™
Black Max Amplifier
X300, X450, & X600 Models
Installation and Use Manual
© 2005 Bogen Communications, Inc.
All rights reserved.
54-2063-01C 0506
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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 securely.
Located on the rear of the amplifier are the Level Controls,Low-Cut Filter Switch,and pluggable input terminal 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 electronic com-
ponents are located outside of the forced air stream flow. Front-mounted fan filters provide easy removal and clean-
ing.
Black Max amplifiers have a variety of electronic protection circuits including overcurrent, DC voltage, and thermal
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™ ACVoltage Stabilization, Bogen’s unique volt-
age stabilization circuitry, regulates the AC energy supplied from the power toroid.This improves both system per-
formance and reliability despite varying AC supply conditions.
An energy-conserving sleep mode (defeatable) with instant-on return signal operation reduces wasted heat pro-
duction in paging systems with intermittent use. In addition, large output heat sinks and dual independently-con-
trolled, high-output, variable speed fans provide superior cooling and quiet operation while reducing dust accumu-
lation.
A simple and reliable sequential turn-on feature minimizes in-rush current from the AC power mains.When multi-
ple Black Max amplifiers are daisy-chained together for sequential turn-on, the first amplifier in the series will con-
trol 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
* 2 Filters and Grilles
* Instruction Manual
* 4 Rubber Feet & Screws
* 2 Three-position, 1 Four-position Terminal Strips
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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 - These 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 output 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.
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Panel Descriptions
Black Max Rear Panel
1. 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.
2. GroundTerminal - Provides convenient access to earth ground.
3. 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 tam-
pering.
4. CH B Input Select Switch - Allows output Channel B to source its input signal from either "A BAL INPUT" or "B BAL
INPUT".
5. Lo-Cut Filters - Roll off frequencies below 60 Hz (2nd order) to prevent saturation of speaker transformers.Flush switch
actuators reduce tampering.
6. Fan Exhausts - Cooling air outlets for independent, variable speed cooling fans.
7. Line Cord - AC mains input line cord.
8. AC Power Status Indicator - Indicates the AC power status of the Black Max amplifier.When the indicator is not lit,
no AC power is applied to the line cord.When lit 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 lit green, the amplifier is
fully powered.
9. 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.
10. Power Sequencing Inputs - Multiple Black Max amplifiers can be wired together in a daisy chain to allow for controlled
sequential power-up.A pluggable screw terminal strip is provided for easy installation.
11. Input Sensitivity Switch - Allows the unit to reach full power at either line-level input (1V) or low-level input (0.1V).
12. High-Impedance Balanced Inputs - Pluggable 3-position screw terminal strips allow for easy installation and provide
convenient connections to high-impedance balanced inputs.
13. Input Level Controls - Continuously variable input level controls.
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Installation
Mechanical Components
1. Rack Ears - Prior to installing the amplifier into 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 heat sinks. Periodic clean-
ing 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 (A) in to the notches in the front,
center casting of the amplifier. Snap the other end of the grille (B) 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.
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Installation
Ventilation
The Black Max amplifiers were designed to be placed on a table or rack-mounted. For rack-mounted applications,
the amplifiers can be stacked one on top of the other for maximum use of the rack space available without 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 whether racked or
table-mounted.
Care should also be taken to ensure that the front intake air is not considerably warmer than the ambient air tem-
perature. 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 mount-
ing 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 rearmost 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 bot-
tom of the amplifier as shown. Attachment of the rack
ears to the unit is optional and purely aesthetic.
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Connections
Speakers
70V "Transformer-Coupled" Speakers
The Black Max series was designed to drive only 70V constant voltage
type speaker loads.The use of low-impedance speakers may cause the
amplifier to engage its protection circuits and shut down or limit ampli-
fier 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 outputs (A & B) is indicated with a
"+" and "-" sign. Use these indicators to ensure that the phasing of the
speakers are correct. Do not ground the "+" output of either set of out-
puts. 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 con-
nect to the amplifier’s chassis/AC ground, if necessary. DO NOT con-
nect the earth ground terminal to the "+" terminals of either output.No
damage will occur if this is done, but the amplifier 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 (signal
"+", signal "-", and ground "G").This type of connec-
tion is desirable when operating in electrically 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 con-
nection is recommended.
Unbalanced Input Connections
When the source device provides only an unbal-
anced 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 unbalanced connections do not
provide the same amount of noise immunity that a
balanced connection does, the connection distances
should be made as short as possible.
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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 amplifiers,
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 over-
load 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 fashion.
Wire the XMT connections of one amp to the RCV con-
nections of the next amp as shown in the diagram.This pat-
tern is continued until all the desired amplifiers are connect-
ed.The last amplifier in the chain has no connections 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 amplifiers
is switched off, all other amplifiers will also switch off imme-
diately.
