Four Audio PPA Series User manual

PPA Series Datasheet and Manual
(HW rev. 2.1)
This document covers passively and actively cooled product versions
Version 1.9
2017-06-28
© Four Audio GmbH & Co. KG

Content
1. Important Safety Information............................................................................................................................................3
2. EC Declaration of Conformity ............................................................................................................................................6
3. Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................8
4. Product Specifications........................................................................................................................................................8
4.1. Cooling Concept ........................................................................................................................................................8
4.2. DRC or 2CH? ..............................................................................................................................................................8
4.3. PPA Versions..............................................................................................................................................................9
5. Technical data.................................................................................................................................................................. 10
5.1. PPA500-Series ........................................................................................................................................................ 10
5.2. PPA1000-Series ...................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.3. PPA1600 and 2200-Series...................................................................................................................................... 14
6. Block Diagram of Signal Processing ................................................................................................................................ 16
7. Loudspeaker Connections............................................................................................................................................... 17
7.1. PPA500 and 1000 / Pascal® T/ S-PRO Module...................................................................................................... 18
7.2. PPA1600 / Pascal® M-PRO Module ....................................................................................................................... 19
7.3. PPA2200-1 to 3 / Pascal® X-PRO1 to 3.................................................................................................................. 20
7.3.1. Bridging.......................................................................................................................................................... 20
8. Preset or Source Selector................................................................................................................................................ 21
9. Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22
10. CAD Drawings .................................................................................................................................................................. 23
11. PC Software ..................................................................................................................................................................... 24
11.1. Driver installation ................................................................................................................................................... 24
11.2. Application Key....................................................................................................................................................... 25
11.3. Example: Generate a Preset for a 2.1 Speaker Setup .......................................................................................... 25
11.3.1. Speaker Tab ................................................................................................................................................... 27
11.4. Crossover Tab......................................................................................................................................................... 29
11.5. EQ Gain Tab ............................................................................................................................................................ 32
11.6. Limiter Tab.............................................................................................................................................................. 33
11.7. Upload Project to Device ....................................................................................................................................... 33
11.8. Firmware Update ................................................................................................................................................... 34
12. Contact............................................................................................................................................................................. 37
13. Document Revision History............................................................................................................................................. 37

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1. Important Safety Information
This device complies with the CE and VDE directives and fulfills the requirements of class 1 (DIN EN 62368-
1:2016-05). It has been manufactured and tested with your safety in mind. However, improper use can result in
potential electric shock or fire hazards.
To avoid defeating the safeguards that have been built into the device, please observe the precautions discussed
in this document.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within a triangle, is intended to alert you to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous” voltages within your device’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert you to the presence of important instructions in the
literature accompanying the device.
Warnings
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OF THE DEVICE.
THERE ARE DANGEROUS VOLTAGES INSIDE THE UNIT EVEN WHEN MAINS IS DISCONNECTED.
THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE IT.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO BY FOUR AUDIO.
REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
SERVICING THE DEVICE YOURSELF WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY.
THIS IS A PROTECTIVE CLASS 1 DEVICE AND MUST THEREFORE BE EARTHED! NEVER DISCONNECT THE
PROTECTIVE EARTH CONDUCTOR.
Ventilation
Slots and openings in the casing of the device are provided for ventilation, to ensure reliable operation of the
device and to protect it from overheating.
MAKE SURE THAT ALL VENTILATION SLOTS ARE CLEAN AND FREE OF DUST.
NEVER BLOCK THE VENTILATION OPENINGS BY PLACING THE DEVICE ON A BED, SOFA, RUG OR OTHER SIMILAR
SURFACE.
NEVER COVER THE VENTILATION OPENINGS WITH ITEMS SUCH AS NEWSPAPERS, CLOTHS ETC.
DO NOT PLACE THE DEVICE IN A BUILT-IN INSTALLATION SUCH AS A BOOKCASE OR RACK UNLESS PROPER
VENTILATION IS PROVIDED OR YOU HAVE ADHERED TO THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.
Water and moisture
THE APPLIANCE IS BUILT FOR INDOOR USE. DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER:
DO NOT EXPLOIT IT TO HUMIDITY OR EXTREME TEMPERATURES.
ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, ARE PLACED ON THE DEVICE.

