™
Black Max Amplifier
X300, X450, & X600 Models
Installation and Use Manual
© 2001 Bogen Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved. 54-2063-01R2 0109
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Contents
Page
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................1
Package Contents................................................................................................................................1
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS..................................................................................................2-3
Black Max Front Panel........................................................................................................................2
Black Max Rear Panel ........................................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION ..............................................................................................................4-5
Mechanical Components....................................................................................................................4
Ventilation..............................................................................................................................................5
Rack Mounting......................................................................................................................................5
Rear Rack Mounting............................................................................................................................5
Table Mounting ....................................................................................................................................5
CONNECTIONS..................................................................................................................6
Speakers ................................................................................................................................................6
Inputs......................................................................................................................................................6
SEQUENTIAL TURN-ON..........................................................................................................................7
Sequential Turn-On Operation ........................................................................................................7
OPERATION ....................................................................................................................8-9
Front Controls & Indicators ............................................................................................................8
Rear Controls & Indicators ..............................................................................................................8
TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................10
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................11
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Introduction
Bogen's Black Max™ amplifiers deliver on what professional sound installers need most: Power and Reliability.
Power
With three different models (X600, X450, and X300), the Black Max series provides 2 independent channels of
amplification at 600W, 450W, and 300W per channel into 70V constant voltage speaker loads safely and secure-
ly. Located on the rear of the amplifier are the Level Controls, Low-Cut Filter Switch, and pluggable input ter-
minal strip for each amplifier channel. These amplifiers are powerful (with total system power of 1200W,900W
and 600W with both channels driven), but they are also compact - using up only 2 rack spaces (3-1/2") in a
standard 19" rack.
Reliability and Functionality
Driven by a conservatively-rated toroidal power transformer, these amplifiers are built for solid performance
with low distortion and a high slew rate.The amplifiers require little maintenance and cleaning as internal elec-
tronic components are located outside of the forced air stream flow. Front-mounted fan filters provide easy
removal and cleaning.
Black Max amplifiers have a variety of electronic protection circuits including overcurrent,DC voltage,and ther-
mal circuits. A special Clip/Limiting circuit continuously monitors the amount of distortion in the output signal
and reduces input levels as the amplifier approaches clipping. Back-Slope™ AC Voltage Stabilization, Bogen’s
unique voltage stabilization circuitry, regulates the AC energy supplied from the power toroid.This improves
both system performance and reliability despite varying AC supply conditions.
An energy-conserving sleep mode (defeatable) with instant-on return signal operation reduces wasted heat
production in paging systems with intermittent use. In addition, large output heatsinks and dual independently-
controlled, high-output, variable speed fans provide superior cooling and quiet operation while reducing dust
accumulation.
A simple and reliable sequential turn-on feature minimizes in-rush current from the AC power mains.When
multiple Black Max amplifiers are daisy-chained together for sequential turn-on, the first amplifier in the series
will control the powering up of the other amplifiers with approximately 1 second of delay between units.
Turning off the first amplifier causes all amplifiers to turn off.
Package Contents
* Black Max Amplifier (Model X600, X450, or X300)
* 2 Rack Ears for Mounting
* Instruction Manual
* 2 Filters and Grilles
* 4 Rubber Feet & Screws
* 2 three-position, 1 four-position
Terminal Strips
1
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Panel Descriptions
Black Max Front Panel
1. Status Indicators
The Status LEDs are multi-purpose indicators, one for each channel.
Green - Amplifier is on and operating normally.
Amber - Amplifier is in low-power consumption Sleep Mode.
Red - Amplifier has protected itself due to a fault condition.
2. Signal Indicators
Three illuminate green when signal is present at the output, one for each channel.
3. Limit Indicators
These indicators illuminate amber when excessive signal levels or very low impedance output loads cause out-
put distortion to exceed a few percent Under such conditions, a built-in Clip/Limiting circuit activates and
reduces input signal levels to protect both amplifier and speaker loads. One for each channel.
4. Power Switch/Circuit Breaker
Magnetic circuit breaker controls AC power to the amplifier.
5. Fan Air Intake and Grilles
Air intakes for 2 independent, variable speed cooling fans. Each responds as needed to keep the amplifier cool
while reducing dust build-up. Removable fan grilles are provided to allow access to the dust filters for cleaning.