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 ampli-
fier 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 amplifiers 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 immediately power down.
An amplifier in the chain going into or coming out of low power sleep mode will have no effect on the group.
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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 amplifier is set up for
power sequencing (see the section on power sequencing), 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 SequentialTurn-
On section for proper wiring.
Front Indicators
The front of the Black Max amplifier contains 3 different types of indicators
for each channel.
LIMIT - When illuminated, it indicates a condition in which the amplifier is
limiting and automatically reducing signal level to reduce the overload con-
dition. 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 opera-
tional ranges.
SIGNAL - When illuminated, it indicates that there is signal at the output.
STATUS - Illuminates in three different colors to indicate current opera-
tional status of the amplifier.
Green -
Amber -
Indicates that the amplifier is operating normally.
Indicates that the amplifier is in Sleep mode.
Red
-
Indicates a fault condition and that the amplifier has
disconnected 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 60 Hz 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 20 Hz.This extended low frequency operation can be trou-
blesome for some transformer-coupled speakers used in 70V audio systems.
Relatively inexpensive transformers used in some speakers cannot handle
frequencies below 60 Hz.When frequencies lower than this are applied to
these speakers’ transformers, they can saturate causing distortion and high
instantaneous power consumption.
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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 noiselessly, 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 theAUTO 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 convention-
ally 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 amplifier. The slave
amplifier will now power up when it receives the proper trigger through the
terminal strip wiring (see section SequentialTurn-OnWiring 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 turning 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 dif-
ferent 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 sup-
plied 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 posi-
tion, or 2) the unit’s front panel Power Switch has been turned
ON if the Power Sequencing Switch is set to the OFF position.
CH B Input Select Switch
Determines whether the amplifier's output channel 'B' sources its input
signal from "B BAL INPUT" or "A BAL INPUT" connectors.
Note: When set to "IN A", "B BAL INPUT" connector and CH B "Input
Sens" Switch are not active, but CH B level control and Lo-Cut Switch
do work.
Input Sensitivity Switch
Each input has a user-selectable sensitivity switch.When operating with
standard line-level source equipment, the input should be set for 1V.
When operating with low-level source equipment, the input should be
set for 0.1V.
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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
• Level Controls turned down
• No signal from source
• CH B Input Select not set or wired properly
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is off.
NO SOUND
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
Limit LED is off.
• Poor/broken speaker wiring
• Defective speakers
• Input signal level too high
• Poor speaker connections
• Lo-Cut Switch set to Flat
• Input Sensitivity Switch not set correctly
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
Limit LED is off.
DISTORTED
SOUND
Status LED is green.
Signal LED is green.
Limit LED is amber (on or
flashing).
• Speaker transformers saturating at low frequencies, Lo-Cut
filter off, need additional Hi-Pass filtering
• Below minimum load rating on output
• Exceeding maximum power output rating
• 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
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Specifications
X600
X450
X300
Power Output*
600W /Ch @ 70V
450W / Ch @ 70V
1V/0.1V
300W / Ch @ 70V
Input Sensitivity (selectable)
S/N Ratio (20 kHz BW)
Class of Operation
104 dB ref. 70V, F.P.
H
20A line cord
15A line cord
15A line cord
Connector:
Power
Input
Pluggable 3-pin terminal strips
5-pin "touch-proof" Barrier Strip
20 Hz - 40 kHz .5% THD
less than .02%
Output
Power Bandwidth
THD @ 1 kHz Rated Power
Rated Load Impedance (per Ch.)
Frequency Response @ 1 watt
Output Regulation
Inputs
8 ohms
11 ohms
16 ohms
20 Hz- 20 kHz 0.25 dB
1.5 dB @ 70V
100k-ohm electronically balanced, 3-pin pluggable terminals strip
60 Hz, 2nd order roll-off, switch defeatable per channel
95-130V AC, 60 Hz
Low-Cut Filter
AC InputVoltage Range
AC Current Rating (full power)*
AC Voltage
20A
15A
12A
120V AC, 60 Hz
Indicators
Status, Limit, Signal,AC Power Status (Rear)
15° to 105° F
Temperature Range
Cooling
Dual Forced AirVariable Speed Fan
17" W x 3-1/2" H x 18-1/4" D
Physical Dimensions (W x H x D)
Product Weight
46 lb.
44 lb.
41 lb.
Protection
RF, DC, Low-frequency,Thermal, Low-impedance, Circuit Breaker, Short Circuit
Sequential Turn-On Circuitry (defeatable), Sleep Mode (defeatable),
Back-Slope™ ACVoltage regulation,Toroidal Power Transformer, Input Sens, CH B Input Select
Special Features
* Both channels driven at nominal line voltage 120V AC, 60 Hz.
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50 Spring Street, Ramsey, NJ 07446, U.S.A.
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