Laney CA Series User manual

Laney
CA
OPERATING MANUAL
V1
Power Amplifiers
SERIES

Laney
Care of your Laney amplifier will prolong it's life.....and yours!.
After unpacking your amplifier check that it is factory fitted with a three pin 'grounded' (or earthed) plug. Before
plugging into the power supply ensure you are connecting to a grounded earth outlet.
If you should wish to change the factory fitted plug yourself, ensure that the wiring convention applicable to the country
where the amplifier is to be used is strictly conformed to. As an example in the United Kingdom the cable colour code
for connections are as follows.
EARTH OR GROUND - GREEN/YELLOW
NEUTRAL - BLUE
LIVE - BROWN
Congratulations on your decision to purchase a Laney amplifier.
Laney products are designed with ease of operation as a primary objective, however to ensure you derive the best from
your new amplifier, it is important you take time to read this user manual and to familiarise yourself with the control
functions and facilities available
INTRODUCTION
BEFORE
SWITCHING ON
This manual has been written for easy access of information. The front and rear panels of each unit are graphically
illustrated, with each control and feature numbered. For a description of the function of each control feature, simply
check the number with the explanations adjacent to each panel.
When you first recieve your Laney CA amp, follow these simple procedures:
(i) Ensure that the amplifier is set at the correct voltage for the country it is to be used in.
(ii) Connect your instrument with a high quality shielded instrument cable. Use of cheap cables will compromise the
sound of your instrument and your amplifier.
If there is a problem with your Laney CA amplifier
DON'T
DO
PHONE YOUR DEALER!
22
CA MANUAL

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electric products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following.
1. Read all safety and operating instructions before using this product
2. All safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference
3. Obey all cautions in the Operating instructions and on the back of the unit
4. All operating instructions should be followed
5. This product should not be used near water, i.e. a bathtub, sink, swimming pool, wet basement, etc.
6. This product should be located so that its position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. It should not
be placed flat against a wall or placed in a built up enclosure that will impede the flow of cooling air.
7. This product should not be placed near a source of heat such as stove, radiator, or another heat producing
amplifier.
8. Connect only to a power supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
9. Never break off the ground pin on a power supply cord.
10. Power supply cords should always be handled carefully. Never walk or place equipment on power supply
cords. Periodically check cords for cuts or signs of stress, especially at the plug and the point where the
chord exits the unit.
11. The power supply cord should be unplugged when the unit is to be unused for long periods of time.
12. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
13. Metal parts can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The vinyl covering used on some units can be cleaned with
a damp cloth or ammonia based household cleaner if necessary. Disconnect the unit from the power
supply before cleaning.
14. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the unit through any
ventilation holes or openings.
15. A qualified service technician should check the unit if:
The power cord has been damaged
Anything has fallen or spilled into the unit
The unit does not appear to operate correctly
The unit has been dropped or the enclosure damaged.
16. The user should not attempt to service the equipment. All service work is done by a qualified
service technician.
17. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary
considerably in susceptibility to noise induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if
exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the following permissible noise level exposure.
Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, slow response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1 ½ 102
1 105
½ 110
¼ or less 115
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear
plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in
order to prevent a permanent hearing loss if exposure exceeds the limits set forth above. To ensure against
potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels it is recommended that all persons exposed to
equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by
hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Laney
33
Lightning Bolt Symbol:
This symbol is used to alert the user to the presence
of dangerous voltages and the possible risk of
electric shock.
Exclamation Mark Symbol:
This symbol is used to alert the user to make special note of
important operating or maintenance instructions found in the
reference manual.
!!
CA MANUAL

