HELVIA ZEUS X Series 4 CH Low Impedance Power Amplifiers User Manual

HELVIA ZEUS X Series 4 CH Low Impedance Power Amplifiers User Manual

Dear value Customer,
First, thank you for purchasing a HELVIA® product. Our mission is to offer solutions based on the most up-to-date technologies for all systems integration needs in the private, commercial and corporate sectors.

We hope you are satisfied with this product and, if you wish to participate, we would be very pleased to receive your feedback on the operation of this product and possible improvements for the future. You can go to “CONTACT” section of  www.frenexport.com and send an e-mail with your opinion; this would help us make equipment that are closer to the real needs of our customers.

Finally, please read this user manual carefully before using the product; incorrect use could cause damages to you and the product. Take care!

The HELVIA team

PRECAUTIONS

Important Safety Symbols

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION : TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER(OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

WARNING : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

The above warning is located on the unit

**** The lightening flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

**** The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

Important Safety Instructions

• Read these instructions
• Keep these instructions
• Heed all warning
• Follow all instructions

1. Water and Moisture
   The apparatus should be protected from moisture and rain and can not be used near water; for example near a bathtub, a kitchen sink, a swimming pool, etc.

2. Heat
   The apparatus should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other appliances that produce heat.

3. Ventilation
   Do not block areas of ventilation opening. Failure to do could result in fire. Always install according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Object and Liquid Entry
   Objects do not fall into and liquids are not spilled into the inside of the apparatus for safety.

5. Power Cord and Plug
   In case of external power cord, protect it from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two poles; a grounding-type plug has two poles and a third grounding terminal. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, refer to an electrician for replacement.

6. Fuse
   In case of products with external fuse holder, in order to prevent the risk of fire and damaging the unit, please use only of the recommended fuse type as described in the manual. Before replacing the fuse, make sure the unit turned off and disconnected from the AC outlet.

7. Electrical Connection
   Improper electrical wiring may invalidate the product warranty.

8. Cleaning
   Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use any solvents such as benzene or alcohol.

9. Servicing
   Do not implement any servicing other than those means described in the manual. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel only. Only use accessories/attachments or parts recommended by the manufacturer.

GETTING STARTED

Unpacking

Thank you for purchasing your ZEUS X Series Amplifier. All units have been rigorously tested before leaving the factory. In order to facilitate your installation, commissioning and use of this product, please read this manual. Carefully unpack the carton and check the contents to ensure that all parts are present and in good conditions:

• 1x ZEUS X Power Amplifier
• This User manual

If anything damaged during transport, notify the shipper immediately and keep packing material for inspection. Again, please save its carton and all packing materials. If the unit must be returned to the manufacturer, it is important that the unit is returned in the original manufacturer’s packing. Please do not take any action without first contacting us.

Our products are subject to a continuous process of further development. Therefore modifications to the technical features remain subject to change without further notice.

WARNING: Packaging box is not a toy! Keep out of reach of children!!! Keep in a safe place the original packaging material for future use.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

ZEUS X Series is ideal for low-impedance multi-channel installations with power ratings between 400W and 800W RMS @ 8ohm per channel. It is a 4-channel, Class-H series with excellent sound and maximum reliability. It is possible to use in Stereo, Parallel and Bridge mode (CH1-2 / CH3-4).

Each channel integrates a crossover with a low-pass filter, for use with both fullrange systems and subwoofers, without the need for external processors. The protection system includes the signal limiter, on-off muting, DC-offset detection, thermal protection, and current limiting. The cooling system is extremely efficient and controls the speed of the two fans in order to ensure excellent noise reduction.

The quality of copper used for power transformer, the selected capacitors and power transistors, and the precision of filters make ZEUS X Series amplifiers absolutely stable, reliable in any installation or live application.

