L-Acoustics LA8 User manual

LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
USER MANUAL
VERSION 5.0
w w w .l -acou s ti cs .com

LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
USER MANUAL
VERSION 5.0
LA 8_U M_E N_5 .0 w w w . l - a c ou s t i c s . c o m 2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read this manual
2. Read all SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS carefully as well as DANGER and OBLIGATION warnings
3. Never incorporate equipment or accessories not approved by L-ACOUSTICS®
4. Read all the related PRODUCT INFORMATION documents before exploiting a loudspeaker system
The product information document is included in the shipping carton of the related system component.
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 EMC (Electro Magnetic
Compatibility) 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 supply
Only connect the LA8 (CE type) or LA8US (US type) to an AC power outlet rated 230 V, 16 A, 50 - 60 Hz or 120
V, 30 A, 50-60 Hz.
Only connect the LA8JP (Japan model) to an AC power outlet rated 100 V, 30 A, 50 - 60 Hz or 200 V, 15 A, 50-
60 Hz.
9. Three-phase circuit
Verify that each phase works, in particular the neutral one.
Balance the loads between the three phases.
Never try to reproduce a 230 V circuit connecting an LA8 or LA8US to two live wires of a 120 V three-phase
circuit.
Never try to reproduce a 200 V circuit connecting an LA8JP to two live wires of a 100 V three-phase circuit.
10. Electrical generator
You must power on the generator before powering on the amplified controllers.
Verify that the amplified controllers are turned off before powering on the generator.
11. Thermal circuit breaker
Always interconnect a thermal circuit breaker between the product and the mains.
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
To plug the controller to mains only use an outlet fitted with a pin tied to ground.
Do not defeat the ground pin of the outlet as it connects the controller 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.
13. Plug replacement
If the AC 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.
Verify that the cut-off plug is withdrawn from use, as it can cause severe electrical shock if connected to an AC
outlet.
14. Lightning storm
During lightning storms, disconnect the product from the mains.
Switching the product off does not disconnect it from the mains. To do this, remove the plug from the mains
outlet.

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15. Interconnections
When connecting the product to other equipment, mute all output channels. Carefully 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 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 reducing the gain it is still possible to reach very high output power if the input signal level is high enough.
17. Operating temperature
The product operates at a room temperature between 0 °C and +50 °C.
18. Ventilation
Openings in the product chassis are for ventilation. They prevent the product from overheating and thus ensure
reliable operation. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The product must be installed in accordance
with the 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 before cleaning.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Clean 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.
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-ACOUSTICS®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.

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USER MANUAL
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SYMBOLS INDICATED ON THE PRODUCT
The product is potentially life threatening if open.
Never attempt to remove the back cover.
The lightning flashes symbols next to the SpeakON®and CA-
COM®connectors indicate that the product can generate high
output voltages that are potentially life threatening.
Always use ready-made leads to connect the product to
speakers. Never touch any exposed speaker wires while the
product is operating without first disconnecting the wires from
the product.
SYMBOLS EMPLOYED IN THIS MANUAL
The following symbols are used in this document:
DANGER
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.
ELECTRICAL HAZARD
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.
OBLIGATION
This symbol notifies the user about instructions that must be strictly followed to ensure proper installation or
operation of the product.
EQUIPMENT
This symbol indicates the equipment, tools, and spare parts required to perform a procedure.
INFORMATION
This symbol notifies the user about complementary information or optional instructions.

ACTION
This symbol indicates an action to perform.

