Fohhn MA Series User manual

User Manual
MA-4.100
MA-4.600
MA-2.1200
DSP Amplifiers
Please read this user manual through carefully before putting
the system into operation and keep it for future reference.

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Contents
1. Introduction and General Instructions................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Important Safety Instructions ....................................................................................................... 4
1.1.1 Definition of Terms................................................................................................................. 4
1.1.2 General Safety Instructions.................................................................................................... 5
1.1.3 Electrical Safety Information.................................................................................................. 5
1.1.4 Acoustic Safety Information................................................................................................... 6
1.1.5 Connections and Cabling........................................................................................................ 7
1.2 Operating Conditions .................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.1 Information on Abnormal Operation ..................................................................................... 8
1.3 Storage and Transportation .......................................................................................................... 8
2. The Product ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Product Description....................................................................................................................... 9
2.2. Contents ..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Unpacking.................................................................................................................................... 10
3. Setting Up.......................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Professional Rack Mounting........................................................................................................ 11
3.2 Connection Instructions and Controls......................................................................................... 12
3.2.1 USB-C Configuration Port ..................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 Standard Connections .......................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3 Optional Connection Interfaces ........................................................................................... 14
3.2.4 Status Displays...................................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Configuration............................................................................................................................... 15
3.3.1 System Requirements........................................................................................................... 15
3.3.2 Downloading and Installing FOHHN AUDIO SOFT................................................................ 16
3.3.3 FOHHN-NET Cabling and ID Allocation................................................................................. 16
3.3.4 Loading Loudspeaker Presets............................................................................................... 18
3.3.5 Updating the Firmware ........................................................................................................ 18
3.3.6 Connecting All Devices ......................................................................................................... 19
3.3.7 Gain Structure and Signal Chain........................................................................................... 19
3.3.8 Matrix Functions and DSP Routing....................................................................................... 22
3.3.9 Integration into a Dante™ Network ..................................................................................... 24
3.3.10 Integration into the AIREA-NET.......................................................................................... 26
3.3.11 Renaming Devices and Output Channels ........................................................................... 27

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3.4 Further Functions ........................................................................................................................ 27
3.4.1 Auto Power Save .................................................................................................................. 27
3.4.2 Switching Contact................................................................................................................. 30
3.4.3 Password Lock ...................................................................................................................... 30
4. Technical Specifications..................................................................................................................... 31
5. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................ 34
6. Service and Repair............................................................................................................................. 35
6.1 Maintenance Measures............................................................................................................... 35
7. Appendix............................................................................................................................................ 36
7.1 Environmental Information......................................................................................................... 36
7.2 CE Marking and Declaration of Conformity................................................................................. 36
7.3 Trademarks.................................................................................................................................. 36
7.4 Protection Classes and Protection Types .................................................................................... 36
7.5 Disclaimer and Copyright ............................................................................................................ 37
7.6 Contact Address .......................................................................................................................... 37

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1. Introduction and General Instructions
Congratulations on the purchase of your FOHHN® DSP amplifier. Like all products in our AMP
CONTROLLER-SERIES, MA-SERIES amplifiers are equipped with the latest CLASS D technology. These
amplifiers have been developed to meet the highest demands for sound quality and reliability.
All DSP functions on a MA-SERIES amplifier can be controlled using a single piece of software,
FOHHN AUDIO SOFT.
In order to benefit from all the advantages of your DSP amplifier and to guarantee trouble-free
operation, please read the following instructions carefully before starting up the system and keep
this manual for future reference!
1.1 Important Safety Instructions
Please read the following safety instructions in their entirety before starting up this device. Keep
these instructions near the device at all times. Reading the instructions does not replace the need for
awareness of and compliance with currently applicable national safety regulations and standards, or
the observance of safe on-site working methods.
All information and technical specifications published here are based on data that was available at
the time of publication. We expressly reserve the right to make any changes.
1.1.1 Definition of Terms
Danger
This signal word indicates a hazard with a high-risk level, which, if not avoided, could result in death
or serious injury.
Warning
This signal word indicates a hazard with a medium risk level, which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
Caution
This signal word indicates a hazard with a lower risk level, which, if not avoided, could result in minor
or moderate injury.

