KS TA 4D User manual
POWER AMP
TA 4D
USER
MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing professional KS AUDIO product. Please
carefully follow the instructions in this manual to ensure long,
trouble-free use of your equipment.
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 1 | Page
“WARNING - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE”
“CAUTION: THESE SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOR USE BY QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING OTHER THAN THAT
CONTAINED IN THE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS UNLESS YOU ARE QUALIFIED TO DO SO”
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Make sure the power cord remains readily accessible at all times.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
To prevent electrical shock, do not
remove top or bottom covers. No
User serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
SHOCK HAZARD
DO NOT OPEN!
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 2 | Page
PROLOGUE...............................................................................................................................................................................3
QUICKSTART............................................................................................................................................................................3
2. COMPONENTS....................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 CONTROLLER CARD MODULE FOR TA 4D ................................................................................................5
2.2 POWER AMPS ...............................................................................................................................................7
3. OPERATING .........................................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 FMOD DIGITAL CONTROLLER CARD .......................................................................................................8
3.3 AUDIO CONNECTORS...................................................................................................................................8
3.4 POWER TRANSFORMER................................................................................................................................8
3.5 OUTPUTS ......................................................................................................................................................8
3.6 POWER SUPPLY ............................................................................................................................................9
3.7 OUTPUT MUTE SWITCHES...........................................................................................................................9
4. CLEANING OF AMPLIFIER...............................................................................................................................................9
5. TRANSPORTATION ...........................................................................................................................................................9
6. LIMITED WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................................... 12
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ........................................................................................................................... 13
APPROPIATE USE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT................................................................................................................... 14
NOTES ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
CONTACT............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 3 | Page
PROLOGUE
Thank you very much for your confidence in our product line-up and purchasing professional KS
AUDIO sound reinforcement tools !
Please read this manual carefully and do not hesitate contacting KS AUDIO headquarter having
further questions depending the utilization of your product!
The TA4D is a 1,000 watt per channel at 4 ohms, 4 channel amplifier with MOSFET technology. This
manual should help you to easily use this product. Please read the manual before using this
amplifier.
QUICKSTART
Note: Please check when opening the package that there
is no obvious damage due to shipment, which could be
harmful to the product or the operator.
The TA 4D is a 4 channel, 4,000 watt MOSFET amplifier driven into 4 ohms per channel. Also
inclusive, is a system controller card technology that is available in an analog or digital controller
card format.
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 4 | Page
speakon/power out
main switch
powercon input
fuse
Exclusively implemented on the digital controller card called F MOD, is the KS Audio FIRTEC® (Finite
Impulse Response technology) process. Both the audio inputs and outputs are appropriately
configured to the configuration selected on F MOD. TA 4D amplifier allows for a wide field of
applications, from large concert-size sound reinforcement, to speech, producing the highest
quality of audio possible, every time, including major recording studios as well as other commercial
and industrial applications. Virtually every configuration is possible, including: 2 way bi amplified, 2
channel out high-power bass bridge with additional active cross over outputs, 3 way Tri-amplified,
4 channel full range, and more!
The TA 4D power amplifier using F MOD controller card comes equipped with all speaker setups.
Please cross check and make sure the program loaded is the one you need for the speaker
configuration you want to run it with. Please connect the input signal and the speaker outputs on
the backside of the amplifier, while the amp is not yet switched on, and make sure you are aware of
the explanation as listed for the digital controller program, when using the F MOD digital controller
card. The supplied power cord is a Neutrik PowerCon AC cable. It is connected to an AC power
supply module that has a wide voltage range and automatic power switching mode, it operates
between 100 and 250 VAC.
Please connect the power cord to power outlets that are surge protected and properly grounded.
Once all cables have been double checked along with their terminations, please go ahead and
adjust the volume of the input signal to a low setting and activate the MAINS switch to its ON
position. When using the digital controller, after a few seconds the LCD display on the front panel
of the power amplifier will confirm the ready status of the power amp.
