OPERA

OPERATIONS
INST
INSTALLA
TIONS MANU
PA-SERIES PO WER AMPLIFIERS
POWER

ALLA
ALLATION
PA-4020B

TION &
MANUAL
AL

IRP professional sound products L.P.

1225 Greenbriar Drive !"Suite R
Addison, IL 60101 USA
800-255-6993 !"630-860-1993 !"FAX 630-860-1997 !"www.irp.net
2000 041600 622-1018Ver 2.3
Table of Contents

List of Tables and Figures ................................................................................................. ii

Important Notices .............................................................................................................. 4

FCC Compliance ............................................................................................................... 5

Product Description ........................................................................................................... 6

Specifications .................................................................................................................... 7

UnPacking ......................................................................................................................... 8

Mechanical Mounting.......................................................................................................... 8

Connections ....................................................................................................................... 9

Trouble-Shooting ................................................................................................................ 13

Warranty Provisions ........................................................................................................... 13

i
List of Tables and Figur es
Figures

Figure 1: Front and Rear Panel View.................................................................................. 6

Figure 2: Input Connections ................................................................................................ 10

Figure 3: Output Connections ............................................................................................. 11

Figure 4: Dual-channel, 70.7 volt output Connections .......................................................... 12

Figure 5: Bridged mode, 70.7 volt output Connections ........................................................ 12

Table 1: Output Power versus Impedance ........................................................................... 7

Table 2: Input Signal Characteristics, Thermal Considerations ............................................ 8

ii
Impor tant Notices
Important

PLEASE READ THIS PAGE BEFORE OPERATING YOUR

IRP professional sound products L.P.
POWER AMPLIFIER
Intr oduction
Introduction
Your new IRP professional sound products power precaution, the unit should not be operated in a
amplifier has been designed and constructed to location where it might be subjected to water or
provide years of reliable, trouble-free operation. other spilled liquids.
Please take a few moments to read the following
information before installing your new power am- Gr ounding
Grounding
plifier. Adherence to these simple instructions will The power amplifier is intended to be mounted in
ensure that your new power amplifier will provide a metallic enclosure which should be grounded
you with the service and performance that you in accordance with NEC (National Electrical Code)
have come to expect from IRP products. prescribed procedures. When used in locations
other than the USA, adhere to local codes and
Read all instructions prior to connecting standards for specifics.
any ac power to your power amplifier
Do not make any modifications that will
Ac Power Conditions
Po defeat the grounding provisions of the unit.
The Power Amplifier described in this manual and
which is intended for distribution in North America Oper
Operaating Contr ols
Controls
is shipped from the factory setup for operation There are no user operating controls within
from 115 volt, 60Hz power mains. The unit can the interior of the chassis. Do not remove the
be rearranged for operation on 230 volt 50Hz if chassis cover. Potentially lethal electrical circuits
required. The power amplifier should be con- may be exposed when the cover is removed.
nected to an ac line source of the type described
in this manual or as indicated on the rear of the Ser vice Inf
Service or
Infor ma
orma tion
mation
unit. Only qualified service personnel should service
the power amplifier when:
Ventila tion
entilation # The power cord or line connection plug is
When the unit is installed in an equipment rack frayed or otherwise damaged
without forced air cooling, a maximum ambient # Unit has been exposed to spilled liquids
temperature of 45°C (113°F) should not be ex- # The amplifier does not appear to be
ceeded. Refer to Mounting Section for further de-
operating properly or there is a noticeable
tails.
change in performance
# The unit has been dropped or the
Pr otection fr
Protection om Water
from enclosure has been damaged
Dama
Damag ge Refer all service work to a qualified electronics
The PA-4020B is enclosed in a chassis, which is technician. Contact the factory or your authorized
devoid of ventilation holes. Consequently, it is by- IRP dealer for further information
and-large impervious to happenstance’s where
liquid or other corrosive elements can be intro- Removal of the cover, or other unauthorized
duced into the interior of the chassis. However, tampering may result in a voiding of the
the external connections on the rear panel of the warranty
amplifier could be adversely effected by exposure
to water or other liquids. Hence, as a general

