miniDSP PWR-16 User manual

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 1
PWR-16
16-CHANNEL MULTIZONE AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER
User Manual

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 2
Revision history
Revision
Description
Date
0.1
First draft
22 June 2015
0.2
Second draft
20 July 2015
1.0
First release version
6 October 2015
1.1
Updates for control switches
7 October 2015
1.2
Corrected Phoenix connections
7 October 2015

miniDSP Ltd, Hong Kong / www.minidsp.com / Features and specifications subject to change without prior notice 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Information......................................................................................................................................... 4
Disclaimer/Warning ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Warranty Terms............................................................................................................................................... 4
FCC Class B Statement...................................................................................................................................... 4
Safety & EMC standards................................................................................................................................... 5
A Note on this Manual ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Safety Instructions............................................................................................................................................... 6
1 Product Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 Key Features and Benefits .................................................................................................................... 9
1.2 Maximum power capabilities................................................................................................................ 9
1.3 Typical applications ............................................................................................................................ 10
1.3.1 Home theater ............................................................................................................................. 10
1.3.2 Multizone audio.......................................................................................................................... 10
2 Installation and connectivity........................................................................................................................ 11
2.1 Power................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Signal ................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.2.1 Inputs ......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Outputs ...................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.3 Single-ended mode..................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.4 BTL mode ................................................................................................................................... 12
3 Status and control ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Status LEDs......................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Control I/O ......................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Zone enable/disable ................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Control I/O connector ................................................................................................................. 14
3.2.3 Turning on the PWR-16............................................................................................................... 15
3.2.4 Status outputs ............................................................................................................................ 17
3.2.5 Delayed 12V output trigger......................................................................................................... 17
4 Additional information ................................................................................................................................ 18
4.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 18
4.2 Obtaining support .............................................................................................................................. 18

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please read the following information before use. In case of any questions, please contact miniDSP via the
support portal at minidsp.desk.com.
DISCLAIMER/WARNING
miniDSP cannot be held responsible for any damage that may result from the improper use or incorrect
configuration of this product. Please read this manual carefully to ensure that you fully understand how to
operate and use this product, as incorrect use or use beyond the parameters and ways recommended in this
manual have the potential to cause damage to your audio system.
Please also note that many of the questions we receive at the technical support department are already
answered in this User Manual and in the online application notes on the miniDSP.com website. So please take
the time to carefully read this user manual and the online technical documentation. Thank you for your
understanding!
WARRANTY TERMS
miniDSP Ltd warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
year from the invoice date. Our warranty does not cover failure of the product due to incorrect connection or
installation, improper or undocumented use, unauthorized servicing, modification or alteration of the unit in any
way, or any usage outside of that recommended in this manual. If in doubt, contact miniDSP prior to use.
FCC CLASS BSTATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Warning: This equipment has 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. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications. 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 off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Notice: Shielded interface cable must be used in order to comply with emission limits.

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Notice: Changes or modification not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
SAFETY &EMC STANDARDS
Safety & EMC standards covered:
UL 60065, 7th edition, 2013-07-24
CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60065-03, 1st Edition + A1: 2006 + A2: 2012
IEC 60065:2001 (Seventh Edition) + A1: 2005 + A2: 2010
EN 60065:2002 / A1: 2006 / A11: 2008 / A2: 2010 / A12: 2011
EMC standards covered are:
EN 55013: 2001 + A1: 2003 + A2: 2006
CISPR 13: 2001 + A1: 2003 + A2: 2006
EN 61000-3-2: 2006 + A1:2009 + A2: 2009
IEC 61000-3-2: 2005 + A1:2009 + A2: 2009
EN 61000-3-3: 2013
IEC 61000-3-3: 2013
EN 55020: 2007 + A11: 2011
CISPR 20: 2006
IEC 61000-4-2: 2008
IEC 61000-4-4: 2012
FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Subpart B
ICES-003 Issue 5-2012
ANSI C63.4-2009
ANOTE ON THIS MANUAL
This User Manual is designed for reading in both print and on the computer. If printing the manual, please print
double-sided. The embedded page size is 8 ½” x 11”. Printing on A4 paper will result in a slightly reduced size.
For reading on the computer, we have included hyperlinked cross-references throughout the manual. In
addition, a table of contents is embedded in the PDF file. Displaying this table of contents will make navigation
much easier:
In Adobe Reader on Windows, click on the “bookmarks” icon at the left. The table of contents will appear on
the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the “+” icons.
In Preview on the Mac, click on the View menu and select Table of Contents. The table of contents will
appear on the left and can be unfolded at each level by clicking on the triangle icons.