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1.1.2 General Safety Instructions
Danger:
To avoid danger to life or limb, please ensure that all personnel involved in installing or dismantling
this type of system have read and understood the contents of this manual.
That said, the information presented here should be regarded as accompanying advice and it does
not affect the ultimate responsibility of the user to ensure safe on-site operation of a FOHHN system.
Warning:
To avoid injury,
the device must be stored, installed and operated well away from children.
To avoid injuries, this device must be taken out of operation, marked appropriately and protected
against accidental use if it
shows visible signs of damage
appears to contain loose parts,
is not working correctly,
has been subjected to unfavourable conditions (e.g. moisture) for a prolonged period
has been subjected to poor transportation conditions (e.g. with unsuitable packaging or
humidity).
If necessary, please contact your FOHHN dealer or the transport company immediately. Our
contact details can be found in the appendix to this user manual.
1.1.3 Electrical Safety Information
FOHHN DSP amplifiers are Protection Class 1 appliances. They are built and certified in accordance
with the VDE safety measures for electronic devices and, safety-wise, leave our factory in perfect
condition. The devices comply with all currently applicable EMC directives, as confirmed by the
attached CE marking.
The relevant standards can be found in the appendix to this user manual.
Warning:
To minimize the risk of electric shock,
the mains contact grounding pin must never be separated and under no circumstances
should the plug be taped up.
the device must only be connected to a professionally tested shockproof socket.
the device enclosure must never be opened. The device does not contain any components
that can be repaired by the user. In the unlikely case of a defect, please consult qualified
service personnel and/or the dealer from whom you purchased your system!
Please also ensure that the local mains supply voltage matches the power supply voltage specified on
the device.

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To minimize the risk of an electric shock or fire,
the device must not be subjected to moisture.
containers filled with liquid (e.g. beverage containers) must not be placed on the device.
ventilation slots must not be covered with objects (e.g. protective rain covers).
the device must not be subjected to excessive heat, sunshine, fire or similar.
no open sources of flame (e.g. pyrotechnics) must be placed on the device.
Caution:
To avoid damaging the device,
do not leave the power cable plugged in if the device will not be used for a prolonged period.
(Remove the plug from the mains socket in order to completely disconnect the device!)
1.1.4 Acoustic Safety Information
FOHHN loudspeaker systems are capable of generating very high sound pressure levels, which can
cause irreparable damage to hearing.
Warning:
To avoid potential hearing impairment,
never stand in close proximity (1 metre or less) to a loudspeaker device while it is in
operation.
To prevent both hearing impairment and damage to the device, avoid the following while the device
is in operation:
acoustic feedback
high powered, permanently distorted signals
impulse noises, which can occur when a device is switched on or off, connected or
disconnected from the system

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1.1.5 Connections and Cabling
Please note the following when wiring up your system:
Check that your cable is working faultlessly and only use cables with a sufficient cross
section.
Only use cabling and connector materials that meet professional standards.
Only use properly shielded cables and plugs for the audio and data connections.
Only use power cables with a fully intact grounding pin and make sure that the device’s
mains plug is accessible at all times so that it can be quickly removed from the mains supply
in the event of a malfunction.
Lay and secure the cabling so that it cannot be damaged by tools, or through being trapped
by the device or by a fixing bracket.
Protect any laid cables from mechanical damage, or unnecessary traction.
Avoid excessive tightening of the screws on connection terminals!
The wiring up of loudspeakers should only be done by suitably qualified personnel!
Important: To enable communication between a Windows PC with FOHHN AUDIO SOFT installed
and MA-Series amplifiers, a FOHHN network adapter (e.g. NA-11 FOHHN-NET USB ADAPTER or NA-4
FOHHN-NET ETHERNET ADAPTER) is recommended.
More information can be found in Chapter 3 of this user manual!
1.2 Operating Conditions
Please note the following when operating your system:
The permitted ambient temperature of the device during operation ranges from 0 °C to +40
°C.
The device is intended for use in a dry environment with normal levels of dust and humidity
in the air.
If moisture has built up on the device’s rear panel, either during transportation or storage, let
the device acclimatise for ca. 2 hours before use.
Never expose the device to aggressive chemical fluids or vapours.
Always make sure that heat can be dissipated via the outer surfaces of the device enclosure.
Always make sure that the device is well ventilated. In order to ensure adequate cooling, the
device must not be covered with towels or cloths. Avoid letting the enclosure become hot
through exposure to sunlight or strong spotlights.
Never expose the device to strong vibrations.

