Lab.gruppen PLM Series User manual

Rev. 1.1.3
Item no. OM-PLM
Operation Manual
PLM™Series
Powered Loudspeaker Management™systems
Operation Manual

2 PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2. Approvals.....................................................................................................................................................7
3. Warnings...................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Explanation of Graphical Symbols ...........................................................................................................7
3.1.1 WARNING.........................................................................................................................................7
3.1.2 CAUTION..........................................................................................................................................7
3.2 Important Safety Instructions.................................................................................................................. 8
3.3 User Responsibility..................................................................................................................................8
3.3.1 Mains connection grounding ............................................................................................................8
3.3.2 Speaker output hazard .....................................................................................................................8
3.3.3 Radio interference............................................................................................................................9
3.3.4 Speaker damage ..............................................................................................................................9
4. Welcome .................................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Main Features ....................................................................................................................................... 10
4.2.1 Amplier platform........................................................................................................................... 10
4.2.2 Amplier DSP: Gain, ISVPL
™, load verication and performance monitoring................................. 10
4.2.3 Lake®Processing and Controller.................................................................................................... 11
4.2.4 Lake Analyzer Bridge...................................................................................................................... 11
4.2.5 Dante™audio network .................................................................................................................... 11
4.3 Additional Documentation..................................................................................................................... 11
5. Installation................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Unpacking.............................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2 Mounting ............................................................................................................................................... 13
5.3 Rear Mounting....................................................................................................................................... 13
5.4 Cooling .................................................................................................................................................. 15
5.5 Operating Voltage.................................................................................................................................. 15
5.6 Grounding.............................................................................................................................................. 16
6. Quick Guide Overview ............................................................................................................................. 17
6.1 Front Panel Overview ............................................................................................................................ 17
6.2 Rear Panel Overview............................................................................................................................. 19
6.2.1 Input connectors and Links ............................................................................................................20
6.2.2 Output connectors ......................................................................................................................... 21
6.2.3 Network connectors.......................................................................................................................22
6.2.4 AC input .........................................................................................................................................23
6.3 Integrated Lake Processing...................................................................................................................23
6.3.1 Lake Controller software ................................................................................................................23
7. Operation and Performance.....................................................................................................................25
7.1 Introduction to Operation.......................................................................................................................25

PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
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7.1.1 Operation precautions .....................................................................................................................25
7.2 Power Output Performance ..................................................................................................................25
7.2.1 Symmetrical Power.........................................................................................................................25
7.2.2 Asymmetrical power ......................................................................................................................25
7.2.3 Power over time .............................................................................................................................26
7.3 Amplier and Load Protection Systems ................................................................................................27
7.3.1 Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL).....................................................................................27
7.3.2 Current Peak Limiter (CPL) .............................................................................................................28
7.3.3 Power Average Limiter (PAL) .........................................................................................................28
7.3.4 Current Average Limiter (CAL
™)......................................................................................................29
7.3.5 Voltage Clip Limiter (VCL)...............................................................................................................29
7.3.6 Temperature protection ..................................................................................................................29
7.3.7 DC protection..................................................................................................................................29
7.3.8 VHF protection ...............................................................................................................................30
7.3.9 Short circuit protection ................................................................................................................... 31
7.4 Power Supply......................................................................................................................................... 31
8. Signal Flow and Processing ....................................................................................................................32
8.1 Signal Flow ...........................................................................................................................................32
8.1.1 Level adjustments...........................................................................................................................32
8.1.2 Mute points ....................................................................................................................................33
8.1.3 Power Output Section: Limiting and Sensitivity ............................................................................33
8.3 Modules and Frames ............................................................................................................................35
8.3.1 LoadLibrary™and Fingerprints........................................................................................................36
8.3.2 Super Modules...............................................................................................................................36
8.4 Presets ..................................................................................................................................................37
8.4.1 Module les....................................................................................................................................37
8.4.2 Frame Presets................................................................................................................................37
8.4.3 Subsystem Presets ........................................................................................................................37
8.4.4 System Presets..............................................................................................................................37
9. Front Panel Interface ................................................................................................................................38
9.1 Front Panel Navigation...........................................................................................................................38
9.1.1 General description of navigation in the PLM .................................................................................38
9.1.2 Pinging modules in the Lake Controller software from the PLM ...................................................39
9.2 Key Lock Front Panel.............................................................................................................................39
9.3 Power Button .....................................................................................................................................40
9.4 Mute Enable Button .............................................................................................................................40
9.5 Meter Button ........................................................................................................................................40
9.6 Menu Button .........................................................................................................................................40
9.7 Network Activity LED ........................................................................................................................... 41
9.8 Rotary Encoder ..................................................................................................................................... 41
9.9 Exit Button ...........................................................................................................................................42
9.10 Soft-function buttons ..........................................................................................................................42
9.10.1 Mute functions..............................................................................................................................43
9.10.1.1 PLM Input Mute .....................................................................................................................44
9.10.1.2 Module Input Mute ................................................................................................................44