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all information for installation, connection, and usage.
Keep this user manual in a safe place during the lifetime of the product. The user manual forms an integral
part of the product. Reselling of the product is only possible if the user manual is available. Any changes
made to the product have to be documented in writing and passed on to the buyer in the event of resale.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this product near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not cover the heat sink. Install in accordance with the user manual.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce
heat.
Protect the power cord from being walked on, pinched or damaged in any way. Pay particular attention to
plugs and the point where they exit from the Amplifier Unit.
The product may only be used in accordance with the information provided in the user manual. Before and
during the usage of the amplifier please ensure that all recommendations, especially the safety
recommendations as detailed in the user manual, are adhered to. The Amplifier Unit is designed for the
amplification of pulsed audio signals and the Amplifier Unit should only be connected to speakers with
average impedance that is not lower than the impedances specified in the User's Manual.
Do not place the product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The device may fall, causing
serious injury, and serious damage to the device itself.
The Amplifier Unit can only be disconnected from the power supply by removing the plug, which must be
freely accessible at all times. Unplug this Amplifier Unit during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Damage that requires service
Unplug the Amplifier Unit from the mains supply and refer to your dealer/distributor or other authorized repair
workshop. Servicing is required when:
1. The power-supply cord or plug has been damaged,
2. Liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the amplifier,
3. The amplifier has been exposed to rain or moisture,
4. The amplifier has been dropped or suffered damage in any way,
5. The amplifier exhibits a distinct change from its normal function or performance.

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Servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself. As opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards, the amplifier may only be opened by qualified personnel. Please refer
to your dealer/distributor.
Servicing and Replacement Parts
All service and repair work must be carried out by an authorized dealer/distributor. When replacement parts are
required, please ensure that the dealer/distributor only uses replacement parts specified by the manufacturer.
The use of unauthorized replacement parts may result in injury and/or damage through fire or electric shock or
other electricity-related hazards.
Safety Check
Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the dealer/distributor to perform safety checks to
determine that the amplifier is in proper operating condition.
Read the information for use (user manual)
When shipping the product, always use the original shipping carton and packing materials. For maximum
protection, repack the unit as it was originally packed at the factory.
Environments
Use this product only in E1, E2, E3 or E4 environments according to EN55103-2 “Electromagnetic compatibility –
Product family standard for audio, video and audio-visual and entertainment lighting control apparatus for
professional use –Part 2: Immunity”
Ventilation and heat sink
The heat sink and ventliation slots are provided to ensure reliable operation of the Amplifier Unit and to protect
it from overheating. The heat sink and ventilation slots must not be blocked or covered. This product should not
be installed unless proper ventilation is provided and manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
Water And Moisture
Do not use this product near water (for example, in damp rooms or near a swimming pool).
Cleaning
Unplug the Amplifier Unit from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners.
Power-cord Protection
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed
upon them or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, and the point where they exit from
the Amplifier Unit.
Lightning
For added protection of the product during lightning storms, or when it is left unattended and unused for long
periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and
power-line surges. Disconnection from the mains power supply can only be achieved by removing the plug from
the mains socket and by external disconnection of all poles from the mains.