Laney
44
Indroduction
The CA range of amplifiers use a new power output topology. This enables a design which has all the high
efficiency benefits of a class D type digital topology but without the usual draw backs of poor distortion and
difficult to control EMC problems. The CA design uses microprocessor-controlled high frequency switching of state
of the art output power FETs.
Most switching amplifiers work at frequencies of around 200kHz. The CA runs at varying rates depending on the
input signal from 600kHz to 1.2Mhz. This has many benefits both to efficiency and sonic performance.
The heart of the design uses thick film technology for high reliability and consistency. The power supply is a
conventional massive oversized toroidal design avoiding the problems of instant transient power delivery and
unreliability associated with many switch mode designs.
Due to the very high efficiency (typically 85-90%), noisy unreliable, fans are eliminated in favor of an aluminium
chassis and side mounted heat-sink extrusions.
The amplifier has the unique ability to look like a near perfect "audio modulated" power supply. This gives big
advantages when driving difficult loads where impedance's vary over the frequency spectrum the CA amplifier is
unaffected and drives the loads much more perfectly giving a dramatically improved performance to many
speaker systems.
The amplifiers also contain microprocessor controlled soft clipping and user switchable limiter* circuitry.
*(Factory fitted option only together with VCA control - Part Number LMT3000)
Speakon(TM) connectors are used for the outputs and a combination of electronically balanced XLR/Jack inputs.
The input gain is internally selectable by jumper links from +4dBu to 0dbu or to 26dB gain. (See later for
description) There are also input level controls on the fascia panel to attenuate down from the preset levels with
associated five band LED level displays.
The rear panel features bridge /mono mode switching and a signal earth lift.
The amplifier avoids the use of conventional unreliable fuses and uses automatically resetting devices for the
internal electronics and a front panel mounted manual re-settable overload cutout.
Protection circuitry covers over and under voltage operation, short /open circuit load conditions, DC Voltage and
excessive input signals.
Soft start circuitry is included to reduce switch on surges from the mains power. Automatic output muting is
included to avoid extraneous noise appearing at the speakers at turn on and turn off from the amplifier or other
units in the sound system.
Much work has been carried out to ensure EMC compliance is well within European and US standards for present
and future standards.
Three models are currently available:
CA600
CA1500
CA3000
Applications include, use as recording studio monitor and stereo broadcast amplifier, Professional PA amplifier,
and Esoteric hi-fi amplifier etc.
To gain maximum benefit from your amplifier please read and understand the instructions in this handbook. The
amplifiers have been created to meet any condition you may use them for. Enjoy.
CA MANUAL

Laney
55
Input Wiring
The CA amplifier is factory set to +4dB input sensitivity, and internally selectable to either 0dB, +4dB or 26dB
system. Setting the input sensitivity requires the removal of the top cover. If in any doubt, consult a qualified
service engineer. For details on changing sensitivity setting see page 13
The 1/4“ Jack and 3pin XLR inputs are wired in parallel,
Pin1. Ground
Pin2. Hot
Pin3. Col
Tips.
1. For all input wiring use good quality shielded wire only. Cables with foil wrap shield or a high density braid are
superior. Cables with stranded spiral shield, although flexible, will break down over time and coase noise
problems.
2. Try to avoid unbalanced lines with professional equipment. If you have no choice, keep the cables as short as
possible.
3. To minimise hum and crosstalk, avoid running low level input, high level output and AC power feeds in the same
path. Try to run differing signal paths at 90 degrees to each other. If you must use a common path for all cables,
use a star-quad cable for the low level signals.
4. When changing input connectors or wiring, Always turn the amplifier volume controls all the way down(anti-
clockwise)
5. When changing output connectors, always turn the amplifier volume levels fully down, and preferably, switch off
mains supply.
Output Wiring
1
2
3
Sleeve = Screen (GND)
Ring = Cold
Tip = Hot
1. To maintain good bass response, Always use the lowest DC resistance cable you can afford which will terminate
safely in your connector
2 To prevent short circuits, Always wrap or otherwise insulate exposed loudspeaker cable connectors.
3. Do not use connectors that could accidently tie conductors together. Eg. Standard 1/4“ jacks.
4. Never use connectors that could accidentally be plugged into an AC power outlet.
5. Avoid connectors with low current carrying capacity, such as XLRs
6. Never use the 2+,2- pins on the output speakon(tm) unless you specifically need them. Eg for biamping.
What gauge speaker wire should I use in my system? For the best speaker damping and least amount of power
loss you will want to use the heaviest gauge that is practical. The length of the speaker wire should be considered
when considering wire gauge. The shorter the run, the smaller gauge you can use with minimum power and
damping factor loss. The longer the run, the heavier gauge you will need to minimise power and damping factor
loss. You will also want to consider the size of power amplifier you are using. The larger the amplifier, the heavier
2
gauge you will want to use. For general use consider 2mm or above.
Can I run one channel of my CA Amplifier at a different impedance than the other channel?
Yes. All CA amplifiers can be treated as if they are two separate "mono" amplifiers (One channel completely
independent of the other) For example: A CA1500 can function with a single 8 ohm speaker on channel one and
two 8 ohm speakers on channel two.
- Pin configuration. Wiring a standard Neutrik NL4 Speakon ™ For normal operation.
2+
2- 1-
1+
+
-
CA MANUAL

