Adastra A200 Class-D Compact Music Amplifier

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Adastra A200 to power your sound system. This compact digital amplifier has been designed to provide a flexible background music and public address solution in a discreet and easy-to-use format. Please read and keep this user manual to achieve the best results from your equipment and avoid damage through misuse.

Front Panel

Description of front panel controls and inputs:

• 1. Power on/off switch: Controls the main power to the unit.
• 2. Media player: Integrated player for USB, microSD, FM radio, and Bluetooth.
• 3. Microphone input: 6.3mm mono jack for connecting a microphone.
• 4. MIC VOLUME control: Adjusts the volume level for the microphone input.
• 5. Music TREBLE EQ control: Adjusts the treble frequencies for music playback.
• 6. Music BASS EQ control: Adjusts the bass frequencies for music playback.
• 7. AUX 1 input: 3.5mm stereo jack for connecting audio sources like smartphones or MP3 players.
• 8. Music VOLUME control: Adjusts the master volume level for music playback.
• Media Player Controls: Includes buttons for MODE, REPEAT, EQ, previous/next track, play/pause, and recording (REC).
• USB Port: For connecting USB flash drives.
• microSD Slot: For inserting microSD cards.

Rear Panel

Description of rear panel connections:

• 9. LINE OUT output L+R RCA: Connects to the line input of other audio equipment.
• 10. AUX 2 input L+R RCA: Connects to stereo audio sources.
• 11. AUX 3 input L+R RCA: Connects to stereo audio sources.
• 12. FM ANTENNA connector: F-type connector for an external FM antenna.
• 13. CH 1 speaker out: Screw terminals for connecting speaker to Channel 1.
• 14. CH 2 speaker out: Screw terminals for connecting speaker to Channel 2.
• 15. IEC mains power inlet and fuse holder: For connecting the power cable and accessing the fuse.
• Other markings: CE, UK CA compliance marks, and a warning about not opening the unit.

Placement

The Adastra A200 amplifier can be mounted in several ways:

• Under counter mounting: Supplied with 4 mounting brackets that can be fixed to the sides of the housing with tabs facing upwards.
• Wall mounting: Can also be mounted against a wall.
• Free standing: Can be placed on any flat surface.
• Rack mounting: Two units can be mounted side-by-side in a 19" rack, occupying a 1U rack space. The 4 self-adhesive feet need to be removed for this.

Speaker Connections

The A200 features 2 speaker outputs (CH1 and CH2) on a removable screw terminal block, which can be wired as Left and Right stereo outputs.

Connection Procedure:

• Connect the negative “–” screw terminal to the negative “–” speaker terminal.
• Connect the positive “+” screw terminal to the positive “+” speaker terminal.

Impedance Requirements:

• Use speakers with a combined impedance no lower than 4Ω for each output channel.
• If using 4Ω speakers: Connect only 1 speaker per channel.
• If using 8Ω speakers: Connect 1 speaker or 2 speakers in parallel per channel.
• Do not connect more speakers to either channel, as this may damage the A200.

Example of 8Ω Speaker Wiring:

An example shows two 8Ω speakers wired in parallel to a single channel (CH1 or CH2). This parallel connection presents a combined 4Ω load to the amplifier output. Each 8Ω speaker will receive half of the channel's power output (e.g., 25W each if the channel outputs 50W).

The amplifier delivers maximum power at the minimum impedance rating (4Ω). Higher impedance loads (e.g., 8Ω) will result in lower output power from that channel.

Input Connections

The A200 offers multiple input options:

• Microphone: A 6.3mm mono jack input (3) on the front panel. Connect a microphone with a 6.3mm plug. Turn the MIC VOLUME control (4) down before connecting for announcements.
• AUX 1: A 3.5mm stereo jack input (7) on the front panel, suitable for smartphones, tablets, or MP3 players.
• AUX 2 & AUX 3: L+R RCA inputs (10, 11) on the rear panel for connecting other stereo audio sources like CD players, DAB+/FM tuners, or satellite decoders.
• Media Player Sources: In addition to AUX inputs, the built-in media player supports MP3 playback from USB or microSD, FM tuner, and Bluetooth. These sources are selected via the MODE button.
• FM Antenna: An F-type connector (12) on the rear panel allows connection to an external FM antenna for improved radio reception.

MP3 Playback:

For MP3 playback, insert a USB flash drive or microSD card into the respective slots on the front panel. Memory devices must be formatted to FAT32 and contain standard MP3 audio files.

Line Output:

The LINE OUT (9) RCA connectors (L+R) on the rear panel can be used to link the audio output (music + microphone) to other equipment or a larger sound system.

Power Connection:

After making all connections, ensure the power switch (1) is off. Connect the IEC power inlet (15) to a 230Vac mains supply using the provided IEC lead.

