13
Operating Manual - nX, nXe, and nXp 150W/75W Power Amplifiers
6 nXe NETWORK MODEL REAR PANEL FEATURES
The following nXe features are in addition to standard features found in base model nX series amplifiers:
6.1 Ethernet Port
- This RJ-45 connector offers Ethernet control and monitoring of the amplifier using Protea
ne
software.
See
section 8
in this manual for details on Ethernet communications.
6.2 Digital/Network Audio Option
-
This slot is for an optional factory installed AES3, CobraNet, or Dante
audio module.
Note that nXe models do not have DSP installed, so an additional factory installed OPDAC4 digital to analog converter module must
be purchased when ordering an nXe series model with any digital audio option. See section 12 for AES3 digital audio details. See
section 13
for CobraNet and Dante network audio details.
6.3 Standby Contact Closure
-
The SB (standby) pin, when connected to the adjacent ground
pin (G) as shown, remotely places the amp into standby mode for lower power consumption. When
the connection is opened, the amplifier returns to normal operation. Standby is also controlled using
software or the event scheduler. The front panel power switch flashes when the amplifier is in standby.
Sleep mode, if enabled, has priority over standby mode
. An amplifier in sleep state (blue sleep
LED is on) can only be awakened by the presence of audio signal or by pressing the power switch.
6.4 Fault
Pins
-
A fault logic output pin is available for each
amplifier output channel. Fault pins are used to directly drive
external diagnostic LEDs, or connect with equipment that can
remotely monitor and respond to a serious amplifier problem. A
fault is indicated by the loss of a normally present "heartbeat" signal, where the output continuously
toggles between 0V and +5V at a 1Hz rate.
The normal heartbeat signal on each fault pin is interrupted
whenever a fault condition prevents normal function of that
channel while the amplifier is either powered on or in the
standby state. Fault conditions include loss of AC mains
voltage, excessive internal temperature, power supply
voltage out of range, DC on output, or microprocessor
malfunction. A fault pin output can directly drive an LED
as shown in the circuit illustration to the right.
If a critical fault occurs, fault pin output may be latched
<Low> or <High> depending on the type of fault or state of
the output at the moment the fault occurred. A fail-safe fault
detection circuit should monitor and respond only to the loss
of the 1Hz heartbeat signal.
6.5 Preset
-
Each pin (P1 through P4) can be connected to the adjacent ground pin (G) via Ashly's WR-2 remote or other contact closure
to recall a stored preset or sub preset from the amplifier. Preset pins 1-4 correspond directly to amplifier presets 01 - 04.
6.6 Serial Data Connector
-
These four pins (G, +18, OUT, IN) are for connecting a serial data remote control such as an Ashly
WR-5 or RD-8C. Ashly also offers an in-line converter called the
INA-1
which allows the data port to be used with third party RS-232 control
-
lers. A technical
RS-232 protocol document
is available on the Ashly website for third party developers. See more remote control application
details in
section 10
.
6.7 AUX Outputs
-
These Euroblock connectors provide preamp signals for driving other amplifiers. See the
block diagram
on page 59 for the differences between two and four channel amplifier AUX outputs. AUX outputs are pseudo-balanced, meaning
they use single ended signal with balanced impedance, and can be wire balanced or unbalanced.
