Cloud VA Series Amplifiers Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- CLOUD
Table of Contents
Cloud VA Series Amplifiers
Product Information
The Contractor Series VA Series Amplifiers, models VA2120 and VA4120, are power amplifiers designed for audio applications. The VA2120 is a 2-channel power amplifier, while the VA4120 is a 4-channel power amplifier. These amplifiers provide high-quality sound amplification for various audio systems.
Product Usage Instructions
- Read the user manual carefully before using the amplifier.
- Ensure that the amplifier is not exposed to rain or moisture to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock.
- Use the provided controls and adjustments as specified in the manual. Any other procedures may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
- Pay attention to the warning symbols on the product. The lightning flash symbol indicates the presence of dangerous voltages that may cause electric shock, while the exclamation point symbol indicates important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature.
- Follow the safety instructions provided in the manual
- Do not use the amplifier near water.
- Clean the amplifier only with a dry cloth.
- Ensure that ventilation openings are not blocked and install the amplifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Avoid installing the amplifier near heat sources.
- Do not tamper with the polarized or grounding-type plug, and consult an electrician if the provided plug does not fit into your outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being pinched or walked on.
- Use only attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- If using a cart or stand, be cautious when moving to prevent tip-over injuries.
- Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when not in use for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel if the apparatus has been damaged, exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
- Avoid exposing the apparatus to dripping or splashing, and do not place water-filled objects on it.
- Ensure that the mains plug remains accessible during use and remove it completely to isolate the apparatus from the mains.
- Connect the amplifier only to a mains outlet socket with a protective earthing connection.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
CAUTION
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
| WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD – DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR
---|---
| The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltages within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock.
| 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 appliance.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Read these Instructions.
- Keep these Instructions.
- Heed all Warnings.
- Follow all Instructions.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with a dry cloth.
- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding – type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
- Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
- Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus, when a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
- Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing, and ensure that no
objects filled with water, such as vases, are placed on the apparatus.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device and it should remain readily
accessible during intended use. In order to isolate the apparatus from the
mains, the mains plug should be completely removed form the mains outlet
socket.
This apparatus is of Class 1 construction and must only be connected to a
mains outlet socket with a protective earthing connection.
Terminals marked with the symbol may use Class 2 Wiring, but voltages at these
terminals may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock. The external wiring connected to these terminals requires installation
by an instructed person or the use of pre-made leads or cords.
Safety Information
Safety Notes regarding Installation
- Do not expose the unit to water or moisture.
- Do not expose the unit to naked flames.
- Do not block or restrict any air vent.
- Do not operate the unit in ambient temperatures above 35°C
- Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the hazardous live symbol
- Do not perform any internal adjustments unless you are qualified to do so and fully understand the hazards associated with mains-operated equipment.
- The unit has no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
- If the moulded plug is cut off the AC power lead for any reason, the discarded plug is a potential hazard and should be disposed of in a responsible manner.
Conformities
This product conforms to the following European EMC Standards
- EN 55032 :2015 – Emissions
- EN 55035 :2017 – RF Immunity
- EN 61000-3-3: 2013 – Supply voltage tolerance
- EN 61000-3-2 :2018 – Harmonics
- EN 62368-1 :2018 – Electrical safety
Safety Considerations and Information
Cloud VA Series amplifiers must be earthed. Ensure that the mains power supply
provides an effective earth connection using a three-wire termination.
Caution – High Voltage
Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the hazardous live symbol
the hazardous live symbol refers require installation by a qualified person.
Caution – Mains Fuse
Mains over-current protection is provided by the user-replaceable fuse in the
IEC receptacle. Only replace this fuse with one of an identical type and
rating
| 230 V versions| 115 V versions
---|---|---
Fuse type| T4AH time-delay| T8AH time-delay
Fuse size| 5 mm dia x 20 mm
Fuse rating| 4 A| 8 A
Caution – Servicing
The unit contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified
personnel. Do not perform servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
Disconnect the power cable from the unit before removing the top panel and do
not make any internal adjustments with the unit switched on. Only reassemble
the unit using bolts/screws identical to the original parts.
Important
Read this before connecting the amplifier to AC mains
VA Series amplifiers are pre-configured at the factory to operate on either a
115 V or a 230 V AC mains supply. Before applying power to the unit, please
check the rear panel to ensure that the version you have is correctly set for
your local supply voltage.
The MAINS VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch on the rear panel will show either 230 V or
115 V, as shown below. The warning sticker above the switch will confirm the
factory setting.
DO NOT CONNECT YOUR VA SERIES AMPLIFIER TO AN AC SUPPLY WITHOUT FIRST VERIFYING THE VOLTAGE SETTING.
Introduction
The Cloud VA2120 and VA4120 are cost-effective audio power amplifiers for use
in all types of commercial premises. They have been designed to be as simple
to install and operate as possible.