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System Diagram
(via a single cable) (via a single cable)
CA MANUAL

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77
Channel 1 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 1. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimize the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
Bridge indicator: This LED indicates that the amplifier is running in bridged mode (14) When running in bridged
mode channel 1's level control acts as the master level control.
Channel 2 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 1. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimise the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
Input level indicator channel 1: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 1
Input level indicator channel 2: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 2
CA600/CA1500
Power Consumption
~50-60Hz
Warning
This Equipment must be earthed.
Attention.
Debrancher le cordon d’alimentation avant toute intervention.
Avis
Risque de choc electrique - ne pas ouvrir.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not remove covers.
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
CA1500 - 750Watts
CA600 - 350Watts
CA1500 - 750Watts
CA600 - 350Watts
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Caution
When using “BRIDGE”
mode only connect
speakers to the
“BRIDGE” terminal.
Min Load
4 Ohms
Bridge
Amp2
Min Load
2 Ohms
Min Load
2 Ohms
Amp1
Supply voltage
~115V
230V
~
1+ Amp1 Hot
1 - Amp1 Cold
2+Amp2 Hot
2 - Amp2 Cold
1+ Hot
1 - Cold
2+ n/a
2 - n/a
1+ Amp2 Hot
1 - Amp2 Cold
2+ n/a
2 - n/a
Made in the United Kingdom by BLT Industries Ltd.
Serial No:
!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
Dual Mono
Channel 2
Channel 1/
Dual Mono/
Bridge
Ground Link
XLR Pin Connections Jack Pin Connections
Limiter
(Optional)
OffOn
Pin1 - 0V
Pin2 - Hot
Pin3 - Cold
Tip - Hot
Ring - Cold
Shield - 0V
In Out
Stereo Bridge
Concept PowerConcept Power
00
CA6
1
0
Push to reset
Protect
A
Channel 1
Bridge
Channel 2
Clip
Signal
-12-
- 9 -
- 3 -
LaneyLaney
0dB 0dB 0dB
8
8
8
10 14
9
11 12
19
explanation of terms
28
41
15 16 17 18
13
5 6
Power
6
1
2
4
5
7 8a
CA MANUAL