4
FCC Compliance

War ning
arning
This equipment generates and uses radio If necessary, the user should consult the dealer
frequency energy and if not installed and used or an experienced radio/television technician for
properly, may cause interference to radio and additional suggestions. The user may find the
television reception. It has been type tested and following booklet prepared by the Federal
found to comply with the limits for a Class B Communications Commission helpful:
computing device in accordance with the specifi- “How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
cations in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, Interference Problems”. This booklet is available
which are designed to provide reasonable pro- from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Wash-
tection against such interference in a residential ington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
installation. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installa-
tion. If this equipment does cause interference
to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:

# Reorient the receiving antenna

# Relocate the amplifier with respect to the
receiver
# Move the amplifier away from the receiver
# Plug the amplifier into a different electrical
outlet so that the amplifier and the receiver
are on different electrical branch circuits

5
 Pr oduct Description
Product
The PA-4020B Power Amplifier is IRP professional With convection cooling, when idling, the unit
sound products’ latest version of the legendary draws very little power, thus producing remark-
DH-4020. The PA-4020B features improvements ably little heat. Inasmuch, as it utilizes signal de-
designed to address the needs of today’s pendent switching power supplies, the highly effi-
systems integrators. The front panel graphics cient PA-4020B has one of the lowest idle cur-
have been redesigned to match the appearance rents of any power amplifier available to the Audio
of the other power amplifiers in the PA-Series Industry.
product line.
This highly stable discrete power amplifier has a
This new unit employs a dual monaural design power handling rating of 180 watts per channel
for improved reliability; the PA-4020B output power into 8 ohms and 250 watts each channel into 4
rating has been increased significantly. However, ohms. In mono-bridged mode it will provide 450
the single rack space mount characteristic has watts to an eight ohm load. Both bipolar amplifier
been retained. With convection cooling and a fully sections employ switchable transient current
enclosed chassis, the inherent problems of fan limiters and a turn on delay for speaker protec-
noise and susceptibility to environmental prob- tion.
lems such as dust, smoke and liquids have been
reduced to near negligible levels. The input and output connections for this
amplifier will accommodate virtually any
Designed for the Global Market, IRP decided that permanent or portable application. The rear panel
the PA-4020B must be one of the most easily is arrayed with XLR, Neutrik Speakon, binding
specified and installed amplifiers available. This posts and removable screw terminal connectors.
iis reflected in its overall design and feature set. Few power amplifiers available offer as much
The amplifier is able to operate on 120 or 240 volt flexibility, power handling, and quality performance
ac power at 50 to 60Hz. as the IRP PA-4020B.

Fig. 1: Front & Rear Panel Views

6
Specifica tions
Specifications
Frequency response: Input/Output connectors:
+0, -1dB — 20Hz to 20kHz XLR type, Neutrik Speakon, binding post,
Maximum input level: removable screw clamp connectors
+20dBv Front panel controls and indicators:
Maximum output level: Channel level controls (2)
+20 dBm Power on/off switch
Input impedance: Power on indicator 2 leds (green)
100kW Temperature indicator 2 leds (yellow)
Input sensitivity: Failure indicator 2 leds (red)
1VRMS Signal indicator 2 leds (green)
Distortion: Current Transit Indicator 2 leds (yellow)
.02% THD Rear panel controls and indicators:
Input signal filter: Input channel connector 2 removable screw
40kHz, to limit input slew rate to avoid SID/ clamp connectors, 2 XLR type 3-pin connec-
TIM distortion tor
Channel crosstalk: Output channel connectors, each channel, two
-85dB 4-way binding posts each 2 Speakon
Output impedance: connectors
4, 8, and 16W 1 Ground lift switch
Signal to Noise ratio: 1 Bridge mode switch
>105dB below rated output, 20Hz to 20kHz 1 Ac line fuse
Slew rate: 1 3-pole, grounded, male IEC connector
20V/µsec Maximum audio power output:
Damping factor: (see table)
>100 Ac Power requirements:
Overload recovery: 120/240V ±10%, 50/60Hz (draws <20 watts
<10µsec. With no recovery anomalies on idle, 300 watts at 200 watt output)
Dc output offset: Dimensions:
±10 mV or less 19 in. x 1.75 in. x 14 in.
(48.3 cm x 4.45 cm x 35.56 cm)
Table 1: Output Power versus Impedance
WxHxD
Heat sinking:
POWER two, single-piece, finned, aluminum extrusion
MODE IMPEDANCE
OUTPUT extends full depth on both sides of chassis
Operating temperature range:
DUAL CHANNEL 4 OHMS 250 W 0 to +85°C
Finish:
DUAL CHANNEL 8 OHMS 180 W Thermosetting black paint/anodized
Cooling:
Passive cooling. No fans or ventilation holes;
DUAL CHANNEL 16 OHMS 125 W adequately cooled by natural convection

