amate audio S6 6 Two Way Active Speaker User Manual

: June 17, 2024
: amate audio

Table of Contents

amate audio S6 6 Two Way Active Speaker
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Safety Instructions
INTRODUCTION
- Features and presentation
CONTROL AND CONNECTION PANEL
CONFIGURATIONS
MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION
SPECIAL DSP FEATURES
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICAL FEATURES
TOUCHSCREEN OPERATION
- Main screen
- Main menu
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
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amate audio S6 6 Two Way Active Speaker

amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-product

Product Information

Specifications:

Model: NITID S6
Date: May 2023
Presets:
- PRESET 1: Flat Single enclosure without a subwoofer, full range, flat response. For pole mount or hanged applications.
- PRESET 2: Speech Single enclosure without a subwoofer, full range, flat response. For speakers use a microphone. -3dB low -3dB high
- PRESET 3: HPF90 For use with a subwoofer. HPF at 90 Hz.

Product Usage Instructions

Connections

Always use balanced microphone cables with the following pin assignment: 1= Shield (Ground) 2= Live (+) 3= Return (-).
For mains supply connection, use PowerCon. Connect the signal from the mixing desk output to the first unit’s INPUT, then use the LINK output to transfer the signal to subsequent units in parallel.

Configurations

When flying enclosures from ceiling support structures, ensure the load-bearing capabilities of the structures are adequate. Do not fly systems from unsafe structures. All flying accessories not provided by Amate Audio are the user’s responsibility.
Cabinets should be placed in a high position, slightly inclined towards the audience for optimal sound quality. Use caution when mounting the speaker on a subwoofer or tripod to prevent instability on non-flat surfaces.

Flying and Maintenance
The logo on the grille can be rotated for flexible positioning. Only experienced individuals should fly speaker cabinets, ensuring the load-bearing capabilities of structures. Inspect and replace hanging hardware regularly.

For vertical flying with the S6, use the HR-S or HR-S/GT flying bar. Refer to the respective instructions manual for detailed information.

FAQs:

Q: How should I connect multiple units in parallel?
A: Connect the signal from the mixing desk output to the first unit’s INPUT, then use the LINK output to transfer the signal to subsequent units in parallel.
Q: Can I mount the speaker on a subwoofer or tripod?
A: Yes, the S6 is equipped with a 35 mm socket for mounting on a subwoofer or tripod. Ensure stability on flat surfaces and avoid non-flat surfaces.

Safety Instructions

All safety instructions must be read before using this device.
Keep and follow these instructions
Heed all warnings
The exclamation mark in the triangle indicates internal components which if replaced can affect safety.
The lightning symbol within the triangle indicates the presence of dangerous uninsulated voltages.
Only clean the device with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install the device near heat sources such as radiators, heaters or other heat-emitting elements.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus
The equipment must be repaired by qualified technical service personnel when:
- The mains supply cable is damaged, or
- Any object or liquid that has damaged the device; or
- The equipment does not function normally or correctly; or
- The equipment has been exposed to rain; or
- The chassis is damaged
Disconnect the device in the case of electric storms or during long periods of disuse.
WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device to rain or moisture
The equipment shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the device.
For hanging and installation, use manufacturer-recommended accessories only.

INTRODUCTION

General
Amate Audio would like to thank you for your confidence in our NÍTID Series. We suggest you carefully read the following instructions to obtain the best results in performance.

Features and presentation

S6

Self-powered two-way acoustic system
XLR electronically balanced input & output
AC PowerCon input & link
200 W class D amplifier for bass range
50 W class D amplifier for high-range
24-bit AD/DA converters, 48 kHz sampling rate
DSP Controls (presets, parametric EQs, delay, mute, gain and limiter)
ECO-mode available: automatic standby mode controlled by the input signal
Amplifier self-diagnostics: input and output level, temperature, limiter active
1 x 6″ neodymium magnet woofer with 1.5” voice coil and fibre cone
1″ PEN diaphragm neodymium magnet compression driver
70º (H) x 70º (V) dispersion horn

Presets on S6
The S6 includes several manufacturer presets for different types of applications.

PRESET 1: Flat
Single enclosure without a subwoofer, full range, flat response. For pole mount or hanged applications.

$amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $1$$

PRESET 2: Speech
Single enclosure without a subwoofer, full range, flat response. For speakers use a microphone.

3dB low
3dB high $amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $2$$

PRESET 3: HPF90
For using with subwoofer. HPF at 90 Hz.

$amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $3$$

Fig. 1. Presets for S6

CONTROL AND CONNECTION PANEL

The S6 control panel contains the following elements:

TOUCHSCREEN: Displays information about the System status: current preset, amplifier status and signal input level. Allows the user to configure the system: Preset selection, Delay, Gain, limit, ECO mode on/off, Front LEDs on/off, etc. For more information about the available functionality, read the Annex I of this manual. NOTE: For preventing the access to Main Menu with a PIN pattern, please refer to Annex I.
MODEL DATA: The basic data of the model is found here:
- Model reference
- Amplifier program power (Watts)
- Maximum Sound Pressure Level Continuous delivered by the system (dB SPL)
BALANCED INPUT/LINK:
- XLR-3 Female balanced signal connector for signal input.
- XLR-3 Male connector for parallel connection of various cabinets with the same input signal.
- Nominal Input sensitivity: +8dBu (2 Vrms)
- Maximum Input Voltage without clipping: +14dBu (4Vrms)
- Maximum Input Voltage: +20dBu (8Vrms)
  IMPORTANT: Please always use a balanced microphone cable with the following pin assignment:
- 1= Shield (Ground) 2= Live (+) 3= Return (-)
AC MAINS INPUT/LINK: Mains supply connection via PowerCon.
- Blue connector for AC in.
- Grey connector to feed other units in parallel. Linking up to thirty-five units is possible, provided that a quality cable of a minimum section of 3×2.5mm2 is used. Connecting more than thirty-five units in parallel may lead to a voltage drop in the cable that will reduce the equipment’s performance.
- Always use the main power cable supplied by the manufacturer. Never connect NÍTID cabinets to an unearthed mains supply or use an unearthed mains cable
AUTHENTICATION QR CODE:
This QR code is a smart label that ensures that the product is an original Amate Audio product. To verify the authenticity, please follow the instructions in the following link: http://www.amateaudio.com/en/product- authentication/. $amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $4$$

Fig. 2. S6 control and connection panel

CONFIGURATIONS

Parallel connection

Connect the signal (mixing desk output) to INPUT on the first unit. Use the LINK output to transfer the INPUT signal to the second unit and thus sequentially for further units. All of the units in this chain must be switched on.
For the mains connection use the cable with the blue PowerCon.
You can use the mains connection in parallel by using a cable with grey PowerCon at one end and blue PowerCon at the other end. $amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $5$$
Do not connect NÍTID series units using PowerCon without Earth.
Do not connect more than thirty-five units using the AC output link connector.

Parallel connection with subwoofer
You can connect the S6 in parallel with a subwoofer. Please, follow the same parameters as explained in Figure 3, both for audio signals and mains. The maximum number of subwoofers that may be linked depends on the used model. Check the subwoofer user manual for more information.

MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION

Flying an S6 system is easy, fast and secure. To perform any operations related to flying the system, read the present document, and act on the warnings and advice given.
Only experienced installers with adequate knowledge of the system and local safety regulations should fly speaker cabinets.
It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that the systems to be flown and the flying accessories (such as chains, eyebolts, lock pins…) comply with state and local regulations. They should be regularly inspected and replaced if in doubt.
When flying enclosures from ceiling support structures, extreme care should be taken to ensure the load-bearing capabilities of the structures. Do not fly systems from unsafe structures.
All flying accessories that are not supplied by Amate Audio are the user’s responsibility. Use at your own risk. Remember that no risks should be taken about public safety.

Placement
When possible, cabinets should be located in a high position, slightly inclined to the audience. If the loudspeakers are located too low, the listeners at the end of the room will not hear a good sound quality.

Fig. 4. Flying placement

S6 with subwoofer
The S6 is equipped with a 35 mm socket for mounting the speaker on a subwoofer (use SP/CRTL bar) or on a tripod. Be careful not to use this system on non- flat surfaces as it may become unstable.

Fig. 5. S6 35 mm bottom socket

Rotatable logo
All grille logos can be rotated.

Flying
Only experienced people should fly speaker cabinets. Extreme care should be taken to ensure the load-bearing capabilities of the structures where the cabinets will be placed. Hanging hardware (such as chains, eyebolts, and lock pins…) should be regularly inspected and replaced if in doubt.

Vertical flying with HR bar
For the S6, use the HR-S or HR-S/GT flying bar for vertical flying. Refer to “HR-S instructions manual” and “HR-S/GT instructions manual” for more information.

