ZR3/5/850 Series Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 3.1 CE ©2003 ARX®
ZR3/5/850 Series Amplifier Owner's Manual world v 3.1 CE ©2003 ARX®
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Introduction
Thank you for choosing this ARX amplifier. We hope you enjoy using it as much as
we enjoyed creating it. It is a precision engineered product designed for profession-
al use in all pro-audio applications, and as such, a working knowledge of basic
electronic safety procedures is assumed on the part of the operator.
Like all ARX equipment, it has undergone extensive factory calibration, testing and
‘burn in’ before shipping. To ensure continued trouble free use, please familiarise
yourself with the contents of this manual before using.
About the ZR350, 550, and 850 amplifiers
A complete range of amplifiers designed from the ground up for the intensive duty
cycle that today’s standards of production demand. More power, more protection;
less heat, less weight, and most of all - better sound.
For the ZR series, ARX design engineers have chosen the new generation Lateral
Mosfet devices for the all-important amplifier output stage, ensuring an ultra fast
high frequency, high current-to-load measured in nanoseconds, up to 100 times
faster than amplifiers using conventional Bipolar transistors.
Based on the core technology developed by ARX for our new range of ISC Loud-
speaker Processors, our new ‘Headroom Enhance’ circuitry provides Maximum
power output levels under all rated load conditions, eliminating Output Stage
clipping.
The ZR series feature an internal insert point for the new range of ARX Plug-in
modules: Active crossover boards for easy Bi-Amping, and Plug-in Loudspeaker
processors specifically tailored for the ARX PowerMAX and MicroMAX range of
speaker systems. Advanced computer modelling of the ZR series chassis design has
put strength where it’s needed, and reduced excess weight where possible. Cou-
pling this with the use of compact toroidal transformers has resulted in an excellent
power-to-weight ratio for the ZR series.
All the ZR series amplifiers have new re-settable High Current relay switched
protection circuits that instantly disconnect the speakers when a potentially damag-
ing signal or amplifier error is detected.
New Input delay muting circuitry eliminates switch on/switch off noise.
Dual variable speed cooling fans circulate cooling air through ARX’s proven
‘UltraFin
TM
’ heatsink, ensuring that the Mosfet output devices are kept well within
their thermal tolerance levels under all operating conditions.
As a company, ARX is dedicated to producing pro audio products that consistently
deliver the power and the quality that audio professionals expect.
The ZR series is proof of our commitment - a line of amplifiers that work as hard as
you do, day after day, night after night, because we know that audio professionals
like yourself depend on them to earn a living.
WARNING!
THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE AMPLIFIER, SO
PLEASE DON’T TAKE THE LID OFF AND POKE AROUND!
Amplifiers run on DC voltages provided by the amplifier’s internal power supply.
The SX series have se and - DC fuses for both channels, mounted
internally on the power supply circuit board. The power Mosfets used in the
amplifiers are extremely rugged devices, and the correct rating fuses in the power
supply ensure that the amplifier circuitry is protected from short circuit damage.
A blown DC fuse will be indicated by a very distorted low volume output from
that side of the amplifier. A blown AC fuse will be indicated by nothing working
at all - check to see if the fans are turning.
Any blown fuse should be investigated. It doesn’t necessarily mean that some-
thing is wrong with the amplifier, but indicates that there is something wrong in
the complete signal path, from the mixing console to the speakers.
If an AC fuse blows:
• Switch the power off, replace the fuse with another of the same rating.
• Switch the power back on.
• If it blows again, switch the power off and replace the fuse with another of the
same rating.
• If it blows again, then contact your nearest ARX service centre or the dealer
where you bought the amplifier.
If a DC fuse blows:
• Get a qualified service person to inspect inside the amplifier. Please don’t do it
yourself! There are
very
dangerous voltages inside amplifiers, even when they
have been turned off!
Plug-in Modules
The ZR series feature an internal insert point for the new range of ARX Plug-in
module cards: Active crossover boards for easy Bi-Amping, and Plug-in Loud-
speaker processors specifically tailored for the ARX PowerMAX and MicroMAX
range of speaker systems.
Note: Fitting the card requires removal of the amplifier lid and should only be
done by qualified technicians.
1. Switch amplifier off and remove from power point.
2. Allow all capacitors to discharge by waiting at least 10 minutes.
3. Remove the 12 screws holding the lid on.
4. Gently insert the card component side up into the mating connector on the left
hand side of the amplifier motherboard.
5. Switch the DIP switch S4 from NOR to CH B, and DIP switch S5 from NOR to
CH A. These switches are mounted on the motherboard immediately above the
plug in card, looking from the back of the amplifier to the front.
6. Secure the card to the motherboard with the screws and spacers provided.
7. Replace the amplifier lid and screws, and test that Low frequencies are coming
from Channel A, and High from Channel B. When this has been confirmed, the
amplifier is ready for use.
Contact your ARX distributor for details of these modules.