Main Features:

• Powers from 4x400W to 4 x 800W @ 8ohm in 2U
• High-quality components and Class-H consolidated technology for maximum reliability
• 4-Channel 2U high performance and multi-function design, with independent sweepable low-pass filters on each-channel
• Variable-speed fans for quiet and efficient cooling
• Full protection system includes signal limiter, on-off muting, DC-offset detection, thermal protection, and current limiting

FRONT PANEL

1. Power LED (Green)
   The Green POWER LED lits whenever power is ON. This LED is present in each of the 4 channels.

2. Signal LED (Green)
   This LED lights up when the signal level reaches -35 dB, which should produce a sound that is easily audible in the speakers. If this LED remains on when no signal is expected, there may be interference or other abnormal conditions. This LED is present in each of the 4 channels.

3. Clip LED (Orange)
   This LED, present on all channels, lights up when the corresponding channel has an output overload. Some flashing may be normal but if these LEDs remain on for a long time, please reduce the input signal levels until the LEDs turn off.

4. Protect LED (Red)
   When this LED light up it means that the corresponding channel is in protection mode (speaker is cut off by relay) and that a possible damage is in progress. Of course, each channel is provided of this LED.

5. Gain Control
   Each channel has a 41-step Gain control with approximately 20dB of input headroom. The dB steps are maintained down to 14dB of attenuation.
   Note: The headroom is the margin between the nominal level of a signal and the maximum level that the amplifier is able to handle correctly before saturation occurs with consequent clipping.

6. Operative Mode Indicator
   This is a bi-color LED that warns the user about the operating mode of the amplifier. If the LED is lit in orange it means the amplifier is in PARALLEL mode. When it is lit with yellow, it indicates that the amplifier is in MONO- BRIDGE mode.

7. Power Switch
   Press the switch to the (1) position to turn ON the amplifier and to the (0) position to turn it OFF.
   Note: When the power switch is turned OFF, the device is not completely disconnected from the mains. So if the amplifier is not used for a long time, please disconnect the power cord from the outlet.

8. Front Panel Ventilation Grid
   It allows constant ventilation between the front and back of the amplifier. This series amplifiers pull air from the rear, and aspirates it from the front, thus allowing the heat to dissipate without heating the rack. When the amp works harder, the fan will speed up and expel more hot air. It is suggested not to obstruct this grill.

REAR PANEL

1. Input and Link Connectors
   Each channel has one balanced female XLR connector, which accepts an XLR plug from almost any type of equipment with a balanced or unbalanced output. Male LINK connectors are connected in parallel with the respective INPUTs, so the LINK is wired at the same way.
   Note: When possible, always use balanced cables. Unbalanced cables can also be used, but there may be noise problems. In any case, avoid using balanced cables for some channels and unbalanced for others.

2. Output Connectors
   Each channel has one Speakon® output for connecting to loudspeakers. CH1 and CH3 provide “4-wire” access to both channels using the standard convention:

   • CH1 uses 1+, 1-; and CH2 uses 2+, 2-.
   • CH3 uses 1+, 1-. and CH4 uses 2+, 2-
   • CH2 and CH4 provide “2 wire” access respectively to CH2 and CH4 only, using 1+, 1-.

3. AC Power Cable And AC Voltage
   ZEUS X series amplifiers are designed to operate at 220V – 50/60Hz. Check that the socket to which the amplifier is connected provides this voltage before turning on the unit.
   Note: If you happen to damage the AC line-cord, always use a threepin plug with a ground pin. The wire correspondence is as follow:Cable| Pin| International
   ---|---|---
   Brown| Live| L
   Blue| Neutral| N
   Yellow/Gree| Earth|

Always connect the earth! Pay attention to your safety!
Before taking into operation for the first time, the installation has to be approved by an expert.

4. Ventilation Grids
   These grids allow constant ventilation between the front and back of the amplifier.

5. Operation Mode Selectors
   These are three-position switches that allows you the selection of BRIDGE, STEREO or PARALLEL operation modes for the two amplifier sections (CH1 / CH2 – CH3 / CH4).

