Zetta 236 - Receiver Ram Audio - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Stereo Power Amplifier / Professional Audio Receiver
Brand	Ram Audio
Model	Zetta 236
Power Supply	170-265 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	Variable depending on load, protected by PMS system
Operating Modes	Stereo (DUAL) and Bridged (BRIDGE)
Input Connectors	Neutrik® Female XLR (balanced and unbalanced)
Output Connectors	Speakon (2-pole)
Mode Selector	Dual / Bridge on rear panel
Level Attenuators	Independent detented potentiometers per channel
LED Indicators	Signal (green), PMS (orange), Clip (red)
Protection Systems	PMS (Power Management System), ICL2 (Intelligent Clipping Limiter), SOA (Safe Operating Area protection)
Safety Class	Class I (with earth grounding)
Power Cable	Detachable, color code: blue neutral, brown phase, yellow-green earth
Dimensions (W x H x D)	483 x 89 x 400 mm (19", 2U)
Weight	Approximately 18 kg
Cooling	Natural convection cooling (fanless)
Maintenance	Do not open; entrust maintenance to qualified and authorized technical personnel. Clean with a dry cloth.
Safety	Do not expose to rain or moisture. Disconnect before any intervention.
Spare Parts and Repairability	Parts available from Ram Audio approved after-sales service. Repair by qualified personnel only.

Frequently Asked Questions - Zetta 236 Ram Audio

How to turn on the Zetta 236 amplifier?

Make sure the power switch is in the 'O' (off) position. Plug the power cord into a grounded mains outlet (170-265 V AC). Flip the switch to the 'I' position to turn on. The blue LED lights up. The PMS system cuts the output for a few seconds until all circuits are ready.

What to do if no LED lights up after powering on?

First check that the power cord is properly connected and the mains outlet is live. If the blue LED does not light up, the amplifier may be defective or the internal fuse may have blown. Contact a qualified technician.

How to use the amplifier in bridged (Bridge) mode?

Set the 'Dual/Bridge' selector to 'Bridge' position. Connect the input signal to the XLR connector of channel A (or C for 4-channel models). Connect the speakers to the Speakon terminals of channel A (or C) respecting polarity: +1 for positive, -2 for negative. Use the channel A (or C) attenuator to adjust the level. Gain is increased by 6 dB.

What is the function of the PMS (Power Management System)?

The PMS is a comprehensive protection system that monitors impedance, input signal, temperature, and current. It manages the power supply to provide the minimum necessary current and allows the amplifier to operate safely under extreme conditions. It cuts the output during power-on, reduces current in case of overheating or excessive consumption.

What does the orange PMS indicator light mean?

The orange PMS indicator indicates an anomaly: either the amplifier is in the power-on phase (output cut), or the internal temperature is close to automatic shutdown, or there is excessive current consumption. Refer to the 'Malfunctions' section of the manual for more details.

How to connect unbalanced signals to the XLR input?

For unbalanced wiring, solder pins 1 and 3 to ground, and pin 2 to signal. If pin 3 is not connected to ground, a 6 dB loss (75% power) occurs. Use appropriate cables.

Can I use the amplifier with only one input channel?

Yes, in stereo mode you can use only one channel. Connect the signal to the desired channel input and adjust the corresponding attenuator. The other channel will produce no sound. In bridge mode, only one input signal (channel A or C) is used for both channels.

What to do in case of amplifier overheating?

Overheating is often due to obstructed ventilation. Check that the air vents are not blocked. The PMS system automatically reduces current to protect the device. Let the amplifier cool down before reusing. If the problem persists, contact a technician.

How to adjust the output level?

Use the detented input signal attenuators located on the front panel. Each channel has its own potentiometer. Turn it to the right to increase the level, to the left to decrease it. In bridge mode, only the channel A (or C) attenuator is active.

What is the ICL2 system and how does it protect speakers?

The ICL2 is an intelligent clipping limiter that prevents distortion due to signal clipping. It maintains the punch of the music while protecting the speakers by limiting the signal before it clips. The 'Clip' LED lights up when the system is active.

USER MANUAL Zetta 236 Ram Audio

Professional Power Amplifiers

ZETTASeries

210-215-220-236

420-430-440

RAM Audio ZETTA Series MIN PONES Z440

OPERATION MANUAL

NOTICE D'EMPLOI

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

SICHERHEITSHINWEISE

AVERTISSEMENTS

WARNING:

ACHTUNG!:

RÈGLES DE SÉCURITÉ:

The exclamation point inside an equilateral triangle indicates the existence of internal components whose substitution may affect safety.

The lightning and arrowhead symbol warns about the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage.

To avoid fire or electrocution risk do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

To avoid electric shock, do not open the unit. No user serviciable parts inside. In the case of disfunction, have the unit checked by qualified agents.

Class I device.

VORSICHT

0 Safety Precautions

1 General Information

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Main Characteristics

2 Controls: Where and What?

2.1 Front Panel

2.2 Rear Panel

3 Installation and Operation

3.1 Connections

3.1.1 Dual Channel Mode

3.1.2 Bridge Channel Mode

3.2 Troubleshooting

4 Technical Specifications

4.1 Protection Systems

4.2 Data

©2014 by C.E. Studio-2 s.l.