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1.2.1 Information on Abnormal Operation
If the permissible operating temperature is too high (over 75 °C), the device will shut down. As soon
as the temperature returns to within the normal operating range, the device will automatically be
switched on again.
The temperature of the FOHHN system is displayed in FOHHN AUDIO SOFT. Shutdown can also occur
if the product is exposed to direct sunlight or very high environmental temperatures. Reliable
operation is only guaranteed in compliance with the permissible ambient temperature range.
The device should be immediately inspected by a FOHHN AUDIO AG approved service partner if
the mains cable or power socket is damaged,
a foreign body or liquid has got into the interior of the device,
the device has been exposed to rain,
the device is not working normally, i.e. it is showing marked differences in performance,
the device is damaged (e.g. after a fall).
1.3 Storage and Transportation
Please note the following:
The device should only be transported in its original packaging
Store the device in a dry environment, with a constant ambient temperature, in order to
avoid condensation.
The permitted ambient temperature range for storing the device is -10 °C to +70 °C.
Due to fluctuations in temperature during transportation and storage, condensation my start
to build up on the surface of the device. Before operating the device, examine its surface for
any signs of moisture. If this is the case, allow the unpacked device to acclimatise for a
minimum of two hours in the environmental temperature before use.

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2. The Product
2.1 Product Description
The digital, multi-channel DSP amplifiers belonging to the MA-SERIES are equipped with FOHHN
AUDIO DSPs (digital signal processors). These DSPs contain (per amplifier channel) a programmable
EQ, Delay, X-Over and dynamic processor.
MA-SERIES DSP amplifiers are equipped with four analog inputs or DANTE inputs. The outputs are
terminal blocks designed for leads of up to 3.3 mm². All amplifiers (regardless of the number of their
output channels) always have four inputs with DSP input processing –in other words: their four input
channels can each be mixed in the DSP.
In addition, presets are stored that contain loudspeaker protection data and sound optimization data
for all FOHHN loudspeaker systems. These optimisations, together with multiband limiting, ensure
the best possible sound performance and operational safety. Custom created user presets can also
be stored.
Thanks to their integrated FOHHN AUDIO DSP, the amplifiers can be networked, remotely controlled
and remotely monitored. A single piece of control software, FOHHN AUDIO SOFT, provides access to
all DSP functions and presets. (The current version of this software can be downloaded free of
charge at: www.fohhn.com.)
At the heart of each amplifier is a digital power supply that is significantly responsible for the sound.
It constantly analyses the supply voltage and processes this accordingly (Power Factor Correction).
The power supply enables the amplifier to deliver as much energy as possible in the shortest possible
time, thus enabling the full dynamic range to be reproduced over the entire audible frequency
spectrum during live music applications –while also turning the least amount of energy into heat.
The result is a significant increase in the available peak power. An integrated microprocessor equips
the power supply with measuring and monitoring functionality. As a result, important factors such as
temperature, supply current and capacity are monitored and controlled accordingly. In the event of
mains overvoltage, the amplifier will shut down.
The amplifier’s fans are temperature controlled and optimised for extremely quiet operation. The
fans are not used when the amplifier is in an idle state. The fan and filter foam can be manually
cleaned, without the need for tools.
The amplifiers are additionally equipped with two programmable switching contacts for easy remote
control and integration into building services.

