Behringer Powerplay Pro HA4600 User manual

DEUTSCH
Users Manual
Version 1.1 January 2004
POWERPLAY
PRO HA4600
ENGLISH
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2
POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside
the enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
important operating and maintenance instructions
in the accompanying literature. Please read the
manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
the top cover (or the rear section). No user
serviceable parts inside refer servicing to qualified
personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain and moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Read these instructi ns.
2) Keep these instructi ns.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) F ll w all instructi ns.
5) D n t use this device near water.
6) Clean nly with a dry cl th.
7) D n t bl ck any ventilati n penings. Install in
acc rdance with the manufacturers instructi ns.
8) D n t install near any heat s urces such as radiat rs,
heat registers, st ves, r ther apparatus (including
amplifiers) that pr duce heat.
9) D n t defeat the safety purp se f the p larized r
gr unding-type plug. A p larized plug has tw blades
with ne wider than the ther. A gr unding type plug
has tw blades and a third gr unding pr ng. The wide
blade r the third pr ng are pr vided f r y ur safety. If
the pr vided plug d es n t fit int y ur utlet, c nsult
an electrician f r replacement f the bs lete utlet.
10) Pr tect the p wer c rd fr m being walked n r
pinched particularly at plugs, extensi n c rds, and the
p int at which they exit the unit.
11) Only use attachments/access ries specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Use nly with the cart, stand, trip d, bracket, r table
specified by the manufacturer, r s ld with the device.
When a cart is used, use cauti n when m ving the cart/
device c mbinati n t av id injury fr m stumbling ver
it.
13) Unplug this device during lightning st rms r when
n t used f r l ng peri ds f time.
14) Refer all servicing t qualified service pers nnel.
Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged
in any way, such as p wer supply c rd r plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled r bjects have fallen
int the device, the unit has been exp sed t rain r
m isture, d es n t perate n rmally, r has been
dr pped.
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3
POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Welcome to the team of POWE PLAY P O users and many thanks for the confidence that you have shown
in us by purchasing the HA4600. It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because after
many months of hard work our engineers have achieved a very ambitious goal: the presentation of an
outstanding piece of equipment, which thanks to its flexibility can be used both in studios and by in live sound
applications. The task of developing our new POWE PLAY P O has meant a great deal of responsibility. As
we continued to develop it further, youthe discerning end-user and musicianwere always at the forefront of
our thoughts. Meeting this responsibility also involved us in considerable effort and late-night working, but it
was fun, too. This type of development always brings together a large number of people, and it is a great feeling
when all those involved can be proud of the results of their work.
Our philosophy is that you should also share in this satisfaction. You are the most important member of our
team. With your highly competent encouragement and suggestions for new products, you have greatly
contributed to shaping our company and to making it successful. In return we guarantee you an uncompromising
level of quality (manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system), excellent technical and audio
characteristics and an extremely favorable price. All this makes it possible for you to develop your fullest
potential, without being hampered by budget constraints.
We are often asked how we manage to manufacture equipment of this quality at such unbelievably low prices.
The answer is very simple: You make it possible! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes. Large
sales volumes means we can get better purchase prices for components etc. Isnt it only fair for us to pass this
benefit back to you? After all, we know that your success is our success, too!
I would like to thank everyone who has helped make the POWE PLAY P O possible. All have made their own
personal contribution, beginning with the developers, through the many employees of our company and up to
you, the user of BEH INGE products.
My friends, its been worth the trouble!