If you do not want to use the power amp for a relatively short period of time, you can deactivate
the amp by selecting it’s STAND BY function, or by turning the knob on the digital controller so that
the STAND BY function is displayed in the LCD and press the knob for 3 seconds. After you have
switched the amplifier to ON, a "soft start" is activated. This is to protect the systems and all the
components involved. Once the electronic protection circuits have confirmed that the system is
running under normal conditions, the green “READY” light is illuminated to indicate ON, or the LCD
display on the digital controller card will confirm the ready status. Now, the TA 4D is ready to
operate.
There are 4 mute switches corresponding to the 4 audio channels on the amplifier, each of these
switches has 1 red LED located below it to indicate the channel mute status. When the LED is ON
the channel is muted. This feature is useful in many ways, such as when using this amplifier with
XLR input/output
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 5 | Page
monitors, you can mute individual mixes when they are not needed or, when tracking down
problems.
2. COMPONENTS
2.1 Controller Card Module for TA 4D
2.1.1 Signal
The handling of the signal, like equalization, crossover and corrections of the transient behavior of
the components, are taking place entirely in the integrated analog controller card or the F MOD
digital controller card, and these two cards are interchangeable. KS Audio offers a wide selection of
analog controller cards and numerous programs for the F MOD digital controller card, assuring
best results no matter which driver configuration is to be handled. All programs feature the
automatic adjustment and configuration of the output channels and their output signals, including
the limiting the signal supplied to the speakers.
There are 5 basic program settings:
4 single channels
2 channel / 2 way
2 channel with mono subwoofer
2 channel mono bridged high power subwoofer
1 channel 3 way
All KS Audio products have balanced inputs and outputs.
In the F MOD digital controller card, all of the signal processing is entirely done in the digital
domain. The digital connection is AES 3. High-end 24/27 bit Sigma-Delta A/D converters are gain
stacked along with a 64 times over sampling and a A-rated signal to noise ratio of >110dB to
handle the A/D function. The TA 4D accepts analog input sources as well.
The digital signals are processed by a floating point DSP. This DSP converts the 24 bit wide
integrated data files in a flow word of 32 bit mantissa to an 8 bit exponent, equaling a theoretical
dynamic range of 1500 dB. Overloads, scale noise, and rounding noise are impossible at this
resolution. The parameters available for adjustment, such as Delay and Room Equalization, have
direct access to the floating point of the digital signal processing which eliminates mistakes in
scaling.
2.1.2 Equalization
The most important function of the controller is to assure a flat frequency response and positive
phase relationship. In the course of preparing those programs every sound configuration had to
undergo numerous test runs in order to take measurements to evaluate and to determine the
many different conditions and solutions possible. This results in the best programs with optimal
results for each driver. KS Audio developed a FIR® (Finite Impulse Response) technology to create
the inverse frequency response and operate this via an onboard DSP engine comparing input
signals against programs pertinent to the cabinet and it's components, in order to execute a
complex digital filtering process. This results in the optimal equalizations for each driver/box and
system.
Additional to all this, the sound engineer is free to adjust the sound for a certain application and
venue by adjusting the program parameters such as “Shelving” and “Low Cut” filters. Please check
the program parameters for full details.
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 6 | Page
2.1.3 Special Highlights for the Signal Processing
A short impulse in an analog equalizer is extended in the time domain and creates in the output
stage of the equalizer a post-oscillation of the impulse response. On top of all this, the mass of the
driver creates an additional post-oscillation initiated by the same impulse. Combined together
these changes in signal-motiontiming at the output stage leaves little in common with the original
signal. KS Audio developed the FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filtering technology, called FIRTEC ®.
This technology removes any of the delay time distortion and handles the time domain as well as
the frequency response. The correction of the input signal is done immediately in the time domain,
through a mathematical convolution of the input signal and the impulse response of the digital
equalization filters. Conversely, traditional analog filter / equalizer technology tries to correct the
frequency response of the signal through various filter elements which degrades the original
impulse signal response. The new digital FIRTEC ® technology equalizes the signal immediately and
corrects it to exactly match the original impulse. This is a physical equalization of the frequency
response in volume and phase.