Fig. 7. HR-S and HR-S/GT flying bar for S6

Vertical flying with SP-6N
For the S6, use the SP-6N bracket. Refer to the “SP-6N instructions manual” for more information.

Fig. 8. SP-6N bracket for S6

Vertical flying with SP-WHR
The SP-WHR is an optional accessory for mounting on a wall (vertical orientation) one unit of S6. Refer to the “SP-WHR instructions manual” for more information.

Fig. 9. SP-WHR bracket for S6

NITID GRILLE
To remove the front grille, first remove the screws on both the left and right side. Insert two bent paper clips into the holes in the grille and carefully pull it off.

$amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $12$$

SPECIAL DSP FEATURES

RMS Limiter

NÍTID systems combine a carefully designed dual limiter system to independently protect each transducer against power overload: a peak Limiter and an RMS Limiter.
The RMS Limiter prevents long-term exposition of the transducer to high RMS levels (abnormal when the music has a correct dynamic headroom). When the limiter indicator (see NOTE) lights up continuously, it means that the RMS limiter is active. On the other hand, the Peak Limiter has an ultrafast attack to control the highest peaks of the music and only makes the indicator blink.
Thanks to the large experience of Amate Audio on DSP algorithms and limiters, these limiters are highly effective yet unnoticeable for the listener.

NOTE:
in the NÍTID-S systems, the limiter indicator can be found on the rear screen, with the words LIM highlighted in orange when it is active. Alternatively, the front NITID logo can be configured to indicate the limiter (see Annex I for more information).

Automatic Temperature Limiter

Under normal operation, NÍTID amplifiers can perform for many hours at full power. However, should the temperature in the amplifier rise abnormally, the system will automatically adjust the limiter threshold as a temporal protection to prevent the temperature from rising further.
When the temperature lowers again, the system will recover its normal operation. Should the temperature continue rising and reach 90ºC at the amplifier’s heatsink, the system will shut down in Protection mode.

Input Dynamic Compressor

NÍTID systems have a nominal input voltage of +8dBu / 2V (+2dBu / 1V in subwoofers) for full power performance; nevertheless, in order to respect the highest dynamics of the music, the input is capable to hold a high input voltage (+20dBu/8V). This avoids undesirable effects from sound sources and mixers capable of delivering a higher output voltage.
It must be noticed that driving a system continuously over its nominal input level may drastically decrease the sound quality, normally because of the lack of headroom (dynamic response). In the long term, it might also produce unnecessary damage of the transducers and reduce their reliability. The maximum power of the system is obtained at its nominal input level. Under this condition, the limiter indicator may blink occasionally. Working continuously above this level is never translated into better results.
To avoid loudspeaker damage because of input overload issues, NÍTID systems build in an input monitoring system that prevents the cabinet from being continuously operated at excessive input signal levels.
After a period of exposure to high average input levels (over +2.5Vrms), a dynamic compressor will progressively reduce the output power, to protect the transducers.
The higher the voltage at the input is, the higher the reduction of the output power, being a maximum reduction of 18dB. While the dynamic compressor is active, the message “Input Overload” will be present on the rear screen and the front logo will blink constantly.
To get back to the normal operation mode, the input level should be reduced to below 2 Vrms. After the level reduction, the system needs about 5 seconds to recover the normal operation mode.

Loudness (ALC)

The ALC feature is present when the Presets FLAT or HPF90 are selected.
ALC is a DSP algorithm developed by the Research and Development team at Amate Audio to improve the listening experience when the cabinet is being used at low reproduction levels.
Under this listening condition, the behaviour of the human ear is to naturally enhance the level of middle frequencies. The lower the level, the higher the middle-frequency enhancement. To compensate for that effect, ALC applies a correction to the frequency response of the system.
To do that, ALC automatically senses the average signal level at the input: when this level is low, the DSP will apply loudness compensation curves (based on Fletcher-Munson’s equal loudness contours), that will dynamically adapt the frequency response of the cabinet to the listening conditions.
This feature will only influence the frequency response when the input signal average is below 6dB of the nominal input, that is when the cabinet is performing at levels below half of its rated program power. In the range between -6dB and 0dB with respect to the nominal input, the ALC will not modify the response.

TROUBLESHOOTING

The system not powering up

If the screen does not light up:
- Check that the PowerCon cable is correctly inserted and turned until the “click”,
- Check that the AC mains are between the rated AC (85 to 265VAC)
- If AC is correct, the power module might need servicing. Contact support.
If the screen lights up but remains with the Amate Audio logo, the DSP board might need servicing. Contact support.

