Fohhn Airea AM-4.4 User manual

Operation manual
Airea
AM-4.4
Before using the device, please read the operation manual carefully and keep it at
hand.

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Content
1. Introduction and information........................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Important safety requirements................................................................................................. 4
1.1.1 Definition of terms............................................................................................................... 4
1.1.2 General safety information................................................................................................ 4
1.1.3 Electrical safety instructions.............................................................................................. 5
1.1.4 Acoustic safety instructions............................................................................................... 6
1.1.5 Connections and cables .................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Operating conditions.................................................................................................................. 7
1.2.1 Information about irregular operation .............................................................................. 7
1.3 Storage and transport................................................................................................................ 7
2. The product....................................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Product description.................................................................................................................... 8
2.2 Scope of delivery........................................................................................................................ 9
2.3 Unpacking................................................................................................................................... 9
3. Installation....................................................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Professional rack assembly.................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Connections and control elements........................................................................................ 11
3.2.1 Standard connections ...................................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Optional connection versions.......................................................................................... 12
3.2.3 Status displays.................................................................................................................. 12
3.2.4 USB-C configuration port................................................................................................. 13
3.2.5 Analogue inputs................................................................................................................ 14
3.2.6 Airea-Net outputs.............................................................................................................. 14
3.2.7 Airea-Net input.................................................................................................................. 15
3.3 Start-up...................................................................................................................................... 15
3.3.1 System requirements....................................................................................................... 15
3.3.2 Download and installation of Fohhn Audio Soft........................................................... 16
3.3.3 Fohhn-Net wiring and ID allocation................................................................................ 16
3.3.4 Updating the firmware...................................................................................................... 18
3.3.5 Setting up and connecting an Airea system................................................................. 19
3.3.6 Signal processing ............................................................................................................. 20
3.3.7 Integration in a Dante™ network.................................................................................... 20
3.3.8 Renaming a device and output channels...................................................................... 22

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3.4 Additional functions.................................................................................................................. 23
3.4.1 Switch contact................................................................................................................... 23
3.4.2 Password lock................................................................................................................... 24
4. Technical data................................................................................................................................. 25
4.1 Power supply............................................................................................................................ 27
5. Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................. 28
6. Service and repair.......................................................................................................................... 29
6.1 Maintenance measures........................................................................................................... 29
7. Connection configuration.............................................................................................................. 29
7.1 Airea-Net................................................................................................................................... 29
7.2 Fohhn-Net................................................................................................................................. 30
7.3 Airea-Net cabling permanent installation.............................................................................. 30
8. Appendix.......................................................................................................................................... 31
8.1 Environmental notice............................................................................................................... 31
8.2 CE marking and declaration of conformity........................................................................... 31
8.3 Trademark................................................................................................................................. 31
8.4 Protection classes and protection types............................................................................... 31
8.5 Disclaimer and copyright......................................................................................................... 32
8.6 Contact address....................................................................................................................... 32

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1. Introduction and information
Congratulations on the purchase of your Fohhn Airea system. These days, customers
demand sound quality and versatility more than ever. In response to the growing trend
towards compact, lighter and higher performance active systems, we developed and then
realised the Fohhn Airea System. This should make working at your events and starting up
fixed installations as easy as possible. The new versatile options for integrated Fohhn Audio
DSPs provide you with many convenient advantages in day-to-day operation.
All the DSP functions in the Airea Master AM-4.4 can be controlled via one single software,
Fohhn Audio Soft.
To make the most of all the benefits of your Airea Master and ensure error-free
operation, please read the operation manual provided carefully before operation and
always keep it at hand!
1.1 Important safety requirements
Read through all of the following safety requirements before operating the device. Keep
these instructions near the device at all times. Reading the operation manual is no substitute
for knowledge of and adherence to all local safety requirements and guidelines valid at the
time and observance of the safe working methods on site.
All the information and technical specifications published here are based on data available at
the time of publication. We expressly reserve the right to make changes to this information.
1.1.1 Definition of terms
Danger
This signal word describes a hazardous situation with a high level of risk, which will result in
death or serious injury if not heeded.
Warning
This signal word describes a hazardous situation with a medium level of risk, which will result
in death or serious injury if not heeded.
Caution
This signal word describes a hazardous situation with a low level of risk, which will result in
minor or moderate injury if not heeded.
1.1.2 General safety information
Danger:
To avoid danger to life, ensure that all persons involved in the set-up, operation and
dismantling of a system like this have read and understood the operating instructions.

