Speco PBM120A User manual

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INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
PBM120A - 120 WATT RMS PUBLIC
ADDRESS AMPLIFIER
PBM120AT 120 WATT RMS PUBLIC
ADDRESS AMPLIFIER WITH TUNER
PBM120AU 120 WATT RMS PUBLIC
ADDRESS AMPLIFIER WITH TUNER/CD/USB

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
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PRECAUTIONS
1. Unpacking
After removing the amplifier from the carton, inspect for any
exterior damage to the unit. If damage is noted, notify the carrier at
once so that a claim can be justified. Save all packing material. This
is important when the claim is processed.
2. Ventilation
To offset heat generated by the unit, it is necessary to provide ample
ventilation around the unit. Avoid blocking or impeding the
ventilation holes on the unit. To prevent unnecessary problems,
install the unit in a place free from any vibrations, direct sunlight,
humidity or dust circulation.
3. Prevent liquids or other materials to enter cabinet
If the unit gets wet or any foreign material enters the amplifier
cabinet, immediately disconnect the AC power cord and consult your
dealer or qualified technician.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions completely.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with instructions.
8. Do not install on or near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades with one wider that the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade and the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles and where connected to the apparatus.
11. Only use the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects
filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
17. CAUTION – Use of any controls or adjustments or performance of
procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.

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Thank You!
We at Speco Technologies thank you for your purchase of our PBM120A, PBM120AT or PBM120AU
amplifier. The PBM120A is the first in Speco Technologies next generation of commercial public address
amplifiers.
We have taken our customers’ input and created the perfect amplifier for almost any application. In
addition to the great features you’ve come to expect in a Speco Technologies amplifier, the new PBM-A
series has ample inputs, an included IR-remote control, an RS232 input for integration with control
systems, front panel locking capability, and includes all rack-mounting hardware.
With a stylish appearance and all these additional features at a price similar to previous generation
amplifiers, the new PBM-A series is sure to become your go-to amplifier.
Please review this checklist of components to make sure you received all items with your amplifier:
Inside the box (PBM120A)
 One amplifier
 One product manual
 One IR remote control (Battery included)
 One set of rack mounting hardware including two (2) brackets
 AC Power Cord
If you have purchased a PBM120AU or PBM120AT, the module will already be factory installed, and this
box should also include:
 AM Antenna
 FM Antenna
Please make sure you have all accessories and your box and unit did not suffer any noticeable damage
during transit prior to connecting your amplifier.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3 Safety Instructions
Page 5 Features and Specifications
Page 5 Front Panel
Page 7 Rear Panel
Page 10 Reference Information
Page 11 PBM120AU Instructions
Page 14 PBM120AT Instructions
Page 15 IR Remote

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SECTION 1: FEATURES AND SPECIFICATIONS
 120W RMS/240W Max Power
 AC 115V, 60Hz
 3 XLR Microphone inputs with selectable phantom power (Mic 1 has selectable priority)
 Telephone paging input
 Music on hold output
 5 zoned speaker outputs (70 or 25V)
 Non-zoned 4/8/16 Ohm output
 RCA or XLR line output
 Front Bass and Treble controls
 Individual volume control for each input
 Master digital volume control
 Digital front panel lock
 RS232 input for integration with popular control systems
SECTION 2: Controls and Connections
FRONT PANEL