BRIDGED MODE 4 OHMS 450 W

NOTE
Power Output is average per
channel, 20Hz to 20kHz. with
less than .02% THD. In Dual
Channel Mode, both channels
driven. 7
Initializion

Unpac king
Unpacking
Your new IRP professional sound products L.P. Verify that the two (green) screw-clamp connec-
PA-4020B Power Amplifier has been carefully tors are inserted into the amplifier input
packed and shipped to you in an approved ship- connection receptacles and that they have not
ping container. been dislodged in shipment.

Open and unpack the unit on a clean, firm flat Examine the dipswitch carefully for possible ship-
surface ping damage. Verify that the Bridge/Stereo switch
Remove the power amplifier from the die-cut card- is in the proper position for the intended service.
board fillers and the line cord from the accessory
bag. The unit is shipped from the factory with the Mounting
front-panel (faceplate) installed. The PA-4020B is intended for mounting in a stan-
Inspect the unit for shipping damage immediately dard 19” equipment cabinet and will occupy
upon receipt. If any damage is found, promptly 1-RU (1.75”) of rack space. The unit is attached
notify the shipping company. Only the consignee to the equipment rack by using four mounting
(you) can initiate a claim with the shipping carrier screws inserted through the rack lug spaces at
for shipping damage. In the event of shipping the front of the amplifier chassis. To avoid scratch-
damage, be sure to save the shipping carton for ing the faceplate, it is recommended that a fiber
inspection by the carrier’s agent. washer be installed between the screwhead and
the faceplate.
Retain all packaging materials for use in the event
that the unit has to be moved or shipped at some Your PA-4020B amplifier has no ventilation holes
future time. To avoid damage and/or scratching, in the chassis; hence it is fairly impervious to the
transport units to the job-site in their shipping con- possibility of dust, dirt or other contaminates en-
tainers. tering the chassis interior. However, like all other
electronic equipment, it should be mounted in a
Pr oduct Inspection
Product conditioned space to insure that it is operating in
Examine the rear panel of the device. a stable temperature and dust-free environment.
Appearing adjacent to the IEC power line recep-
tacle are two screened labels reading 240VAC- Grounding
3A at the top of the receptacle and 120VAC-6A Equipment racks (cabinets) and the components
below the receptacle. Make sure your unit is installed therein should be properly grounded in
marked with a √ in the appropriate box. accordance with National Electrical Code (NEC)
and all other applicable codes and standards. The
third prong (green wire) of the ac line cord should
not be relied upon to provide proper grounding.
TABLE 2

LOAD IMP E DANCE

4 O hms/chnl 8 O hms/chnl >16 O hms/chnl

Audi o Si gnal C ondi ti ons
8 O hms bridged 16 O hms bridged >32 O hms bridged
Typi cal Audi o >15dB
1 1 1
Peak/Average Rati o