Pol.Ind. La Figuera

C/Rosa de Luxemburgo n°34

46970 Alaquas - Valencia - SPAIN

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

http://www.ramaudio.com

e-mail: [e-mail]

P-5435-634 QXPDQXDoc 7/14

RAM Audio ^® , PMS ^™ , SSP ^™ , ICL ^™ and QuantaPulse ^™ are registered trademarks of C.E. Studio-2 s.l.. All other names are trademarks of their respective companies.

1.1 Introduction

The ZETTA Series, is the result of an in-depth study, in order to reach the best compromise between economy and performances, taking advantage of latest improvements in automated mixed surface mount and through hole electronic assembly.

ZETTA Series are a project based on an up-side-down mono-block approach offering an all-in-one power module that contains the entire amplifier assembly. Simplicity and effectiveness run hand by hand through the entire design to obtain an effectively skilled and workable product.

The last generation QuantaPulse ^™ switching power supply allows to reach a new level of refined sensing and control of the power flow.

1.2 Main Characteristics

• Unmatched audio quality hi efficiency Class H design
• 2/4 Channels models from 1000W up to 4000W
• Ultra light weight 6kg, compact package 25cm deep
• Last generation QuantaPulse™ switch mode power supply
• Power Management System (PMS™) and Clip Limiter (ICL™)
• Up-side-down design to avoid fan dust accumulation
• Industry standard Neutrik® XLR and Speakon® connectors
• Comprehensive protection set (ICL, PMS, SSP, turn-on, Temp, DC....)
  • Detented sealed potentiometers
• Dual or bridge mode operation
• Temperature controlled, back to front cooling fan

Controls: Where and What?

1 Signal attenuation level control knobs: Permit independent control of each channel's attenuation (21 steps).
2 SIGNAL: This LED indicates presence of signal at the inputs. PMS : LED indicating PMS in operation (see page 11). CLIP: LED indicating Intelligent Clip Limiter in operation.
3 Main Power Switch: Position I: Connects the amplifier's current feed. (Blue LED on). Position O disconnects the Power.

2.1 Frontplatte

Siehe Fig. 1

SGNL PMS CLIP SGNL PMS CLIP SGNL PMS CLIP SGNL PMS CLIP SGNL PMS CLIP ON POWER LEVEL CH-A LEVEL CH-B LEVEL CH-C LEVEL CH-D 2 1 3

① on off MAIN POWER 3

Controls: Where and What?

1 Signal Input: Female Neutrik® XLR Connectors for the amplifier's signal input.
2 Speaker connectors: Neutrik® Speakon to connect the speakers.
3 Dual / Bridge Operation Selection Switch. To control the level in Bridge mode use the CH-A level knob.
☐ Mains Power Cord: to connect the amplifier to the mains network. The colour code is: Blue: Neutral Brown: Live, single phase Yellow-green: Protective Earth

2.2 Rückplatte

Siehe Fig. 2

Installation and Operation

The Power switch must always be on the "Off" position before plugging the amp to a properly earthed mains socket (170-265V AC). The colour code is:

Blue: Neutral

Brown: Live, single phase

Yellow-green: Protective Earth

The input signal fed to the amplifier can be either balanced or un-balanced. The drawing below describes both ways to wire an XLR connector for the purpose.

Balanced Signal: Connect pin 1 to Ground, pin 2 to Signal + (hot) and pin 3 to Signal - (cold).

Unbalanced Signal: Connect Pin 1 to Ground, pin 2 to Signal and pin 3 to Ground.

3.1 Anschlüsse

Brown: Live, single phase

Yellow-green: Protective Earth

Brown: Live, single phase

Yellow-green: Protective Earth

Important!: If a connection is done with a un-balanced line and pin 3 on the XLR is not connected to ground, a 6 dB loss occurs in the line and only a quarter of the amplifier power is produced.

The amplifiers provides, for each channel, a female XLR Connector (Signal Input) paralleled to a male XLR to daisy chain several amplifiers with the same signal line (LINK).

Installation and Operation

The amplifier can operate on two different configurations: DUAL, or BRIDGE. The connections for the two modes are different.

3.1.1 DUAL Channel Mode

See Figure 3

• Set the Amplifier Mode to "DUAL".
• Connect the signal lines to the female XLR connectors on all channels.
• Connect the speakers' lines to the corresponding Speakon on the amp respecting the polarity.
• Use the level control knob on the front panel to adjust each channel independently.
• Each signalling LED group will show its corresponding channel status.

3.1.2 BRIDGE Channel Mode

See Figure 4

• Set the configuration mode to "BRIDGE"
• Connect a signal line to input female XLR Channel "A" (or Ch-C in 4 channel models).
• Connect the speaker line to the Channel A Speakon (or Ch-C in 4 channel models) wired to +1 and -2. In this way pin +1 is positive.
• Use Channel-A (or Ch-C in 4 channel modes) control knob to adjust the amp's output.
• The signalling LED groups will show the single channel status.

