Alcons Sentinel 10 User manual

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

Table of contents _______________________________________________

1 Introduction __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

2 Important safety instructions ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 6

3 Precautions___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

4 Installation ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8

5 Overview ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

6 Connections _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14

7 Operation ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

7.1 Tab section Overview _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

7.2 Tab section Gain ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 21

7.3 Tab section Eq_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23

7.4 Tab section Delay __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 25

7.5 Tab section Presets _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 26

7.6 Tab section Routing_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 28

7.7 Tab section System _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29

7.7.1 Speaker ________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29

7.7.2 Amp ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 29

7.7.3 Setup __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 30

7.7.4 Lock system _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 30

7.7.5 Lock preset______________________________________________________________________________________________ 30

7.7.6 High headroom/ low noise __________________________________________________________________________________ 31

7.7.7 Mute preferences _________________________________________________________________________________________ 31

7.7.8 Backlight brightness _______________________________________________________________________________________ 31

7.7.9 Screen saver ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 31

7.7.10 Change date/ time _______________________________________________________________________________________ 31

7.7.11 Oplog _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 32

7.7.12 Clean oplog ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 32

7.7.13 Copy log files ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 32

7.7.14 Firmware_______________________________________________________________________________________________ 32

7.7.15 Project_________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33

7.7.16 Network________________________________________________________________________________________________ 33

7.8 Remote control through a VNC client ___________________________________________________________________________________ 34

7.8.1 Remote control with the Virtual Encoder™ _____________________________________________________________________ 35

8 Safety ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 36

9 Service and support __________________________________________________________________________________________________ 37

10 Specifications________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 40

11 Block diagram _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 42

12 Block diagram Bridge mode – ALC Sentinel 3 only_________________________________________________________________________ 43

13 CE declaration of conformity ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 44

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

1. Introduction__________________________________________________

Dear customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of an Alcons Audio ALC Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controller, and thank you for your confidence in Alcons products. We

are very honoured to welcome you to the growing family of Alcons ambassadors!

For your safety, please read the Important safety instructions and the Precautions section before installing and operating the amplifier.

The “engine” behind every Alcons sound system is the Amplified Loudspeaker Controller. The ALC is a combination of a loudspeaker controller and a very high

efficiency power amplifier. The Sentinel range sets new standards in sound quality, by bringing Alcons famous pro-ribbon sound into the digital amplification

domain, while increasing system performance to the highest levels.

The ALC Sentinel is proprietary designed and developed by Alcons Audio and features a powerful 4-channel DSP-based controller with patented Class-D

amplifier stages onboard.

Main focus in the development of the Sentinel range was to obtain a very low distortion “audiophile-grade” signal drive and a surplus of headroom under any

circumstance, to get the absolute maximum performance out of the Alcons sound systems.

Speakon

and PowerCon

are trademarks of Neutrik

AG.

ALC Sentinel features

Fully-intuitive control and feedback

The Sentinel features on-unit control over the complete amplifier and processor sections through a 4.3” (480 x 272 pixels) touch screen TFT-LCD display and a

multi-colour LED-illuminated rotary encoder. A dedicated micro-computer “oversees” and controls all processes; Through the internal I²C communication

network, all parameters of DSP, amplifier stages, power-supplies and micro-controllers can be monitored and guided, for maximum operating efficiency and full

status/application logging.

Compact and light weight

The combination of Class-D designed amplifier stages, switch-mode power supplies and specific focus on a weight and space-saving structure, brings a highly

efficient power-to-size/weight ratio.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

1. Introduction__________________________________________________

4 x 4 Input / Output matrix

With 4 individual inputs, a free-configurable input / output matrix is formed. Each channel offers a choice of up to 4 inputs, incl. input-summing, with selectable

analogue or digital (AES3) input signals.

Audiophile signal processing

The internal D/A conversion accepts signals of up to 192kHz, with other sample rates from 44.1 kHz being automatically up-/down-sampled to 96kHz processing.

In striving for the highest audio quality possible, a fully customized sample rate conversion is implemented. This enables true high-end HiFi sound quality at

concert SPL’s.

Powerful Drive Processing

The speaker- and signal processing is taken care of by a 450MHz Analog Devices SHARC™ processor (S3: 400MHz). This is one of the most powerful DSP

engines available and enables fastest processing of even the most complex (IIR, FIR) algorithms for protection, filtering, power and response optimisation .

