L-Acoustics LA4X User manual

LA4X
user manual (EN)

Document reference: LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1
Distribution date: November 16, 2016
© 2016 L-Acoustics. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means without the express written consent of the
publisher.

Contents
Safety................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Important safety instructions....................................................................................................................... 5
Additional important safety instructions....................................................................................................... 6
Symbols................................................................................................................................................... 7
System components.............................................................................................................................................9
Technical description......................................................................................................................................... 10
Main features......................................................................................................................................... 10
Internal components.......................................................................................................................10
Front and rear panels....................................................................................................................10
Signal processing....................................................................................................................................11
Signal inputs.................................................................................................................................11
DSP architecture............................................................................................................................12
Power supply and amplier section.................................................................................................13
Speaker outputs............................................................................................................................ 13
Speaker protection........................................................................................................................ 13
Monitoring and control............................................................................................................................13
User interface............................................................................................................................... 13
L-NET remote control network......................................................................................................... 13
Installation........................................................................................................................................................14
Mounting................................................................................................................................................14
Ventilation.............................................................................................................................................. 15
Connecting to AC mains......................................................................................................................... 15
Electrical specications.................................................................................................................. 15
Planning the power of the electrical generator................................................................................. 16
Power cord...................................................................................................................................16
Plugging the amplied controller.....................................................................................................17
Power consumption........................................................................................................................17
Heat power calculation..................................................................................................................17
Audio and network cabling..................................................................................................................... 18
Connection panels.........................................................................................................................18
Analog audio............................................................................................................................... 21
Digital audio................................................................................................................................ 22
L-NET........................................................................................................................................... 23
Speaker........................................................................................................................................23
Operation........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Powering on...........................................................................................................................................27
3

Powering off...........................................................................................................................................27
Setting to standby mode..........................................................................................................................28
Interpreting the front panel LEDs...............................................................................................................28
STATUS........................................................................................................................................ 28
L-NET........................................................................................................................................... 28
Meters..........................................................................................................................................29
OUT.............................................................................................................................................29
Main screen description.......................................................................................................................... 30
Using quick access functions....................................................................................................................31
Locking/Unlocking the front panel.................................................................................................. 31
Muting/Unmuting an output channel............................................................................................... 31
Modifying gain............................................................................................................................. 32
Identifying an amplied controller...................................................................................................32
Displaying input level, input selection, input mode and group information........................................... 33
Using the main menu.............................................................................................................................. 34
LOAD PRESET............................................................................................................................... 35
STORE PRESET..............................................................................................................................37
DELETE PRESET............................................................................................................................. 38
PRESET PARAMETERS.................................................................................................................... 38
CLEAR GROUP PARAMS................................................................................................................40
INPUT SETTINGS.......................................................................................................................... 41
MONITORING & INFO.................................................................................................................45
OPTIONS..................................................................................................................................... 47
Settings protection...................................................................................................................................51
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................... 53
Error messages....................................................................................................................................... 53
Component status messages........................................................................................................... 53
Output channel external error messages.......................................................................................... 53
Output channel internal error messages...........................................................................................53
Network message......................................................................................................................... 53
Other messages............................................................................................................................ 54
Glossary................................................................................................................................................ 54
Specications................................................................................................................................................... 55
General................................................................................................................................................. 55
Input signal distribution............................................................................................................................56
Analog Input.......................................................................................................................................... 56
Digital Input........................................................................................................................................... 57
Latency...................................................................................................................................................57
Physical data..........................................................................................................................................58
Approvals........................................................................................................................................................ 59
4

