Amate Audio Nitid S18W User manual

User’s manual
April 2023

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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 in accordance with 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.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. 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.
1.2. Features and presentation
S18W
•Self-powered subwoofer
•XLR electronically balanced input & output
•AC PowerCon input & link
•2500 W class D amplifier
•24-bit AD/DA converters, 48 kHz sampling rate
•DSP Controls (presets, parametric EQs, delay, mute, gain, polarity and limiter)
•ECO-mode available: automatic standby mode controlled by the input signal
•Amplifier self-diagnostics: input and output level, temperature, limiter active
•1 x 18" woofer with 4” voice coil
1.3. Presets on S18W
The S18W includes several manufacturer presets for different types of applications.
1.3.1. As extension on floor for NÍTID S top models
The S18W provides an extension of the bandwidth in the low end for the Nítid S
systems, down to 33 Hz.
This extension is done at 90 Hz crossover point.
Model: S26 Model: S10
Preset: [HPF90] Preset: [HPF90]
Model: S18W Model: S18W
Preset: [S-ALIGNED] Preset: [S-ALIGNED]

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Model: S12 / S15
Preset: [HPF90]
Model: S18W
Preset: [S-ALIGNED]
SYSTEM ALIGNMENT
The system S26 / S10 / S12 / S15 + S18W is pre-aligned from the
factory. Do not forget to add the geometric delay depending on the
configuration used.
1.3.2. General purpose (Standard) presets
These presets can be used to match the S18W with any other cabinet. These
presets are not prealigned, so a time alignment with the top model satellite is
recommended. There are three standard presets, and they are defined by the Low
Pass Filter, which can be selected at 80, 90 or 100 Hz:
LPF80 Standard
LPF90 Standard
LPF100 Standard
1.3.3. Cardioid presets
The S18W enables the combination of three or multiple of three subwoofer cabinets
in an array to provide exceptional directivity at low frequencies. High directivity at
low frequencies has two main effects on the sound field: firstly, the low frequency
level behind the subwoofer cabinets is greatly reduced; secondly, in closed venues
the diffuse sound field at low frequencies is reduced so the
low frequency reproduction is much more precise. The
typical operating range of a traditional subwoofer tends to
be like a monopole, i.e. tends to radiate with the same
energy in all directions. This behaviour implies that the
control of radiation at low frequencies is very difficult
because the wavelengths are very large compared to the
size of the source (8.5 m at 40 Hz).
Fig. 1. Traditional polar pattern of a subwoofer at 40 Hz

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To increase the directivity at low frequencies we must transform the omnidirectional
performance into a cardioid performance. This can only be achieved by various
sources, arranged in a certain position, to which we apply a specific phase, filtering
and delay. That is, we need to reproduce two signals with the same frequency and
similar amplitude which will have a difference in phase of
approximately 180º at a certain point of the sound field.
If the phases and delays are well calculated, the result is a
system, in which we cancel the energy of the back and not
the one of the front.
This can only be achieved with cabinets that incorporate
independent delay units on their DSP, as the S18W.
Fig. 2. Cardioid pattern
1.3.4. Configuration with with 3 units
The S18W can generate an
uncompromised cardioid behaviour,
which means that there is no need for
special cabinets, enabling the use of the
system’s full efficiency with just “one
finger”.
In its minimum and standard
configuration a cardioid setup consists
of a stack of three subwoofer cabinets
or an horizontal line of three subwoofer
cabinets.
Only one subwoofer is needed to
compensate for the energy of the other
two radiating to the front. Then, the
cabinet facing to the back (to the stage)
should be located in the centre of the column or line.
Fig. 3. Cardioid configuration for S18W subwoofer (3 units)
Fig. 4. Cardioid configuration for S18W (horizontal line)

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The cardioid preset must only be applied to the rear facing
subwoofers (BACK STAGE). The front facing subwoofers (FRONT
AUDIENCE) must use the corresponding front-facing preset, as
shown in the table below:
S18
W Preset
(BACK STAGE)
S18
W Preset (FRONT
AUDIENCE)
T
op b
ox model
CARD80
STANDARD LPF80 STANDARD Generic, HPF 80 Hz
CARD90
STANDARD LPF90 STANDARD Generic, HPF 90 Hz
CARD100
STANDARD LPF100 STANDARD
Generic, HPF 100 Hz
CARD
S-ALIGNED S-ALIGNED
S26 / S10 / S12 / S15,
HPF90 Hz
Fig. 5. Correspondence of rear and front presets for cardioid applications
When placing the subwoofers in a cardioid configuration keep a distance to walls of at
least 60 cm in order not to affect the radiation of the central reversed cabinet.
Fig. 6. Back energy rejection at 40 Hz / 50 Hz / 63 Hz
2. CONTROL AND CONNECTION PANEL
The S18W control panel contains the following elements:
Fig. 7. S18W control and connection panel
A)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, Limiter, polarity, 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.
A
B
C
D
E