Thank you very much,
Uli Behringer
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
HA4600
POWERPLAY PRO
Professional multi-purpose headphone amplifier system for stage and studio applications
sFour totally independent high-power stereo amplifiers in one rack space
sFour independent input/aux sections provide up to four stereo mixes
sStereo aux input for each channel allows you to mix in any additional instrument or sound source
sUltra-musical 2-band EQ per channel for effective sound adaptation
sHighest sonic quality even at maximum volume
sOutput level control per channel
sMono / stereo switch per channel for more flexibility
sLeft & right mute switches per channel allow two different mixes in mono mode
sOne front and two rear 1/4" T S outputs per channel
sAccurate 8-digit LED output meter per channel
sFront panel direct input connector for easy connection of any source
sParalleled main outputs allow cascading of several headphone amplifiers
sServo-balanced, gold-plated XL and 1/4" T S inputs and outputs
sUltra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers for outstanding audio performance
sHigh-quality detented ALPS potentiometers and illuminated switches
sHigh-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction for long life and durability
sShielded toroidal power transformer for minimal noise interference
sDesigned in Germany. Manufactured under the ISO9000 certified management system
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Before you begin ............................................................................................................................. 5
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS ......................................................................................................... 6
2.1 The front panel control elements ..................................................................................................... 6
2.2 The rear panel controls elements .................................................................................................... 7
3. APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Using the MAIN Inputs .................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Using the AUX IN Inputs .................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 Using the DI ECT IN input .............................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Using the MONO function ............................................................................................................... 9
3.5 Using the MUTE function ................................................................................................................ 9
3.6 Connecting several headphones .................................................................................................... 10
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................................... 10
5. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 11
6. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 12
1. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the BEH INGE POWE PLAY P O HA4600 you have acquired a headphone amplifier of the
high end-class. The equipment was developed for the most demanding uses: professional recording, radio and
TV studios, CD and digital production equipment etc. Its extensive capabilities make the POWE PLAY P O
universally applicable. It was developed for use both as a reference unit, to assess the quality of a final mix, and
as a distribution amplifier for the comfortable addition of playbacks in studio use.
The POWE PLAY P O has a range of switching possibilities and a sound performance, which are found in
few headphone amplifiers. Besides its extremely powerful amplifiers the HA4600 also has an ingenious
signal-source distribution system.
Improving on the well-known POWE PLAY P O unit was a big challenge. We are proud that we have been
able to develop further the innovations we introduced in the preceding models and to have developed an even
more high-value headphone amplifier, which can meet professional expectations in every type of application.
The HA4600 includes for example bass and high-EQ in each channel, making possible an even more
individualized audio setup. An 8-segment LED display gives you exact information on the performance of each
channel and makes it possible to control the level precisely, at any time.
+This manual first describes the terminology used, so that you can fully understand the
POWERPLAY PRO and its functions. Please read the manual carefully and kee it for future
reference.
1.1 Before you begin
The POWE PLAY P O was carefully packed in the factory, in order to ensure safe transport. Nevertheless,
should the box show signs of damage please check the equipment itself immediately for any signs of external
damage.
Please also take the time to complete and return the warranty card within 14 days of the date of purchase,
otherwise you will lose the right to the extended warranty. Or simply use our online registration under
www.behringer.com.
1. INT ODUCTION
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6
POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
1. INT ODUCTION
+If the unit is damaged, lease do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shi ing
com any immediately, otherwise claims for damage or re lacement may not be granted.
Shi ing claims must be made by the consignee.
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the POWE PLAY P O
on high-temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc. to avoid overheating.
+Before connecting the POWERPLAY PRO to the mains, lease carefully check that your
equi ment is set to the correct su ly voltage!
The fuse holder on the female mains connector has 3 triangular markings. Two of these triangles are opposite
each other. The HA4600 is set to the operating voltage shown next to these markings. It can be set to another
voltage by turning the fuse holder through 180°. CAUTION: this does not a ly to ex ort models, which
were designed e.g. only for a mains voltage of 120 V!
Connection to the mains is made by means of a mains cable with an IEC receptacle which complies with the
appropriate safety regulations.
+Please note that all units must be grounded ro erly. For your own safety, you should never
remove any ground connectors from electrical devices or ower cords or render them
ino erative.
WARNING!
+It should be ointed out, that extreme out ut volumes may damage your ears and/or your
head hones. Turn down all LEVEL controls before you switch on the unit. Always ay
attention to an a ro riate volume.
2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
The BEH INGE POWE PLAY P O has four identical channels. Each channel has three illuminated
push-button switches, four rotary controls, two jacks and eight LEDs. The common main section has one
control, one jack and five LEDs.