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WELCOME TO L-ACOUSTICS®
Thank you for choosing the L-ACOUSTICS®LA8 amplified controller.
This document contains essential information on using the product properly. Carefully read this document 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 its products and the content of its documents without prior notice.
Please check the L-ACOUSTICS®web site on a regular basis to download the latest document and software updates:
http://www.l-acoustics.com.
CONTENTS
1INTEGRATED SYSTEM APPROACH 7
1.1 Presentation.......................................................................................................................................................................7
1.2 System configurations ......................................................................................................................................................7
1.3 System components .........................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.1 Powering and driving systems.........................................................................................................................8
1.3.2 Loudspeaker enclosures and cables...............................................................................................................8
1.3.3 Rigging elements................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.4 Software..............................................................................................................................................................8
2LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER 9
2.1 Main features .....................................................................................................................................................................9
2.1.1 Front and rear panels .......................................................................................................................................9
2.1.2 Simplified block diagram ................................................................................................................................10
2.2 Signal processing and a mplification ..............................................................................................................................11
2.2.1 Analog input .....................................................................................................................................................11
2.2.2 AES/EBU digital input .....................................................................................................................................11
2.2.3 DSP architecture .............................................................................................................................................12
2.2.4 Amplifier section and power supply ............................................................................................................13
2.2.5 Speaker output ................................................................................................................................................13
2.3 Monitoring and control ..................................................................................................................................................13
2.3.1 User interface ..................................................................................................................................................13
2.3.2 L-NET and remote control network...........................................................................................................13
3INSTALLATION 14
3.1 Mounting ..........................................................................................................................................................................14
3.2 Cooling .............................................................................................................................................................................15
3.3 Connecting to AC mains ...............................................................................................................................................15
3.3.1 AC mains specifications ..................................................................................................................................15
3.3.2 Three-phase circuit.........................................................................................................................................15
3.3.3 Circuit breaker ................................................................................................................................................15
3.3.4 Electrical generator.........................................................................................................................................16
3.3.5 Power plug .......................................................................................................................................................16
3.3.6 Power consumption .......................................................................................................................................16

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3.3.7 Example of heat pow er calculation..............................................................................................................16
3.4 Audio a nd network cabling ...........................................................................................................................................17
3.4.1 Connection pa nels ..........................................................................................................................................17
3.4.2 Analog audio cabling .......................................................................................................................................17
3.4.3 AES/EBU digital audio cabling .......................................................................................................................18
3.4.4 Loudspeaker cabling .......................................................................................................................................20
3.4.5 L-NET cabling ..................................................................................................................................................21
4OPERATION 22
4.1 Powering on, powering off, selecting the standby mode ........................................................................................22
4.2 Display..............................................................................................................................................................................23
4.2.1 Main screen ......................................................................................................................................................23
4.2.2 LED meters ......................................................................................................................................................24
4.2.3 L-NET LED ......................................................................................................................................................24
4.3 User interface..................................................................................................................................................................25
4.3.1 Quick access ....................................................................................................................................................25
4.3.2 Main menu........................................................................................................................................................28
4.4 LOAD PRESET................................................................................................................................................................29
4.5 STORE PRESET ..............................................................................................................................................................30
4.6 DELETE PRESET ............................................................................................................................................................31
4.7 PRESET PARAMETERS .................................................................................................................................................32
4.8 CLEAR GROUP PARAMETERS ...................................................................................................................................33
4.9 OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................34
4.9.1 NETWORK ADDRESS...................................................................................................................................35
4.9.2 INPUT MODE.................................................................................................................................................36
4.9.3 FALLBACK MODE .........................................................................................................................................38
4.9.4 AES/EBU IN GAIN..........................................................................................................................................39
4.9.5 DELAY UNIT...................................................................................................................................................39
4.9.6 OUT CH TEMP ..............................................................................................................................................39
4.9.7 SPK HANDLING.............................................................................................................................................40
4.9.8 SCREEN CONTRAST....................................................................................................................................40
4.9.9 MAC ADDRESS...............................................................................................................................................40
4.9.10 FIRMWARE ......................................................................................................................................................40
4.9.11 PRESET LIBRARY ............................................................................................................................................40
4.9.12 RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS? .........................................................................................40
APPENDIX A: PROTECTION SYSTEMS 41
APPENDIX B: APPROVALS 43
APPENDIX C: SPECIFICATIONS 44

