Park Audio II GS Series User manual

PARK AUDIO II
OWNER'S MANUAL
PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIERS
GS-series
GS4
GS5
GS6
GS7

ACCESSORIES
1. Power Cord 1 ea.
2. Spare air filter 2 ea.
3. Owner’s Manual 1 ea.
4. Warranty 1 ea.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Safety Precautions ........................................................................................... 2
General .............................................................................................................. 3
Unpacking ......................................................................................................... 3
Design Features ............................................................................................... 4
Functional Features .......................................................................................... 6
Amplifier Block Diagram ................................................................................... 8
Front Panel ....................................................................................................... 9
Rear Panel ........................................................................................................ 10
Input and Output Connectors ........................................................................... 12
Cabel Requirements ........................................................................................ 14
AC Power Requirements .................................................................................. 15
Rack-Mounting Requirements ......................................................................... 16
Operating Modes ............................................................................................. 17
Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 18
Specifications ................................................................................................... 19
Operating Conditions ........................................................................................ 20
Dimensions ....................................................................................................... 21

2
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION! The GS4, GS5, GS 6, GS7 amplifiers run on 230VAC voltage. Removing the
cover will expose you to a potentially dangerous voltage!
Do not use the unit if the electrical power cord is frayed or broken.
Power is supplied from 230VAC single-phase grounded 50/60Hz source.
CAUTION! The GS4, GS 5, GS6, GS7 amplifiers can yield dangerous output voltage!
Do not touch thenon-insulated cable parts connected to outputs of the unit in operation!
CAUTION! The high sound pressure caused by the high output signal applied to speaker
systems, may endanger your hearing. Please, take care to observe the required safety
precautions.
WARNING SIGNS
Important information! Intended to warn the user about any important
information contained in this Owner’s Manual.
Hazardous voltage inside! Intended to warn the user about electric shock
hazard due to high voltage inside the product.
This sign next to the output terminals warns about dangerous voltage while in
operation.

3
GENERAL
The GS 4, GS5, GS 6, GS 7 power amplifiers (GS - Series) are designed for sound
signal high-fidelity amplification within professional sound reproduction systems.
The amplifier’s schematics provides for high sound quality whether under low signal
conditions or overload.
Besides the sound amplification circuitry, the amplifier contains the monitoring and
control systems which ensure its faultless functioning both in the regular mode of operation
and in case of emergency. To ensure faultless operation of GS-Series amplifiers, please,
take time to read this Manual before use.
WARNING!
Make sure to take all precautions where required.
Please, follow all instructions and guidelines.
To avoid any risk of electrical shock and/or fire hazard, please, do not expose this
unit to rain or moisture. Do not use this unit near open water.
Use dry cloth to clean the unit.
Do not block fan vents.
Do not place the unit near heating radiators, furnaces or other heat-emitting devices.
Do not connect this unit to an ungrounded power supply line.
Protect the power cord against damage.
Disconnect the unit from power supply in case of thunder or during downtime.
In case of malfunctioning, caused by water or any other foreign matter inside or when
the unit has been dropped, or the power cord has been damaged, or the unit has been found
faulty, please, consult qualified personnel.
ATTENTION!
The GS 4, GS 5, GS 6, GS7 amplifiers have the same design and functional features
and differ only in the schematics elements, output power and weight. Unless specified
otherwise, the word “amplifier” hereinafter applies to any of the above models.
UNPACKING
The manufacturer’s quality control system provides for careful examination of each
product before it leaves the factory to ensure its flawless appearance. After unpacking,
please, check the unit for any physical damage. In case of damage, please, contact
your local dealer. Keep the shipping carton and all packing material, as you may require
them for reshipment of the unit.