2.1 The front anel control elements
Fig. 2.1: The POWERPLAY PRO front panel
1The DIRECT IN socket is used to apply external signal sources. Use of this input automatically cuts off
the MAIN signal applied on the rear panel.
2The INP T LEVEL control adjusts the sound level of the input signal, which is fed in via the rear panel
MAIN INPUT socket.
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
2. CONT OL ELEMENTS
3The 4-digit INP T LEVEL display shows the input level over a range from -24 to +12 dBu. The ON LED
lights up when you switch on the HA4600.
4The HEADPHONE O T socket is connected in parallel with the output sockets on the rear panel and
provides an additional means of listening to the individual channels. This function is particularly useful
when the equipment has been permanently installed in a rack.
5A further input signal can be mixed in to the MAIN or the DI ECT IN-Signal via the A X IN-input.
6The L M TE switch mutes the left input signal.
7The R M TE switch mutes the right input signal.
8The MONO switch can be used to switch each of the amplifiers from stereo to mono operation.
9The BASS control can be used to increase or decrease the lower frequencies (+/-15 dB).
10 The TREBLE control can be used to increase or decrease the higher frequencies (+/-15 dB).
11 The BALANCE control sets the ratio level between the MAIN or DI ECT IN signal and the input signal,
which was applied to the AUX input.
12 The O TP T LEVEL control is used to set the sound level of each individual amplifier. At the same time
it also controls the left and right channels.
13 The 8-digit O TP T LEVEL display monitors the output level of each individual channel over the range
from -24 to +12 dBu. If the Clip-LED lights up, please reduce the gain of the current channel, otherwise
distortion may result.
2.2 The rear anel control elements
Fig. 2.2: The POWERPLAY PRO HA4600 rear panel
14 F SE HOLDER /VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Before connecting the equipment to the mains supply, please
check that the voltage displayed on the unit conforms with your mains voltage supply. When replacing
the fuse, make sure you use another one of the same type.
15 The mains connection is made via a standard IEC RECEPTACLE. A suitable connecting cable is
supplied with the equipment.
16 MAIN IN. These are the POWE PLAY P O audio inputs. They are available both as balanced 1/4" T S
and XL connectors.
17 MAIN O T. These are the POWE PLAY P O audio outputs. The matching 1/4" T S and XL connectors
are wired in parallel.
18 HEADPHONE O T 1. These are the headphone outputs of channel 1.
19 HEADPHONE O T 2. These are the headphone outputs of channel 2.
20 HEADPHONE O T 3. These are the headphone outputs of channel 3.
21 HEADPHONE O T 4. These are the headphone outputs of channel 4.
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
3. APPLICATIONS
3. APPLICATIONS
3.1 Using the MAIN in uts
Connect a program source to the rear panel MAIN inputs and connect the headphone cable with one of the
POWE PLAY P O outputs. Turn the INPUT LEVEL and the BALANCE controls to their central positions. The
INPUT LEVEL control is used to increase or decrease together the volume of all the headphones which are
being controlled via the MAIN inputs. The individual OUTPUT LEVEL controls are only used to adjust the
desired channel volume.
3.2 Using the AUX IN in uts
The AUX IN inputs are basically used to mix in an additional input signal with the master signal, while the
corresponding BALANCE control adjusts the volume ratio between the two signals. The Aux function replaces
the monitor mixer which was necessary up to now, and so allows for a type of use which occurs frequently in
practice.
Suppose e.g. that a singer has to add a vocal track to an existing playback. Up till now it was usual for the
singer to listen to the playback by pressing a headphone pad against one ear, while using the other ear to
control his/her own voice. With the POWE PLAY P O this application becomes much simpler and much
more comfortable. The playback signal is played in via the MAIN IN inputs and the pre-amplified vocal signal
added via the AUX connector. The associated BALANCE control is adjusted so that the singer hears a perfect
sound volume mix of both the playback and the vocals, with the OUTPUT LEVEL control determining the
overall volume level.
