GAB8 10 x 50W Class D 7.3 / 5.3 Configurable Audio Amplifier Board - TPA3244

Designed by: WONDOM Audio Technology

The GAB8 is a compact and powerful audio amplifier board designed for game machine applications, offering a total output power of 500 watts (10 x 50 W).

Features

• 7.1 USB UAC2.0 Codec as Audio Input.
• Versatile Output Modes: Choose from 7.3 or 5.3 Configurations.
• Supporting External Plug-and-Play Modules as Daughter Boards.
• Higher Output Power to 75W Peak with Fan Installed and DC 24V Supply.

Parameters

NOTE: The GAB8 amplifier comes with a standard 15mm fan. Upon customer request, a 10mm fan is available at an additional cost of $1.57.

Precautions

Safety Precautions

• Start by thoroughly reading the user manual provided with your GAB8 amplifier. It contains essential safety information and guidelines specific to your device.
• Check that the impedance (ohms) of your speakers matches the GAB8's requirements. Using speakers with the incorrect impedance can damage the amplifier or speakers.
• Be cautious with volume levels, especially when testing or initially setting up your system. Sudden loud sounds can harm your hearing and potentially damage your speakers.
• Ensure that GAB8 is properly grounded and connected to a stable power supply. If you are not going to use GAB8 for a long time, be sure to disconnect GAB8 from the power supply to prevent any damage or energy wastage.
• If you have children, secure or place the amplifier out of their reach to prevent accidents and potential damage.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if mishandled, could result in moderate or minor personal injury, and/or property damage.

Installation Precautions

• Organize and secure cables to prevent tripping hazards and accidental disconnections. Use cable clips or ties to keep wires neat and tidy.
• Place GAB8 securely on a stable surface. Serious damage to this product may result if it falls. Do not allow anything to rest on the GAB8. Do not place GAB8 where a person can step or trip on GAB8.
• Place GAB8 in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat buildup and prolong the life. Do not place GAB8 near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust, or mechanical shock.
• If the GAB8 is rack-mounted or wall-mounted, ensure that it is securely attached according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Maintain records of your purchase and warranty information. If you encounter problems or have questions, contact the manufacturer's customer support for assistance.

Connectors Layout

GAB8 Modules:

1. Power Supply: GAB8 supports a wide voltage range of 15V to 30V. It's crucial to connect a compatible power source within this voltage range to ensure the board functions correctly. For the best results, a 24V switching power supply is recommended. Refer to [Page 7] of the documentation for specific power supply recommendations.

2. Audio Output: Features a 7.3 speaker configuration, providing audio output for gaming and entertainment needs.

3. Control: "SHDN" and "MUTE" pins operate on an active low basis; shorting them to GND triggers shutdown or mute mode.

4. USB Audio: GAB8 can function as an audio input for the 7.1 USB UAC2.0 codec internal circuit. This feature allows you to connect a wide range of audio sources and supporting audio with 24-bit depth and a sampling rate of 48,000Hz, providing studio-quality audio.

5. Fan: A robust heatsink is mounted on GAB8 for heat dissipation. You can connect the fan to a designated port. The fan will activate when the heatsink temperature reaches 45°C, ensuring optimal performance, especially during extended use or when operating GAB8 at peak power levels.

CAUTION: GAB8 does not provide reverse polarity protection. Therefore, extreme caution must be exercised to ensure correct polarity during connection. Permanent damage caused by reverse polarity will not be covered under warranty.

Layout Ports And Control

Connecting the GAB8

Wire Kit - Audio Output: Details about the cables included as accessories with this product can be found in the appendix section. Refer to [Page 8] for information on this included cable.

JST PH 8 Pin Cable: Please note that this cable is not included as a part of the cable accessories. These cables are considered standard items and can be purchased separately from various retailers or suppliers. However, you have the option to purchase as part of an accessory bundle.

USB Type-C Cable: Please be aware that certain cables, while essential for use with this product, are not provided as part of the cable accessories. These cables are considered standard items and can be obtained separately from various retailers or suppliers.

Wire Kit - Power Cable: Details about the cables included as accessories with this product can be found in the appendix section. Refer to [Page 7] for information on this included cable.

Wire Kit - Fan Cable: Details about the cables included as accessories with this product can be found in the appendix section. Refer to [Page 9] for information on this included cable.

Electrical & Audio Performance Parameters

GAB8 Electrical Performance Parameters

GAB8 Audio Performance Parameters

Speaker Configurations

Location of Each Speaker

Note: When you connect only one rear speaker, place the rear speaker directly behind the listening position. As the subwoofer (SUB) does not emit highly directional signals, you can place it wherever you want.

