thomann The Box Pro A 218 LA User manual

A 218 LA
active subwoofer
user manual

Musikhaus Thomann e.K.
Treppendorf 30
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.thomann.de
13.11.2013

Table of contents
1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 7
3 Features....................................................................................................................................................... 11
4 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 12
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................................... 14
6 Starting up ................................................................................................................................................. 19
7 Networking and remote control ..................................................................................................... 23
8 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 27
9 Plug and connection assignment.................................................................................................... 29
10 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 31
Table of contents
A 218 LA
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1 General notes
This user manual contains important information on safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to other users, be sure
that they also receive this manual.
Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the
right to make changes without notice.
General notes
active subwoofer
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This section provides an overview of the symbols and signal words used in this user manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates an immediate dangerous situation
that will result in death or serious injury if it is
not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word
indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in material and environmental
damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Symbols and signal words
General notes
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Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – danger zone.
General notes
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2 Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used in a sound reinforcement system. Use the device only as
described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other operating conditions is consid‐
ered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property damage. No liability will be
assumed for damages resulting from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not
within reach of babies and young children. Choking hazard!
Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from
the unit. They could swallow the pieces and choke!
Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
Intended use
Safety
Safety instructions
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DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit
Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord). Do not
modify the mains cable. Failure to do so could result in electric shock/death or
fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a registered electrician.
Safety instructions
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CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent
hearing impairment. Over an extended period of time, even levels that seem to
be uncritical can cause hearing damage.
Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or
hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use suffi‐
cient ear protectors.
NOTICE!
Risk of fire
Do not cover the device nor any ventilation slots. Do not place the device near
any direct heat source. Keep the device away from naked flames.
Safety instructions
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NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.
NOTICE!
Power supply
Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.
Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Safety instructions
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3 Features
Special features of the device:
nActive subwoofer with 2 × 18" woofers (4" voice coils)
n2 × 2000 W class D amplifier
nInternal Sound Processor (DSP) with four presets
nConnectivity options: XLR chassis socket for signal input, XLR chassis plug for signal output
npowerCON input
nNetwork port for connecting a notebook/PC using exclusively the CanBus converters (item
no.: 326058 the box pro USB2CAN CanBus Converter) and the Pronet software (free down‐
load from www.thomann.de).
nTen carrying handles
nBirch plywood housing with waterproof paint
nFour heavy-duty casters included
Features
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4 Installation
Unpack and carefully check that there is no transportation damage before using the unit. Keep
the equipment packaging. To fully protect the device against vibration, dust and moisture
during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your own packaging material
suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible high-
quality cables for all connections.
CAUTION!
Risk of injury due to heavy weight
Due to the heavy weight of the device, at least two persons are required for trans‐
port and installation.
Installation
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NOTICE!
Possible property damage by magnetic fields
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Therefore, maintain an appropriate
distance to devices that can be adversely affected or damaged by an external
magnetic field.
Installation
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5 Connections and operating elements
Connections and operating elements
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1INPUT
Audio signal input with lockable XLR chassis socket. The socket is electronically perfectly symmetrical wired to ach‐
ieve an optimal signal-to-noise ratio and a sufficient power reserve, including A / D conversion.
2[GND LIFT] pushbutton
If hum is caused by a ground loop, you can use this switch to disconnect the connection between the earth pin of the
device and the signal ground of the device. Switching only has an effect when using balanced connection cables.
3LINK
Audio signal output with XLR chassis plug to connect other line array elements or speakers to which the input signal
is passed.
4[TERMINATE] pushbutton
If the devices is networked together with Line Array elements, the last unit must be terminated with the built-in load
resistance. Press the pushbutton [TERMINATE]. The LED above it lights up.
5MAINS IN
Blue lockable powerCON input socket (NAC3FA). To turn the unit on, plug the powerCON power cord or the
powerCON connector cable from another device into this socket and turn the plug clockwise to the position ON. To
turn the unit off, pull the locking lever on the plug backwards and turn the plug counter-clockwise to the position
PUSH OFF.
Connections and operating elements
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6, 7 NETWORK IN/OUT
RJ45 CAT5 connectors for establishing a network connection to the CanBus Converter (item number 326058), to the
Pronet software and to the line array elements.
Connections and operating elements
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8 Preset button
This button has two functions:
nIf it's kept pressed while turning the device on, the ID assignment is made. The internal digital signal processor
(DSP) assigns a new ID to the device for the remote control within the Pronet network. Each element must have a
unique ID so that it can be represented in the Pronet network. If you assign a new ID, all elements with already
assigned IDs must be turned on and connected to the Pronet network.
nIf the elements is already on, pressing the button selects the DSP preset. The selected preset is indicated by the
corresponding LED.
–STANDARD
This setting is suitable for all applications where the frequency range up to 90 Hz is to be transmitted and
amplified. The setting is suitable for most environments and for combinations with vertically flown Line
Arrays.
–INFRA
This setting can be used when a deeper ‘response’ in the bass range is required. This will slightly reduce the
sound pressure of the system. Note that the settings STANDARD and INFRA must not be used by two adja‐
cent devices at a time.
–CARDIOID
This setting is useful for a device that is aligned to the stage in the back of two other subwoofers. The bass
level is reduced towards the stage. For a sample application, see
Ä ‘Application example for stacked sub‐
woofers’ on page 20.
–USER
Connections and operating elements
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This LED lights up when the user setting is loaded. This setting corresponds to the user preset no. 1 of the
DSP. In delivered condition, the user setting is identical to the setting STANDARD. If you want to change it,
you must connect the element to a PC, edit the parameters using the Pronet software, and save the setting
to user memory preset no. 1.
9 LED SIGN/LIMIT
This LED lights green when an input signal is present.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
10 LED PROT
This LED lights red when the protection circuit of the amplifier module responds due to an internal error and the
amplifier is therefore muted.
This LED lights red when the internal output signal is limited (due to excessive input signal level!).
11 LED ON
This LED lights green when the unit is turned on and the power supply voltage is present.
Connections and operating elements
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6 Starting up
After you have made all the required connections, turn on the audio system.
It is recommended to provide one switch for turning on the entire audio system and to always
leave the powerCon plugs connected to the sockets of the individual elements. With this
simple trick you can extend the life of the powerCON connectors.
Set the desired DSP preset (STANDARD, INFRA, CARDIOID or USER).
Switching on
DSP preset
Starting up
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The units can be combined vertically or horizontally to subwoofer stacks. Of each three
devices, the middle one should aim to the stage working with the DSP preset CARDIOID . The
other two devices point toward the audience and work with the DSP preset STANDARD. By
this configuration, the bass level for the artists on stage is reduced, but maximized for the
audience.
Application example for stacked
subwoofers
Starting up
active subwoofer
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