L-Acoustics LA-RAK II User manual

LA-RAK II
user manual (EN)

Document reference: LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0
Distribution date: March 24, 2017
© 2017 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
RK9U structure.............................................................................................................................. 10
LA12X amplied controller............................................................................................................. 11
LA-POWERII distribution panel.......................................................................................................12
LA-PANELII distribution panel.........................................................................................................13
Installation........................................................................................................................................................14
Transporting........................................................................................................................................... 14
Ventilation.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Connecting to AC mains......................................................................................................................... 16
EU mode......................................................................................................................................16
US mode......................................................................................................................................17
Powering the amplied controllers.................................................................................................. 18
Analog audio cabling............................................................................................................................. 19
Internal analog audio cabling........................................................................................................ 19
External analog audio cabling....................................................................................................... 21
Digital audio cabling.............................................................................................................................. 22
Internal digital audio cabling......................................................................................................... 22
External digital audio cabling........................................................................................................ 24
Loudspeaker cabling............................................................................................................................... 26
L-NET cabling......................................................................................................................................... 27
Internal L-NET cabling....................................................................................................................27
External L-NET cabling...................................................................................................................28
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................... 31
Quality control........................................................................................................................................31
INSP - Structure.............................................................................................................................31
CHK - Internal components.............................................................................................................31
Mounting components on the RK9U inner frame........................................................................................ 32
Specications................................................................................................................................................... 35
LA-RAKII specications............................................................................................................................35
3

LA-PANEL II specications........................................................................................................................ 36
LA-POWERII specications...................................................................................................................... 37
Approvals........................................................................................................................................................ 38
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.
5 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Safety
17. The main plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily accessible.
La prise principale du cordon d'alimentation doit rester totalement accessible.
18. The power supply of the product shall be protected in the installation by a 30 A circuit breaker
certied for constant current at 100% (US MODE 100-120 V).
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: 30 A (US MODE)
200-240 V: 32 A (EU MODE)
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 on each phase.
The circuit breaker current rating depends on the mains voltage rating, as follows:
100-120 V: 30 A (US MODE)
200-240 V: 32 A (EU MODE)
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.
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 6

Safety
This product is intended for use by trained personnel.
Do not place sources of open ame, such as lighted candles, on the product.
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
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 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Welcome
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the L-Acoustics LA-RAKII touring rack.
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.
LA-RAKII touring rack
LA-RAKII offers worldwide compatibility in one sole model, a universal system that can be used around the globe, thanks
to the three LA12X amplied controllers included and LA-POWERII, compatible with 115V and 230V power distibutions.
LA-RAKII is electrically and mechanically compatible with LA-RAK (LA-RAK BUMP).
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 8

System components
System components
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
LA12X Amplied controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities
LA-RAK II Touring rack containing three LA12X, LA-POWER II for power distribution and LA-PANEL II for
audio and network distribution
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.
Rigging elements
Rigging elements or procedures are not presented in this document.
Refer to the LA-RAKII rigging manual.
Software applications
Soundvision 3D acoustical and mechanical modeling software
LA Network Manager Software for remote control and monitoring of amplied controllers
Refer to the Soundvision help.
Refer to the LA Network Manager video tutorial.
Illustrations
Soundvision
LA Network Manager
9 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Technical description
Technical description
Main features
LA-RAKII is a 9U rack cabinet in which are mounted three LA12X amplied controllers and two distribution panels: LA-
PANELII for analog and AES3 audio signal and network, and LA-POWERII for power.
On the front face, an 2U space can receive additional material (such as a switch for L-NET network star topologies).
RK9U structure
The LA-RAKII RK9U cabinet is a dual structure consisting of a rubber shock inner steel frame braced by an external
aluminum frame sided with highly resistant polyethylene panels. Two storable LEXAN doors protect the internal
components during transport.
On the rear face, two hinge-mounted panels cover and protect the analog, digital and network connectors of the
amplied controllers. The CA-COM and speakON sockets remains accessible for loudspeaker cabling.
The RK9U is equipped with a detachable transport dolly board and two coupling bars. The coupling bars can also be
used to array several LA-RAKII in own or stacked congurations.
1
3
4
5
2
1storable LEXAN doors
2hinge-mounted panels
3polyethylene panel
4dolly board
5coupling bars
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 10

