Crate Amplifiers SPA100 manual Introduction, Features

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SPA100 1 / 2 - R a c k P o w e r A m p l i f i e r

Introduction:

Congratulations. You have selected one of the finest sound reinforcement amplifiers available, the Crate Audio SPA100 1/2-Rack Power Amplifier. Our many years of experience in high-perform- ance audio equipment, combined with our extensive research and development procedures, have enabled us to produce an amplifier which provides the highest quality and reliability possible.

Like all Crate products, your SPA100 amplifier was designed and manufactured using only the finest components and materials. Each amplifier design must satisfy our team of highly-trained tech- nicians and musicians before it is approved. We insist upon high level of quality control to ensure that each amplifier produced will provide its owner with years of trouble-free, ear-pleasing performance.

Your new SPA100 is a flexible part of any sound system – simple to connect and easy to operate

if you first know how to incorporate it into your application. Several configurations are covered in this manual, along with important information regarding impedance ratings and output power. In order to get the best performance and highest level of quality and reliability from your new amplifier, please read this user’s guide before operating the unit.

Features:

The Crate SPA100 is a ruggedly constructed high quality power amplifier designed to give you continuous performance with professional results. Two of these amplifiers can be mounted side by side in a standard 19” rack, requiring only 1-3/4 inches of vertical rack space. The automatic variable- speed internal cooling system uses the front, side and rear of the amplifier - not the top and bottom - for its air intake and exhaust, allowing you to stack multiple components closer together in a rack mount situation.

The SPA100 produces up to 100 watts of power @ 4 ohms, or 75 watts @ 8 ohms. Several “pro- fessional” features have been built into the SPA100, such as 1/4” phone and XLR input jacks with elec- tronically balanced Low or High impedance operation. Built-in limiting circuitry constantly monitors the output of the amplifier for clipping, thus helping prevent the generation of speaker-damaging square waves. A built-in protection circuit guards the amplifier against damages from overloads, short circuits, or overheating. In addition, each channel features a Signal LED to assist in hookup and trou- bleshooting, and a Peak LED to allow you to set the input level for the best signal to noise ratio.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

PRECAUCION

RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO

NO ABRA

PRECAUCION: PARA REDUCIR EL RIESGO DE INCENDIOS O DESCARGAS ELECTRICAS, NO PER- MITA QUE ESTE APARATO QUEDE EXPUESTO A LA LLUVIA O LA HUMEDAD. PARA DISMINUOIR EL RIESGO DE CORRIENTAZO. NO ABRA LA CUBIERTA. NO HAY PIEZAS ADENTRO QUE EL USARIO PUEDO REPARAR DEJE TODO MANTENIMIENTO A LOS TECHNICOS CALIFICADOS.

ATTENTION

RISQUE D'ELECTROCUTION

NE PAS OUVRIR

ATTENTION: PROTÉGEZ CET APPAREIL DE LA PLUIE ET DE L'HUMIDITÉ AFIN D'ÉVITER TOUT RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU D'ÉLECTROCUTION. POUR REDUIRE D'ELECTROCUTION NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUNE PIECE INTERNE N'EST REPRABLE PAR L'UTILISATEUR. POUR TOUTE REPARATION, S'ADRESSER A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ, FOLLOW, HEED, AND KEEP ALL INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS.

DO NOT OPERATE NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCE AND DO NOT BLOCK ANY VENTILATION OPENINGS ON THIS APPARATUS. FOR PROPER OPERATION, THIS UNIT REQUIRES 3” (75CM) OF WELL VENTILATED SPACE AROUND HEATSINKS AND OTHER AIR FLOW PROVISIONS IN THE CABINET.

DO NOT USE THIS APPARATUS NEAR SPLASHING, FALLING, SPRAYING, OR STANDING LIQUIDS.

CLEAN ONLY WITH LINT-FREE DAMP CLOTH AND DO NOT USE CLEANING AGENTS.

ONLY CONNECT POWER CORD TO A POLARIZED, SAFETY GROUNDED OUTLET WIRED TO CURRENT ELECTRICAL CODES AND COMPATIBLE WITH VOLTAGE, POWER, AND FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS STATED ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE APPARATUS.

