Yamaha P-2200 Owner's Manual - Page 7

INTRODUCTION The P-2200 is not just "another big amplifier;" it is an exciting new approach to high power sound. Yamaha's leadership is clearly demonstrated by the P-2200's professional features, sophisticated design, and uncompromising performance. PEAK READING METERS* Instead of the more common and slow responding VU meters, the P-2200 has PEAK READING METERS that accurately display a full five decades (50dB) of output level. The peak meters have large, illuminated faces marked with dB and with watts into 8 ohms. The fast responding meters provide a better way to see the program dynamics, the transient power demands placed on the system, and the available headroom. By indicating headroom, the meters help the operator avoid overdriving the system, thereby preventing the "clipped" waveforms so dangerous to drivers and loudspeakers. CALIBRATED INPUT ATTENUATORS The P-2200 has log-linear INPUT ATTENUATORS to complement its peak reading meters. The input attenuators are marked in 22dB-calibrated steps, detented for extra accuracy. The attenuators provide a smooth, noise free transition from the highest to the lowest audio level. dB-calibrated input attenuators have numerous advantages: on the road, they allow predictable and repeatable setups; in commercial sound applications, they allow easy, accurate input sensitivity adjustments; in studios or discos, they let operators simultaneously adjust the level of two channels (or two programs on separate amplifiers) with precise tracking. INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS INPUT CONNECTORS for each channel include one "male" and one "female" XLR connector (unbalanced) plus two parallel phone jacks. This provides the flexibility necessary for convenient bridging to another amplifier, as well as for adapter-free connection to almost any mixer. A POLARITY switch allows either pin 2 or pin 3 of the XLR to be chosen as the "hot" lead, satisfying DIN/JIS or USA standards. Outputs are standard five way binding posts, usable with high current "banana" plugs or direct wired connections. MONAURAL OPERATION The P-2200 may be converted to a monaural "super amplifier" by inserting two matched transformers ahead of the inputs, feeding the same signal to both, and reversing the POLARITY switch on one input. This creates a transformerless balanced output, the speaker load "bridged" across the "hot" terminals of both channels. In this mode, the P-2200 is suitable for driving almost any load, including highly reactive 70-volt commercial speaker lines. With a full 400 watts into 1 6 ohms, the P-2200 in mono mode eliminates the need for several smaller 70-volt amplifiers. PERFORMANCE The P-2200's performance is as impressive as its features. At a sustained output of 230 watts into 8 ohms (for each channel), there is plenty of punch to reproduce the powerful peaks essential to clean studio monitoring. High power handling also makes the P-2200 an unbeatable choice for live rock or disco sound systems, where an amplifier can really "cook" all night long. Power alone is no virtue; the P-2200 has ultra-low distortion, less than 0.05% THD at full rated power - the kind of low distortion that is undetectable by even the most critical listeners. A high damping factor of better than 300 at frequencies below 1kHz reduces the tendency for speaker cone overshoot, giving tighter and better defined bass response. On the other end, the P-2200's frequency response extends well beyond 100kHz, enabling it to accurately reproduce the most complex musical waveforms - even the tortuous output of today's synthesizers. However, high frequency response has not been achieved at the expense of stability; in fact, the P-2200 is rock steady. Even when connected to highly reactive multi-speaker loads, there is no tendency to shut down or "take off" into spurious oscillation. MECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS The P-2200 is constructed to withstand the high "G" forces encountered on the road. Its solid front panel mounts in any standard 19-inch rack, and, for a large amplifier, the P-2200 weighs a modest 44 pounds (20kg)** Front panel controls and meters are recessed to avoid damage or accidental setting changes, and are further protected by a pair of sturdy carrying handles. Inside and out, the P-2200 is extremely reliable. Still, should service ever be required, the unit is designed for easy access. Massive side-mounted heat sinks are designed for efficient cooling, making fans unnecessary in all but the most severe thermal operating conditions. Four non-conductive feet ensure proper air flow when the amplifier is shelf mounted, and avoid inadvertent ground loops. Multiple protection circuits make the amplifier nearly abuse proof and eliminate the need for troublesome DC power supply fuses. * The P2201 does not have the Peak Reading Meters. * * The P2201 weighs 42 pounds (19kg)