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.