-pass filter is not inserted.
---|---|---
70V – 100V| 70V: Amplifier output 13 for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: Amplifier output 13 for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
OFF – Master Vol| OFF: the MASTER 12 volume control is disabled (the volume depends on the remote control).| Master Vol: the MASTER 12 volume control is enabled.

UP 8502

B Fltr – OFF| B Fltr: the band-pass filter of the B channel is inserted.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the B channel is not inserted.
---|---|---
B 70V – 100V| 70V: the B channel output 13b for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: the B channel output 13b for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
An Fltr – OFF| An Fltr: the band-pass filter of the A channel is inserted.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the A channel is not inserted.
A 70V – 100V| 70V: the A channel output 13a for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: the A channel output 13a for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
OFF – Master Vol| OFF: all MASTER 12a 12b volume controls are disabled
(all volumes depend on the remote controls).| Master Vol: all MASTER 12a 12b volume controls
are enabled.

UP 8504

D Fltr – OFF| D Fltr: the band-pass filter of the D
channel is inserted.| 100V: the D channel output 13d for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
---|---|---
D 70V – 100V| 70V: the D channel output 13d for
loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the D channel is not inserted.
C Fltr – OFF| C Fltr: the band-pass filter of the C channel is inserted.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the C channel is not inserted.
C 70V – 100V| 70V: the C channel output 13c for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: the C channel output 13c for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
B Fltr – OFF| B Fltr: the band-pass filter of the B channel is inserted.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the B channel is not inserted.
B 70V – 100V| 70V: the B channel output 13b for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: the B channel output 13b for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
A Fltr – OFF| An Fltr: the band-pass filter of the A the channel is inserted.| OFF: the band-pass filter of the A channel is not inserted.
A 70V – 100V| 70V: the A channel output 13a for loudspeakers is set to 70 V.| 100V: the A channel output 13a for loudspeakers is set to 100 V.
OFF – Master Vol| OFF: all MASTER 12a 12b 12c 12d volume controls are disabled (all volumes depend on the remote controls).| Master Vol: all MASTER 12a 12b 12c 12d volume controls are enabled.

THE INSERTION OF BAND-PASS FILTERS (ONE PER CHANNEL, PASSBAND: 200 HZ ÷ 8 KHZ) IS ADVISABLE IN SOME CASES, FOR INSTANCE:
– WHEN HORN LOUDSPEAKERS ARE USED.
– TO GET A BETTER SPEECH INTELLIGIBILITY IN HALLS / ROOMS HAVING A LONG REVERB.
– TO CUT POSSIBLE NOISES ON LOW / HIGH FREQUENCIES. IF IT IS REQUESTED HIGH FIDELITY OF MUSIC IS, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO DISABLE BAND-PASS FILTERS.
15 IN2 GAIN: control to adjust the gain of the audio INPUT 2 16.
Turn it either clockwise to increase its gain or counterclockwise to reduce it.
UP 8502 and UP 8504: each IN2 GAIN control adjusts the gain of the respective channel.

16 Removable terminal strips (UP 8502 and UP 8504: a terminal strip per each channel)

INPUT 1

| b| Audio input 1, ‘b’ terminal
---|---|---
a| Audio input 1, ‘a’ terminal
GND| Audio input 1, ground
VOL| Rem Vol| Contact for the volume remote control
PRIOR| 1 > 2| This contact needs to be linked to the ground (GND – GND) to open INPUT 1 (INPUT 2 is muted).
Test > 1 + 2| This contact needs to be linked to the ground (GND – GND) to open the TEST input (bot INPUT 1 and 2 are muted).
GND| GND| Common ground for PRIOR contacts
IN| Test| Test signal input. Link it to the ground (through a wire) when not used, as this input is always open.

INPUT 2

| GND| Audio input 2, ground
R| Audio input 2, stereo signal right channel
b / L| Audio input 2, either ‘b’ terminal or stereo signal left channel
a| Audio input 2, ‘a’ terminal

BOTH CHANNELS (LEFT AND RIGHT, OF A STEREO AUDIO SIGNAL CONNECTED TO THE INPUT 2) ARE MIXED IN ORDER TO GET A MONO SIGNAL.
REMOTE VOLUME CONTROL
It is necessary to set the ‘Master Vol’ dip-switch w to OFF and insert a potentiometer
between the ‘Rem Vol’ and ‘GND ­ GND’ (ground) contacts.
Suggested potentiometer: 10 k, inverse logarithmic curve.
IMPORTANT: If the `Master Vol’ dip-switch is set to OFF and one or more remote control potentiometers are not foreseen, it is necessary to shortcircuit the respective contacts to the ground (through a wire) to get the maximum volume, otherwise the relevant channels are muted.
17 Removable screw terminals

Overload Status| Amplifier overload indication through (for example) either a LED (A picture) or a relay (B picture).
‘Open collector’ circuit. Max. voltage: 40 V dc Max. current: 50 mA
---|---
Stand-By / ON| Command linked in parallel to the front panel POWER 1 switch.
When linked to the ground (GND) contact, the amplifier is remotely turned on.
Amplifier Disable| When linked to the ground (GND) contact: the amplifier is disabled in order to save energy or select zones.
GND| Ground common contact (for the previous three)

18 Main power switch
I = ON
O = OFF
THE MAIN POWER SWITCH DOES NOT AFFECT THE POWER SUPPLY BY BATTERIES (48 V DC).
19 Connector for the power cable
Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and that the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit. The voltage selector and the fuse are inside the amplifier. Refer to the respective manual section.
20 Input for the secondary 48 V dc power supply (batteries) necessary to ensure the amplifier operation even if the mains supply is temporarily unavailable. Make sure the connection polarity + / ­ is correct and use a cable having wires with a suitable section (suggested: 4 mm²) for the max. current (15 A).