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9.10.1.3 Module Output Mute .............................................................................................................44
9.10.1.4 Power Output Mute...............................................................................................................45
9.10.2 LED faults, warnings, and clip indications ....................................................................................45
9.10.2.1 Green indications ................................................................................................................... 47
9.10.2.2 Yellow indications ..................................................................................................................47
9.10.2.3 Red indications ...................................................................................................................... 47
9.11 Warning and Fault Indications..............................................................................................................48
9.12 Meter Mode.........................................................................................................................................49
9.12.2 Meter View 2 – Module View .......................................................................................................52
9.12.3 Meter View 3 – Temperature View...............................................................................................53
9.12.4 Meter View 4 – Input View ..........................................................................................................54
9.13 Meter mode.........................................................................................................................................55
9.13.1 Menu View....................................................................................................................................55
9.13.2 Module submenu .........................................................................................................................56
9.13.2.1 Gain........................................................................................................................................56
9.13.2.3 Phase reverse........................................................................................................................57
9.13.2.4 Amp Gain...............................................................................................................................57
9.13.2.5 Limiters..................................................................................................................................57
9.13.2.5.1 Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter Threshold (ISVPL Threshold) ...................................58
9.13.2.5.2 Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter Prole (ISVPL Prole) ..............................................58
9.13.2.5.3 MaxPeak Level (MaxPeakLvl).........................................................................................58
9.13.2.5.4 MaxRMS Level (MaxRMSLvl) ........................................................................................58
9.13.2.5.5 MaxRMS Corner (MaxRMSCor)....................................................................................58
9.13.2.5.6 MaxRMS Attack (MaxRMSAtk) .....................................................................................58
9.13.2.5.7 MaxRMS Release (MaxRMSRel) ...................................................................................59
9.13.2.6 Mutes ....................................................................................................................................59
9.13.3 Input routing and settings submenu.............................................................................................59
9.13.3.1 Input selection and sensitivity settings..................................................................................60
9.13.3.2 Iso-Float.................................................................................................................................62
9.13.3.3 AES/EBU input termination ...................................................................................................62
9.13.4 Attenuation submenu ...................................................................................................................62
9.13.5 Frame submenu............................................................................................................................63
9.13.5.1 Frame label ............................................................................................................................63
9.13.5.2 Frame Info .............................................................................................................................64
9.13.5.2.1 Firmware version (‘FW version’).....................................................................................64
9.13.5.2.2 Latency (‘Inh. Latency’) ..................................................................................................64
9.13.5.2.3 Max Output Voltage (‘MaxOutVolt’)...............................................................................65
9.13.5.2.4 Max Output Current (‘MaxOutCurr’) ................................................................................65
9.13.5.2.5 Serial Number (‘Serial no.’).............................................................................................65
9.13.5.3 Frame Reset ..........................................................................................................................65
9.13.5.3.1 Factory Reset .................................................................................................................65
9.13.5.3.2 Soft Reset ......................................................................................................................65
9.13.5.4 Network.................................................................................................................................65
9.13.5.4.1 IP Address ......................................................................................................................66
9.13.5.4.2 MAC Address.................................................................................................................66
9.13.5.4.3 Frame ID.........................................................................................................................66
9.13.5.4.4 Network status (‘Online’) ...............................................................................................66

