American Audio Amplifier VX Series User Manual

							
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 11
MenUs: 
Mode: When you enter this menu you can choose your desired setting between Stereo, Bridge, or Parallel. See page 12 for descrip-
tions. press enter to make your selection.
LoW CUt: in this menu you choose either  on or off, and then press  enter to select you setting.  if you set it to on, and press  enter, you 
are now able to choose between 30Hz or 50Hz. When set to 30Hz, any singnal below 3oHz will be cut. When set to 50Hz, any signal 
below 50Hz will be cut. Press Enter to select your setting, and press the Menu button to exit.
SenSItIVIty: In this menu you can choose either 1.0V, .775V, or 1.44V. Press Enter to make your selection, and press Menu to exit.
FILter: In this menu you can choose Full Range, Top 100Hz or Sub 100Hz. Top 100Hz is best for two or three way speakers. Sub 100Hz 
is best for powering sub woofers. Press Enter to make your selection, and press Menu to exit.
reSet  to deF aULt: To reset to default settings, press  enter to enter the menu and then press  enter again to reset. press the menu 
button to exit. 
PaSSWord Change: in the menu you can change the password to your desired password. See page 14 for more information.
operatIng  MoDes: Always  configure    your  amplifier  operating  mode  before  beginning  operation.  if  you  want  to  change  it  during 
performance. You must decrease the gain controls to their lowest levels to protect the speakers from any popping noise.
Stereo operation - page 14/Figure 13 details an example of a typical stereo set-up. enter into the  menu and go to the  mode set-
ting, set the amp to Stereo and press  enter. connect your inputs into channels one and two of the amplifier.  connect your speakers to 
the outputs on the rear of the amplifier. Be sure that your front gain controls are turned down to their lowest level (full counter-clock-
wise).  Turn  your  amp  on.  Turn  your  input  source  level  up. use  your  front  gain  controls  to  regulate  the  output  volume.  Be  sure  not  to 
raise the volume to the clip level, however an intermittent clip signal \
is acceptable.
Mono Bridge operation - Page 14/Figure 14 details a mono bridge set-up. Be sure your amplifier and all other audio equipment 
is powered down. Enter into the Menu and go to the Mode setting, set the amp to Bridge and press Enter. Connect an input signal to 
channel  one. connect  your  speaker  across    the  red  output  binding  post  on  the  rear  of  your  amplifier.  Turn  your  equipment  on  (your 
amplifier should always be the last item you turn on). Apply an input source signal to your amplifier. Turn channel two gain up.  use the 
channel one gain to regulate your amplifier output.
Bridged-Mono Mode Caution - The voltage across the output terminals of a bridged vX Series™ amplifier may equal or exceed 
100 volts RMS and may be as high as 130 volts. Use fully insulated CLASS ONE wiring, and the load must be rated for up to 2500 watts 
(@4 ohms)
Parallel Mono - “parallel ” ties the two channel line inputs together so that they will both be driven by the same signal, without the 
need for external jumpers or wiring. Both amplifier channels will operate independently. Though they carry the same signal, their gain 
controls  affect  only  their  respective  channels,  and  they  both  must  use  their  respected  speaker  outputs.  never  attempt  to  parallel  the 
speaker outputs, this may cause serious damage to your amplifier! This mode is recommended when using the vX Series™ to run bass 
speakers, to achieve better low end. To run in parallel mono mode connect your system as you would if you were going to run in stereo 
mode. enter into the menu and go to the  mode setting, set the amp to  parrallel and press enter. Be sure the amp is off or the power is 
disconnected before making any changes. 
						