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B) MODEL DATA: The basic data of the model is found here:
- Model reference
- Average current draw (A)
C) 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: +2dBu (1 Vrms)
Maximum Input Voltage without clipping: +14dBu (4Vrms)
Maximum Input Voltage: +20dBu (8Vrms)
IMPORTANT: Please always use balanced microphone cable with the
following pin assignment: 1= Shield (Ground) 2= Live (+) 3= Return (-)
D) 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 four units is
possible, if a quality cable of a minimum section of 3x2.5mm
2
is used.
Connecting more than four 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
NITID cabinets to an unearthed mains supply or by using an unearthed
mains cable
E) 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/
3. CONFIGURATIONS
3.1. 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. You can use the
mains connection in parallel by using a cable with grey PowerCon at one end and
the blue PowerCon at the other end.

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Fig. 8. Parallel connection for S18W cabinets (signal and mains)
Do not connect NÍTID series units using PowerCon without earth.
Do not connect more than four units using the AC output link connector.
3.2. Parallel connection with other equipment
You can connect other NÍTID S full-range loudspeakers in parallel with the S18W.
Please, follow the same parameters as explained in Fig. 8.
4. MOUNTING AND PLACEMENT
For a proper installation of the acoustic cabinet
systems, it is strongly recommended to carefully read
the following advices.
4.1.S18W with full-range systems
The S18W incorporates a M20 base-plate on its upper
side for the attachment of a standard 35 mm diameter
bar.
Fig. 9. S18W socket
4.2. S18W flying
Flying a NÍTID system is easy, fast and secure. To perform any operations related to
flying the systems, read the present document, and act on the warnings and advice
given.

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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 assure 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.
Use the KRW118 accessory and the
BRWX bumper to fly the system. Refer to
“KRW118 instructions manual” for more
information.
Fig. 10. S18W with KRW118 flying
5. 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 a 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 NIITD-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, NITID 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.

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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
NITID systems have a nominal input voltage of +8dBu / 2V (+2dBu / 1V in
subwoofers) for full power performance; nevertheless, in order to respect the highest
dynamics of the music, the input is capable to hold 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
damaging of the transducers and reduce their reliability. The maximum power of
the 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, NITID 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 maximum reduction 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.
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.
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
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 level being received by the system. If
not, check your cabling and sound sources.

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•Check that the signal cables are in good condition and connected at both ends
•The mixer output level must not be at 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 0 dB
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 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.

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7. TECHNICAL FEATURES
S1
8
W
Analog Audio Input
Sensitivity +2dBu – 1 V
Impedance 50kΩ balanced
Mains Supply
Type Univ. switch mode power supply
Nominal input 85-265 VAC/45-65 Hz
Average current draw 4.5 A
AD/DA converters
24 bit / 48 kHz
DSP architecture
64 bit
Frequency response (
-
10 dB)
33 Hz – 140 Hz (LPF100)
Maxim
um output level
(1m/continuous) 132 dB
Amplifier (program)
2500 W
Nominal directivity (
-
6dB)
omnidirectional
Components
LF-MF 18” woofer (4” voice coil)
Cabinet
Type Bass-reflex
Height 555 mm
Width 740 mm
Depth 748 mm
Weight (net) 60 Kg
Connectors 2 x AC PowerCon (input, link)
2 x XLR (input, link)
Material Multilayer birch plywood, 2 mm powder coated steel
front grille with black acoustic mesh
Finish Hi-resistance black Polyurea coating
Note: Specifications subjected to change without prior notice.

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ANNEX I: 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
• 320x240 pixels resolution
• Vision angle 180º
• 16.7 Million of colours
1. Main screen
After turning on the system, a first loading screen show 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:
A. Loudspeaker model
B. 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.

