Adastra RMD-Series 5-Input Mixer-Amplifier

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Adastra RMD-series rackmount 100V amplifier. This amplifier is designed for high quality, dependable service in mobile and installed systems. Please read this manual fully and follow the instructions to achieve the best results and avoid damage through misuse.

Safety Symbol and Message Conventions

Symbol: A triangle with a lightning bolt inside indicates dangerous voltage, posing a risk of electric shock.

Symbol: A triangle with an exclamation mark inside indicates important operating and maintenance instructions are present in the accompanying literature.

Safety Notice

1. Read this manual before use.
2. Keep the manual in good condition.
3. Pay attention to safety warnings.
4. Observe all operating requirements.
5. Do not use the device near water or wet areas.
6. For cleaning, use only a lint-free, dry cloth.
7. Install according to specifications.
8. Place away from heat sources or heating appliances.
9. Use the provided mains lead and avoid damage to the cable or connectors.
10. Unplug power from the mains during stormy weather or if unused for long periods.
11. In case of malfunction, water ingress, or other damage, consult qualified service personnel.
12. Do not place in damp areas or near liquids or moisture. Do not spill liquids on the housing.
13. Pay attention to warning symbols during transit and placement.
14. Terminals marked with the $\dagger$ symbol are HAZARDOUS LIVE and should only be connected by qualified personnel.
15. Ensure the apparatus is connected to a mains socket with a protective EARTH connection.
16. Ensure correct operation of the mains switch.

Warning: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose components to rain or moisture. If liquids are spilled, stop use, allow to dry, and have checked by qualified personnel before further use. Avoid impact, extreme pressure, or heavy vibration. No user-serviceable parts inside; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Safety

• Check for correct mains voltage and IEC lead condition before connecting to a power outlet.
• Use double-insulated speaker wire with adequate current rating for 100 V speaker connections.
• Only use one type of output (4-16 $\Omega$ or 100 V) per zone or output; do not mix or combine.
• Do not connect 4-16 $\Omega$ speakers to the 100 V terminal or 100 V speakers to the 4-16 $\Omega$ terminal.
• Do not allow foreign objects to enter the case or through ventilation grilles.

Placement

• Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
• Keep away from damp or dusty environments.
• For rack-mounting, use provided rack ears and ensure adequate support for the amplifier's weight.
• Ensure adequate air-flow and do not cover cooling vents.
• Ensure adequate access to controls and connections.

Cleaning

• Use a soft cloth with a neutral detergent to clean the casing.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to clear ventilation grilles of dust or debris.
• Do not use strong solvents for cleaning.

Front Panel

The front panel features:

• 1. Media Player: SB/DAB+/FM/BT media player with USB/SD card input.
• 2. MIC 1 Volume Control.
• 3. MIC/LINE 2 Volume Control.
• 4. MIC/LINE 3 Volume Control.
• 5. LINE 4 Volume Control.
• 6. LINE 5/MEDIA Player Volume Control.
• 7. BASS EQ Control.
• 8. TREBLE EQ Control.
• 9. MASTER Volume Control.
• 10. VU Level Meter.
• 11. POWER On/Off Switch.
• 12. Speaker Zone Selector Buttons (ZONE 1, ZONE 2, ZONE 3, ZONE 4, ALL).

Rear Panel

• 13. POWER Input: IEC inlet for mains power (170-264Vac, 50Hz).
• 14. DC INPUT: Screw terminals for 24Vdc power input.
• 15. COM Speaker Output Terminal.
• 16. 4-16 $\Omega$ Speaker Output Terminal.
• 17. 100V Speaker Output Terminal.
• 18. Speaker Output Terminals: ZONE 1, ZONE 2, ZONE 3, ZONE 4 (for 100V speakers).
• 19. LINE OUT: RCA output for connecting to further amplifiers.
• 20. LINE 5 Input: RCA input.
• 21. LINE 4 Input: RCA input.
• 22. MIC/LINE 3 Input: 6.3mm jack input.
• 23. MIC/LINE 2 Input: 6.3mm jack input.
• 24. MIC 1 Input: Balanced XLR input.
• 25. MIC 1 Input Details: Includes options for +20V phantom power and VOX control.
• 26. Mute Control: Euroblock connector for 24V mute function.
• 27. Antenna Connector: 'F' type connector for DAB/FM aerial.

DIP Switches

DIP switches are located on the rear panel and are used to configure:

• MIC 1 Input: Options for +20V phantom power (for condenser microphones) and VOX control (attenuates line inputs when MIC 1 signal is detected).
• MIC/LINE 2 & 3 Inputs: Set sensitivity to MIC (up position) or LINE (down position). Make these settings when the amplifier is switched off to avoid loud noises.

Connection and Setup

Connect the IEC inlet (13) to the mains using the supplied lead, or power via a 24V battery connected to the DC INPUT (14). Ensure DC cables are rated for the required current (20A recommended).

Input Channels:

• MIC 1 (25): Connect the main announcement microphone using a balanced XLR lead.
• MIC/LINE 2 & 3 (23, 22): Connect microphones or mono line inputs using 6.3mm jack leads. Ensure correct sensitivity is selected.
• LINE 4 (21) & LINE 5 (20): Connect other line-level audio inputs using RCA leads. Stereo signals are summed to mono.

Line Output (19): Connect further mixer-amplifiers or slave amplifiers using RCA leads. This output carries the full mix of all channels.

Speaker Outputs

The RMD series amplifiers can be configured as either 100V line amplifiers or standard low impedance power amplifiers. These configurations cannot be used together.