4
DESIGN FEATURES
Physical Design
The amplifier is enclosed in a metal (steel) case of 2U height. The amplifier is designed
to be installed into a standard 19" rack.
Power Supply Source
Switchable. Individual for each channel.
Cooling System
Forced, cooling rate smooth adjustable system.
Four fans, two per each channel. Backward air flow direction.
Dust Filter
Front panel filter readily removable/replaceable for periodic maintenance.
Power Amplifier Unit
Based on TD Class schematics.
TD Class power amplifier combines the best features of both Class D and analogue
amplifiers. The amplifier boasts the efficiency comparable to Class D amplifiers and sound
quality typical of analogue amplifiers.
Balanced inputs
The use of balanced inputs provides for an essential reduction of the environment-
induced hum and noise interference with long input connecting cables.
Input level Attenuators
Precision ALPS 31-step control knobs, individual for each channel.
Sensitivity slide switches
3 positions: 0.775V, 1.4V or 32dB fixed gain. Individual for each channel.
Mode switch
3-position slide switch.
Operating modes available:
– STEREO – two channels drive two separate loads from two separate signal sources;
– MONO – two channels drive two separate loads from a single input signal source;
– BRIDGE – two channels drive a common load from a single signal source.
Input filter
Third-order filter individual for each channel.
Two pre-set cutoff frequency points (35Hz and 45Hz ) plus a disable position.
Recommended by world leading manufacturers of loudspeakers.
This filter cuts off any signals below 35Hz or 45 Hz which generally cannot be reproduced
by most professional loudspeakers.
The filter significantly reduces the travel of the LF speaker cone below the loudspeaker
frequency cut-off point which makes it possible to increase the power applied to the LF speaker (the
power being not wasted for the cone “flapping”) and thus to raise the sound pressure created by the
loudspeaker without any danger of overheating the LF drivers.

5
When it is necessary to achieve a linear frequency response to drive full-range loudspeakers
generally used in studios or in cinema theatres, the input filter can be disabled (bypassed for each
channel individually) with the slide switches located on the amplifier rear panel.
See below the amplifier low frequency response diagrams.
Optoelectronic Clip-Limiter
Independent for each channel.
Reduces the level of the input signal and eliminates the distortion, caused by hard clipping.
Removable Power Cord
A powerCON 20A NEUTRIK connector for GS 4, GS 5 and a powerCON 32A
NEUTRIK connector for GS 6, GS 7.
This feature is provided for convenience of transportation and rack mounting.
20Hz 50Hz 100Hz 200Hz 900Hz
-10
-5
0
5
10
«45 Hz »
20Hz 50Hz 100Hz 200Hz 900Hz
-10
-5
0
5
10
«OFF»
20Hz 50Hz 100Hz 200Hz 900Hz
-10
-5
0
5
10
«35 Hz »

6
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
Output Short-Circuit Protection
Individual per each channel. Protects the output stage of the power amplifier against
short-circuiting, as well as limits the output current when a maximum-level sine signal is
applied continuously to 2-Ohms loudspeaker.
The protective system does not switch the amplifier off, so it resumes its unattended operation
after the short-circuiting conditions are gone.
Overload Protection
The double-stage overload protection system, independent for each channel, protects
the output stage and optimizes the quality sound under overload.
In case of a short-time overload (e.g. overload caused by a sudden drop of complex load
impedance), only the output stage current protection goes active limiting the current running
through the output transistors at the safe level. In this case, the protection system does not
preclude the amplifier from delivering, for a short while, a full output power (without any
output voltage reduction) even to loads of very low impedance.
In case of a more continuous overload, the protection system activates the built-in Clip-
limiter, which reduces the level of the input signal and thus eliminates the distortion, caused
by hard clipping.
DC Output Protection
Independent for each channel. Prevents DC damage to loudspeakers.
The amplifier’s schematics precludes transit of any clicks or noise during the power-on/off
transition process.
Protection of loudspeakers against DC damage is ensured for each channel by individual power
supply units which are disabled in the event of output DC voltage or any powerful LF fluctuations.
In case the protection system becomes active on both channels and both power supply units
become disabled, all indicators go off.
The amplifier can be restarted with the POWER toggle switch, by way of turning the amplifier
off and turning it on, about 2 minutes later again, irrespective of the fact whether the
protection system is active on a single channel or on both channels.
High Frequency Protection
Independent for each channel. Prevents any damage to HF drivers as might be caused
by non-musical signals of powerful high frequency spectrum.
Should any powerful high frequency fluctuations occur on the output either as a result of poor
contact in the input cable connectors, or being transmitted to the amplifier’s input by any
other device (such as a crossover or mixing console), the protection system activates the
built-in Clip-limiter to reduce the input signal level.
Thermal Protection
Independent for each channel. Protects the amplifier’s output stage against overheating.
In case the temperature of the output stage transistors rises to 85°С, the thermal protection
system disables the input signal and the output stage of the respective channel. After cooling
down to the rated temperature, the amplifier automatically resumes operation.