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At the same time, the information presented here is to be regarded as accompanying advice
and does not affect the user’s responsibility to ensure safe operation of the Fohhn system
on site.
Warning:
To avoid injury,
the device must be stored, installed and operated in a manner that prevents access
to children.
To avoid injury, this device must be decommissioned, labelled and secured against
accidental use, if
there is visible damage,
it is assumed that there are loose parts,
it no longer works correctly,
it has been subject to unfavourable conditions over a long period of time (e.g. wet
conditions)
it has been exposed to poor transport conditions (e.g. in unsuitable packing or wet
conditions).
If required, please contact your Fohhn dealer and the carrier immediately. Contact
details can be found in the appendix to this operation manual.
1.1.3 Electrical safety instructions
Fohhn Airea Master are devices of protection class 1. They are constructed and tested in
accordance with VDE protection measures for electronic devices and leave our factory in
safe, perfect condition. The devices meet all current valid standards in the EMC Act. The CE
marking on the device is confirmation of this.
The relevant standards can be found in the appendix of this operation manual!
Warning:
To minimise the risk of electric shock,
the protective earthing conductor on the mains plug should never be separated and
under no circumstances should the plug be taped.
the device is only to be connected to a mains plug checked by a specialist.
the device casing is never to be opened. The device does not contain any
components that can be repaired by the user. In the unlikely event of a defect, please
contact qualified servicing personnel and/or the dealer from whom the system was
purchased!
Ensure that the local voltage corresponds to the power supply voltage stated on the device.
To minimise the risk of electric shock or fire,
the device should not be exposed to moisture.
no objects filled with liquid (e.g. drinks containers) should be placed on the device.
ventilation openings are not to be covered with objects (e.g. rain protection film).

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the device should not be exposed to excessive heat, direct sunlight, fire or similar.
the device should not be placed near sources of fire (e.g. pyrotechnics).
Caution:
To avoid damage to the device,
the mains cable should not be plugged in if the device is not used for a long period of
time. (Pull out the plug to completely cut off the device from the mains)
1.1.4 Acoustic safety instructions
Fohhn speaker systems can generate very high acoustic pressure levels, which may cause
irreparable hearing damage.
Warning:
To avoid hearing damage,
never stand in the immediate area (1 metre or less) of a device that is ready for
operation.
To avoid hearing damage and damage to the device while in operation, avoid:
acoustic feedback
high-power, sustained distorted signals
Momentary noises that arise when the device is switched on or off, connected or
detached from the system
1.1.5 Connections and cables
Please note the following instructions for your system's cabling:
Ensure that your cables are working perfectly and only use cables with a sufficiently
large diameter.
Only use cables and plugs which correspond to professional standards.
Only use properly shielded cables and plugs for audio and data connections.
Only use mains cables that have intact earth contact connections and ensure that the
mains plug for the device is accessible at all times, so the device can be quickly
disconnected from the network in the event of malfunction.
Lay and affix the cable in such a way that it will not be damaged by tools or jammed
by the device or a wall bracket.
Protect all laid cables from mechanical damage or tensile forces.
Avoid tightening torques that are too high when screwing connection terminals!
Loudspeakers should only be wired by expert personnel!
Important: For communication between a Windows PC with the installed control software
Fohhn Audio Soft and the Airea Master, a Fohhn network adapter (e.g. NA-11 Fohhn-Net
USB Adapter or NA-4 Fohhn-Net Ethernet Adapter) is recommended.
For safe control, using an NA-4 is recommended for each Airea Master. Further
information on this can be found in Chapter 3 of this operation manual!

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1.2 Operating conditions
Please note the following information when operating your system:
The permissible ambient temperature of the device during operation is from 0 °C to
+40 °C.
The device is to be used in a dry area with normal dust and moisture levels in the air.
If condensation has built up during transport or storage of the device or its back
panel, leave the device to acclimatise for around 2 hours before operating.
Never expose the device to aggressive chemical liquids or vapours.
Always ensure that heat dissipation is assured via the exterior surface of the casing.
Always ensure that the device is well ventilated. To ensure sufficient cooling, the
device should not be covered by towels. Heating of the casing by sunlight or strong
lamps is to be avoided.
Never expose the device to considerable vibrations.
1.2.1 Information about irregular operation
If the permissible operating temperature becomes too high (higher than 75 °C), the device
switches off. As soon as the temperature returns to the normal operating range, the device
automatically switches on again.
The temperature of the Fohhn system is shown in the Fohhn Audio Soft. The device
switches off if it is exposed to direct sunlight or very high ambient temperatures. Reliable
operation is only guaranteed when adhering to the permissible ambient temperatures.
The device is to be checked by a service provider approved by Fohhn Audio AG if
the network cable or mains socket are damaged,
a foreign body or liquid has got inside the device,
the device has been exposed to rain,
the device is not working normally or is exhibiting significant changes in performance,
the device is damaged (e.g. after a fall).
1.3 Storage and transport
Please observe the following information:
The device may only be transported in the original packaging.
Store the device in dry surroundings and at a consistent ambient temperature to
avoid condensation.
The permissible ambient temperature for the device during storage is from -10 °C to
+70 °C.
During transport and storage, water condensation can form due to temperature
fluctuations and settle on the surface of the device. For that reason, inspect the
surface for moisture before commissioning. If this is the case, let the unpacked device
acclimatise to the ambient temperature for at least two hours.

