amate audio NITID S15 Two-Way Active Self-Powered Full-Range User Manual

amate audio NITID S15 Two-Way Active Self-Powered Full-Range

Safety Instructions

1. All safety instructions must be read before using this device.
2. Keep and follow these instructions
3. Heed all warnings
4. The exclamation mark in the triangle indicates internal components which if replaced can affect safety.
5. The lightning symbol within the triangle indicates the presence of dangerous uninsulated voltages.
6. Only clean the device with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install by the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install the device near heat sources such as radiators, heaters or other heat-emitting elements.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus
10. The equipment must be repaired by qualified technical service personnel when:
    • A. The mains supply cable is damaged, or
    • B. Any object or liquid has damaged the device; or
    • C. The equipment does not function normally or correctly; or
    • D. The equipment has been exposed to the rain; or
    • E. The chassis is damaged
11. Disconnect the device in the case of electric storms or during long periods of disuse.
12. WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device to rain or moisture
13. 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.
14. 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 to carefully read the following instructions in order to obtain the best results in performance.

Features and presentation S15

• Self-powered two-way acoustic system
• XLR electronically balanced input & output
• AC PowerCon input & link
• 800W class D amplifier for bass range
• 200W 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
• 15” neodymium speaker with 3” voice coil
• 1.5” polymer diaphragm neodymium ring driver
• 50º to 100º (H) x 55º (V) asymmetrical dispersion horn

Presets on S15
The S15 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.

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

• 3dB low
• 3dB high

PRESET 3 : Monitor Single enclosure without subwoofer full range, flat response. For stage monitor applications.

PRESET 4: HPF90 For using with subwoofer. HPF at 90 Hz.

Fig. 1. Presets for S15

CONTROL AND CONNECTION PANEL

The S15 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 (-)

Fig. 2. S15 control and connection panel

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 ten units is possible, provided that a quality cable of a minimum section of 3 x 2.5mm2 is used. Connecting more than ten units in parallel may lead to a voltage drop in the cable that will reduce the equipment performance.
  • Always use mains power cable supplied by manufacturer. Never connect NÍTID cabinets to an unearthed mains supply or by using 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/

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 .

Fig. 3. Parallel connection for S15 (signal and mains)

• Do not connect NÍTID series units using PowerCon without Earth.
• Do not connect more than ten units using the AC output link connector.

Parallel connection with subwoofer
You can connect the S15 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. 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.

MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION

Flying an S15 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

S15 with subwoofer or tripod
The S15 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. S15 35 mm bottom socket

Fig. 6. Use with subwoofer or tripod

Asymmetrical and rotatable horns
The S15 incorporates an asymmetrical dispersion horn, which will optimise coverage. To rotate the horn, unscrew the frontal grille, and then, unscrew the four fixing screws of the horn. Rotate it 180 degrees taking care of the wires. Screw the horn again and finally place the frontal grille in its right position. Good coverage of audiences often is a conflicting combination of:

• wide coverage for the closest audience (short throw)
• narrow coverage for distant areas (long throw)

The asymmetrical dispersion horn coverage varies from “short throw” to “long throw” along the vertical axis (keeping a constant vertical directivity). In conclusion, directivity feature of (50º to 100º(H), 55º(V)) can be seen as if the horn itself had “two” horizontal directivities, which depend on the distance. For short distances, the horn should be used with its “wide” dispersion (100º). For long distances, the horn should be used with its “narrow” dispersion (50º). We suggest you to pay attention to the following examples.

Vertical-Positioned Cabinets (Flown and aiming to the audience)
We need wide coverage (100º) for the closest listeners and narrow coverage for the distant audience.

Horizontal-Positioned Cabinets (Flown and aiming to the audience)
We need wide coverage (100º) for the closest listeners and narrow coverage for the distant audience.

The horns have the “Nearfield” mark printed on the 100º horizontal coverage side.

• Fig. 9. “Near Field” logo

Stage monitor use

Case 1
We need wider coverage (100º) when musicians are closer to the cabinet than when they move away from it (50º).

Case 2
We need wider coverage (100º) when performers move away from the cabinet (long stages) than when they are close to it (50º).

Rotatable logo
All grille logos can be rotated.

Stage monitor use
The wedge shape of the S15 allows for use as an onstage monitor without the need to incorporate any other accessory. Remember to use the MONITOR present in this case.

