Kustom airplay AP15A-Active User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Kustom Airplay model AP15A, a
portable and powerful powered speaker system. Your new system offers unsurpassed
sound quality as well as outstanding performance characteristics. Inside this manual
you’ll find detailed information regarding the system’s many features. We wish you
years of enjoyment with your Kustom Airplay AP15A.
TM

ENGLISH
Danger
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a
permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably to
noise induced hearing loss but nearly everyone will lose
some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a
sufficient time.
The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has specified the following
permissible noise level exposures:
According to OSHA, any exposure in the above permissible
limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or
protectors in the ear canal or over the ears must be worn
when operating this amplification system in order to prevent
a permanent hearing loss. If exposure in excess of the limits
as put forth above, to insure against potentially harmful
exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended
that all persons exposed to equipment capable of inducing
high sound pressure levels, such as this amplification
system, be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is
in operation.
THIS SYMBOL IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE
OF NON-INSULATED "DANGEROUS VOLTAGE" WITHIN THE
PRODUCT'S ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE
TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO PERSONS.
THIS SYMBOL IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE
OF IMPORTANT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING)
INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE ACCOMPANYING THE UNIT.
1. Read all safety and operating instructions before using this
product.
2. All safety and operating instructions should be kept for
future reference.
3. Read and understand all warnings listed on the operating
instructions.
4 . Follow all operating instructions to operate this product.
5. This product should not be used near water, i.e. Bathtub,
sink,swimming pool, wet basement, etc.
6. Only use dry cloth to clean this product.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings, It should not be
placed flat against a wall or placed in a built-in enclosure
that will impede the flow of cooling air.
8. Do not install this product near any heat sources ;such
as,radiators, heat registers, stove or other apparatus
(including heat producing amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug.Apolarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the 0ther.A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord being walked on or pinched,
particularly at Plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the apparatus. Do not break the ground
pin of the power supply cord.
11 . Only use attachments specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specified by the manufacturer or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
are not spilled into the unit through the ventilation ports or
any other openings.
15. 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.
16. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
17. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the
disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain
readily operable.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE CHASSIS. NO USER-SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR.
CAUTION
APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING
AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES,
SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
DURATION PER DAY (HOURS)
SOUND LEVEL (dB)
8 6 4 3 2 1
90 93 95 97 100 103
S3125AS3125A
2