6. Link Switch CH3/CH1
   By putting this switch in the ON position, you can configure the amplifier with 1 input and 4 outputs in PARALLEL MODE and with 1 input and 2 outputs in BRIDGE MODE. In both cases CH1 must be the input signal. The volume adjustment for the outputs will be made via CH1 and CH3 level controls.

7. Ground/Lift Switch
   The ground/lift switch eliminates unwanted hum and buzz by interrupting the ground loops between equipment, preventing current flow along the cable shield between two devices.

8. Gain Sensitivity Selector
   This 3-position switch allows you to select the sensitivity of the input signal so that you always have an adequate margin (Headroom) between the nominal level of a signal and the maximum level that the amplifier can handle correctly before saturation occurs with consequent signal reduction. This selector allows to choose, as the input sensitivity, 0,775V, 1,4V or 2,5V.

9. Limiter Switches
   These switches are used to activate (ON – Green LED ON) or disable (OFF- Red LED ON) the protection of the input compression circuit. This protection function is used to reduce the possibility that one or both of the channels (CH1 / CH2 – CH3 / CH4) are clipping or overloaded and therefore to avoid damage to the power amplifier in case of malfunction of the input device (Mixer, CD Player, etc.).

10. Filter And Frequency Sections
    These sections are provided by a three-positions switch, three LED and a knob in order to select the filter type and cutoff frequency corresponding to each channel. When the switch is in OFF position (Green LED ON), it means that not any filter is If the switch is in SUBWOOFER position (Orange LED ON), it means that low-pass filter is used and the output signal is lower than the cut-off value frequency set by FREQUENCY knob. When LOW-CUT is selected (Red LED ON), high-pass filter is active and the cut frequency is set by FREQUENCY knob. The range for the adjustable cut-off frequency is from 25Hz to 150Hz. If amplifier is set to BRIDGE MODE in a section or in both sections (CH1-CH2 and/ or CH3/CH4), only the switches and knobs on CH1 and/or CH3 are valid. Frequency control knobs and filter switches for CH2 and/or CH4 are disabled.

11. Processing Switch
    If the switch is set to ON (Orange LED ON), the amplifier adds low-frequency compensation (80Hz/90Hz) to enhance the bass on the speaker output. If the switch is in the OFF position (Green LED on), there is no effect on the audio signal. Please note that this switch is active only when the FILTER switch is set to OFF.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

You will need XLR cables for the connections to the amplifier. See the picture below that shows the internal wiring of these cables. Be sure to use only high quality cables.

You can, of course, also connect unbalanced equipment to balanced inputs. Use either mono and stereo jack, making sure ring and collar are connected together (or pins 1 & 3 in the case of XLR connectors).

Balanced use of XLR connectors

In case of unbalanced use Pins 1 and 3 will be jumped

OPERATION MODES

The amplifiers of the ZEUS X Series have three operation modes:

• Stereo Mode
• Parallel Mode
• Bridge-Mono Mode

STEREO MODE

In STEREO MODE you have:

• Separate 4 channel inputs (CH1-CH2-CH3-CH4).
• Separate 4 channel outputs (CH1-CH2-CH3-CH4).
• Each channel has its level control.

This is the typical setting for amplifying stereo signals. The input signal of each channel is present on the respective output speaker

To set the amplifier in STEREO MODE, set MODE selector (5) to STEREO position and connect the outputs as shown above.

Since the Speakon® CH1 and CH3 provide “4-wire”, in STEREO MODE, as alterna- tive wiring, it is possible to use just a pair of Speakon connectors (by using all the four pins): one for channels 1 and 2, one for channels 3 and 4.

PARALLEL MODE

PARALLEL MODE, with a mono input and two mono outputs, allows you to insert a mono signal into an input and have the mono signal in both outputs, with separately adjustable level controls.

The input signal (CH1 or CH2/ CH3 or CH4) will be present on both output Channels (CH1 and CH2/ CH3 and CH4).

To set the amplifier in PARALLEL MODE, the MODE selector (5) should be set to the PARALLEL position (To center) and connect the outputs as shown above.

