HK Audio VX Series User manual

Brand: HK Audio

Model: VX Series

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

HK Audio VX Series: Professional power amplifiers delivering reliable, distortion-free sound with ample headroom for transparent, accurate response. Ideal for a variety of applications, including live performances, installations, and mobile DJ setups. Equipped with protective functions against short circuits, overheating, and direct current, ensuring dependable operation even in demanding conditions.

ENGLISH

DEUTSCH

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

MANUAL

VX Power Amps

VX POWER AMPS MANUAL

800 VA

VX 800

OUTPUTS

INPUTS

LIMITER

OFF

GROUND

LIFT

MONO + BRIDGE MODE: ALL INPUTS ARE PARALLEL

230 V~ / 50 – 60 Hz

CAUTION!

ST. WENDEL/GERMANY

MADE IN CANADA

TO PREVENT THE RISK OF FIRE AND SHOCK HAZARD DON´T EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO MOISTURE OR RAIN.

DO NOT OPEN CASE; NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

SPEAKON PIN CONFIGURATION:

1+ = + / 1 =

CIRCUIT

BREAKER

ABA + B

MODE

MONO

STEREO

BRIDGE

2 x 400 W / 4

POWER

AMPLIFIER

A + B STEREO:

A = +1 / -1

B = +2 / -2

A + B BRIDGED:

+ = +1 / - = +2

4.14.7 4.5 4.2 4.4

4.6 4.3

4.5 4.1 4.4

4.7 4.24.34.6

4.1 4.4

4.6 4.5 4.24.3

VX 800

VX 1200

VX 2400/2402

VX POWER AMPS MANUAL

ENGLISH

1 CONTENT

1 Content 5

2 VX Series Power Amps 5

2.1 Welcome into the HK Audio family! 5

2.2 Protective Functions 5

2.2.1 Short Circuit 5

2.2.2 Overheating 5

2.2.3 Direct Current 5

2.3 Rack Mounting 5

3 Front Panel 6

3.1 Master Switch 6

3.2 Ventilation 6

3.3 Input Level 6

3.4 Protect LED 6

3.5 Clip LED's 6

3.6 Active LED's 6

4 Rear Panel 7

4.1 Inputs 7

4.2 Ground-lift Switch 7

4.3 Mode Switch 7

4.4 Limiter Button 7

4.5 Outputs 7

4.6 Mains Socket 7

4.7 Impedance Switch (models VX 800 and VX 1200 only) 7

5 Technical Specifications 8

2 VX SERIES POWER AMPS

2.1 Welcome into the HK Audio family!

The new HK Audio VX Series of professional power amplifiers combine modern

design features with utmost durability and reliability to guarantee dependable,

totally trouble-free service for many years to come. Its low weight, compact dual-

rack space design and a solid chassis designed to withstand the rigors of gigs and

touring contribute to both handling ease and a long life on the road.

While we were developing the VX power amps, we were particularly intent in not

only providing you with plenty of output power, but also made sure your amp has

greater headroom reserves for as distortion-free signal as possible. These features

enable the kind of transparent, accurate response required in the age of digital

signal sources.

To assure maximum reliability, all VX power amps undergo extensive quality control

checks by both man and machine. Our engineers inspect every amp when it comes

off the assembly line and run computer tests on it. Finally, the power amps are

subjected to a thorough endurance test under the harshest of conditions. This is our

way of ensuring that we catch even the most minor divergence from our exacting

quality control specifications and rectify it before an amp leaves our facility. You

get a tried and true product that—like all HK Audio products—meets the most

exacting standards so that you can focus on your performance instead of worrying

about your equipment.

2.2 Protective Functions

2.2.1 Short Circuit

The input and output jacks of the VX-Series power amps are protected against

all conceivable faults, including defective cords and speaker systems (e.g. with

damaged circuit boards in the crossover). These amps could even be operated with

short-circuited outputs without being damaged. Since, however, this protective

function places a heavy load on the output stages, you should ensure you unplug

defective speakers or cords immediately. Under no circumstance should you

short-circuit the outputs intentionally or for testing purposes.

2.2.2 Overheating

If a VX power amp overheats, the output signal cancels out at irregular intervals

and the Protect LED lights up. But since the VX power amps were developed for

problem-free performance under the worst conditions and have undergone testing

in extreme environments, it is unlikely that this will occur under normal

circumstances. If your amp does overheat, be sure to check if the power amp

is getting proper ventilation and whether the internal ventilation system

of the power amp is still functioning correctly (see 2.2).