The four independent channels permit the separate recording and mixing for four musicians. Should this not be
enough, you can interface and link as many POWE PLAY P O machines as desired using the MAIN OUT
outputs.
Fig. 3.1: Example of a playback application in a studio
In addition to the joint control of all channels via the MAIN input, each of the four amplifiers can also be used
completely independently. The AUX IN inputs are used here, together with the BALANCE controls. When the
BALANCE control is set fully counterclockwise (AUX position) the MAIN signal is suppressed and only the
input signals set up via the AUX IN input are fed through to the appropriate power amplifier. By using each
amplifier separately you can now play in up to four independent stereo programs. This means that you can play
in different, individual mixes for four musicians at the same time. As with a stage monitoring system you then
have the advantage of being able to play a specific configuration of instruments for each musician, giving him a
musically inspiring mix; or you can (e.g.) in a conference system set up different signal paths for the interpreters.
Create sub-groups, or set up premixes using the effects and monitor facilities of your mixing console. To do
this, turn the BALANCE control fully counterclockwise and connect the AUX inputs of the BEH INGE
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
3. APPLICATIONS
POWE PLAY P O with the appropriate monitor-, subgroup or single outputs from the mixing console. Please
note that the AUX inputs are set up for stereo. To play in a stereo signal you will need a stereo jack. If you use
a mono jack it is advisable to activate the MONO switch, so as to get a signal distribution over both halves of
the headphone.
Fig. 3.2: Example of a monitor recording in stage use
3.3 Using the DIRECT IN in ut
The DI ECT IN socket is situated on the left side of the front panel. It is often necessary e.g. to replay a piece
of music to the musicians in the studio via a DAT recorder. This can be done simply and easily using the
DI ECT IN socket. Use of this input automatically blocks the signal set up over the MAIN IN socket.
3.4 Using the MONO function
For some monitor applications, especially in live operation, a stereo program can often sound irritating. This
negative effect becomes particularly clear if the two channels show a large channel separation, i.e. they have
different information content, linked with significantly different impressions of sound volume. The MONO switch
permits mono operation, that is, the linked operation of the left and right channels without having to use a Y
adaptor or a special cable.
3.5 Using the MUTE function
If the MONO switch is in the depressed position, the unit works in mono operation. Pressing one of the two
MUTE switches mutes the corresponding input signal (left or right input) and the non-muted signal can then be
heard over BOTH (left and right) headphone outputs. This routing option means that you can set up two different
programs via the left and right inputs and make just the one or the other audible as desired.
The Mute function is particularly useful if playback is to be combined with the simultaneous recording of a vocal
track. Whereas before it was necessary for a singer to hold one headphone pad away from his/her ear during
a music recording in order to hear his own voice better, with the HA4600 the playback can now be switched to
stereo mode and the unused channel switched to mute. The previous normaland uncomfortablepractice of
moving one headphone pad away from the ear is now a thing of the past.
3.6 Connecting several head hones
All four stereo amplifiers have three headphone output sockets on both the front and rear panels. This means
that several headphones can be connected via each amplifier at the same time, provided that the minimum
connection impedance of the amplifier does not drop below 100 Ohm. Since the amplifiers are resistant to
temporary short circuits, no damage will occur if the level drops below this impedance, but it can lead to a loss
of quality in the form of distortion and reduced performance.
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POWERPLAY PRO HA4600
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
4. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
As a standard, the BEH INGE POWE PLAY P O is equipped with electronically servo-balanced inputs
and outputs. The circuit design features automatic hum suppression for balanced signals and so ensures
trouble-free operation, even at the highest operating levels. Externally induced mains hum, etc. can therefore
be effectively suppressed. The automatic servo-function recognizes the presence of unbalanced connectors
and adjusts the nominal level internally to avoid level differences between the input and output signals
(6-dB correction).
+Please ensure that only qualified ersons install and o erate the POWERPLAY PRO. During
installation and o eration the user must have sufficient electrical contact to earth.
Electrostatic charges might affect the o eration of the unit.
Fig. 4.1: Connector for the headphones, A X IN and DIRECT IN
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. 4.2: Different plug types
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