BLAZE 6008 Channel Power Amplifiers User Manual

6008 Channel Power Amplifiers

INSTALLATION GUIDE
USER MANUAL
PowerZone™ Connect
1002 • 1502 • 2004 / 2004D •
3004 / 3004D • 4008 • 6008

Technical and Safety Notices

Please read the following important technical, safety and environmental notices before installing and using your amplifier.
Technical Notices
All reasonable design and engineering steps have been taken to ensure that these amplifiers always perform satisfactorily in their intended application and environment and will provide appropriate levels of support to ensure that all reasonable customer needs and expectations are met. Such support however is contingent on the following provisions.

1. These amplifiers are Class-I products and should be installed with a mains cable including the required earth connection to comply with the Safety Class-I.

2. These amplifiers should always be installed by competent and qualified personnel. Amplifier damage or failure caused by installation or operational errors may invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of performance.

3. These amplifiers are not suitable for use in locations where they may be accessible to minors.

4. These amplifiers are intended to be used specifically for the amplification of audio signals and for connection to moving-coil loudspeaker systems. Use of these amplifiers for amplification of signals outside the audio band (20 Hz to 20 kHz) or to drive transducers other than moving-coil loudspeakers may invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of performance.

5. These amplifiers should only be used within professionally installed and configured audio systems comprising input and output ancillary equipments that is known to be of an appropriate level of performance and in good operating
   condition. Any damage to, or unsatisfactory performance from, these amplifiers caused by inadequate or failed input or output ancillaries may invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of performance.

6. These amplifiers are intended to be installed and operated indoor in a controlled environment (pollution degree, PD2) within an ambient temperature range of 0° C to 40° C. These amplifiers are not intended for use above 2000 meters above sea level. Amplifiers installed or operated in environments outside these limits may invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of performance.

7. Specific warranty terms are the responsibility of the amplifier re-seller.

Safety and Environmental Notices
Note: The intent of the lightning flash with arrowhead symbol in a triangle is 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 humans.
Note: The intent of the exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is to alert the user to the presence of important safety, and operating and maintenance instructions in this manual.
WARNING! TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Ambient Temperature Note: If this equipment is operated in a confined or multiple rack installation, the internal ambient operating temperature may exceed the external ambient temperature.
It is important to ensure in these arcumstances that the published maximum operating temperature for the equipment is not exceeded.
Reduced Air Flow: Ensure that rack or other closed installation does not restrict the cooling airflow required for safe and reliable operation of the equipment.

For PowerZone™ Connect 4008 and 6008
Note: This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this product in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at one’s own expense.
WARNING : 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.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Do not submerge the equipment in water or liquids.

7. Do not use any aerosol spray, cleaner, disinfectant or fumigant on, near or into the equipment.

8. Clean only with a dry cloth.

9. Do not block any ventilation opening. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

11. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the power cord shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

12. 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. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

13. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

14. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord, use the plug.

15. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

16. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17. 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.

18. The appliance coupler, or the AC Mains plug, is the AC mains disconnect device and shall remain readily accessible after installation.

19. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.

20. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when any doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment installation.

Environmental Statement
This product complies with international directives, including but not limited to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.

Introduction and Overview

Introduction
PowerZone™ Connect power amplifiers have been designed to provide configurable, consistent and reliable high performance audio power amplification for residential, commercial and entertainment applications.
This manual covers the features, installation and functions of the PowerZone™ Connect 1002, 1502, 2004/2004D, 3004/3004D, 4008 and 6008 models.
Please read the manual fully before installing and using an amplifier. If you have any questions regarding amplifier configuration, installation or operation please contact the appropriate customer support portal.
Following this introduction, the manual is divided into sections  covering the following topics:

• 2. Overview
• 3. Carton Contents
• 4. Installation
• 5. Configuration
• 6. Connections
• 7. Operation
• 8. Specifications

