Owner’s Manual
SA3000/SA5500/SA9500
Amplifiers
SAFETY FIRST!
WARNING - TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WATER AND ELECTRICITY DO NOT MIX. Keep this unit away from water. If water or other liquids are
spilled on or into this unit, unplug the power cord immediately from the wall socket (with DRY
HANDS) and get a qualified service technician to check it out before using. Keep this unit away from
heaters, radiators and other heat producing devices.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS UNIT. ONLY A QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN SHOULD OPEN
THIS UNIT FOR SERVICING.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 'dangerous
voltage' within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
KEEP IT CLEAN: Dust, dirt and debris can interfere with the performance of this product.
Make a special effort to keep this unit away from dusty, dirty environments. Cover the unit
when not in use. Dust it regularly with a soft, clean brush. Careful attention to these
details will be time well spent, and this product will reward you with years of trouble free
operation.
Please take the time to read this manual before use. Store this
manual in a safe place so that it is available should you ever
need it again.
Contents
Warning and Safety Instructions
3
6
Introduction
Front-Panel Description
Back-Panel Description
7
8
Audio Terms
10
Hook-up #1: Home Studio Reference Amp
Hook-up #2: Mobile DJ Stereo PA
Hook-up #3: Monitor Amplifier
12
12
13
13
Hook-up #4: Stereo PA System
Specifications
14
15
16
Block Diagram
Warranty and Service Information
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Performance Series power
amplifier from Numark. These units are designed to
provide a good combination of power, audio clarity,
and reliable operation. The basic circuit has been
kept as simple as possible to reduce the amount of
components, thereby shortening the signal path,
coloration and the chance of component failure.
However, we opted to add what we regard as
essential protection against overheating, short
circuits and power on transients.
An efficient heat dissipation system, comprising a
high surface area heatsink coupled with one or two
fans (depending on power rating of amp), ensures
quiet and reliable cooling.
The sound quality and sturdy construction of the
Performance Series makes these amps ideal for a
multitude of amplification tasks, from installations,
mobile DJs, home studios, houses of worship and
touring bands.
Since all of the amplifiers are similar in operation, this
manual serves for all models. Please take the time
to read this manual before connecting and operating
your unit, as there is important information contained
within. File the manual in a safe place for future
reference.
Front Panel Description
1. Gain Controls
The protect light will also come on if the speaker terminals
are short circuited, or the impedance of the load between
them is too low. In these circumstances, the protect LED
will stay lit until the fault condition is rectified.
These two knobs are the level controls for each channel
of the amplifier. The gain increases as the knob is turned
clockwise. The SA5500 features detented gain controls
with dB calibrations to simplify set up.
The amplifier’s large heatsinks, vents and fan should
provide enough cooling even with a high ambient
temperature. However, if the amp overheats, thermal
shutdown protects the circuitry until the temperature is
reduced to a safe level. Should the amp shutdown for
thermal reasons, leave the power connected to the amp,
try to improve ventilation, and reduce the gain. Without
power, the fan cannot operate, and the amp will require
longer to reach a low enough temperature to restart.
2. Limit LED
If an audio signal is amplified beyond the limit of the
amplifier, the extremes of the signal will not reach the
appropriate levels, giving the appearance of being clipped
off when viewed on an oscilloscope. The audible result is
distortion, which in small amounts can lead to rapid ear
fatigue, and in larger amounts a harsh and unpleasant
breaking up of the sound which can damage speakers.
The SA5500 has a built in limiter on each channel to
prevent clipping. Should the signal reach a level high
enough to cause clipping, the limiter momentarily reduces
the level just enough to prevent it. The limit LED lights
whenever this occurs.
4. Signal LED
Each channel of the SA5500 features a signal LED to
show that there is an audio signal at the input to the
channel. The threshold for the indicator is -30dB, which
should be enough that noise doesn’t trigger the LED, but a
faint audio signal will.
If your system has a dedicated compressor, you may
decide to use the limiting function of this instead. Although
the limiting function of the SA5500 has no noticeable effect
on the sound quality below clipping, some users may
seek to disable it. See feature 11.
