DPS 3000 - Receiver RCF - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Professional power amplifier
Model	DPS 3000
Amplifier Class	Class-HD
Channels	2
Power Output RMS (Stereo)	2 x 1700 W @ 2 Ω, 2 x 1200 W @ 4 Ω, 2 x 800 W @ 8 Ω
Power Output RMS (Bridged)	3400 W @ 4 Ω, 2400 W @ 8 Ω
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.05% @ 1 kHz, 1 dB below clip
Damping Factor	>1000 @ 8 Ω
Slew Rate	55 V/μs
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	108 dB
Input Sensitivity / Voltage Gain	1.4 V / 32 dB or 26 dB (selectable)
Input Impedance	20 kΩ (balanced), 10 kΩ (unbalanced)
Protective Circuits	Temp, DC, RFL short-circuit
Cooling	Temperature-controlled fan
Power Supply	PFC switched-mode (SMPS)
Operating Voltage	90 – 245 V (50/60 Hz)
Power Factor (cos φ)	>0.95 from 200 W to full power
Dimensions (W x H x D)	482 mm x 88 mm x 420 mm (2U rack)
Net Weight	14 kg
Input Connectors	XLR (female) balanced per channel
Output Connectors	SPEAKON per channel
Front Panel Indicators	Signal level, Clip/Limiter, Protection, Power, Bridge mode
Operating Modes	Stereo, Mono (parallel), Bridge
Safety Features	Overload, short-circuit, thermal protection, soft-start

Frequently Asked Questions - DPS 3000 RCF

What is the power output of the RCF DPS 3000 in stereo mode at 4 ohms?

The RCF DPS 3000 delivers 2 x 1200 W RMS per channel in stereo mode at 4 ohms.

Can the DPS 3000 be bridged?

Yes, in bridge mode the amplifier provides 3400 W RMS at 4 ohms. Use only input 1 and output 1; set both level controls to the same value.

What type of power supply does the DPS 3000 use?

It uses a PFC (Power Factor Correction) switched-mode power supply, providing high efficiency and a resistive load to the mains.

How do I select the input sensitivity on the DPS 3000?

On the rear panel, each channel has a three-position switch: 1.4 V (standard input sensitivity) or 32 dB / 26 dB voltage gain settings.

What are the protective features of the DPS 3000?

The amplifier includes protection against overload, short-circuit, thermal drift, and DC fault. The front panel protection LED indicates intervention.

What is the minimum load impedance in stereo mode?

The minimum nominal load impedance per channel in stereo mode is 2 ohms.

How are loudspeakers connected in bridge mode?

Use only SPEAKON output 1. Wiring: pin 1+ (positive) and pin 2+ (negative). The minimum load is 4 ohms.

Is the DPS 3000 fan noisy?

The fan speed is temperature-controlled for low noise operation. It adjusts according to internal temperature.

What are the rack dimensions of the DPS 3000?

It occupies 2U (88 mm height) in a standard 19-inch rack, with a depth of 420 mm.

How should I clean the DPS 3000?

Do not use solvents or alcohol. Clean the external parts with a dry cloth. The front grilles and filters are removable for cleaning.

USER MANUAL DPS 3000 RCF

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS page 12

DESCRIPTION page 14

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION ____ page 14

FRONT PANEL ____ page 15

REAR PANEL ____ page 16

OPERATION MODES ____ page 17

• STEREO MODE ____ page 17
• MONO MODE ____ page 18
• BRIDGE MODE ____ page 18

SPEAKON CONNECTOR WIRING (amplifier outputs) ____ page 19

COOLING REQUIREMENTS ____ page 19

SPECIFICATIONS ____ page 19

IMPORTANTE

Before connecting and using this product, please read this instruction manual carefully and keep it on hand for future reference.

The manual is to be considered an integral part of this product and must accompany it when it change ownership as a reference for correct installation and use as well as for the safety precautions.

RCF S.p.A. will not assume any responsibility for the incorrect installation and / or use of this product.

WARNING: To prevent the risk of fire or electric shock, never expose this product to rain or humidity.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. All the precautions, in particular the safety ones, must be read with special attention, as they provide important information.

