Monitor Audio IA40-3 Amplifier Owners Manual
Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive information for the Monitor Audio IA40-3 3-Channel Amplifier, covering setup, operation, specifications, and compliance details.
Front and Rear Panel Layout
The IA40-3 amplifier features several connection points and controls:
- 1. Power Input: Connection for the supplied power supply output lead. Use only the appropriate IEC mains lead and power supply provided with the product.
- 2. External IR: Connects the supplied IR Receiver for learning remote codes and controlling the amplifier. A remote must be paired to enable Bluetooth searching.
- 3. Sub/ Line Out: Provides a line-level output for connecting to an active subwoofer or another mono device.
- 4. RS232: Used for home automation systems, featuring a block connector for wiring configuration and setup protocol.
- 5. Speaker Output: Accepts up to 12 gauge cable for connecting speakers.
- 6. Antenna: Connects to the unit for Bluetooth functionality. It is typically unattached and screws onto the threaded input on the amplifier.
- 7. EQ and Input Dip Switches: Two-position switches used to select various audio settings, including EQ modes (FLAT, +3dB) and input sources (Analogue, Optical).
- 8. Optical Input: Connects a digital optical audio source using a SPDIF connector.
- 9. Analogue Input: Connects an analogue stereo audio source using a 3.5mm stereo mini jack connector.
- 10. Status LED: Indicates the amplifier's operational status through different colours and blinking patterns.
- 11. Multi-Function Encoder: Controls volume, power, configuration, and Bluetooth/Remote pairing functions through rotation and pressing.
Status LED Guide
The Status LED provides visual feedback on the amplifier's state:
- Standby/Sleep: Red
- Analogue/PCM: Green
- Bluetooth Connected: Blue
- IR Learning Mode: Purple Blinking
- Time-out to Standby Selected: Green Blinking
- Power On/ No Signal: White
- Dolby: Purple
- Bluetooth Pairing: White Blinking
- Time-out to Sleep Selected: Blue Blinking
Setting Up the IA40-3
Standby and Sleep Settings
The IA40-3 can operate in two power-saving modes: Standby and Sleep. In Standby mode, the amplifier requires manual activation via the Multi-Function Encoder or RS232. Sleep mode enables automatic power-on when an input signal is detected and automatic power-off after 5-7 minutes of no signal.
To select a mode: With the amplifier off (red Status LED), press and hold the Multi-Function Encoder for approximately 10 seconds until the LED blinks blue or green. Blue indicates Sleep mode, and green indicates Standby mode. Repeat the process to switch modes.
Dip Switch Settings
The amplifier features several dip switches for configuration:
- Phono Pre-Output Setting: The first switch controls the pre-output. When set to 'Sub' (up position), a 120 Hz 2nd order low-pass filter is engaged. When set to 'Line' (downwards position), this crossover is disengaged.
- EQ Settings: Two EQ settings are available, each with LOW, MID, and HIGH frequency controls. The 'FLAT' setting provides unaltered audio. The '+3dB' setting boosts these frequencies by 3dB. The LOW frequency is applied at 100 Hz, MID at 1.05 kHz, and HIGH at 8 kHz.
- Channel Switch: This switch should be set according to the number of channels used. Use '2 Channel' mode for stereo applications. Use '3 Channel' mode when a centre channel is introduced, such as with a passive soundbar.
- Input Switch: Selects between wired inputs. The 'Analogue' input (up position) uses the 3.5mm wired jack, while the 'Optical' input (downwards position) uses the wired SPDIF input.
Remote Control Code Learning
Note: Bluetooth devices cannot be paired until a remote has been set up with the amplifier. Refer to the 'Remote Control Codes Learning' section.
- Connect the supplied IR receiver to the External IR port on the amplifier.
- Connect the 33V AC power adaptor and turn the unit 'On' by pressing the Multi-Function Encoder.
- Press and hold the Multi-Function Encoder on the unit until it starts blinking purple (approximately 5 seconds).
- Point any IR remote control (not supplied) at the IR receiver and press the volume up button 3 times. The Status LED will blink purple 3 times rapidly.
- Repeat step 4 with the volume down button. The Status LED will blink purple 3 times rapidly.
- Repeat step 4 with the mute button. The Status LED will blink purple 3 times rapidly and then turn solid white. The amplifier is now programmed and will respond to remote control volume commands.
IMPORTANT: Put the unit into standby mode and wake it up again to store the remote control before removing the power.
Pairing with a Bluetooth Device
Note: Bluetooth devices cannot be paired until a remote has been set up with the amplifier, refer to the 'Remote Control Codes Learning' section.
- Turn the IA40-3 amplifier 'On' by pressing the Multi-Function Encoder. The Status LED will turn white.
- Press and hold the mute button on the remote control (not supplied) for 3 seconds. The Status LED will blink white for 1 minute or until paired.
- Select "IA40-3" in your Bluetooth device settings to pair with the amplifier.
- Bluetooth audio will take priority over any wired audio signal. When you stop or pause Bluetooth audio, wired audio will resume playback.
Mounting
Fitting the Mounting Bracket
The IA40-3 is supplied with three mounting brackets: two for fitting to the product and one spare. The brackets are attached using four supplied screws. Fit these through the bracket holes shown into the inserts on the base of the IA40-3. Locations are circled in the original illustration.