							
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 12
Mono  Subwoofer  - This  operation  is  similar  to  the  Stereo  Subwoofer  operation  but  in  mono.  When  running  subwoofers  it  is  usually 
recommended  to  run  them  in  mono  mode  to  achieve  a  cleaner  tighter  low  end.  This  operation  allows  you  to  run  several  subwoofers 
down to a minimum of 4 ohms. To avoid amplifier  overheating, never run the amplifier  below 8 ohms in this mode. Set up this mode 
as you would a standard stereo set up. in this mode you may use the frequency adjustment on the rear of the amp, to control the bass 
frequency output level. Frequencies may be adjusted from 20Hz to 200Hz.
proteCtIon:
Limiter  - only  the  vLp 1500  and  600  come  with  a  built  in  limiter.  When  the  input  signal  overloads,  the  “CLIP  LED’s”  indicate  a  sig-
nal  overload,  at  this  time,  the  master  volume  should  be  lowered  to  reduce  distortion.  if  the  input  gain  level  is  not  reduced  the  built-in 
limiter  will  activate.  During  signal  overload,  the  limiter  will  reduce  the  input  audio  signal  enough  to  minimize  the  amount  of  clipping. 
A  limiter  takes  the  gain  of  an  overloading  signal  and  reduces  it,  the  reduction  in  gain  reduces  distortion  that  can  cause  damage  to 
your  speakers  and  amplifier. during  normal  operation  below  clipping,  and  momentary  clips  on  peaks,  the  limiter  does  not  affect  the 
audio  signal  and  is  inaudible.  it  will  allow  brief  clipping  of  peaks  and  will  only  activate  when  continuous,  hard  clipping  occurs.  during 
excessive clipping the limiter will reduce the audio signal enough to minimize the amount of clipping. When the input signal decreases 
enough  that  clipping  ends,  the  limiter  will  deactivate  and  cease  its  gain  reduction.  The  limiter  has  a  fixed  threshold  and  can  not  be 
adjusted. 
Safe Power Levels at different output Loads:
8-Ohm  Loads:  The  amplifier  can  operate  at  practically  any  power  level  without  risk  of  overheating.  However,  if  it  is  pushed  hard 
enough to continually light the “CLIP ” indicator, the amplifier’s average output power can reach 150 watts.
4-Ohm Loads: If the “CLIP” indicator flashes occasionally, the amplifier is approaching its maximum long-term power capacity. If it is 
lit about half the time, the amplifier channel will probably go into thermal protection within a few minutes.
Short  Circuit  Protection  - The vX  Series™  amplifiers  all  come  with  built-in  output  Short circuit protects.  The  output  Short circuit 
protection  protects  the  output  devices  of  the  amplifier  from  short  circuits  and  stressful  loads.  if  your  speaker  lines  short,  the  ampli-
fier automatically detects this problem and discontinues operation for that channel. if one side of your amplifier becomes shorted and 
goes into protect mode, the other side will continue to operate normally. during short circuit protection, the "clip" Led and “protect" 
Led  will  light  simultaneously  indicating  amplifier  fault.  All  channel  output    during  the  “Short  circuit protection"  will  be  interrupted  (i.e. 
no sound out 
						

							
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 13
put). Short Circuit Protection can usually be traced back to the signal output line (i.e. speaker line). check the line from the output ter-
minal of the amplifier to the speaker. if this line good, check the internal speaker connections and components. A short circuit will usu-
ally be traced to a bad cable or a bad speaker component and is rarely traced to the amplifier itself.
thermal Protection - dual variable speed fans on the vX Series amplifier provide adequate cooling. during low level output the fans 
run  at  normal  speeds.  During  high  output  and  as  heat  raises,  (exceeding  90°C.),  the  fans  will  run  at  higher  speeds  to  aid  the  cooling 
process.  If  the  heatsink  temperature  exceeds  91°C.,  the  amplifier  will  mute  until  the  amplifier  cools  down.  When  the  amplifier  cools 
below  90°C.,  the  amplifier  will  return  to  normal  operations.  Be  sure  not  to  operate  your  amplifier  below  the  minimum  load  ratings  to 
reduce the risk of overheating problems.
Input/output  Protection  - The  input  circuits  are  isolated  by  10k  resistors.  An  ultrasonic  network  uncouples rF from  the  output  and 
helps keep the amplifier stable with reactive loads.  
operating  Voltage  (aC  Mains)  -  The  serial  number  label  indicates  the  correct  Ac  main  voltage.  connecting  to  the  wrong  voltage  is 
dangerous  and  may  damage  the  amplifier.  Always  be  sure  the  source  voltage  for  your  areas  matches  the  required  voltage  for  your 
amplifier.
gain  Controls  -  The  gain  controls  are  located  on  the  front  panel  and  are  calibrated  in  2dB  of  attenuation  from  full  gain.  It  is  best  to 
adjust the amplifier so no “hissing” is heard from speakers with no music being played, this will ensure the lowest possible distortion 
during normal operation. 
aMpLIFIer FeatUres:
thrU - Thru will allow the user to daisy-chain one amplifiers signal input into another amplifier.  plug the signal source outputs into the 
first amplifier’s input, patch from the amplifier’s THRU jacks to the next amplifier’s input, and so on, daisy-chaining as many amplifiers 
as there is no excessive level loss. Is not affected by crossover setting.
groUnd LIFt SWItCh - Applying or lifting the ground switch will change the level for background noise and hum, if the noise level 
remains the same in either position, it is better to keep the ground lift switch in the ground position. This will eliminate 60Hz cycle hum 
that is sometimes induced when mounting several units in the same rack.
oPeratIng VoLtage (aC MaInS) - The serial number label indicates the correct Ac main voltage.  connecting to the wrong voltage 
is dangerous and may damage the amplifier.
gaIn ControLS - The gain controls are located on the front panel and are calibrated in 2dB of attenuation from full gain. It is best to 
adjust the amplifier so no “hissing” is heard from speakers with no music being played, this will ensure the lowest possible distortion 
during normal operation.
Led  IndICatorS  - Each  channel  has  five  LEDS.  Two  LEDs  indicate  signal  level  activity;  two  green  LEDs.  One  yellow  LED  indicates 
signal clipping. one red Led indicates protections mode for shorts/ overload.  one blue Led indicates power for each individual chan-
nel. 
						

