Pl-audio Powerpac 4004 dsp User manual

USER MANUAL

PowerPac 4004 DSP

FREE PROGRAMMABLE SYSTEM AMPLIFIER

✔powerful 4-channel amplifier „Handmade in Germany“

✔massive Power (4 x 800W or 2 x 1.400W @ 8Ohm)

✔2 discrete power supplies –redundant design

✔free programmable DSP

✔audiophile presence & light weight

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Table of content

Chapter page

Introduction 3

Safety instructions and intended usage 3

Transport and storage 4

Guarantee terms and conditions 4

Product short description 4

Technical data overview 5

Detailed product description 5

Technical data details 6

Scope of delivery 7

Construction and control interface 8

Signal flow DSP and connection panel 9

Mains connection 10

Usage on a mains power generator, XLR- and speaker connection 11

BTL-mode setting 12

Netzwork communication, installation 13

Loading of presets on the device using display and encoder wheel 14

Connection examples 16

Loading of presets on the device / Routing 19

Routing, internal mixer 19

DSP control via Software PL-audio DSP Control, Firmware update process, password protection 20

Gelöschte / fehlerhafte Firmware, Gelöschte / fehlerhafte Firmware

wiederherstellen 21

Restore firmware and bootloader 22

Safety during operation, maintenance 22

Blockdiagram DSP 23

Operation steps overview encoder wheel 24

LCD-Display Menu 25

Limitertable 26

Disposal, Impressum 27

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing a PL-audio product! Your investment in the PL-audio brand guaranteed

quality and products "Made in Germany", excellent functionality, an almost unbeatable price /

performance ratio, as well as direct and uncomplicated customer service.

We created this manual to ensure an easy start with your newly purchased product. Before you start using

your new product please read this manual carefully and keep it at your hands for future reference

Safety advise and intendeds usage

In order to enjoy your device for a long time please make sure to follow the informations noted

hereunder:

•The device complies with the necessary directives of the EU and therefore it carries a CE mark.

•This device left our factory in perfect technical condition. In order to ensure saf opereation, the user

must absolutely observbe the following saftey and warning notices:

•The device is supplied with dangerous mains voltage (>50 Volt AC). Therefore

never intervene on the device on yourself! There is a risk of electric shock!

Connection cables has to be protected against crushing, tensile load and

bending. Cables and wires are to be laid or secured in such a way that no

one can trip over it or may fall.

•Use the device only for the applications recommended by PL-audio or which can be found in this

manual. In the event of improper use any warranty claims become obsolet and void.

•Use the device only indoor and protect it against dripping and splashing water, high humidity, heat and

direct sunlight.

•Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as drinking water glasses,…, on the product.

•The heat generated by the amplifier modules must be dissipated by technical forced ventilation. The

built in fan switches on at a device temperature exceeding 60 and switches of at a device temperature

of 40 degrees. For this reason, do not cover the ventilation openings on the housing under any

circumstances. The device exhausts the warm air through the front grille.

•Do not put the device into operation and immediately pull the power plug of the device out of the

socket:

1. if there is visible damage to a device or to the power cord,

2. if after a crash or compartable mishandling there is a suspicion of a defect,

3. if malfunctions occur.

•In any case, send the devices back to PL-audio for inspection / repair. Please send any devices in

sufficient outer packaging to the PL-audio production site. You can find this on the website www.pl-

audio.de. Transport damage due to insufficient packaging on the part of the sender cannot be claimed.

A corresponding pre-registration of a claim with a precise description of the fault - so that the devices

sent in are correctly assigned - is inevitable.

•Never pull the power plug out of the socket by just pulling on the cable, always take hold of the power

plug.

•Only use a dry, soft cloth for cleaning; never water or chemicals.

When using compressed air please pay attention to lubricant-free

compressed air and keep a minimum distance of 20 cm to the

individual parts.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Transport and storage

Secure and smart handling of our products helps you to keep the value of your device. In addition to this

you benefit for a longer time from the quality of your product.

For this reason, we ask you to note the following information in relation to above mentioned content

point:

It is essential to install the device in a–ideally shock-absorbing –19“-Flightcase, to protect the device

from transport- and handling damage. Please note that these flight cases are not the proper housing for

shipping with parcel services. Please ensure that there is sufficient air ventilation when installed. Make

sure to handle the device as gently as possible during transport. We recommend to transport the unit in a

horizontal position as shown on the cover (page 1). Always store the device at a minimum temperatrure

of 05° Celsius with low humidity and without large temperature fluctuations. Avoid to expose the device

to permanent direct sunlight.

Warranty conditions

PL-audio gives its customers a manufacturer's guarantee of 2 years on the PowerPac 4004 DSP product.

This guarantee is retained even if the product is resold within the EU and Switzerland. The guarantee

period begins with the purchase from an authorized sales or distribution partner or directly ex works.