Technical description
LA12X amplied controller
LA12X is a 2U amplied controller with DSP, preset library and networking capabilities.
Refer to the LA12X user manual for detailed information.
51 2
3
4
6789
10 11
12
13
14
15
16
OUT2
MAINS:
100 - 240 V ~ / 50-60 Hz / 1900 W
OUTPUT PWR PER CH / IMP:
2 00 W / 4 Ω
2
OUT1
1+1- 2+2-
OUT3
1+1-
OUT4
2+2-
CLASS II WIRING
OUT1
OUT2
OUT3
OUT4
A (+)
B ( - )
C (+)
D ( - )
E (+)
F ( - )
G (+)
H ( - )
6
1status LED
2LED meters: 10 powerCON power supply connector (32 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 16 CA-COM output connector
5navigation/edition encoder wheel
6power/standby key and LED
7channel selection keys
8menu keys
9inward ventilation grill and foam lter
11 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Technical description
LA-POWERII distribution panel
LA-POWERII is a 2U / 19 inch I/O power distribution panel.
The LA-POWERII is equipped with a mains switch. The factory default settings is EU MODE CEE FORM
400V / 32 A.
To use LA-POWERII in US mode, position the switch on US MODE NEMA L21-30P 120-208 V before
connecting to a power source.
LA-POWERII is equipped with an IN socket for US MODE, one IN and one LINK socket for EU MODE (to power a
secondary rack). Power is automatically balanced with an even number of LA12X per phase.
LA-POWERII is tted with three power cords equipped with 32 A Neutrik powerCON sockets for the LA12X amplied
controller.
Additional outlets (one NEMA, one "Schuko" and two IEC) are available to power auxiliary accessories such as Ethernet
switches and laptop. The auxiliary circuit is protected by a circuit breaker. Refer to section Powering auxiliary devices
(p.18) before use.
Three dual LEDs help monitor phase presence, independently from the mains switch position: their left sides indicate
phase presence at the US IN connector, and their right sides indicate phase presence at the EU IN connector. The LEDs
are for information only. Always apply the necessary safety precautions regardless of the LED status.
1 2
45
367
8 9 10
1 2
1AC input connector (US mode) 8AC output cables for LA12X
2AC input connector (EU mode) 9mains switch
3AC link connector (EU mode) 10 AC auxiliary output connector (AUX L3)
4AC presence LEDs
5circuit breaker (AUX L3)
6AC auxiliary output connector (US mode)
7AC auxiliary output connector (EU mode)
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 12

Technical description
LA-PANELII distribution panel
LA-PANELII is a 1U distribution panel for network, analog and digital signals.
LA-PANELII can distribute up to 6 analog or digital audio signals. The analog signals are fed through the input 19-point
CA-COM connector and the AES/EBU digital signals through three IN XLR connectors.
The signals can be distributed to the three amplied controllers through six analog XLR connectors or three digital XLR
connectors on the rear side of the panel.
The link 19-point CA-COM connector and the three link XLR connectors can send the signals to another LA-RAKII in a
daisy-chain layout.
LA-PANELII is equipped with 2 etherCON and 2 RJ45 I/O sockets for L-NET control and monitoring network.
Accessories include four XLR cables (two analog, two digital) to connect LINK and IN connectors on the front of the panel
and set a daisy-chain between controllers within the LA-RAKII.
12
3
45
6
7
8
9
1analog input connector 6RJ45 L-NET network
2analog link connector 7XLR AES/EBU input connectors
3XLR AES/EBU input connectors 8XLR AES/EBU link connectors
4XLR AES/EBU link connectors 9analog input connectors
5etherCON L-NET network connectors
13 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Installation
Installation
Transporting
The removable dolly board is designed to move and transport an array of two LA-RAKII. It is secured to the bottom LA-
RAKII using the two coupling bars.
Do not move or transport more than two LA-RAKII on one dolly board.
Ventilation
To maintain a moderate operating temperature, the LA12X contains fans providing front to rear airow.
Before operation, ensure that the front lter system of each LA12X is clean and dust free. Refer to the LA12X
user manual.
While operating, keep the LEXAN front and rear doors stored and do not block the LA12X front and rear air
vents.
Storing the LEXAN doors
Procedure
1. Pull on the handles to detach both doors.
2. Facing the LA-RAKII, slide the doors along the sides (between the outer aluminium frame and the inner steel frame).
The door handles must be positioned towards the outside.
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 14