PROTECT THE POWER CORD FROM DAMAGE DUE TO BEING WALKED ON, PINCHED, OR STRAINED.

UNPLUG THE APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS, ACCESSORIES, STANDS, OR BRACKETS SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER FOR SAFE OPERATION AND TO AVOID INJURY.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

SERVICE MUST BE PERFORMED BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

OUR AMPLIFIERS ARE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS. CONTINUED EXPOSURE TO HIGH SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS CAN CAUSE PERMA- NENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT OR LOSS. USER CAUTION IS ADVISED AND EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED IF UNIT IS OPERATED AT HIGH VOLUME.

EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS:

"DANGEROUS VOLTAGE"

EXPLICACION DE SIMBOLOS GRAFICOS:

= “VOLTAJE PELIGROSO”

EXPLICATION DES SYMBÔLES GRAPHIQUES:

"DANGER HAUTE TENSION"

"IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE USER TO REFER TO THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL"

=“ES NECESARIO QUE EL USUARIO SE REFIERA AL MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES.” "REFERREZ-VOUS AU MANUAL D'UTILISATION"

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Contents Order to achieve maximum performance SPA100SPA100 1 / 2 R a c k P o w e r a m p l i f i e r Introduction FeaturesFront Panel Information Rear Panel Information Line SpeakerInputs Outputs Speaker Impedances And Power Ratings Power OutputOutput Power Per Speaker Cabinet Mono Operation One Amplifier Installations and OperationSide Stereo Operation Two AmplifiersLeft Side AMP Right Side AMP Graphic EQMonitor AMP Speaker AMP StageMonitors High Freq AMP LOW Freq AMP Biamping Two AmplifiersTriamping Three Amplifiers High Freq AMPMID Freq AMP Protection Technical SpecificationsSystem Block Diagram Limit Line Inputsinverter Level Power AMP Signal Protect

SPA100 specifications

The Crate Amplifiers SPA100 is a versatile and powerful amplifier designed for musicians seeking rich tones and robust performance across various musical genres. Renowned for its reliability and sound quality, the SPA100 has become a staple for guitarists and bass players alike.

One of the standout features of the SPA100 is its impressive power output, delivering 100 watts through its two channels. This ensures an ample amount of volume for live performances, making it suitable for anything from intimate gigs to larger venues. The two channels allow musicians to customize their sound, with one channel typically dedicated to clean tones and the other for overdriven or distorted sounds.

In terms of sound shaping capabilities, the SPA100 is equipped with a 3-band EQ for both channels. This equalization system gives players the ability to sculpt their tones precisely, adjusting the bass, mid, and treble frequencies to fit their individual styles or the demands of specific musical pieces. The built-in reverb effect adds an extra layer of depth to the sound, making it perfect for creating atmospheric performances.

The SPA100 features a solid-state design, which contributes to its durability and consistent performance. Solid-state amplifiers are known for their ability to produce high headroom, making them less prone to distortion at higher volumes—a critical advantage for playing live. Additionally, the amp is designed with high-quality components, ensuring reliability on the road.

Another significant aspect of the SPA100 is its lightweight nature, making it easy for musicians to transport. Despite its power, the design focuses on portability, a key consideration for today's gigging musicians. This combination of power and portability means that the SPA100 can deliver sophisticated sound while being easy to manage.

For connectivity, the SPA100 includes multiple input options and effects loops, allowing musicians to integrate various pedals and effects into their setup seamlessly. This flexibility enhances the amplifier’s usability in both studio and live scenarios, accommodating a wide range of instruments and effects.

In summary, the Crate Amplifiers SPA100 is an exemplary amplifier that marries sound quality with user-friendly features. Its robust power, comprehensive EQ, solid-state reliability, and portability make it a preferred choice for musicians on the go. Whether performing live or rehearsing, the SPA100 stands out as a reliable and versatile piece of gear that caters to the diverse needs of contemporary musicians.