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GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ THE INFORMATION FOR USE (USER MANUAL).
PLEASE KEEP THE USER MANUAL IN A SAFE PLACE DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE PRODUCT. THE USER
MANUAL FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE PRODUCT. RESELLING OF THE PRODUCT IS ONLY POSSIBLE
IF THE USER MANUAL IS AVAILABLE. ANY CHANGES MADE TO THE PRODUCT HAVE TO BE
DOCUMENTED IN WRITING AND PASSED ON TO THE BUYER IN THE EVENT OF RESALE.
HEED ALL WARNINGS.
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, IN DAMP ROOMS OR NEAR A SWIMMING
POOL).
CLEAN ONLY WITH DRY CLOTH.
DO NOT COVER THE HEAT SINK. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE USER MANUAL.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER
APPARATUS THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED OR DAMAGED IN ANY OTHER WAY.
PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO PLUGS AND THE POINT WHERE THEY EXIT FROM THE AMPLIFIER UNIT.
THE PRODUCT MAY ONLY BE USED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE USER
MANUAL.
BEFORE AND DURING THE USAGE OF THE AMPLIFIER PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL RECOMMENDATIONS,
ESPECIALLY THE SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE USER MANUAL, ARE ADHERED TO. THE AMPLIFIER
UNIT IS DESIGNED FOR THE AMPLIFICATION OF PULSED AUDIO SIGNALS AND THE AMPLIFIER UNIT
SHOULD ONLY BE CONNECTED TO SPEAKERS WITH AN AVERAGE IMPEDANCE THAT IS NOT LOWER
THAN THE IMPEDANCES SPECIFIED IN THE USER'S MANUAL.
DO NOT PLACE THE PRODUCT ON AN UNSTABLE CART, STAND, TRIPOD, BRACKET, OR TABLE. THE
DEVICE MAY FALL,CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, AND SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE DEVICE ITSELF.
THE AMPLIFIER UNIT CAN ONLY BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE POWER SUPPLY BY REMOVING THE
PLUG, WHICH MUST BE FREELY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES. UNPLUG THIS AMPLIFIER UNIT DURING
LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
DAMAGES THAT REQUIRE SERVICE
UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER UNIT FROM THE MAINS SUPPLY AND REFER TO YOUR DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR OR OTHER
AUTHORIZED REPAIR WORKSHOP. SERVICING IS REQUIRED WHEN:
THE POWER-SUPPLY CORD OR PLUG HAS BEEN DAMAGED.
LIQUID HAS BEEN SPILLED OR OBJECTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE AMPLIFIER.
THE AMPLIFIER HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
THE AMPLIFIER HAS BEEN DROPPED OR SUFFERED DAMAGE IN ANY OTHER WAY.
THE AMPLIFIER EXHIBITS A DISTINCT CHANGE FROM ITS NORMAL FUNCTION OR PERFORMANCE.
SERVICING:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS PRODUCT YOURSELF. AS OPENING OR REMOVING COVERS MAY EXPOSE