2. POWER SUPPLY FROM MAINS

a. The mains voltage is sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution: never install or connect this product when it is powered.
b. Before powering up, make sure that all the connections have been made correctly and the voltage of your mains corresponds to the voltage shown on the rating plate on the unit, if not, please contact your RCF dealer.
c. The metallic parts of the unit are earthed by means of the power cable. An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
d. Protect the power cable from damage; make sure it is positioned in a way that it cannot be stepped on or crushed by objects.
e. To prevent the risk of electric shock, never open the product: there are no parts inside that the user needs to access.

1. Make sure that no objects or liquids can get into this product, as this may cause a short circuit. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing. No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on this apparatus. No naked sources (such as lighted candles) should be placed on this apparatus.
2. Never attempt to carry out any operations, modifications or repairs that are not expressly described in this manual.

Contact your authorized service centre or qualified personnel should any of the following occur:

• The product does not function (or functions in an anomalous way).
• The power supply cable has been damaged.
- Objects or liquids have got in the unit.
• The product has been subject to a heavy impact.

1. If this product is not used for a long period, disconnect the power cable.
2. If this product begins emitting any strange odours or smoke, switch it off immediately and disconnect the power supply cable.

3. The amplifier output signal voltage can be sufficiently high to involve a risk of electrocution: never connect loudspeakers when this amplified is switched on.

4. Do not connect this product to any equipment or accessories not foreseen.

For suspended installation, only use the dedicated anchoring points and do not try to hang this product by using elements that are unsuitable or not specific for this purpose.

Also check the suitability of the support surface to which the product is anchored (wall, ceiling, structure, etc.), and the components used for attachment (screw anchors, screws, brackets not supplied by RCF etc.), which must guarantee the security of the system / installation over time, also considering, for example, the mechanical vibrations normally generated by transducers.

To prevent the risk of falling equipment, do not stack multiple units of this product unless this possibility is specified in the user manual.

1. RCF S.p.A. strongly recommends this product is only installed by professional qualified installers (or specialised firms) who can ensure correct installation and certify it according to the regulations in force.

The entire audio system must comply with the current standards and regulations regarding electrical systems.

1. Supports and trolleys

The equipment should be only used on trolleys or supports, where necessary, that are recommended by the manufacturer. The equipment / support / trolley assembly must be moved with extreme caution. Sudden stops, excessive pushing force and uneven floors may cause the assembly to overturn.

1. There are numerous mechanical and electrical factors to be considered when installing a professional audio system (in addition to those which are strictly acoustic, such as sound pressure, angles of coverage, frequency response, etc.).

2. Hearing loss

Exposure to high sound levels can cause permanent hearing loss. The acoustic pressure level that leads to hearing loss is different from person to person and depends on the duration of exposure. To prevent potentially dangerous exposure to high levels of acoustic pressure, anyone who is exposed to these levels should use adequate protection devices. When a transducer capable of producing high sound levels is being used, it is therefore necessary to wear ear plugs or protective earphones.

See the technical specifications in loudspeaker instruction manuals to know their maximum sound pressure levels.

1. To prevent the occurrence of noise on line signal cables, use balanced screened cables only and avoid putting them close to:

2. Equipment that produces high-intensity electromagnetic fields (for example, high power transformers)

3. Mains cables

4. Loudspeaker lines.

5. Do not obstruct the ventilation grilles of the unit. Place this product far from any heat sources and always ensure adequate air circulation around the ventilation grilles.

6. Do not overload this product for a long time.

7. Never force the control elements (keys, knobs, etc.).

8. Do not use solvents, alcohol, benzene or other volatile substances for cleaning the external parts of this product.

RCF S.p.A. thanks you for purchasing this product, which has been designed to guarantee reliability and high performances.

DESCRIPTION

DPS 3000 is a 2 channel power amplifier designed for professional use in touring racks and installed sound systems.

Thanks to the class HD technology, this amplifier delivers up to 2 x 1700 W RMS @ 2 Ω (3400 W RMS bridged @ 4 Ω), weighing just 14 kg.