WARNING! The “-” pins, do not have to be Ground!

ACHTUNG! The “-” pins, do not have to be Ground!

Pure electrical circuit lines without any symbols

4

Bridge Mode

2 Ch models

Diagram showing audio connection with speaker, speaker fan, and connector pinout for a device

3
Dual Channel 4 Channel models

Pure electrical circuit lines without any symbols

4
Bridge Mode 4 Channel models

Diagram of an electronic device with speaker, fan, and panel connections showing signal routing and component layout

Bridge + Dual Mode 3 Channels Mode

Pure electrical circuit lines without any symbols

Installation and Operation

In the event of incorrect connection or misfunctioning, the amp will activate one or more of its LED to warn about the problem.

3.2 Problemlösung

Correct function: SGNL lights to indicate signal presence.

ICL: The Intelligent Clip Limiter is operating (see page 10).

No Signal: No Input Signal is reaching the amp.

Overheating: The amplifier has reached the maximum operational temperature. Most common cause is: the normal air flow is blocked, accumulated dirt, dust or object leaning against the grill. Check and clean periodically.

PMS: Several causes can trigger this LED, most common are:

This is a complete set of protections that monitors the main amp parameters (load status, signal input, temperature, current, etc.) in order to draw from the power supply only the precise amount of current required to maintain safe operation during hazardous or extreme working conditions.

This system controls the amount of power that the amp delivers under three basic circumstances:

1.- The power-on sequence, where output is inhibited until the amp circuits are ready to operate. This routine is repeated at every restart, not just when the power switch is activated.
2.- When internal temperatures rise to near thermal shutdown point due to unfavourable operating conditions. Here the system takes control, restricting current so as to maintain operational continuity at the precise power level which the amp is capable of withstanding at that particular moment.
3.- Excessive current consumption. This event only occurs either under laboratory conditions (long term sinusoidal signal testing with dummy loads) or, for example, in field applications in conditions of prolonged acoustic howl-round. Here PMS takes control to avoid any damage to the speakers and to prevent the mains breaker from tripping or the fuses blowing.

ICL2 ^™ - Intelligent Clip Limiter

The RAM Audio ICL2 is an anticlip system to avoid speaker failure and provide more acceptable sound quality even when clipping occurs. With the ICL2 system you don't lose the music "punch" but the speakers are kept under control.

SSP™ - SOA Sentry Protection

SOA Sentry protection effectively limiting the power that the amp could deliver into an incorrect load or to a direct short-circuit. This avoids power transistor failure.

PMS™ - Power Management System

SSP™ - SOA Sentry Protection

SSP™ - SOA Sentry Protection

Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications

	Z-210 Z-215 Z-220 Z-236 Z-420 Z-430 Z-440
Max. Output Power
@ 2Ω	2x 500 W	2x 750 W	2x 1000 W	2x 1800 W	4x 500 W	4x 750 W	4x 1000 W
@ 4Ω	2x 400 W	2x 700 W	2x 1000 W	2x 1750 W	4x 400 W	4x 700 W	4x 1000 W
@ 8Ω	2x 240 W	2x 450 W	2x 650 W	2x 950 W	4x 220 W	4x 450 W	4x 630 W
Bridge @ 4Ω	1000 W	1500 W	2000 W	3600 W	2x 1000 W-	2x 1500 W	2x 2000 W
Bridge @ 8Ω	800 W	1400 W	2000 W	3500 W	2x 800 W	2x 1400 W	2x 2000 W
Frequency Response
Power Bandwidth ±0.25dB			20Hz-20kHz
Phase Response
@ 1 watt 20Hz-20kHz			±15 deg
Total Harmonic Distortion
20Hz-20kHz			<0.05%
Intermodulation Distortion
SMPTE			<0.05%
Damping Factor
20-500Hz @8Ω			>500
Crosstalk
20Hz-20kHz			>75dB
Voltage Gain			32dB
Sensitivity
Rated Power (26/32/38dB Gain)	1.1 V	1.5 V	1.8 V	2.2 V	1.1 V	1.5 V	1.8 V
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
20Hz-20kHz	101dBA	103dBA	104dBA	105dBA	101dBA	103dBA	104dBA
Required AC Mains
Operating Voltage (50Hz-60Hz)			170V-265V AC
Power On Idling (@230V)	0.5 A	0.5 A	0.5 A	0.5 A	0.5 A	0.5 A	0.5 A
1/8 Rated Power (@4 ohm)	3.5 A	4 A	5 A	10 A	7 A	8 A	10 A
Dimensions
W x H x D (mm)			483x88.9x254
W x H x D (inches)			19x3.5x10
Weight
Net (Kg-Lbs)	5-11	5-11	6-26.5	12-26.5	12-26.5	12-26.5	12-26.5
Protections
Soft-start, Turn-on Turn-off transients, Over-heating, DC, RF, Short-circuit, Open or mismatched loads, ICLTM, PMSTM and SSPTM

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