The two models are identical in terms of facilities, and differ only in the
number of channels: two (VA2120) or four (VA4120). Each channel can deliver
120 W. The amplifiers can drive either low-impedance loudspeakers directly (4
ohms minimum) or 25/70/100 V-line loudspeaker distribution systems via the
tapped secondary winding of the internally fitted line transformer. Both
models of amplifier are shipped ready for connection to 25/70/100 V-line
systems. Instructions on converting the outputs for low-impedance operation
can be found on page 8.
The amplifiers incorporate a limiter in each channel to protect both the
output stage and loudspeakers. This reduces excessive signal levels to ensure
that clipping does not occur. Further protection circuitry disconnects the
output if the maximum permitted internal temperature is exceeded, or if DC is
detected at the output terminals.
All connections are made on the rear panel, using detachable screw-terminal
type connectors (Phoenix-compatible). Each channel has a preset level control
and a switchable high-pass flter to mitigate the effect of transformer
saturation at low frequencies when driving 25/70/100 V-line systems.
The front panel has a set of LEDs for each channel, confirming signal
presence, excessive level and amplifier protection activity.
Both models are forced-air cooled by fans mounted on the rear panel; airflow
is front-to-rear.
Rear panel – connections and controls
-
INPUT 1, INPUT 2 (both models) and INPUT 3, INPUT 4 (VA4120 only) – balanced line inputs for each amplifier channel, using 3-pin, 3.5 mm-pitch screw-terminal connectors. Mating connectors are supplied. Connect balanced or unbalanced sources according to the diagrams below -
LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2 (both models) and LEVEL 3, LEVEL 4 (VA4120 only) – preset-type level controls for each channel. With the control fully anticlockwise, the channel will effectively be off: with the control fully clockwise, the channel will deliver its full nominal power for an input of 0 dBu (0.775 Vrms). The correct setting for the level controls will vary with each installation, but will be determined by the number and power rating of the loudspeakers in use and also on the source equipment. As a point of general guidance, set the level controls so that the sound level is neither distorted nor louder than required, with any level controls on the source equipment at their maximum setting.
NOTE
For each channel, the two output connectors ([3] and [4] below) have a single removable safety cover which should be removed (two screws) to make the connections, and then refitted. -
LOW IMPEDANCE – a per-channel output for driving low-impedance loudspeakers. The connector type is a 2-pin 5 mm-pitch screw-terminal type: a mating connector is supplied. If connecting multiple loudspeakers, installers must ensure that the total impedance of the load on each channel is not less than 4 ohms. These outputs are not operational when the amplifier is shipped. They made be made operational by moving internal connectors – see page 8.
-
C.V. OUTPUTS – per-channel output for driving 25/70/100 V-line loudspeaker distribution systems. The connector type is a 4-pin 5 mm-pitch screw-terminal type: a mating connector is supplied. Only make connections to the 0V terminal and one other, depending on the voltage rating of the system in use. These are the amplifier’s default outputs.
Do not attempt to make connections to this output while the mixer-amplifier is powered, as there may be voltages present at the terminals of sufficient magnitude to cause an electric shock.
IMPORTANT
Only the LOW IMPEDANCE output [3] or the C.V OUTPUT [4] for each channel can be active at any one time. The two output types cannot be used simultaneously for any one channel. -
65 HZ HPF – these push-buttons enable an internal, per-channel high-pass filter, limiting the LF content of the signal in order to reduce the possibility of transformer core saturation.
-
POWER INPUT – connect AC mains here using the cable supplied, which will have a mains plug suitable for your territory. Only use a 3-wire connection, to ensure the unit is earthed (grounded). The POWER INPUT connector incorporates a fuse holder – see page 4 for fuse data.
-
Fans – VA Series amplifiers are force-air cooled : the VA2120 has a single fan, the VA4120 has two. Ensure there is adequate space at the rear of the chassis for airflow and that the fans are not obstructed. The internal protection circuitry incorporates temperature sensing, and the amplifier will shut down in the event of overheating.
Internal Settings
WARNING – DANGER
Changing the internal settings requires to open the unit. Prior to opening the
unit, the unit shall be disconnected from any AC supply. Any work on an open
unit shall be expedited only by qualified, certified personnel.
Output configuration (hi-voltage/low-impedance)
Each channel of a VA Series amplifier may be configured EITHER for driving low
impedance loudspeakers (4 ohms minimum),. or for driving 25/70/100 V-line
loudspeaker systems.
Amplifiers are shipped with all channels configured for driving 25/70/100
V-line systems. To convert a channel to low-impedance operation
- Disconnect the amplifier from the AC mains supply.
- Remove the top lid.