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Overview of the different MA-SERIES product versions
MODEL
POWER per channel and load
2 Ω
3 Ω
4 Ω
8 Ω
16 Ω
70 V
100 V
MA-4.100
-
-
65 W
35 W
18 W
-
-
MA-4.600
-
-
600 W
300 W
150 W
600 W
600 W
MA-2.1200
-
-
1200 W
600 W
300 W
1200 W
1200 W
2.2. Contents
Every product is examined in accordance with the highest quality and safety standards prior to
despatch.
Please check your product carefully for any signs of transport damage and, in the event of any
damage having occurred, inform your dealer and the transportation company immediately. Please
also check that the packaging contains all the components belonging to the device.
Your FOHHN system contains the following:
•1 × MA-SERIES DSP amplifier
•All plugs for rear panel connectors (inserted)
•1 × mains cable with IEC connector
•1 × Quick Start Guide
•2 × Rackmount brackets
If the contents are incomplete, please contact your FOHHN dealer!
2.3 Unpacking
When unpacking the system, we recommend the following procedure:
1. Open the packaging and take out the product.
2. Examine the product for any visible signs of transport damage. If the product has been
damaged, inform the transport company immediately. A claim for transport damage can only
be made by the recipient (i.e. you). Keep the packaging for examination by the
transportation company.
3. As a general rule, always retain the packaging. Despatch the product in appropriate outer
packaging or in a suitable flightcase.

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3. Setting Up
3.1 Professional Rack Mounting
For professional installation in mobile 19-inch racks or cabinets, the amplifier is equipped with the
appropriate front and rear mounting brackets. The enclosure is torsion resistant. Please take care
that the amplifier is well ventilated and cooled from all sides during use. Keep 1HU rackspace
distance below and above rack mounted amplifiers.
Included in delivery are two rack mount brackets (Rackmount-Set).
To mount two Fohhn 9,5“ devices together in a 19“ Rack an optional 19“-Rackconnector, article
8022-00000 is available
To mount one MA-Series amplifier in a 19“ rack an optional 19“-Rack bracket with 6 openings for
Neutrik D Serie sockets is available. Fohhn article 8023-00000.

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3.2 Connection Instructions and Controls
Connection of any cabling should be done while the amplifier is switched off. Similarly, the mixing
console should be switched on before the amplifier. This will avoid annoying and often dangerous
switch-on noises.
3.2.1 USB-C Configuration Port
All MA-SERIES amplifiers come with an USB-C socket on the front panel of the enclosure. This allows
for optional direct configuration of the device via PC and FOHHN AUDIO SOFT control software –
without using a FOHHN network adapter.
To connect a network consisting of several devices, a FOHHN network adapter (e.g. an NA-11
FOHHN-NET USB ADAPTER or NA-4 FOHHN-NET ETHERNET ADAPTER) must be employed.
Please notice: While the USB-C socket is in use, the RS-485 interface on the rear panels is disabled.
For more information, please see chapter 3.3.3 “FOHHN-NET Cabling and ID Allocation”!
USB-C socket on the left side of the front panel

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3.2.2 Standard Connections
The following connectors can be found as standard on the rear panels of MA-SERIES amplifiers:
(1) mains
The mains cable is connected to this IEC power inlet. The universal power supply (with Power Factor
Correction [PFC]) permits a supply voltage of 100 –240 Vac / 50/60 Hz, thus enabling worldwide use
of the amplifier.
The amplifier is only fully disconnected from the mains if the IEC plug is completely removed from
the socket!
(2) Airea input
Airea-Net input enables connection to AIREA Systems
(3) switch
These terminal blocks serve as switching contacts for changing presets. They can be configured in
FOHHN AUDIO SOFT (see Chapter 3.4.2 “Switching Contact“).
(4) analog input CH 1/2/3/4
Analog audio signals can be fed in using these terminal blocks. The terminals are intended for all 4
input channels CH 1 .. CH4.
(5) amplifier output CH 1/2/3/4
Loudspeaker systems are connected to these terminals (up to 3.3 mm² flexible or 3.3 mm² rigid
conductor cross-section).
(6) Fohhn-Net input
This terminal block is used to connect the amplifier to the FOHHN-NET remote control network.
Only use a FOHHN network adapter for this (NA-11 FOHHN-NET USB ADAPTER or NA-4 FOHHN-NET
ETHERNET ADAPTER).
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
2
6
5
4
1