5. Power Switch
This turns the amp on and off. Although the SA5500
features power on muting, it is nevertheless good practice
to reduce both the gain controls before turning on the amp.
The turn on procedure for powering up an audio system
should be to start from the instruments and mixer, and
verify operation before moving on to the power amps.
Once the amps are on, verify they are receiving a signal
and then slowly increase gain.
3. Protect LED
The SA5500 features several types of protection to
prevent damage to the circuitry during turn on or fault
conditions. The power on protection relay prevents
damaging thumps to the speakers as the power comes
on. When the amp is switched on, the protect LED will
light for a few seconds and then go out, indicating that the
relay has closed, connecting the speakers to the
amplifier.
Back Panel Description
6. Neutrick Connector Inputs
8. Binding Post Outputs
a. Balanced XLR Inputs
BRIDGED MONO
These combined inputs are commonly used for both
mobile and installation set ups. The XLR provide a good
combination of ease of connection and resistance to
corrosion. They are wired as per the following
convention:
+
-
speaker
speaker
These are suitable for banana plugs, spade lugs or bare
wires. Spade lugs and bare wires should both be
screwed down tightly to exclude oxygen, and care
should be taken to avoid loose strands of wire that may
cause short circuits.
b. Balanced 1/4” Inputs
These types of jacks are featured on many audio
products and are convenient if the amp is frequently
connected and disconnected, such as for a mobile set up.
The plugs used should be wired in the following way:
9. Ground Lift Switch
This switch allows the circuit and chassis grounds to be
separated in case of a ground conflict. In normal use the
switch should be in the ‘ground on’ position. Lifting the
ground (‘floating’ position) may resolve the ground
conflict, but means that circuit grounding depends on other
connected components. Deficiencies in the grounding of
other components will affect the sound. A serious electric
fault with the amplifier could damage other components in
the system. For the best combination of safety and
performance it is highly recommended to keep the switch
in the ‘ground on’ position.
tip
ring
sleeve
gnd
+ -
7. Balanced Barrier Strip Inputs
10. Stereo / Mono Bridge Switch
These connection points provide the best option for
permanent or long term installation. Connections should
be screwed down tightly to exclude oxygen, and care
should be taken to avoid loose strands of wire that may
cause short circuits.
In stereo operation, each channel of the amplifier runs
independently with its own signal and speaker(s).
However, both channels can be configured to drive a
single load with a single signal at twice the power.
To do this, follow these steps:
1 . switch the amp OFF
2. put one speaker of not less than 4 ohms impedance
across the red (+) output terminals of the amplifier
+
-
GND
-
+
3. ensure that there is only one input signal connected
to channel 1 of the amplifier - channel 2 input must be
vacant
IMPORTANT: NEVER SWITCH BETWEEN
STEREO AND BRIDGED MONO OPERATION
WHEN THE AMPLIFIER POWER IS ON.
4. switch the amplifier to bridged mono (back panel
switch)
11. Limiter On / Off Switch
In cases where a dedicated compressor / limit unit
precedes the SA5500, some users may seek to disable
the on board limiting. Sliding the switch to the off position
removes the limiting from both channels of the amplifier.
5. turn the gain down and turn on the amp
6. verify operation at low gain, and then increase power
to desired level, ensuring that the gain controls on
each channel are set equally.
Audio Terms
Gain
Hum and Buzz
This is the factor by which an input signal is amplified
(increased) or attenuated (reduced) when passing through
an amplifier. Gain is generally measured in decibels (dB)
which is a logarithmic ratio of input to output. Unity or
zero gain means that the signal comes out at the same
level that it went in.
Hum typically is a lower pitched sound of around 50 or
60Hz, depending on the AC supply. If the hum or buzz
is very loud, this is generally caused by bad connections
- check cables and plugs for faults.