3
DURE EN HEURES PAR JOUR
INIVEAU SONORE CONTINU EN dB
Danger
L‘exposition a des niveaux eleves de bruit peut provoquer
une perte permanente de l’audition, Chaque organisme
humain reagit differemment quant a la perte de l’audition,
mais quasiment tout le monde subit une diminution de
I’acuite auditive lors d’une exposition suffisamment
longue au bruit intense. Les autorites competentes en
reglementation de bruit ont defini les expositions tolerees
aux niveaux de bruits:
Selon les autorites, toute exposition dans les limites
citees ci-dessus,peuvent provoquer certaines pertes
d’audition. Des bouchons ou protections dans l’appareil
auditif ou sur l’oreille doivent etre portes lors de
l’utilisation de ce systeme d’amplification afin de prevenir
le risque de perte permanente de l’audition, Dans le cas
d’expositions superieures aux limites precitees il est
recommande, afin de se premunir contre les expositions
aux pressions acoustiques eIevees potentielIement
dangeureuses, aux personnes exposees aux
equipements capables de delivrer de telles puissances,
tels ce systeme d’amplification en fonctionnement, de
proteger l’appareil auditif.
CE SYMBOLE A POUR BUT D'AVERTIR L'UTILISATEUR DE LA PRESENCE
DE VOLTAGE DANGEREUX NON-ISOLE A L'INTERIEUR DE CE PRODUIT
QUI PEUT ETRE DE PUISSANCE SUFFISAMMENT IMPORTANTE POUR
PROVOQUER UN CHOC ELECTRIQUE AUX PERSONNES.
CE SYMBOLE A POUR BUT D'AVERTIR L'UTILISATEUR DE LA PRESENCE
D'INSTRUCTIONS D'UTILISATION ET DE MAINTENANCE DANS LES
DOCUMENTS FOURNIS AVEC CE PRODUIT.
IMPORTANTES INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE
1. Lire avec attention toutes les recommandations et précautions
d'emploi avant d'utiliser ce produit.
2. Toutes les recommandations et précautions d'emploi doivent
être conservées afin de pouvoir s'y reporter si nécessaire.
3. Lire et comprendre tous les avertissements énumérés dans les
précautions d'emploi.
4. Suivre toutes les précautions d'emploi pour utiliser ce produit.
5. Ce produit ne doit pas être utilisé près d'eau, comme par
exemple baignoires, éviers, piscine, sous-sol humides ... Etc.
6. Utiliser exclusivement un chiffon sec pour nettoyer ce produit.
7. Ne bloquér aucune ouverture de ventilation. Ne pas placer le
produit tout contre un mur ou dans une enceinte fernée, cela
gênerait le flux d'air nécessaire au refroidissement.
8. Ne pas placer le produit près de toute source de chaeur telle
que radiateurs, arrivées d'air chaud, fourneaux ou autres
appareils générant de la chaleur (incluant les amplificateurs
producteurs de chaleur) .
9. Ne pas négliger la sécurité que procure un branchement
polarisé ou avec raccordement à la terre, Un branchement
polarisé comprend deux fiches dont l'une est plus large que
l'autre. Un branchement à la terre comprend deux fiches plus
une troisième reliée à la terre. Si la fiche secteur fournie ne
s'insert pas dans votre prise de courant. consulter un
'électricien afin de remplacer votre prise obsolète.
10. Protéger le cordon d'alimentation de tout écrasement ou
pincement, particulièrement au niveau des fiches, des
réceptacles utilisés et à l'endroit de sortie de l'appareil. Ne pas
casser la fiche de terre du cordon d'alimentation.
11. Utiliser uniquement les accessoires spécifiés par le
constructeur.
12. Utiliser uniquement avec le chariot de
transport, le support, le trépied, la
console ou la table spécifiés par le
constructeur ou vendus avec l'appareil.
Lors de l'utilisation d'un chariot, bouger
avec précaution l'ensemble chariotlappareil
afin d'éviter les dommages d'un renversement.
13. Débrancher cet appareil lors d'orages ou s'il n'est pas utilisé
pendant une longue période.
14. Des précautions doivent être prises afin qu'aucun objet ne
tombe et qu'aucun liquide ne se répande à l'intérieur de
l'appareil par les orifics de ventilation ou n'importe quelle autre
ouverture.
15. Pour toutes interventions techniques s'adresser à un
technicien qualifié.L'intervention technique est nécessaire
lorsque l'appareil a été endommagé de n'importe quelle façon,
comme par exemple si le cordon secteur ou sa fiche sont
détériorés,si du liquide a coulé ou si des objets sont tombés à
l'intérieur de l'apparei1,si l'appareil a été exposé à la pluie ou à
l'humidité, s'il ne fonctionne pas normalement ou s'il est tombé.
16. ATTENTI0N:Pour réduire le risque d'incendie ou de choc
electrique ne pas exposer l'appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité.
17. La prise Mains, au coupler, est utilisé pour la source
d'alimentation êlectrique. Il est conseillê de garder cette prise
facilement accessible.
AFIN DE REDUIRE LES RISQUÉ D'INCENDIE ET DE DECHARGE
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA PLUIE OU A
L'HUMIDITE.
FRENCH
8 6 4 3 2 1
90 93 95 97 100 103
ATTENTION: AFIN DE LlMlTER LE RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE,
NE PAS ENLEVER LE CHASSIS. NE CONTIENT PAS DE
PIECES POUVANT ETRE REPAREE PAR L’UTILISATEUR.
CONFIER LE SERVICEAPRES-VENTEAUX
REPARATEURS AGREES.
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR.
S3125AS3125A