No output sound

Check in the screen that the input bar shows the level being received by the system. If not, check your cabling and sound sources.
Check that the signal cables are in good condition and connected at both ends
The mixer output level must not be at a minimum.
Check that the mixer channel is not muted.
Check that the system is not in MUTE or STANDBY (click the thermometer icon and read the “Status” value) not lit. If yes, go inside the menu using the touchscreen and deactivate them:
- To disable the Standby go to SETUP and select PWR ON in the ECO button.
- To disable the MUTE push the icon with a loudspeaker.
Check that the system GAIN is not set to the minimum. To do that, go to the AUDIO setting using the touchscreen, select GAIN and move the slider to the 0dB position.

Distorted output signal
The system is being saturated with a very high input signal, frequently caused by the same mixer. Check the output level or mixer gain channels.

Poor bass levels
Check the polarity of the signal connections between the mixer and cabinets. If any of the Pins (1, 2 or 3) have been inverted at the cable ends, this will cause significant performance and sound quality loss.

Noise and Hum

Check that all the connections to the active units are in good condition.
Avoid intertwining between main supply cables or proximity to transformers or Electromagnetic (EMI) emitting devices.
Check there is no light intensity regulator in the same AC circuit as the unit. ALWAYS connect the sound and light circuits in different phases.
Check that there is a proper connection to EARTH in the electrical installation.

Forgotten pattern for Touchscreen

Check the annex at the end of this manual to learn the default pattern.
Should you have changed the pattern and forgotten it, follow these steps:
- Turn the system off.
- Turn the system on.
- When the display shows the Amate Audio logo and the firmware version, press anywhere on the touch screen until the screen changes to the main screen.
- The pattern will be restored to its default value.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

|

S6

---|---
Analog Audio Input|
Sensitivity| +8dBu – 1.94V
Impedance| 50kW balanced
Mains Supply|
Type| Univ. switch mode power supply
Nominal input| 85-265 VAC/45-65 Hz
Average current draw| 0.5 A
AD/DA converters| 24-bit / 48 kHz
DSP architecture| 64 bit
Frequency response (-10 dB)| 62 Hz – 20 kHz
Maximum output level

(1m/continuous)

Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

TOUCHSCREEN OPERATION

Amate Audio’s Nítid S series comes with integrated signal processing (Internal DSP). The internal DSP can be tuned using the touchscreen. The main specs of the touchscreen are:

TFT-LCD screen
320×240 pixels resolution
Vision angle 180º
16.7 Million of colours

Main screen

After turning on the system a first loading screen shows up the Amate Audio’s logo. The built-in gyroscope can adapt the orientation of the screen elements to the loudspeaker position.
When the boot process is completed, the following elements are shown: $amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $14$$
- A. Loudspeaker model
- B. Mute button
  It mutes the audio output without turning off the amplification stage, so when the process is reverted the speaker delivers the audio immediately.
- C. Preset button
  Quick access to the preset selection menu. The icon gives info at first glance: It shows what preset is currently applying.
- D. Main menu button / Unlocking
- It gives access to the Main menu (Unit settings). When the unit is unlocked, the button shows the icon of a gear.
- The pattern can be customized inside the Pin configuration menu:
- Menu button (D) → Settings → PIN
- E. Info button
- The info button is dynamic, meaning that it changes according to the unit’s status. The button shows the current temperature with three colours: Blue when the temperature is below 55º, orange between 55º-75º and red above 75º. In the case the unit enters in to protect, the icon flickers.
- Click on the Info button to access detailed unit info.
  The info menu has four pages. On the first page, Status summarizes the unit status with the following options:
- Normal: Normal behaviour
- Mute: Mute is enabled
- Standby: The unit is waiting for the signal
- Protect: Failure in the amplification stage
  The tilt indication is not available in the presence of a signal at the input. The vibration caused by the sound waves jeopardises the measurement.
- F. Input level meter
  It shows the relative to the full-scale level in the XLR inputs of the unit. The reference is the sensibility of the loudspeaker, available in the specs, plus 6 dB of headroom. In the case the signal reaches saturation, a red clipping indicator shows up.
- G. Limiter check. Gain reduction level meter.
  The limiter check box (LIM box) turns on when the integrated signal limiter is working. Below the limiter check box is located the Gain reduction level meter that shows the level of limiter applied to the input signal.