Since the Speakon® CH1 and CH3 provide “4-wire”, in PARALLEL MODE, as alternative wiring, it is possible to use just a pair of SPEAKON connectors (by using all the four pins): one for the channels 1 and 2, one for the channels 3 and 4.

PARALLEL MODE CH3 LINK CH1

If the switch CH3 LINK CH1 is in ON position you can configure the amplifier with 1 input and 4 outputs. In this case CH1 must be the input. Please connect the outputs as shown above.

BRIDGE MODE

BRIDGE MODE with a mono input and a mono output, allows you to add the respective signals of the two amplification channels and make them available on a single output. The input signals of channel 1 and channel 3 will be sent respectively to CHANNEL 1 OUTPUT and CHANNEL 3 OUTPUT. Use the channel 1 and channel 3 controls to adjust the volume.

To set the amplifier in the BRIDGE MODE, set the MODE selector(5) to the BRIDGE position (To Right) and connect the output as shown above.

BRIDGE MODE CH3 LINK CH1

If the switch CH3 LINK CH1 is in ON position you can configure the amplifier with 1 input and 2 outputs. In this case CH1 must be the input. Please connect the outputs as shown above.

RACK MOUNTING AND DIMENSIONS

Use four screws and washers to mount the amplifier to the equipment rack rails. To use the amplifier outside a rack, attach the self-adhesive rubber feet to the bottom.

In the applications where the rack assembly may be moved, we strongly recommend supporting the rear of the amplifier. Optional rack handles provide finger grips at each end, making lifting and setting into the rack more comfortable.

ZEUS X Series

SPECIFICATIONS

fromfront panel to rear
Dimension (WxDxH)| 483 x 463.5 x 89 mm (12.27 x 11.77 x 2.26 in)
Rack Mount| Yes, 2x 19” Rack Units
Packing Size (WxDxH)| 570 x 580 x 155 mm (22.44 x 22.83 x 6.10 in)
Net Weight| 24,5 Kg (54.01 lbs.)| 25 Kg (55.11 lbs.)| 25,5 Kg (56.22 lbs.)
Gross Weight| 28,5 Kg (62.83 lbs.)| 29 Kg (63.93 lbs.)| 29,4 Kg (64.81 lbs.)

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

All HELVIA® products are covered by warranty according to European regulations (2 yearsin the case of purchase by private person – B2C; 1 year in the case of purchase by company – B2B). The warranty is valid from the date of purchase by the end user (private individual or company), indicated in the purchase document (receipt in the case of private person; invoice in the case of company). The following cases / components are not covered by the above warranty:

• All accessories supplied with the product;
• Improper use;
• Failure due to wear and tear;
• Any unauthorized modification of the product by the user or third parties.

HELVIA must meet the warranty obligations due to any non-compliant materials or manufacturing defects, by remedying free of charge at HELVIA’s discretion by either repairing or replacing specific parts or the entire equipment. Any defective parts removed by a product in the event of a warranty claim become property of HELVIA. During the warranty period, defective products can be returned to HELVIA retailer or installer with proof of original purchase (receipt or invoice). To avoid damage during transport, please use the original packaging, if available. For more information, visit the website: www.helviasystems.com

WARNING

READ CAREFULLY – only for EU and EEA (Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein).

This symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of with household waste, according to the WEEE directive (2202/96/EC and subsequent amendments) and national legislation.

The product must be delivered to a designated waste collection center (e.g. on an authorized one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product, or to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment). Improper handling of this type of waste can have a negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially dangerous substances that are generally associated with electrical and electronic equipment. At the same time, your cooperation in the properdisposal of this product will contribute to the effective use of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, approved WEEE scheme or your household waste disposal service.

This product is imported in the European Union by Questo prodotto è importato nell’Unione Europea da
FRENEXPORT SPA – Via Enzo Ferrari, 10 – 62017 Porto Recanati – Italy
HELVIA® is a registered trademark of FRENEXPORT SPA – Italy
HELVIA® è un marchio di fabbrica registrato di FRENEXPORT SPA – Italia

References

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