L-Acoustics LA8 User manual

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LA8
A8A8
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amplified controller
mplified controllermplified controller
mplified controller
USER MANUAL
USER MANUALUSER MANUAL
USER MANUAL
VERSION
VERSION VERSION
VERSION 4
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LA4
LA4 LA4
LA4
CONTROLEUR AMPLIFIE
CONTROLEUR AMPLIFIECONTROLEUR AMPLIFIE
CONTROLEUR AMPLIFIE

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1SAFETY WARNIN S
SAFETY WARNIN SSAFETY WARNIN S
SAFETY WARNIN S
All information hereafter detailed applies to the L-ACOUSTICS
®
LA8 Amplified Controller, designated in this
section as ‘‘the product’’. Where necessary, a distinction will be drawn between the LA8, LA8US, and LA8JP
respectively of E, US, and Japan types.
1.1 S mbol description
1.1.1 S mbols emplo ed in this manual
Throughout this manual the potential risks are indicated by the following symbols:
The VOLTAGE symbol indicates a potential risk of electric shock that could be life threatening.
In addition, the product may also be seriously damaged.
The WARNING symbol indicates a potential risk of physical harm to the user or people within close
proximity to the product.
In addition, the product may also be damaged.
The AUTION symbol notifies the user about information to prevent possible product damage.
The IMPORTANT symbol is a notification of an important recommendation of use.
1.1.2 S mbols indicated on the product
As the product is an electrical device, it represents potential hazard for the user. For this reason the user may pay
particular attention to the symbols that are indicated on the product’s cover:
The lightning flashes symbols next to the 4-point SpeakON
®
and 8-point A- OM
®
connector sockets indicates that the product can produce high output voltages that are
potentially life threatening.
onnections between the product and a speaker should always be done with an all ready-
made lead. Never attempt to touch any exposed speaker wiring whilst the amplifier is
operating without disconnecting the connector first from the product.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELE TRI SHO K
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING:
RISK OF HAZARDOUS ENERGY
SEE OPERATING MANUAL
CLASS 2 PERMITTED
VOLTAGE
WARNING
AUTIO
N
IMPORTANT

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1.2 Important safet instructions
1. Read this manual
2. Heed all safet warnings
3. Follow all instructions
4. The user should never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved b L-ACOUSTICS
®
5. Environments
Use the product only in E1, E2, E3, or E4 environments according to EN55103-2 standard.
6.
Radio interference
A sample of this product has been tested and complies with the limits for the EM (Electro Magnetic
ompatibility) directive. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference from electrical equipment. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
7. Power cord caution
Do not use the product if the power cord is broken or frayed.
Protect the power cord from being walked upon or pinched - particularly at the plugs and the point where
the power cord exits from the apparatus.
8. Mains suppl
ONLY connect the LA8 or LA8US to an A power outlet rated 230 V, 16 A, 50 - 60 Hz or 120 V, 30 A, 50-
60 Hz.
ONLY connect the LA8JP to an A power outlet rated 100 V, 30 A, 50 - 60 Hz or 200 V, 15 A, 50-60 Hz.
9.
Three
-
phase circuit
VERIFY the electrical conformity and availability of each connection, in particular the neutral one.
BALAN E the loads between the three phases.
NEVER connect an LA8 or LA8US to two live wires of a 120 V three-phase circuit (in order to use it in the
230 V mode).
NEVER connect an LA8JP to two live wires of a 100 V three-phase circuit (in order to use it in the 200 V
mode).
10. Electrical generator
FIRST power the generator on and THEN power the amplified controllers on.
VERIFY that the amplified controllers are turned off before powering the generator on.
11.
T
hermal circuit
breaker
ALWAYS interconnect a thermal circuit breaker between the product and the mains supply.
The circuit breaker current rating depends on the mains voltage rating as follows:
16 A for 230 V or 30 A for 120 V (LA8 or LA8US), 15 A for 200 V or 30 A for 100 V (LA8JP).
12. Grounding
The product may only be connected to mains power supply fitted with a grounding-type outlet tied to
earth. Do not defeat the outlet’s ground pin as it connects the product to earth. If the local outlet is
obsolete, consult an electrician.
The product is fitted with a grounding-type plug. Do not defeat the ground wire connecting the plug’s
female contact to the product’s chassis.
IMPORTA
NT
IMPORTANT
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
AUTION