Names And Function of Each Speaker

7.3-channel speaker system

Note: A 7.3 system consists of seven main speakers (Front Left - FL, Center - CEN, Front Right - FR, Side Surround Left - SSL, Side Surround Right - SSR, Rear Left - RL, Rear Right - RR) and three subwoofers. In this configuration, each speaker should be connected individually to the audio source using appropriate wiring connection. Additionally, three subwoofers are employed for enhanced bass performance. In contrast, a 7.1 audio system includes the same seven main speakers as the 7.3 configuration, but it utilizes only one subwoofer dedicated to handling bass frequencies.

NOTE: To configure your audio system for a 5.3 speaker setup, it's important to make specific adjustments. You will need to remove the Rear Left (RL) and Rear Right (RR) speakers that are present in a 7.3 system. Please ensure that you make secure and proper wire connections from the connector to each speaker in your chosen configuration to optimize your audio setup.

Important Setup Notes:

• Prior to connecting any cables, ensure that the power cable is not connected. This is crucial for safety during the setup process.
• Before attaching speaker cables to the speaker terminals, double-check that wires from the speaker cables are not in contact with each other. This precaution helps prevent electrical interference and ensures proper connectivity.
• If you connect only one rear speaker, connect it to the L (+/-) terminals.

Speaker Configurations

Connecting to 7.1 Surround System and Setting up an 8-Channel Multi-Audio System:

Connecting Hardware: Connect the GAB8 amplifier to your PC's USB Type-C port using a Type-C cable. Plug in the power cable to the GAB8 amplifier and connect it to a power source to ensure the amplifier has power. Connect the speaker cables from all 8 speakers to their respective channels on the GAB8 amplifier to maintain audio balance.

Configuring Audio Settings: Right-click on the speaker icon in the Windows taskbar or go to the Sound settings in the Control Panel. Select "GAB8 WONDOM" as the playback device. Click on "Configure" under the GAB8 WONDOM device. In the Configure window, select "7.1 Surround" from the sound format dropdown menu to configure audio output for 7.1 channel surround sound. Test audio through your PC to ensure that sound is coming from all 8 connected speakers. Under "Advanced sound options," select 24-bit, 48000 Hz Studio Quality.

Enabling 8-Channel Multi-Audio in Audacity:

Open Audacity: Launch the Audacity audio editing software on your computer.

Enable Advanced Mixing Options: Click on the "Edit" menu at the top of the Audacity window to reveal a dropdown menu. From this menu, select "Preferences." This will open the Audacity Preferences window. Inside the Audacity Preferences window, look for the "Import/Export" section in the left sidebar. Within this section, you will find various preferences related to importing and exporting audio files. Locate and tick the checkbox labeled "Use advanced mixing options." Enabling this option is crucial for working with multiple audio channels effectively.

Prepare Your Audio File: Before you can enable 8-channel multi-audio, you need to have an audio file with 8 separate audio tracks or channels. Ensure that your audio file is ready for importing into Audacity.

Import the 8-Channel Audio: Go back to the main Audacity window. Use the "File" menu to select "Import" and then "Audio." Locate and select your prepared 8-channel audio file from your computer's storage. Audacity will import this file, recognizing it as an audio track with multiple channels.

Configure Each Channel: After importing the audio file, you will see it represented as a single track in Audacity. Click on the dropdown arrow near the track's title to reveal the individual channels or tracks. You should see all 8 channels listed separately. Configure each channel according to your preferences. You can adjust volume levels, apply effects, or make any necessary edits to individual channels.

Export as WAV: Once you have configured the channels to your satisfaction, it's time to export the audio as an 8-channel WAV file. Go to the "File" menu and select "Export" and then "Export Audio." Choose a location on your computer to save the file and provide a name for it.

Select the Appropriate Format: In the export settings dialog, make sure to save as type "WAV (Microsoft)" and select on encoding dropdown "Signed 24-bit PCM" as the export format. This format is suitable for preserving high-quality audio. Click the "Save" button to confirm your export settings and save the audio file.

Playback in Windows Media Player: Once the 8-channel audio file is saved, you can open it in Windows Media Player or any other compatible media player. When played, each channel will be heard separately, providing an 8-channel audio experience. In this setup, it's important to note that all speakers will act as full range, capable of reproducing the entire audio frequency spectrum.

NOTE: Multi-audio system typically requires a specific number of speakers to match the number of audio channels. However, if you have only 2 or 3 speakers, you can still work with limitations to enjoy multi-audio content. In Audacity, identify the channels or tracks in the audio content and assign them to the available speakers as per your preference. For example, if there are 5 audio channels but only 2 speakers, you can assign 3 channels to the first speaker and the remaining 2 channels to the second speaker. Audacity provides the flexibility to customize channel placement.

NOTE: You can also export a track into Audacity and set their preferences for each channel to play 7.1 LPCM, allowing for further customization of the audio playback. After importing the audio file, you will see it represented as a single track in Audacity. Click on the dropdown arrow near the track's title to reveal the individual channels or tracks. Ensure that you have 8 channels available for playback. These steps should help you set up and configure your GAB8 amplifier for 7.1 surround sound on your PC.