Safety
Safety
Important safety instructions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
Explanation of graphical symbols
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of
sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
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 ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding-type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
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. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the 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. Refer all servicing to qualied 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.
15. WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or
moisture and objects lled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from
the receptacle.
Pour déconnecter complètement l'appareil du secteur, débranchez la prise de la che secteur.
17. The main plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.
La prise principale du cordon d'alimentation doit rester totalement accessible.
5 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Safety
Additional important safety instructions
Verify the electrical conformity and compatibility of the mains supply.
Only connect the product to an AC power outlet rated 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, with the following current values:
100-120 V: 20 A
200-240 V: 10 A
WARNING: The product is of CLASS 1 construction and shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a
protective connection to earth.
When the product is used in a three-phase circuit, verify the electrical conformity and
compatibility of the three-phase circuit.
Verify that the three phases work, and balance the loads between the three phases.
Verify that the neutral and earth work.
Never try to emulate a 230 V circuit connecting an apparatus to two live wires of a 120 V three-phase circuit.
Never try to emulate a 200 V circuit connecting an apparatus to two live wires of a 100 V three-phase circuit.
Always interconnect a Class C circuit breaker between the product and the mains supply.
The circuit breaker current rating depends on the mains voltage rating, as follows:
100-120 V: 20 A
200-240 V: 10 A
Electrical generator
You must power on the generator before powering on the product.
Verify that the product is turned off before powering on the generator.
Terminals marked with the lightning ash symbol are HAZARDOUS LIVE.
The external wiring connected to these terminals requires installation by an instructed person or
the use of ready-made leads or cords.
Never attempt to touch any exposed speaker wiring while the product is operating: rst disconnect the
connector from the product.
Mute all output channels before connecting a speaker to an amplied controller.
Do not connect a speaker output in parallel or series with any output of another amplied controller.
Do not connect the speaker outputs to any other voltage source, such as a battery, power mains, or
power supply, regardless of whether the amplied controller is turned on or off.
Never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-Acoustics.
Read all the related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents shipped with the products before
exploiting the system.
Beware of sound levels.
Do not stay within close proximity of loudspeakers in operation.
Loudspeaker systems are capable of producing very high sound pressure levels (SPL) which can instantaneously
lead to permanent hearing damage to performers, production crew and audience members. Hearing damage
can also occur at moderate level with prolonged exposure to sound.
Check the applicable laws and regulations relating to maximum sound levels and exposure times.
Beware of over power risks.
Only use compatible loudspeakers with appropriate presets to avoid damage to the loudspeakers.
Inspect the product before operation.
If any sign of defect or damage is detected, immediately withdraw the product from use for maintenance.
This product is intended for use by trained personnel.
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 6

Safety
Do not use the product outside its operating temperature range.
The product operates at a room temperature between 0° C / 32° F and 50° C / 122° F.
Do not expose the product to direct sun.
Only use the product in a conformed electro-magnetic environment.
Conformed environments are specied in EN55103-2 standards as E1 (residential), E2 (commercial and light
industrial), E3 (urban outdoors), and E4 (controlled EMC environment, ex. TV studio).
Avoid radio interference.
This product has been tested and complies with the limits indicated in the EMC directive (Electro Magnetic
Compatibility). These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference from
electrical equipment, but it cannot be guaranteed that interference will never occur.
Read the maintenance section of this document before servicing the product.
Shipping
Use the original packaging for shipping the product, unless it is mounted in a rack with the front and rear panels
xed to the rack, as described in this manual.
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this document:
This symbol indicates a potential risk of harm to an individual or damage to the product.
It can also notify the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure safe installation or operation of
the product.
This symbol indicates a potential risk of electrical injury.
It can also notify the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure safe installation or operation of
the product.
This symbol noties the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure proper installation or
operation of the product.
This symbol noties the user about complementary information or optional instructions.
Do not open unless authorized.
This symbol indicates the presence of electrical shock hazards.
It also indicates that no maintenance performed by the end user requires access to internal components.
7 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Welcome
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the L-Acoustics LA4X amplied controller.
This document contains essential information on using the system properly.
As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-Acoustics reserves the right to
change the specications of its products and the content of its document without prior notice. Please
check www.l-acoustics.com on a regular basis to download the latest document and software updates.
Presentation
The LA4X is an amplied controller based on a 4-input by 4-output architecture and an exclusive green power module
providing maximized efciency. With LA4X, L-Acoustics speakers can get all the benets of self-powered speakers, while
keeping the versatility of the separated amplication approach.
The L-Acoustics systems can be operated in three connectivity modes:
"A LA CARTE" The pool of four inputs and four amplication channels of the LA4X can be allocated “à la
carte” to any passive speaker enclosures with a one-to-one-to-one link (input / processing +
amplication / loudspeaker). This approach is cost effective for applications requiring a high
count of independent sound sources such as stage monitors, multi-channel systems and multi-
feed distributed systems.
"FULL ACTIVE" In high-end installation projects, the LA4X can drive active systems, up to K2, for maximum
power headroom and the best possible performances. With one transducer section per output
channel and the independent DSP treatment of each output, this approach brings maximum
discretization with a one-to-one link (processing + amplication / transducer section).
"CONVENTIONAL" For applications requiring a high count of loudspeaker enclosures with optimized cost of
amplication, the LA4X can efciently operate as a conventional amplied controller driving
speakers in parallel from its four amplication channels, with the added benet of the 4 inputs
when using passive loudspeaker enclosures.
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 8