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13.
Plug
replacement
If the A plug on the power supply cord of this product does not match the local outlet, it must be replaced
by an appropriate one. This operation should only be performed by qualified service personnel.
Make sure the cut-off plug is withdrawn from use, as it can cause severe electrical shock if connected to an
A outlet.
14. Lightning storm
During lightning storms, disconnect the product from the mains power supply.
Switching the product off does not disconnect it from the mains power supply. Therefore, disconnecting
can only be achieved by removing the plug from the mains outlet.
15.
Int
erconnections
When connecting the product to other equipment, mute all output channels. arefully read the user manual
of the other equipment and follow the instructions when making the connections.
Do not connect a speaker output in parallel or series with any other amplifier’s output.
Do not connect the speaker outputs to any other voltage source, such as a battery, mains source, or power
supply, regardless of whether the product is turned on or off.
16. Over power risks
The product is very powerful and can be potentially dangerous to both loudspeakers and humans alike.
Even when using the product’s front panel attenuator to reduce the gain, it is still possible to reach full
output power if the input signal level is high enough.
17. Operating temperature
The product’s operating temperature is comprised between -5° and +50° .
18.
Ventilation
Openings in the product’s cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product
by protecting it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should be
installed in accordance with the manufacturer instructions given in this manual.
19. Heat
Do not operate the product near any heat source, such as radiators or other devices.
20. Water and moisture
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the product to rain or moisture.
Do not use the product near water. Do not operate the product while wet.
21.
Interference with external objects and/or liquids
Never push objects of any kind into the product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
22. Cleaning
Unplug the product from the mains power supply before cleaning.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. lean only with dry cloth.
23.
Mounting instructions
Do not place the product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall and be
seriously damaged, and may cause serious human injury.
Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions given in this manual, and should
use accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
WARNING
AUTION
AUTION
AUTION
AUTION
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
AUTION
VOLTAGE

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24.
Conditions which require immediate service
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the product has been damaged in any way such as:
•Power supply cord or plug is damaged,
•Liquid has been spilled or an object has fallen into the product,
•The product has been exposed to rain or moisture,
•The product was dropped or the housing is damaged,
•The product does not operate normally.
25.
Servicing and replacement parts
Do not attempt to service this product as removing covers may expose to dangerous voltage or other
hazards.
The use of unauthorized replacement parts may result in injury and/or damage through fire, electric shock,
or other electricity-related hazards.
All service and repair work must be carried out by an L-A OUSTI S
®
authorized dealer.
26. Shipping
Use the original packaging for shipping the product, unless it is mounted in a rack with the front and rear
panels fixed to the rack, as described in this manual.
27. Manual
Keep this manual in a safe place during the product lifetime. This manual forms an integral part of the
product. Reselling of the product is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes made to the
product have to be documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in the event of resale.
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
AUTION
IMPORTANT

