Rane MA3 Operator'S Manual Download Page 3

Manual-1

OPERATORS MANUAL

MA3

MULTICHANNEL AMPLIFIER

Quick Start

Sure, you say, “it’s just a three channel amp, I'm in a hurry —  

I don't need to read the manual.” But at least read this little sec-

tion so you really know what to expect, and your installation can 

go even faster.

Be sure the amplifier is 

off 

before making any connections. 

Euroblocks make amplifier connection easy. They are just like 

“snap on” terminal blocks that take up to 12 guage wire.

Driving the MA3 from a balanced source is recommended. 

If you must drive the MA3 Input with an unbalanced source, we 

recommend using a cable that has two conductors plus a shield, 

and be sure to keep cable lengths as short as possible (under 10 

feet [3 meters]). See the RaneNote, “Sound System Interconnec-

tion” (contained in this booklet).

Nominal speaker loads should be no lower than 4Ω per out-

put. If you are running series or parallel combinations, be sure 

and 

check your total load impedance

.

For constant-voltage distribution, consider using the optional 

TF 410 or TF 407 transformers with the MT 6 rack panel. 

Transformers may be used on any number of output channels 

required, and one MT 6 can be used with two MA3s. If you in-

tend to use constant-voltage distribution transformers, you may 

want to read the RaneNote “Constant-Voltage Audio Distribu-

tion Systems” (contained in this booklet).

If you are using small speakers that could overload with bass, 

you may want to activate an internal 80 Hz Filter on each chan-

nel. The MA3 is shipped from the factory with the jumpers in 

the “no filter” position, as shown in the diagram on page 4. 

Once Input and Output connections are completed, be sure 

all rear panel 

LEVEL 

controls are all the way counterclockwise. 

Now flip the 

POWER 

switch on. After a couple of seconds, 

slowly turn up each channels’ 

LEVEL 

control to the desired 

gain. Maximum yields the most effective dynamic range control 

for the built-in Limiter). If all is well, you will hear something 

pleasant. If not, re-check connections, put on a better CD, and 

read more of this manual. 

WEAR PARTS:

 This product contains no wear parts.

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MA3

MULTICHANNEL

AMPLIFIER

3

CHANNEL OUTPUT HEADROOM

POWER

POWER

Speaker Connection

To reduce the risk of fire, follow these instructions:

• Connect speaker wires with the amplifier off.

• Use approved Class 2 wiring to connect speakers to the output

terminals.

• The recommended wire gauge is 12-18 AWG.

• Do not use damaged wires, and protect wires from damage.

• Strip wire 0.25 inch (about 6.3 mm).

• Twist the strands together.

• Fully insert the wire into the Euroblock connector.

• Tighten the screw.

• Make certain there are no loose wire strands.

• Use speakers with a power rating equal to or greater than the

rating of the amplifier.

• Connection at the speaker depends on the type of connector.

Follow the instructions provided by the speaker manufacturer.

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