7
Soft Start
Reduces the power-on inrush current.
The soft start system is provided to reduce inrush current to the amplifier and to
minimize the noise contributed by the amplifier to the power mains during the power-
on process.
Soft Signal Start
Ensures smooth power-on sound signal rise.
During the power-on process, this feature ensures smooth gain from zero to the maximum
level to provide for a smooth rise of the sound level emitted from the loudspeakers.
Overvoltage Protection System
Relay system. Used to protect the amplifier against overvoltage in the mains.
In case of incidental connection of the amplifier to incorrect-wired mains, whether on tour
or on a stationary site, the amplifier may be exposed to the inter-phase voltage of 400 V.
In this case the protection system inhibits such overvoltage from reaching the power supply
units. Only the protective system back-up power supply unit remains in operation.
The system becomes active whenever the power supply voltage exceeds ~270 V. The
amplifier automatically resumes operation after the power supply voltage goes down to
~260 V.

AMPLIFIER BLOCK DIAGRAM
1
+
2
+
CH 1
INPUT
THROUGH
1
+
2
+
O
U
T
P
U
T
C
H
1
,
C
H
2
,
B
R
I
D
G
E
+
U
O
U
T
P
U
T
C
H
2
CH 2
INPUT
THROUGH
Power
amplifier
P
o
w
e
r
a
m
p
l
i
f
i
e
r
Class D Class D
_
U
+
U
_
U
C
l
a
s
s
D
C
l
a
s
s
D
MONO
MODE
LEVEL
C
l
i
p
L
i
m
i
t
e
r
0
.
7
7
5
V
G
A
I
N
45 Hz
HI PASS
FILTER
35Hz 45Hz
35 Hz
OFF
1
.
4
V
3
2
d
B
45Hz
LEVEL
0.775V
GAIN
45 Hz
HI PASS
FILTER
35Hz 45Hz
35 Hz
OFF
1.4V
32 dB
45Hz
STEREO
BRIDGE
Clip
Limiter
8

FRONT PANEL
THERM LEDs – thermal protection indicators.
ALARM LEDs – DC output or powerful LF fluctuation alarm condition*.
CLIP LEDs – overload indicators.
POWER LED.
Dust-proof air filters.
LEVEL – input signal attenuators**.
LEVEL LEDs – indicate the signal level (dB) at the amplifier output.
POWER switch.
Notes: * Upon power-on, the LEDs go on for a while. This is normal.
** Input level Attenuators dB attenuation 31-step control knobs .
WARNING! The above knobs adjust the sensitivity level rather than the amplifier output power.
9

REAR PANEL
THROUGH – line outputs (XLR male).
Used to deliver input signal to the input of another amplifier. THROUGH connectors
are parallel to INPUT connectors of respective channels.
GAIN – input sensitivity.
Used to select the input sensitivity (0.775 V, 1.4 V) or a 32 dB fixed gain.
INPUT – Channel 2 balanced input (XLR female).
HI PASS FILTER – cutoff filter switches.
Used to set the required cutoff frequency (35 Hz or 45Hz) or to disable the filter (See:
Input Filter).
MODE switch:
– MONO – two channels drive two separate loads from a single input signal source;
– STEREO – two channels drive two separate loads from two separate input signal
sources;
– BRIDGE – two channels drive a common load from a single input signal source.
INPUT – Channel 1 balanced input (XLR female).
Used to supply input signal to channel 1, channel 1 and 2 (in MONO mode), and a
common input signal (in BRIDGE mode).
Label.
Contains the amplifier model designation, power ratings and Serial No.
GS 6, GS7
NLT4M
L
I
E
C
H
T
E N
S
T
E
I
N
NLT4M
L
I
E
C
H
T
E N
S
T
E
I
N
GS 4, GS5
10

Air vents
MAINS IN – power cord socket (powerCon) for 230V AC 50/60Hz grounded mains.
Channel 1/2/ bridge output, used either to connect a load (loudspeaker) to Channel 1,
or to connect it to both channels, with a single SPEAKON connector, as well as to
connect a load (loudspeaker) to the amplifier in BRIDGE Mode.
Channel 2 output
Used to connect a load (loudspeaker) to Channel 2.
11