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1.3 EC declaration of conformit
L-A OUSTI S
®
13 rue Levacher intrat
Parc de la Fontaine de Jouvence
91462 Marcoussis edex
France
States that the following product:
Amplified ontroller, LA8
Is in conformity with the provisions of:
Low Voltage Directive, 2006/95/E
Electro-Magnetic ompatibility Directive, 2004/108/E
Applied rules and standards:
EN60065 (Electrical Safety)
EN55103-1 (Emission)
EN55103-2 (Immunity)
Established at Marcoussis, France,
October 22
nd
, 2009
hristophe Pignon
Head of Research Department
1.4 Additional approvals
The LA8 amplified controller has been B, , cTUVus certified,
and complies with EM and RoHS directives
*
. The main standards
tested were:
Safety requirements:
•IE 60065:2001 (7
th
Edition) + A1:2005
•EN 60065:2002 + A1:2006
•UL 60065:2003 R11.06, SA 22.2.60065:2003+A1:06,
K60065, GB8898-2001
EM :
•E: EN 55103-1:1996 E1-E5 and EN 55103-2:1996 E1-E5
•F : F 47 FR h.1 Part 15
•Korea: EN 55013:2001 + A1:2003 + A2:2006, K 00013:2006,
EN 55020:2002 + A1:2003, K 00020:2003
•hina: GB17625.1-2003 and GB13837-2003
RoHS:
•Directive - EU 2002/95/E
09/09/2008
*
The original certificates are available upon
request.

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2CONTENTS
CONTENTSCONTENTS
CONTENTS
1 SAFETY WARNINGS 1
1.1 Symbol description .................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.1.1 Symbols employed in this manual ............................................................................................................ 1
1.1.2 Symbols indicated on the product ........................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Important safety instructions ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 E declaration of conformity .................................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Additional approvals ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2 CONTENTS 6
3 INTRODUCTION 8
3.1 Welcome to L-A OUSTI S
®
.................................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.3 ross-references ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Web links ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
4 COMPLETE SYSTEM APPROACH 10
4.1 LA8 Presentation ................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Loudspeaker system configurations ....................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 System components related to the LA8 ................................................................................................................ 10
5 LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER 12
5.1 Main features ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.1.1 Front and rear panel .............................................................................................................................. 12
5.1.2 Simplified block diagram ........................................................................................................................ 13
5.2 Signal processing and amplification ........................................................................................................................ 13
5.2.1 Analog input ........................................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2 AES/EBU digital input ............................................................................................................................. 14
5.2.3 DSP architecture .................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2.4 Amplifier section .................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2.5 Speaker output ....................................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Monitoring and control .......................................................................................................................................... 16
5.3.1 User interface ........................................................................................................................................ 16
5.3.2 L-NET Remote ontrol Network ......................................................................................................... 16
5.3.3 LA NETWORK MANAGER Software .................................................................................................... 16
6 INSTALLATION 17
6.1 Mounting ................................................................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 ooling .................................................................................................................................................................. 18
6.3 onnecting to A mains ........................................................................................................................................ 18
6.3.1 Operating voltage................................................................................................................................... 18
6.3.2 Three-phase circuit ................................................................................................................................ 18
6.3.3 Electrical generator ................................................................................................................................ 18
6.3.4 ircuit breaker ....................................................................................................................................... 18
6.3.5 Power plug and wiring ........................................................................................................................... 19
6.4 Audio and network cabling .................................................................................................................................... 20
6.4.1 onnection panels ................................................................................................................................. 20
6.4.2 Analog audio cabling ............................................................................................................................... 20
6.4.3 AES/EBU digital audio cabling ................................................................................................................ 21
6.4.4 Loudspeaker cabling............................................................................................................................... 23
6.4.5 L-NET network cabling.......................................................................................................................... 24
6.5 Power consumption .............................................................................................................................................. 24
6.6 Heat power calculation .......................................................................................................................................... 24