Lifting the Ground
In other cases, a ground conflict between the chassis and
the circuit ground can induce hum. This happens when a
magnetic field induces a small voltage in the casing of the
amp, making it slightly different in potential from the circuit
ground. This hum sounds more subtle than it would be for
a bad connection and is generally ignored. If your
environment requires the highest quality sound, it may be
eliminated by ‘lifting the ground’. This is accomplished by
moving the back panel switch from the ‘ground on’
position to the ‘floating’ position. The electronic ground is
then dependent on other connected components. For the
best safety protection and protection of other components,
it is strongly advised to keep the switch in the ‘ground on’
position.
With all this gain available, it may seem tempting to turn
the amp up to full to get the loudest sound possible. And
why is it that smaller amps have roughly the same gain
even though they are less powerful? The answer is that
an amp can only amplify up to a certain point, which
depends on its power rating. Past this point, the output
just distorts in what is called clipping. The peaks of the
signal are ‘clipped’ as they exceed the limit.
max+
max-
#1. Peaks within amplifier limit
max+
Balanced Lines
Power transformers and other devices which cause
magnetic fields can induce hum in audio cables. This can
be best combated by using balanced lines where inputs
and outputs permit. Balanced lines use two conductors
plus a shield (ground) to send a positive and negative
version of the audio signal down the line. These are in
close proximity and therefore pick up the same hum or
interference. At the input, the inverted (-) signal is flipped
back and mixed with the original, canceling any hum or
interference.
max-
#2.Too much gain, distorted sound
Noise
Noise is typified by a hissing sound. It is present in all
analogue electronics due to random thermal vibration of
atoms within the components. However, good circuit
design and proper operation reduces this to a minimum.
Gain structure, i.e. how gain is set throughout the signal
path, is very important in minimizing noise. Most audio
signals go through several gain stages such as input trim,
fader gain, main fader gain, EQ and compressor gain,
and power amplifier gain. If the signal is boosted early on
to a high level, any noise subsequently picked up will be
relatively small in comparison to the audio signal (i.e.
higher S/N, or sound to noise ratio).
Since all the inputs of the Numark amps are balanced,
accepting signals from a balanced output is no problem.
Should the output be unbalanced, the cable should be
wired as follows to ensure the best possible performance.
This applies to XLR, 1/4” and barrier strip inputs alike:
amplifier inputs
If the gain is low early on, the noise will be
relatively loud compared to the signal. When
amplified at the power amp more gain must be
used to make the signal reach required levels.
This gain also acts on the noise, hence a noisier
final sound. Of course, care must be taken not to
set the gain too high, this will cause clipping
distortion (see first section on ‘Gain’).
unbalanced output
+
-
GND
+
GND
Where
is a variable resistor, adjustable between 0 and 600 ohms.
The variable resistor is to ensure an impedance balance
between the positive and negative inputs, and should be
adjusted until any hum is at a minimum.
damping factor of 67. Increasing the cable length to 320ft
of 8 gauge, the losses are 5% and the damping factor is
just 18.2.
Balanced lines are also the most effective means of
reducing or eliminating RF or ‘radio frequency
interference’. Long unbalanced cable runs are likely to
pick up radio signals. While these will be at a low level,
they can be easily audible once they are amplified
through a gain stage. This also applies to inputs to your
mixer, so use balanced inputs wherever possible.
Overload
It may seem an obvious point to make, but overloading
speakers can permanently damage them, so care should
be taken to select speakers capable of handling the rated
power output and peak output of the amp. If the system
uses a crossover, ensure that the high frequency
‘tweeter’ cabinets are not driven with signals of a lower
frequency than they are designed for, either by wrongly
setting the crossover, or by hum which appears in the
amp or anywhere between the crossover and the amp.
Losses Due to Cable Runs
To connect the speakers to the amplifier, some type of
cable must be used. This cable must be able to carry the
signal some distance with the minimum amount of
degradation along the way. Unlike earlier stages in the
audio chain, the signal is at a relatively high level,
therefore it is relatively immune to noise, RF interference
and hum. However, power losses and a reduction in
damping factor (the ability of the amp to control the
speaker accurately) can occur, and these depend on a
number of factors:
Another overload which should be avoided is that of the
human ear. Observe health and safety regulations where
necessary regarding levels and exposure times.