Please keep the original invoice. This must be submitted for the submission and acceptance of any

warranty claims. This manual is an essential part of the product. Devices without a serial number (illegible

or removed serial numbers) cannot be accepted under any guarantee.

PL-audio disclaims liability for transport damage, rough handling and / or incorrect use, external

manipulation on and inside the housing, unauthorized repair attempts, faulty mains voltage or mains

connection, operation of the amplifier below the minimum ohmic value specified in the operating

instructions, effects of moisture, massive contamination from dust, incorrect operation of emergency

power systems (power generators, UPS systems, ...) and faulty feeds into the device. Furthermore, PL-

audio does not recognize any warranty or guarantee claims for any direct or indirect damage caused by

installation, configuration, manipulation or storage of the specified software and its components.

Devices which are covered under the guarantee conditions must be sent back to PL-audio after prior

notification. Please send the devices in sufficient outer packaging (ideally in the original packaging) to the

PL-audio production site. You can find this on the website www.pl-audio.de. Please note that any service

manipulation can lead to data errors or complete data loss on the device sent in. Data errors and / or data

loss are not covered by warranty or guarantee. You should therefore save your presets several times on

different storage media in the course of the configuration in your own interest.

In the event of any claim, no guarantee or subsidiary liability is assumed for upstream / downstream

products

Individual goodwill decisions on the part of PL-audio are always related to the respective individual case

and in no case represent an acknowledgment of any defects. In a recognized warranty case, PL-audio

decides on repair or replacement at its own discretion.

Product short description

The PowerPac 4004 DSP offers extensive functions that the professional user needs for many common sound

reinforcement tasks. When developing the PowerPac 4004 DSP, we deliberately focused on the essentials in

terms of equipment, performance and user-friendliness. Audiophile presence, low weight, massive power and

a freely programmable DSP are features that the mobile DJ, musician or sound engineer needs for medium to

large sound reinforcement tasks. The two separate channel strips, which can be individually adjusted in the

DSP, enable a large number of configurations and make the PowerPac 4004 DSP a universally applicable power

amplifier. The PowerPac 4004 DSP should therefore not be missing from any rental inventory.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Technical data overview

Product detailed description

The PowerPac 4004 DSP has two identical power amp blocks with separate power supplies. A digital signal

processor with a large number of setting options (X-Over, compressor, limiter, signal routing, parametric equalizer,

delay,...) takes over the signal processing and loudspeaker management in each of the power amplifier blocks in a

deliberately simple menu navigation. In addition to the loudspeaker system connections (4-pin Speakon®), the

more than complete connection panel on the back has XLR signal loop-throughs for the input channels, as well as a

separate XLR connection for DSP channel 1 for connection to an external power amplifier. The PowerPac 4004 DSP

takes care of the signal processing and signal routing for powerful multi-channel systems, while at the same time

being easy to use and comparatively light in weight.

Digitaler Signalprozessor

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

4-CHANNEL CLASS-D AMPLIFIER:

4 X 800 W INPUT LIMITER AND PEAKLIMITER

switch-on current limitation Protection circuit against switching transients

Intelligent mains fuse protection Under- and overvoltage protection

DC –protection on outputs automatic temperature monitoring

Very silent fan High damping factor >1000 ( 8 Ohm, 1Khz)

Distortion THD+N under 0,05% (20 Hz –20 Khz) Signal-noise rate < 120 db (20 Hz –20 Khz)

Wide range power supply with voltage detection and

automatic switching 120V –230V 2 HE Aluminium Housing

Weight just 7,4 kg Depth of 410 mm

Powercon In –out 2 x Switch on/off on front

4 x XLR in and out 2 x Speakon 4 pole out for system connection

2 x Speakon out (red) as Bi-Amp Modular design

2 discrete power supplies

additional DSP-Out (XLR), for feeding additional

amplifiers

HIGH END DSP ON BOARD REAL TIME OPERATION VIA ETHERNET AND USB

(OPTIONAL W-LAN)

Simple operation Manual operation with encoder wheel and buttons

5 presets direct accessable –80 presets through PC 96 Khz Sampling-Rate

120 db Dynamic Range flexible routing

X –Over Function 20 parametric EQ’s

Limiter- and Noisgate-Function short- and long delay

Phase Firmware –Upgrade over interface

APP in preperation

Technical data (detail)

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Voltage

range

Automatic

Voltage detection

AC Range 1 / 120V

85V

- 138V AC (US-Voltage)

AC Range 2 / 230V

170V

- 265V AC (Europe-Voltage)

Frequency

range

45Hz

–65Hz

Power

consumption at 230V

Standby

6 Watt / 0,026A

Idle

2 x

25Watt = 50Watt / 0,21A

Rated

power consumption (without reactive current)