On-board features include 6-band parametric/shelf/pass-filter eq. per channel, delay, factory presets for all systems and system configurations.

SIS Signal Integrity Sensing™

SIS is a unique feature installed in all Alcons amplifiers that dynamically senses the signals arriving at the loudspeaker terminals, and so compensating for errors

introduced by cable resistance and self-induction. Doing so, SIS™ reduces linear and non-linear distortion, compensates signal loss and maintains high damping

figures, thus achieving high signal integrity, regardless of the cable length.

Intelligent power-supply

The power-supply section is controlled by the Power Detection Circuit, that measures the input AC current and protects against high-voltage overload up to

400V. It also features automatic selecting of the correct operating AC current circuit 115V / 230V (“global power supply”).

It also features a “redundant setup” with load balancing capabilities. when one SMPS is down, other SMPS automatically takes over for all 4 amp.channels.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

1. Introduction__________________________________________________

Bridged mono mode - ALC Sentinel 3 only

Bridged mono mode combines the output power of two amplifier channels into one loudspeaker load, resulting in twice the voltage swing and four times the

power in a specific load. See the Connections section!

Easy servicing and upgrading

The modular design of the complete ALC, caters for easy “in-the-field” servicing and upgrading; The power supplies and amp.stages can be individually

exchanged in case of emergency, significantly reducing down-time. The DSP is mounted on a separate PCB, thus can be easily “future-proof” upgraded when

required.

The Sentinel3 and Sentinel10 share the same front control panel; When exchanging during servicing, the front control panel automatically detects what model it

needs to control; A Sentinel3 or Sentinel10. This saves inventory and guarantees a fast turn-around repair.

Remote-control / Networked audio

The Sentinels are prepared for ALControl™; Alcons Audio’s proprietary, Ethernet-based ALC network . ALControl™ can control individual or clusters of

Sentinels, with functions like grouped eq’ing, event and (on-line) system monitoring and repairs, firmware uploads, a.o. Through two additional RJ45 connectors

(redundant) and optional network modules, the Sentinel is prepared for different audio-over-network standards.

Maximum operating reliability

The Sentinels feature most advanced protection circuitries for optimal reliability; Amplifier stage protection against DC, subsonic, RF, short circuit for both

speaker signal and sensing signal as well as over-/under voltage; SMPS supplies are protected against over-/under AC voltage. These circuits cut-off operation,

when detected.

The dynamic current, voltage and power limiting as well as thermal protection circuits modulate the signal down to safe levels; Together with the redundant-

switching between the two SMPS supplies, these modulating safety circuits maintain operation under the most difficult situations.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

2. Important safety instructions ___________________________________

Warning: – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.

9. 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.

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

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

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when

moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

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

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as, the 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.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within a triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the enclosure

that may be a risk of electric shock to humans.

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

3. Precautions __________________________________________________

Save the packing material. Should you ever need to ship the amplifier, use only the original packing.

Read this manual carefully before installing and operating your amplifier.Retain this documentation for future reference.

Always operate the amplifier with a grounded AC mains supply.Ensure that the quality of the mains supply is good enough and that it can supply the

required peak currents. In addition, proper earthing is necessary to prevent hum and safety problems.

Do not use the amplifier if there is visual damage to the enclosure or cables. Inspect the amplifier and wiring before use. When in doubt, have the amplifier

inspected by authorized technical personnel.

Do not make connections to the amplifier while it is switched on.Always shut off the amplifier when making connections to it, and mute the inputs when

making connections to preceding equipment in the chain.

Do not spill water or any other liquid to or into the amplifier.Do not operate the amplifier if suspected or standing in liquid. Do not use liquid or aerosol

cleaners. Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block the air intake for the fans on the rear, or the exhaust ports on the front side of the amplifier.The amplifier can run hot, or even go into

protect mode if there is insufficient cooling air.

Do not operate the product near any heat source, such as radiators or other devices.This will affect the temperature headroom.

Make sure that the dust filters are cleaned frequently. Dirty filters can easily block the flow of air.

Do not remove the cover.There are no user serviceable parts inside the amplifier. Removing the cover exposes you to dangerous voltages inside the amplifier.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.Servicing is required when the amplifier has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled on or into the

amplifier, does not operate normally or has been dropped.

