Amate Audio TPD3K User manual

User’s manual
TPD3K
July 2021

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Safety Instructions
1. All safety instructions must be read before using this device.
2. The exclamation mark in the triangle indicates internal components which if
replaced can affect safety.
3. The lightning symbol within the triangle indicates the presence of dangerous
uninsulated voltages.
4. This device must not be exposed to rain or humidity.
5. Only clean the device with a dry cloth.
6. Do not situate the equipment where its ventilation system might be interfered with.
7. Do not install the device near heat sources such as radiators, heaters or other
heat-emitting elements.
8. 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
9. Disconnect the device in the case of electric storms or during long periods of
disuse.
10. 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.
11. Only use manufacturer recommended accessories.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DON’T OPEN
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do
not expose this equipment to rain or moisture
WARNING:

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1 INTRODUCTION
Amate Audio would like to thank you for the trust placed in our TPD3K Digital Signal
Processing Amplifier. We have incorporated the highest technology into this product
with the conviction that will give you an optimum performance and operation,
however adverse the working conditions to which you may submit it. In order to
achieve the best performance and correct operation, it is important that you
read the instruction manual carefully before making any connections. In addition, we
recommend that you read the Warranty Certificate enclosed with this Equipment in
case you may observe any anomaly prior to or immediately after start up, and how to
proceed on each case.
The TPD3K is an amplifier with built-in digital loudspeaker management system
designed for compact sound installation markets.
A 2000 W @ 4 Ohm Class D amplifier for low frequency (subwoofer) plus 2x750 W
@ 4 Ohm Class D amplifiers for mid-high frequency offer an all-in-one flexible,
reliable and powerful option for most loudspeaker installations including subwoofers.
An internal DSP with 6 output channels (3 internal, 3 external) provides all the
possibilities for fully processing a loudspeaker (X-over, PEQ, Delay, Limiter, Gain).
The TPD3K can be controlled or configured in real time on the front panel or with the
intuitive PC/Mac GUI accessed via the USB interface. Software upgrade for CPU
and DSP via PC keeps the device current with newly developed algorithms and
functions once available. Multiple setup storage and system security complete this
professional package.
Shipped contents:
-TPD3K unit
-AC power cord
-USB cable for PC connection
2 MAIN FEATURES
2.1 Amplifier features
The TPD3K amplifier is modular in design. The rigid metal chassis provides easy
access to the electronic circuits. Safety circuits protect the amplifier in the event of a
short circuit of the loudspeaker output, abnormal increases in temperature and/or
excessive amplifier consumption.
The TPD3K amplifier offers high dynamic performance with extremely good
efficiency, as well as good damping factor, which results in clean response to
transients and high quality playback.
The power modules are integrated in a H-shaped own developed heat sink, which
combines high dissipation power with an excellent thermal inertia, thanks to the high
extraction effectiveness of the incorporated fan.

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Other features include:
-Separate input XLR, electronically balanced for each channel (Left & Right)
-Limiter and indicators VU for each way (channel)
-Eco mode: the amplifier enters in low consumption mode after some minutes of
absence of signal at the input. It will automatically power on as soon as there is
sound to reproduce.
-Three loudspeaker outputs: Subwoofer (SW), Left (L) and Right (R) via binding
posts or Speakon.
-Three auxiliary balanced outputs with processed signal. They can be linked to the
internal processing of each channel (SW, L and R) or configured independently.
2.2 DSP features
The absolute latest in available technology is utilized with 64-bit floating point
processors and high performance 24-bit Analogue Converters. The high-bit DSP
prevents noise and distortion induced by truncation errors of the commonly used 24-
bit fixed-point devices.
The available features are:
-1 Hz Frequency Resolution
-10 Parametric Equalizers for each Input and Output (EQs can be set as Bell,
Notch, High Shelf, Low Shelf, Notch, Allpass, Band Pass, High Pass, Low Pass)
-Multiple Crossover types: Butterworth, Bessel, Linkwitz-Riley, up to 4th order
(24dB / oct).
-Up to 2 seconds delay per each input/output
-RMS compressor and ultra-fast attack Peak Limiter.
-Precise Level, Polarity and Delay
-2-Line x 16 Character Backlit LCD Display with black background.
-Security Lock (with user or administrative rights)
-USB Interface for PC/Mac Control and Configuration (on front panel)
-CPU and DSP firmware upgrade via PC/Mac interface
-110dB dynamic range (inputs) / 114dB dynamic range (outputs)
-48kHz sampling rate
-Low latency (1.32ms)
-Factory presets for Amate Audio loudspeakers and for most common
configurations.

