MCA Series

Multi-Channel

Amplifiers

Operation Manual

February 2012

Biamp Systems, 9300 SW Gemini Drive, Beaverton, Oregon 97008 U.S.A. (503) 641-7287 www.biamp.com

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this product near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block ventilation openings.

Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other product

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.

The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with equipment rack, cart, stand or table designed to provide adequate mechanical strength, heat dissipation and securement to the building structure.

When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart and product combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13) Unplug this product during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the product has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product, the product has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

WARNING - To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.

WARNING - This product employs Safety Grounding and must be connected to a MAINS socket that is properly grounded to provide a protective eathing connection.

Disconnect Device - The MAINS plug is used to disconnect MAINS power and must be installed near the equipment and remain readily accessible.

Explanation of safety related symbols - Product labeling and the operation manual may use the internationally recognized symbols defined below to note safety messages.

Lightning Bolt: Hazardous Live voltages present when this unit is in operation. Do not touch terminals marked with this symbol while the unit is connected to live power.

Exclamation Point: Replace components (i.e. fuses) only with the values specified by the manufacturer. Failure to do so will compromise safe operation of this unit.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MCA SERIES MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS FEATURES

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

FRONT PANEL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5

REAR PANEL

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

BRIDGING

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9

SPECIFICATIONS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10

WARRANTY

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11

EC DECLARATION

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

SAFETY INFORMATION

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

3

MCA MULTI-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

MCA Series Multi-Channel Amplifiers provide eight channels of power amplification. Model MCA

8050 delivers 50 watts/channel into 4 ohms. Model MCA 8150 delivers 150 watts/channel into 4 ohms. Channels may be bridged in pairs for higher combined wattage. MCA Series amplifiers are covered by Biamp Systems’ five-year warranty.

FEATURES:

• 8 channels of 50W (MCA 8050) or 150W (MCA 8150)

• Channels may be bridged in pairs for combined power

• Balanced line-level inputs on plug-in barrier strips

• Rear panel level controls & high-pass filter switches

• Amplifier outputs on screw-terminal connectors

• Dual-color signal/peak indicators on front & rear panels

• Front panel indicators for amplifier temp/load faults

• Fan cooled with complete output/speaker protection

• Optional transformers for 25/70/100 Volt systems

• Incorporates AES recommended grounding practices

• CE marked and UL / C-UL listed

• CCC Certified

• Covered by Biamp Systems’ five-year warranty

4

FRONT PANEL

MCA 8050 Front Panel

MCA 8050 on signal peak temp fault

Channel 1 signal peak temp fault

Channel 2 signal peak temp fault

Channel 3 signal peak temp fault

Channel 4 signal peak temp fault

Channel 5 signal peak temp fault

Channel 6 signal peak temp fault

Channel 7 signal peak temp fault

Channel 8

MCA 8150 Front Panel

MCA 8150 signal peak temp fault

Channel 1 signal peak temp fault

Channel 2 signal peak temp fault

Channel 3 signal peak temp fault

Channel 4 signal peak temp fault

Channel 5 signal peak temp fault

Channel 6 signal peak temp fault

Channel 7 signal peak temp fault

Channel 8 on

Signal / Peak Indicators

These 2-color LEDs indicate the signal level for each channel. When an LED is green, that channel has signal (above -30dB). When an LED is red, that channel signal is clipping (max. power).

CAUTION: Signal levels should be adjusted to avoid clipping. Clipping can cause severe distortion, over-temperature conditions, and even loudspeaker damage.

NOTE: Signal / Peak indicators will turn off during Temp / Fault conditions (see Temp / Fault

Indicators below).

Temp / Fault Indicators

These red LEDs indicate over-temperature and output fault conditions for each channel. When an

LED remains lit, that channel has an over-temperature condition. When an LED is flashing, that channel has an output fault condition. Either condition will temporarily de-activate the channel, causing the Signal / Peak LED to turn off as well. The channel will attempt to self-reset once the over-temperature or output fault condition is resolved.

On Indicator

This green LED remains lit when AC power is applied to the unit.

5

REAR PANEL

MCA 8050 Rear Panel

SE

FU Risk of fire - replace fuse only with same type

230V: T 4 A L 250 V

C

UL

LISTED

52SJ

US

8 level

O

115 input level

8 outputs

7

7 input

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

6 level i n p u t

6 outputs

5 level

5

MCA 8050

4

BIAMP SYSTEMS

Designed in Oregon, U.S.A.

Assembled in India level level

3 i n p u t i n p u t

4 outputs

3 i n p u t

Class 2 Wiring

2 1 level level i n p u t

2 outputs

1 i n p u t

~

115/230VAC 50-60Hz 900 Watts

MCA 8150 Rear Panel

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK.

DO NOT OPEN.

MCA 8150

BIAMP SYSTEMS

Designed in Oregon, U.S.A.

