How to Operate Introduction | McIntosh MCC302 instruction

Figure 5

Figure 4

Figure 6

How to Operate

Introduction

The McIntosh MCC302 is a highly versatile amplifier that can be configured in many ways. This manual gives ex- amples of some of the most common configurations. The best way to set equalization and filter controls is through the use of a real-time spectrum analyzer and the expertise of a professional installer. This manual will guide you through the basic operation, however we suggest you refer to your dealer for further information on the use of this unit. To access the Amplifier Controls and Switches refer to “Removing the Glass Panel” located on page 6 of this Owner’s Manual.

Power

The MCC302 will turn On or Off when the Control Center turns On or Off.

Note: There must be an Amp ON connection between the MCC302 and the signal source unit in order for the amplifier power turn On and Off to function.

Crossover

The CROSSOVER Switch OUT Position selects a Flat Fre- quency Response. When the CROSSOVER Switch is in the LP (low frequency pass) Posi-

tion, the Amplifier will pass all frequencies below the setting of the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Control. If the CROSSOVER Switch is in the HP (high fre- quency pass) Position, the Ampli- fier will pass all frequencies

above the setting of the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Control. Refer to figure 4.

Equalizer

Both channels (1 and 2) are equipped with an equalizer. The equalizer is not intended to act as a tone control. The one-band equalizer is best utilized as

a notch filter to reduce a peak (as lo- cated by real-time analysis with an RTA) in your system’s frequency re- sponse. If you are attempting to equalize a system without RTA data, play music you are familiar with, set

the equalizer LEVEL Control to +12 and slowly turn the FREQUENCY Control to get an idea where in the musical spectrum the frequency numbers are located. Then set the LEVEL Control back to 0 and listen to the system to deter- mine its equalization needs. Subtle adjustments are best and cutting usually sounds better than boosting. Refer to figure 5.

Input Sensitivity Controls

The SENSITIVITY controls allows the setting of the input sensitivity, of both amplifier channels,

to provide an ideal match for the signal source being used. The most desirable setting allows the control center to have a useful volume range as wide as possible from loud to soft. A good place to start is to set the amplifier’s SENSITIVITY Control to the output

voltage called out in your control center owner’s manual. The Level controls can be set for any sensitivity from .5 volts to 8 volts.

Refer to figure 6.

Note: In BRIDGE MODE Sensitivity Control 2 has no effect. When used in conjunction with a McIntosh Control Center, you may find setting the Sensitivity controls to the center detent (1.5V) works best.

Operating in Two Channel Mode

Input Source

Set the Input SOURCE Switch to the 1, 2 position. Refer to figure 7.

Mode

Set the MODE Switches to the STereo posi- Figure 7 tion to configure the amplifier for two chan-

nel operation. Refer to figure 8.

Crossover

Set the CROSSOVER Switch to the OUT position since both channels are operating at full frequency range. Refer to figure 4.

Operating in Bridged Subwoofer Mode

Input Source

Set the SOURCE Switch to the 1-2 (SUB) position. Refer to figure 7.

Output Mode

Set the MODE Switch to the BRIDGED Po-

sition to operate in the Bridged Subwoofer Figure 8 Mode. Refer to figure 8.

Crossover

Set the CROSSOVER Switch to the LP Position. Adjust the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY Control for the Cross- over Frequency that is recommended by the Manufacturer of the Loudspeaker for the best performance. Refer to fig- ure 4.