18
Power LED: Indicates the unit is powered up.
Reset Button: Should the unit be connected in error and experience a continuous overload situation such as
connecting the unit to an incorrect supply voltage or should the amplifier experience a catastrophic
component failure then the reset button will trip. This will cause the unit to completely shut down and all
power to the amplifier will be removed. Once the unit has tripped the reset button needs to be pushed in. If
the unit fails to reset itself immediately then the amplifier should be looked at by a qualified technician.
Consult your dealer.
Power Switch: Disable mains power to the unit.
Protect: This LED indicates that the output section of the CA amplifier has been run into extreme conditions
such as too low an impedance at too high a level for too long a period. In the situation that Protection is
engaged the output section is automatically disconnected from the speakers and then shut down. All the
other functions of the amplifier continue to function as normal but the amplifier will produce no sound. To
reactivate the amplifier it must be switched off, left for a few seconds and switched back on again, via the
main power switch (8a).
Speakon Connector amp 1: Used to connect an external speaker cabinet. The signal present at this
connection is dependent on the mode of operation of the power amp (14). In Stereo mode input signals
from channel 1 and Channel 2 are present at this socket. In Dual Mono mode only signals from Channel 1
are present. In Bridge mode this connector should not be used. Minimum impedance 2 Ohms.
Speakon Connector Bridge: Used to connect an external speaker cabinet when running the power amplifier
section in Bridged Mode (14). In Bridge mode only signals from Channel 1 are present. Minimum impedance
4 Ohms.
XLR Input Channel 2: An XLR input option is provided for Channel 2 here. Pin connections for the XLR
connection are Pin 1 0V, Pin 2 Hot and Pin 3 Cold.
Jack Socket Channel 2: A jack-input option is provided for Channel 2 here
Power amp mode switch: This switch selects the mode of operation of the CA power amplifier section. Three
modes of operation are available Stereo, Dual Mono and Bridge. In Stereo mode the two onboard power
amplifiers run independently supplying 300 watts (CA600) 750 watts RMS (CA1500) of each channel input to
each of the two output connections (10,19). In Dual Mono mode the signal present at Channel 1 input is sent
to both amp 1 output (10) and amp 2 output (19). In Dual Mono mode channel 2 is not active. The final
mode of the power amplifier is Bridge mode. In Bridge mode each individual power amplifier section is
summed together producing maximum output. In Bridge mode Channel 1 acts as the master channel.
Please note when selecting Bridge Mode the minimum impedance is 4 Ohms.
Ground Link Switch: This switched is used to reduce unwanted interference such as multiple earth loops etc
and does so by isolating the grounds of the input sockets only.
Limiter: Activates the onboard (Optional factory fitted) Limiter which prevents the output section being driven
into clipping allowing the amplifier to be run at maximum output without experiencing unwanted distortion.
Jack Socket Channel 1: A jack-input option is provided for Channel 2 here. When the power amplifier section
is running in either Dual Mono or Bridge mode, channel 1 acts as the master input channel.
XLR Input Channel 1: An XLR input option is provided for Channel 2 here. Pin connections for the XLR
connection are Pin 1 0V, Pin 2 Hot and Pin 3 Cold. When the power amplifier section is running in either Dual
Mono or Bridge mode, channel 1 acts as the master input channel.
Laney
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7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Speakon Connector amp 2: Used to connect an external speaker cabinet. The signal present at this
connection is dependent on the mode of operation of the power amp (14). In Stereo mode input signals
from channel 1 and Channel 2 are present at this socket. In Dual Mono mode only signals from Channel 1
are present. In Bridge mode this connector should not be used. Minimum impedance 2 Ohms.
19
8a
CA MANUAL

CA3000
Laney
99
explanation of terms
00
A30C
1
0
Power
Push To Reset Push To Reset
Protect
Bridge
Channel 2 Channel 4
Channel 1 Channel 3
Clip Clip
Clip Clip
Sig Sig
Sig Sig
-12 -12
-12 -12
- 9 - 9
- 9 - 9
- 3 - 3
- 3 - 3
0dB0dB0dB
88 8
0dB
8
0dB
8
Concept PowerConcept Power
LaneyLaney
0dB
8
32
28
29 3026 27
42 48 50
45 46 47
31
25
53
23 2420 21
52
49 51
33 37 39
34 35 36 41
38 40
43 44
Channel 2 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 2. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimize the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
Input level indicator channel 2: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 2
Bridge indicator: This LED indicates that the amplifier channels 1 & 2 are running in bridged mode (37) When
running in bridged mode channel 1's level control acts as the master level control
Bridge indicator: This LED indicates that the amplifier channels 3 & 4 are running in bridged mode (37) When
running in bridged mode channel 1's level control acts as the master level control
Input level indicator channel 4: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 4
Channel 4 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 4. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimise the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
Channel 1 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 1. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimise the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
20
21
22
23
24
22
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Part:8P-5075
Attention.
Debrancher le cordon
d’alimentation avant
toute intervention.
Avis
Risque de choc
electrique - ne pas ouvrir.
Warning
To reduce the risk of
fire or electric shock do not
expose this appliance
to rain or moisture.
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric
shock do not remove covers.
No user serviceable parts
inside. Refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.
Made in the United Kingdom by BLT Industries Ltd.
Serial No:
!!
CAUTIONCAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPENRISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN
Attention - Remplacer le fusible seulement
par le meme type et le meme calibre.
Caution - For continued protection against risk of
fire replace only with same type and rated fuse
Min Load
4 Ohms Min Load
4 Ohms
Bridge Bridge
Amp3
(See Note) (See Note)
Amp1
Min Load
2 Ohms MinLoad 2 Ohms
Min
Load
2 Ohms
Min Load
2 Ohms
Amp4 Amp2 Dual Mono
Dual Mono
Channel 4
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 1
Caution Refer to users
manual for recommended
speaker connections.
Caution When using
bridge mode only
connect speakers
to the bridge terminal.
Attention - Se referer au manuel d’utilisation
pour la connection haut-parleurs.
Attention En utilisant
en mode “Bridge”,ne
connecter que la
sortie “BRIDGE”.
Supply voltage
~115V
230V
~
~115V
230V
~
Power Consumption
1000 Watts
~50/60Hz
Power Consumption
1000 Watts
~50/60Hz
Ground Link
Ground Link
XLR Pins
Pin1 - 0V
Pin2 - Hot
Pin3 - Cold
Jack Pins
Tip - Hot
Ring - Cold
Shield - 0V
Limiter
Limiter
(Optional)
(Optional)
Off
Off
On
On
In
In
Out
Out
Stereo
Stereo
Bridge
Bridge
Amp4. 1+Hot4,1-Cold4
Amp3. 1+Hot3,1-Cold3,2+Hot4,2-Cold4
Amp1. 1+Hot1,1-Cold1,2+Hot2,2-Cold2
Amp2. 1+Hot2,1-Cold2
Bridge, 1+Hot,1-Cold
NOTE: Speakon™ Pin Configuration
Warning This equipment must be earthed.
Dual Mono/Bridge
Dual Mono/Bridge
Two mains sockets on 115V model only!
25
26
CA MANUAL