2
1
3
2
1
3
XLR male
Shield (Ground)
Cold (–)
Hot (+) Shield (Ground)
Cold (–)
Hot (+)
XLR female
NL2FC for STEREO and MONO MODE
(Channel 1 and Channel 2 Connectors)
Out (+)
Out (–)
NL4FC for BRIDGE MODE
Out (+)
Out (–)
NL4FC for STEREO and MONO MODE
(Channel 1 and Channel 2 Connectors)
Out (+)
Out (–)
NL4FC for connecting two channels with a
single connector
Channel 1
Out (–)
Channel
1
Out (+)
Channel
2
Out (+)
Channel 2
Out (–)
INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTORS
Input Connectors
Use XLR (male) connectors to connect to the amplifier inputs and XLR (female)
connectors to line outputs.
Output Connectors
To connect loudspeakers to the outputs of GS 4 or GS5 amplifier, use SPEAKON
NL2FC (NL2FX, NL4FC, NL4FX or NLT4FX) connectors. Use a SPEAKON NL4FC (NL4FX
or NLT4FX) connector for bridged connection or for connection of both channels with a single
cable.
To connect loudspeakers to the outputs of GS6 or GS 7 amplifier, use SPEAKON
NL2FX (NL4FX or NLT4FX) connectors. Use a SPEAKON NL4FX (NLT4FX) connector for
bridged connection or for connection of both channels with a single cable.
12

NL2FX for STEREO and MONO MODE
(Channel 1 and Channel 2 Connectors)
Out (–) Out (+)
NL4FX for STEREO and MONO MODE
(Channel 1 and Channel 2 Connectors)
NL4FX for connecting two channels
with a single connector
Out (–) Out (+)
Channel 2
Out (+)
Channel 1
Out (–)
Channel 2
Out (–)
Channel
1
Out (+)
1
+
1-
1
+
+
2
2-
1-
1
+
+
2
2-
1-
Use a POZIDRIVE PZ1 screwdriver to connect cables to connectors. Never use a
PHILIPS screwdriver. See the detailed wiring information at http://www.neutrik.com
CAUTION! Never attempt to jumper or otherwise link up any pins of output connectors.
NL4FX for BRIDGE MODE
Out (–)
Out (+)
1
+
+
2
2-
1-
13

CABLE REQUIREMENTS
Input Cables
Make sure to use only shielded cables whether balanced or unbalanced. Shielding
when properly grounded protects a signal against external electrical interference. As a rule,
unbalanced lines of over 3 meters long are not acceptable. Greater distances require a
balanced cable.
Avoid placing input cables close to power cords or power transformers.
Output Cables
The amplifier is capable of delivering high level output current; therefore, the wire
gauge used for speaker cables is particularly important. Inadequate wire gauge adds
significant resistance to the speaker’s own impedance, reducing the power which is actually
delivered to the speaker. It will also result in a decreased damping factor and possible fire
hazard.
Since the power applied to the loudspeaker is of primary concern in system design, we
have included the table below to allow you determine the appropriate wire gauge for your
application.
The table shows the percentage of the power loss in a 10-meter copper multiple-core
cable. This table reflects the power loss as a percentage of the output power of the amplifier
applied to the load. Use this table to determine the power loss to the load at other cable
lengths. For example, if you plan to deliver 1000Watts to 2-Ohms load through 20m of 2.5-
mm2 cable, the power loss in the cable would be 7 % x 2=14 % of 1000W or 140W lost in the
cable.
Power Loss in a 10-meter Cable
Wire Gauge Cable
Resistance
Cable power loss
8Ohm load
1.5 mm2
2.0 mm2
2.5 mm2
4.0 mm2
6.0 mm2
0.24 Ohms
0.18 Ohms
0.15 Ohms
0.09 Ohms
0.06 Ohms
10.7%
8.3%
7%
4.3 %
2.9%
2.9%
2.2%
1.8%
1.1%
0.7%
2Ohm load
5.7%
4.3%
3.6%
2.3 %
1.5%
4Ohm load
14