- Identify the output transformer(s) for the channel(s) to be converted from the diagrams below
Each transformer’s
windings terminate in a pair of in-line, multipin connectors. The primary
winding (red and black wires) terminates in a 2-pin female connector, and the
secondary winding (blue, white, yellow and purple wires) terminate in a 4-pin
female connector. Unplug the 2-pin connector: the mating male part of it (also
red and black wires) is the power amplifier output. See diagram below:
Identify the red
and black pair of wires from the low-Z output terminals: these also terminate
in a 2-pin female connector, currently unplugged. Plug this into the male
amplifier output connector from the previous step.
- Repeat the above procedure for any other channel(s) requiring conversion to low-impedance operation.
- Replace the top lid.
If at any time it is necessary to convert a low-impedance output back to 25//70/100 V-line operation, reverse the above procedure, reconnecting the amplifier output to the transformer primary.
Front panel – connections and controls 
- SIGNAL – a green LED for each channel which illuminates when the channel’s signal level is above -45 dB relative to the maximum power output. In most installations, it can be used to confirm that the channel’s source is active.
- CLIP – an amber LED for each channel which illuminates when the channel’s signal level is within 1 dB of nominal peak power. If this LED flashes more than occasionally, it is likely to indicate that the limiter is active and that the signal level should be reduced, either at the rear panel LEVEL control for the channel, or at the source itself.
- PROTECT – a red LED for each channel which indicates a fault conditi on: it illuminates when the channel’s protection circuitry is active. If this occurs, the output terminals are temporarily disconnected until the fault condition clears. The protection circuitry will be triggered either by over-temperature within the amplifier, or by the detection of DC at the output terminals.
- POWER – turns the mixer-amplifier on and off. When it is on, the green POWER LED is illuminated.
- Air intakes – airflow through the mixer-amplifier is from front-to-back. The VA2120 has a single front panel vent, the VA4120 has two. Do not allow the vents to become blocked, as over-temperature will cause the protection circuitry to shut the amplifier down.
Technical Specifications
Line Inputs
Frequency Response| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
Input impedance| 47 kohms
Headroom| 16 dB
Noise| <-85 dB (22 kHz bandwidth)
Speaker Output
Output Power
(1 kHz continuous sine wave)
| VA2120| 2 x 120 watts
VA4120| 4 x 120 watts
Minimum load| Low-Z output| 4 ohms
High-Z output| 25 V-line| 5.2 ohms
70 V-line| 41 ohms
100 V-line| 83 ohms
Frequency response| Low-Z output| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
High-Z output| 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB (hi-pass filter off)
THD + N| < 0.05% @ 1 kHz
Protection| Fixed level signal limiter: DC, over-current and over-temperature
protection
General
Power input| Selectable 115 VAC or 230 VAC, ±10%; 45 – 65 Hz
Fuse details| 5 x 20 mm, time delay| 230 V models| 4 A
115 V models| 8 A
Normal operating temperature| 0 °C to 35 °C (Note: performance and
specifications cannot be guaranteed outside of this range)
Cooling| Forced air cooling: 1 x 80 mm dia. fan (VA2120); 2 x 80 mm dia. fans
(VA4120). Airflow direction: front-to-back
Power Consumption| Idle1| VA2120| 14 W (20.8 VA)
VA4120| 27.5 W (39.8 VA)
1/8th Power2| VA2120| 206 W (260 VA)
VA4120| 418 W (525 VA)
1/3rd Power3| VA2120| 230 W (280 VA)
VA4120| 562 W (685 VA)
Heat Loss| Idle1| VA2120| 50 KJ/hr (47.5 BTU/hr)
VA4120| 99 KJ/hr (93.9 BTU/hr)
1/8th Power2| VA2120| 630 KJ/hr (598 BTU/hr)
VA4120| 1,288 KJ/hr (1,221 BTU/hr)
1/3rd Power3| VA2120| 683 KJ/hr (648 BTU/hr)
VA4120| 1,591 KJ/hr (1,508 BTU/hr)
**** Dimensions (W x H x D)| Net| VA2120| 482.6 mm x 88 mm (2U)
x 310 mm 19” x 3.5” x 12.2”
VA4120| 482.6 mm x 88 mm (2U) x 408 mm 19” x 3.5” x 16.1”
Shipping (Gross)| VA2120| 570 mm x 170 mm x 430 mm
22.5” x 6.7” x 16.9”
VA4120| 580 mm x 170 mm x 545 mm
22.8” x 6.7” x 21.5”
**** Weights| Net| VA2120| 10.9 kg (24.4 lbs)
VA4120| 18.2 kg / 40.8 lbs
Shipping (Gross)| VA2120| 13 kg (29.1 lbs)
VA4120| 20.3 kg / 45.5 lbs
Notes re Power Consumption and Heat Loss measurements: All measurements at 230 VAC 50 Hz power input
- Idle: amplifier active, but no audio output
- 1/8th. Power: constant sound level at one-eighth maximum rated output per channel (audio mainly clean, only occasional clipping)
- 1/3rd. Power : constant sound level at one-third maximum rated output per channel (audio beginning to become compressed, limited or heavily clipped)
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