User manual RANE SSA 6

[. . . ] Keep your input cable lengths as short as possible. Speaker loads should be no less than four ohms per output. If you are running multiple speakers per Channel in series or parallel, check your final impedances. If you are running six separate Channels (unbridged), be sure all the BRIDGED switches on the rear panel are depressed. [. . . ] For balanced sources consult Rane Note 110. NORMAL/BRIDGED switches: With the switch in the out position and the LED indicator on, the SSA 6 is operating in BRIDGED mode. The SSA 6 utilizes the BRIDGE switch to make internal connections between each pair of Channels: 1&2, 3&4, and 5&6. Whenever a signal is connected to an odd numbered Channel (say channel 1), the next even-numbered Channel is driven inverted when the BRIDGE switch is activated. When the BRIDGE switch is inactive, the internal connection is defeated and both Channels operate independently. Inputs should be connected to Odd Amplifier Channels only (1, 3, 5), and speakers connected to the "+" terminals of each Channel pair as shown on the SSA 6 chassis silk-screen. OUTPUTS: Connect the speaker(s) to each of the six Channels by means of the Euroblock connectors with 18 to 12 AWG wire (See #2 for Bridged operation). AC line cord: Plug this into a grounded AC outlet of l20VAC (or 240VAC if the SSA 6 is internally wired for 240V operation). NOTE: If you use an adapter to plug the SSA 6 into a non-grounded outlet (three-to-two prong adapter), be sure to screw the ground adapter to the outlet by means of the cover plate screw. Line fuse: Use only a 15 amp 250 volt Fast-blow (or Normal blow--not Slow blow) fuse, 1. 25" long, such as Buss ABC-15 (120 volt) or equivalent. For 240 volt use Buss ABC-8 or equivalent. Fan filter: This washable filter may easily be removed for periodic cleaning by gently pulling on the black plastic housing and then lifting it away­perform this feat with the fan off, of course. Once the filter is removed, rinse it under hot tap water; and use dish soap to cut through particularly stubborn pollution deposits. IMPORTANT: Keep this filter clean to ensure proper cooling and reliability of the SSA 6. Never remove the filter with the unit plugged in. The SSA 6 draws a tremendous amount of air to ensure proper cooling and resultant long term reliability. Check and clean the filter as often as necessary, especially if the thermal overload indicator ever comes on. Manual-3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Voltage Controlled Attenuators The voltage controlled attenuators (VCAs) in the SSA 6 allow a significant increase in usable volume levels without excessive clipping or interference from conventional distortion causing muting circuits. The VCAs do not affect dynamic response, distortion or noise levels of any material within the rated output specifications of the amplifier. They simply monitor the difference between Input and Output signals, and the power dissipated in the output devices. In the event of clipping or excessive dissipation in the output devices, the VCAs "jump in" (out of hiding, as it were) and turn down the Input level to correct the overdrive condition. This means that whenever a PEAK LIMIT LED flashes, a musical peak has been quickly turned down to avoid excessive clipping. This allows you to run the amplifier at a higher continuous level, typically about 4dB SPL higher than without VCAs. [. . . ] Wait ten minutes before removing the side panels for the power supply caps to safely discharge. The SSA 6 will easily deliver over 900 watts of audio power, which requires as much as 15 amps of current from the AC outlet. 15 amps is not an uncommon value for household and some institutional circuitbreakers, though 20-amp versions are becoming more common. The bottom line is that the SSA 6 is capable of tripping a 15 amp circuit breaker under normal operation. [. . . ]