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9.13.5.4.5 IP Mask ..........................................................................................................................66
9.13.5.5 Latency match .......................................................................................................................66
9.13.5.6 Display adjustments ..............................................................................................................66
9.13.5.6.1 Display Contrast..............................................................................................................66
9.13.5.6.2 Dimming.........................................................................................................................67
9.13.5.6.3 Channel order .................................................................................................................67
9.13.6 Frame Preset submenu ................................................................................................................67
9.13.7 LoadSmart™.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 67
9.13.7.1 Congure # of cabinets in parallel ..........................................................................................67
9.13.7.2 LoadSmart verication ...........................................................................................................68
9.13.7.3 Estimated # of Cabinets.............................................................................................................68
9.13.8 Dante ............................................................................................................................................69
9.13.8.1 Using the PLM as a “break-in box” .......................................................................................69
10. Back Panel Interface ...............................................................................................................................70
10.1 Power Inlet...........................................................................................................................................70
10.1.1 PowerCon®wiring details..............................................................................................................70
10.2 Audio Input and Links..........................................................................................................................70
10.2.1 Analog inputs and links.................................................................................................................70
10.2.1.1 Unbalanced operation ............................................................................................................ 71
10.2.1.2 Iso-Float electronic balancing ................................................................................................ 71
10.2.2 Digital inputs and links..................................................................................................................72
10.3 Speaker Output Connections ..............................................................................................................73
10.3.1 Speakon®output connectors ........................................................................................................73
10.3.2 Binding post output connectors ...................................................................................................75
10.4 RJ45 Connectors.................................................................................................................................75
11. Appendix ..................................................................................................................................................77
11.1 Faults and Warnings Overview ............................................................................................................77
11.2 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................79
11.3 Factory Default Settings ......................................................................................................................79
11.4 Current Draw and Thermal Dissipation Specications.........................................................................80
11.5 Glossary of Terms, Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................82
12. Application Guide ...................................................................................................................................85
12.1 I/O Panels ............................................................................................................................................85
12.2 Power Distribution...............................................................................................................................85
12.3 Gain Structure......................................................................................................................................86
12.3.1 Gain / Level optimization...............................................................................................................87
12.4 Speaker Congurations .......................................................................................................................91
12.5 Digital Audio Interconnections............................................................................................................. 91
12.5.1 AES/EBU interface........................................................................................................................91
12.5.2 System Latency and Delay Compensation...................................................................................92
12.5.3 Connections and cabling ..............................................................................................................92
12.5.3.1 Input and Link connectors .....................................................................................................92
12.5.3.2 Interconnection options.........................................................................................................92
12.5.3.3 Cable types and distance limitations.....................................................................................93

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12.5.3.4 Signal degradation and loss ..................................................................................................93
12.5.4. External signal distribution hardware ..........................................................................................93
12.5.4.1 Distribution ampliers............................................................................................................93
12.5.4.2 Passive splitters ....................................................................................................................94
12.5.5 Additional reference .....................................................................................................................94
12.6 Digital Clock Conguration ..................................................................................................................95
12.7 Firmware Upgrades .............................................................................................................................96
12.7.1 Firmware upgrades using the update utility ..................................................................................97
12.7.2 Firmware upgrades using the Lake Controller software.............................................................100
12.8 Hot Swapping PLM devices .............................................................................................................. 101
13. Technical Specications....................................................................................................................... 102
14. Warranty ................................................................................................................................................104

PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
2. Approvals
7
2. Approvals
This equipment conforms to the requirements of the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.
Standards applied: EMC Emission EN55103-1, E3
EMC Immunity EN55103-2, E3, with S/N below 1% at normal operation level.
Electrical Safety EN60065, Class I
This equipment is tested and approved according to the U.S. safety standard ANSI/ UL 60065 and Canadian safety
standard CSA C22.2 NO. 60065. ETL made the tests and they are a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
(NRTL).
3. Warnings
3.1 Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning symbol within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous voltages”
within the unit’s chassis that may be of sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.
The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to presence of important operating and service instruc-
tions in the literature accompanying the product.
3.1.1 WARNING
3.1.2 CAUTION
To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not remove screws. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied service personnel
To reduce risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Do not expose this system/apparatus to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects lled with liquids, such as vases,
are placed on the apparatus.
L’appareil ne doit pas être exposé à des egouttements d’eau ou des éclaboussures et de plus qu’aucun objet rempli de
liquide tel que des vases ne doit pas être placé sur l’appareil.
This apparatus must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
Cet appareil doi t être raccordé á une prise de courant qui est branchée à la terre.
The mains plug is used as a disconnect device and shall remain readily operable.
Lorsque la prise du réseau d’alimentation est utilisés comme dispositif de déconnexion, ce dispositif doit demeuré
aisément accessible.

8 PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
3. Warnings
3.2 Important Safety Instructions
Before using your PLM, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of this Operation Manual and
the Safety Instructions.
Keep this manual for future reference.1.
Heed all warnings.2.
Follow all instructions.3.
Do not use this unit near water.4.
Do not spill water or other liquids into or on the unit. Do not operate the unit while wet or standing in liquid.5.
Clean only with dry cloth.6.
Do not block the air intake or exhaust ports. Install the unit in accordance with the instructions.7.
Do not operate the unit near heat producing devices such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus that produce heat.8.
Always operate the unit with the chassis ground wire connected to the electrical safety earth. Do not defeat the safety purpose of
a grounding-type plug. A grounding-type plug has two pins 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.
Connect only to AC power outlets rated 100-120 V or 200-240 V, 50-60 Hz as dictated by the unit’s voltage conguration.9.
Do not use this unit if the power cord is broken or frayed. Protect the power cord from being walked upon or pinched, particularly10.
at the plug and the point where it exits from the apparatus.
Only use accessories specied by the manufacturer.11.
The unit is intended to use in a 19” rack. Follow the mounting instructions. When a rack on wheels is used, use caution when12.
moving the loaded rack to avoid injury from tipping over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.13.
Do not connect the unit’s outputs in parallel or series with any other unit’s output. Do not connect the unit’s output to any other14.
voltage source, such as battery, mains source, or power supply, regardless of whether the unit is turned on or off.
Do not run any of the unit’s outputs back into another channel’s input.15.
Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such16.
as:
Power-supply cord or plug is damaged.▸
Liquid has been spilled into the unit▸
An object has fallen into the unit▸
The unit has been exposed to rain or moisture▸
The unit does not operate normally▸
The unit was dropped or the chassis is damaged▸
Do not remove top or bottom covers. Removal of the covers will expose hazardous voltages. There are no user serviceable parts▸
inside and removal may void the warranty.
An experienced user shall always supervise this professional audio equipment, especially if inexperienced adults or minors are17.
using the equipment.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device and shall remain readily accessible. If the mains plug is not readily accessible due18.
to mounting in a 19” rack, then the mains plug for the entire rack must be readily accessible.
The US National Differencescl.16.3 requires that network cables must be ame rated VW-1.19.
3.3 User Responsibility
3.3.1 Mains connection grounding
Your PLM must be connected to a grounded socket outlet.
3.3.2 Speaker output hazard
PLMs are capable of producing hazardous output voltages. To avoid electrical shock, do not touch any
exposed speaker wiring while the PLM is operating. The external wiring connected to the speaker
terminals shall be installed by a qualied person, or ready-made leads or cords of appropriate capacity shall
be used.
As the power output channels produce high voltage, do not connect or disconnect speaker cables
when the mains power is on.

PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
3. Warnings
9
3.3.3 Radio interference
A sample of this product has been tested and complies with the limits for the European Electro Magnetic
Compatibility (EMC) directive. This equipment has also been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference from electrical equipment. This product uses radio frequency energy
and if not used or installed in accordance with these operating instructions, may cause interference to other
equipment, such as radio receivers. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment on and off, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the antenna.▸
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.▸
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.▸
Check if the affected unit complies with the EMC limits for immunity, (CE-labeled). If not, address the▸
problem with the manufacturer or supplier. All electrical products sold in the EC must be approved for
immunity against electromagnetic elds, high voltage ashes, and radio interference.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.▸
3.3.4 Speaker damage
Your PLM Series device is very powerful and can be potentially dangerous to both loudspeakers and
humans alike. Many loudspeakers can be easily damaged or destroyed by overpowering them. Always
check the speaker’s continuous and peak power capabilities. Although the PLM’s attenuators can be used to
reduce the overall gain, an increase of the input signal can result in full output power, which may cause
damage to connected speakers.
3.3.5 Maintenance
For safe and reliable operation, the dust covers behind the front panel should be cleaned regularly. If the
dust lters are not maintained there will be safety risks. For example the unit can ignite the dust and a re
will occur due to high internal temperatures. There is also a risk that the unit will malfunction since it is
dependent on constant airow from front to rear. If the dust lters are not clean and the unit malfunctions,
any resultant problems will not be covered by the warranty.

10
PLM Series Operation Manual rev 1.1.3
4. Welcome
4. Welcome
4.1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Lab.gruppen PLM Series of Powered Loudspeaker Management systems for
your sound reinforcement needs. We are condent that you will be pleased with the performance, unique
features, conguration exibility, reliability, and long-term durability offered by PLM Series products.
To facilitate timely installation and use of this PLM Series product, your welcome package includes a printed
copy of the PLM Series Quick Start and Field Reference Guide. It contains the basic information needed to
safely install a PLM system and place it in service. Control and editing features are accessible either via the
intuitive front panel interface or remotely, with the included Lake Controller software package.
We do, however, highly recommend reading through all of the product documentation on the included CD
ROM in its entirety. As you become thoroughly familiar with the many conguration and control options
available in PLM Series products, you may learn about features and options that will affect your choices of
operational modes or loudspeaker system congurations.
Thank you again for placing your condence in Lab.gruppen products.
4.2 Main Features
The PLM Series incorporates a number of sophisticated technologies to ensure the best possible perfor-
mance and many years of reliable operation. The following section summarizes the benets of each feature,
and gives a reference to the corresponding section in this or other manuals.
4.2.1 Amplier platform
The PLM Series power output section is built on the foundation of Lab.gruppen’s robust, road-proven
FP+ Series ampliers. Features in common with the FP+ Series include extraordinary power density,
patented Class TD® output stages, Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS™), the high-efciency
Intercooler® copper-nned cooling system, and a full suite of protection features. Signal inputs are analog,
AES digital, and Dante digital audio network; loop-through outputs or redundant pairs are provided for each
input type. (See section 6.2.)
4.2.2 Amplier DSP: Gain, ISVPL
™, load verication and performance monitoring
Input gain (sensitivity) is set in the digital domain in the PLM Series, controllable through the Lake Controller
software or the front-panel interface. The DSP-implemented Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL)
tailors each power output to the characteristics of the connected load. (See section 7.3.1.)
The on-board DSP also implements a comprehensive set of proprietary tools developed by Lab.gruppen for
load verication and real-time performance monitoring. These functions utilize LoadLibrary, a comprehensive
database for each loudspeaker component of the connected load (usually one or more band-limited drivers
in a multi-way system). Using this data and a brief test signal, LoadSmart then compares actual response
to predicted response, identifying any malfunctioning components or connection errors. During the actual
performance, SpeakerSafe™ monitors real-time load status, including temperatures of the PLM amplier
stages as well as magnets and voice coils of connected loudspeakers. This allows operators to avoid power