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7 OPERATION 25
7.1 On/Off switch ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
7.2 Display ................................................................................................................................................................... 26
7.2.1 Main screen ............................................................................................................................................ 26
7.2.2 Output signal display .............................................................................................................................. 27
7.2.3 L-NET LED ............................................................................................................................................ 27
7.3 User interface ........................................................................................................................................................ 28
7.3.1 Quick access .......................................................................................................................................... 28
7.3.2 Main menu ............................................................................................................................................. 30
7.4 LOAD PRESET ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.5 STORE PRESET ..................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.6 DELETE PRESET ................................................................................................................................................... 33
7.7 PRESET PARAMETERS ......................................................................................................................................... 34
7.8 LEAR GROUP PARAMETERS ............................................................................................................................. 35
7.9 OPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................................. 36
7.9.1 NETWORK ADDRESS control .............................................................................................................. 37
7.9.2 INPUT MODE control ........................................................................................................................... 37
7.9.3 FALLBA K MODE control .................................................................................................................... 39
7.9.4 AES/EBU IN GAIN control .................................................................................................................... 40
7.9.5 DELAY UNIT control ............................................................................................................................ 40
7.9.6 OUT H TEMP information.................................................................................................................. 40
7.9.7 SPK HANDLING information ................................................................................................................ 40
7.9.8 S REEN ONTRAST control ............................................................................................................... 41
7.9.9 MA ADDRESS information .................................................................................................................. 41
7.9.10 FIRMWARE VERSION information ........................................................................................................ 41
7.9.11 PRESET VERSION information .............................................................................................................. 41
7.9.12 DISPLAY VERSION information ............................................................................................................ 41
8 CARE AND MAINTENANCE 42
8.1 Maintenance information ....................................................................................................................................... 42
8.2 Authorized service procedure ............................................................................................................................... 43
8.2.1 Replacement kits .................................................................................................................................... 43
8.2.2 Front FRAME and FOAM FILTER .......................................................................................................... 43
8.3 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................... 44
8.3.1 Malfunction message displayed on screen .............................................................................................. 44
8.3.2 No power, no sound, or sound level too low ........................................................................................ 46
8.3.3 No DIGITAL input signal ........................................................................................................................ 47
8.3.4 Unexpected sound quality ..................................................................................................................... 48
8.3.5 Overheating ........................................................................................................................................... 48
9 SPECIFICATIONS 49
10 APPENDIX: PROTECTION SYSTEMS 50
10.1 Amplified controller protection systems ............................................................................................................... 50
10.1.1 Thermal Protection ................................................................................................................................ 50
10.1.2 Mean Over- urrent Protection - Fuse Protection ................................................................................ 50
10.1.3 D Protection ........................................................................................................................................ 50
10.1.4 Mains supply Under & Over-voltage Detection ..................................................................................... 50
10.1.5 Mains supply Failure Detection .............................................................................................................. 50
10.1.6 Peak Over- urrent Protection .............................................................................................................. 50
10.2 L-DRIVE transducer protection system ................................................................................................................. 50

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3INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
3.1 Welcome to L-ACOUSTICS
®
Thank you for purchasing the L-ACOUSTICS
®
LA8 Amplified Controller.
This manual contains essential information on installing and operating the product correctly and safely. Read this manual
carefully in order to become familiar with these procedures.
As part of a continuous evolution of techniques and standards, L-ACOUSTICS
®
reserves the right to
change the specifications of the product and the content of this manual without prior notice.
Should the product require repair or if information about the warranty is needed, please contact an approved
L-A OUSTI S
®
distributor. The address of the nearest distributor is available on the L-A OUSTI S
®
web site.
3.2 Unpacking
arefully open the shipping carton and check the product for any noticeable damage. Each L-A OUSTI S
®
product is
tested and inspected before leaving the factory and should arrive in perfect condition.
If found to be damaged, notify the shipping company or the distributor immediately. Only the consignee may initiate a
claim with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping. Be sure to save the carton and packing materials for the
carrier's inspection.
The LA8 package comprises one L-ACOUSTICS
®
LA8 amplified controller and two rear rack support brackets,
as shown in Figure 1:
Figure 1: The LA8 amplified controller and its two rear rack support brackets