2.2.3 Direct Current

If an internal defect causes direct current to be routed to the output of the

VX power amp, it is diverted from the outputs via a thyristor circuit.

This prevents a dangerous DC signal from reaching the connected speaker system.

2.3 Rack Mounting

When mounting VX power amps to 19" transport racks, be sure to not only fasten

the power amps to the case via the front brackets, but also attach the rear suppor-

ting brackets. Fastening the front brackets alone may hold the amp in place tem-

porarily, but not permanently. The front rack brackets cannot bear the weight and

stresses alone; you need the additional stabilization at the back. If you don't,

knocks or vibrations sustained during transport may lead to power amp chassis

damage.

page 17

VX POWER AMPS MANUAL

3 FRONT PANEL

3.1 Master Switch

This switch features an integrated automatic circuit breaker that shuts the power

amp off should it be overloaded. After normal operating conditions are restored,

you don't have to replace any secondary fuses in the device, simply reactivate the

main power switch. When the amp is powered up, its operational status is indicated

by the green ON LED.

Note: When you are setting up a sound system, the power amps should be the last

devices that you power up. In other words, don't switch them on until all

other devices are on. When you shut a system down, always switch off the

power amps first and then all the other devices in the signal chain.

3.2 Ventilation

The internal fan sucks fresh air from the front and expels the heated air through

the vents at the rear of the amp. If the air intake and/or outlet vents of the power

amp are for some reason obstructed, we highly recommend that you provide

additional ventilation. If the flow of air remains unobstructed, external cooling

of the power amp is not necessary.

The intake ventilation duct of the VX power amp is equipped with a filter that

collects dust. We recommend that you clean this filter regularly since a constant

operating temperature significantly increases the service life of the power amp's

electronic components. To this end, remove the two screws on the front grille of

the VX power amp and then the grille itself. Next remove the dust filter and rinse it

with warm water. Replacement dust filters are available from HK Audio. If you

intend to use your power amp under relatively extreme conditions, it can be an

advantage to remove the filter to maximize the cooling effect for the power amp.

However, if you remove the filter, the ventilation ducts in the interior of the power

amp must be cleaned regularly by a qualified service technician.

3.3 Input Level

These control features are used to determine the amp's input sensitivity. Turning a

knob clockwise increases input sensitivity; i.e. the output signal of the power amp

becomes louder. The dB increments on the knob indicate by how many decibels the

maximum output of the power amp is reduced.

3.4 Protect LED

This LED can indicate different defects in the operation of the power amp,

depending on how it illuminates. If the Protect LED goes on and stays on, the

power amp is overheated. Check the connections and ventilation or provide

external ventilation. Once the power amp has cooled back down to normal

operating temperature, the power amp will automatically switch itself back on.

If, after cooling back down, the power amp does not switch back on to normal

operating status, this indicates that there is some type of internal defect.

In this case, a qualified service engineer should check the power amp.

If the Protect LED flashes at three-second intervals, there is some kind of fault in

the connected load, i.e. either the impedance of the connected loudspeaker system

is too low for the power amp or an output is short-circuited. Also check the

connected speaker system and the speaker cords for faults. Here too, you don't

have to power the amp up again. After you've eliminated the source

of the problem, it will resume operation automatically.

3.5 Clip LED's

These LED's illuminate to indicate that the amp has run out of headroom and has

exceeded its performance threshold. Occasionally, this LED may flash briefly.

This is not a problem because the design of the power amp makes it possible for

peak pulses such as a snare drum or similar signals to briefly exceed the normal

threshold. If however this LED lights up with just a few interruptions or if it

illuminates continuously, you should definitely lower the level of the input signal.

If you run the power amp when it is clipping heavily, the distorted output signals

can destroy the connected speakers even if these are equipped with

protection circuits.

Caution: HK Audio is not liable for damage to speaker systems due to overload

caused by improper operation of the power amp.

3.6 Active LEDs

This green LED indicates whether this amp channel is active, that is, whether an

input signal is present. (It is possible, however, for a very soft signal to make it

through the entire amp without even triggering the LED to glow.)