LOUDSPEAKER CONNECTION

Connect all loudspeakers respecting the phase.
Every loudspeaker shall have a matching transformer, which input is suitable for the line voltage (70 / 100 V).
Make sure loudspeaker lines are not shorted before turning the amplifier on.
Check periodically for possible ground leakage on loudspeaker lines to avoid amplifier failure. If necessary, intervene to re-establish line insulation.
UP 8501
After setting the amplifier output voltage through the 70V ­ 100V 14 dipswitches, connect the positive wire of the loudspeaker line to the amplifier output 13 a’ contact and the negative wire to theb’ contact. The total power of all connected loudspeakers shall not exceed the amplifier’s nominal power (500 W).
UP 8502
This model has 2 independent outputs (2 channels): AMP A 13a and AMP B 13b .
Set the voltage of both outputs through the A 70V ­ 100V (AMP A) and B 70V ­ 100V (AMP B) 14 dip-switches before connecting the loudspeaker lines. The total power of all connected loudspeakers of a single channel (considering only 1 of the 2 available outputs) shall not exceed 250 W. See the UP 8501 model for loudspeaker connection.
UP 8504
This model has 4 independent outputs (4 channels):
AMP A 13a , AMP B 13b , AMP C 13c and AMP D 13d . Set the voltage of the 4 outputs through the A 70V ­ 100V (AMP A), B 70V ­ 100V
(AMP B), C 70V ­ 100V (AMP C), D 70V ­ 100V (AMP D) 14 dip-switches before connecting the loudspeaker lines. The total power of all connected loudspeakers of a single channel (considering only 1 of the 4 available outputs) shall not exceed 125 W. See the UP 8501 model for loudspeaker connection.

POWER SUPPLY VOLTAGE CHANGE

IMPORTANT: THIS MANUAL SECTION CONCERNS QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS ARE TO BE IGNORED BY THE USER.
Make sure the device is not connected to the mains (unplug the power cord).
Remove the lid.
The 230 V ­ 115 V voltage selector (J4′) is on the power supply printed circuit board (in its center). Change (if necessary) the voltage by moving J4′ to the value corresponding to the mains (either 230 V or 115 V), as according to the printed circuit board silk screen.
POWER SUPPLY PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD
Make sure the F1 fuse (on the left in the power supply printed circuit board figure) is the proper one for the operating voltage, before connecting the amplifier to the mains:
– 230 V ­ T3.15AL (250 V)
– 115 V ­ T6.3AL (250 V).

SPECIFICATIONS

| UP 8501| UP 8502| UP 8504
---|---|---|---
No. channels x output power (RMS)| 1 x 500 W| 2 x 250 W| 4 x 125 W
Frequency response ±3 dB| 40 Hz ÷ 16 kHz
Band-pass filter (12 dB / oct)| 200 Hz ÷ 8 kHz (passband)
THD and noise (at max. power)| max. 0.3%
Signal/noise ratio (IEC-A)| 86 dB
Channel crosstalk| –| 70 dB| 60 dB
INPUT 1 sensitivity| 0 dBu (775 mV, max. 7 V)
INPUT 2 sensitivity| 0 ÷ –20 dBu (775 ÷ 78 mV, max. 7 V)
IN TEST sensitivity| 0 dBu (775 mV)
Input impedance| 10 kΩ
Minimum load impedance of each 70 V line| 10 Ω| 20 Ω| 40 Ω
Minimum load impedance of each 100 V line| 20 Ω| 40 Ω| 80 Ω
Over signal limiter| 20 dB
Amplifier protections| overload, thermal
Power supply protection| fuse
Operating voltage| Mains: 115 – 230V ac ±10%, 50 – 60 Hz (internal voltage selector)
Batteries: 48 V dc ±10%
Power consumption, AC standby| 3 W
Power consumption, disabled amp.| 13 W| 15 W| 20 W
Power consumption, no input signal| 25 W| 36 W| 50 W
Power consumption, musical signal| 160 W
Power consumption, max. output power| 650 W
Power consumption, max. overload| 800 W
Operating temperature| 0 ÷ 55 °C (32 ÷ 131 °F), rel. humidity: max. 90%
Storage temperature| –10 ÷ 70 °C (14 ÷ 158 °F)
Dimensions (w, h, d)| 482 mm, 44 mm, 375 mm (one 19” rack unit)
Net weight| 5.1 kg| 5.3 kg| 5.5 kg

Except for possible errors and omissions.
RCF S.p.A. reserves the right to make modifications without prior notice.
RCF S.p.A.
Via Raffaello Sanzio, 13 – 42124 Reggio Emilia – Italy
Tel +39 0522 274 411 – Fax +39 0522 232 428
e-mail: info@rcf.it
www.rcf.it

References

• Audio Experience

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