Do not series or parallel connect an amplifier output with any other amplifier output.Connecting outputs together can cause damage to the amplifiers.

Use the mains plug as the disconnecting device. keep it readily accessible. If the mains plug is not readily accessible due to mounting in a 19" rack, then the

mains plug for the entire rack must be readily accessible.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

4. Installation___________________________________________________

Unpacking

Carefully open the shipping carton and inspect the amplifier. Every Alcons amplifier is thoroughly tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should

arrive in perfect condition. If you find any damage, notify the shipping company immediately. Only you, the consignee, may initiate a claim for shipping damage.

Be sure to save all packing materials for the carrier’s inspection.

Please save the packing material. If you ever need to ship the amplifier back to your dealer or the factory, you should only use the original packing.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

4. Installation___________________________________________________

Sentinel parts and dimensions

1) removable fan grill with dust filter

2) SRMB rear rack mounting set

3) Rack handle

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

4. Installation___________________________________________________

Mounting

The ALC Sentinel amplifiers mount in standard 19-inch racks. A rear mounting set gives additional support. Rear support is highly recommended in all

applications, especially with mobile and touring systems. ALC Sentinels can be stacked directly on top of each other. There is no need for spacing between

units. Ensure that the bottom ALC Sentinel has a bottom support over it’s entire depth.

Cooling and ventilation

The ALC Sentinel amplifier uses forced air cooling in order to maintain a low operating temperature. In this device the cooling air enters at the back and the hot

air leaves the amplifier at front side.

Make sure that there is an adequate supply of fresh, cool air at the back of the amplifier, and that there is sufficient space in the rack for the exhaust to escape.

Due to the small diameter fans and high turning speed, high noise levels can be encountered.

Do not use ALC 2/ 4 /6 amplifiers (front to side cooling)with Sentinel 3 or 10 amplifiers (rear to front cooling) in one rack.

Mains Power

The AC mains voltage for the ALC Sentinel amplifier is stated at the rear of the amplifier near the PowerCon® input. Your local power will be detected

automatically. For safety reasons you must also ensure that the AC supply is properly grounded. The AC current draw is measured according to the IEC 65

safety standard. The normal operating power is measured using pink noise, with an average power equal to 1/8 of full power. This corresponds to normal music

being played to the clip level of the amplifier. The table below shows the AC current draw for different loudspeaker loads. Make sure your AC power distribution

can handle the currents demanded by the amplifiers.

The AC mains power may not deviate more than +/-10% from the nominal values.

Only use one ALC Sentinel 3 or 10 per 16A phase conducter for optimal performance. It is possible to use multiple ALC Sentinel 3 or 10

amplifiers in “low power” applications. Due to the high inrush current, it is advised to switch on a maximum of two amplifiers at the

same time.

Sentinel 3

Peak output power/channel 1/8

output power(-9dB): BTU / W

8 Ω400 W 536 W 1224 / 359

4 Ω750 W 788 W 1494 / 438

Sentinel 10

Peak output power/channel 1/8

output power(-9dB): BTU / W

8 Ω1250 W 1328 W 2244 / 658

4 Ω2500 W 2057 W 3015 / 884

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

5. Overview ____________________________________________________

Front panel

1) Mounting ears 19” rack mounting

2) USB port USB Host A port – for all USB storage devices

3) TFT Display Full Colour display with touch screen*

4) Encoder Multi Colour Encoder

5) Rack handle Use both handles for manual transportation

The touch screen incorporates a thin flexible sheet that may be damaged by sharp objects or heavy treatment.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

5. Overview ____________________________________________________

Rear panel

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

5. Overview ____________________________________________________

1) Finger guard The finger guard protects the fan intake. Do not block this area, because it will the reduce the airflow.

2) Networked Audio Inputs 2,1 Connect two RJ-45 connectors and leads for the networked audio inputs. One lead is for redundancy.

3) AES/ EBU* inputs 2,1Connect your AES/ EBU signal source for channel 1 and 2 to the female XLR connector input 1 and

connect your AES/ EBU signal source for channel 3 and 4 to the female XLR connector input 2.

4) AES/ EBU* link 2,1 These XLR connectors are internally hardwired to the AES/ EBU input connectors. You can use one of these male connectors to

‘daisy chain’ channel 1, 2 or 3, 4 input signal to the next amplifier.