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3.3 Cross-references
All along the manual, a bracketed number refers to a section. For example, [3.3] stands for the present section: Cross-
references.
3.4 Web links
Please check the L-A OUSTI S
®
web site on a regular basis for latest document and software application updates.
Table 1 provides links for all downloadable items mentioned in this manual.
ALWAYS refer to the latest document version.
ALWAYS use the latest software application version.
Table 1: Links to documents and software applications
Generic path for all products
www.l-acoustics.com/ +product name
LA8 User manual
LA8 FIRMWARE Pack
LA8 PRESET LIBRARY Pack
www.l-acoustics.com/la8
LA
-
RAK User manual
LA-RAK Spec sheets
www.l-acoustics.com/la-rak
LA8 PACOM CABLES Technical bulletin
www.l-acoustics.com/download (Technical publications)
LA NETWORK MANAGER User manual
www.l-acoustics.com/la-network-manager
IMPORTANT

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4COMPLETE
COMPLETE COMPLETE
COMPLETE SYSTEM APPROACH
SYSTEM APPROACHSYSTEM APPROACH
SYSTEM APPROACH
4.1 LA8 Presentation
At the heart of the L-A OUSTI S
®
complete system approach, the LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers offer high
performance loudspeaker amplification, DSP, network control, and comprehensive system protection in a single
ergonomic 2U package. Based upon similar platforms, the exceptional and ground breaking performance level delivered
by both the LA4 and LA8 allow for full optimization of all L-A OUSTI S
®
system resources and deliver outstanding
audio quality combined with the best possible transducer protection.
Both the LA4 and LA8 share the following characteristics:
•A four-channel high efficiency amplifier section fed by two inputs, offering a power level matching for all L-
A OUSTI S
®
loudspeaker systems
•A DSP section featuring advanced filter algorithms and an exclusive L-DRIVE protection system for the
transducers allowing for optimum system performance
•A complete on board PRESET LIBRARY developed for immediate use with a minimum of EQ correction,
optimized system resources and a unique sonic signature for all systems, and 10 user memory locations.
•An intuitive and ergonomic user interface, fully accessible from the front panel for standalone operation
•Two I/O Ethernet ports for networking up to 253 units
•The complementary LA NETWORK MANAGER Windows
®
software with remote monitoring and control of
all LA4 and LA8 units of the network
Specific features of the LA8 include:
•Up to 4 x 1800 Watts into 4 ohms
•An integrated LA-AES3 AES/EBU board for digital audio input
•Two 4-point SpeakON
®
and one 8-pin A- OM
®
connectors for loudspeaker outputs
4.2 Loudspeaker s stem configurations
Driving four amplifier output channels through a DSP offers a wide range of options when it comes to sound system
configuration possibilities. The LA4 and LA8 onboard DSP preset libraries allow the Sound Engineer a high degree of
flexibility through the use of the 6 following configurations:
•4-way active mono system.
•2-channel stereo system (for subwoofers or passive enclosures).
•2-way active stereo system.
•Hybrid mono system (for subwoofers and active enclosures).
•Hybrid stereo system (for subwoofers and passive enclosures).
•ardioid mono subwoofer system.
4.3 S stem components related to the LA8
The complete system approach developed by L-A OUSTI S
®
consists in providing all the components needed to offer
the highest, most predictable level of performance. Here are the main components that can be used when setting an L-
A OUSTI S
®
complete system with LA8 (see Figure 2):
8XT, 8XTi, 12XT, 12XTi, 115XT HiQ
2-way coaxial enclosures
KIVA, KARA
®
, KARAi
®
, dV
-
DOSC, ARCS
®
2-way WST
®
enclosures
K1, KUDO
®
, V
-
DOSC
®
3-way WST
®
enclosures
K1
-
SB, dV
-
SUB
Subwoofer extensions for K1 and dV-DOS , respectively
SB18, SB18i, SB28
Subwoofer enclosures
LA
-
RAK
Touring rack containing three LA8 amplified controllers
LA
NETWORK MANAGER
Remote control software for a network of controllers
SOUNDVISION
Acoustical and mechanical 3D modeling software
A complete L-A OUSTI S
®
system also features standard L-A OUSTI S
®
cables and rigging accessories. For more
details refer to the appropriate manuals [3.4].