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3 MAIN CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
3.1 The front panel
Fig. 1. Front panel view
A) Standby Switch –Press this switch to set the system in standby mode (red led
lit). Press again to set the unit in normal mode (white led lit).
B) Cooling outs –Forced air output for temperature regulation.
C) Protection –Led indicating the operation of any of the protection systems of one
or both channels. At power up (or recovering from standby or eco mode) it will
turn ON for a few seconds. If it does not turn OFF, indicates a problem of
malfunction of the amplifier.
D) EcoMode –Led is lit when the low power consumption mode is on (will
automatically happen after a few minutes without input signal). To wake up the
amplifier, signal must be fed to the inputs.
E) USB Connector –A standard type B USB connector for interface with a PC or
Mac. Software and driver must be installed prior to usage.
F) Mute keys –Press for Mute/Unmute the output channels. When a channel is
muted, this key will light up in red for indication.
G) Input signal LEDs - Show the current level of the Signal: Signal (-48dBu), -6dBu,
Limiter (orange), Overload (red). The Limiter led lights up if a gain reduction is
taking place (due to a programmed compressor). The Overload LED references
to the device's maximum headroom (+22dBu).
H) Menu Control keys - There are 6 menu keys, with the following functionality:
<Channel:
Choose previous channel for editing.
Channel>:
Choose next channel for editing
<Select:
Select previous parameter for editing
Select>:
Select next parameter for editing
Menu:
This key has different functions depending on when it is used:
-In the Main Screen: Access the System Menu.
-In the Main Menu allows entering the System Menu.
Exit:
Exit to the Main Menu
B
E
G
J
K
F
B
H
I
C
D
A

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I) LCD - Shows all the necessary information to control the unit.
J) Rotary Thumb Wheel –Click and turn to change the overall input gain (volume)
of the system. Inside the menus, turn the wheel to change parameter data values
and click on it to confirm the value entered. The center click of the wheel is also
used to browse different parameters of the same feature.
K) Output signal LEDs - Show the current level of the output Signal: Signal (-
48dBu), -6dBu, Limit (orange), The Limit led lights up if a gain reduction is taking
place (due to a programmed compressor).
3.2 The rear panel
Fig. 2. Rear panel view
A) Power switch with thermal breaker - Controls power On/Off. Automatic switch
off if overconsumption takes place.
B) Main Power - Connects via a standard IEC socket. A compatible power cord is
supplied with the unit. The input voltage range is 85 to 240VAC, 50-60Hz.
C) Speakon Output (SW, L, R) –Loudspeaker output connections via 2-pole
Speakon. Recommended output for connecting the amplifier with the acoustic
system.
D) Binding Posts –Separate outputs of each channel. This connector is connected
in parallel with the Speakon Output and they are recommended when requiring a
wire section greater that the Speakon Output.
E) FAN –Forced ventilation turbine. Do not cover.
F) XLR inputs (L, R) - Electronically balanced
G) XLR auxiliary outputs (processed) - Separate 3-pin XLR connectors are
provided for each auxiliary output. The device's output stage employs the
balanced impedance topology.
B
H
C
D
F
E
G

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4 INSTALLATION
4.1 Connection to the mains
First, it is essential to ensure that the main voltage corresponds to the apparatus
voltage. It is not advisable to connect and disconnect the mains wire without first
making sure that the switch is in its OFF position. The amplifier is equipped with an
Inrush current limiter circuit, which avoids current excess when powering up. In
addition to that, a breaker switch located close to the IEC socket protects the
amplifier when the average current consumption is out of the specified range.
AC 85/240V –50/60Hz
Average current draw @230V: 1.5 A Musical Program
5 A Heavy Duty
WARNING: the connection to any other voltage different from the
one specified can damage the amplifier immediately.
4.2 Connection of the loudspeakers
The loudspeaker system should be connected to the Speakon or binding posts
connectors ensuring that the polarity is correct. It is very important to use a cable
fitting to the power of the amplifier to maintain the high damping factor these units
provide.
As a general guideline, we offer a table showing the recommended cable section for
different cable length, in order to keep power and damping factor loss in acceptable
values.
Max. recommended cable length
Section
8 Ohm Load
4 Ohm Load
2.5mm2(AWG14)
20 m
10 m
4mm2(AWG12)
35 m
15 m
6mm2(AWG10)
55 m
25 m
8 mm2(AWG 8)
70 m
35 m
Table 1. Maximum recommended cable length
The following speaker outputs are available:
Speakon sockets: Each pole can fit a maximum wire section of 4mm2(AWG12).
•SUBWOOFER (SW): Loudspeaker output connection for the subwoofer
channel.
•LEFT (L): Loudspeaker output connection for Left channel satellites.
•RIGHT (R): Loudspeaker output connection for Right channel satellites.