5) Analog Input 4,3,2,1 Connect your signal source for channel 1,2,3 or 4 to one of the female XLR connectors.

6) AC power input Connect the supplied AC mains cable to this connector. Make sure your mains supply matches the specifications stated on the label

next to this connector.

7) Outputs 4,3,2,1 Four 4-pole Speakon® connectors are installed to connect your loudspeakers to the amplifier channel 1,2,3 and 4.

8) ALControl™ Connect a RJ-45 connector and lead for the ALControl™ communication. See the ALControl™ manual for further instructions.

*AES/EBU is a standard used for the transport of digital audio signals between professional audio devices, as described in IEC 60958 and AES3. The AES3 and

analogue inputs are calibrated according to EBU standard (-18dBFS = 0dBu).

The AES3-link connection is actively buffered by the Sample Rate Converter, so no external buffering is required. Thus the AES3-link is active when the unit is

switched on.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

6. Connections _________________________________________________

Inputs

The ALC Sentinel has female XLR connectors for the signal inputs and male XLR connectors for the input links. These connectors are wired with pin 2 ‘hot’.

1 = Ground

2 = Signal +

3 = Signal –

The link connectors can be used to daisy chain the (digital) input signals to another amplifier. If you want to drive the amplifier from an unbalanced source,

preferably connect pin 3 to pin 1 in the source connector. If this is not possible, connect pin 3 to pin 1 at the amplifier’s connector. Remember, that balanced

connections are less susceptible to AC hum, however unbalanced signals can be used for short cable runs.

Outputs

Loudspeakers are connected using Speakon® connectors. For each channel a Speakon® connector is available. Due to the SIS (Signal Integrity Sensing™)

feature on the ALC Sentinel, there are four connections per channel instead of two. The two extra wires are used for voltage sensing at the loudspeaker

terminals. The output+ and sense+ wires are connected together at the loudspeaker+ terminal, and the output- and sense- wires are connected together at the

loudspeaker- terminal. All Alcons loudspeaker cabinets are SIS pre-wired. If your loudspeakers are not prepared for SIS wiring you can connect the sense wires

to the output wires at the loudspeaker input. If you do not want to use the SIS feature at all, the sense wires should be connected to the output wires at the

amplifier output in the Speakon® connector.

WARNING!

Never connect the sense+ to the output- terminal or vice versa, or short circuit both sense wires! Since you are disabling the amplifier’s feedback network, the

amplifier can produce a large amount of DC at its output. Through its protection circuitry, the Sentinel will shut-off and will not pass any audio.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

6. Connections _________________________________________________

Use bridge mode when you want to combine the power of

amplifier channel 1+2 or 3+4 into one loudspeaker load.

In bridge mode connect your loudspeaker with or without SIS

to the channel 1 and channel 2 outputs (or channel 3 and 4)

as shown above. Sentinel 3 only!

The Speakon® connector is wired as follows:

Speakon® male plug viewed from the wiring side

Normal loudspeaker operation Loudspeaker connection without SIS™

1+ Output+

1 - Ouput –

2+ Sense +

2 - Sense -

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

6. Connections _________________________________________________

For a given loudspeaker impedance, the proportional power loss as a function of cable length and cable gauge is given in the next table:

8 Ω4 Ω

1.5 mm

2.5 mm

4 mm

6 mm

1.5 mm

2.5 mm

4 mm

6 mm

5 meters 1.4 % 0.8 % 0.5 % 0.4 % 2.8 % 1.7 % 1.1 % 0.7 %

10 meters 2.8 % 1.7 % 1.1 % 0.7 % 5.4 % 3.3 % 2.1 % 1.4 %

15 meters 4.1 % 2.5 % 1.6 % 1.1 % 7.8 % 4.9 % 3.1 % 2.1 %

20 meters 5.4 % 3.3 % 2.1 % 1.4 % 10.2 % 6.4 % 4.1 % 2.8 %

25 meters 6.6 % 4.1 % 2.6 % 1.7 % 12.4 % 7.8 % 5.0 % 3.4 %

30 meters 7.8 % 4.9 % 3.1 % 2.1 % 14.5 % 9.3 % 6.0 % 4.1 %

40 meters 10.2 % 6.4 % 4.1 % 2.8 % 18.5 % 12.0 % 7.8 % 5.4 %

50 meters 12.4 % 7.8 % 5.0 % 3.4 % 22.1 % 14.5 % 9.6 % 6.6 %

To calculate the SPL losses from these percentages in dB’s, the following equation may be used:

dB loss = 20 * log(1 – (%loss/100))

In the next table a few percentages are converted to dBs:

% loss dB loss

1 % 0.1 dB

2 % 0.2 dB

5 % 0.4 dB

10 % 0.9 dB

15 % 1.4 dB

20 % 1.9 dB

25 % 2.5 dB

30 % 3.1 dB

35 % 3.7 dB

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

7. Operation____________________________________________________

Power On/Off

The mains AC power of the amplifier is switched on when the PowerCon is connected.