2.1.4 Crossover
In reality, the analog filtering process tries to correct the frequency response of the audio signal
through various filter elements and as a result, degrades the quality of the signal’s impulse
response. The FIRTEC ® technology digitally equalizes the input signal immediately and corrects the
actual impulse of the signal. This is a physical equalization of the frequency response in volume
and phase. The cross over is optimized to be linear for frequency and phase (Bessel Filter). In analog
systems, phase shifts exist in between crossover points which can produce a result of near
cancellation of the sound pressure between systems when running various speakers in parallel (2-
way / 3-way systems). The KS Audio FIRTEC ® technology is based on a combined Bessel filter and
Differential filter process to yield superior results. This means the high frequency response is the
result between the low pass filter and the input signal. In consequence the result is an optimal
addition between the high and the low frequency cross over points. Instead of a phase shift as
found in an analog cross-over, in the KS Audio digital process, the time domain of the low pass
signal is only considered, and the rest of the process follows this.
Importantly, the geometrical offset between the drivers is compensated for and the resulting
output is sample accurate to the input in the time domain. To assure the best possible equalization
of the entire system the FIR filters work with the entire signal path not just the individual frequency
range: the critical cross-over between high and mid frequency drivers are precisely corrected.
The measurements taken to program the FIR filters are taken using a completely finished speaker
enclosure so this measurement includes the characteristics of the speaker box itself. This operation
allows each speaker box to be measured and programmed individually in production as well as in
the final venue when the room acoustics are “built-in”, then the FIR filters can adjust for this as well.
A correct impulse response is the key to duplicating the audio image in terms of the depth, as well
as the correct orientation of the instruments in a room.
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0 0
-10-10
-20-20
-30-30
-40-40
0 0
10 10
-180°-180°
-90°-90°
0° 0°
+90°+90°
+180°+180°
Frequency Hz
dB dB
AkAbak (R)
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lp1000, N=1=0, U1
hp1000, N=1=0, U1
2.VoltageofSCRIPT1,Level(Phase),Uin=0.707Vrms;lp140,N=1=0,U1
2.VoltageofSCRIPT1,Level(Phase),Uin=0.707Vrms;hp140,N=1=0,U1
2.2 Power Amps
2.2.1 Technology
The TA4 D is equipped with 4 independent analog FET power amp modules. Each module supplies
a continuous 1000 watts into 4 ohms. The controller card and corresponding program determines
the distribution of power to deliver the maximum power needed. The TA4 D power amplifier is a
high performance design achieved by 3 independent power output stages, making this product
more efficient than with any other conventional power amplifier currently available.
For example: to run a 3 way speaker system 1600 watts into 8 ohm would be available, plus 500
watts into 8 ohm plus 250 watts into 16 ohm. A total of 72 hand selected power transistors, each
featuring a Pmax=250watts for maximum headroom. Soft clipping circuits working in conjunction
with the operating voltage, limit the audio signals before each power amp, which enables the
power amp to always operate with a high damping factor while remaining fully regulated.
2.2.2 Power Supply
The power supply is a state-of-the-art, heavy duty and wide-range switch mode design, with
Power-Factor- Correction (PFC) built in. The start-up voltage is limited to assure maximum
protection. A second widerange and heavy duty switch mode power supply, with PFC, is used to
independently supply the controller card electronics along with the low voltage cooling fans and,
the stand-by ON/OFF system, via the KS Audio remote digital controller system.
2.2.3 Cooling
In the production of high audio output levels, large amounts of heat are also generated as a by-
product of the amplifier, which could damage the semi conductors. The reduction of these high
temperatures is done with the use of 3 independent, thermostatically controlled cooling fans. The
air is taken in from the front panel inlet of the power amplifier and passed through to the back
panel outlet while passing over the heat fins and power transformer to actively cool these units
down to nominal operating temperatures.