Amplifier Overview

PowerZone™ Connect 1002, 1502, 2004/2004D, 3004/ 3004D, 4008 and 6008 amplifiers are a full rack width, 2U format power amplifiers that can drive both conventional low impedance (Lo-Z, 4 Ω to 16 Ω) loudspeakers and high impedance (Hi-Z, 70 V / 100 V) transformer coupled loudspeakers. They provide four or eight analog inputs, one stereo S/PDIF digital input, and two or four or eight outputs (Lo-Z mode), or one or two or four outputs (Hi-Z or Lo-Z BTL
mode). PowerZone™ Connect amplifier model output channel counts and power outputs are as follows:

PowerZone™ Connect 1002

PowerZone™ Connect 1502

PowerZone™ Connect 2004/2004D

PowerZone™ Connect 3004/3004D

PowerZone™ Connect 4008

PowerZone™ Connect 6008

Note : In Lo-Z BTL (bridge-tied load) mode, two amplifier output channels are combined to create a single, double power output channel. BTL mode can be engaged via the amplifier Output Mode configuration setup menu described in Section 5 of this manual.

2.1 Connections and Power Switching
PowerZone™ Connect signal input and output connections are accomplished via RCA Phono and Euroblock style connectors.
A GPIO (General Purpose In/Out) Euroblock connector enables some amplifier functions to be controlled externally, and wireless or RJ45 socket Ethernet network connection options are also provided. Cable connectors and connections are described and illustrated in Section 6 of this manual PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers incorporate a front panel mounted power button. Press the button once to switch the amplifier on or off. Amplifier power management behaviour
can be configured via the Control web app Settings Menu described in Section 5 of this manual.
2.2 Network Features
PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are TCP/IP network connected devices that require a wired or wireless network connection to access their configuration menus. The configuration menus are accessed via the PowerZone™ Connect control web app interface and cover Input, Zone, Output and General Settings functions. The configuration menus are fully described in Section 4 of this manual.
Audinate Dante ®
Two and four output PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are optionally compatible with Audinate Dante ® audio over IP (AoIP) networks and installations.

Audinate Dante®
equipped versions of PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers enable the transmission and receipt of digital audio over an Ethernet network using the IP based Dante ® protocol.
Configuration and management of the IP routing for Dante digital audio, including the setting of network parameters such as IP addresses and subnet masks, is administered by Audinate’s Dante ® Controller software application. Dante Controller downloads and comprehensive guidance on the configuration and installation of Dante ® based audio over IP can be found at: www.audinate.com/products/software/dante- controller.

2.3 Firmware
This manual describes the features, functions and user interface of PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers running
Firmware Version 1.6.0.
It is strongly recommended that the firmware version installed in the amplifier in use is checked initially, and regularly thereafter. If updated firmware is available, the amplifier should be updated as a priority.
The firmware installed in the amplifier can be identified and updated by selecting the Device option in the Control web app Settings Menu. Firmware versions can be checked, and firmware downloaded, from the website: https://???

Carton Contents

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are shipped in a cardboard carton containing the amplifier unit, a mains cable appropriate for the sales territory, an accessory pack, and a document pack.
The full contents is listed below.

•  Amplifier unit
• Rack mount ears (fitted)
• Mains power cable
• Input connector x 2 or 4
• GPIO socket connector
• Output connector x 1, 2 or 4
• Adhesive rubber feet x 4
• Document pack

Installation

4.1 Amplifier Location
PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are shipped with rack “ears” attached and are primarily intended for standard (19 inch)equipment rack installation. If not to be installed in an equipment rack, PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers can be
placed free-standing on a flat surface. Adhesive rubber feet are supplied for this purpose.
It is important that any installation provides space for airflow through the ventilation apertures at the front and rear of the amplifier. This is illustrated in Diagram 4A.

Diagram 4A
PowerZone™ Connect two and four output amplifier dimensions. (Shaded area defines ventilation space.)

Diagram 4B
PowerZone™ Connect eight output amplifier dimensions.
(Shaded area defines ventilation space.)