System components
System components
A complete L-Acoustics system includes loudspeaker enclosures, amplied controllers, cables, rigging system, and
software applications. The main components of an L-Acoustics system that includes LA4X are the following:
Loudspeaker enclosures
Refer to the user manuals of the loudspeaker systems for detailed instructions about the enclosures and their
connection to the amplied controllers.
Powering and driving system
LA4X amplied controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities
L-CASE 2U Electronics transport and protection case
Loudspeaker cables
Refer to the user manuals of the loudspeaker systems for detailed instructions about the enclosures and their
connection to the amplied controllers.
Software applications
LA Network Manager software for remote control and monitoring of amplied controllers
Refer to the LA Network Manager video tutorial.
Illustrations
LA Network Manager
L-Case
9 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Technical description
Technical description
Main features
Internal components
The core of the LA4X is a DSP engine driving four channels of amplication from four inputs. The LA4X also features
a ash memory for preset storage and management, high performance A/D-D/A converters and AES/EBU inputs for
audio signals, a universal SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) with PFC (Power Factor Correction), a front panel user
interface, and a 1 Gb/s dual port Ethernet device for networked remote control.
Front and rear panels
011:K2 70 100
LF_A LF_A MF_A HF_A
51 2 3 4
6789
10 11 12 13 14 15
1status LED
2LED meters: 10 powerCON power supply connector (20 A)
— LIMIT/CLIP level 11 outward ventilation grills
— audio levels (-5 dB, -10 dB and -20 dB) 12 speakON output connectors
— SIGNAL presence 13 XLR analog and AES/EBU input connectors
— LOAD presence 14 XLR analog and AES/EBU link connectors
3L-NET network control LED 15 1 Gb/s etherCON L-NET network connectors
42 x 24 characters LCD display
5navigation/edition encoder wheel
6power/standby key and LED
7channel selection keys
8menu keys
9inward ventilation grill and foam lter
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 10

