the t amp Proline 3000 Power Amplifier User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- the t amp
Table of Contents
Proline 3000 Power Amplifier
User Manual
General information
This document contains important instructions for the safe operation of the
product. Read and follow the safety instructions and all other instructions.
Keep the document for future reference. Make sure that it is available to all
those using the product. If you sell the product to another user, be sure that
they also receive this document. Our products and documentation are subject to
a process of continuous development. They are therefore subject to change.
Please refer to the latest version of the documentation, which is ready for
download under www.thomann.de.
1.1 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will find an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal
words that are used in this document.
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER! | This combination of symbol and signal word indicates an immediate |
dangerous situation that will result in death or serious injury if it is not
avoided.
WARNING!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in death or serious injury if it is not
avoided.
CAUTION!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE!| This combination of symbol and signal word indicates a possible
dangerous situation that can result in material and environmental damage if
it is not avoided.
Warning signs| Type of danger
---|---
| Warning – high-voltage.
| Warning – danger zone.
Safety instructions
Intended use
This device amplifies electric audio frequency signals to operate passive
speakers. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use
or use under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may
result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed
for damages resulting from improper use. This device may be used only by
persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual abilities and
having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is
responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Risk of injury and choking hazard for children!
Children can suffocate on packaging material and small parts. Children can
injure themselves when handling the device. Never allow children to play with
the packaging material and the device. Always store packaging material out of
the reach of babies and small children. Always dispose of packaging material
properly when it is not in use. Never allow children to use the device without
supervi‐ sion. Keep small parts away from children and make sure that the
device does not shed any small parts (such knobs) that children could play
with.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to electric current!
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Do not use the
device when covers, safety equipment or optical components are missing or
damaged.
DANGER!
Danger to life due to electric current!
A short circuit could lead to a fire hazard and risk of death. Always use
proper ready-made insulated triple-core mains cable with a safety plug. Do not
modify the mains cable or the plug. In case of isolation damage, disconnect
immediately the power supply and arrange repair. If in doubt, seek advice from
a qualified electrician.
WARNING!
Possible hearing damage due to high volumes on speakers or headphones!
With speakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume levels
that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended
period of time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing
damage. Do not operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease
the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing
impairment.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavy weight!
The device is heavy. Lifting and dropping it during transport and installation
can cause injuries. Make sure at least two people work together when
transporting and installing the device.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire due to covered vents and neighboring heat sources!
If the vents of the device are covered or the device is operated in the
immediate vicinity of other heat sources, the device can overheat and burst
into flames. Never cover the device or the vents. Do not install the device in
the immediate vicinity of other heat sources. Never operate the device in the
immediate vicinity of naked flames.
NOTICE!
Damage to the device if operated in unsuitable ambient conditions!
The device can be damaged if it is operated in unsuitable ambient conditions.
Only operate the device indoors within the ambient conditions specified in the
“Technical specifications” chapter of this user manual. Avoid operating it in
environments with direct sunlight, heavy dirt and strong vibrations. Avoid
operating it in environments with strong temperature fluctuations. If
temperature fluctuitions cannot be avoided (for example after transport in low
outside temperatures), do not switch on the device immediately.
Never subject the device to liquids or moisture. Never move the device to
another location while it is in operation. In environments with increased dirt
levels (for example due to dust, smoke, nicotine or mist): Have the device
cleaned by qualified specialists at regular intervals to prevent damage due to
overheating and other malfunctions.
NOTICE!
Damage to the device due to high voltages!
The device can be damaged if it is operated with the incorrect voltage or if
high voltage peaks occur. In the worst case, excess voltages can also cause a
risk of injury and fires. Make sure that the voltage specification on the
device matches the local power grid before plugging in the device. Only
operate the device from professionally installed mains sockets that are
protected by a residual current circuit breaker (FI). As a precaution,
disconnect the device from the power grid when storms are approaching or it
the device will not be used for a longer period.
NOTICE!
Interference with nearby electrical devices due to magnetic fields!
The device generates strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the
function of poorly shielded devices. The magnetic fields are strongest
directly above and below the Power Amplifier. You should therefore never place
sensitive devices such as pre-amplifiers, radio transmission systems, or tape
decks directly above or below the Power Amplifier. When placing the Power
Amplifier in a rack, you should place it at the bottom thereof, and place any
other equipment at the top of the rack.
Features
- Professional 2-channel amp
- Class AB
- Power rating: 2×1200 W @ 8 Ω
- Power rating: 2×1650 W @ 4 Ω
- Power rating: 2×1800 W @ 2 Ω
- 2 Ω stable
- 2×Input, 6.35-mm jack socket, balanced
- 2×Input, XLR chassis socket, balanced
- 2×Output, Speaker Twist
- Built-in limiter
- Soft start
- All protective circuits
- Temperature-controlled fan
- Ground Lift switch
- Generously dimensioned transformer
- Installation height 3 RU
- Bridged operation possible
Installation and starting up
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the
unit. Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against
vibration, dust and moisture during transportation or storage use the original
packaging or your own packaging material suitable for transport or storage,
respectively.