AC POWER REQUIREMENTS
Use 230 V 50/60 Hz single-phase grounded power supply mains for a GS4, GS 5, GS 6
or GS 7 amplifier.
The quality of the AC power supply mains is of prime importance for the
amplifier functioning. The amplifier should be powered from the mains designed
for at least 1.5 times the average current consumed by the amplifier.
Never try to connect the amplifier to a household power supply mains.
If connected to weak power supply mains, the output power of the amplifier may be
reduced producing the so-called «feeble bass» effect, or the power supply line may be
damaged.
Use the power cord supplied. The power cord supplied with a GS 6 or GS 7 amplifier
has only a PowerCon connector on one side. The other side of the cord should be connected
either directly to the power distributor terminal box or to an industrial-type three-pin plug.
Use a plug designed for the current rating not less than the average current consumed by
the amplifier.
Connection and wiring must be performed by a qualified technician.
Never use household-type electric plugs.
Prior to plugging, please, make sure that there are no other devices consuming much
AC current, as the normal operation of such several devices may be impossible. In the event
of line voltage sag, the unit will continue to operate normally, albeit with less power.
The actual AC current consumption by the amplifier depends on the type of the music
program and the load impedance. While installing the audio systems, in order to optimize
the power wiring, please, note that for reproduction of typical audio material at the full output
level, the average current consumption rate is as follows:
– 4A for GS4 into 4 Ohms;
– 7 A for GS4 into 2 Ohms;
– 5 A for GS5 into 4 Ohms;
– 9 A for GS5 into 2 Ohms;
– 6 A for GS6 into 4 Ohms;
– 11A for GS 6 into 2 Ohms;
– 7 A for GS7 into 4 Ohms;
– 14 A for GS 7 into 2Ohms.
In order to minimize the AC current hum and noise, make sure to plug all audio devices
interconnected with signal cables, into the same mains outlet.
* Note: The above ratings are given for a crest-factor 3 musical signal. Some modern music
genres may have less crest factor, which may lead to increased current consumption.
15

RACK-MOUNTING REQUIREMENTS
The amplifier is designed to fit a standard 19” rack. While mounting, make sure to
provide unhindered air access to the front and rear sides of the rack. The fan blows air
backwards. It is not necessary to leave empty space above or below the amplifier. Prior to
installing the amplifier into the rack, remove the rubber feet from the amplifier bottom panel.
Having done that, put the amplifier into the rack and secure it in place with four screws with
washers. The manufacturer strongly recommends to secure the amplifier rear brackets to
the rack, too. Where required, use a transition bracket (optional) to extend the mounting
depth of the amplifier mounted into the rack.
16

OPERATING MODES
STEREO Mode
Two input signals are linked up to the input connectors of respective channels.
Speakers are linked up to the output of respective channels. See the connector wiring
in the Loudspeaker Connector Wiring Section.
MODE switch is set to STEREO.
For most applications, it is recommended to set the input HI PASS FILTER switches
to 45Hz or 35Hz (depending on the specific application and/or loudspeaker ratings).
However, when it is necessary to obtain a linear frequency response to drive full-range
loudspeakers, as in studios or cinema houses, set this input filter switch to OFF. See the
Input Filter Section.
To adjust the level of input signal, use a LEVEL control of each channel.
MONO Mode
Input signal is linked up to Channel 1 input connector.
Speakers are linked up to the output of respective channels. See the connector wiring
in the Loudspeaker Connector Wiring Section.
MODE switch is set to MONO.
For most applications, it is recommended to set the input HI PASS FILTER switches
to 45Hz or 35Hz (depending on the specific application and/or loudspeaker ratings).
However, when it is necessary to obtain a linear frequency response to drive full-range
loudspeakers, as in studios or cinema houses, set this input filter switch to OFF. See the Input
Filter Section.
To adjust the level of input signal, use a LEVEL control of each channel.
BRIDGE Mode
Input signal is linked up to Channel 1 input connector.
Speaker is linked up to Channel 1 output.
See the connector wiring in the Loudspeaker Connector Wiring Section.
MODE switch is set to BRIDGE.
WARNING! The GAIN sensitivity switches, located on the rear panel, must be
always set to the same position on both channels.
For most applications, it is recommended to set the input HI PASS FILTER switches
to 45Hz or 35Hz (depending on the specific application and/or loudspeaker ratings).
However, when it is necessary to obtain a linear frequency response to drive full-range
loudspeakers, as in studios or cinema houses, set this input filter switch to OFF. See the
Input Filter Section.
Use channel 1 LEVEL control to adjust the level of the input signal.
* Note: In this mode, only Channel 1 switch is active.
17

MAINTENANCE
Cleaning of Dust Protective Air Filter
No special tools are required for removing the filter. Just grip it and pull. Wash the filter
with any detergent, flush it with water, let it dry and re-install.
In case the filter is worn out, replace the filter with a spare one supplied.
ATTENTION! Never install a wet filter.
Do not dry the filter with hot air or expose it to direct sun rays.
18