Behringer Powerplay Pro HA4400 User manual

Version 1.1 January 2001
User’s Manual
POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
www.behringer.com
ENGLISH

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
Thissymbol,whereveritappears,alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerousvoltageinsidetheenclosure
-voltage thatmay besufficient tocon-
stitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompanying
literature.Read themanual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove
thecover (orback). Nouser serviceablepartsinside;
referservicing toqualifiedpersonnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILEDSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS:
All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
RetainInstructions:
Thesafety andoperating instructionsshould beretained forfuture reference.
Heed Warnings:
All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Followinstructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
Theappliance shouldnotbe usednearwater(e.g.near abathtub,washbowl, kitchensink,laundrytub,in awet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
Theappliance shouldbesituatedsothat itslocation orpositiondoes notinterfere withitsproper ventilaton.For
example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings: or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flowof airthrough theventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance(including amplifiers)that produceheat.
Power Source:
The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-usePeriods:
Thepower cordofthe applianceshouldbe unpluggedfromthe outletwhenleftunusedforalongperiodoftime.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Careshould betaken sothat objectsdonotfalland liquidsare notspilled intotheenclosurethroughopenings.
Damage Requiring Service:
Theappliance shouldbe servicedbyqualifiedservicepersonnel when:
- The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
- The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
-The appliancehas beendropped, orthe enclosuredamaged.
Servicing:
Theuser shouldnot attempttoservicetheappliance beyondthat isdescribedintheOperating Instructions.All
otherservicing shouldbe referredtoqualifield servicepersonnel.

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
FOREWORD
DearCustomer,
Welcome to the team of POWERPLAY PRO users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence
in BEHRINGER products by purchasing this unit.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: making an outstanding device
better still. The POWERPLAY has for quite a long time been a standard tool used by numerous studios and
P.A. rental companies. The task to improve one of our best-selling products certainly meant a great deal of
responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on you, the discerning user and musician. It also meant a lot of
work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was fun, too. Developing a product usually brings a lot of
peopletogether, andwhat agreat feelingit iswheneverybodywhoparticipatedinsuch aproject canbe proud
ofwhatwe’ve achieved.
Itis ourphilosophy toshareourjoywith you,because youarethemostimportant memberof theBEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our
companyand makingit successful.In return,weguaranteeyouuncompromising quality(manufactured under
ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely
favorable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by budget
constraints.
We are often asked how we can make it to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably low prices.
The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isn’t it only fair to pass this benefit back
to you? Because we know that your success is our success, too!
I would like to thank all people whose help on “Project POWERPLAY PRO“ has made it all possible. Every-
bodyhas madevery personalcontributions, startingfromthedesignersof theunit viathe manystaffmembers
in our company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
My friends, it’s been worth the trouble!
Thankyou verymuch,
UliBehringer
WARNING!
It should be pointed out, that extreme output volumes may damage your ears and/or your
headphone set. Turn down the LEVEL controls before you switch on the unit.

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
HA4400HA4400 HA4400HA4400
HA4400
POWERPLAY PROPOWERPLAY PRO
POWERPLAY PROPOWERPLAY PRO
POWERPLAY PRO
Professional, multi-purpose headphone amplifier system for stage and studio applications
VFour totally independent stereo high-power amplifiers in 1 RU package
VHighestsonic qualityeven withextremely highvolumelevels
VFour independent input/aux sections provide up to four stereo mixes
VStereo aux input for each channel allows you to mix in any instrument or sound source
VOutput level control for each channel for your needs
VMono/stereo switch for each channel for more flexibility
VLeft/right mute switches for each channel enable you to run two different mixes in mono mode
VOne front and two rear output jack connectors for each channel
VAccurate 4-digit LED meter for output level for each channel
VDirect input connector on the front for easy connection of any source
VParalleled main outputs to chain several headphone amplifiers
VServo-balanced, gold-plated XLR and 1/4” TRS inputs and outputs
VUltra-low noise 4580 audio operational amplifiers for outstanding sound performance
VHigh-qualitydetented potentiometersand illuminatedswitches
VHigh-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensures long life and durability
VInternal power supply design for professional applications
VManufacturedunderthe stringentISO9000 management system

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT .......................................................................................................7
2.1 High quality components and design ................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Inputs and outputs............................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.1 Balanced MAIN inputs ............................................................................................................ 7
3. INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................7
3.1 Rackmounting .................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Mainsvoltage .................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 Audio connections............................................................................................................................. 8
4. CONTROLS ............................................................................................................................9
4.1 Thefront panelcontrol elements ..................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Theelementsof therear control panel .............................................................................................11
5. APPLICATION .......................................................................................................................11
5.1 Using the main inputs ......................................................................................................................11
5.2 UsingtheAUX INinputs ...................................................................................................................11
5.2.1 Usingthe amplifiersas independentpower amplifiers........................................................... 12
5.3 UsingtheDIRECT INinput .............................................................................................................. 13
5.4 Using the mono function.................................................................................................................. 13
5.5 Using the mute function .................................................................................................................. 13
5.5.1 The mute function in mono mode .......................................................................................... 13
5.5.2 The mute function in stereo mode......................................................................................... 13
5.6 Connectingmultipleheadphones .................................................................................................... 14
6. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................................15
7. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................16