100V Line Systems

Connect the amplifier to the first speaker using double-insulated speaker wire. Connect the "100V" (17) terminal to the positive (+) speaker connection and "COM" (15) to the negative (-). Connect further speakers in parallel, linking all positive terminals and all negative terminals together.

The number of speakers is determined by their power rating. It is advised to connect speakers with a combined wattage no more than 90% of the amplifier's output power rating. Speaker transformers may have taps to adjust individual speaker wattage.

A diagram shows a 60W amplifier connected to five 10W speakers in parallel via 100V line terminals.

Speaker Switching Zones

100V speakers connected to ZONE 1-4 terminals (18) are controlled by the front panel speaker switches (12). The "ALL" switch enables all zones. For unswitched operation (e.g., emergency evacuation), connect speakers to the fixed "100V" (17) and "COM" (15) terminals.

Low Impedance Systems

Connect the 4-16 $\Omega$ terminal (16) to the positive (+) speaker connection and COM (15) to the negative (-). Do not use 4-16 $\Omega$ and 100 V outputs simultaneously.

Emergency Mute Function

A 24V mute function (26) can be wired to an emergency panel (e.g., fire alarm). When activated, all channels except MIC 1 are muted, allowing for emergency announcements.

Operation

1. Connect all cables. Turn all rotary controls down. Switch on the power (11); the "ON" LED should illuminate.
2. Press the "ALL" zones button (12) for testing.
3. Set BASS and TREBLE controls (7, 8) to the 12 o'clock position. Turn the MASTER control (9) up part way.
4. Connect a signal to a line input. Gradually increase the channel volume control (2, 3, 4, 5, or 6) until the output is heard.
5. Adjust MASTER volume to the required level. Repeat for other inputs.
6. For the media player, refer to the "Media Player" section.
7. Monitor the VU meter LEDs (10). Avoid prolonged illumination of the red "0" LED, which indicates distortion or clipping; reduce MASTER or channel volume if this occurs.
8. For microphone input (MIC 1), ensure it is switched on and phantom power is enabled if required. Gradually increase the MIC 1 control (2) while speaking.
9. Avoid feedback (squealing) by facing microphones away from speakers and reducing levels.
10. If VOX is enabled, audio on channels 4 and 5 will reduce when speaking into MIC 1.
11. Adjust BASS (7) and TREBLE (8) controls to shape the tone. Clockwise boosts, anticlockwise cuts. Adjust to suit audio or room acoustics.

Media Player

The media player (1) includes a Bluetooth receiver, USB/SD audio player, and DAB+/FM radio tuner. Use the SOURCE button to cycle through modes: Bluetooth, SD, USB, DAB, FM. The MUTE button silences the output. Holding MUTE powers the player down/up.

Settings Menu

Access the settings menu by holding the SOURCE button. Use $\boldsymbol{\omega}$ (previous) and $\boldsymbol{\mu}$ (next) to navigate and $\boldsymbol{\square}$ (play/pause) to select. REPEAT/... returns to the previous menu.

Bluetooth

On your smart device, search for Bluetooth ID "adastra*****" (unique ID). Pair and connect. Set the smart device volume low, play a track, and increase volume on the smart device as needed. Front panel controls operate playback: $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ for previous/next track, hold $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ to adjust volume. $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II pauses/plays; hold $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II disconnects. REPEAT/... switches display to time/date. After 15 minutes of inactivity, the display reverts to time/date.

SD and USB Audio Player

Play mp3 or wma files from FAT32 or exFAT formatted USB sticks or SD cards. Select SD or USB via SOURCE. Insert the storage device. Playback controls: $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II pauses/plays; $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ select previous/next track. Hold $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ to adjust player volume. Repeat modes (hold REPEAT/... then use $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II and $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$): NR (Normal), RA (Repeat All), R1 (Repeat One), Rd (Random). REPEAT/... button cycles display information (ID3, time/date). After 15 minutes of inactivity, display reverts to time/date.

DAB Tuner

Connect a DAB/FM aerial to the rear panel 'F' connector (27) for DAB/DAB+ reception (174-240MHz). Hold $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II to initiate auto-tuning; display shows "Scanning..." and detected stations. Select stations using $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$. REPEAT/... cycles display information. Holding REPEAT/... opens FM tuner sub-menu.

FM Tuner

Connect an FM antenna to the rear 'F' type connector (27). Press Play/Pause $\boldsymbol{\square}$ II to auto-tune and store stations. Pressing again aborts tuning. Hold REPEAT to delete a station. Repeat auto-tune to re-populate presets. Use $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ to step through presets. Hold $\boldsymbol{\omega}$/$\boldsymbol{\mu}$ to adjust player volume. REPEAT/... cycles display information. Holding REPEAT opens FM tuner sub-menu.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

Disposal

The "Crossed Wheelie Bin" symbol indicates this product is electrical or electronic equipment and should not be disposed of with household or commercial waste. Dispose of according to local council guidelines.

Declarations of Conformity

AVSL Group Ltd. declares that the radio equipment types 953.223UK, 953.224UK, 953.225UK, 953.226UK and 953.227UK comply with Directive 2014/53/EU.

Full EU declarations of conformity are available at:

• RM60D: http://www.avsl.com/assets/exportdoc/9/5/953223UK%20CE.pdf
• RM120D: http://www.avsl.com/assets/exportdoc/9/5/953224UK%20CE.pdf
• RM240D: http://www.avsl.com/assets/exportdoc/9/5/953225UK%20CE.pdf
• RM360D: http://www.avsl.com/assets/exportdoc/9/5/953226UK%20CE.pdf
• RM480D: http://www.avsl.com/assets/exportdoc/9/5/953227UK%20CE.pdf