Loudspeaker Ratings
Virtually any loudspeakers can be connected to, and driven by the AT6012. The AT6012 can drive low impedance speakers at more than adequate power levels with no difficulty. Many loudspeaker systems which are nominally rated at 4 Ohms will drop in impedance in some parts of their frequency range, often to 2 Ohms. You should not experience any problems at these low impedances unless you demand excessively high volume levels. Because the power output capability of the AT6012 is very high, it is important to determine the maximum input power rating of your speaker system. The speaker power rating must equal or exceed the power output rating (at corresponding impedance) of the amplifier to protect the speakers from possible damage. ATI cannot be held responsible for damage to a speaker system or individual component whose power rating is lower than that of the amplifier.
Operation
Your AT6012 is equipped with a special Remote-Power-On feature which is used to turn the amplifier on remotely from another source (see Remote-Power-On). If you are using this feature you must be sure that the volume control of your control unit or preamplifier is turned all the way down to prevent possible damage to your loudspeakers.
The AT6012 is equipped with a Time-Activated-Delay (TAD) circuit that will delay operation of the amplifier for approximately 3 seconds upon turn-on. The TAD enables a special Optic Protection Circuit to determine if any potentially harmful conditions such as shorts or voltage spikes from your preamp or control panel exist before allowing output.
Power Switch
The AT6012 is equipped with a front-panel on/off switch. Unless using the Remote-Power-On feature, this switch should be used in the normal manner. The power switch must be in the “on” position in order for the Remote-Power-On feature to work. NOTE: The power switch is always active and will override the DC signal of the Remote-Power-On feature if switched to the “off” position.
Remote-Power-On
This standard feature allows the AT6012 to be turned on and off remotely via a control console or preamplifier that has a remote trigger with an output of 3 to 24 VDC, or a simple 12V DC transformer (wall mount). The Remote-Power-On feature is activated via a high-current relay inside the AT6012 and connected via a 3.5 mm mini jack. The polarity of the connection is unimportant.
Optic Protection Circuit
The AT6012 is equipped with a unique Optic Protection Circuit that automatically senses loudspeaker shorts or conditions where the amplifier is over-driven. If one of these conditions is prevalent, the circuit will engage and the affected zone(s) will mute until the condition is rectified. Should the Optic Protection Circuit engage, it will terminate the output and sample the operating state of the amplifier every 10 to 15 seconds. This unique Optic Protection Circuit is totally optical-coupled without any wire coupling thereby eliminating any potential contamination of the audio signal.