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1INTEGRATED SYSTEM APPROACH
1.1 Presentation
At the heart of the L-ACOUSTICS®integrated system approach, the LA4 and LA8 amplified controllers offer cutting
edge loudspeaker amplification, DSP, network control, and comprehensive system protection in a single ergonomic
package.
Based on similar platforms, the exceptional and ground-breaking performance level delivered by the LA4 and LA8 units
allow full optimization of the resources of all L-ACOUSTICS®systems and deliver outstanding audio quality combined
with the best possible transducer protection.
Both units offer an integrated approach by combining the most advanced hardware technologies. In addition, a
powerful and upgradable firmware with an intuitive user interface provides a high level of “hands-on” system control
while maintaining accuracy and speed in real-time conditions.
Packaged in a 2U lightweight format, the LA4 and LA8 share the following characteristics:
A four-channel high efficiency amplifier section fed by two inputs.
A DSP section featuring advanced filter algorithms and an exclusive L-DRIVE protection system for the
transducers allowing optimum system performance.
A complete on-board preset library to cover all the principal L-ACOUSTICS®loudspeaker system
configurations.
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 LA4 and LA8 units, remote-monitored by LA NETWORK
MANAGER software (Windows®compatible).
And the specific features of each unit are the following:
The LA4 delivers up to 4 x 1000 watt into 4 ohm.
The LA8 delivers up to 4 x 1800 watt into 4 or 2.7 ohm.
An AES/EBU input card is integrated to the LA8 for digital audio implementation. This feature is available as an
option on the LA4.
The LA8 includes all current factory presets whilethe LA4 only includes presets of LA4 type.
The output connectors are SpeakON®for the LA4 and CA-COM®/SpeakON®for the LA8.
The unique ensemble of on-board features and the addition of peripherals are all offered in a secured and standardized
environment. This approach simplifies system setting and operation with the benefit of superior and predictable audio
results across the entire product range.
1.2 System configurations
Driving four amplified output channels through a DSP offers a wide range of options when it comes to sound system
configuration. The LA4 and LA8 on-board preset libraries allow the sound engineer a high degree of flexibility in
choosing the enclosure models and the system configuration for a specified application.
The factory preset libraries are derived from 6 basic system templates:
3-way active mono, quad-amplified
cardioid subwoofer mono
2-way active stereo
passive stereo
hybrid active/subwoofer mono
hybrid passive/subwoofer stereo

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1.3 System components
The system approach developed by L-ACOUSTICS®consists in offering a global solution that guarantees the highest
and most predictable level of performance at any step of loudspeaker system deployment: modeling, installation and
operation. A complete L-ACOUSTICS®system includes enclosures, amplified controllers, cables, rigging system, and
software applications. The main components of an L-ACOUSTICS®system that includes the LA8 are the following:
1.3.1 Powering and driving systems
LA8
Amplified controller with DSP library and networking capabilities.
LA-RAK
Touring rack containing three LA8, for power, audio signals and network distribution.
1.3.2 Loudspeaker enclosures and cables
Refer to the user manuals of the loudspeaker systems for detailed instructions about the enclosures and their
connection to the LA amplified controllers.
1.3.3 Rigging elements
Refer to the rigging manuals of the loudspeaker systems for detailed instructions about the rigging of the
enclosures.
1.3.4 Software
LA NETWORK MANAGER
Remote control and monitoring of amplified controllers.
SOUNDVISION
3D acoustical and mechanical modeling.
Software documentation
Refer to the LA NETWORK MANAGER tutorial and the SOUNDVISION help.
Figure 1: Main components involved in loudspeaker system design and drive

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2LA8 AMPLIFIED CONTROLLER
2.1 Main features
2.1.1 Front and rear panels
Figure 2: LA8 front and rear panels
LED meters:
1.
CLIP level
audio level (-25, -10, -5 dB)
SIGNAL presence
LOAD presence
L-NET network control LED
2.
LCD screen
3.
nav./edit encoder wheel
4.
power switch
5.
ventilation foam filter
6.
input selection/menu keys
7.
output selection keys
8.
analog audio IN/LINK connectors (XLR)
9.
L-NET network IN/OUT connectors (RJ45)
10.
digital audio IN/LINK connectors (XLR)
11.
SpeakON®output connectors
12.
CA-COM®output connector
13.
ventilation grill
14.
A/C power cord
15.

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2.1.2 Simplified block diagram
The core of the LA8 is a DSP engine driving four channels of amplification from two inputs. The LA8 also features 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 Supply), a front panel user interface, and a Fast Ethernet device for network
remote control.
Figure 3: LA8 simplified block diagram