Mounting Examples
The IA40-3 includes velcro strips and brackets for multiple mounting configurations. The brackets can be adjusted to fit most mounting applications by bending or snapping off extended segments. An angle can be introduced for mounting in corners. The original document provides examples of various mounting options.
NOTE: The IA40-3 should always be mounted in an accessible location.
RS232 Control
The IA40-3 can be controlled via its RS232 port by sending strings of ASCII commands. The power supply can be tucked away elsewhere or cable tied to the unit.
RS232 Wiring Configuration
The RS232 communication socket uses a standard block connector from a 9-Pin D-Type Socket. It should be wired as illustrated on the amplifier panel and as shown below:
| RS232 Connector Pin | 9 Pin D-Type Socket Pin Number |
|---|---|
| TX | 3 |
| RX | 2 |
| GND | 5 |
RS232 Communication Set-Up Parameters
- Baud Rate: 115200
- Data Size: 8
- Parity: None
- Stop Bits: 1
- Handshaking/ Flow Control: None
Command Protocol
Each string of commands sent to the IA40-3 must follow a specific structural protocol, detailed in the Command List. To control the IA40-3 using RS232 commands, specific character strings must be sent to the amplifier. Each command string should be terminated by <CR> (the ASCII carriage return character, 13 decimal). If using a Terminal Emulator like Tera Term, simply pressing the Enter key achieves this.
Command List
The following ASCII commands control the operation of the IA40-3:
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
| Amp On | AON |
| Amp Off | AOFF |
| Volume Up 1 Step | UV1 |
| Volume Down 1 Step | DV1 |
| Volume Up 5 Steps | UV5 |
| Volume Down 5 Steps | DV5 |
| Mute | MUTE 1 |
| Unmute | MUTE 0 |
| Get Current Volume | GV |
| Send Volume Setting | SV 0-81 |
| Reset | RESET |
Note: The mute command is followed by a space then a 0 or 1.
Note: The SV command is followed by a space then a value in the range of 0-81 to set the volume level.
All other alphanumeric variables have no space. The 'Reset' command sets the amplifier to sleep mode, volume to 40, and clears any learned remote codes.
Warranty
The craftsmanship and performance of this product are covered by the manufacturer's warranty against manufacturing defects, provided the product was supplied by an authorized Monitor Audio retailer under the consumer sale agreement. For the specific warranty period, please refer to the product page on the Monitor Audio website (monitoraudio.com) for the purchased product. Keep your receipt of purchase safe, as it validates your warranty.
Owner Information
Please fill in the details below for your records:
Product Details
Product Serial No: _________________________
Date of Purchase: _________________________
Dealer Details
Dealer Name: _________________________
Address: _________________________
Post code: _________________________
E-mail address: _________________________
Specifications
| Feature | IA40-3 |
|---|---|
| Number of Output Channels | 3 |
| Power (W / Channel) 4 Ohms @ 1 kHz | 60 W @ 1% THD+N for 2 Channel 40 W @ 1% THD+N for 3 Channel |
| Power (W / Channel) 8 Ohms @ 1 kHz | 50 W @ 1% THD+N for 2 Channel 30 W @ 1% THD+N for 3 Channel |
| Input Impedance | 10 kΩ Unbalanced |
| Output Impedance (Sub/ Line Out) | 1.47 kΩ |
| Input Sensitivity | ~300 mV - Full Power |
| Maximum Input Voltage | 2.3 V |
| Signal to Noise (SNR) | > 84 dB Unweighted |
| Frequency Response (+- 0.5 dB) @ 1 W | 10 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N @ 1 W, 2ch 8 Ohms, Full Bandwidth) | < 0.05 % |
| Dimensions Excluding Mounting Brackets and Antenna (H x W x D) | 180 x 110.5 x 31.4 mm 71/16 x 43/8 x 11/4 " |
| Dimensions Including Mounting Brackets (H x W x D) | 196 x 182.5 x 32.6 mm 711/16 x 73/16 x 15/16 " |
| Mains Operating Voltage | 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Fuse Rating (Power Supply) | 3 A |
| Standby Power Consumption | < 0.5 W |
| Weight (Amp + RS232 Terminal Block + Speaker Terminal Block + Antenna) - No Brackets | 0.484 kg 1 lb 2 oz |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Range with Antenna (Line of Sight) | > 20 m |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP |
| Audio Codec | SBC, Apt-X |
Monitor Audio reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.
FCC & IC Radiation Exposure Statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference.
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
To satisfy FCC / IC RF exposure requirements, a separation distance of 20 cm or more should be maintained between the antenna of this device and persons during device operation. To ensure compliance, operations at closer than this distance are not recommended.
Limited by local law regulations, version for North America does not have region selection option.
This radio transmitter (5928A-MA439113) has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
- Gain of antenna: 2dBi max.
- Type of antenna: 50ohm, Omni-directionnel
Contact Information
Monitor Audio Ltd.
24 Brook Road
Rayleigh, Essex
SS6 7XJ
England
Tel: +44 (0)1268 740580
Fax: +44 (0)1268 740589
Email: info@monitoraudio.com
Web: monitoraudio.com
Designed & Engineered in the United Kingdom
Made In China
Version 1. 2019