2
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Panel Descriptions
Black Max Rear Panel
1. High-Impedance Balanced Inputs
Pluggable 3-position terminal strips allow for easy installation and provide convenient connections to high-
impedance balanced inputs.
2. Input Level Controls
Continuously variable input level controls.
3. Lo-Cut Filters
Roll off frequencies below 60Hz (2nd order) to prevent saturation of speaker transformers. Flush switch actu-
ators reduce tampering.
4.Automatic Sleep Mode
Allows the unit to automatically put itself into a sleep mode when there has been no input activity for more
than 3 minutes. In sleep mode, the amplifier’s idle power is greatly reduced. The amplifier immediately and
noiselessly returns to its full-powered state when a signal is detected at an input. Flush switch actuators reduce
tampering.
5. Power Sequencing Inputs
Multiple Black Max amplifiers can be wired together in a daisy chain to allow for controlled sequential power-
up.A pluggable terminal strip is provided for easy installation.
6. Power Sequencing Switch
Turns power sequencing on or off so that an amplifier can be controlled by either its front circuit breaker switch
or by another Black Max amplifier. Flush switch actuators reduce tampering.
7.AC Power Status Indicator
Indicates the AC power status of the Black Max amplifier.When the indicator is off, no AC power is applied to
the line cord.When amber, power is applied to the line cord but no sequential trigger has been received to
place the amplifier into a fully powered up state (or power switch is off).When green, the amplifier is fully pow-
ered.
8. GroundTerminal
Provides convenient access to earth ground.
9. SpeakerTerminals
Connects to 70V constant voltage speaker loads. One set for each amplifier section.Accepts up to #10 AWG
wire or spade lugs for speaker system connections.
10. Fan Exhausts
Cooling air outlets for independent, variable speed cooling fans.
3
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Installation
Mechanical Components
1. Rack Ears
Prior to installing the amplifier in to a 19" rack, you will need to attach the rack ears. Remove and save the 6
front most cover screws on each side panel of the amplifier. Position the rack ears as shown and attach using
the 6 screws.
2. Dust Filter
Insert the dust filter into the fan grille before attaching the fan grille to the amplifier.
Filter Maintenance
Dust filters are provided with the Black Max amplifier to reduce the build up of dust on the heatsinks. Periodic
cleaning should be done when there is a noticeable build up of dust on the filters. To clean the filters, remove
them from the grilles and wash, vacuum, or tap them out. Promptly replace them.
Caution:
The fan blades are accessible when the grille cover and filter are removed.
Be careful not to place your finger or other objects into the fan.
3. Fan Grille
To attach the fan grilles: first, slide the tabs on the wider end of the grille in to the notches in the front, center
casting.Snap the other end of the grille in to the snap slots.Check that the grille is securely in place. To remove,
pry the end of the cover closest to the rack ears up until the snap tabs disengage.
4
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Installation
Ventilation
The Black Max amplifiers were designed to be placed on a table or rack-mounted. For rack-mounted applica-
tions, the amplifiers can be stacked one on top of the other for maximum use of the rack space available with-
out any extra, empty rack spaces between them.
An open air space of at least 4" must be provided at the front air intakes of the amplifier and the rear exhaust
must have at least 4" between itself and obstructions to ensure adequate cooling. This applies to both rack-
and table-mounted amplifiers.
Care should also be taken to ensure that the front intake air is not considerably warmer than the ambient air
temperature. Mount the amplifiers low in the rack so that heat dissipation from other equipment does not
warm the amplifier's intake air.
Rack Mounting
Rack ears are included with the amplifier to allow
mounting in 19" racks.Attach the rack ears as shown
in the Mechanical Components section. If any feet have
been attached to the bottom of the amplifier, remove
them. Load the amplifier into the rack and secure it
to the rack with appropriate hardware (not included).
Rear Rack Mounting
(Optional accessory, not included)
For greater rear support when rack mounting a Black
Max amplifier, the RPK86 Rack Mounting Kit can be
attached to the rear of the amplifier by following
these steps:
1. Remove and save the three rear most cover
screws from the chassis side.
2. Position the rack attachment as shown.
3. Replace and tighten the three cover screws to
secure the rack attachments.
4. Repeat on opposite side of amplifier.
Table Mounting
Feet are provided with the amplifier to allow it to be
placed on a tabletop. Attach the included feet to the
bottom of the amplifier as shown. Attachment of the
rack ears to the unit is optional and purely aesthetic.