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
1. INTRODUCTION
Inpurchasing thenew POWERPLAYPROHA4400,youhave acquireda headphoneamplifierofthehigh-end
class which meets all the demands and requirements of studio work. Due to its extensive functions and the
new design the POWERPLAY PRO is an extremely efficient and universal headphone amplifier. It has been
designed above all as a reference unit for the sonic evaluation of the final mix as well as a distribution monitor
amplifier for musicians in the studio.
Theunit featuresswitching possibilitiesand asound qualityfewheadphoneamplifierscan offer.Apart fromits
extremely powerful amplifiers the unit also offers a ingenious signal distribution system.
Advanced BEHRINGER Technology
Sinceits announcementof thefirst POWERPLAYseveralyearsago,it hascaused asensation. Thishigh-end
headphone amplifier is based on our many years of experience and discoveries in the field of professional
studiotechnology. ThePOWERPLAYfinds widespreadapplication throughouttheworld, inrenownedstudios,
sound reinforcement systems as well as in broadcast and TV studios.
The task to improve our famous POWERPLAY was a big challenge. We are very proud that we succeeded.
Compared to its predecessors, the POWERPLAY PRO offers several advanced features and we have suc-
ceeded in dramatically refining the audio qualities. The unit features now additional XLR input and output
connectors and LED displays for each channel, which give you exact information about the output gain.
Moreover, there is an input level meter, which helps you to set up the correct level.
State-of-the-art production processes
For the first time ever, the POWERPLAY PRO is now manufactured with SMD components (Surface Mount
Device).Using thesesub-miniature componentsknown fromaeronauticsdoesnotonly ensureextreme pack-
ing densities, but also improves the POWERPLAY PRO’s reliability.
The additional AUX input
In addition to its high-quality amplifiers, the POWERPLAY features a variety of professional switching and
mixingoptions: eachof thefour stereoamplifiers isequipped withan independentAUX input,whichallowsfor
addinga furtheraudiosignal tothemastersignal.Themusiciancantherefore controlthevolume ofhis/herown
instrumentin themaster playbacksignal asdesired.Thisbuilt-inmix functionsupersedes theexternal monitor
mixer required up to now.
The BEHRINGER distribution matrix
A extremely interesting feature is the intelligent and clearly arranged distribution matrix which allows each
channelto beswitched overfromstereo tomono whilstactivatingthemutefunction ofthe leftand/orright input
signal source.
In mono mode, two different mixes can be fed into the left and right MAIN inputs on the rear panel. By muting
a channel, the signal of the channel which is not muted will appear on BOTH headphone pads. Thus, two
completely different mixes can be routed to the headphone set in mono mode.
In stereo mode, any muting action in a particular channel automatically mutes the corresponding headphone
output. As a consequence, it is possible to route the playback signal, for instance, to the left channel only, so
thatthe vocalistcan hearhis/her voicedirectlyviatherightchannelof theheadphones. Somoving theunused
headphonepad awayfromtheear– uncomfortablebutcommon practiceup tonow– willbeathingof thepast.
MAIN output jacks are available to link several headphone amps, or to control external power amplifiers.
Allpower amplifiersare equippedwith frontandrearpanelheadphoneoutputs.Even ifthe unitis permanently
installedin arack withfixedcabling,additionalheadphones canbe connectedwithoutdifficulties,whichallows
for pre-monitoring the individual mixes for the musicians. Each power amplifier features three parallel output
connectorsfor theconnectionof uptothreeheadphonesetsperamplifier,oramaximumof12headphonesper
unit.
The DIRECT IN input
Aso-called DIRECTIN connectorcanbefoundonthefrontpanel.Forinstance,itisoftennecessarytoreplay
a song for the musicians in the studio via a cassette recorder. This can be done easily and rapidly using the
DIRECT IN connector. When using this input, the master signal applied on the rear panel will be interrupted
automatically.
1. INTRODUCTION