2 x

180 Watt = 360Watt / 1,565A (Ch2+3 8Ω)

2 x

335 Watt = 670Watt/ 2,91A (Ch2+3 4Ω)

Maximum

400 Watt / 6,09A

Switch on

peak current @230V

32,5A

Switch on

peak current @115V

17,0A

Measurements

Width

482mm (19“)

Heigth

89mm (2HE)

–with rubber feets 92mm

Depth

410mm

–with operation controls 430mm

Weight

7,4 kg

Output Power 8Ω @ 1% THD+N 1kHz

2 400W 8Ω

3 400W 8Ω

Output Power 4Ω @ 1% THD+N 1kHz

2 800W 4Ω

3800W 4Ω

Amplification

factor

2 26dB

3 26dB

Amplifier

-Technology Class D

DSP-Technology

Preset memory (internal)

Input-Impedancy

Max. Input level

Bit rate

DSP-G2.3

20kΩ

+24dBu / 12V RMS

64Bit

Sampling rate 96kHz Sample-Rate

120dB (A)

0,6 ms

0,005% /8Ω, 1kHz

118dB (A) /8Ω, 1kHz

10Hz-25kHz

USB 1.1 USB-B connector

Input Dynamic Range

Latency DSP

Distortion factor THD+N

Signal to noise-rate

Frequency range

USB

Ethernet

Input-Delay

Output-Delay

10MBit, with DHCP Server, Auto/Manual IP-Adress

800 ms / 274m (Input 1+2)

5 ms / 1,715m (Output 1+2+3)

= Amplifier ON –operation ready with no Input/Output-signal

BTL-Mode: 1.400W 8Ω

BTL-Mode: 32dB

Technical data (detail 2)

Scope of delivery

Beside the PowerPac 4004 DSP you can find following components in the carton box:

•Mains cable with PowerCon®-male connector. Please do just use this cable without any manipulation on the

cable itself.

IMPORTANT: Before you operate the PowerPac 4004 DSP you have to do the required settings in the free

downloadable software. If you use the PowerPac 4004 DSP directly out of the carton box without the necessary

settings fitting your requirements, connected speakers may get damaged or at least will not bring their full power

or sound capabilities!

How you can conduct these settings with the software (for PC and Mac, free of charge) is explained in detail in the

corresponding hand book for the digital signal processor (Operation manual DSP G2.3, download www.pl-

audio.de).

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Temperature

range

Environment

temperature

5°C bis +40°C nicht kondensierend!

Fan switch on

temperature

°C

Fan switch off

temperature

°C

Output power

reduction

°C

Temperature

–Emergency shut down

°C

Colling

concept

Air, Back In

→Front Out, 1-speed

Fan

80mm Lüfter, 30cbm/h, 35db(A)

Protection

circuits

True

-RMS Compressor & Limiter for all Inputs and Outputs

Switch On and Switch Off

-Delay of Outputs

ICL

Inrush Current Limiter

Intelligent

current limitation prevents the triggering of fuses

Peak

current Limiter on the speaker outputs

-Protection on the speaker outputs

High

frequency protection on the outputs (>30kHz, 2Sek)

Temperature

observation with output power reduction by overheating

Construction and control interface

Following elements are located on the front side of the device (from left to right):

Following connectors and elements are located on the backside of the unit (from left to right):

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Nr.

Element

Mains switch

LED signal

indicator

Signal, -24dB to -

6dB,

yellow

0dB,

red

clipping

(

red blinking = Mute)

Button Exit /

leaving the menue

Button Menu /

call up the menue and confirmation of a name or password

LCD Display /

upper line: device name, lower line: loaded preset

Encoder

wheel / Turn = Select, Push = confirmation/execute

2 3 4 5 6 1

Nr.

Element

XLR Input

symmetric

XLR Out

symmetric signal pass through

Ethernet connector for network connection to the DSP via Router or Computer

LR- Out symmetric, DSP Out Channel 1 (CH 1)

USB

connector Type USB-B for connection to an external computer

Fan

4 pol.

Speakon® connector for system cabling (CH 3=1+/1-; CH 2= 2+/2-)

4 pol.

Speakon® connector for Bi-Amp operation (CH 2= 1+/1-; CH3= 2+/2-)

Blind

cover (for optional discrete mains connection of the second amplifier block via Powercon® IN blue)

Mains

connection 16A Powercon® IN blue

1 2 3 4 5 6

1 2 3 5 4 6 8 7 10 9

1 2 3 5 4 6 8 7

PowerPac 4004 DSP

Signal flow DSP and connectors

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

XLR-Thru A & B to connect another amplifier or

Interlink connection to Block 2 of the

PowerPac 4004 DSP

Mains connection

The device may only be connected to an electrical installation that complies with the VDE regulations

DIN VDE 0100. The electrical installation must be equipped with a residual current circuit breaker (RCD)

with> 30mA rated residual current.