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3.2.3 Optional Connection Interfaces
All MA-SERIES product versions are available with input interfaces for the Dante™ digital audio
network or 4 x analogue audio signals.
Input option DANTE Interface
(4) Dante
Network socket for the connection of DANTE digital audio signals.
3.2.4 Status Displays
Status displays on MA-SERIES amplifiers take the form of illuminated symbols on the front panel of
the enclosure:
Status LEDs for a 4-channel amplifier
USB config (gear symbol)
This symbol lights up when the amplifier is connected to a PC via the USB-C socket.
protect
This symbol lights up if there is an error during operation.
ready
This symbol lights up when the amplifier is ready for use.
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
4
2
6
5

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(1) The status leds for send and receive are located at the rear
Status LEDs of a 4-channel-amplifier at the rear side
send
This symbol lights up if FOHHN-NET control signals are transmitted from the DSP amplifier.
receive
This symbol lights up if the DSP amplifier receives FOHHN-NET control signals.
3.3 Configuration
Using the FOHHN-NET network, you can remotely control and monitor the functionality of your
FOHHN amplifier’s integrated digital signal processors (DSP). For this you will need a Windows PC
with FOHHN AUDIO SOFT (Version 5.0.3 or later) installed.
3.3.1 System Requirements
To use FOHHN AUDIO SOFT, you need a commercially available computer with the following:
•Computer and processor: x86- or x64 multi-core system
•Memory (RAM): 4 Gigabyte (GB) RAM
•Hard disk: 40 Megabyte (MB) of free disk space
•Display: Minimum resolution 1366 x 768
•Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 10
•.NET-Version: Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1
•Additional requirements: current status of the operating system
Further information can be found in the separate FOHHN AUDIO SOFT user manual. You can
download this from the FOHHN website www.fohhn.com
1
1

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3.3.2 Downloading and Installing FOHHN AUDIO SOFT
FOHHN AUDIO SOFT is directly compatible with all FOHHN active DSP systems. Therefore, you do not
need any special MA-SERIES version of the software. Regardless of the amplifier, you can always
work with the same software and within the same user interface.
The current version of FOHHN AUDIO SOFT can be downloaded free of charge from
www.fohhn.com.
Proceed as follows to install FOHHN AUDIO SOFT on your computer:
1. Download the latest version of FOHHN AUDIO SOFT to your computer.
2. Locate the Fohhn_Audio_Soft_X.X.X_Setup.exe file on your computer (X.X.X represents the
respective version number).
3. Start the installation program by double-clicking on the file: Follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Click on Install to install the program on your computer. Also confirm in the User Account Control
dialog if this appears.
5. Click on Finish to complete the installation.
The software is immediately ready for use following installation and can either be opened via the
program symbol on the desktop, or via the Start > All Programs > Fohhn Audio AG > Fohhn Audio Soft
path.
3.3.3 FOHHN-NET Cabling and ID Allocation
To control a number of MA-SERIES amplifiers, each system in the FOHHN-NET must be allocated its
own specific ID. Using this ID, each individual FOHHN amplifier can be clearly identified and
controlled from within FOHHN AUDIO SOFT.
All amplifiers have a factory setting of ID 1.
Duplicated IDs lead to ID conflict. In such a situation, it will no longer be possible to control
the amplifiers concerned.