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YOU TO DANGEROUS VOLTAGE OR OTHER HAZARDS, THE AMPLIFIER MAY ONLY BE OPENED BY QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR.
SERVICING AND REPLACEMENT PARTS:
ALL SERVICE AND REPAIR WORK MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR. WHEN
REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE REQUIRED, PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR ONLY USES
REPLACEMENT PARTS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE USE OF UNAUTHORIZED REPLACEMENT PARTS
MAY RESULT IN INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE THROUGH FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER ELECTRICITY-RELATED
HAZARDS.
SAFETY CHECK:
UPON COMPLETION OF ANY SERVICE OR REPAIRS TO THIS PRODUCT, ASK THE DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR TO
PERFORM SAFETY CHECKS TO DETERMINE THAT THE AMPLIFIER IS IN PROPER OPERATING CONDITION.
READ THE INFORMATION FOR USE (USER MANUAL):
WHEN SHIPPING THE PRODUCT, ALWAYS USE THE ORIGINAL SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS. FOR
MAXIMUM PROTECTION, REPACK THE UNIT AS IT WAS ORIGINALLY PACKED AT THE FACTORY.
ENVIRONMENTS:
USE THIS PRODUCT ONLY IN E1, E2, E3 OR E4 ENVIRONMENTS ACCORDING TO EN55103-2.“ELECTROMAGNETIC
COMPATIBILITY –PRODUCT FAMILY STANDARD FOR AUDIO, VIDEO AND AUDIO-VISUAL AND
ENTERTAINMENTLIGHTING CONTROL APPARATUS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE –PART 2: IMMUNITY”.
VENTILATION AND HEAT SINK:
THE HEATSINK IS PROVIDED TO ENSURE RELIABLE OPERATION OF THE AMPLIFIER UNIT AND TO PROTECT IT
FROM OVERHEATING.THE HEAT SINK MUST NOT BE BLOCKED OR COVERED. THIS PRODUCT SHOULD NOT BE
INSTALLED UNLESS PROPER VENTILATIONIS PROVIDED OR MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN
ADHERED TO.
WATER AND MOISTURE:
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT NEAR WATER (FOR EXAMPLE, IN DAMP ROOMS OR NEAR A SWIMMING POOL).
CLEANING:
UNPLUG THE AMPLIFIER UNIT FROM THE WALL OUTLET BEFORE CLEANING. DO NOT USE LIQUID OR AEROSOL
CLEANERS.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION:
POWER SUPPLY CORDS SHOULD BE ROUTED SO THAT THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE WALKED ON OR PINCHED BY
ITEMS PLACEDUPON THEM OR AGAINST THEM, PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO CORDS AND PLUGS, AND
THE POINT WHERE THEY EXIT FROM THE AMPLIFIER UNIT.
LIGHTNING:
FOR ADDED PROTECTION OF THE PRODUCT DURING LIGHTNING STORMS, OR WHEN IT IS LEFT UNATTENDED
AND UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME, UNPLUG IT FROM THE WALL OUTLET. THIS WILL PREVENT DAMAGE
TO THE PRODUCT DUE TO LIGHTNING AND POWER-LINE SURGES. DISCONNECTION FROM THE MAINS POWER
SUPPLY CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY REMOVING THE PLUG FROM THE MAINS SOCKET AND BY EXTERNAL
DISCONNECTION OF ALL POLES FROM THE MAINS.
INTERFERENCE OF EXTERNAL OBJECTS AND/OR LIQUIDS WITH THE APPLIANCE:

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NEVER PUSH OBJECTS OF ANY KIND INTO THIS PRODUCT THROUGH OPENINGS AS THEY MAY TOUCH
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE POINTS OR SHORT OUT PARTS THAT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK.
NEVER SPILL LIQUID OF ANY KIND ON THE AMPLIFIER.
ACCESSORIES:
DO NOT PLACE THIS PRODUCT ON AN UNSTABLE CART, STAND, TRIPOD, BRACKET, OR TABLE. THE PRODUCT
MAY FALL, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY, AND SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT. ANY MOUNTING OF THE
PRODUCT SHOULD FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS, AND SHOULD USE A MOUNTING
ACCESSORY RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
CONNECTING:
WHEN YOU CONNECT THE AMPLIFIER UNIT TO OTHER EQUIPMENT, TURN OFF THE POWER AND UNPLUG ALL OF
THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE SUPPLY SOURCE. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE AN ELECTRIC SHOCK AND SERIOUS
PERSONAL INJURY. READ THE USER'S MANUAL OF THE OTHER EQUIPMENT CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS WHEN MAKING THE CONNECTIONS.
SOUND VOLUME:
REDUCE THE VOLUME TO MINIMUM BEFORE YOU TURN ON THE AMPLIFIER TO PREVENT SUDDEN HIGH LEVELS
OF NOISE WHICH MAY CAUSE HEARING OR SPEAKER DAMAGE.
SPEAKON CONNECTORS:
WARNING: SPEAKON CONNECTORS MARKED WITH THE LIGHTNING FLASHES INDICATE HIGH VOLTAGES THAT
ARE POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING.
WIRING TO THESE TERMINALS REQUIRES INSTALLATION BY AN INSTRUCTED PERSON AND THE USE OF READY-
MADE LEADS OR CORDS.
CUSTOM WIRING SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
Disposal
When the end-of-life of your device is reached, do not dispose this device in the household waste.
This protects our environment and saves raw materials. Return it to your distributor who will dispose
it free of charge for you.
Four Audio assumes no liability for improper use of the product (e.g. operating errors, incorrect line voltage)
KEEP THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
2. EC Declaration of Conformity
An example of this equipment has been tested and found to comply with the following European and
international Standards for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety:
Radiated Emission (EU): EN55103-1 (1996)
RF Immunity (EU): EN55103-2 (1996)
Electrical Safety (EU): EN60065 (1993)