The devicve is supplied with dangerous mains voltage (>50 Volt AC). Therefore never intervene on the

device on yourself! There is a risk of electric shock! Connection cables has to be protected against

crushing, tensile load and bending. Cables and wires are to be laid or secured in such a way that no

one can trip over it or may fall.

Damaged Mains-Power cables must not be used and should immediately be rendered unusable against

further use, e.g. cut off both plugs.

The device is powered by a Neutrik Powercon® connector. In contrast to a plug-in device (such as a

safety plug), the Powercon® plug-in connection must not be plugged in or disconnected under load and

also not under voltage! The consequences are stuck or burned-out contacts and the resulting loose

contacts lead to failures or even destruction of the electronics or even the risk of fire. You should

therefore only switch the device ON or OFF using the 2-pole power switch on the front panel of the unit.

The mains plug may only be connected to an earthed safety socket with the associated mains

connection cable. If extension cables are used, it must be ensured that the wire cross-section is

dimensioned and approved for the power supply required for the device! Make sure that the mains

voltage of the socket corresponds to the permissible voltage values in this manual.

The power supply of the amplifier is equipped with an intelligent mains voltage detection. It allows

worldwide operation on all power grids. After switching on, the electronics check the mains voltage

and switches the power pack to the correct voltage range 115VAC or 230VAC.

If a three-phase current generator is used at events on which the device is to be operated, the

correct mains voltage must be checked before connecting the amplifier! In the event of faulty

three-phase power supplies without a neutral conductor, a so-called neutral point shift can result

in up to 400 Volt being applied to the protective contact sockets. This overvoltage leads to the

destruction of the electronics in the amplifier.

The device has a blind cover (9) over the existing Powercon®-IN (see page 8, item 10). This is intended

for the optional possibility of discrete power supply of the second amplifier block via a second

Powercon® IN.In the original delivery state, the two separate power packs are together supplied with

power via the lower Powercon® IN. This option of redundant power supply for both amplifier blocks can

be retrofitted at the factory if desired, and thus enables the amplifier blocks to be operated on different

current phases (e.g. block 1 to L1, block 2 to L2,...).

Best option is to connect the PowerPac 4004 DSP to its own circuit with a 16A fuse (characteristic curve

C). Please refer to the technical data for the power consumption in the different operating states.

The device corresponds to protection class 1.

In the event of a thunderstorm or danger, pull the power plug out of the socket immediately.

To avoid ground loops, we recommend using symmetrical signal routing and the power distribution in

the so-called star point earthing, which means, all ground connections meet at one single point.

Never interrupt the contact to the protective conductor (e.g. by cutting off the protective conductor,

disconnecting the connection to the protective conductor through insulation, etc.), because in the

event of a defect this increases the risk of a electric shock over the metal housing.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

10© PL-audio GmbH & Co.KG | Siegener Straße 6 | 57482 Wenden | www.pl-audio.de Version: May 2022 V 1.4

Power generator operation

If the amplifier is operated on a power generator, this is done at your own risk!

Extensive precautionary measures must be taken before connecting and operating your device on a power

generator:

•Use only high-quality, generously dimensioned power generators

•perPowerPacat least 3kVArated power

•If possible, switch on an under / overvoltage shutdown, this should be at U min.200VAC undervoltage and

U max. 250VAC overvoltage!

•Always load three-phase generators equally to avoid unbalanced loads, e.g. PowerPac 1 on L1, PowerPac 2

on L2, PowerPac 3 on L3

•Load the generator permanently with a stable base load in order to absorb voltage fluctuations. e.g. 1000W

halogen lamp, electric heater etc.

XLR connection

XLR inputs can be connected both symmetrically and asymmetrically. Balanced cables are preferable, however, as

they provide better protection against interference over long cable runs.As explained on page 18, only certain XLR

inputs are used depending on the operating mode of the power amplifier. The operating mode of the device can

be set using the menu navigation via the encoder wheel or by loading the respective preset using the software. The

inputs Input A and Input B can be controlled with signals up to +24dBu. The connection between power amplifier

blocks 1 and 2 can be easily established using short XLR link cables (0.5m).In addition, the user has the option of

further processing the fed-in XLR signals via the XLR Out socket, e.g. in another PowerPac 4004 DSP. Pay attention

to the following assignment of the XLR connection.

Speaker connection

Before loudspeakers are connected to the Speakon® outputs of the PowerPac 4004 DSP, the corresponding preset

must be loaded on the signal processor! Only with the specially designed presets developed by PL-AUDIO, your

connected loudspeakers achieve maximum performance, the best possible sound and the necessary operational

reliability. Loading an incorrect preset will cause the speakers to sound bad and/or may be damaged by

overloading! If you would like to operate loudspeakers from other manufacturers on the PowerPac 4004 DSP,

there are sufficient free preset storage spaces available on the device! As a starting point, we recommend the “01.