4
Airplay AP15A Contents
These items are included with your Airplay AP15A:
•(1) 400-Watt Bi-Amp Speaker System
•(1) 10-Foot AC Power Cable
•Owner’s Manual
•Warranty Card
Optional Accessories:
•Kustom Speaker Stand (KSS1)
•Kustom Profile Microphone with accessories (KPS-DM120)
Airplay AP15A Product Features
• Power: 400 Watts RMS Total - 350/50 Watts Bi-Amp
•3-Band Master EQ
•3 Channels - 1 Balanced XLR & 1/4” Combo Input Channel
- 1 1/4” Balanced/Unbalanced Input Channel
- 1 Auxiliary Input Channel with Stereo Mic-In (1/8”),
Line-In (1/8”), and RCA Inputs.
• Light-weight Polymer Cabinet Construction (Double Think Walls)
•Fluid Cooled Compression Driver
•350-Watt / 700-Watt Peak 12-inch Kustom P.A. Speaker
•Phantom Power
•Fan Cooled for Maximum Performance and Reliability
•Extra Long Power Cable (10-Foot) for Ease of Use
• Mounts on optional Kustom Speaker Stand (KSS1)
TM
TM

line in
mic/line in
-16 dB pad
volume volume volume
bass
mid
treble
line inmic in
left right
bal/unbal
CONTROL PANEL DIAGRAM
5
master eq

6
About the Control Panel
Combination Input Jack (1)
This jack is used to connect any audio source to the mixer, such as microphones, guitars, keyboards,
drum machines, CD players, etc. This mono jack will accept either 1/4” (balanced or unbalanced)
plugs or XLR-type plugs.
Pad Switch (2)
This switch will lower the input gain by 16 db when depressed. It is used to prevent this channel from
distorting when using a line level input.
Channel One Volume (3)
This control is used to adjust the output for channel one. This control will only affect the output level
for the Combination Input Jack (1).
Line Input Jack(4)
This is a 1/4” balanced/unbalanced line level input that can be used for connecting a mixer, or other
line level instrument, to the speaker system.
Channel Two Volume (5)
This control will adjust the output level for channel two. This control will only affect the output level for
the Line Input (4).
Mic In Jack (6)
This jack can be used to connect a microphone that has a 1/8” plug such as a computer microphone.
This jack has phantom power for microphones that require it.
Channel Three Volume (7)
This control will adjust the output level for the Mic In Jack (6), the Aux Line In Jack (9), and the RCA
Input Jacks (8).
RCA Input Jacks (8)
These jacks are used to connect any audio device that uses the RCA-type plugs. Note: There are
left and right inputs which are automatically mixed to a mono output.
Aux Line In Jack (9)
This jack accepts a stereo (tip/ring/sleve) 1/8” plug. This should be used to connect a device with a
line level output such as a CD player or computer.
Treble Control (0)
This control is used to adjust the amount of high frequencies applied to the overall output of the
speaker system.
Mid Control (A)
This control is used to adjust the amount of mid frequencies applied to the overall output of the
speaker system.
Bass Control (B)
This control is used to adjust the amount of low frequencies applied to the overall output of the
speaker system.
Power Switch (C)
This switch is used to apply AC power to the speaker system.
AC Input Jack (D)
This jack is used to connect AC power to the Airplay AP15A speaker system.

59” (150cm) Max.
Safety pin
Leg position
clamp
Height adjustment
clamp
Setup Instructions:
Making Connections:
Using with KSS1 (optional) speaker stand
•Extend the legs of the KSS1 stand to their maximum
extension position and tighten the leg position clamp.
Place the stand on stable, level ground.
•Using the internal pole, adjust the height of the stand
to a maximum of 59” (150cm). Tighten the height
adjustment clamp. Note: Always insert the safety
pin into the proper hole before placing the
speaker on the stand.
•Place speaker cabinet on the stand and tighten the
securing bolt on the speaker cabinet.
Using with an external mixer
• With the power off on the mixer and the Airplay system, connect an XLR, 1/4” balanced or 1/4”
unbalanced cable to the line output on the external mixer. Connect the other end of the wire to
the combination input jack (1) on channel one or the line input jack (4) on channel two.
Note: When using the combination input jack (1), be sure the pad switch (2) is set to the -
6db position.
•If you are using an audio source, such as a CD player or computer, and want to connect it to
the Airplay system instead of the external mixer, connect the output of the source to the RCA
input jacks (8) or the aux line input jack (9).
•If you are using a microphone with a mini (1/8”) plug, you can use the mic in jack (6) to
connect to the Airplay system instead of the external mixer.
•Be sure that the power switch (C) is set to the “off” position and then attach the AC cable to the
AC input jack (D).
•Connect all microphones and other instruments to the external mixer.
Using without an external mixer
• With the power off on the Airplay system, connect your microphone (if using) to the channel
one combination input jack (1).
•If you are using a line level instrument or a preamp output from an amplifier, connect to the
1/4” line input jack (4) on channel two or the combination input jack (1) on channel one.
Note: When connecting a line level input to channel one, set the pad switch (2) to the -6 db
position.
•If you are using an audio source, such as a CD player or computer, connect the output of the
source to the RCA input jacks (8) or the aux line input jack (9).
•If you are using a microphone with a mini (1/8”) plug, you can use the mic in jack (6) to
connect to the Airplay system.
•Be sure that the power switch (C) is set to the “off” position and then attach the AC cable to the
AC input jack (D).
7