Accessories

Supplied Accessories

• Power Cable: Usage: Connect to compatible power source. Input: Voltage range of 15V to 30V. Length: 500mm±50mm.
• Audio Output Cable: Usage: Audio output for gaming and entertainment needs. Length: 200mm±10mm.
• Fan: Usage: Dissipate heat from the GAB8's heatsink, ensuring optimal performance during extended use. Size: 60x60x10(mm). Wire Length: 290mm±20mm.
• USB Type C Cable Clip: Usage: Secure and prevent any unintended movement of the USB Type-C cable. USB Type C Cable Size: <Ø5mm.
• JST PH 4 Pin Cable: Usage: Control Function. Length: The cable length may vary and depends on your specific requirements.

Optional Accessories

• Universal Wire Connector: Usage: Simplifies the connection of GAB8's audio output cable to individual speaker cables. Size: 38.4mmx13.4mm x14.5mm.
• L Bracket: Usage: Mounting and securely holding the GAB8 in place. Size: 6.0"x4.5".

Warranty Terms and Product

Usage Restrictions

Wondom products come with a one-year warranty starting from the date of purchase. Customers are responsible for the cost of returning the goods to the seller, and by making a purchase, you agree to this condition. Due to the nature of DIY products, visible damage or use on screw holes or tinning of solder pads directly invalidates the warranty. Damage caused by the use of incorrect power sources, such as exceeding the specified voltage range or reverse polarity, is not covered under warranty. All Wondom products undergo thorough testing before shipment. We do not accept bulk returns after a bulk purchase. If you are unsure of the quantity you need, please purchase the appropriate quantity as needed. All Wondom products are intended for DIY use only and do not support any industrial applications. The rated operating temperature range is -10-50°C.

Purchasing Rights

When you're considering buying our product in large quantities, here's what you need to know:

• Bulk Purchase Rights: The number of products you can buy at once is determined by your single purchase, not your total annual purchases.
• Customization and Pricing: If you wish to customize our product, the options and costs depend on the quantity you purchase in a single transaction.
• Retail Purchases: For individual purchases, you can only buy our product through our authorized distributor platforms. Please note that the listed prices on these platforms may change over time.
• Bundled Pricing for 100 Units: When you buy a minimum of 100 units in one transaction, you may qualify for a special bundled price for that quantity.
• Customization for 500 Units or More: If you're planning to purchase 500 units or more, you have the option to customize various aspects of the product. This includes changes to the product's appearances, such as color, size, logo, cable length, and packaging materials. Additionally, you can customize the firmware by altering the product string. We also offer a range of services, which encompass wire kit, panel, cabinet, and mount bracket design. To explore these customization options further, please contact us via email for detailed information and to discuss your specific requirements.
• Standard Price List: For orders of 500 units or more, you can request our standard price list by reaching out to our customer support.
• Pricing for Bulk vs. Bundled: It's important to note that the price for buying in bulk is not significantly different from the bundled price for 100 units.

Origin and Design Location

All Wondom products are designed, manufactured, assembled, and shipped from China. The products' country of origin is China. We do not provide any services for sales, shipping, or manufacturing from other regions.

Connection Guides and Specifications

Wire Kit Details

Wire Kit - Power Cable (Page 7)

Details the components for the power connection: MOLEX MicroFit Receptacle, 16 AWG Wire, and Tin Plated Ring Crimp Terminal. Recommends the MEANWELL LRS-350N2 24V power supply.

Wire Kit - Audio Output (Page 8)

Details the components for audio output connections: MOLEX MicroFit Receptacle, 16 AWG Wire, and Push In Connector. Notes that two of these cables are provided.

Wire Kit - Fan (Page 9)

Details the components for the cooling fan: JST PH 2 CKT, 26 AWG Wire, and SUNON DC Fan (MF60101V1). Specifies connection to the designated 12V fan port.

Connection Guide for GAB8 (Page 10)

Provides an overview of connecting the GAB8 amplifier. Key connections include: Power Supply (DC 15V-30V), Audio Output (for 7.3 speaker configuration), Fan Connector, Control & Switching Frequency Synchronisation (SHDN, MUTE, SYNC, GND), and USB Type-C for Audio Input.

Circuit Configuration & Definition (Page 11)

Details the pin definitions for various connectors, including Control (SHDN, MUTE, SYNC, GND), Fan Connector (+12V, GND), Power Supply (GND, VIN), and extensive pinouts for Audio Output (7.3 speaker configuration) covering Front Left/Right, Center, Subwoofers, Side Surrounds, and Rear Left/Right channels.

Audio Performance Test Results

Frequency Response

THD+N Ratio vs. Measured Level

Signal to Noise Ratio

Noise Level

FFT Spectrum