Each setting is automatically stored in memory, 30 seconds after the last user change. It is advised, to switch the amplifier off only, 30

seconds after the last instruction / setting change (otherwise the setting change will not be stored); it is also possible to double-click

the encoder, with which the settings are manually stored.

Using AES signal in daisy chain - When one of the interlinked amplifiers is switched off, the following amplifier will not receive the AES

signal. The reason for this, is that the AES signal is actively buffered.

Panic Mute - By pressing the illuminated rotary encoder for 2 seconds, all channels will be switched into mute. To un-mute, go to the

Overview Tab or Gain Tab screen. This feature can be disabled in the Mute preferences menu.

Stand-by mode - By pressing the rotary encoder for 4 seconds, the amplifier can be put in Stand-by mode through the pop-up on/off

selection menu: In Stand-by mode the power supplies and amplifier stages are switched on/off, and display is dimmed to 10%. Another

way of switching on/off, is through the PowerCON connector on the rear of the amplifier; This way, every function (also the front) is

switched off.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

7. Operation____________________________________________________

Multi-colour LED encoder

Fig 1 Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

The rotary encoder features a Multi-colour LED, which shows the status of the amplifier..

White (fig.1) Normal operation

White blinking Eq settings changed - with changing settings in the equaliser-section, the encoder will blink, indicating that changes have been

made to the stored settings.

Blue (fig.2) Initialisation - DSP is being synchronised with the front UserInterface (only during amplifier start-up phase).

Green (fig.3) Save eq settings - after pressing the white-blinking encoder, the new setting is confirmed by a short, green-blinking encoder

(only in the Eq menu).

Red blinking (fig.4) Error detected - what causes the error notification, can be checked in the “oplog” (“system” -> “oplog”).

In an error situation (red-blinking encoder), it is not possible to see if changes are made in the eq-settings (white-blinking encoder) nor

if they are being stored (short green-blinking encoder -> white encoder) as the error condition overrules this.

For service purposes, a log file can be downloaded from the controller-amplifier, through the USB port. See procedure in Tab section

system/ copy log files.

ALC Sentinel User’s Manual. Rev. 1.5

7. Operation____________________________________________________

Touch screen menu

The touch screen function is applied for (de-)activating of a selection on the menu screen. Through the rotary encoder a specific value can be set (turn) and can

be confirmed (click).

The menu is divided in different “Tab sections” under which a function-dedicated page is located.

This guide relates to Sentinel amplified loudspeaker controllers with front firmware v1.3

7.1 Tab section: Overview

In this section, an overview is given of the most important settings, as they have been selected.

Adjustments of these settings are limited to enable/disable in this section. Value changes of these parameters can be made in each specific function Tab section.

Furthermore, the status of signals (green = input signal present, yellow = input signal 0dB, red = output signal clip) and of the amplifier stages temperature

(blue = ok, orange blinking = channel close to thermal shut down) is displayed.

Gain - can be activated or de-activated (“gain muted”): Specific values can be entered in the “Gain” section.

Eq - can be activated or de-activated: Specific values can be entered in the “Eq” section.

Delay - can be activated or de-activated: Specific values can be entered in the “Delay” section.

Preset - shows the name of the selected factory system preset: Systems can be selected in the “Presets” section.

Routing – Shows the routing of the audio signal.

System – System parameters can be read or set, that are not required for “daily” operational usage.

Name - shows the customized name that each channel can be given. Pressing this field, activates a qwerty keyboard pop-up, with which the name can be

entered (after clicking away the keyboard, one lands in the “Preset” tab section).

Input shows “analog” or “digital”, for the selected input; Also the input channel number is shown (1, 2, 3, 4). Specific values can be entered in the “Routing”

section.