8
1. Can I use another non-powered mixer with my Airplay especially careful with piano and percussive sounds.
system to get more channels? They can be very dynamic and overload the channel on
ANSWER: YES! Take the Line Level output of the external attacks when the channel has high output with the
non-powered mixer and connect to one of the LINE ¼” volume set low.
inputs. When using channel one, make sure the pad switch
is pressed in. Bring up the channel volume control as 7. My acoustic guitar has a pickup that is plugged into
needed. the Airplay system. It is not loud enough even with
the channel volume all the way up. Do you think I
2. Can I use more than one Airplay system with an have a bad cord?
external mixer? ANSWER: No. This guitar has a Hi-Z passive pickup.
ANSWER: Yes. Two Airplay systems can be connected to a The Airplay system only accepts line level inputs. Use
stereo mixer (one to the left Line output and one to the an external preamp to amplify the signal to a line level.
right Line output). If using more than two or using more
than one with a mono mixer, use an external Y-cable to
connect to the Airplay systems. 8. Not all of my microphones are condenser type. Will
the Phantom Power in the Airplay damage my non-
3. Can I use the other inputs on the Airplay system when condenser mics?
using an external mixer? ANSWER: No. You can safely use a combination of
ANSWER: Yes. The inputs on the Airplay can be used with condenser and dynamic microphones at the same time.
an external mixer connected. 9. I get a nasty pop when turning the microphone
4. Can I use more than one of the input jacks on channel switch on or off. What’s wrong?
three at the same time? ANSWER: The microphone or cord is probably wired
ANSWER: Yes. The RCA, 1/8” line input, and 1/8” mic incorrectly or uses the wrong type of cable. The pop
input can be used together. However, there is only one occurs when the phantom supply on a channel is
volume for all three. The individual levels will have to be shorted to shield ground. A properly wired XLR cord
adjusted on the device connected. uses 2 conductor shielded cable. The shield connects to
pin 1 and the center conductors go to pins 2 and 3.
5. What can I do to reduce microphone feedback?There cannot be a jumper or short between pins 2, 3,
ANSWER: Keep the microphones away from and behind and the shield. The microphone is wired correctly when
the speakers. The goal is to prevent sound produced by the signal on pin 2 and 3 short to each other when
the speaker from entering the front of the microphone. The switched off.
master EQ also works well for controlling feedback when
one or two frequencies are a nuisance. Be careful not to 10.I have my music source plugged into the line input
cut all three of the frequencies on the EQ. This will cause on channel one or two, and I don’t hear any vocals.
the sound to lose clarity and become thin. If you notice What is wrong?
this happening, lower the channel volumes and raise the ANSWER: The 1/4” input jacks on channels one and
EQ controls. two are balanced/unbalanced only, not stereo. Using a
stereo signal through a tip-ring-sleeve plug can cause
6. My digital keyboard is distorting, especially on the this problem in a balanced system. However, channel
piano sounds. three is stereo and using it will solve your problem.
ANSWER: Adjust the output level of the keyboard so that
the Airplay channel volume is halfway or more. Be
Frequently Asked Questions
Playing:
• With all volume controls (3, 5,and 7) set to lowest setting (counterclockwise), turn the power
switch (C) to the “on” position. Note: The power indicator on the front of the Airplay system
should now be illuminated.
•Turn the master eq controls (0, A, and B) to the 12 o’clock position and begin adjusting the
volume controls (3, 5, and 7) of the individual channels (that you are using) clockwise to
reach desired level. Note: When using an external mixer, start by setting that channels input
volume to the 12 o’clock position and begin adjusting the master volume on the external mixer.
Increase the channel’s volume as needed.
•Adjust the treble, mid, and bass controls (0, A, and B) to achieve the desired sound.

