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.