Bridged Mono Operation
The amp comes factory configured for stereo operation. In
this mode, each channel drives a separate speaker load
with a separate signal. However, in some
circumstances, it may be necessary or desirable to drive
a single load at a higher level. This can be achieved
using the amp in bridged mono mode.
·
cable gauge - the higher the gauge, the smaller the
cross section of each conductor in the wire. This
gives the signal more resistance and therefore results
in more power loss and a reduction in damping
factor. For best performance use 8, 10 or 12 gauge
cables as opposed to 16 or 18 gauge.
What this essentially does is uses one signal in positive
polarity through one terminal and negative through the
other. The combined voltage across the terminals is then
twice what it would be between a positive terminal and
speaker ground (0 V). This is like two cars driving
towards each other at 50mph; the relative speed between
the two is actually 100mph.
·
·
cable length - the longer the cable, the higher the
losses. For best performance use the shortest
possible cable (i.e. don’t use a 100ft cable to connect
to an amp that is only 20ft from the speakers).
speaker load - a 4 ohm load will have double the
power loss associated with an 8 ohm load and half
the damping factor.
Note that in this way, a load of twice the impedance can
be driven at twice the power compared to stereo
operation (see specifications).
The difference that these factors can make is significant.
For example, a Numark amp with 5ft of 12 gauge cable
and an 8 ohm load will have a power loss of 0.2% and a
damping factor of 142. The same load with a 40ft, 10
gauge cable will have a power loss of 1% and a
In order to configure your Numark amplifier for bridged
mono operation, follow the instructions listed under
bridged mono, 10 in each amplifier’s description (front half
of manual).
CAUTION
The speaker outputs of the Performance Series can be
high enough to constitute a shock hazard (especially in
bridged mono mode). Always make speaker connections
with the power off, and ensure that there are no loose
strands to cause short circuits.
Hook up #1 Home Studio Reference Amplifier
mixer
outputs
AMLIFIER PUTS
AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS
CH-2
CH-1
+
CH-2
CH-1
CH-2
CH-1
-
+
-
-
+
GND
Numark amplifier
power
reference monitors
Hook up #2 Mobile DJ Stereo PA
Numark mixer
main outputs
AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS
AMPLIFIER INPUTS
C-2
CH-2
CH-1
+
CH-1
CH-2
CH-1
-
+
- GND-
+
Numark amplifier
power
speakers
Hook up #3 Monitor Amplifier (in bridged mono)
mixer
Zone/Booth send
AMPLIFIER INPUTS
AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS
CH-2
CH-1
+
CH-2
CH-1
CH-2
CH-1
-
+
-
-
+
GND
Numark amplifier
power
monitor speaker
Hook up #4 Stereo PA System
mixer
outputs
compressor or equalizer
inputs
outputs
AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS
AMPLIFIER INTS
C-2
CH-1
+
CH-2
CH
CH-2
CH-1
-
+
-
-
GND
+
Numark amplifier
power
speakers
Specifications
SA9500
SA5500
SA3000
Frequency response
(8 ohms , 20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 W)
+0, -1dB
0.1%
+0, -1dB
0.1%
+0, -1dB
0.1%
Total harmonic distortion
Signal to noise ratio
Slew rate
102dB
20V/uS
>200
102dB
20V/uS
>200
102dB
20V/uS
>200
Damping factor
Crosstalk
80dB
80dB
80dB
Rated power
(per channel RMS Watts, both channels driven)
2 ohms,1kHz,1% THD
4 ohms, 1kHz, 1%THD
1000W
650W
400W
550W
480W
270W
300W
240W
150W
8 ohms,1kHz,1% THD
(bridged mono operation)
4 ohms,1kHz,1% THD
8 ohms,1kHz,1% THD
2000W
1300W
1100W
850W
540W
420W
Input sensitivity
8 ohms, 1kHz @ rated power
fixed voltage gain
1.22 V RMS
34dB
1.22 V RMS
31dB
1.22 V RMS
28dB
Input impedance
unbalanced (inverting polarity) @ 1kHz
balanced @ 1kHz
10k ohms
20k ohms
10k ohms
20k ohms
10k ohms
20k ohms
Protection circuits
load short protection
load short: current limit
1.0 ohms
4.5 A
1.0 ohms
4.5 A
1.0 ohms
4.5 A
Power consumption
Power requirements
1050W
750W
400W
115V / 60Hz, 220V / 50Hz,
240V / 50Hz
(depending on country)
Residual noise 8 ohms, volume at min.