It comes with a 'PFC' ('Power factor correction') switched-mode power supply. This feature ensures that a predominantly resistive load is presented to the mains power supply; this also leads to an improved amplifier performance at high output levels.

Main features:

• Class HD technology to minimize thermal load and maximize efficiency
• Fast response and low distortion
• Easy to configure in stereo / mono / bridge modes
• Extensive protective circuits ensure high reliability and operating safety
• Front panel signal / clip / protect LED indicators
• Minimum load impedance (stereo / mono): 2 Ω
• XLR input connectors
• SPEAKON output connectors
• 2 unit 19" rack, low weight for easy transportation
- Switchable limiter
• PFC switched-mode power supply.

UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION

Check the carton box and its contents to see if there is any sign of damage (should the amplifier be damaged, immediately inform your local distributor / dealer and the forwarder).

It is always advisable to keep the packing materials, even if the amplifier has arrived in good condition.

Each DPS 3000 occupies 2 units of a standard 19" rack.

Four holes for rack mounting are on the front panel ears. Rear mounting ears give additional support (especially important in mobile sound systems).

The amplifier should not be installed in a place with:

• Too high temperature, dust or excessive humidity.
• Fog machine outputs oriented towards the amplifier.
• Exhaust air ventilators.
• Permanent vibrations.
• High-intensity electromagnetic fields (due to transformers, transmitters, etc.).

FRONT PANEL

1 Channel level control (one per channel).

It is a 41 step control to adjust the output level of the respective amplifier channel. Turn clockwise to increase the output level (0 dB = max. level); turn counterclockwise to decrease.

2 LED bar (one per channel)

a. 8 step signal level meter (-36 dB, -24 dB, -18 dB, -12 dB, -9 dB, -6 dB, 0 dB).
b. Clip / limiter LED When lit, it indicates the clipping point and the internal limiter intervention on the respective channel. If it stays lit continuously, the input signal level is excessive.
c. Protection LED When lit, it indicates the internal protection intervention (due to overload, short-circuit, thermal drift, fault). The respective channel is muted. The normal operation will be automatically restored as soon as the problem is solved.

3 Power LED

When lit, it indicates that the amplifier is switched on and operating.

4 Bridge LED

When lit, it indicates that the amplifier is set to the 'bridge' mode.

5 Power switch (I = ON; 0 = OFF)

No i: amplifier soft-start limits start-up surges.

6 Air intakes with grilles and filters

Do not obstruct these air intakes!

Filters are necessary to prevent dust from entering the amplifier. The grilles are removable for easy filter cleaning. The fan's variable speed control ensures the proper ventilation (according to the internal temperature) and low noise operation.

POWER ON

POWER OFF

REAR PANEL

7 Balanced audio input (one per channel, female XLR connector)

Cable male XLR (balanced) wiring:

8 Balanced parallel audio output (one per channel, male XLR connector)

This output provides a copy of the signal present on the respective channel input and it is useful to link other amplifiers.

9 Internal limiter on / off switch (one per channel)

ON: the internal limiter ensures the proper amplifier channel operation (even if the input signal is too high) and protects loudspeakers against potentially damaging distorted output signals.

OFF: the internal limiter is disables in the respective channel.

10 Input sensitivity / voltage gain selector (one per channel)

Available options are: 1.4 V (input sensitivity), 32 dB / 26 dB (voltage gain).

Use this switch to match the amplifier input sensitivity / voltage gain to other connected equipments.

• 1.4 V: this setting set to 1.4 V the input level required to get the maximum power output from the amplifier (use this setting for standard operation, with no 'system controllers').
• 32 dB: the amplifier voltage gain is fixed to 32 dB (output / input ratio will always be 32 dB, no matter what the input and the rated output power of the amplifier are).
  • 26 dB: the amplifier voltage gain is fixed to 26 dB.

i 'System controllers' are sometimes used in high power sound systems. In these systems, controllers are set according to loudspeaker specifications and drive amplifiers in a way to get the best results. Yet, the optimum controller operation is achieved only when all system amplifiers are 'gain matched'; one controller can be used to drive multiple amplifiers. For instance, if all amplifiers are set to 26 dB, a 0 dB input signal will have a 26 dB gain in all amplifier outputs (any increase / decrease in an amplifier will be accurately repeated by any other amplifier in that system).

