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.
6
12
3
12
6
3
0
0
6
12
3
0
1
2
dB
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.