Moderately C ompressed Audi o

10dB to 20dB 2 1 1
Peak/Average Rati o

Hi ghly C ompressed Audi o

<10dB 3* 2 1
Peak/Average Rati o

8
 Connections

Audio Input Connections

For best performance and to insure that the in- All input connections are made on the rear panel
stallation is free of ground loops that can create of the PA-4020B Power Amplifier. Each channel
obnoxious noise and hum problems, a technical is equipped with a 3-pin, screw-clamp, barrier-
ground for the audio equipment should be strip type connector and a 3-pin, XLR-type con-
installed. In such a grounding system, the audio nector. Choose which type of connector you plan
electronic equipment is grounded at one point only to use and connect accordingly. Connections may
and with reference to the ac power connection to be made to either the terminal strip or to the XLR-
the building (service entry). Depending upon the type connector; but not to both.
size of the facility and the distance between the Both types of connectors have their respective
equipment rack(s) and the service entry, a rela- pins marked 1,2 and 3. Connections should be
tively large ground conductor may be required to made using the AES standard as follows:
establish a solid ground. Pin 1 – ground (shield)
Pin 2 – high (+) audio signal
Do not rely on the building conduit/raceway Pin 3 – low (-) audio signal
to provide a proper ground Use two conductor, shielded cable for all audio
Variance of ground potential between the input lines.
audio equipment and the service entry Shields should be connected to ground at their
should be <.25 Ohms. source end and not at the power amplifier.
Cable between the source and the power ampli-
Prior to commencing an installation, the design fier should not exceed 18 inches (.5 meters).
of a well thought-out grounding plan can elimi- Do not locate audio input cables closer than 4
nate most problems with interfering RFI (radio fre- inches (10 cm) from output, intermediate, or ac
quency interference) and EMI (electromagnetic wiring. See Grounding in the preceding Mounting
interference). A properly conceived and imple- Section.
mented grounding plan can save untold grief and
expense in trying to correct problems ‘after-the- Determine whether the power amplifier will be
fact’. used in dual-channel mode or in the bridged
mode. In the dual-channel mode, connections are
Inter nal Equipment R ac
Rac
ackk made to both channel 1 and channel 2. If the unit
W iring is to be used in bridged mode, connection is made
For best performance and minimum interference, to channel 1 only. Make sure the bridge/stereo
internal rack wiring should be spaced with a selector switch is in the proper position for the
minimum of 4 inches (10 cm) between conduc- service intended.
tors having varying signal levels. That is, ac
wiring, input audio wiring, intermediate level See figure 2 for connection information:
audio and output audio wiring should be
separated by a minimum of 4 inches from each Audio Output Connections
other. Varying signal levels and/or ac wiring should All output connections are made on the rear panel
never be bundled or tie-wrapped in a common of the PA-4020B Power Amplifier. Each channel
riser. is equipped with a 2-conductor Neutrik Speakon
connector and a pair of 4-way binding posts.
Choose which type of connector you plan to use
and connect accordingly. Connections should be
made to either the Neutrik connector or to the 4-
way binding posts; but not to both.

9
Input Connections

Channel 2 Channel 1
+ 240V - 3 A
+

- 1 2 1 2 -
3 √ 120V - 6A 3

Bridge
On
Input Ground Input
LMT
Connector Lift Connector
Off

1 2 1 2
3 3

+ +
- -
N/ N/
C Dual-Channel mode both Channel Inputs C

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

1 2
3

+
-
N/
C
Bridged mode - Connection to Channel 1 Only
○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Figure 2 Rear Panel Input Connections

10
 Output Connections
Fig. 3 Output Connections
Use class two wiring and sufficiently sized speaker
cable wire to minimize signal loss.