5
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Connections
Speakers
70V "Transformer-Coupled" Speakers
The Black Max series was designed to drive only 70V constant volt-
age type speaker loads. The use of low-impedance speakers may
cause the amplifier to engage its protection circuits and shut down
or limit amplifier function. The speaker terminals can accept up to
a #10 AWG wire or spade lug and have integral clamping plates
which make wiring easier.The polarity of each set of speaker out-
puts (A & B) is indicated with a "+" and "-" sign. Use these indica-
tors to ensure that the phasing of the speakers are correct. Do not
ground the "+" output of either set of outputs. Doing so will cause
the amplifier to go into protect mode, shutting down operation of
the effected channel.
Note:The "+" and "-" indicators are mirrored on "A" and "B" outputs.
Be sure to make the correct connections.
Earth GroundTerminal
The earth ground terminal is provided as a convenient means to
connect to the amplifier’s chassis/AC ground, if necessary. DO
NOT connect the earth ground terminal to the "+" terminals of
either output. No damage will occur if this is done, but the amplifi-
er will go into protect mode and shut down the effected channel.
Inputs
Balanced Input Connections
Balanced input connections are used when the
source device provides a balanced output (sig-
nal "+", signal "-", and ground "G").This type of
connection is desirable when operating in elec-
trically noisy environments, where long input
cable runs are needed, or to ensure the lowest
noise operation. If compatible with the source
device, this type of connection is recommend-
ed.
Unbalanced Input Connections
When the source device provides only an
unbalanced output (signal and ground), the
input should be wired with "-" input shorted to
ground (G).The unbalanced signal's shield wire
is connected to ground and the signal hot wire
is connected to the "+" terminal. Since unbal-
anced connections do not provide the same
amount of noise immunity that a balanced con-
nection does, the connection distances should
be made as short as possible.
6
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SequentialTurn-On
SequentialTurn-On Operation
Black Max amplifiers contain a sequential turn-on feature that is designed to turn on a bank of Black Max ampli-
fiers, one at a time, in sequence with approximately 1 second between each amplifier. This type of sequencing
of power is necessary in large systems where the in-rush current of all the system amplifiers turning on at once
would overload the AC mains supplying the system.
The first amplifier in the chain will act as the master amplifier controlling the power-up for the group.When it
is switched on, it will initiate the power up sequence.
To prepare/wire multiple Black Max amplifiers for sequential turn-on operation, do the following:
Preparation & Wiring
Turn off all amplifiers and unplug from AC.
The amps should be wired together in a daisy chain fash-
ion.Wire the XMT connections of one amp to the RCV
connections of the next amp as shown in the diagram.
This pattern is continued until all the desired amplifiers
are connected.The last amplifier in the chain has no con-
nections on its XMT terminals,and the first amplifier has
no connection to its RCV terminals.
Note: The RCV and XMT terminals have both polarity
and number indicators.In daisy chaining the amplifiers,the
same connection pattern is used: Pin 4 ("+") XMT of the
previous amp to Pin 2 ("+") RCV of the next amp and Pin
3 ("-") XMT of the previous amp to Pin 1 ("-") RCV of the
next amp.
Switch Settings
The position of the Power Sequencing Switch of the
Black Max is important in sequencing setup.The master
amplifier’s Power Sequencing Switch MUST be set to
OFF. By setting the switch to OFF, this amplifier will turn
on and off directly by its front Power Switch. All other
amplifiers in the chain MUST have their Power
Sequencing switches in the ON position so that they
respond to the sequencing signals. All slave amplifiers
MUST have their front Power Switch set to the ON
position, with the exception of the master amplifier.
To Begin the Power Up Sequence
Turn on the first amplifier in the chain. All others will
follow in sequence with a 1 second delay between them.
Power Down of Sequenced Amplifiers
When the first amplifier in the chain of sequenced ampli-
fiers is switched off, all other amplifiers will also switch
off immediately.
Troubleshooting Sequencing Problems
If an amplifier in the chain does not have its front Power Switch set to ON, it will not power up. However, all
other amps that follow that amplifier will continue to sequence. If an amplifier in the chain does not have its
Power Sequencing Switch in the ON position, it will break the daisy chain. It will, in effect, become a second
master amplifier controlling all amps that follow it. In this case, if the Power Switch for this amp is switched off,
the sequencing will stop at that amplifier. If this amplifier’s Power Sequencing Switch is set to ON, then all ampli-
fiers following it will have already begun to sequence.