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Manufacturer's Name & Address
Four Audio GmbH & Co. KG
Konrad-Zuse-Str. 4
52134 Herzogenrath
Germany
Product Names
PPA2200-n-AC, PPA1600-n-AC, PPA1000-n-AC, PPA1000-n-PC, PPA500-n-AC, PPA500-n-PC
with n as number 1..4
Aachen, May-10-2017
Rainer Thaden

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3. Introduction
The PPA Series provides a high-quality DSP-powered class-D amplifier solution for active loudspeakers. It
features amplifier modules from Pascal ®, analogue and digital AES and optional Dante® inputs.
The PPA range covers modules with one to four output channels and either active (low-noise fan) or passive
cooling.
4. Product Specifications
Analog signals are converted to digital by a dual range ADC for high dynamic input range. Signal processing is
done in 32-bit floating point on an Analog Devices SHARC® DSP.
In general, FIR filters are available for linear phase system response. Usual IIR X-Overs and EQs can be used
instead or additionally. An advanced limiter concept protects speakers and prevents amp and PSU overheating.
The PPA is programmed via USB. The operational status of the PPA is shown on the touch display which can also
be used to e.g. change presets.
Main features:
Up to 2500 + 2x800 W Output power (PPA2200-3)
1..4 Channel versions available to cover a wide variety of speaker configurations
Dante digital audio network optionally available
32-bit floating-point SHARC DSP
Analog, digital AES and optional Dante® signal input
Output channels are bridgeable to double single-channel power
PFC (power factor correction)
Low-noise fan or passive cooling option
USB and touch screen
4.1. Cooling Concept
The PPA models with active cooling use low-speed spinning fans. In some cases (Hi-Fi applications), these fans
could produce an audible noise. For these applications, PPA models with passive cooling can be used. They are
fanless and provide a milled aluminum backplate. The passive cooling option is available for PPA modes up to the
PPA 1000-4.
4.2. DRC or 2CH?
To achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio all single input channel models use a dual-range analog-to-digital
converter. It is also possible to split the dual-range converter and have two analog inputs. Please also see 6.
You can tell 2Ch from DRC models from the nr of XLR jacks. In addition to one analog input and one AES input,
the 2Ch model has a third XLR jack for the second analog input.
PPA –1000 –4 –AC - DRC
Total output power
Number of amp outputs
[1..4 channels]
AC: active cooling (fan)
PC: passive cooling
DRC: dual range converter)
2CH: 2 analog inputs
Figure 1 PPA product naming scheme