Operation

To operate the A200:

1. Ensure all connections are made and turn down the MIC VOLUME and MASTER VOLUME controls.
2. Switch on the power.
3. If a microphone is connected, gradually increase the MIC VOLUME while speaking until the desired level is achieved. Avoid pointing the microphone directly at speakers to prevent feedback (loud whistling or howling).

Media Player Operation:

The built-in media player handles background music and playback independently of the microphone. The media player output level is controlled by the MUSIC VOLUME control (8).

Tone Adjustment:

The tonal character of the media player and line inputs can be adjusted using the TREBLE (5) and BASS (6) EQ controls:

• TREBLE: Clockwise increases high frequencies; anticlockwise reduces them. Adjust to prevent screeching feedback or thin/tinny sound.
• BASS: Clockwise increases low frequencies; anticlockwise reduces them. Adjust to prevent low howling feedback or boomy/distorted sound.

Important Note on Volume:

Combining Mic volume, Music volume, Treble, and Bass can drive the amplifier. If all are turned up high, it may result in overdrive (aggressive, growly, or fuzzy output), which can damage speakers and the amplifier. Reduce output levels if distortion occurs.

Powering Off:

Before powering off, turn down all volume controls to avoid loud noises or pops through the speakers.

Media Player Details

The media player offers various audio sources selected via the MODE button. Playback and recording are controlled by five buttons, with status shown on the LED display.

USB and microSD:

A USB port is available for flash drives, and a microSD slot for cards. These are used for MP3 playback.

Source Selection (MODE button):

• AUX1: Selects the front panel 3.5mm stereo jack input.
• AUX2: Selects the rear panel AUX2 L+R RCA input.
• AUX3: Selects the rear panel AUX3 L+R RCA input.
• MP3 (Display: 0001 / 88-88 / MP3): MP3 playback from USB/microSD.
• FM (Display: CH01 / 88.8 / FM): FM radio station, showing channel and frequency.
• BLUE (Display: BLUE): Bluetooth mode for wireless audio streaming.

Playback Controls (REPEAT, EQ, REC, Track Navigation):

• REPEAT: Options include ONE (single track), FOLDER (all tracks in current folder), rdo (random order), ALL (all tracks on media).
• REC: Hold REPEAT for 5 seconds in AUX or FM modes to record to USB or SD (if no USB is present). Press pause to stop recording. Note: Recording is not supported from Bluetooth, USB, or microSD sources.
• EQ: Selects equalization presets: EQ1=POP, EQ2=CLASSICAL, EQ3=ROCK, EQ4=JAZZ, or 'nor' for normal output (no additional EQ).
• Track Navigation (◄◄ / ►►): Selects previous or next track/FM channel.
• Play/Pause (► II): Plays or pauses the current track (USB/SD/Bluetooth).

Remote Control

The A200 includes a handheld infra-red remote control with functions mirroring the front panel, plus additional controls:

• Media player power on/standby button: Turns the media player on or puts it in standby.
• MODE: Selects USB, SD, FM tuner, or Bluetooth mode.
• Repeat mode: Selects Random, One, Folder, or All tracks.
• CH-/CH+: Selects USB/SD tracks or FM radio stations.
• EQ: Selects EQ presets (Bass, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Classical, Normal).
• ◄◄ / ►►: Selects previous or next track/FM channel.
• ► II: Plays or pauses the track (auto-tunes FM stations).
• Volume Up/Down (▼ / ▲): Adjusts media player volume.
• 0-9: Direct track or channel access by number.

Bluetooth Connection

The Bluetooth function allows wireless audio playback from smart phones or tablets.

Pairing Procedure:

1. Press the media player MODE button until the display shows "BLUE".
2. Open the Bluetooth settings menu on your smart phone or tablet.
3. Scan for Bluetooth devices and select "A200" from the list. Ensure the A200 is powered on and Bluetooth is selected.
4. Your device should confirm connection as an audio device.
5. Play audio from your device, ensuring volume controls are not muted or turned down.

Connection Resumption:

If the sending device goes out of range, the connection will resume automatically when back in range. If a different mode is selected, Bluetooth connection should resume when Bluetooth mode is re-selected.

If Bluetooth is disabled or paired to another device, re-initiate the pairing process from step 2.

Specifications

Disposal and Compliance

Disposal: The "Crossed Wheelie Bin" symbol indicates that the product is classified as Electrical or Electronic equipment and should not be disposed of with household or commercial waste at the end of its life. Disposal must follow local council guidelines.

Declaration of Conformity:

AVSL Group Ltd. declares that the radio equipment type 953.425UK complies with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at: http://www.avsl.com/assets/doc/9/5/953425UK.pdf

Contact Information:

AVSL (EUROPE) Ltd, Unit 3D North Point House, North Point Business Park, New Mallow Road, Cork, Ireland

AVSL Group Ltd. Unit 2-4 Bridgewater Park, Taylor Rd. Manchester. M41 7JQ

Copyright © 2023. AVSL Group Ltd.