Load Sub + Top Standard" preset and adjust it to your speakers (Gain, HPF, LPF, EQ, Limiter, etc.) The Speakon®

sockets (7, black) on the back of the device (page 8, bottom picture) are intended for system cabling. When wiring

the system, only a single 4-pin Speakon® cable is laid between the power amplifier and a sub/top combination on

each side of the system. Pins 1+/1- are wired for the tops, pins 2+/2- for the bass.

2-way actively separated loudspeakers do not have a built-in passive crossover. With these loudspeakers, each

playback path has its own amplifier channel (BiAmp). An amplifier channel drives the midrange driver(s) (e.g.

channel 2 –mid). Another amplifier channel the tweeter(s) (e.g. channel 3 - high). With this system, a 4-pin

Speakon® cable is used between the Speakon® sockets (8, red) and the speaker box. Channel 2 is transmitted to

pins 1+/1-, channel 3 is transmitted to pins 2+/2- . Special care must be taken when wiring bi-amp systems, as

incorrect wiring can quickly lead to the destruction of the high-frequency driver! The correct selection of the

preset is also important here.

PL-Audio Bi-Amp presets are usually locked in the signal processor with password protection to prevent the

parameters from being changed unintentionally. If you want to make changes here, do this very carefully, with

caution and expertise! The signal processor allows very fine, but also serious changes in the transmission

properties of the speaker system! To change the bi-amp presets, log in to the administrator user level of the signal

processor with the password: "admin1". Now you have full access.

This is particularly convenient with the PL-audio DSP-CONTROL software on the PC.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Bridge Mode Operation

The bridge operation (BTL) couples the power from channel 2 (800W/4Ω) and channel 3 (800W/4Ω) to a powerful

1x1400W/8Ω mono channel. The maximum impedance is 8Ω, never connect 4Ω loudspeakers!The BTL bridge

operation increases the voltage gain from 26dB to 32dB (+6dB)!

Setting >BTL-operation

1. Connect the DSP to the PC. Start the software and open the control window.

2. In the MAIN window, turn on the blue Link button for channels 2+3 (Link Ch2 & Ch3).

3. Make all of the settings for your speaker at Out 2 of the DSP.

4. Be sure to calculate the limiter with an amplification factor of 32dB and set it correctly!

5. Now switch on the bridge mode in the PC software:

a) Click in the menue on Hardware

b) Choose Configure →Output Mode →Outputs 2 and 3

c) Click on Bridge Mono

Connection of loudspeakers in BTL-Mode :

Use the red bi-amp socket ONLY in the connection panel for bridge operation! Make sure that the Speakon

connectors are wired properly and are short-circuit-proof.

Bi-Amp connector, red Loudspeaker,8Ω

1+ Plus pole, Channel 2(+)

1- Minus pole, Channel 2 (-)

2+ Plus pole, Channel 3(+)

2- Minus pole, Channel 3 (-)

+ Plus pole Loudspeaker

- Minus poleLoudspeaker

are out of order in the software!

Out 3

In the Bridge-Mono -mode all buttons of

ATTENTION: The bridge operation can NOT be set or recognized on the display of the power amplifier! You

need a computer with the DSP software to set the BTL bridge operation.

Im Brückenbetrieb niemals Impedanzen mit weniger als 8Ω am Verstärkeranschließen!!!

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

All settings in the DSP controller must be made in Out 2.

Speaker connection

Wichtiger Hinweis : Belasten Sie die Ausgangskanäle 2 & 3 nicht mit weniger als 4Ω!

Example: 2 x 8Ω loudspeakers, connected in parallel result in 4Ω

2 x 16Ω loudspeakers, connected in parallel result in 8Ω

Damage to the amplifier modules due to overload caused by too low impedances are not covered by the warranty or

guarantee!

USB / Netzwork communication

•Page8(PowerPac backside, Item 5) USB Interface

You can connect the DSP controller with a commercially available USB cable (USB A to USB B).

Connect your PC or Mac via USB interface to use the PL-audio DSP-CONTROL software to make software configurations

and settings.

Please note that the length of USB signal transmission is limited. We only recommend to use USB cables up to a

maximum length of 3m.

The USB-Interface is designed as USB 1.1.

If ever possible please preferably use the Ethernet connection (RJ 45 socket).

•Page8(PowerPac backside, item 3) Network / Ethernet Interface

With the network interface you can integrate the DSP controller into a local network, to control and operate it remotely

through longer distances with the PL-audio DSP-CONTROL software. If you connect a wireless router to the network

port, you can take advantage of wireless remote control with a W-LAN-enabled device!

The network port also offers the option of connecting the DSP directly via a commercially available network

cable (up to 100min length, CAT5e or higher) directly to a computer.

If the DSP is not automatically registered in the IP universe of the computer through the direct connection PC → DSP ,

an intermediate router is required, which has DHCP server functionality that automatically assigns an IP address that

can be located by the computer.