Fig. 12. Use as on-stage monitor

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 (as chains, eyebolts, lock pins…) should be regularly inspected and replaced if in doubt.

• DO NOT SUSPEND THE CABINETS FROM THE HANDLES

Vertical flying with HR-LU and HR-LU/GT bar
The HR-LU and the HR-LU/GT are some optional accessories for flying on a truss or ceiling (vertical orientation) one unit of S15. Refer to the “HR-LU instructions manual” and “HR- LU/GT instructions manual” for more information.

Fig. 13. HR-LU and HR-LU/GT flying bar for S15

Vertical flying with SP-WHR
The SP-WHR is an optional accessory for mounting on a wall (vertical orientation) one unit of S15. Refer to the “SP-WHR instructions manual” for more information.

Fig. 14. SP-WHR bracket for S15

Flying with ACRM8
The S15 provides several M8 flying points. Their correct use will permit the to fly in a vertical position or horizontal position.

5 (back tilt point)

Vertical Flying| 1&2 or 3&4 (front rigging points)

5 (back tilt point)

Horizontal flying with UB-L
The UB-L is an optional accessory for mounting on wall (horizontal orientation) one unit of S15. Refer to “UB-L instructions manual” for more information.

SPECIAL DSP FEATURES

RMS Limiter
NITID 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 in 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 during 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 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, to respect the highest dynamics of the music, the input is capable of holding 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 ofthe 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 behavior of the human ear is to naturally enhance the level of middle frequencies. The lower the level, the higher is 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 in 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 is between the rated AC (85 to 265 VAC)
  • 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 on 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 mains 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

Analog Audio Input

Sensitivity

| ****

+8dBu – 1.94V

Impedance| 50kW balanced
Mains Supply

Type Nominal input

Average current draw AD/DA converters DSP architecture

Frequency response (-10 dB) Maximum output level (1m/continuous)

Amplifier (program) Nominal directivity (-6dB) Components

LF-MF HF

Cabinet Type Height Width Depth

Weight (net) Connectors

Material Finish

| ****

Univ. switch mode power supply 85-265 VAC/45-65 Hz

1.7 A

24 bit / 48 kHz

64 bit

50 Hz – 19 kHz

128 dB

800 W +200 W

50º to 100º (H) x 55º (V)

15” neodymium woofer (3” voice coil)

1 x 1.5” polymer diaphragm neodymium ring driver

Bass-reflex 733 mm

423 mm

460 mm

23.8 Kg

2 x AC PowerCon (input, link) 2 x XLR (input, link)

Multilayer birch plywood, 1.5 mm powder-coated steel front grille with black acoustic mesh

Hi-resistance black Polyurea coating and protective

rubber profiles

Note: Specifications are subjected 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 colors

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:

• Loudspeaker model
• 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.
• Preset button Quick access to the preset selection menu. The icon gives info at first glance: It shows what preset is currently applying.
• 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 PIN configuration menu: Menu button (D) → Settings → PIN
• Info button Info button is dynamic, meaning that it changes according to the unit’s status. The button shows the current temperature with three colors: 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 to detailed unit info.

The info menu has four pages. In the first page, Status summarizes the unit status with the following options:

• Normal: Normal behavior
• 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 jeopardizes the measurement.

• 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.
• 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.

Main menu

• 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,…) customized by the user, a pop-up will show up asking for confirmation to hold the user 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 customized 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.

Save
Access to the internal unit memory. Each of the 24 available memories can store a new user-customized preset, saving: EQ, delay, gain, and limiter configurations.

Settings menu

ECO
Amplifier stage power behavior 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 which makes LED lights on.
• LIM OFF: LED remains on until the internal limiter starts working which makes 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 from 20 Hz to the cutoff frequency. The duration of both sweep are 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

• Signature:

Joan A. Amate Martinez

• General Manager
• Conformity Marking

The NÍTID-powered loudspeaker systems have been designed, engineered, and manufactured in Barcelona – SPAIN by

Amate Audio S.L.
Perpinyà, 25 · Polígon Industrial Nord · 08226 Terrassa T. +34 93 735 65 65 – F. +34 93 735 60 48 – info@amateaudio.com

R &D and FACTORY:
Violinista Vellsolà, 18 · 08222 Terrassa T. +34 93 736 23 90 – F. +34 93 786 47 00 Barcelona – SPAIN

• www.amateaudio.com
• Copyright 2023 by Amate Audio S.L.

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