VX POWER AMPS MANUAL

ENGLISH

4 REAR PANEL

4.1 Inputs

The power amp is equipped with two input sockets for each power amp channel:

one XLR female (pin 1 = ground; Pin 2 = +; Pin 3 = --) and one 1/4" stereo jack

(tip = +; ring = --; sleeve = ground). Both jacks are balanced and connected

internally in parallel, therefore making it possible to use these inputs to patch

the incoming signal out to more power amps. We recommend that you use only

balanced cabling for the input signals in order to avoid noise induced by

electro-magnetic fields and radio frequency interference. If the signal source

which you are connecting to the VX power amp input is itself unbalanced, we

still recommend that you use a standard balanced cable to connect between the

two, but with one of the ends modified. Modify the plug which is connected to the

output of the unbalanced signal source as follows: if the unbalanced source has

an XLR output jack, bridge pin 1 and pin 3 of the XLR plug; if the unbalanced

source has a 1/4” output jack, bridge the ring and the sleeve of the 1/4" plug.

This "quasi" balanced arrangement will help eliminate possible interference

via the common mode rejection circuit of the input.

4.2 Ground-lift Switch

This button separates the signal ground from the chassis ground in order to

eliminate hum caused by ground loops. The chassis remains grounded so that

power amp safety is not compromised. The ground circuit is severed when

the button is pressed in.

Note: Hum is often a sign of a faulty power supply, especially when your equip-

ment is fed by multiphase power supply circuits. In this case, do not attempt

to solve the noise problem by lifting the ground with this switch; instead,

check the cables and ground circuits of your mains power supply.

4.3 Mode Switch

This sliding switch configures the power amp for three different operating modes:

• Stereo: This is the standard operating mode. Two independent signals are pat-

ched to the amp, amplified by the two power amp channels and sent to

two independent speaker systems.

• Mono: The two inputs are connected in parallel, i.e. a single input signal is rou-

ted to both power amp channels, and the output signals of both channels

are identical.

• Bridge: The two inputs are connected in parallel, however, antiphase signals are

routed to the power amp channels and therefore the outputs. If you

connect a speaker system to the positive terminals of the two outputs

(see 4.5), the total power output of the amp can be tapped for driving

this speaker system. For example, with the VX 2400, the total output

power is 2400 watts).

4.4 Limiter Button

The internal limiters of the VX power amp can be switched off via this button.

Pressing this button in deactivates the limiters of both channels. The internal

limiters make the most of the available power. They adapt the VX power amp to

the currently available dynamic headroom as precisely as possible without

exceeding the clipping threshold so that the amp is not operated in a permanent

state of overload. However, the limiters do allow peak impulses to briefly exceed

the clip threshold. Both the power amp and the connected speaker systems can

handle spikes well above the official power output rating for continuous signals.

Only when these signal peaks exceed the threshold for a longer period of time do

the internal limiters dampen the signals in order to prevent distortion in the output

signal of the power amp. This intelligent limiting circuitry significantly expands the

dynamic range of the power amps. The only thing you have to do is turn up the

input level to a point where the Clipping LEDs illuminate occasioally; the limiters

themselves automatically make the best possible use of available headroom.

What's more, you won't have to worry about your speaker system because the

limiters ensure they won't be overloaded.

4.5 Outputs

Both binding posts and three four-pin Speakon

sockets are available for

connecting speaker systems. Two of these Speakon

sockets are designed to serve

as normal channel outputs (Pin 1+ = +; Pin 1-- = --). In parallel with the Speakon

sockets, you also have the binding posts at your disposal. The third Speakon

socket is designed for bridge mode and biamping.

For biamping purposes (e.g. with active systems), the output signals of both power

amp channels are routed to the center Speakon

socket (Pin 1+ = Channel A+; Pin

1-- = Channel A--; Pin 2+ = Channel B+; Pin 2-- = Channel B --). In this mode, the

power amp is operated in two-channel mode as always. The high frequency and low

frequency signals are routed separately to one power amp channel each, but you

only have to connect one four-pin Speakon

cable to the speaker system.

In bridge mode, the speaker system is connected to the positive terminals of both

power amp outputs, i.e. Channel A+ is connected to the positive terminal of the

speaker system and Channel B+ of the power amp is connected the negative termi-

nal of the loudspeaker system.

Caution: If you want to connect a speaker system to the power amp's Speakon®

socket while the amp is in bridge mode, then you must make a special Speakon®

cable for this purpose. The pins for the two Speakon® plugs have to be connected

as follows: 1+ of the power amp to 1+ of the speaker system and 2+ of the power

amp to 1- of the speaker system. The other pins remain unassigned.

4.6 Mains Socket

Connect the VX power amp via a standard (non-heating equipment) power cable to

the AC power supply. However, before you plug the power amp into a wall outlet,

ensure that your local mains voltage is the same as that specified on the back of

the unit near the AC socket. If you attempt to run your VX power amp on the

wrong mains voltage, you can cause serious damage to the power amp!