Create all connections while the device is off. Use the shortest possible
high-quality cables for all connections. Take care when running the cables to
prevent tripping hazards.
DANGER!
Risk of death from electrical current!
The output voltages of modern high-performance amplifiers may result in death
or serious injury.
Never touch the bare ends of loudspeaker cables when the amplifier is on.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavy weight!
The device is heavy. Lifting and dropping it during transport and installation
can cause injuries.
Make sure at least two people work together when transporting and installing
the device.
NOTICE!
Interference with nearby electrical devices due to magnetic fields!
The device generates strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the
function of poorly shielded devices. The magnetic fields are strongest
directly above and below the Power Amplifier.
You should therefore never place sensitive devices such as pre-amplifiers,
radio transmission systems, or tape decks directly above or below the Power
Amplifier.
When placing the Power Amplifier in a rack, you should place it at the bottom
thereof, and place any other equipment at the top of the rack.
Rack mounting
The unit has been designed for rack mounting in a standard 19-inch rack; it
occupies three rack units.
Available operating modes
Depending on the individual application, the amplifier can be used in
different operation modes:
Stereo mode| Both power amplifier channels operate independently of each
other, each input (A and B) is amplified by one channel, speakers are
connected to both power amplifier channels, the volume for both outputs can be
controlled separately.
---|---
Parallel mode| The two power amplifier channels receive the same input signal
from channel A and loudspeakers are connected to each amplifier. The volume is
controlled via the control knob for channel A.
Parallel mode| Both power amplifier channels are internally wired to provide
double the output power. Only the signal from input A is amplified, speakers
are only connected to the accordingly labelled output. The volume is
controlled via the control knob for channel A.
On each output of the amplifier, the overall impedance resulting from the individual impedances of the connected speakers must not fall below the minimum allowable impedance of the amplifier’s output. If you want to connect multiple speakers to one amplifier output, note the following:
- When speakers are connected in series, the impedances add up.
- When speakers are connected in parallel, the reciprocal value of the total impedance is equal to the sum of the reciprocal values of the individual impedances.
For the example of two speakers with the same impedance, this means: In series
connection, impedance is doubled. In parallel connection, it’s halved.
Detailed information on this topic can be found in our online guide “Speakers”
(www.thomann.de).
Connections and controls
Front panel
1| [CHANNEL A ] / [CHANNEL B] | Volume control for the respective channel
---|---
2| LED panel
[CLIP] | Lights under the following conditions:
• Channel overload. The built-in limiter is activated.
In this case, reduce the volume until the LED goes out and the built-in
limiter is deactivated.
• Output short circuit.
Turn off the device immediately, correct the short circuit and turn on the
device again.
[SGL] | Indicates the presence of an input signal.
[PRO] | Lights up under the following conditions:
• Three to five seconds after the device is switched on or off, when the
device is in an unstable condition.
• The temperature of the power amplifier blocks has reached 85°C.
• One or more protection circuits have been triggered, or the device is
faulty.
[STR] | Lights up when the device is operated in stereo mode.
[PAR] | Lights up when the device is operated in parallel mode.
[BRI] | Lights up when the device is operated in bridged mode.
3| [POWER] | Mains switch. Turns the device on and off.
Rear panel
4| [RESET] | Resettable fuse The fuse switches off when the power consumption
of the power amplifier is too high. Once the problem is resolved, the fuse is
automatically reset and the device is ready for use again. The switch can be
used to force the reset.
---|---
5| Fan
6| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist) for speaker output for channel A
(1+, 2+: positive; 1–, 2–: negative)
7| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist) for speaker output in bridged
mode (1+, 2+: positive; 1–, 2–: negative)
8| 6.35-mm jack socket for the input signal (channel A)
9| XLR chassis socket for the input signal (channel A)
10| Selector switch for the operating mode
• [PAR]: Parallel mode
• [STR]: Stereo mode
• [BR]: Bridged mode
11| Power cable.
12| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist) for speaker output for channel
B (1+, 2+: positive; 1–, 2–: negative)
13| Ground/Lift switch
If hum is caused by a ground loop, you can use this switch to disconnect the
connection between the earth pin of the
device and the signal ground of the device.