9
iH g h
Low
Horn
Limiter
Woofer
Limiter
Horn Amp
50 Watt
3 Band EQ
INPUTS
Airplay AP15A Block Diagram
Phantom Power
Preamp
TIP (L)
RING (R)
TIP (L)
RING (R)
CHANNEL 3
VOLUME
SLEEVE
SLEEVE
MIC Line
RCA RIGHT
LEFT
-
+
RING (-)
Phantom Power
Line
Microphone
Mic/Line
Input Jack
SLEEVE
TIP (+)
Preamp
VOLUME
CHANNEL 1
Line Input
Balanced/Un-balanced
TIP (+)
RING (-)
Line Input
SLEEVE
-
+Preamp
VOLUME
CHANNEL 2
Crossover
Horn
Speaker
-
+
Md
i
Sum-amp
Woofer Amp
350 Watt
Line/Mic
1/8” Input Jacks

20 Hz 50 100 200 500 1K 2K 5K 10K 20K
dBSPL
85
90
95
100
105
110 SPL vs Freq
10
Airplay AP15A
Specifications
Model AP15A 3 Channel 400W Powered Speaker System
350 Watts @ 1% THD
50 Watts @ 1% THD
CH 1 Mic XLR Balanced, Line 1/4" Balanced/Un-balanced
-3dB 54Hz - 16KHz
-10dB 42Hz - 19KHz
-110 dB Mic Input, Rs=150 ohm, 20-20kHz
-60dB Residual Noise, all level controls 0% (minimum)
-55dB Nominal System Noise, all level controls at 50%
+70dB Mic to Amplifier Output (Ch 1 - 3)
+50dB Line to Amplifier Output (Ch 1 - 3)
+50dB Stereo Line to Amplifier Output (Ch 3)
Master Equalization +15V Mic input (Ch 1)
+5V Mic input (Ch 3)
USA/Canada 120VAC/60Hz, 500W nominal
Europe 230VAC/50Hz, 500W nominal
UK 230VAC/50Hz, 500W nominal
Australia 240VAC/50Hz, 500W nominal
Japan 100VAC/50-60Hz, 500W nominal
mm/kg 690 (Height) x 445 (Width) x 380 (Depth), 29.9
Inches/Pounds 27.2 (Height) x 17.5 (Width) x 15 (Depth), 63.3 lbs
Output Power, Woofer Amp
Total Harmonic Distortion
Line 1/4" Balanced/Un-balanced
Mic & line 1/8" stereo, RCA Stereo. Any combination
of these inputs can be used at once.
CH 2
CH 3
Accepted Inputs
Output Power, Horn Amp
Phantom Power
Actual response can vary based on input.
Less than 0.4%
Hum & Noise
System Gain per Channel
Frequency Response
3 Band, Active
All Measurements made at 1kHz unless noted
Dimensions & Weight
Power Requirements
Note: Kustom does not supply mounting hardware for Airplay™ speakers. For safety purposes, be
sure to utilize professional mounting procedures and materials for these, or any, speaker systems.

11
We: Kustom Musical Amplification Inc.
PO. Box 568
Hebron, Ky 41048-0568
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Declare that the product
Product name: Kustom
Product model number: Airplay 15A
to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards;
EN55013 (A12) : 1995 Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of broadcast receivers and
associated equipment.
EN55020: 1995 Electromagnetic immunity of broadcast receivers and associated equipment.
EN61000-3-2: 1995 Limits for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current < 16A per phase).
EN61000-3-3: 1995 Limitation of voltage fluctuations and flicker in low voltage supply systems for equipment with
rated currents < 16A.
EN55103-1: 1995 Electromagnetic Compatibility - Product family standard for Audio, Video Audio-visual and
entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus.
EN60065: 1994 Safety requirements for main operated electronic and related apparatus for household and similar
general use.
Following the provisions of EU Council Directive(s): 72/73 EEC and 89/336/EEC.
We the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the aforementioned directive(s).
Name of authorized person: James Brown, Chief Engineer
Signature:______________________ Date: 14 July 2006
Kustom Amplification Inc.
PO. Box 568
Hebron, Ky 41048-0568
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
EC Declaration of Conformity

Kustom Amplification Inc., PO BOX 568, Hebron, KY • USA
888-4-KUSTOM (888-458-7866) Web: www.kustom.com
®