Should an amplifier in the sequence shut off either by tripping its circuit breaker or by someone turning the
Power Switch OFF, only that amplifier will lose power.All units that follow will remain powered up. If however,
AC power is removed from an amplifier by unplugging the power cord, all other amps following it will immedi-
ately power down.An amplifier in the chain going into or coming out of low power sleep mode will have no
effect on the group.
7
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Operation
Front Controls & Indicators
Power Switch
The Power Switch for the Black Max amplifier is located on the front
of the unit. Press the "I" side of the switch to turn the unit ON.The
amplifier will begin its power up process once turned on. If the amplifi-
er is set up for power sequencing (see the section on power sequenc-
ing), the amplifier may not begin its power up process but rather wait
in a standby state until it receives a sequence trigger.
O
I
The Power Switch is also the amplifier’s circuit breaker. Should the
breaker trip, simply place it in the OFF position and then back to ON
to reset the breaker.
Note: If the Power Sequencing Switch is in the ON position, but the wiring
is not properly configured, the unit will appear dead. Review the Sequential
Turn-On section for proper wiring.
Front Indicators
The front of the Black Max amplifier contains 3 different types of indi-
cators for each channel.
LIMIT - When illuminated, it indicates a condition in which the ampli-
fier is limiting and automatically reducing signal level to reduce the
overload condition. Limiting is a result of speaker load impedances that
are too low or input signals that are too high, which drive the outputs
beyond their operational ranges.
SIGNAL - When illuminated, it indicates that there is signal at the
output.
STATUS - Illuminates in three different colors to indicate current
operational status of the amplifier.
Green - Indicates that the amplifier is operating normally.
Amber - Indicates that the amplifier is in Sleep mode.
Red - Indicates a fault condition and that the amplifier has dis-
connected the output load as a safety precaution.
Rear Controls & Indicators
Level Controls
Use the rear-mounted Level Controls on the Black Max amplifier to
adjust output volume of each channel independently.
Lo-Cut Switch
The Lo-Cut filter allows a low frequency roll-off starting at 60Hz to be
introduced into the signal path preventing the speakers from receiving
too much low frequency content.The Lo-Cut Filter Switch should be
turned on when using typical inexpensive, transformer-coupled cone-
type speakers found in paging systems.
The Black Max amplifier is a direct-coupled amplifier, which means that
there are no output transformers used to deliver the 70V audio to the
speakers. Because of this, the Black Max amplifier has a flat frequency
response down to and below 20Hz.This extended low frequency oper-
ation can be troublesome for some transformer-coupled speakers used
in 70V audio systems. Relatively inexpensive transformers used in some
speakers cannot handle frequencies below 60Hz. When frequencies
lower than this are applied to these speakers’ transformers, they can
saturate causing distortion and high instantaneous power consumption.
8
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Operation
Sleep Switch
The Black Max amplifier includes a sleep mode feature that greatly
reduces the power consumption of the amplifier after it has been idle
(no audio activity) for more than 3 minutes. Any audio activity present
at the input will power up the amplifier instantaneously and noiseless-
ly, so that there is no loss of audio.The Sleep Switch is located on the
rear of the unit.The sleep feature is activated by setting the switch to
the AUTO position. Setting the switch to the OFF position will inhibit
the amplifier from ever entering sleep mode.
Power Sequencing Switch
The setting of the Power Sequencing Switch on the rear of the Black
Max amplifier determines how the amplifier will power up.When the
switch is set to the OFF position, the amplifier will power up and down
conventionally when the front Power Switch is turned ON and OFF.
To use the sequencing feature built into the amplifier, the Power
Sequencing Switch must be placed in the ON position on a slave ampli-
fier.The slave amplifier will now power up when it receives the proper
trigger through the terminal strip wiring (see section SequentialTurn-On
Wiring for proper wiring of the power sequencing terminal strip).With
the Power Sequencing Switch in the ON position, placing the front
Power Switch in the ON position will not result in the amplifier turn-
ing on. It will instead remain in a standby state until triggered through
the sequencing feature.