Technical description
Signal processing
Signal inputs
The LA4X features four input connectors allowing it to receive four analog signals, four digital signals, or two analog
and two digital signals, depending on the input mode selected by the user — see section INPUT MODE (p.41). This
architecture also allows digital-to-analog or digital-to-digital fallback.
Analog inputs
The LA4X can be fed with up to four balanced analog audio signals using XLR female input connectors ANALOG IN A to
ANALOG IN D — see illustration in section Front and rear panels (p.10). Each analog input port is ESD protected.
The analog input panel also features four XLR male link connectors passively wired to the input connectors. They allow
transmitting the input signals to daisy-chained amplied controllers. Each analog link port is ESD protected.
To be processed by the DSP, the analog signal must be converted into a digital signal. For this purpose, the LA4X
amplied controller is tted with four cascaded 24-bit A/D converters with a sampling rate of 96 kHz allowing an
encoding dynamic range of 128 dB.
AES/EBU digital inputs
The LA4X can be fed with up to four AES/EBU digital audio signals (transported in pairs) using XLR input connectors
AES/EBU IN A&B and AES/EBU IN C&D.
Each AES/EBU input port is an XLR female connector. The audio signals can come from a digital mixing desk or a
digital audio network bridge compliant with the AES/EBU (AES3) or electrical S/PDIF (IEC 60958 Type II) digital audio
standards. Each AES/EBU input port is ESD protected and transformer balanced.
The AES/EBU input panel also features two XLR male link ports actively connected to the input ports (with failsafe relay in
case of mains absence). They allow transmitting the input signals to daisy-chained amplied controllers. Each AES/EBU
link port is ESD protected and transformer balanced.
Each AES/EBU input port is equipped with a SRC (Sample Rate Converter) that has been selected to support a wide
range of input formats (16 - 24 bits / 44.1 - 192 kHz). It converts any of them to the 24 bits/96 kHz internal format used
by the amplied controller. The SRC is a high-quality hardware component (140 dB dynamic range, THD+N<-120dBfs,
strong input jitter attenuation) and provides constant propagation delay regardless of the input sampling frequency. There
is no external synchronization mode. The amplied controller’s clock always runs using its high-precision internal quartz
at 96 kHz. This ensures low jitter and high audio quality in live conditions (large cable lengths, large number of amplied
controllers) while preventing phase shift, as required for line source systems.
Digital domain benets
Keeping the signal in the digital domain will provide the following benets (with any digital mixing desk or any
audio network) compared to the analog signal distribution:
Better audio quality by removing one D/A - A/D cycle
Better dynamics thanks to the digital links’ immunity to ground loops
Optimized level chain by removing the risk of level misalignment between console and amplied controllers
Digital signal refreshed at each amplied controller in a daisy-chain
Improved maximum cable length. The LA4X has been tested with up to 305 m/1000 ft of 3 models of AES/
EBU rated cables: 1696A from BELDEN INC., OT234H from KLOTZ communications GmbH, and SC-BINARY
234 from SOMMER CABLE GmbH (single cuts, digital source signal running at Fs = 48 kHz)
11 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Technical description
DSP architecture
The proprietary algorithms allow optimum performance and protection of each individual transducer of the L-Acoustics
systems for an even more natural, transparent and realistic sound experience.
— The DSP engine is a 32-bit oating point DSP at 96 kHz sampling rate providing an enhanced dynamic range since
it does not generate calculation clips like a xed point DSP
— A dedicated engineering approach combining IIR and FIR lters generates perfectly linearized phase curves and
signicantly improved impulse responses
— The 4 x 4 matrix architecture offers exibility for various system congurations
— A delay of up to 1000 ms can be set for each output channel
— The L-DRIVE transducer protection system offers advanced protection by simultaneously monitoring the excursion and
the temperature of the transducer
— With a complete factory preset library and the possibility to create additional user presets, the ash memory
provides a quick access to all the usual L-Acoustics speaker system congurations (refer to the Preset Guide)
Audio path parameters
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 12