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C. Preset button
Quick access to the preset selection menu. The icon gives info at a first
glance: It shows what preset is currently applying.
D. 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
E. Info button
Info button is dynamic, meaning that it changes according to the unit’s status.
The button shows current temperature with three colours: Blue when
temperature is below 55º, orange between 55º-75º and red above 75º. In the
case the unit enters in protect, the icon flickers.
Click on the Info button to access to detailed unit info.
Info menu has four pages. In the first page, Status summarizes the unit status
with the following options:
•Normal: Normal behaviour
•Mute: Mute is enabled
•Standby: The unit is waiting for signal
•Protect: Failure in the amplification stage

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The tilt indication is not available in the presence of signal at the input. The
vibration caused by the sound waves jeopardize the measurement.
F. Input level meter
It shows the relative to 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 show-up.
G. 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.
2. Main menu
With the unit unlocked, push on the Gear icon to access Main menu.
-Audio
Audio signal settings.
-Settings
Non-audio settings.
-Advanced
Advanced configuration parameters enabled for qualified users.

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2.1. Audio menu
oPreset
Factory preset selection
When loading a preset with a set of audio parameters (EQ, delay,…)
customised 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 delete all the user parameters only applying
the preset.
oGain
Input gain control. The fader select the gain reduction applied to the
input signal.
oLimiter
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.
oDelay
Input signal delay control. It can be set both in milliseconds and in
meters, showing the equivalence in the other box. There is a polarity
control button.
oEQ
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,
bandwidth. There is an option to bypass each filter.

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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 EQ 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.
oSave
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.
2.2. Settings menu

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oECO
Amplifier stage power behaviour configuration.
PWR ON: The amplifier stage is always active at full power for a quick
amplified signal delivery.
STANDBY: The amplifier stage power is in standby mode, so no signal
output thought the unit is active.
AUTO: The amplifier stage waits in standby mode for an input audio
signal. When this happens the amplifier stage switch to PWR ON.
oFrontal LED
Frontal Nítid LED configuration. The options are:
OFF: LED always off.
ON: LED always on
LIM ON: LED remains off until internal limiter starts working that makes
LED lights on.
LIM OFF: LED remain on until internal limiter starts working that makes
LED turns off.
oScreen brightness
Backlight intensity configuration. There are three possible levels of
brightness intensity.
oLanguage
Language selection for the unit. The available languages are English,
Spanish and Catalan.
oPIN
Pattern PIN configuration as a drawing connecting several points
The unlocking process is performed drawing a pattern. The pattern is
configured inside Settings menu. By default, the pattern is (starting on
the bottom left dot, then clockwise):

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Once the previous pattern is draw, 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
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 the locking process. The unit will lock after waiting for 1
minute or after a cycling the power.
The pattern PIN can be reset anytime. Just hold the finger on the
screen when unit boots on the Amate Audio logo. When boot finish the
pattern have been reset to default.
2.3. Advanced menu
oSweep
Acoustic test. A sinusoidal soundwave is played. It sweep 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.
oDiagnosis
Access to the system info menu. It is equivalent to push the
thermometer icon from Main screen.
oReset
Factory reset of all the unit’s parameters. The pattern PIN must be
entered to confirm the process.

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DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
In accordance with EN 45014:1 8
Manufacturer’s Name: “AMATE AUDIO S.L.”
Manufacturer’s Address: C/ Perpinyà 25, Polígon Industrial Nord
08226 Terrassa, (Barcelona), SPAIN
Brand: “AMATE AUDIO”
We declare under our own responsibility that:
Product: Active speaker systems with DSP. Audio apparatus for professional use
Name: Nitid S18W
Conforms to the following product specifications:
Safety: IEC 60065-01 + A1
EMC: EN 55022:2006
EN 55103-1:200
EN 55103-2 200
FCC Part 15
WARNING:
In accordance to EN55022, 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.
Supplementary Information
The product herewith complies with the requirements of the:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/ 5/EC
EMC Directive 2004/108/EC
RoHS Directive 2002/ 5/EC
WEEE Directive 2002/ 6/EC
With regard to Directive 2005/32/EC and EC Regulation 1275/2008 of 17 December 2008, this product is designed, produced, and
classified as Professional Audio Equipment and thus is exempt from this Directive.
Date of issue: May 1rst, 2023
Signature:
Joan A. Amate Martinez
General
Conformity Marking