The network port is designed as 10-Mbits Ethernet. RJ-45 connector standard.

Installation

Please note that if the device is cold and transported into a warm environment, condensation will form inside the

device. To avoid damage and malfunctions due to condensation / moisture, let the device acclimatise first.

After switching on the device, a self-test and initialization are carried out. The fan runs up once for approx. 4

seconds. During the start-up process, the loudspeaker outputs of the power amplifier are muted and are

activated automatically as soon as the power amplifier is ready for operation. This protective circuit prevents

unpleasant "cracking" noises in the loudspeakers.

The amplifier is ready for operation approx. 10 seconds after switching on.

ATTENTION: The power amplifier has no gain control on the front panel!

To avoid unpleasant and possibly damaging noises in the loudspeakers, always switch the individual components on in

the direction of the signal path. So first the player, then the mixer and only at the end the power amplifiers. When

switching off, just proceed in reverse order.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

In order to avoid overloading the amplifiers, among other things, only connect ONE Speakon connection®

("System" black or "BiAmp" red) to your loudspeakers!

Important notice: NEVER LOAD THE OUTPUT CHANNELS IN NORMAL MODE WITH LESS THAN 4Ω!!!

The setting of all output levels is made in the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) either by using the built in encoder wheel

and the display or the PL-audio DSP-Control Software on a computer.

Before switching on the power amplifier for the first time, it is not possible to check which volume or which speaker

preset is set! Therefore, please always turn the volume level of your signal source (mixer) to a minimum.

When you have made all connections, switch on the amplifier, check whether the correct preset is loaded and increase

volume gently until you hear the signals from your speaker system. If you do not hear an output signal on the connected

loudspeakers, check the cabling again before turning the level up any further.

DSP control via Display & Encoder wheel

Note: Certain settings can only be configured using the PL-audio DSP-Control software.

Push the MENÜ-button once to call up the main menue.

The main menue contents 5 menue points:

▪Load Presets

▪Save Presets

▪Password protection / Access Level

▪Device informationen read out (5 additiopnal points in this sub menue)

▪Routing, configuration (Input routing to Outputs) Mixer in OUT 1,2,3

By pushing the MENÜ-button you can navigate in the main menue in an endless loop.

Encoder-wheel turn to select parameters and navigate in the sub menue.

Encoder-wheel pushing to confirm a setting or to jump to the next module.

EXIT-button: push once to jump back to previous menue point.

EXIT-button pushing several times to exit the configuration menue and take over the changed parameters.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

EXIT

TURN to

SELECT

PUSH to

ENTER

PL-Audio 4004 1

2 B18+F10pro L

Upper line: Name of the individual module block PL-Audio 4004 1

Lower line: Number of Preset 2& short description of the preset B18+F10pro L

Dual block construction PowerPac 4004 DSP

Since you can call up and control the two power amplifier sections of the PowerPac 4004 DSP individually via the

network connection, it is advisable to name the respective blocks accordingly for better clarity, such as top part L

and top part R or something similar. This makes wiring, monitoring and control easier and clearer. Any settings in

the digital signal processor are NOT automatically adopted by the respective other DSP in the other block. These

settings must be made individually for both blocks!

Interlink cabling block 1 to block 2

You can connect each of the power amp sections (Block 1 and Block 2) individually using XLR cables (depending on

the mixing console to be fed). To simplify the cabling for stereo applications, we recommend interlink cabling with

short XLR cables between THRU left and right of one power amp block to inputs A and B of the other power amp

block.

Network connection

If you would like to remotely monitor the two DSPs, for example via W-LAN, connect the respective network

connections (RJ 45) of block 1 and block 2 to a suitable router. You can then call up the two DSPs individually on

the computer for remote monitoring or settings.

Limiter settings

If you program your own presets in addition to the factory presets, we strongly recommend that you calculate and

set the limiter settings for the respective channels precisely in order to protect your connected speakers from

overload! The limiters are already set at the factory presets.

The PowerPac 4004 DSP offers the user numerous possible uses:

The power amp has 2 output channels per power amp block, 2 x 800W 4Ω. This power is provided at the Speakon

sockets® in red (bi-amp: Ch 2=1+/1- and Ch 3=2+/2-) or black (system: Ch 3=1+/1- and Ch 2=2 +/-2-). The signal of

DSP channel 1 is only available as a line signal at the balanced XLR out and can be used, for example, to control

power amplifiers for subwoofer or full-range operation. The parameters for this are set in the DSP of the

PowerPac 4004 DSP.

Several configurations can be operated per amplifier block (see examples below):

up to 2 subwoofers at 8 ohms and 2 tops with built-in crossover at 8 ohms.