Installation
3. Insert and lock the ball-locking pins through each door's safety hole to secure the doors.
Safety pin
Make sure the doors are inserted all the way before securing the pin.
The safety hole must be inside the inner frame.
15 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Installation
Connecting to AC mains
The LA-POWERII is equipped with a mains switch. The factory default settings is EU MODE CEE FORM
400V / 32 A.
To use LA-POWERII in US mode, position the switch on US MODE NEMA L21-30P 120-208 V before
connecting to a power source.
1 2
Contact a local L-Acoustics distributor for countries in which these standards do not apply.
EU mode
In EU MODE, LA-POWERII connects to 230 V / 32 A three phase AC mains using the male input socket (IEC 60309 -
3P+N+G).
A second LA-RAKII can be plugged in the female link socket to be powered in parallel.
Do not power LA-RAKII racks in parallel on mains ratings other than 230 V (± 10%).
Do not use the female link socket on other ratings.
The EU MODE sockets are not powered when the switch is positioned on US MODE NEMA L21-30P
120-208 V.
Do not power more than two LA-RAKII racks in parallel from the same AC mains outlet.
Connecting two racks to AC mains in EU mode
230 V
32 A
1 2
Place socket covers on unused sockets.
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 16

Installation
US mode
In US MODE, LA-POWERII connects to 120 V / 30 A three phase AC mains using the male input socket (L-21-30P 3P +
N + G).
Do not power more than one LA-RAKII from the same AC mains outlet.
The EU MODE sockets are not powered when the switch is positioned on US MODE NEMA L21-30P
120-208 V.
Connecting a rack to AC mains in US mode
120 V
30 A
Place socket covers on unused sockets.
17 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Installation
Powering the amplied controllers
The LA-POWERII three-phase circuit powers three mono-phase circuits (L1, L2, L3) corresponding to the three power
cords on the rear face. These cables are tted with 32 A Neutrik powerCON to connect to the three LA12X amplied
controller mounted in the LA-RAKII. Three dual LEDs help monitor the presence of each phase on the front end of the LA-
POWERII.
Powering the three amplied controllers (any mode)
32 A powerCON
LA-POWER II
rear panel
If the presence LEDs are lit but the amplied controllers do not power on:
— check the cabling and connections
— check that the mains switch position corresponds to the currently used 3-phase socket (EU or US)
Powering auxiliary devices
LA-POWERII also includes an auxiliary circuit protected by the AUX L3 10 A circuit breaker, shunted from phase 3.
This circuit powers one "Schuko" socket (only powered in EU MODE) and one NEMA 5-15 socket (only powered in US
MODE) on the front face, and two IEC 60320-1 type C13 sockets located on the rear face (powered in both modes).
The auxiliary sockets are intended to connect laptops or additional Ethernet switches equipped with country-specic plugs
only.
Auxiliary sockets power
In both modes, the recommended consumption is 100 W maximum.
Check that the overall consumption does not exceed LA-POWER II maximum capacity.
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 18

Installation
Analog audio cabling
With analog audio, routing modularity is achieved through internal cabling, whereas external cabling uses a constant
scheme.
Internal analog audio cabling
An XLR connection panel located on the rear side of LA-PANELII and six XLR cables allow distributing up to six different
analog audio signals to the LA12X amplied controllers.
Analog connectors on the rear panels of LA12X and LA-PANELII
Several internal audio cabling schemes are possible. Two are shown in this manual.
Cabling scheme A
One audio signal is routed from channel 1 to the analog IN A on the rst amplier. LINK A / IN A cabling is then used
to cascade all three LA12X.
Only the A channel is physically linked on each LA12X and only the A channel can further be routed to all four output
channels on each LA12X. Use LA Network Manager routing as described in the LA Network Manager video tutorial.
19 LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0

Installation
Cabling scheme B
Six audio signals respectively routed from channels 1-6 to the six controller analog inputs. In this case only the IN
connectors are used on the ampliers.
LA-RAK II user manual (EN) version 2.0 20