Assembled in India

SE

FU

CAUTION:

Risk of fire - replace fuse only with same type

115V: F 15 A H 250 V

230V: T 6.3 A L 250 V

C

LISTED

52SJ

US

O

115

8 7 level level i n p u t

8 outputs

7 i n p u t

6 5 4 3 level level level level i n p u t

6 outputs

5 i n p u t

Class 2 Wiring i n p u t

4 outputs

3 i n p u t

2 1 level level i n p u t

2 outputs

1 i n p u t

~

115/230VAC 50-60Hz 1800 Watts

Input

These plug-in barrier strips provide the balanced line-level inputs to the channels. For balanced connection, wire high (+), low (-), and ground ( ). For unbalanced connection, wire high (+) and ground to both ( ) & (-).

NOTE: When using a pair of channels in ‘bridged’ mode (see Bridge below), input signal must be connected to the odd numbered channel.

Level

These screw-driver adjustable controls determine the level of input signals allowed into the channels. Level provides a gain range from ‘off’ (min.) to ‘unity’ (max.). The Level control is factory set for -24dB of gain, which will produce maximum output power with input signal peaks of

+24dBu. For best performance, first adjust the source signals for optimum (maximum) levels, then adjust the MCA Series Level controls for the desired volume.

Signal / Peak Indicators

These 2-color LEDs indicate the signal level for each channel. When an LED is green, that channel has signal (above -30dB). When an LED is red, that channel signal is clipping (max. power).

CAUTION: Signal levels should be adjusted to avoid clipping. Clipping can cause severe distortion, over-temperature conditions, and even loudspeaker damage.

NOTE: Signal / Peak indicators will turn off during Temp / Fault condition (see Temp / Fault

Indicators on pg. 5).

6

REAR PANEL

HPF

These DIP switches provide High-Pass Filters for the input channels. High-Pass Filters are used to eliminate unnecessary lower frequencies (12dB/octave @ 125Hz) for speech and distributed speaker applications. From the factory, the High-Pass Filters are bypassed (switches up). To assign a High-Pass Filter on an input channel, move the switch to the down position.

CAUTION: To avoid output fault conditions, High-Pass Filters must be assigned on channels driving

25/70/100 Volt speaker systems (see Output below). Also, any other system equalization affecting frequencies below 125 Hz should remain flat or be used as cut-only.

Bridge

These DIP switches allow adjacent channels to Bridge together in pairs, for a higher, combined output power (see Bridging on pg. 9). Bridge disables the even numbered input, and applies the odd numbered input signal to both amplifier channels. From the factory, Bridge is bypassed

(switches up). To assign Bridge to a pair of channels, move the switch to the down position.

Output

These screw terminals provide the speaker outputs from the channels. Connect the positive speaker line to the (+) terminal and the negative speaker line to the (-) terminal of the channel being used. The minimum speaker load on an individual channel is 4 ohms.

NOTE: When using a pair of channels in ‘bridged’ mode (see Bridge above), connect the positive speaker line to the (+) terminal of the odd numbered channel and the negative speaker line to the (+) terminal of the even numbered channel. The minimum speaker load for a bridged output is 8 ohms. Output transformers for 25/70/100 Volt speaker systems are available as an option

(installation instructions are included with the output transformers).

Transformers (by model) are as follows:

TDT50 = MCA 8050 individual channels (50 Watts)

TDT100 = MCA 8050 bridged channels (100 Watts)

TDT150 = MCA 8150 individual channels (150 Watts)

TDT300 = MCA 8150 bridged channels (300 Watts)

AC Power Entrance

The switch applies AC power to the unit. The receptacle accepts the detachable AC Power Cord. The

AC Power Cord is for connection to three-prong grounded AC outlets.

CAUTION: Do not remove or defeat the ground prong on the AC Power Cord, as this constitutes a shock hazard.

7

REAR PANEL

Line Voltage Selector Switch

Set this switch to “115” for nominal line voltages of 110-120 VAC. Set this switch to “230” for nominal line voltages of 220-240 VAC. Make sure that the appropriate fuse is installed when changing voltage selections.

Fuse

Replace Fuse with same type and value only.

MCA 8050 @ 115VAC Fuse = F 10 A H 250 V

MCA 8050 @ 230VAC Fuse = T 4 A L 250 V

MCA 8150 @ 115VAC Fuse = F 15 A H 250 V

MCA 8150 @ 230VAC Fuse = T 6.3 A L 250 V

NOTE: If the Fuse continues to blow (even after checking for proper output connections and speaker loads) the amplifier may require service.

8

BRIDGING

Bridge DIP switches allow the adjacent odd/even numbered channels to be bridged together in pairs, for a higher, combined output power (see Bridge on pg. 7). When a pair of channels are bridged, their wattage is combined, but the minimum load increases to 8 ohms (MCA 8050 = 100 watts @ 8 ohms; MCA 8150 = 300 watts @ 8 ohms). Bridge disables the even numbered input, and applies the odd numbered input signal to both amplifier channels. From the factory, Bridge is bypassed (switches up). To assign Bridge to a pair of channels, move the related switch to the down position. Connect the source signal to the odd numbered input channel, connect the positive speaker line to the (+) output terminal of the odd numbered channel, and connect the negative speaker line to the (+) output terminal of the even numbered channel (see diagram on right).