Configuration

Before making input, output and GPIO connections, an initial PowerZone™ Connect amplifier configuration should be established. It is particularly important that the amplifier output format is configured appropriately for the speakers that are to be connected.
Configuration requires that PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are connected to mains power, switched on and connected to network services. These connections are described in the following two sections.

5.1 Mains Power Connection
PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers incorporate a power factor corrected power supply and can be used with mains input voltage from 100V AC to 240V AC, 50/60Hz. Use the mains cable supplied with the amplifier and connect it to a mains supply.
Press the front panel power button to switch on the amplifier.
After a short delay the front panel Status indicator will illuminate green.
5.2 Network Services
PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are configured via the Control Web App interface. Before the Web App configuration menus can be accessed, PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers must be connected to the same TCP/ IP network as the computer or mobile device that is to be used for configuration.
5.2.1 Wired (Ethernet) Network Connection
To connect a PowerZone™ Connect amplifier to a TCP/IP network using a wired connection (Ethernet) follow the steps below.

1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the PowerZone™ Connect amplifier rear panel Network Control socket (upper socket) to a free socket on a network router or switch, or directly to an Ethernet equipped laptop or desktop computer.
2. Connect the PowerZone™ Connect amplifier to mains power using the supplied mains cable. Wait for the front panel Network indicator to illuminate green to indicate that the amplifier has network connectivity.
3. The PowerZone™ Connect amplifier default LAN IP address is 192.168.64.100. Configure the laptop or desktop computer for a fixed IP address in the same IP range; eg. 192.168.64.10, with Subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (or prefix 24) and set the Gateway to 192.168.64.1.
4. Open a laptop or desktop web browser and enter the address http://192.168.64.100. The Control Web App interface will  open to enable amplifier configuration as required.
   Note: PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers can be configured to use DHCP for network connection if required. However, if a PowerZone™ Connect amplifier using DHCP is power cycled, it is possible that the TCP/IP network router will assign it a different IP address, leaving its configuration page inaccessible via the previous address. If this occurs, a network scanning app can be used to identify the new IP address. DHCP and Fixed IP address option settings can be found in the Settings Tab menu described in Section 5.3.

Note: The second network socket present on the amplifier rear panel is intended for Audinate Dante® AoIP network connection only. It cannot be used for PowerZone™ Connect control connection.

5.2.2 Wireless (WiFi) Network Connection
To connect a PowerZone™ Connect amplifier to a TCP/IP network using a wireless connection (WiFi) follow the steps below.

1. With the PowerZone™ Connect amplifier connected to mains power, wait for the front panel WiFi indicator to illuminate green.
2. Use a mobile, laptop or desktop device to search for available WiFi networks. Connect to, PowerZone™ Connect (product serial number)’ using the password, ‘password’. The amplifier serial number can be found on its rear panel.
3. Open a computer or mobile device web browser and enter the IP address: 192.168.4.1. The Control Web App interface will open to enable amplifier configuration as required.
4. Select the Web App Settings Tab followed by WiFi > WiFi Mode > Client to configure the amplifier to connect to the required WiFI network. The WiFi network name and password will be required.
   It is strongly recommended that the PowerZone™ Connect amplifier Access Point WiFi password is changed following initial wireless connection.

5.3 Configuration Menus
Opening a web browser that is network connected to a PowerZone™ Connect amplifier initially displays the PowerZone™ Control Web App Dashboard illustrated in Diagram 5A. The Dashboard is the ‘home’ page from which all other configuration options can be accessed.
The Dashboard displays the amplifier status, output zones and the configuration menu tabs. It also enables immediate access to zone volume control The functions available under each configuration menu tab are described in the following sections.