Power Status Indicator
A Power Status Indicator is provided on the rear of the amplifier.The
Black Max amplifier has different states of powering up, depending on
whether power sequencing is used or not.The Power Status Indicator
provides 3 different status indications:
Not Lit - Indicates that the unit is not plugged in or is not being
supplied AC power at the line cord.
Amber - Indicates that the unit is in standby state where it is being
supplied with AC power at the line cord but it has either
1) not received the sequencing trigger that will allow it to
change to the fully-powered state if the Power
Sequencing Switch is set to ON, or 2) the front Power
Switch has not been turned ON if the Power Sequencing
Switch is set to the OFF position.
Green - Fully-powered, the unit has either: 1) received the
sequencing trigger if the Power Sequencing Switch is set
to the ON position, or 2) the unit’s front panel Power
Switch has been turned ON if the Power Sequencing
Switch is set to the OFF position.
9
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Troubleshooting
PROBLEM
CONDITION
CAUSE
• Amplifier not plugged in
• AC outlet dead
Rear Power Status LED is off.
UNIT APPEARS
DEAD
(NO FRONT
• Power Switch off
• Breaker (Power Switch) tripped
- Turn off, then turn back on
• Power Sequencing Switch set wrong
- Check SequentialTurn-On section for proper configuration
Rear Power Status LED
is amber.
STATUS LED)
Master amplifier ON (Rear
Power Status is green),
slave amplifiers in chain not
powering ON (Rear Power
Status is off).
• No AC power to amplifier
SEQUENCING
NOT
FUNCTIONING
CORRECTLY
Master amplifier ON (Rear
Power Status is green),
slave amplifiers in chain not
powering ON (Rear Power
Status is amber).
• Power Switch is off on slave amp
• Breaker (Power Switch) tripped
- Turn off, then turn back on
• Rear Power Sequencing Switch is not ON
• Error in Sequencing wiring between amplifiers
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is off.
• Level Controls turned down
• No signal from source
NO SOUND
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
Limit LED is off.
• Poor/broken speaker wiring
• Defective speakers
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
Limit LED is off.
• Input signal level too high
• Poor speaker connections
• Lo-Cut Switch set to Flat
DISTORTED
SOUND
• DC level at signal input
• Load impedance too low
• Amplifier speaker output is short-circuited
• Amplifier too hot (check for proper ventilation clearances)
INTERMITTENT
OPERATION
Status LED is red/green cycling.
• Poor electrical connections at input
• Input cable routed near AC cables, power transformer, or
other EMI radiating devices
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
• Electrically noisy devices operating on the same AC circuit
• Poor equipment grounding
NOISE/HUM
- Ensure that all AC safety grounds are connected
- Make sure that all components in audio chain are tied to the
same ground
10
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Specifications
X600
X450
X300
Power Output*
Input Sensitivity
600W /Ch @ 70V
450W / Ch @ 70V
300W / Ch @ 70V
1V
S/N Ratio (20K BW)
Class of Operation
Product Weight
104dB ref. 70V, F.P.
H
44 lbs.
46 lbs.
41 lbs.
Connector: Power
Input
20A line cord
15A line cord
15A line cord
Pluggable 3-pin terminal strips
Output
5-pin "touch-proof" Barrier Strip
20-40kHz .5% THD
less than .02%
Power Bandwidth
THD @ 1kHz Rated Power
Rated Load Impedance (per Ch.)
Frequency Response @ 1 watt
Output Regulation (1kHz direct)
Inputs
8 ohms
11 ohms
16 ohms
20-20kHz +/- 0.25dB
1.5dB @ 70V
10k-ohm electronically balanced, 3-pin pluggable terminal strip
Low-Cut Filter
60Hz, 2nd order roll-off, switch defeatable per channel
AC Input Voltage Range
Indicators
95-130V AC, 60 Hz
Status, Limit, Signal, AC Power Status (Rear)
15 to 105 degrees F
Temperature Range
Cooling
Dual Forced Air Variable Speed Fan
Physical Dimensions (W x H x D)
Protection
17" x 3.5" x 16"
RF, DC, Low-frequency, Thermal, Low-impedance, Circuit Breaker, Short Circuit
Special Features
Sequential Turn-On Circuitry (defeatable), Sleep Mode (defeatable),
Back-Slope AC voltage regulation, Toroidal Power Transformer
* Both channels driven at nominal line voltage 120V AC, 60Hz.
11
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