If the power amplifier will be used to drive a

+
constant voltage (70.7V) transmission line, + +
accessory output transformers will be required. -
When the PA-4020B is used with constant volt- -
age transformers, it will provide 180 watts at 70.7 -
volts from each channel. In bridged mode, the
PA-4020B will drive two output transformers to +
produce 350 watts at 70.7 volts. + +
-
When used in a constant voltage mode, the -
sound system should have a high pass filter (low
PA-4020 -
frequency cut) to prevent saturation of the
constant voltage transformers. A second order Balanced input noninverting - dual channel output
(12dB/octave) Butterworth filter at 40Hz or higher ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
frequency is recommended. A first order Unbalanced input noninverting -- dual channel output
(6dB/octave) filter may be used if it is placed at
80Hz or higher frequency.
+
See figure 3, 4 and 5 for connection information + +
-
- -
+
+
-
- -
PA-4020

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Balanced input non-inverting -- bridge mode

+
+

+ -
+

PA-4020

11
 Output Connections

+ +
+

DH-100

+
DH-100

+ +
PA-4020

Fig. 4 Dual-Channel mode -- Constant Voltage 100 watts per Channel Output

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

NC
+ 1 3
+
2 4
(2) 70.7 volts
DH-100
200 watts
NC 1 3

2 4
+ -

NC

Fig. 5 Bridged mode -- Constant Voltage 200 watts Total Output

12
Tr oub le Shooting
ouble
Ser vice and Maintenance
The PA-4020B contains no user serviceable parts. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, ex-
No routine maintenance is required. Inoperative press or implied, and no representative of IRP or
units should be returned to the factory for ex- any other person is authorized to assume for IRP
change or repair. any other liability in connection with the sales of
See procedure for return of defective materials. its product.

If the PA-4020B thermal LED remains lit even af- Retur

eturnn Pr ocedur
Procedur es
ocedures
ter the amplifier has cooled down, a dc offset/load Should you encounter any problems with your
protection cycle has occurred. Cycle the on/off IRP product, be sure to contact either your local
switch to reset the device. authorized IRP dealer or the IRP factory before
taking it anywhere for repairs. We will help you to
One Year Standar d
Standard identify and locate any specific malfunctions,
W ar r anty possibly avoiding needless shipment, or we will
instruct you as to the speediest method for
IRP professional sound products L.P. warrants
authorized repair.
to the original purchaser each product manufac-
tured by it to be free from defect in material and
If you must send your IRP product to the factory
workmanship for a period of one year from date
for repair, be sure to contact the IRP Sales
of sale to original purchaser, and agrees to rem-
Department for a Return Authorization Number.
edy any such defect, or to furnish a new part in
exchange for any part of any product of its manu-
Include the following information with the returned
facture which, under normal installation, use and
product:
service, discloses such defect provided such part
or product is returned by the original purchaser to
1. Your complete name and return shipping
the IRP factory within one year from he date of
address
sale, with all transportation charges prepaid, and
(PO box numbers are not acceptable)
provided that the IRP examination discloses that
2. The model number, serial number and the
it is defective.
Return Authorization Number.
(RA # must appear on the outside of the
This warranty does not extend to any IRP prod-
shipping container)
uct which has been subject to misuse, neglect,
3. A complete and detailed description of any
accident, incorrect wiring by others, improper
and all problems you experienced with the
installation, or to use in violation of instructions
product
furnished by IRP, nor to products on which the
serial or identifying numbers have been removed,
Never ship the unit in any shipping carton other
defaced or changed, nor to accessories used
than the original or a replacement supplied by
therewith not of IRP manufacture.
IRP. Ship to us only by a reputable carrier. Be
sure to insure the package for full replacement
IRP’s obligation under this warranty as to any
value. IRP cannot be held responsible for any
products or parts approved by IRP for remedy or
damage incurred during shipment
exchange is limited, at its option, to replacing such
products or parts in kind without charge to the
If you need further assistance please contact us
original purchaser, or to crediting the original
at the address and communication numbers as
purchaser with the purchase price of the returned
shown on the rear cover of this manual.
defective products.

13
 IRP professional sound products L.P.
1225 Greenbriar Drive !"Suite R
Addison, IL 60101 USA
800-255-6993 !"630-860-1993 !"FAX 630-860-1997 !"www.irp.net
14