Diagram 5A
Configuration Dashboard display

5.3.1 Input Tab
The Input Tab provides the following configuration parameters for each amplifier input channel:

• Input name
• Mono/Stereo selection
• Input sensitivity
• High-pass filter
• Gain trim
• Five band equalisation

The Input Tab also enables input signals to be mixed and routed to specific amplifier zones. The mix function enables any amplifier input, including stereo or split mono S/PDIF inputs, to be grouped with any other input or inputs to create multiple predefined mixes.
Note: The number of individual mixes possible is equal to the number of amplifier analogue inputs.
Note: Mix inputs are muted by default with their level adjustment sliders set to zero.
Mix operations take place following high-pass filter, input equalisation and mono/stereo selection. Diagram 5B
Input Tab display
(two inputs only shown)
Note: When adjusting input gain, the input level display should remain green. If it displays red, the input gain should be reduced. Diagram 5C
Input EQ display
A pink noise or sine wave audio signal generator, appropriate for audio system testing and set up, can also be enabled, disabled, and adjusted for gain and frequency via the Input Tab.
Diagrams 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate the Input Tab, Input EQ and Input Mix displays respectively.
5.3.2 Zone Tab
The Zone Tab enables installation zones to be defined and named, and provides access to further sub-menus. Zones might be bar or restaurant areas for example, or different rooms in a home. For all Zone Tab menus, the installation zone
under configuration is selected by highlighting one of the zone identifiers (A, B, C or D) at the top of the display. Diagram 5E and 5F illustrates the Zone Tab and Source menu displays.

• The Source menu enables inputs to be assigned to zones and Input Priority or Input Ducking to be configured. The Input Priority function enables an alternative input to replace and mute the input primarily routed to the zone under configuration when the alternative input exceeds a preset level.

The Input Ducking function enables an alternative input to replace and attenuate the input primarily routed to the zone under configuration when the alternative input exceeds a preset level. Diagram 5D
Input Mix display

Diagram 5E
Zone Tab display

Note : Input Priority and Input Ducking parameters can be either set to default values or their Threshold, Attack, Hold and Release values set as required. Input Priority can also be set to ignore the volume level set for the specified zone and take a specific override volume.

• The Volume menu allows minimum and maximum zone volume limits to be set, and enables external GPIO volume control to be applied to individual zones. The GPIO configuration menu can be found under the Settings Tab, and notes on connecting an external volume control via the GPIO interface can be found in Section 5.5 of this manual.
  Note: If an amplifier is controlled via a third-party control system API, volume level limits set via the Input Tab will not apply.

• The Restrictions menu enables zone inputs or input mixes to be restricted from routing to particular zones.
  Note: Routing restrictions cannot be applied to priority zone inputs.
  Note: If an amplifier is controlled via a third-party control system API, input routing restrictions set via the Input Tab will not apply.

• The Compressor option enables default or custom signal compression to be applied to individual zones.
  Note: Compression can be useful to reduce the volume difference between loud and quiet audio material. The lower the compression threshold is set, the more the difference between loud and soft will be reduced. The overall zone volume may need to be increased when compression is used. The default compression parameters are appropriate for most installations.

5.3.3 Output Tab
The Output Tab enables amplifier outputs to be named, linked to zones, and provides access to Delay, Equalizer and Speaker Preset menus. Diagram 5G illustrates the Output Tab display.
For all Output Tab menus, the amplifier output under configuration is selected by highlighting one of the output identifiers (1, 2, 3 or 4) at the top of the display.
Note: The number of individual outputs available for configuration will depend on the PowerZone™ Connect amplifier model and the input, zone and output mode configuration.

• The Routing menu enables zones to be assigned to amplifier outputs.
  Note : Routing for zones specified as stereo will automatically offer three output options: left channel, right channel or summed mono.
  The summed mono signal can potentially be used to drive a mono subwoofer.

• The Delay menu enables delay to be applied to individual amplifier outputs.

Diagram 5F
Zone Source menu display

Diagram 5G
Output Tab display

11 page

References

• Software Essentials | Dante
• Dante Controller | Dante
• Pro audio solutions | Blaze Audio | Commercial Audio Installs

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