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 8 | Page
2.2.4 Protection Systems
As a KS Audio standard of operation, the input signal to the amplifier is effectively limited to
protect the drivers. On powering up the TA4D amplifier a 20 Amp switch-on relay circuit is engaged
to ON to protect the drivers. If the DC current changes by more than 0.5 V, a special detection
circuit disconnects the speakers from the amplifier for their protection. The same protection takes
place if electrical shortage or low impedance occurs. When the cause is remedied the circuits return
to their full operational status. If the internal heat increases above 85 C (185 F), protection is
engaged to deactivate the power amps for as long as it takes for the cooling fans to reduce the
temperature to 85 C (185 F) again. Overheat status will be indicated by a RED ERROR LED light and
the power READY light is dimmed. Also, during this protected time, information appears in the LCD
display pointing out the problem. The LCD display is only available when F MOD controller card is
inserted in the amplifier.
3. OPERATING
3.2 F MOD Digital Controller Card
Please check details in the F MOD controller card manual.
3.3 Audio Connectors
All audio input connections are a balanced electronic type conforming to the XLR international
standard, nominal 20 KOhms for matching to a typical 50 ohm line output (grounding is on pin #1).
For very long cable run installations, a transformer-balanced output is preferable to avoid ground
differentials and 60 Hz hum loops over mixed type cable runs. The impedance is 2 x 10kOhm and is
discreet (independent for pin 2 and 3). Multiple devices can share the same input signal by using
the male-female sockets as a daisychained audio link. A total of only 1 dB of signal loss on the input
signal is seen when up to 20 devices are sharing the same input signal. Digital AES/EBU lines should
be run with 110 Ohm cables. You can daisy chain as many products you wish, as the XLR male
outputs feature an active line transmitter.
3.4 Power Transformer
If you run very long power line feeds, especially when using different power circuits, a balancing
power transformer should be utilized to avoid ground hums. This will also help to avoid electro-
magnetic interference caused by generators or lighting fixtures and dimmer circuits. Please note,
on KS systems, the digital signals always have an input transformer and separate transformer
output built-in.
3.5 Outputs
There are 4 Neutrik Speakon speaker level output connectors. These 4 audio outputs are
configured automatically by the controller card selected for the system. The bi-amp mode is +1 /-1
for the lows/mids and +2 /-2 for the tweeter. In bridge mode for high-power-subwoofer
applications one amp is on +1/+2 while the other amplifiers runs as -1/-2. The selected
configuration is indicated through green LED’ s located next to each of the 4 outputs. KS
recommends the use of 4 conductor, 12 gauge cable for all speaker to amplifier connections for
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 9 | Page
optimal performance. Warning – be certain that all speaker cables are wired identically at each end.
Two amplifiers being bridged together can create fatal damage to the drivers.
3.6 Power Supply
The KS Audio TA4 D power amp uses a state-of-the-art, heavy duty and wide-range switch mode
design, with Power-Factor-Correction (PFC) built in. This power supply will accept any AC input
from 96 – 250v, 50 / 60Hz. It is connected via a Blue Neutrik PowerCon AC connector with
protective leader. As the power amplifier unit is properly grounded, please ensure, for your own
safety, that the power circuit you are plugging into is properly grounded as well. KS Audio
amplifiers are very efficient, therefore, the demand for electricity is quite low. Please Note: Be sure
that the actual current draw for all speakers on the supply circuit do not exceed the maximum fuse
rating on each speaker. After switching the amplifier on with the MAINS switch, a soft-start is
activated first. This is to protect the system and all the components involved. Once the electronic
protection circuits have confirmed that the system is running under normal conditions, the outputs
are activated and the amplifier is ready to operate. The power supply is a state-of-the-art, heavy
duty and wide-range switch mode design, with Power-Factor- Correction (PFC) built in. The start-
up voltage is limited to assure maximum protection. A second widerange and heavy duty switch
mode power supply, with PFC, is used to independently supply the controller card electronics
along with the low voltage cooling fans and, the stand-by ON/OFF system, via the KS remote digital
controller system.
3.7 Output Mute Switches
A very practical feature when running larger sound systems are the 4 mute switches - one per
channel – on the front panel of the power amplifier. The red LED indicates the MUTE is ON or
activated. Each amplifier output can be isolated. There is also a green "signal present LED" that
indicates any audio source above - 30dB. In the KS Audio FIRMOD 2 digital controller card, mute
switches are available in the selected program. In this case “ACTIVE” means that the output is
activated, not that the MUTE is active.
