Peavey CS 4000 & CS 4080 Stereo Amplifier Protection Features

Protection Features

The Peavey CS® Series incorporates several circuits to protect the amplifier and speakers under virtually any situation. Peavey has made the amplifiers as foolproof as possible by making them immune to short and open circuits, mismatched loads,

DC voltage and overheating. If a channel goes into the DDT™ gain reduction mode, the DDT LED illuminates. The clipping percentage or output power is instantly reduced. When a problem occurs that causes a channel to go into a protection mode, the PWR (Power) LED for that channel will turn off. DC voltage on the output or excessive subsonic frequencies will cause the speaker protection relay for that channel to open, protecting the speakers. If an amplifier channel overheats, the relay for that channel will open, disconnecting the load until the channel cools down, thus protecting the amplifier.

Distortion Detection Technique Limiting

Any time a channel is driven into hard, continuous clipping, the DDT circuit will automatically reduce the channel gain to a level just slightly into clipping, guarding the speakers against the damaging, high-power, continuous square waves that may be produced. Situations that may activate the DDT circuit include uncontrolled feedback, oscillations, an improper equipment setting or malfunction upstream from the amplifier. Normal program transients will not trigger DDT; only steady, excessive clipping will cause the DDT LED to illuminate.

LFC Impedance Sensing

CS Series amplifiers feature innovative circuitry for safe operation into any load. When an amplifier senses a load that overstresses the output stage, the Load Fault Correction circuit adjusts the channel gain to a safe level. Extreme load fault under high power levels will cause the speaker relay to disconnect the load for the associated channel. This method of output stage protection is far more effective than the standard limiting found on conventional power amplifiers. The LFC circuit is sonically transparent in normal use and unobtrusive when activated.

Thermal Protection

The internal fans will keep the amplifier operating well within its intended temperature range under all normal conditions. If a channel’s heat sink temperature reaches 85°C (which may indicate an obstructed air supply), that channel will independently protect itself by opening the speaker relay to disconnect the load until it has cooled. During this time, the PWR LED will go out and the cooling fans will continue operating at high speed.

Short Circuit

If an output is shorted, the LFC and thermal circuits will automatically protect the amplifier. The LFC circuit senses the short circuit as an extremely stressful load condition and attenuates the signal, protecting the channel’s output transistors from over-current stress. If the short circuit remains, the channel may eventually thermally protect itself by opening the speaker relay thereby disconnecting the load.

DC Voltage Protection

If an amplifier channel detects DC voltage or subsonic frequencies at its output terminals, the speaker protection relay for that channel will open, protecting the speakers.

Turn-On/Turn-Off Protection

Upon powering up, the amplifier mutes the input signals and stays in Protect mode with the speaker connect relays open for approximately four seconds. This allows the internal power supplies to charge and the amplifier to stabilize. After the relays engage, the signals slowly increase from muted to their normal level. Also, when power is removed, the input signals are muted so that no thumps or pops are heard.

CS 4080, CS 4000 specifications

The Peavey CS 4000 and CS 4080 are powerful professional amplifiers, designed to deliver exceptional performance in various audio applications, including live sound, installations, and more. Renowned for their reliability and high output capabilities, these amplifiers have become staples in many sound reinforcement setups.

The CS 4000 is a dual-channel amplifier that produces up to 2,000 watts of continuous power at 4 ohms. This amplifier is well-suited for driving large speaker arrays, making it ideal for concert venues, clubs, and outdoor events. Meanwhile, the CS 4080 ups the ante, offering 4,000 watts of power at 2 ohms, making it an excellent choice for those who need even more headroom and clarity in demanding environments. Both models feature Peavey’s renowned DDT (Dynamic Delay Time) compression technology, which protects against clipping and distortion, ensuring that audio remains clean and defined even at high volumes.

The CS series also includes advanced thermal management systems, which prevent overheating and contribute to prolonged operational life. With forced-air cooling and highly efficient heat sinks, both amplifiers maintain optimal temperatures, even during extended use. The rugged construction provides durability, making them suitable for on-the-road applications as well as permanent installations.

Input flexibility is another key feature of the Peavey CS amplifiers. They come equipped with XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs, facilitating seamless integration with various audio sources. Output options include speakON and binding post connectors, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of speaker configurations.

User-friendly controls such as level adjustment knobs on the front panel allow for easy tweaking of output levels. Additionally, the CS 4080 has a built-in Limiter indicator, providing useful feedback on signal levels to prevent unintentional overloading.

Both amplifiers also feature a switchable low-frequency filter, enhancing the overall performance of the sound system by reducing unwanted subsonic frequencies. With their robust power output, technological advancements, and reliable performance, the Peavey CS 4000 and CS 4080 are widely regarded as industry standard amplifiers, capable of meeting the rigorous demands of professional audio environments. Whether for touring musicians, DJs, or permanent installations, the CS series continues to impress audio professionals worldwide.