0.4mV
0.1%
0.4mV
0.1%
0.4mV
0.1%
Intermodulation distortion 8 ohms, 1kHz @ 1W
Dimensions
mm
inches
480 x 132 x 435
19 x 17 5/8 x 5 1/4
480 x 87 x 435
19 x 17 7/16 x3 1/2
480 x 87 x 435
19 x 17 7/16 x 3 1/2
Weight
Net kgs (lbs)
Gross kgs (lbs)
18.5 (40)
20 (44)
14.4 (33)
17 (35.2)
12.5 (27.5)
15 (29.7)
E & OE. Due to continual product development, all features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Block Diagrams
clip/limit
detector
short circuit
protection
+
-
+
-
SA5500
limiting
attenuation
clip/limit
protect
GS
level
voltage
amp
current
amp
ch1 inputs
DC fault
thermal
power on/off
+
+
ch1 outputs
-
-
protection
+
-
GC
limiter on/off
bridged mono
stereo
gnd
ch1 sig
protect
-
+
clip/limit
detector
short circuit
protection
clip/limit
DC fault
thermal
ch2 outputs
ch2 inputs
power on/off
protection
level
voltage
amp
current
amp
limiting
attenuation
+
+
-
+
+
-
-
-
ch2 sig
Professional Disc Jockey Products
LIMITED WARRANTY
Numark Industries, LLC and Numark International, Inc. (hereafter “Numark”) warrants each new amplifier
manufactured and/or supplied by it to be free from defects in material or workmanship under conditions
of normal use and service for 3 years, beginning on the date of purchase from an authorized Numark
Dealer, but not to exceed 4 years from date of shipment by Numark.
The Numark obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, at its option, the product or
part(s) therein; which upon examination by Numark shall appear to be defective or not up to factory
specifications; providing the Numark product is returned (transportation prepaid) to Numark.
Numark shall not be liable for any damages, consequential or otherwise, resulting from the use and
operation of this product and makes no other warranty(s) either express or implied on this product,
including any warranty of merchantability.
This warranty does not extend to any of our products which have been subjected to misuse, neglect,
accident, incorrect wiring not our own, improper installation, or use in violation of instructions furnished
by us, nor extended to units which have been repaired or altered outside of our factory, nor to cases
where the serial number thereof has been removed, defaced, or changed, nor to accessories used
therewith not of our own manufacture. Numark reserves the right to make changes or improvements in
its products, during subsequent production, without incurring the obligation to install such changes or
improvements on previously manufactured equipment.
To place this warranty into effect, the enclosed WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD must be returned
to Numark Industries, LLC within thirty (30) days after date of purchase.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state
to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
SERVICE INFORMATION
In the unlikely event of a product defect or if your equipment ever needs factory service, please call
(401) 946-4700 and request a return authorization number. Packages sent without an RA number will be
refused. Send the product to be repaired in its original packaging by insured prepaid freight to the
address below. We cannot guaranty the safety of your equipment if it is not properly packed.
If the product is no longer covered by warranty we will still repair the unit, however you will be subject to
charges for parts and labor. We will contact you by phone or fax to inform you of the charges and you
can prepay by check or have your repaired unit returned to you C.O.D. (including shipping charges).
NUMARK INDUSTRIES, INC.
11 Helmsman Road
North Kingstown Rl 02852
USA
Attention: Service Department
Telephone:(401) 295-9000
Fax: (401 ) 295-5200
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