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
WARNING!
It should be pointed out, that extreme output volumes may damage your ears and/or your
headphone set. Turn down the LEVEL controls before you switch on the unit.
The following operational manual will introduce you to the BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO
and its various functions. After reading the manual carefully, make sure it is always on hand
for future reference.
2. THE DESIGN CONCEPT
2.1 High quality components and design
The philosophy behind BEHRINGER products guarantees a no-compromise circuit design and employs the
best choice of components. The operational amplifiers NJM4580 which are used in the POWERPLAY PRO,
are exceptional. They boast extreme linearity and very low distortion characteristics. To complement this
designthechoice ofcomponents includeshigh toleranceresistors andcapacitors, detentpotentiometersand
several other stringently selected elements.
2.2 Inputs and outputs
2.2.1 Balanced MAIN inputs
As standard, the BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO is installed with electronically servo-balanced MAIN
inputs. The new circuit design features automatic hum and noise reduction for balanced signals and thus
allows for trouble-free operation, even at high operating levels. Externally induced mains hum etc. will be
effectivelysuppressed. Theautomatic servo-functionrecognizes thepresence ofunbalancedconnectorsand
adjusts the nominal level internally to avoid level differences between the input and output signals (correction
6 dB).
3. INSTALLATION
Your BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed
toprotect theunitfrom roughhandling.Nevertheless, werecommendthat youcarefullyexamine thepackaging
and ist contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
3.1 Rack mounting
The BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space (1 3/4"). Please allow at
least an additional 4" depth for the connectors on the back panel. Be sure that there is enough air space
aroundthe unitfor coolingand pleasedo notplace thePOWERPLAY PROon hightemperature devicessuch
aspower amplifiersetc. toavoid overheating.
3.2 Mains voltage
Before you connect your POWERPLAY PRO to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage
matches the voltage required by the unit! The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular
markers, with two of these triangles opposing each other. Your POWERPLAY PRO is set to the operating
voltage printed next to these markers, and can be set to another voltage by turning the fuse holder by 180°.
CAUTION: this instruction does not apply to export models exclusively designed, e.g. for 115 V
operation!
2. THE DESIGNCONCEPT

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
3.3 Audio connections
The MAIN inputs on the BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO are fully balanced. If possible, connect the unit to
other devices in a balanced configuration to allow for maximum interference immunity.
Please ensure that only qualified persons install and operate the POWERPLAY PRO. During
installation and operation the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth. Electro-
static charges might affect the operation of the POWERPLAY PRO!
1 2
3
2 1
3
Pin 1
Cable InputOutput
Pin 2 = (+) Signal Positive
Pin 3 = (-) Signal
Shield
(+) Signal + Hum
(-) Signal + Hum
Negative
(+)Hum + Signal
(-)Hum + Signal
2 x Signal
Ground
RFI and Hum = Signal + 6 dB
Fig. 3.1: Compensation of interference with balanced connections
Fig. 3.2: Connector for the headphones, AUX IN and DIRECT IN
3. INSTALLATION

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
Unbalanced use of
mono 1/4" jack plugs
Ring
Balanced use of
stereo 1/4" jack plugs
Balanced use with XLR connectors
1 2
3
2 1
3
Input Output
Tip =
Signal Tip =
hot (+ve)
Sleeve =
Ground / Shield Sleeve =
Ground / Shield
Tip Tip
Sleeve Sleeve
Strain relief clamp Strain relief clamp
Ring =
cold (-ve)
For connection of balanced and
unbalanced plugs, ring and sleeve have
to be bridged at the stereo plug.
1 = Ground / Shield
2 = hot (+ve)
3 = cold (-ve)
For unbalanced use pin 1 and pin 3 have to be bridged
Fig. 3.3: Different plug types
4. CONTROLS
Fig. 4.1: POWERPLAY PRO front panel
The BEHRINGER POWERPLAY PRO has four identical channels and provides 3 illuminated push-button
switches, 2 rotary controls, 2 jacks and 4 LEDs per channel. The common main section contains 1 rotary
control, 1 jack and 4 LEDs.
4. CONTROLS

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POWERPLAY PRO HA4400
4.1 The front panel control elements
Fig. 4.2: Controls on the front panel
1
The DIRECT IN stereo input is used to apply the signals coming from an external source. When using
the DIRECT IN input, the MAIN signal applied on the rear panel is interrupted automatically (fig. 3.2).
2
The INPUT LEVEL control adjusts the level of the input signal inserted via the rear panel MAIN INPUT
or DIRECT IN connectors.
3
The 4-digit INPUT LEVEL meter informs you about the current input level within a range from -24 dBu
to +6 dBu.
4
The HEADPHONE OUT is connected in parallel to the rear panel output connectors, and provides an
additional option to monitor the individual channels. When the unit is permanently installed in rack, this
proves to be a useful function.
5
A further input signal can be added to the MAIN and/or DIRECT IN signal via the AUX IN (fig. 3.2).
6
The L MUTE switch mutes the left input signal.
7
This R MUTE switch mutes the right input signal.
8
With the MONO switch each of the amplifiers can be switched between stereo to mono mode, and
vice versa.
9
The BALANCE control determines the ratio level between the MAIN/DIRECT IN signal and the input
signal applied to the AUX IN input.
10
TheOUTPUT LEVELcontroldetermines thevolumeof theindividualamplifiersandreferstoboththeleft
and right channels.
11
The 4-digit OUTPUT LEVEL meter informs you about the current output level within a range from
-24 dBu to + 12 dBu. If the CLIP LED lights up, you have to decrease the INPUT GAIN, otherwise
distortion will raise.
4. CONTROLS