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2. The product
2.1 Product description
The Airea System is a freely configurable, active loudspeaker concept as well as a versatile,
digital audio network system. Airea was designed to realise high-quality, flexible, future-proof
sound reinforcement applications. The Airea system comprises state-of-the-art loudspeakers
with integrated, digital power amplifiers and Fohhn Audio DSP as well as a master module
with digital and analogue inputs and digital Airea-Net outputs, along with the integrated
Fohhn Audio DSP Matrix.
Cabling is very straightforward with conventional network cables.
The signal path throughout the Airea System is completely digital. This means that there is
no loss of quality through AD/DA conversion or loss of performance.
The Airea Master Module AM-4.4 is the central unit of the Airea system. It provides the
supply voltage, the digital audio signals and the control signals for the connected active Airea
DSP speakers.
Up to 16 active DSP loudspeakers can be linked to one Airea Master AM-4.4.
With Fohhn Audio Soft, each of these DSP loudspeakers can be individually controlled and
adapted in terms of routing, volume and sound. With only the Fohhn Audio Soft control
software, you have access to all the DSP functions and presets. (The latest version of the
software is available for download free of charge at www.fohhn.com.)
With wiring using just one cable, Airea is clearly superior to conventional active systems. In
addition to the option to link several loudspeakers in a daisy-chain, even distances of up to
100 m can be effortlessly bridged –and each loudspeaker can be individually configured with
regard to acoustics, run time (delay) and dynamics.
With digital Dante signal inputs AM-4.4 DAN and 4 analogue mic/line inputs AM-4.4 ANA,
the Airea Masterextrem is versatile and ready for the future.
The fans in the Airea Masters AM-4.4 are temperature-controlled and optimised to ensure
very quiet operation. The fans do not operate when in standby.
An integrated inrush current limiter means it is possible for several linked Airea Masters to be
switched on at the same time within one rack. For larger installations with several systems,
this function eases handling significantly.
The Airea Master AM-4.4 is also equipped with two programmable switch contacts (switch)
for remote control and easy integration into the building technology.

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Definitions of terms
Airea System
An Airea System comprises one or several Airea Masters along with one or several active
Airea loudspeakers.
Airea Master
The Airea Master is the central unit of the Airea System
Airea end device
An Airea end device is linked to and powered by an Airea Master
AES/EBU
Protocol for transferring digital audio data
Airea-Net
Network for transferring power supply voltage, Digital Audio (AES/EBU) and Fohhn-Net
control signals via a network cable.
Fohhn-Net
Network for transferring control signals for Fohhn Audio devices
2.2 Scope of delivery
Each product is inspected to the highest quality and safety standards before it ships out.
Please inspect your product carefully for any damage that may have occurred during transit.
In the event of damage, inform your dealer and the carrier immediately. Please check
whether the packaging contains all the components included with the device.
Includedin the scope of delivery of your Fohhn system are:
•1 × Airea Master AM-4.4
•all plugs for connections on the rear side (plugged in)
•1 × Network cable with cold-device connection socket
•1 × Quick start instructions
•2 x Rack brackets
2.3 Unpacking
When unpacking the system, we recommend proceeding as follows:
1. Open the packaging and remove the product.
2. Check the product for any visible transport damage.
Should the product have any damage, please report this immediately to the carrier.
Transport damage can only be claimed by the recipient (i.e. you). Keep the packaging
for assessment by the carrier.
3. Generally speaking, the packaging should be kept. Send the product in suitable re-
packaging or in a suitable carry bag.

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3. Installation
3.1 Professional rack assembly
For correct assembly in mobile 19-inch racks or switching cabinets, the device is equipped
with the relevant mounting brackets for the front and rear (optional). The casing is designed
to be distortion-resistant. Please ensure that the Airea Master is sufficiently ventilated and
cooled on all sides during operation. There must be a space of at least 1 RU at the top and
bottom between rack-mounted amplifiers and Airea Masters.
Included in the scope of delivery for each device are two mounting brackets (mounting
bracket set).
To install two Fohhn 9.5” devices next to one another in a 19” rack, an optional 19” rack
connector is available, Item 8022-00000.
To install an MA-Series amplifier in a 19” rack, a 19” installation angle with 6 holes for
connectors in the Neutrik D Series is available as an option. Fohhn Item 8023-00000.