Technical description
Power supply and amplier section
The LA4X is a green amplied controller that relies on a universal SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) suitable for
mains from 100 to 240 V (±10 %). The SMPS features a PFC (Power Factor Correction) which maximizes the amplier
efciency and takes advantage of nearly 100 % of the electrical power available with a very high tolerance to unstable
mains. The PFC allows the LA4X to deliver as much power from a 10 A line as from a 16 A line on a conventional amp.
This represents a reduction of the electrical power requirements (cable gauge, power conditioning, etc.) for substantial
savings.
The Class D amplication circuits ensure the LA4X energy-efciency for minimal heat dissipation. LA4X delivers 4 x
1000WRMS into 8 or 4 Ω with record hold times. Besides the high raw power rating at 8 Ω, the ability to deliver
energy (power x hold time) yields the best performance from loudspeaker systems, especially in LF reproduction.
Speaker outputs
The LA4X features four speakON connectors for loudspeaker outputs.
Speaker protection
The L-DRIVE transducer protection system provides a dual analysis of both signal intensity and voltage in real-time and
RMS. Under extreme conditions, when component membranes reach the over-excursion zone or if the coil temperature
reaches a critical point, L-DRIVE is activated and acts as a power regulator.
As a result, the amount of power delivered at any channel is adjusted to the dynamic and thermal capacity of each
individual transducer.
Monitoring and control
User interface
The front panel user interface provides:
— real-time monitoring functionalities via the LED display (signals presence and level) and the LCD screen (system
parameters)
— instant access to navigation and parameters control using the encoder wheel and the six keys
See also illustration in section Front and rear panels (p.10).
Operating instructions
Refer to section Operation (p.27) for detailed operating instructions.
L-NET remote control network
The integration of the L-NET Ethernet-based network, with its high speed data transfer protocol up to 1 Gbit/s, allows up
to 253 amplied controllers to be controlled and monitored in real-time from LA Network Manager.
Multiple network topologies such as daisy-chain, star and hybrid are congurable. The computer running LA Network
Manager and the amplied controllers are connected to each other using industry standard CAT5e U/FTP cables (or
higher category) tted with RJ45 connectors.
The LA4X connects to the network via the two etherCON sockets located on its rear panel.
Operating instructions
Refer to the LA Network Manager video tutorial for detailed operating instructions.
Third party management solutions
L-Acoustics provides SNMP support to facilitate the integration via third party control and monitoring systems. As
a certied member of the Crestron® and Extron® partner programs, L-Acoustics also provides software modules
allowing control integration into their automation systems.
Crestron is a trademark or registered trademark of Crestron Electronics, Inc. in the United States, other countries or both.
Extron is a registered trademark of Extron Electronics.
13 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Installation
Installation
Mounting
The LA4X is two rack units high (2U) and can be mounted in an EIA-standard 19” rack using the four points on the front
panel. Use the xing material provided by the rack manufacturer to mount the controller to the rack front rails.
LA4X dimensions
88 mm / 3.5 in
483 mm / 19 in
76 mm / 3 in
465 mm / 18.3 in
398 mm / 15.7 in
434 mm / 17 in
420 mm / 16.5 in
406 mm / 16 in
13 mm / 0.5 in
LA4 X
SERIALN° 1001
MAINS:
90 - 265 VAC / 50-60Hz / 1500
W
ANALOG IN
B
LINK
BL-NE
T
LINK/AC
T
LINK/AC
T
AES/EBU IN C&
D
LINK C&
D
AES/EBU IN A&
B
LINK A&
B
ANALOG IN
C
LINK
C
ANALOG IN
A
LINK
A
ANALOG IN
D
LINK
D
OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4OUT 1
1+1- 2+2- 1+1- 2+2-
1+1- 1+1-
OUT 2 OUT 4
Risk of damaging the amplied controller during transport
During transport or while on tour the amplied controller should be rear supported in addition to the front panel
mounting.
Use the rear brackets provided with the amplied controller.
Any mechanical damage to the amplied controller used in portable applications without rear support is not
covered by warranty.
LA4X with rear rack support brackets
400 mm / 15.7 in.
max. 486 mm / 19.1 in.
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 14