•Bi-amp operation of actively separated mid/high speaker units with mid-range channel (at least 4 ohms) and

treble channel (at least 4 ohms)

•up to two monitors with built-in crossover á 8 ohms plus eg two side or front fills á 8 ohms with built-in

crossover

•many other combinations (e.g. multi-room or multi-loudspeaker applications) in which the sum of the nominal

impedance per power amplifier channel does not fall below 4 ohms.

If you connect an 8Ω loudspeaker to channel 2 of the PowerPac 4004 DSP, it will receive 400W at 8Ω.If you

add an additional loudspeaker of 8Ω to channel 2, the impedance is reduced to 4Ω.The 800W (which is

available at 4Ω) is now shared between both speakers and each speaker receives 400W at 8Ω. (like

application 2) Calculation example:(400W 8Ω + 400W 8Ω = 8900W 4Ω). The same principle applies to

channel 3 of the PowerPac 4004 DSP.

The most ideal use of the PowerPac 4004 DSP is as a system power amplifier for, eg. actively (bi-amp) controlled

loudspeakers (connection via the Speakon sockets® BiAmp red) such as PL-AUDIO

LA210/LA208/LA206/BigBanana/Banana/TS62/TS61/ TS42 plus the feed of the signal from the DSP (XLR-Out Out 1)

to additional power amplifiers for the corresponding subwoofers (or alternatively to active subwoofers with built-

in power amplifiers such as PL-AUDIO Gorilla series, B21Sub AKTIV, B215Sub AKTIV,...). The PowerPac 4004 DSP

thus takes over the entire signal management for top parts and the matching subwoofers.

The following examples provide a brief overview of the various configuration options.

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Connection example stereo to passive Woofer and Tops:

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Mixing console

XLR L/R

Speakon®

4-pol

Speakon®

4-pol

Signalfluss (von Mischpult zu Lautsprecher):

XLR Out Mixing console to Input A/B In on Block 2 PowerPac 4004 DSP

Thru A/B from Block 2 to Input A/B Block 1 PowerPac 4004 DSP (Interlink)

Speakon® System Out Block 2 to Subwoofer R (2+/2-)

Speakon® System Out Block 1 to Subwoofer L (2+/2-)

Speakon® from Subwoofer R to Top R (1+/1-)

Speakon® from Subwoofer L to Top L (1+/1-)

Top L with

integr. X-Over

PowerPac 4004 DSP

Top R with

integr. X-Over

Subwoofer R

In the above example, the PowerPac 4004 DSP supplies up to 2 basses at 8 ohms (800 W) and up to two tops with

integrated crossovers at 8 ohms (800 W) per power amp block. For the sake of simplicity, only one subwoofer and

one top per side are shown in the example graphic.

Both bass and top parts can be connected to the Speakon socket® "System" via a 4-pole Speakon cable®, with

channel 2+/2- transmitting the bass signal and channel 1+/1- transmits the signal to the top parts (mid & high). A

built-in crossover takes over the signal assignment to the mid-range driver and tweeter in the top parts.

In the above example, the DSP Out 1 could control the front or side fill via an external amplifier (eg PowerPac

2004). In this case, please note that a signal or level adjustment for DSP Out 1 (front/side fill) only makes sense via

the PL-AUDIO Control software, since the signal for this is tapped from the sum input signal.

Subwoofer L

Eg. To external power amplifier

with speakers or active speakers

for eg. front- or side-fill

XLR

Connection example stereo to active (BiAmp) Tops, external amplifier and Subwoofer:

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Mixing console

Top BiAmp

eg BananaArray

XLR L/R

Speakon®

4-pol

XLR XLR

Speakon®

4-pol Speakon®

4-pol

Signal flow (from mixing console to speakers):

XLR Out mixing console to Input A/B In on Block 2 PowerPac 4004 DSP

Thru A/B of Block 2 to Input A/B Block 1 PowerPac 4004 DSP (Interlink)

DSP Out Channel 1 of Block 1&2 to Input A/B external amplifier, eg. PowerPac 5002,…

Speakon® BiAmp Out Block 2 to BananaArray R

Speakon® BiAmp Out Block 1 to BananaArray L

Speakon® of external amplifier 2+/2- to Subwoofer (Block 1 & 2)

Top BiAmp

eg BananaArray

Subwoofer

eg B2, B2-15,

B18T,…

Subwoofer

eg B2, B2-15,

B18T,…

PowerPac 4004 DSP

Speakon®

4-pol

In this example, the XLR out of the DSP takes over the signal management for the two subwoofers (here powered by

a PowerPac 5002). The two actively separated (BiAmp) tops are powered via DSP channel 2 (midrange) and DSP

channel 3 (treble) via the power amplifiers of the PowerPac 4004 DSP driven with up to 800W for the midrange and

up to 800W for the treble range via the Speakon socket® "BiAmp".