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Interference of external objects and/or liquids with the appliance
Never push objects of any kind into this 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 amplifier.
Accessories
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing
serious injury, and serious damage to the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions, and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
Connecting
When you connect the Amplifier Unit to other equipment, turn off the power and unplug all of the equipment
from the supply source. Failure to do so may cause an electric shock and serious personal injury. Read the user's
manual of the other equipment carefully and follow the instructions when making the connections.
Sound Volume
Reduce the volume to minimum before you turn on the amplifier to prevent sudden high levels of noise which
may cause hearing or speaker damage.
Output connectors
WARNING: Output connectors marked with the lightning flashes indicate high voltages that are
potentially life threatening. Wiring to these terminals requires installation by an instructed person and
the use of ready-made leads or cords. Custom wiring should only be carried out by qualified personnel.
To prevent electric shock, do not operate the product with any of the conductor portion of the speaker wire
exposed.
NOTE: For reasons of safety and performance, use only high-quality fully insulated speaker cables of stranded
copper wire. Use the largest wire size that is economically and physically practical, and make sure the cables are
no longer than necessary.
Precautions when connecting to MAINS IN
When mounting or connecting the product always disconnect it from mains. Only connect the product to an
appropriate AC circuit and outlet, according to the requirements indicated on the rating plate.
If a power cut occurs while the amplifier is switched on, it will restart automatically once the power supply has
been restored. All settings prior to the loss of power will be maintained.
IMPORTANT: Always connect the Product to mains through the MAINS IN connector on the Amplifier Unit.
IMPORTANT: Always use ready-made mains cables with original connectors when connecting the product to
mains.
IMPORTANT: When disconnecting the Product from the mains, always disconnect at the mains end first, before
disconnecting the connector at the Product end.
DO NOT REMOVE MAINS CONNECTOR GROUND, IT IS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS.

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1PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The miniDSP PWR-16 is a 400 Watt ultra-compact, highly-efficient audio power amplifier intended for multizone
custom installations in modern homes, hotels, restaurants, bars, theatres, auditoriums, amusement parks,
shopping malls etc. This amplifier is one of the lightest and most compact of its kind and excels with its
impressive power-to-size ratio and its incredible power efficiency.
The PWR-16 features 16 channels of amplification by ICEpower® in eight zones. Each amplification channel can
deliver peak power of 80W into a 4 ohm speaker. The two channels in a zone can be switched to BTL (bridge-tied
load) mode to deliver peak power of 160W into an 8 ohm speaker. The result is an extremely flexible amplifier
that can be used in many configurations.
A comprehensive set of control and protection features make the amplifier extremely flexible and robust.
Remote enable, signal detection, and individual disabling of zones ensure minimum power consumption.
1.1 KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
•Ultra-compact 1U rack enclosure
•Extremely low weight
•400 Watts of audiophile sound quality in eight separate zones for exceptional installation convenience
•Amplification by ICEpower®
•Low power consumption and heat dissipation
•Comprehensive protection keeps the music playing and your quality costs down
•Removable rack ears and feet
•High construction quality for professional use
1.2 MAXIMUM POWER CAPABILITIES
The PWR-16 is designed for use in applications where individual amplification channels are capable of output
power well in excess of the total power divided by the number of channels. This includes applications such as
multizone applications (where not all zones are typically being used simultaneously) and immersive audio
applications (where only a subset of speakers are playing substantial output at one time).
For example, the PWR-16 has a total output power capability of 400 Watts. Dividing this by 16 results in 25
Watts per channel. However, each channel of the PWR-16 is capable of 80 Watts of power output.
The PWR-16 can be used in applications other than those mentioned above. However, it is important to keep in
mind and to not exceed the total power output of the amplifier. For example, in an multichannel active system,
some drivers (tweeter and midrange) will use substantially less power than the woofers.

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1.3 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
1.3.1 Home theater
The figure below shows a typical home theater application. In this system, the DDRC-88A is used to perform
Dirac Live® room correction and the PWR-16 is used for amplification. In the scenario shown, each speaker can
be driven by one channel (4 ohm load, single-ended mode) or by a zone in BTL mode (minimum load 6 ohms).
Please observe the maximum power capability across all channels.
1.3.2 Multizone audio
The figure below shows a multi-zone audio connection, as described in our app note Multi-zone DRC with the
DDRC-88A Dirac Live® processor. In the case where more than one speaker is driven from each input channel,
use "Y"-splitters on the PWR-16 inputs to utilize more channels.