Installation
Ventilation
To maintain moderate operating temperatures, the LA4X is equipped with two fans providing front to rear airow.
Ventilation instructions
Install the controller in an open area so that the front and rear panels are located at a minimum distance of 30 cm
from any external object or structure.
Ensure the front foam lter is clean and dirt free.
Do not block the front and rear ventilation grills.
Ventilation when rack-mounted
Do not block the ventilation grills with front or back panels or doors. If not possible, use a forced-ventilation
system.
When stacking more than one controller in a rack, mount them directly on top of each other or close any open
space in the rack with blank panels.
Connecting to AC mains
Electrical specications
AC mains specications
Verify the electrical conformity and compatibility of the mains supply.
Only connect the product to an AC power outlet rated 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, with the following current values:
100-120 V: 20 A
200-240 V: 10 A
WARNING: The product is of CLASS 1 construction and shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a
protective connection to earth.
Three-phase circuit
When the product is used in a three-phase circuit, verify the electrical conformity and
compatibility of the three-phase circuit.
Verify that the three phases work, and balance the loads between the three phases.
Verify that the neutral and earth work.
Never try to emulate a 230 V circuit connecting an apparatus to two live wires of a 120 V three-phase circuit.
Never try to emulate a 200 V circuit connecting an apparatus to two live wires of a 100 V three-phase circuit.
Circuit breaker
Always interconnect a Class C circuit breaker between the product and the mains supply.
The circuit breaker current rating depends on the mains voltage rating, as follows:
100-120 V: 20 A
200-240 V: 10 A
15 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Installation
Planning the power of the electrical generator
Electrical generator
You must power on the generator before powering on the product.
Verify that the product is turned off before powering on the generator.
LA4X draws 10 A max from 230 V.
A typical generator has a power factor of 0.8 and should operate at 70% load for good efciency.
The kVA provision for one LA4X should therefore be:
(10 A x 230 V) / (0.8 x 70%) = 4.1 kVA
This calculation is an example using typical values. It can be adapted using the table in section Power consumption
(p.17).
Power cord
The removable power cord is tted at one end with a 20 A powerCON connector.
The other end and the wires color code depends on the cord type, as follows:
type plug live neutral ground
CE
CN
CEE 7/7, 16 A / 250 V, grounded
GB1002 GB2099, 16 A brown blue green/yellow
US NEMA 5-15, 15 A / 125 V grounded black white green
INT bare ends (local power plug to be tted) black white green/yellow
Strictly apply the specic safety regulations of the country of use.
Do not defeat the ground connection of the supplied power cord using an adaptor or any other methods.
A suitable plug must be wired to the INT power cord.
Verify that the plug conforms to the specic voltage and current rating given in section Electrical specications
(p.15).
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 16

Installation
Plugging the amplied controller
How to plug the amplied controller to the AC mains
Procedure
— First, connect the powerCON to the amplied controller mains panel.
— Then, connect the power plug to the mains socket.
Following this order improves the powerCON longevity.
Power consumption
The LA4X power requirements depend on the load impedance and the signal level.
mains input power and current draw (all channels driven)
maximum ouput power 4 x 1000 W at 4 or 8 Ω
1/3 ouput power (-5dB) 7 A / 1600 W
1/8 ouput power (-9 dB) 3 A / 750 W
idle 0.26 A / 60 W
standby < 0.1 A / 11 W
current values given for mains rated at 230 V. Multiply by:
— 2.3 for 100 V
— 1.9 for 120 V
— 1.15 for 200 V
Output power references
A third of the maximum output power corresponds to the worst case scenario of a program source using highly
compressed music or pink noise with amplied controller driven to clip level.
An eighth of the maximum output power corresponds to a loud music program with a small dynamic range and
9dB of headroom (IEC standard power rating).
Heat power calculation
If a 4 Ω load is connected to each output channel of the LA4X, each channel delivers up to 1000 W.
With a standard use at 1/8 of full power (9 dB headroom), the power delivered per channel is:
1000 / 8 = 125 W, so a total power of 4 x 125 = 500 W.
According to the table in section Power consumption (p.17), the LA4X power consumption is 750 W. The heat power
produced is then (difference between power consumption and output power):
750 - 500 = 250 W
17 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Installation
Audio and network cabling
Connection panels
The amplied controller's rear side features three panels for audio and network cabling:
— a speaker panel (1) to connect the loudspeakers
— a signal panel (2) to connect the analog and/or digital (AES/EBU or S/PDIF) audio sources and link the signals to
another amplied controller
— an L-NET panel (3) to connect to a network and be remotely controlled by LA Network Manager
LA4X audio and network connection panels
1 2 3
Speaker panel
The four 4-point SpeakON connectors on the rear panel are for loudspeaker connection. They are wired as follows:
top left SpeakON connector top right SpeakON connector
Pin 1+ Out 1+ Pin 1+ Out 3+
Pin 1 - Out 1 - Pin 1 - Out 3 -
Pin 2+ Out 2+ Pin 2+ Out 4+
Pin 2 - Out 2 - Pin 2 - Out 4 -
bottom left SpeakON connector bottom right SpeakON connector
Pin 1+ Out 2+ Pin 1+ Out 4+
Pin 1 - Out 2 - Pin 1 - Out 4 -
Pin 2+ not used Pin 2+ not used
Pin 2 - not used Pin 2 - not used
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 18