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Figure 2: Main s stem components related to the LA8
LA NETWORK MANAGER
SOUNDVISION
LA-RAK
V-DOSC
KUDO
K1
K1-SB
ARCS
SB18
SB28
dV
-
SUB
SB18i
dV
-
DOSC
KARA
KARAi
115XT HiQ
12XT
12XTi
8XT
8XTi
KIVA
KILO

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5LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLERLA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
5.1 Main features
5.1.1 Front and rear panel
Figure 3: LA8 amplified controller front & rear panels
1
On/Off
s
witch
2 Anti-dust cover
3 Input selection + Menu ke s
4 Output selection ke s
5 Load LED
Signal presence LED
Level and clip bargraph LED
6 L-NET network control LED
7 LCD screen
8 Nav/Edit encoder wheel
9
XLR
input
connector
for analog signal
10 XLR link connector for analog signal
11 XLR input connector for digital signals (AES/EBU)
12 XLR link connector for digital signals (AES/EBU)
13 Mini-USB port reserved for future applications
14 RJ45 L-NET network sockets
15 SpeakON
®
output connector
16 CA-COM
®
output connector
17 Fan grill
18 AC power cord
4 3 2 1
18 17 16
10 9
11 14
1
3
12
1
5
5 6 7 8

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5.1.2 Simplified block diagram
The core of the LA8 is a DSP engine driving four channels of amplification. The LA8 also features two analog or digital
inputs, a flash memory for preset storage and management, high performance A/D-D/A converters for audio signals, an
auto-sensing SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supplies), a front panel user interface and a Fast Ethernet device for
network remote control. The management of the LA8 resources is performed by an embedded Operating System
(Linux).
Figure 4: LA8 simplified block diagram
5.2 Signal processing and amplification
5.2.1 Analog input
The LA8 can be fed with two balanced analog audio signals using the appropriate input ports (see Figure 3).
Each of the analog input ports is ESD protected and equipped with one XLR3 female connector.
The analog input panel also features two link ports (see Figure 3) passively connected to the input ports. It allows
transmitting the corresponding input signal to daisy-chained amplified controllers.
Each of the analog link ports is ESD protected and equipped with one XLR3 male connector.
To be processed by the DSP, the analog signal needs to be converted into a digital signal. For this purpose, the LA8
amplified controller is fitted with two cascaded 24 bit Analog/Digital converters with a sampling rate of 96 kHz allowing
an exceptional encoding dynamic range of 130 dB.