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ID allocation for individual amplifiers:
In order for an ID to be allocated, each amplifier must first be connected to FOHHN AUDIO SOFT.
Proceed as follows:
1. Connect the FOHHN amplifier to the mains power.
2. Connect the amplifier to a PC via the USB-C socket.
3. As an alternative to step 2, you can also use an NA-4 or NA-11 FOHHN network adapter.
For amplifiers with a Dante interface, you need an Ethernet Switch.
For amplifiers with an Optocore interface, you need an Optocore network convertor.
4. Connect the USB-C socket, FOHHN network adapter, Ethernet Switch or Optocore network
convertor to the amplifier using an appropriate cable.
5. Switch on the amplifier.
6. Start FOHHN AUDIO SOFT. The selected FOHHN network adapter will automatically be
recognized.
7. When FOHHN AUDIO SOFT opens, an automatic search starts that results in the listing of all
correctly connected FOHHN amplifiers.
If no amplifier is shown, check all the connections and re-run the search. When doing so, please also
note the ID search range.
Proceed as follows:
1. In the Devices menu, click on the Search Device / Network Scan dialog.
2. If the amplifier is still not shown, check the mains power supply and/or the network cabling.
Then repeat Step 1.
If an amplifier is recognized, it appears with ID 1 (factory setting).
To change the ID directly in the Find Devices dialog, proceed as follows:
1. Click with the right mouse button on a loudspeaker system in the dialog’s list view.
2. In the context menu select Change Fohhn-Net ID.
3. In the dialog with the same name, enter a new ID for the amplifier. Make sure that this ID is
not already in use.
Confirm this by clicking Ok: The FOHHN amplifier will now have a newly assigned ID.

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You can also change the ID of a FOHHN amplifier at any time while it is in use. To do this, the system
must be in the FOHHN-NET. Proceed as follows:
1. Open the Device List view, either via the View menu or via the corresponding button on the
Toolbar.
2. Click with the right mouse button on an amplifier in the list display.
3. In the context menu select Change Fohhn-Net ID.
4. In the same dialog, give the amplifier a new ID
5. Confirm this by clicking Ok: The FOHHN amplifier will now have a newly assigned ID.
Further information on setting up a FOHHN-NET and on FOHHN-NET ID allocation can be found in
Chapter 4.1 “Fohhn-Net Setup” of the FOHHN AUDIO SOFT user manual.
3.3.4 Loading Loudspeaker Presets
In their ex-factory state, MA-SERIES amplifiers do not have any preset limiters. Therefore, to ensure
safe operation of all connected loudspeakers, the appropriate loudspeaker presets must be loaded
into FOHHN AUDIO SOFT. Examples are saved in a preset list on the device. All available loudspeaker
presets can also be loaded from a database.
Further information on loading loudspeaker presets can be found in Chapter 4.2 “Presets” of the
FOHHN AUDIO SOFT user manual.
3.3.5 Updating the Firmware
The range of functions in your FOHHN system depends not only on FOHHN AUDIO SOFT, but also on
the firmware in your devices and on the loudspeaker database. From time to time, updates are
available for these sets of data, which can be downloaded into FOHHN AUDIO SOFT (internet
connection required!).
Further information on this can be found in Chapter 6.1 “Updating the Firmware”of the FOHHN
AUDIO SOFT user manual.

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3.3.6 Connecting All Devices
Connect your amplifier to the audio source and the loudspeakers, using the relevant inputs and
outputs (see Chapter 3.2 “Connection Instructions and Controls”).
Connecting a MA-Series amplifier
3.3.7 Gain Structure and Signal Chain
Fig. 1: Overview of the signal chain on a MA-Series amplifier channel
There are many gain options, both inside and outside the FOHHN DSP, that enable flexible handling
of any application –even in complex situations where the matrix mixing functions are used.
Remember to check the level of all steps in the signal chain for each output channel in order to
achieve best possible audio results.

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The following instructions and tips illustrate this approach.
Important tips
The best level is high enough to avoid noise and low enough to allow headroom for peaks!
SPEAKER PRESETS
Using FOHHN speaker presets ensures that, within the FOHHN DSP, no audible clipping can occur.
ANALOG INPUTS
Please pay particular attention to the levels when using analog input signals! Analog signals are
converted into digital audio signals. This always presumes a definition for 0 dBFS. FOHHN defines +15
dBu as 0 dBFS.However, this definition can vary significantly among manufacturers of mixing
consoles and other similar equipment.
Digital levels