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1) Module Bay:
a. This will be empty for the PBM120A.
b. This will contain a factory-installed Tuner/CD/USB/SD player for the PBM120AU
(Page 9).
c. This will contain a factory-installed AM/FM Tuner for the PBM120AT (Page 11).
2) Zone Selector:
a. Turn specific speaker runs on or off.
b. If a zone is turned on, the LED above the zone button will illuminate.
3) Volume Level Indicator:
a. This display will indicate the level of volume of the amplifier.
b. Volume can be changed either using the Master Volume Knob (#9) or by using
the IR remote control
4) IR receiver:
a. Aim your IR remote control at this window to control the amplifier.
b. Range of the IR remote can be extended by using an optional IR repeater, such
as the Speco Technologies Part Number IRRPTKIT.
5) Microphone Volume Control Knobs:
a. Turn the knob left to decrease the microphone volume relative to other inputs.
b. Turn the knob right to increase the microphone volume relative to other inputs.
6) Auxiliary Input Volume Control Knobs:
a. Turn the knob left to decrease the AUX input volume relative to other inputs.
b. Turn the knob right to increase the AUX input volume relative to other inputs.
7) Tone Controls:
a. Turning the Bass knob left or right will increase or decrease the bass of all inputs.
b. Turning the Treble knob left or right will increase or decrease the treble of all inputs.
8) Source Select Button:
a. Pushing this button will alternate between the auxiliary inputs and then module
input as the main source.
b. If a module is not installed (PBM120A), no audio will play if module is selected.
9) Master Volume Knob:
a. Turn the knob to the left to decrease the volume of all inputs and sources.
b. Turn the knob to the right to increase the volume of all inputs and sources.
10) System Lock Indicator:
a. This amplifier comes complete with a feature that will lock the functions of the front
panel so that only the IR remote can control the amplifier.
b. This is useful for when the amplifier is installed in a public area and unauthorized
personnel or customers might have access to the volume, source, etc.
11) Standby Power Button:
a. This button will enable the amplifier to enter and exit standby mode.
b. When in standby mode, the LED light above the button will illuminate.

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Section 2: Controls and Connections
REAR PANEL
12) Main Power Switch:
a. This switch will completely turn the amplifier power on and off.
13) Commercial Speaker Zone Outputs:
a. This amplifier comes complete with both constant voltage and constant
impedance outputs. Only one type of output may be used at a time.
Attempting to use both simultaneously could damage the amplifier and/or
speakers and would void the warranty.
b. 5 outputs are provided to make speaker wiring easier and to allow for
distribution of speakers into groups.
c. In conjunction with the buttons on the front panel (#2), audio can be turned on
and off to these zones.
VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure commercial audio principles are followed and the proper
speaker types are wired to the proper outputs. Putting the incorrect speakers on the
incorrect output can damage your speakers and/or amplifier and is not covered under
warranty. If unsure, please contact a professional.
14) RS232 Connector:
a. This connection allows the amplifier to be controlled by a remote source, such
as a third party automation system.
b. Programming instructions are available upon request. Please contact the Speco
Technologies Technical Support department.
PLEASE NOTE: For Music-on-hold and Telephone Paging, please refer to the instructions
of your PBX or telephone paging system for proper function. These are simply passive
inputs that allow for either music to be fed into the phone system for audio while callers

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are on hold, or for using the features of the phone system to send a page via a specific
output on the phone system. Installation instructions vary widely by manufacturer. If
unsure, please contact a professional.
15) Music-on-hold (MOH) Volume Knob:
a. This knob will allow you to adjust the volume of the MOH output.
16) Music-on-hold (MOH) Output:
a. These terminals allow output of the amplifier’s audio to another source, such as
a telephone paging system.
i. 600 Ohms/1V
ii. 8 Ohms/1W
17) Telephone Paging Inputs:
a. These inputs will allow you to utilize your amplifier with a telephone paging system
for purposes of paging.
18) Telephone Paging Volume Knob:
a. If connected to a phone system, this will allow adjustment of the incoming audio.
19) AM Antenna Input:
a. This terminal will allow you to connect an AM antenna for your module.
b. The antenna will only be included with a PBM120AT and PBM120AU.
20) AC Power Inlet:
a. Connect your included power cord here, carefully following all safety instructions.
21) External Fuse:
a. T10AL, 250V fuse can be replaced here.
22) Zone Output Switch:
a. Change the format of the zoned commercial outputs between 25V and 70V.
VERY IMPORTANT: NEVER switch output while amplifier is active. NEVER switch output and
power amplifier if incorrect speakers are connected to the output. Damage can occur to the
amplifier and/or speakers and the warranty will be void. If unsure, please consult a
professional.
23) Single-Zone Constant Impedance Outputs
a. This amplifier comes complete with both constant voltage and constant impedance
outputs. Only one type of output may be used at a time. Attempting to use both
simultaneously could damage the amplifier and/or speakers and would void the
warranty.
b. This amplifier offers single-channel 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm and 16 Ohm outputs
24) XLR Line Output:
a. Utilize this XLR output to connect the amplifier to a booster amplifier with a
matching input
25) RCA Line Output:
a. Utilize this RCA output to connect the amplifier to another amplifier with RCA inputs