							
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 14
aMpLIFIer passWorD/LoCK FeatUre:
use this feature to lock in your settings and prevent accidental adjustments.
THE INITIAL USER PASSWORD IS 88. With user password, you can enter and change the setting of the amp. If the wrong password 
is entered, “PASSWORD: Error” will be displayed. You can change the initial password to set your own password.
the deFaULt PaSSWord IS 86548. With this password you can change the setting of the amp regardless to whatever password is 
set. If the wrong password is entered, “PASS WORD: Error” will be displayed. If you cannot remember your password, use the default 
password.
hoW to Set/Change yoUr P aSSWord:
1. make all your desired settings and adjustments.
2. Press the MENU button, until the screen displays “NEW PASS Wd: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9”.
3. Next, press the UP or DOWN buttons to move the cursor right or left, to your desired number. Press ENTER to select your desired    
    number.
4. Your password must be 5 numbers long. The new password will be saved by the amp automatically, and the LCD will return back to   
    the regular screen displaying the working mode and temperature.
hoW to Change PaSSWord StatUS:
1. choose your desired password.
2. Press the MENU button, until “MENU Pass Word SEL” is displayed.
3. Press the ENTER button to enter the password status menu. The screen should display “Pass Word SEL”, with either “Pass Word     
 
    ON” or “Pass Word OFF” also displayed. Using the UP or DOWN buttons you can chose between either ON or OFF. Find your 
    desired setting and press enTer to make your selection.
4. If the Password Status is set to “OFF”, you do not need to enter your password to make adjustments to the amp settings.
    if the password Status is set to “on”, you will have to enter your password to make adjustmetns to the amp settings.
  
						

							
©American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  VX Series™ Power Amplifier User Manual  Page 15
tYpICaL Mono brIDge set-Up
speaKers
8 OHM MINIMUM
tYpICaL stereo oUtpUt ConneCtIons
speaKers
4 OHM MINIMUM
speaKers
4 OHM MINIMUM
use channel 1 input only (XLr Jack)
X
Use Speakon or Banana Jacks
use the two positive binding post 
termainals (red) for speaker output.
Figure 14
Figure 13 
						