11 Amplifier mode selector

Before turning the amplifier on, set the amplifier mode selector to the right position among PARA (mono), STEREO and BRIDGE. See the section 'Operation modes'.

12 Amplifier output to loudspeakers (SPEAKON connector, one per channel)

In stereo and mono modes, both outputs can be connected; in 'bridge' mode, connect the output 1 only. See the section 'Operation modes'.

13 Power cable input

Connect the power cable only to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

14 Openings for heated air exit.

Do not obstruct these openings!

OPERATION MODES

- STEREO MODE

Ensure the amplifier is switched off, then set the MODE selector to STEREO.

In stereo mode, the 2 channels operate independently and each front panel level control affects the respective output.

Minimum nominal load impedance is 2 Ω per output.

Loudspeakers can be connected to either the SPEAKON output 1 (left channel) or 2 (right channel).

i As alternative wiring, the amplifier output 2 is also available on the SPEAKON connector of the output 1 (pins: 2+ positive, 2- negative).

- MONO MODE

Ensure the amplifier is switched off, then set the MODE selector to PARA.

In mono mode, both channels are linked to input 1 (therefore receiving the same signal).

Each front panel level control affects the respective output, allowing you to set (if necessary) different levels.

Minimum nominal load impedance is 2 Ω per output.

Loudspeakers can be connected to either the SPEAKON output 1 or 2.

i Note that only the amp. inputs are connected in parallel. This is NOT an output parallel mono mode.

Never connect either positive or negative output terminals in parallel!

i As alternative wiring, the amplifier output 2 is also available on the SPEAKON connector of the output 1 (pins: 2+ positive, 2- negative).

• BRIDGE MODE

Ensure the amplifier is switched off, then set the MODE selector to BRIDGE.

In 'bridge' mode (mono), both amplifier channels work with the same input signal, but with

inverse phases. The result is a doubling of the output voltage in order to get a double power (on a double impedance load).

Both level controls (on the front panel) must be set to the same value (it is advisable to set them to the max. level: 0 dB).

Only the CH1 input is to be used; only the amplifier output 1 is to be connected (pay attention to the SPEAKON pins: 1+ positive, 2+ negative).

Minimum nominal load impedance is 4 Ω.

SPEAKON CONNECTOR WIRING (amplifier outputs)

STEREO / MONO MODE

BRIDGE MODE

COOLING REQUIREMENTS

DPS 3000 amplifier has a forced air cooling system to maintain a low operating temperature. Make sure there is enough space around the front of all amplifiers (to allow air to enter) and around to allow the heated air to exit. If amplifiers are rack-mounted, do not use doors or covers on the front and the rear of the rack cabinet(s).

SPECIFICATIONS

Power output RMS, bridged

stereo 2 x 1700 W @ 2 Ω

2×1200 W @ 4 Ω

2× 800 W @ 8 Ω

bridged 3400 W @ 4 Ω

2400 W @ 8 Ω

Amplifier class 'Class-HD'

Frequency response 20 Hz ÷ 20 kHz

THD @ 1 kHz 0.05 %, 1 dB below clip

Damping factor @ 8 Ω > 1000

Slew rate 55 V/μs

Signal / noise ratio 108 dB

Input sensitivity (/ voltage gain) 1.4 V (/ 32 - 26 dB)

Input impedance 20 kΩ (balanced), 10 kΩ (unbalanced)

Protective circuits Temp, DC, RFL short-circuit

Cooling Temperature-controlled fan

Power supply SMPS

Operation voltage 90 ÷ 245 V (50 / 60 Hz)

Power factor (cos φ) ____ > 0.95 from 200 W to full power

Dimensions (w, h, d) ____ 482 mm, 88 mm, 420 mm (2 unit rack)

Net weight 14 kg