NOTE: Only adjacent odd/even numbered channels, which share a common Bridge switch, can be bridged. When channels are bridged, the minimum load is increased to 8 ohms. The negative (-) output terminals on bridged channels are not used (no connection).

2 input level level

source signal

1 input

2 outputs

1

speaker negative speaker positive

9

SPECIFICATIONS

MCA 8050 SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Power Output (@ 2kHz):

Individual channel into 4 ohm load

Individual channel into 8 ohm load

Bridged channels into 8 ohm load

50 watts/channel

30 watts/channel

100 watts

> 85dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio

(20Hz~20kHz @ rated power):

THD + Noise

(20Hz~20kHz @ rated power):

< 0.2%

Intermodulation Distortion (SMPTE):

Frequency Response (20Hz~20kHz):

Input Impedance:

Balanced

Unbalanced

Input Sensitivity:

Channel High-Pass Filters:

Power Requirements:

Power Consumption:

Dimensions:

Height (2 rack spaces)

Width

Depth

Weight:

Compliance:

< 0.35%

+0/-1dB

20k ohms

10k ohms

0.775 Vrms (0dBu)

12dB/octave @ 120Hz

115/230VAC 50/60Hz

900 watts max.

3.5 inches (89mm)

19 inches (483mm)

15.5 inches (394mm)

30 lbs. (13.6kg)

AES48-2005 Grounding

& EMC practices

EU Directive 2002/95/EC, RoHS directive

CE marked

UL / C-UL listed

CCC Certified

MCA 8150 SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Power Output (@ 2kHz):

Individual channel into 4 ohm load

Individual channel into 8 ohm load

Bridged channels into 8 ohm load

150 watts/channel

90 watts/channel

300 watts

> 85dB Signal-to-Noise Ratio

(20Hz~20kHz @ rated power):

THD + Noise

(20Hz~20kHz @ rated power):

< 0.2%

Intermodulation Distortion (SMPTE):

Frequency Response (20Hz~20kHz):

Input Impedance:

Balanced

Unbalanced

Input Sensitivity:

< 0.35%

+0/-1dB

20k ohms

10k ohms

0.775 Vrms (0dBu)

Channel High-Pass Filters:

Power Requirements:

Power Consumption:

Dimensions:

Height (3 rack spaces)

Width

Depth

Weight:

Compliance:

12dB/octave @ 120Hz

115/230VAC 50/60Hz

1800 watts max..

5.25 inches (133mm)

19 inches (483mm)

15.5 inches (394mm)

35 lbs. (15.9kg)

AES48-2005 Grounding

& EMC practices

EU Directive 2002/95/EC, RoHS directive

CE marked

UL / C-UL listed

CCC Certified

Biamp Systems reserves the right to make changes to performance specifications without prior notice.

10

WARRANTY

BIAMP SYSTEMS IS PLEASED TO EXTEND THE FOLLOWING 5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY TO THE

ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE PROFESSIONAL SOUND EQUIPMENT DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL

1. Biamp Systems warrants to the original purchaser of new products that the product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 5 YEARS from the date of purchase from an authorized Biamp Systems dealer, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below.

2. If you notify Biamp during the warranty period that a Biamp Systems product fails to comply with the warranty, Biamp Systems will repair or replace, at Biamp Systems’ option, the nonconforming product. As a condition to receiving the benefits of this warranty, you must provide Biamp Systems with documentation that establishes that you were the original purchaser of the products. Such evidence may consist of your sales receipt from an authorized

Biamp Systems dealer. Transportation and insurance charges to and from the Biamp Systems factory for warranty service shall be your responsibility.

3. This warranty will be VOID if the serial number has been removed or defaced; or if the product has been altered, subjected to damage, abuse or rental usage, repaired by any person not authorized by Biamp Systems to make repairs; or installed in any manner that does not comply with Biamp Systems’ recommendations.

4. Electro-mechanical fans, electrolytic capacitors, gooseneck microphones, cords connecting handheld microphones, hard-drives, displays, and normal wear and tear of items such as paint, knobs, handles, keypads and covers are not covered under this warranty. All serverbased devices are warranted for 3 years only.

5. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. Biamp Systems disclaims all other warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

6. The remedies set forth herein shall be the purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedies with respect to any defective product.

7. No agent, employee, distributor or dealer of Biamp Systems is authorized to modify this warranty or to make additional warranties on behalf of Biamp Systems. Statements, representations or warranties made by any dealer do not constitute warranties by Biamp

Systems. Biamp Systems shall not be responsible or liable for any statement, representation or warranty made by any dealer or other person.

8. No action for breach of this warranty may be commenced more than one year after the expiration of this warranty.

9. Biamp Systems shall not be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including lost profits or loss of use arising out of the purchase, sale, or use of the products, even if Biamp Systems was advised of the possibility of such damages.

022012_585.0075.90B

11

COMPLIANCE

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8

SAFETY INFORMATION

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SAFETY INFORMATION

14

SAFETY INFORMATION

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