							
American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 16
The  VX  Series  carries  a  one  year  limited  warranty.  We  recommend  you  fill  out  the  enclosed  warranty  card  to  validate  your  purchase.  All 
returned  service  items  whether  under  warranty  or  not,  must  be  freight  pre-paid  and  accompany  a  R.A.  (return  authorization)  number.  If  the 
mixer is under warranty, you must provide a proof of purchase invoice. You may obtain a R.A. number by contacting our customer support 
team on our toll free number. please contact American Audio® customer support at (800) 322-6337 for a  r.A. number. All package 
not displaying a  r.A. number on the outside of the package will be returned to the shipper.
1-year LIMIted W arranty
A.  American Audio® hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, American Audio® products to be free of manufacturing defects in material and work-
manship for a period of 1 Year (365 days) from the date of purchase. This warranty shall be valid only if the product is purchased within the United 
States of America, including possessions and territories.  it is the owner’s responsibility to establish the date and place of purchase by acceptable 
evidence, at the time service is sought. 
B.  For warranty service, send the product only to the American Audio® factory. All shipping charges must be pre-paid. If the requested repairs or 
service (including parts replacement) are within the terms of this warranty, American Audio® will pay return shipping charges only to a designated 
point  within  the united  States. if  the  entire  instrument  is  sent,  it  must  be  shipped  in  its  original  package.  no  accessories  should  be  shipped  with 
the product. if any accessories are shipped with the product, American Audio® shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of\
 or damage to any such 
accessories, nor for the safe return thereof.  
C.  This warranty is void if the serial number has been altered or removed; if the product is modified in any manner which American Audio® con-
cludes, after inspection, affects the reliability of the product; if the product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the American Audio® 
factory unless prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by American Audio®; if the product is damaged because not properly maintained 
as set forth in the instruction manual. 
D.  This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning or periodic check-up. During the period specified above, 
American Audio® will replace defective parts at its expense, and will absorb all expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of defects 
in material or workmanship. The sole responsibility of American Audio® under this warranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or replace-
ment thereof, including parts, at the sole discretion of American Audio®. All products covered by this warranty were manufactured after January 1, 
1990, and bear identifying marks to that effect. 
e.  American Audio® reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon its products without any obligation to include these 
changes in any products theretofore manufactured. 
F.  No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory supplied with products described above. Except to 
the  extent  prohibited  by  applicable  law,  all  implied  warranties  made  by  American  Audio®  in  connection  with  this  product,  including  warranties  of 
merchantability or fitness, are limited in duration to the warranty period set forth above. And no warranties, whether expressed or implied, including 
warranties of merchantability or fitness, shall apply to this product after said period has expired. The consumer’s and or Dealer’s sole remedy shall 
be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and under no circumstances shall American Audio® be liable for any loss or damage, 
direct or consequential, arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.  
G.  This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to American Audio® products and supersedes all prior warranties and written descriptions 
of warranty terms and conditions heretofore published.  
						

							
VX Series SPeCS
Power supply: AC 100V, 50/60Hz (Japan)
      AC 110V, 60Hz (Colombia)
      AC 120V, 60Hz (U.S.A. and Canada)
      AC 127V, 60Hz (Mexico)
      AC 220V, 50Hz (Chile and Argentina)
      AC 220V, 60Hz (Philippines and Korea)
      AC 230V, 50Hz (Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, and Singapore)
      AC 240V, 50Hz (Australia and U.K.)
MODEL:                                          VX1000                                             VX1500                                                VX2500
Output Power:   500W RMS per Channel @ 4 Ohms,  700W RMS per Channel @ 4 Ohms,  1200W RMS per Channel @ 4 Ohms,
       1kHz, 0.1% THD             1kHz, 0.1% THD        1kHz, 0.1% THD
       1000W RMS @ 8 Ohms,           1500W RMS @ 8 Ohms,        2800W RMS @ 8 Ohms,
       1kHz, o.1% THD              1kHz, 0.1% THD                        1kHz, 0.1% THD
       (Bridge Mode, Mono)           (Bridge Mode, Mono)                          (Bridge Mode, Mono)
       330W RMS per channnel @ 8 Ohms, 450W RMS per channel @ 8 Ohms,  750W RMS per channel @ 8 Ohms,
       1kHz, 1% THD             1kHz, 1% THD                                    1kHz, 1% THD
Total Harmonic          Less Than 0.1% (20Hz - 20kHZ @      Less Than 0.5% (20Hz - 20kHZ @    Less Than 0.5% (20Hz - 20kHZ @
Distortion (THD):        8 Ohms                                               8 Ohms           8 Ohms
Frequency                 (+/-0.3db, @ rated output power,          (+/-0.3db, @ rated output power,   (+/-0.3db, @ rated output power,
Response:       1W RMS 8 Ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz        1W RMS 8 Ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz    1W RMS 8 Ohms): 20Hz - 20KHz
Slew Rate:     15V Per usec              15V Per usec          15V Per usec
Damping Factor @     300                  300           300
8 Ohm:  
Impedance:               20K Ohms Balanced            20K Ohms Balanced       20K Ohms Balanced
      10K Ohms Unbalanced            10K Ohms Unbalanced      10K Ohms Unbalanced
Dimensions     16.5” x 19” x 3.5”                     16.5” x 19” x 3.5”        19.5” x 19” x 3.5”
(LxWxH):     429 x 483 x 88mm             429 x 483 x 88mm        495 x 482 x 88mm 
Weight:      40lbs/18.5Kgs              45lbs/18.5Kgs           52lbs/23.5Kgs   
American Audio®  -  www.americanaudio.com  -  vX Series™ power Amplifier user manual  page 17 
						

							
©American Audio®
American Audio® is part of the American dJ® Group of companies  
American DJ® World Headquarters:
6122 S. eastern Ave. Los Angeles, cA 90040 uSA
Tel: 323-582-2650 / Fax: 323-582-2610
web: www.americanaudio.com / e-mail: [email protected]