Alesis RA500, RA150, RA300 manual Connections, Power Considerations, AC Cord and Grounding

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It is important to register your purchase; if you have not already filled out your warranty card and mailed it back to Alesis, please take the time to do so now.
Carefully unpack the amplifier and inspect it for physical damage originating in shipping. If damage is discovered and the amplifier was shipped to you, immediately contact the transportation carrier and make certain that the packing materials are preserved for inspection. You as the consignee must make any shipping claims; neither your dealer nor Alesis can do this for you. If the amplifier was not shipped to you, i.e. you picked it up from your dealer, contact the dealer as soon as possible for assistance.
RA150/300/500 Reference Manual
Alesis Warranty card
•
Power cable
•
This instruction manual
•
Your Alesis RA150/300/500 was carefully packed at the factory, and the shipping carton was designed to protect the unit during shipping. Do not discard the packing materials; they may be helpful in the unlikely event that you need to return your RA150/300/500 for servicing, or for transporting the amplifier when it is not mounted in a rack or other enclosure.
The shipping carton should contain the following items:
• RA150/300/500 amplifier
UNPACKING AND
INSPECTION

Chapter 2: Connections

CHAPTER 2

CONNECTIONS

POWER CONSIDERATIONS

THE AC CORD AND GROUNDING

The RA150/300/500’s IEC-spec AC cord (do not substitute any other type of AC cord) is designed to connect to an outlet that includes three pins, with the third, round pin connected to ground ("earth"). The ground connection is an important safety feature designed to keep the chassis of electronic devices such as the RA150/300/500 at ground potential. Unfortunately, the presence of a ground contact in an AC socket does not always indicate that an outlet is properly grounded. Use an AC line tester to determine this. If the outlet is not grounded, consult with a licensed electrician.

The audio ground (pin 1 of the XLR, the sleeve of the 1/4" jack) is not isolated from the chassis.

Tip: You don't have to use the provided 6-foot long AC cord. Many electronic stores carry the standard "NEMA-to-CEE" cable in lengths from 6 inches to 20 feet. This is better than wrapping the cord in a coil if it is too long, or using extension cords if it is too short.

DO NOT OPERATE ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WITH UNGROUNDED OUTLETS. PLUGGING THE RA150/300/500

INTO AN UNGROUNDED OUTLET, OR “LIFTING” THE UNIT OFF GROUND WITH A THREE-TO-TWO WIRE ADAPTER, CREATES A HAZARDOUS CONDITION. ALESIS CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROBLEMS CAUSED BY USING THE RA150/300/500

OR ANY ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT WITH IMPROPER AC WIRING.

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Contents Reference Series Power AmplifiersAlesis Contact Information Contents Introduction HOW to USE this ManualSafety Symbols Used in this Product Important Safety InstructionsInstructions DE Sécurité Importantes French Symboles Utilisés Dans CE ProduitLesen Sie die Hinweise EMC CE Declaration of ConformityPrincipal Features About this Manual Reference Series FeaturesAC Cord and Grounding Power ConsiderationsConnections Fuse Electrical Service toVOLT/230 Volt Operation Other Rack Mounting Tips Temperature Considerations in Rack MountingOperating Environment Avoiding Electromagnetic Interference Mounting on a Shelf or in a NON-RACK EnclosureInputs Input Jack CharacteristicsTo use an unbalanced source with an Alesis amplifier Balanced wiring of an XLR input ConnectorCables Cable Wiring TipsTo connect an unbalanced source to the amplifier input Balanced or UNBALANCED?To connect a balanced line output to feed the RA150/300/500 To feed the same source to several different amplifiers To use the amplifier in Bridged Mono modeSpeaker Cables ConnectorsOutputs Whats the Load IMPEDANCE?To connect speaker cable to the connectors Connecting Speaker Cables to Binding PostsShould you use bridged mode? To connect a speaker in bridged mono modeImportance of Speaker Polarity Output Connections for Bridged OperationOperation ON-OFF SwitchVolume Controls Mute SwitchChecking for Proper Polarity Meters RA300 and RA500Back Panel Controls Choosing the Correct Speakers Using the RA150 AS a Headphone AmplifierAbout Ground Loops Device a Shielded cable Path Device B To AC power serviceSetting the Gain Properly System Setup and TestingOutput RELAYS/THERMAL Cycling Amplifier input clippingTroubleshooting Index TroubleshootingRefer ALL Servicing to Alesis Care and MaintenanceCleaning Customers Outside the USA and Canada Obtaining Repair ServiceReference SpecificationsDimensioned drawings RA300 RA500 Architects and Engineers Specifications Index Please Register Your Product Online Alesis Limited WarrantyWarranty

RA150, RA500, RA300 specifications

The Alesis RA series of amplifiers—comprising the RA300, RA500, and RA150—have earned a respected spot in the audio equipment landscape, catering to both musicians and audio professionals. With a blend of innovative technology, robust performance, and user-friendly features, these amplifiers offer solutions for various sound requirements.

Starting with the RA300, this amplifier delivers a solid output of 150 watts per channel at 4 ohms, making it ideal for smaller studio setups or personal listening environments. It is built with a lightweight yet durable design, employing a modern Class AB architecture that ensures low distortion and high audio fidelity. The RA300 features comprehensive input options, including balanced XLR and quarter-inch TRS inputs, allowing seamless integration into diverse setups. Additionally, the built-in protection circuitry prevents overheating and damage during prolonged use, ensuring longevity and reliability.

The RA500 steps up the power and performance, presenting a robust 250 watts per channel at 4 ohms, making it suitable for larger venues and demanding applications. It utilizes advanced thermal management technology, which aids in efficient heat dissipation, ensuring the amplifier operates smoothly even under heavy load. The RA500 also boasts significant dynamic range and headroom, making it a preferred choice for professional environments where audio clarity and volume are paramount. The addition of a frequency response that spans from 20Hz to 20kHz means it can faithfully reproduce a wide range of audio frequencies.

Meanwhile, the RA150 serves as a versatile option for various applications, delivering 75 watts per channel at 4 ohms. Despite its compact size, the RA150 does not compromise on sound quality or functionality. Its Class AB amplifier technology results in enhanced audio accuracy, making it popular among beginner studios and educational settings. The straightforward controls and indicators ensure that users can quickly adjust settings for optimal performance.

All three amplifiers in the Alesis RA series share a common goal: to provide high-quality sound amplification without unnecessary complexity. Their combination of solid construction, advanced technologies, and thoughtful features make them suitable for a multitude of audio environments—from home studios to professional gigs. Whether you opt for the RA300, RA500, or RA150, you are investing in a reliable tool designed to deliver exceptional audio performance, catering to the needs of discerning audiophiles and professionals alike.
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