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5.2.2 AES/EBU digital input
The LA8 can be fed with one AES/EBU digital audio signal carrying two audio channels, thanks to the LA-AES3 board.
This one offers one input port, one active link port (see Figure 3) and a Sample Rate onverter (SR ).
The AES/EBU input port is ESD protected and equipped with one XLR3 female connector (transformer balanced). It
allows the LA8 to receive two digital audio channels coming from a digital mixing desk or a digital audio network bridge
compliant with the AES/EBU (AES3) or coaxial S/PDIF (IE 60958 Type II) digital audio standards.
The AES/EBU link port is ESD protected and equipped with one XLR3 male connector (transformer balanced). It
allows transmitting the input signal to daisy-chained amplified controllers.
The SR embedded in the LA-AES3 board 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 amplified controller. The SR
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 amplified controller’s clock always runs using its high-precision internal quartz at 96 kHz. It ensures low
jitter and high audio quality while preserving isophase required for line source systems.
Note: Keeping the signal in the digital domain by using the LA-AES3 board will provide the following benefits (with any
digital mixing desk or any audio network) compared to the analog signal distribution:
•Better audio quality by removing one Analog/Digital conversion 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 amplified controllers.
•Possibility to reduce the amplified controller
propagation delay by 0.5 ms.
•Digital signal refreshed at each amplified controller in a daisy-chain.
•Improved maximum cable length. The LA-AES3 has been tested with up to 305 m/1000 ft of 3 types of AES/EBU
rated cables: BELDEN
®
1696A, KLOTZ a.i.s.
®
OT234H, and SOMMER able
®
S BINARY 234 (single cuts, digital
source signal running at Fs = 48 kHz).
5.2.3 DSP architecture
The proprietary algorithms allows optimum performance and protection of each individual transducer of the
L-A OUSTI S
®
system in use for an even more natural, transparent, and realistic sound experience.
•The DSP engine is a SHAR 32 bit floating point DSP at 96 kHz sampling rate. ompared to fixed point DSP,
it offers enhanced dynamic range and precision, allowing much better headroom and signal-to-quantification-
noise ratio.
•A special engineering approach combining IIR and FIR filters generates a perfect linearization of phase curves
and therefore a significant improvement of the system impulse response.
•The 2 x 4 matrix architecture offers flexibility for various system configurations.
•The L-DRIVE transducer protection system offers advanced protection by regulating both excursion and
temperature of the transducer [10.2].
•The flash memor offers a quick access to 89 factory presets and 10 user memory locations, allowing the
user to deal with all the usual L-A OUSTI S
®
speaker system configurations (refer to the LA4-8 PRESET
LIBRARIES User manual included in the LA8 PRESET LIBRARY Pack [3.4]).

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Figure 5: DSP architecture
5.2.4 Amplifier section
The LA8 amplifier section uses a lass D technology supporting the wide dynamic range encountered in live audio
productions. The 4 channels can deliver up to 4 x 1800 Watts into 4 ohms yielding power matching for all L-
A OUSTI S
®
loudspeaker systems.
The auto-sensing SMPS (Switched Mode Power Supply) offers better stability by associating two symmetrical power
supplies. The power supply architecture optimizes the power resources distribution with respect to each amplifier
output channel requirements.
5.2.5 Speaker output
The LA8 features two 4-point SpeakON
®
connectors and one 8-point A- OM
®
connector for loudspeaker outputs.
The 8-point CA-COM
®
connector on the LA8 is fully compatible with all 8-point L-A OUSTI S PA-
COM
®
cables EXCEPT for the DO2W, DOFILL and DOSUB cables.
Refer to LA8 PACOM CABLES Technical bulletin [3.4] for more details.
IMPORTANT
2 x 4
MATRIX
Arra
Morphing
+
5 band EQ

LA
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5.3 Monitoring and control
5.3.1 User interface
LED display allows real time monitoring of signals presence and level. L D display offers quick visualization of the
system parameters. The front panel user interface features quick access functions for the 2 inputs and 4 outputs. The
encoder wheel gives fast and intuitive access to navigation and parameters selection.
Note: Please refer to [7] for detailed operating instructions
5.3.2 L-NET Remote Control Network
The proprietary L-NET network uses a high speed data transfer of 100 Mbit/sec for real time monitoring and control of
each individual LA controller within a network of up to 253 units. Multiple network topologies such as daisy-chain, star,
and hybrid are quickly and easily configurable with total flexibility in achieving the required system architecture. The
physical connection between the computer and the controllers is managed with AT5e U/FTP cables (or higher
category) and the I/O Ethernet sockets located on the rear panel of the controller require industry standard RJ45
connectors. The use of a universal Ethernet switch is recommended for specific network topologies.
Note: Please refer to the LA NETWORK MANAGER User manual [3.4] for detailed operating instructions.
5.3.3 LA NETWORK MANAGER Software
L-ACOUSTICS
®
LA NETWORK MANAGER provides network control and monitoring of both LA4 and LA8
controllers from a computer running a Windows
®
operating system. The multiple window display gives an overall
visualization of the network status, number and groups of controllers, and all the information related to the control and
monitoring of the networked controllers.
Real-time access to all settings such as input mode, preset, mute/solo, gain, dela , polarit , and matrix can be
done using the remote software interface. A contour EQ system is also available for quick and easy loudspeaker
system frequency response setting, including the unique L-ACOUSTICS
®
Arra Morphing tool dedicated to line
source array systems.
LA NETWORK MANAGER also features system stand-by and initialization control in addition to comprehensive visual
monitoring of the audio signal paths and quick detection of any faults on the amplified controllers connected to the
network.
Note: Please refer to the LA NETWORK MANAGER User manual [3.4] for detailed operating instructions.