With the unit unlocked, push on the Gear icon to access the Main menu.

Audio
Audio signal settings.
Settings
Non-audio settings.
Advanced
Advanced configuration parameters are enabled for qualified users.

Audio menu

Preset
- Factory preset selection
  When loading a preset with a set of audio parameters (EQ, delay,…) customised by the user, a pop-up will show up asking for confirmation to hold the user’s audio parameters. Accepting to hold the user parameters makes them overload the chosen preset. Cancelling to hold the user parameters deletes all the user parameters only applying the preset.
Gain
Input gain control. The fader selects the gain reduction applied to the input signal.
Limiter
Built-in limiter threshold control. The level meter shows the current gain reduction applied to the input signal. Lower the threshold to increase the compression.
Delay
Input signal delay control. It can be set both in milliseconds and meters, showing the equivalence in the other box. There is a polarity control button.
EQ
- Input parametric multiband equalizer control. There are available five parametric peaking filters.
- Pushing on the upper-right corner gear enables the advanced EQ menu, where each parametric can be customised for Frequency, gain, and bandwidth. There is an option to bypass each filter.
- On the top right corner of the Advanced EQ menu, you can find the EQ reset button. When pushed, all values of the five available EQs will be set back to factory default (no EQ). The system will ask for confirmation before performing this operation with an on-screen window. Select OK to proceed. $amate-audio-S6-6-Two-Way-Active-Speaker-fig- $18$$
Save
Access to the internal unit memory. Each of the 24 available memories can store a new user customised preset, saving: EQ, delay, gain and limiter configurations.

Settings menu

ECO
Amplifier stage power behaviour configuration.
- PWR ON: The amplifier stage is always active at full power for quick amplified signal delivery.
- STANDBY: The amplifier stage power is in standby mode, so no signal output though the unit is active.
- AUTO: The amplifier stage waits in standby mode for an input audio signal. When this happens the amplifier stage switches to PWR ON.
Frontal LED
Frontal Nítid LED configuration. The options are:
- OFF: LED always off.
- ON: LED always on
- LIM ON: LED remains off until the internal limiter starts working making LED lights on.
- LIM OFF: The LED remain on until the internal limiter starts working making the LED turn off.
Screen brightness
Backlight intensity configuration. There are three possible levels of brightness intensity.
Language
Language selection for the unit. The available languages are English, Spanish and Catalan.
PIN
Pattern PIN configuration as a drawing connecting several points
The unlocking process is performed by drawing a pattern. The pattern is configured inside the Settings menu. By default, the pattern is (starting on the bottom left dot, then clockwise):
- Once the previous pattern is drawn, the system will wait for the new pattern. A lock icon in the upper left corner of the screen will show up. Pushing on it locks the unit (The system confirms the operation by swapping the lock icon for a closed lock). Once the operation is completed the system will confirm the selection. Exit from the PIN menu to start de locking process. The unit will lock after waiting for 1 minute or after cycling the power.
- The pattern PIN can be reset anytime. Just hold the finger on the screen when the unit boots on the Amate Audio logo. When the boot is finished the pattern has been reset to default.

Advanced menu

Sweep
Acoustic test. A sinusoidal soundwave is played. It sweeps through the entire audible range in two steps. First the high-frequency stage from the cutoff frequency to 20 kHz. Then, the low-frequency stage is from 20 Hz to the cutoff frequency. The duration of both sweeps is approximately two seconds.
Diagnosis
Access to the system info menu. It is equivalent to pushing the thermometer icon from the Main screen.
Reset
Factory reset of all the unit’s parameters. The pattern PIN must be entered to confirm the process.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Per EN 45014:1998

Manufacturer’s Name: “AMATE AUDIO S.L.”
Manufacturer’s Address: C/ Perpinyà 25, Polígon Industrial Nord 08226 Terrassa, (Barcelona), SPAIN
Brand: “AMATE AUDIO”

We declare under our responsibility that:

Product: Active speaker systems with DSP. Audio apparatus for professional use
Name: Nitid S6

Conforms to the following product specifications:

Safety: IEC 60065-01 + A1
EMC:
- EN 55022:2006
- EN 55103-1:2009
- EN 55103-2 2009
- FCC Part 15

WARNING:
Under EN55022, this is a class-A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Supplementary Information
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the:

Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC

About Directive 2005/32/EC and EC Regulation 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008, this product is designed, produced, and classified as Professional Audio Equipment and thus is exempt from this Directive.