External Amplifier

eg PowerPac 5002,

D14K2, D10K4,…

Multi zone connection:

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

Speakon®

4-pol

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3 Zone 4

PowerPac 4004 DSP

MiniPac 2004DSP

Speakon®

4-pol

2 woofer á 8Ohm plus 4 Tops á 16Ohm

1 Woofer 8Ohm plus 4 Tops á 16Ohm

XLR Out to additional MiniPac 2004DSP to 4 pcs TS41

DSP Out 1 XLR Out to active speakers

XLR 1/2

XLR L

XLR R

In the example outlined here, the PowerPac 4004 DSP handles the matrix signal management and supplies up to 2

subwoofers at 8 ohms (800 W) and up to four tops with integrated crossovers at 16 ohms (800 W) per power

amplifier block. Both, bass and top parts can be connected to the Speakon socket® "System" via a 4-pole Speakon

cable®, whereby channel 2+/2- transmits the bass signal and channel 1+/1- transmits the signal to the top parts

(mid & high). The signal assignment to the midrange and tweeter in the tops is handled by a built-in crossover in the

respective tops.

In the example above, the speaker groups are divided into different zones. For this example, you will most likely not

use the stereo sum of the mixing console, but rather an individual matrix mix on the two inputs A and B or the

respective blocks 1 & 2. For individual signal feeds to Blocks 1 & 2, we recommend XLR interlink cabling from Thru A

to Input B for each block (bass signal is processed internally by the DSP from the sum of Inputs A and B).

The DSP Out 1 of Block 2 is fed to active loudspeakers (e.g. Flatbox 200) via an XLR connection. The DSP Out 1 of

Block 1 is fed to 4 passive loudspeakers (eg TS 41) via an external four-channel amplifier (eg MiniPac 2004 DSP)

using an XLR cable. In this case, please note that an individual signal or level adjustment on the output side for DSP

Out 1 (Block 1 and Block 2) can only be carried out using the PL-AUDIO Control software, since the signal for the

DSP is tapped from the sum input signal.

3.4 Loading and editing of presets on the device / Routing

In the flash memory of the DSP-controler up to 80 presets can be stored. With the encoder wheel and the MENÜ-

button the presets can be loaded. Presets can be named with up to 16 characters.

Please use NO special characters for naming the presets.

Load preset:

–

Push the MENÜ-Button one time

Choose the desired preset by turning the encoder wheel. The presets stored in

the memory will one by one appear on the display.

For loading the selected preset push the encoder wheel.

–Confirm the appearing security query by turning the encoder wheel to the right until YES will appear in

the display with capitalisation.

–By pushing the encoder wheel again the selected preset will be loaded into the DSP.

Routing, pre setting (Input to Outputs) Mixer in →Out 1,2,3

By pushing the MENÜ-button five times the sub menue „Routing“ will be called up on the display.

This consist of two settings:

Stereo + Sub

Mono 3-Way

This pre-selection changes the mixer for the signal selection in the outputs 1, 2 and 3.

By selecting 2 (Mono 3-Weg) only XLR-Input A is active!

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

–

Stereo + Sub:

Out 1 Out 2 Out 3

Mono 3-way:

ATTENTION: The signal of

Out 1 is always lowonly on

the XLR connection "DSP

Out Channel 1".The signals

from Out 2 and Out 3 are

denfed to internal power

amplifiers.

DSP control via PL-audio DSP Control

User levels / Access-Level (Password protection)

Firmware Update Process

USER MANUAL PowerPac 4004 DSP

To prevent inadvertent or undesired changes to the signal processor during operation or when renting /

lending, the DSP can be locked with password protection. (Access Level: Locked)

In the PL- Audio DSP-Control software click in the control window on the menu item:

Hardware → Lock Unit → Confirm the upcoming advise with OK.

The DSP has 3 user levels, which can be called up by entering the corresponding password.

1: Locked –Level

2: User –Level

3: Admin –Level

DSP Locked

Password: PLAudio1

Password: Ad_min

If you have blocked DSP access via the display or the control window on the PC, all setting options in the

controller cannot be configured.

To regain access, enter the passwords for either the user or admin level via the display or the control

window on the PC and activate the user rights. All setting options can now be called up again.

The input field for the password in the computer software can be found in the control window under

the menu item

Hardware → Enter Passwort→ now the input window opens in the software.

In order to always have the latest firmware on the signal processor, you should carry out a firmware

update regularly. The update can only be carried out with a PC. Please always download the latest DSP

control software from the PL-audio homepage and install it on your computer.

This application contains 2x the firmware uploader.

Once in the network manager for a complete new installation and in the control window under the

menu item Hardware → Firmware Update

Important: Please note that with a firmware update all presets saved on the flash memory of the DSP

will be lost. It is therefore essential to save these presets on your computer BEFORE an update!

For the firmware update you should preferably use the network interface on the DSP, since the bootloader

of the network chip is updated at the same time.

Table of contents

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