Laney
1010
Input level indicator channel 1: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 1
Reset Button AMP 1 (CH1 + CH2): Should the unit be connected in error and experience a continuos overload
situation such as connecting the unit to an incorrect supply voltage or should the amplifier experience a
catastrophic component failure then the reset button will trip. This will cause the unit to completely shut down
and all power to the amplifier will be removed. Once the unit has tripped the reset button needs to be
pushed in. If the unit fails to reset itself immediately then the amplifier should be looked at by a qualified
technician. Consult your dealer.
Power switches: Used to switch each separate power amplifier unit on and off.
Reset Button AMP 1 (CH3 + CH4): Should the unit be connected in error and experience a continuos overload
situation such as connecting the unit to an incorrect supply voltage or should the amplifier experience a
catastrophic component failure then the reset button will trip. This will cause the unit to completely shut down
and all power to the amplifier will be removed. Once the unit has tripped the reset button needs to be
pushed in. If the unit fails to reset itself immediately then the amplifier should be looked at by a qualified
technician. Consult your dealer.
Input level indicator channel 3: Indicates the level of signal running through channel 3
Channel 3 input gain: Sets the level of the input signal to channel 3. The visual LED's give the user an
indication of the signal level running through the pre amplifier. The levels should be set as to minimise the
level of clipping. When the red LED is lit the signal is approaching clipping and some degree of sound
degradation may occur if the signal is clipped continuously.
Speakon Connector amp 4: Speakon connector for connecting external speaker. The signal present at this
connector is determined by the power amp mode setting (37) for this power amplifier. In Stereo Mode the
signal present is derived from Channel 4 input. In Dual Mono mode the signal present is derived from
Channel 3 input. In Bridge Mode NO signal is present at this connector.
Speakon Connector amp 2: Speakon connector for connecting external speaker. The signal present at this
connector is determined by the power amp mode setting (48) for this power amplifier. In Stereo Mode the
signal present is derived from Channel 2 input. In Dual Mono mode the signal present is derived from
Channel 1 input. In Bridge Mode NO signal is present at this connector.
XLR Input Channel 4: An XLR input option is provided for Channel 4 here. Pin connections for the XLR
connection are Pin 1 0V, Pin 2 Hot and Pin 3 Cold.
Jack Socket Channel 4: A jack-input option is provided for Channel 4 here
27
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29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
(TM)
Speakons
For amplifiers, the most popular termination device on professional products has been the dual banana.
However, recent regulatory requirements in Europe have outlawed the use of the dual banana. It is
possible that similar regulatory controls will appear worldwide over the next few years. One solution to this
problem is to use the Neutrik Speakon™ connector. The major loudspeaker manufacturers have been
using Speakon connectors for the input termination on their products for several years now, so you can
be assured of the connector's reliability in the workplace. With Speakon (tm) connectors, you can plug
straight from the amp to the speaker, and start making those great sounds right away. The Speakon
connectors used on our amplifiers meet all known safety regulations. Once wired correctly, the
connector cannot be plugged in backwards, causing the type of inverted polarity situations that are
common with banana hookups. It will provide a safe, secure and reliable method of interfacing your
amplifier to the load.
™
Speakon Trademark of Neutrik AG
CA MANUAL