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to daisy chain amplifiers.
26) Auxiliary Inputs:
a. These inputs accept right and left channel RCA inputs.
27) Phantom Power Switch:
a. This amplifier provides phantom power to the appropriate microphones.
b. This switch will turn the phantom power feature on and off for each microphone
input.
28) Microphone Inputs:
a. This amplifier has three XLR microphone inputs.
b. To expand the number of microphone inputs on this amp, we suggest using an
external microphone mixer such as Speco Technologies’ Part numbers MMB3XLR (3
input) or MMB8XLRLL (8 input) and connecting that mixer to one of the three XLR
microphone inputs.
29) Priority Paging Switch
a. Activation of this switch will allow any microphone connected to MIC1 to take
priority.
b. This means that when a page is made from a microphone connected to this input, all
other audio sources will be temporarily muted.
30) FM Antenna Input:
a. This terminal will allow you to connect an FM antenna for your module.
b. The antenna will only be included with a PBM120AT and PBM120AU.

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For more information contact Speco Technologies
200 New Highway, Amityville, NY 11701• Toll Free: 1-800-645-5516•Fax: [phone] or 631-957-3880•www.specotech.com
SECTION 3: REFERENCE INFORMATION
The following information is provided for reference only. Please consult a professional if
unsure about any aspects of commercial or residential installations.
SPEAKER CONNECTION
The rear panel of the amplifier contains 5, zoned speaker connections.
BE SURE TO CONNECT SPEAKERS PROPERLY, see line voltage instructions below.
The speaker lines are to be connected directly between the appropriate COM terminal on the
terminal strip and the terminal corresponding to the impedance of the speaker(s).
Connect the cables to the terminals on the screw terminal strip provided. Use the screw
terminals which correspond to the proper polarity of the speaker(s). One lead must always be
connected to the COM.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: When 70V or 25V constant line voltages are used, a line matching
transformer must be used with each speaker. All transformers must be connected in parallel.
ALWAYS CONNECT LINE TRANSFORMERS IN PARALLEL, NEVER CONNECT IN SERIES
SPEAKER IMPEDANCES
Speaker terminal taps for 70V constant line voltage are provided on the rear panel of the unit.
To connect the power output directly to a speaker or PA horn or a combination of speakers
and/or PA horns, connect to the COM and (+) terminal on the strip. Be sure the speaker(s) or PA
horn(s) can handle a reasonable power output from the amplifier or permanent damage to the
speaker(s) or PA horn(s) may result. Also, be careful not to overload the amplifier with too
many speakers or PA horns. If it is desired to use a number and variety of speakers, the
speakers must be arranged in various series or parallel arrays to provide proper impedance
matching. 70V constant line voltage must be used (parallel connection only). If you are not
familiar with impedance matching, consult a professional installer or technician for advice. If
70V constant line voltages are used, a line matching transformer must be used with each
speaker. Again do not overload or use incompatible speakers. Line transformers are the
preferred method for multi-speaker installation.
CABLE REQUIREMENTS
Output cabling need not be shielded in most cases and should be of sufficient gauge to minimize
losses due to the resistance of the wire over long runs (insertion loss). Cable thinner than 18
gauge AWG is not recommended. Long runs require 16 gauge AWG or heavier.
In some cases where the output cable is run in close proximity to unshielded intercom cables,
electrical cables, radio transmission antennas or other sources of interference, or when the
amplifier is being used for paging from a telephone system, the amplifier may require shielded
output cabling to prevent audio feedback or interference.
PRIORITY PAGE
The amplifier features a voice activated priority page circuit and automatically mutes all
program material (Auxiliary, Module, Microphone, etc.) from the amplifier’s output, and
permits MIC 1 and the TEL input to override for paging announcements.