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4.3. PPA Versions
The PPA 500 to 1000 Versions are also available in a passively cooled version, which makes them particularly
suitable for Hi-Fi or cinema applications.
(standard values in bold)
Type
Output
Channels
Pascal
Amp
Analog
IN
AES
IN
Dante
Output Power1
Total
output
power2
Passive
cooled
available?
Application
example
PPA…
see 3
SE @ 4 Ω
BTL (8 Ω)
500-1
1
T-PRO1
1/ 2
yes
optional
500 W
n.a.
500 W
yes
1-way speaker or
with passive XOV
500-2
2
T-PRO2
1/ 2
yes
optional
500
+150 W
n.a.
500 W
yes
2-way speaker
with active XOV
500-3
3
T-PRO2
+S-A1
1 / 2
yes
optional
2x500
+150 W
n.a.
500 W
yes
2.1 system with
active XOV
500-4
4
T-PRO2
+S-A2
1 / 2
yes
optional
3x500
+150 W
n.a.
500 W
yes
2.1 system with
active XOV
1000-2
2
S-PRO2
1/ 2
yes
optional
2x500 W
100 W
1000 W
yes
2-way speaker
with active XOV
or one 1-.way
speaker
1000-3
3
S-PRO2
+S-A1
1 / 2
yes
optional
3x500 W
1000
+500 W
1000 W
yes
3-way speaker
with active XOV
1000-4
4
S-PRO2
+S-A2
1 / 2
yes
optional
4x500 W
1000
+2x500 W
1000 W
yes
2-way speaker
with BTL
subwoofer
1600-2
2
M-PRO2
1/ 2
yes
optional
2x800 W
1600 W
no
2-way speaker
with active XOV
2200-1
1
X-PRO1
1/ 2
yes
optional
2500 W
1000 W
no
subwoofer
2200-2
2
X-PRO2
1/ 2
yes
optional
2500
+700 W
no
2-way speaker
with active XOV
2200-3
3
X-PRO3
1 / 2
yes
optional
2500
+2x800 W
2x1500 W
no
2.1 system:
Subwoofer and
two tops with
passive XOV or 3-
way active XOV
speaker
1
Amplifier output power, total output power is limited by the power supply unit
2
Maximum output of power supply unit
3
Standard configuration is one analog input. Ask for 2 analog inputs

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5. Technical data
5.1. PPA500-Series
PPA500-1
PPA500-2
PPA500-3
PPA500-4
Power Amp section
Pascal Module(s)
T-PRO1
T-PRO2
T-PRO2+S-A1
T-PRO2+S-A2
Total module output power
(limited by power supply)
520 / 470 W (230/120 V)
Number of amplifier channels
1
2
3
4
Single channel output power
(1% THD+N, 1kHz)
Ch. 1, 3, 4: 245 W at 8 Ω
Ch. 2: 120 W at 16 Ω
Single channel output power
(1% THD+N, 1kHz)
Ch. 1, 3, 4: 500 /430 W (230/120 V) at 4 Ω
Ch. 2: 220 W at 8 Ω
Peak output current
Ch. 1,3,4: 30 A, Ch. 2: 11 A
Peak output voltage (SE)
±70 V (equals RMS value of 36 dBu)
Peak output voltage (BTL)
±140 V
THD+N
(1kHz, 1W, 8 Ω)
0,003 %
Dynamic range
A-weighted: 120 dB, unweighted: 118 dB
Output idle noise
All channels: 53 µVRMS / -83.3 dBu unweighted, 41 µVRMS / -85.5 dBu A-weighted
Output impedance
Protection
Over current, DC, temperature, high frequency
DSP section
Max. input level
+22.9 dBu
Total system gain with flat DSP
preset (no signal processing)
14.5 dB
Analog input SNR
128 dB(A)
Output SNR
112 dB(A)
Limiters
Look ahead peak limiter, thermal limiter, overall power supply limiter
EQ
Low-/Highpass 6 and 12 dB, Bell filter, allpass, shelving filter 6 dB and 12 dB
Crossovers
Bessel, Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley, Critical
Other DSP features
input delay, output delay, phase inversion, gain
FIR
Linear phase X-over and linear phase loudspeaker equalization
Connectors
Analog in 1
balanced XLR (input impedance 20 kΩ)
Analog in 2 (optional)
n.a.
n.a.
balanced XLR
(input impedance
20 kΩ)
balanced XLR
(input impedance
20 kΩ)
Digital AES in
XLR