4. CLEANING OF AMPLIFIER
The fitted mesh filters ( foam) for the the cooling system should be reguarly cleaned to maximize
the air flow into the unit. The breath of live sound The art of sound Handcrafted and engineered in
Germany
5. TRANSPORTATION
KS products are tools for daily use and are correspondingly robustly manufactured. You should,
however, be aware of these aspects of note:
As with all types of electronic devices, condensation and moisture must be avoided i.e. when the
speaker comes from a cold and humid truck and is brought into a warm venue, give the system as
much time as possible to heat up to venue temperature before powering on. Of course, direct
exposure to liquids is never safe and should be prevented at all times. The vibrations of a transport
vehicle are safe - all components and cabinetry are well secured with screwed or bolted parts for
extra strength where necessary. It has however been shown that train or airplane transport without
further packaging creates un-due stress on KS products. We recommend for such situations shock
resistant flight cases. Significant contamination by dust, etc. is dangerous for Electronic assemblies
as it may cause a short circuit. It is therefore advisable, that the devices are periodically opened,
and cleaned out with compressed air.
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6. SPECIFICATIONS
TA 4D (without controller module)
number of channels 4
frequency response + / -1dB
5 – 50,000Hz
output power per channel
2000W peak at 4 Ohms
output impedance
min. 2 ohms per channel
power supply
switchmode power supply with PFC
mains voltage
powercon input (100/250VAC)
amplification mode Class H MOSFET, 3 rails supply
input connectors
4x XLR3 in, 4x XLR3 out
output connectors
4x speakon NL4
cooling 3 fans, speed controlled
case stainless steel
finish
charcoal black
dimensions (height x width x depth)
3U / 19“ / 350mm(13.8“)
weight (without options)
14 kg / 31 lbs
features
mounting slot for various KS Controller-Modules
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7. DIMENSIONS
4 CHANNEL POWER AMP TA 4D
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 12 | Page
8. LIMITED WARRANTY
Without any exception, KS AUDIO professional products will be sent out in strict accordance with
long-time final inspection and permanent quality control during manufacturing process by
dedicated specialists.
When receiving freight, please check your delivery on shipping damages immediately. Product
defects have to be reported to KS AUDIO headquarter within eight days.
24 month limited warranty of manufacturer to the exclusion of all further claims and the following
obligations:
•Exchange or repair of defect devices whenever not subject of external damage, vandalism
or misuse.
•Exchange of entire product if repair deadline may exceed four weeks respectively fails
second time.
•Exclusion of manufacturer’s warranty whenever devices opened respectively customized
by third parties non factory-authorized
•The warranty card shipped within the package is subject of all repairs done in KS AUDIO
headquarter or factory-authorized service points.
•Freight costs generally to be paid by customer
Hettenleidelheim 11/14/2016
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 13 | Page
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Within the meaning of low voltage directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC furthermore electromagnetic
compatibility directive (EMC) 2014/30/EU
We hereby declare that the equipment designated below is designed and built in the version sold
by us in such a way as to comply with the relevant fundamental safety and health criteria of the
applicable EC respectively EU directives. This declaration shall cease to be valid if alternations are
made to the equipment without our prior agreement.
This declaration covers:
•order code 50.020 – KS AUDIO TA 4D - in ascending order from serial no. 1001
Relevant EC respectively EU directives:
low voltage directive (LVD) 2006/95/EC furthermore electromagnetic compatibility directive (EMC)
2014/30/EU
Hettenleidelheim 11/14/2016
(Dieter Klein, CEO / KS Beschallungstechnik GmbH)
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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 14 | Page
APPROPIATE USE OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
Although KS AUDIO professional products represent heavy duty tools
for daily use, please refer to the following information of operating
manual under all circumstances.
•Please avoid water condensation at any electronic device under all circumstances !
•Whenever system carried e.g. from cold truck to warm and humid event location, always
allow equipment to acclimate for a while.
•For rail cargo use professional shock-absorbing flight-cases
•To protect your equipment, for regular cargo e.g. by truck, this is not necessary.
•For cleaning your equipment, please follow instructions attached to page 9 of this manual
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