Installation
Output audio paths
1+ 1- 2+ 2-
1+ 1- 2+ 2-
top left
bottom left
DSP
1+ 1- 2+ 2-
top right
1+ 1- 2+ 2-
bottom right
OUT 1
OUT 2
OUT 3
OUT 4
Signal panels
The eight XLR connectors on the rear panel are for analog or digital signal cabling.
The XLR connectors can transport analog or digital signals depending on the input mode selected by the user for channel
pairs AB and CD (the two selections can be different). Connections to the IN connectors are referenced in the table. Refer
also to section INPUT MODE (p.41).
Input mode AB IN A / IN A&B IN B
Analog analog audio source (1 channel) analog audio source (1 channel)
AES/EBU digital audio source (2 channels) not used
Input mode CD IN C / IN C&D IN D
Analog analog audio source (1 channel) analog audio source (1 channel)
AES/EBU digital audio source (2 channels) not used
Each LINK connector is wired to the corresponding IN connector, and thus transports the same type of signal.
19 LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1

Installation
LA4X signal panel
AES/EBU IN A&B
ANALOG IN A
AES/EBU IN C&D
ANALOG IN C
LINK A&B
LINK A
LINK C&D
LINK C
ANALOG IN B
ANALOG IN D
LINK B
LINK D
Analog input mode
The XLR connectors are wired according to IEC 60268-12:
— pin 1: shield
— pin 2: + signal
— pin 3: - signal
The female XLR input connectors ANALOG IN A to ANALOG IN D can receive up to four analog signals (when setting
the analog input mode for channel pairs AB and CD). The headroom of the input circuits is high enough to accept the
maximum output level from virtually any line level signal source (up to 22 dBu).
Each LINK connector is passively wired in parallel to the corresponding IN channel. The input impedance is high enough
(22 kΩ, balanced) to allow multiple parallel input connections.
AES/EBU input mode
Digital audio source specications
Standard: AES/EBU (AES3) or electrical S/PDIF (IEC 60958 Type II)
Sampling frequency: 44.1, 48, 64, 88.2, 96, 128, 176.4 or 192 kHz
Word length: 16, 18, 20 or 24 bits
The AES/EBU inputs are transformer balanced and their XLR connectors are wired according to IEC 60268-12.
The female XLR input connectors AES/EBU IN A&B and AES/EBU IN C&D can receive up to four digital signals (when
setting the AES/EBU input mode for channel pairs AB and CD). The input format is AES/EBU (AES3) or electrical S/PDIF
(IEC 60958 Type II).
Each LINK connector is electronically buffered to allow daisy-chaining any number of amplied controllers. It also features
a failsafe relay to ensure wiring continuity in case of amplied controller shutdown.
L-NET panel
The two etherCON connectors are for the remote control of LA4X over an Ethernet network called L-NET using LA
Network Manager.
Each of the two etherCON connectors can be equally used as an IN or a LINK connector.
LA4X user manual (EN) version 9.1 20