4.7 Impedance Switch (models VX 800 and VX 1200 only)

While the largest model in the VX series of power amps is permanently set

to a minimum load (4 Ω in the case of the VX 2400, and 2 Ω with the

VX 2402), you can select the minimum impedance of the smaller models

with a switch. If the switch is set to 4 Ohms, ensure that your connected

load does not fall below this value.

Caution: Do not under any circumstances change this switch while the amp is in

operation. Make any and all changes only after turning the amp off.

VX POWER AMPS MANUAL

5 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All level indications refer to 0 dBV (1 V RMS).

Inputs

A, B Input

Sockets:

XLR (1 = ground; 2 = +; 3 = --) and stereo 1/4" (tip = +; ring = --; sleeve = ground)

Type

Parallel electronically balanced 1/4" and XLR jacks

Input impedance

20 kOhms balanced, 10 kOhms unbalanced

(VX 800: 22 kOhms balanced, 12 kOhms unbalanced)

Outputs

Channel A, B

Speakon

NL4 jacks and binding posts

Pin assignments: binding posts red = +; black = --

Speakon

1+ = +; 1-- = -- ; 2+ and 2-- unconnected

Biamp/Bridge

Both power amp outputs routed to one Speakon

NL4 socket

Pin assignments: 1+ = Channel A+; 1-- = Channel A--;

2+ = Channel B+; 2-- = Channel B-

A special Speakon

cable must be used in bridge mode!

Pin assignments for the bridge cable:

1+ amp = 1+ speaker; 2+ amp= 1-speaker,

the other two contacts must remain open or unconnected!

General

Controls

Master Power Switch, Input Sensitivity Knob, Operating Mode Switch, Internal Limiters, Ground-Lift.

Displays

On, Protect, Signal And Clipping LEDs.

Protective Circuits

Full DC fault, thermal and short-circuit protection

Cooling

Aluminum cooling element in ventilation channel, servo-controlled ventilator (air flow from front to back)

Electrical Specifications

Frequency response 20 Hz to 20000 Hz (±1 dB)

Crosstalk -75 dB at peak level and 1 kHz (except VX 800: -80 dB)

-60 dB at peak level and 20–20000 Hz (except VX 800: -75 dB)

Signal to noise ratio -103 dB at peak level (except VX800: -101 dB)

Damping factor >600, 20–400 Hz with an 8-Ohm load

Rise time 25 V/ms, 50 V/ms in Bridge Mode (except VX800: 20 V/ms / 40 V/ms)

CMRR @60 Hz minimum of 48 dB, typically 56 dB (except VX 800: 54 dB/ 66 dB)

Power consumption VX 800/1200 1440 watts (IEC 60 065)

VX 2400/2402 1800 watts (IEC 60 065)

Mechanical Specifications

Weight VX 800 14,3 kg/ 31.5 lbs

VX 1200 15,9 kg/ 35 lbs

VX 2400 19,8 kg/ 43.5 lbs

VX 2402 18,4 kg/ 40.5 lbs

Dimensions Width: 48 cm (19”)

Height: 9 cm/ 2 rack spaces (3.5”)

Depth: 44 cm (17.5”)

Power Ratings All power ratings are given in watts per channel.

VX 800 (2/4 Ohms)* VX 1200 (2/4 Ohms)* VX 2402 VX 2400

Continuous average power into 8Ω 160 / 250 250 / 350 475 750

Continuous average power into 4Ω 260 / 400 400 / 600 750 1200

Continuous average power into 2Ω 400 / NA 600 / NA 1200 NA

Burst average power into 8Ω 200 / 320 400 / 525 625 1200

Burst average power into 4Ω 360 / 560 750 / 1000 1200 2175

Burst average power into 2Ω 600 / NA 1325 / NA 2175 NA

Sensitivity 1,0 / 1,4 V RMS 1,0 / 1,4 V RMS 1,4 V RMS 1,4 V RMS

Voltage gain 29 dB 31 dB 36 dB 39 dB

* Power amp configured for maximum power output at 2 and 4 Ohms respectively (see 4.7).

Power ratings, bridge mode, in watts

VX 800 VX 1200 VX 2402 VX 2400

Continuous average power into 4Ω 800 600 2400 NA

Continuous average power into 8Ω 800 600 NA 2400

Burst average power into 4Ω 1200 2600 4350 NA

Burst average power into 8Ω 1100 2000 NA 4350

HK Audio VX Series User manual

Brand: HK Audio

Model: VX Series

Category: Musical Equipment

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

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HK Audio VX Series User manual

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HK Audio VX Series User manual

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