14| XLR chassis socket for the input signal (channel B)
15| 6.35-mm jack socket for the input signal (channel B)
Technical specifications
| Amplifier class | AB |
|---|---|
| Input impedance | 16.5 kΩ (balanced) |
8.25 kΩ (unbalanced)
Inputs| Input A| XLR socket, 3-pin
6.35-mm jack socket (balanced)
Input B| XLR socket, 3-pin
6.35-mm jack socket (balanced)
Outputs| CH A OUT| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist)
BRIDGE OUT| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist)
CH B OUT| Lockable chassis connector (Speaker Twist)
Output power| Stereo/parallel, 8 Ω: 2 × 1200 W
Stereo/parallel, 4 Ω: 2 × 1650 W
Stereo/parallel, 2 Ω: 2 × 1800 W
Bridged, 8 Ω: 3150 W
Bridged, 4 Ω: 3550 W
Frequency response| 20 Hz…20 kHz, ±0.3 dB
---|---
Signal-to-noise ratio| ≥ 98 dB
Total harmonic distortion (THD)| < 0.03%, for -6 dBU input signal
Slew rate| 45 V/µs
Damping factor (1 kHz, 8 Ω)| > 700
Sensitivity| 0.39 V / -6 dBu
Gain| 45 dB
Crosstalk at rated power @ 8 Ω, 1 kHz| > 70 dB
Power consumption| Typical current draw depending on the output power level
(RMS value ARMS). All values based on a 230 V mains voltage and a 1 kHz
input signal at 0 dB (sine).
Load| 1/8 nominal power| 1/3 nominal power| 1/2 nominal power
8 Ω| 869 W| 1160 W| 1550 W
Inrush current| 15 A, 240 µs
Supply voltage| 230 V 50 Hz
Fuse| AC: 25 A, 250 V, resettable
Cooling system| Temperature-controlled fan cooling
Installation options| 3 RU, 19″
Dimensions (W × H × D)| 482 mm × 132 mm × 480 mm
---|---
Weight| 37 kg
Ambient conditions| Temperature range| 0 °C…40 °C
Relative humidity| 50%, non-condensing
Further information
| Channels | 2 |
|---|---|
| 2 ohm stability | Yes |
| DSP/crossover | No |
| Convection cooling | No |
Block diagram
Plug and connection assignment
Introduction
This chapter will help you select the right cables and plugs to connect
your valuable equip‐ment in such a way that a perfect sound experience is
ensured.
Please note these advices, because especially in ‘Sound & Light’ caution is
indicated: Even if a plug fits into the socket, an incorrect connection may
result in a destroyed power amp, a short circuit or ‘just’ in poor
transmission quality!
Balanced and unbalanced transmission
Unbalanced transmission is mainly used in semi-professional environment and
in hifi use.
Instrument cables with two conductors (one core plus shielding) are typical
representatives of the unbalanced transmission. One conductor is ground and
shielding while the signal is trans‐ mitted through the core.
Unbalanced transmission is susceptible to electromagnetic interference,
especially at low levels, such as microphone signals and when using long
cables.
In a professional environment, therefore, the balanced transmission is
preferred, because this enables an undisturbed transmission of signals over
long distances. In addition to the conductors ‘Ground’ and ‘Signal’, in a
balanced transmission a second core is added. This also transfers the signal,
but phase-shifted by 180°.
Since the interference affects both cores equally, by subtracting the phase-
shifted signals, the interfering signal is completely neutralized. The result
is a pure signal without any noise interference.
1/4″ TS phone plug (mono, unbalanced)
| 1 | Signal |
|---|---|
| 2 | Ground, shielding |
1/4″ TRS phone plug (mono, balanced)
| 1 | Signal (in phase, +) |
|---|---|
| 2 | Signal (out of phase, –) |
| 3 | Ground |
XLR plug (balanced)
| 1 | Ground, shielding |
|---|---|
| 2 | Signal (in phase, +) |
| 3 | Signal (out of phase, –) |
| 4 | Shielding on plug housing (option) |
Speaker Twist chassis connector
| 1, + | Signal 1 (in phase) |
|---|---|
| 1, – | Signal 1 (out of phase) |
| 2, + | Signal 2 (in phase) |
| 2, – | Signal 2 (out of phase) |
Cleaning
Fan grids
The fan grids of the device must be cleaned of any contamination, such as
dust, etc. on a regular basis. Before cleaning, switch off the device and
disconnect mains-operated devices from the mains. Only use pH-neutral,
solvent-free and non-abrasive cleaning agents. Clean the unit with a slightly
damp lint-free cloth.
Protecting the environment
Disposal of the packing material
Environmentally friendly materials have been chosen for the packaging.
These materials can be sent for normal recycling. Ensure that plastic bags,
packaging, etc. are disposed of in the proper manner.
Do not dispose of these materials with your normal household waste, but make
sure that they are collected for recycling. Please follow the instructions and
markings on the packaging.
Observe the disposal note regarding documentation in France.
Disposal of your old device
This product is subject to the European Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment Directive (WEEE) as amended.
Do not dispose of your old device with your normal household waste; instead,
deliver it for controlled disposal by an approved waste disposal firm or
through your local waste facility.
When disposing of the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply
in your country. If in doubt, consult your local waste management facility.
Proper disposal protects the environment as well as the health of your fellow
human beings.
Also note that waste avoidance is a valuable contribution to environmental
protection.
Repairing a device or passing it on to another user is an ecologically
valuable alternative to disposal.
You can return your old device to Thomann GmbH at no charge. Check the current
conditions on www.thomann.de.
If your old device contains personal data, delete those data before disposing
of it.
Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: +49 (0) 9546 9223-0
Internet: www.thomann.de
30.10.2023, ID: 168990 (V4)