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Fig. 3. Available loudspeaker connectors on the rear panel
Binding Posts: They accept direct cable connection up to 8mm2section (8AWG).
The Binding Posts are marked with Red for the Positive Pole, and Black for the
Negative Pole. Separate outputs are available for each channel: 2 binding Post
(RED/BLACK) for SW, 2 for L and 2 for R.
The outputs are configured as following:
Output
SW
L
R
SPEAKON
Positive
+1 (live)
+1 (live)
+1 (gnd)
Negative
-1 (live)
-1 (gnd)
-1 (live)
Binding
Post
Positive
RED
RED
RED
Negative
BLACK
BLACK
BLACK
Table 2. Configuration of loudspeaker connections
WARNING: high
risk of malfunction or major damag e!
As specified in the previous point, there is the possibility to use
simultaneously the different outputs, such as SPEAKON and the Binding
Posts. Please make sure to check that the total load connected to each
channel is not below 4 Ohm, since all outputs are connected in parallel.
Be extremely careful when performing the connections, as a shortcircuit between any
of the “live” pins (see Table 2) can damage the amplifier or even cause the
destruction of one or both power modules.
4.3 Connection of the inputs/auxiliary outputs
The inputs and auxiliary outputs enable connection through XLR-3 connectors. The
amplifier incorporates balanced inputs for a high rejection of noise generated by long
signal cables, proximity to electric wires or sources causing them.
The auxiliary outputs enable the interconnection of other amplifiers to the TPD3K
internal processor, which enables 3 independent processing channels.

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XLR3 - IN
BALANCED Inputs/auxiliary outputs
XLR3 - OUT
UNBALANCED Inputs/auxiliary outputs:
1. Shield
1. Not connected (* See Note)
2. (+) Live
2. (+) Live
3. (–) Return
3. Ground
Fig. 4. Available signal inputs and outputs
(*) NOTE: This amplifier follows the ground interconnection specification defined by
AES48-2005 standard of the Audio Engineering Society, on grounding and EMC
practices for audio equipment containing active circuitry. For that reason, when a
source with unbalanced outputs should be connected, it is recommended not to
use Pin1 of the XLR, and never connect it to Pin3. If a shielded cable is available,
the shield may be connected to Pin1 of the XLR to get some shielding, leaving the
other end unconnected. Pin1 connection is only advised if the equipment with the
unbalanced output has a dedicated connection for the shield, separate from the
audio signal ground reference.
Before powering up the unit, make sure that the input and output XLR cables are in
good state and following the above described pinning diagram, as defined by the
AES14 standard.
When connecting the XLR, please mute the outputs with the front panel switches
until you configure the signal processing. Loudspeakers may be damaged due to a
wrong setup. It is advisable unmute first the L and R channels: in case they are
connected to a subwoofer driver channel by mistake, it cannot be damaged.
Otherwise, high frequency speakers may be damaged because of trying to
reproduce low frequencies. When the L and R channels are properly connected,
proceed to unmute the subwoofer channel.
5 OPERATING THE AMPLIFIER
5.1 Start-up and operation
Once the mains, loudspeaker and sound sources (input) connections have been
made correctly, start up the pre-amp sources and then press the ON/OFF switch on

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the rear panel. The amplifier is equipped with a Soft Start circuit, which assures a
gentle, pop free start up, avoiding stress to the loudspeakers.
After powering up the unit, all LEDs will be lit for about six seconds, while the
following message is displayed on the LCD:
After that, the DSP unit displays its main screen:
Now the unit is ready to operate. The screen shows the name of the unit (above line)
and the program name currently active (below line). The program assigned is always
the last program the user recalled or stored before powering down the unit. The first
user program is number 31 and programs 1-30 are the factory presets.
An admiration mark (!) beside the program name means that the program has been
modified but not stored. Read-only presets (1-30) can be only saved as new presets
in the free user slots (31-100). See Table 3.
WARNING: when no signal is present at the input, the amplifier will
power up in eco mode (Led Eco on). After signal is applied, the normal
operation will start. See section 5.4 for more details.
5.2 DSP Preset selection
In order to properly distribute the frequencies to the different channels, the DSP must
be configured first. To ease this process the TPD3K has built-in presets for the most
common applications, using Amate Audio loudspeakers or generic loudspeakers.
Preset 1 to 10: Generic presets (read-only).
•Provide a template for the most common applications using generic
loudspeakers (i.e Xo100+SW4Ohms). The subwoofer channel is configured
with a Low Pass filter of 80, 90, 100, 110 or 120 Hz, and a clip limiter
depending if the load is 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms. The L/R channel is configured
with a HPF also in the range of 80, 90, 100, 110 or 120 Hz. The limiters are
set to the maximum power that can be delivered by the amplifier.
•The user can modify the inputs and the outputs, but they cannot be
overwritten.
Initialising...
AmateAudio TPD3K
! My_Preset
AmateAudio TPD3K
1 Xo100+SW4Ohms