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6
66
6INSTALLATION
INSTALLATIONINSTALLATION
INSTALLATION
6.1 Mounting
The LA8 is two rack units high (2U) and can be mounted in an EIA-standard 19’’ rack (Figure 6). Four mount points are
provided on the controller front panel for rack mounting. Use four screws and washers when mounting the controller
to the front rack rails.
Figure 6: Controller dimensions
During transport or while on tour it is essential that the LA8 controllers are rear supported in addition to
the front panel mounting. Use the rear rack support brackets provided with the controller as described in
Figure 7.
Any mechanical damage to LA8 controllers used in portable applications without rear support will not be
covered by warranty.
Figure 7: Controller and rear rack support brackets
Note: The L-A OUSTI S
®
LA-RAK touring rack is available for three LA8 with all power and signal connection
facilities (please refer to the LA-RAK User manual or Spec sheets [3.4]).
AUTION

LA
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6.2 Cooling
The amplified controller uses a forced air cooling system to maintain a low and even operating temperature. All fan
cooled L-A OUSTI S
®
amplified controllers have front to rear airflow. Therefore when stacking more than one unit in
a rack, mount units directly on top of each other or close any open space in the rack with blank panels.
If the controller is rack-mounted do not block front or rear air vents with front or back panels or doors. If
this cannot be achieved a forced ventilation system has to be used.
If the controller is installed in an enclosed rack the open area at the back of the controller must be at least
140 cm
3
per controller.
Ensure that the front filter system is clean and dust free [8.1].
6.3 Connecting to AC mains
6.3.1 Operating voltage
Operating voltage range and frequency are indicated on the controller back panel.
Only connect the controller to an appropriate A circuit and outlet.
If the output voltage of the A mains is unsure consult an electrician.
The following table gives the nominal data of the power supply for LA8 in normal use (4 Ω, 1/8 of maximum output
power [6.5]):
Table 2: Nominal data of power suppl for LA8 in normal use
Voltage (V)
1
Mains Frequency (Hz) urrent (A) Power onsumption (W)
120 / 230 (LA8, LA8US) 50 - 60 21 / 11 1500
100 / 200 (LA8JP) 50 - 60 25 / 13 1500
1
If the mains voltage value increases up to more than 142 V the amplified controller will automatically switch to the 230 or 200 V mode.
If the mains voltage value decreases down to less than 132 V the amplified controller will automatically switch to the 120 or 100 V mode.
6.3.2 Three-phase circuit
VERIFY the electrical conformity and availability of each connection, in particular the neutral one.
BALAN E the loads between the three phases.
NEVER connect an LA8 or LA8US to two live wires of a 120 V three-phase circuit (in order to use it in the
230 V mode).
NEVER connect an LA8JP to two live wires of a 100 V three-phase circuit (in order to use it in the 200 V
mode).
6.3.3 Electrical generator
FIRST power the generator on and THEN power the amplified controllers on.
VERIFY that the amplified controllers are turned off before powering the generator on.
6.3.4 Circuit breaker
ALWAYS interconnect a thermal circuit breaker between the product and the mains supply.
The circuit breaker current rating depends on the mains voltage rating as follows:
16 A for 230 V or 30 A for 120 V (LA8 or LA8US), 15 A for 200 V or 30 A for 100 V (LA8JP).
AUTION
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
VOLTAGE
AUTION