Precision Audio and AV Interface Products

Radio Design Labs

RU-PA40D 40 W Stereo Audio Amplifier with VCA - 8 Ω, with Power Supply

  • VCA Controlled Stereo Audio Power Amplifier
  • 20 Watts RMS per Channel into 8 Ω - 40 Watts Total
  • 15 Watts RMS per Channel into 4 Ω - 30 Watts Total
  • Unbalanced RCA Jack Inputs; Balanced Detachable Terminal Block Inputs
  • VCA Control on Detachable Terminal Block
  • External Control Using 10 KΩ Potentiometer or 0 to 10 Vdc
  • Compatible with RDL Remote Level Controls
  • Switch-Selectable Stereo or Mono Operation
  • Studio Quality, Aurally Transparent Compressor/Limiter
  • Compressor/Limiter Controls Clipping
  • Compressor Produces Maximized Average Output Power
  • Compression Enabled Using Input Level Adjustments
  • LED to Indicate Audio Compression Threshold
  • High-Efficiency Class D Operation
  • Thermal and Short-Circuit Protection
  • RU-PA40D includes North American Cord; RU-PA40DE excludes Power Cord
  • Overview
  • Specifications
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The RU-PA40D is the ideal choice in many applications where a high quality, high-efficiency utility amplifier is needed to drive a pair of 4 Ω or 8 Ω speakers. It is specifically suited to amplification applications where users need to adjust the gain. Examples include projectors or monitors with fixed audio outputs used in classrooms, boardrooms or video conferencing. The RU-PA40D is ideal for foreground sound amplification in small to medium rooms or in a specific zone within a retail space.

The RU-PA40D features two balanced line-level inputs on a detachable terminal block. Two unbalanced line level inputs are available on high-reliability gold plated phono (RCA) jacks. A front-panel gain control trimmer permits setting the maximum gain for each channel. The gain range accommodates the range of typical balanced and unbalanced audio signal levels. Each of the two RU-PA40D outputs will drive a 4 Ω or 8 Ω speaker or multiple speakers connected to present a 4 Ω or 8 Ω load to the amplifier. The output impedance is switch-selectable on the front panel of the module.

The RU-PA40D is equipped with an internal stereo VCA for setting the output level on both amplifier channels. A detachable terminal block provides for the connection of an external 10 KΩ potentiometer or a 0 to 10 Vdc control voltage. RDL remote controls are available to provide single-turn, multi-turn (rotary encoder) or pushbutton (ramp or fixed level selection) user level control. VCA control insures long term noise-free level adjustment. Remote control is possible using audio, control or common computer network wire.

A front-panel switch is provided to sum the audio inputs to mono. In the STEREO mode, the RU-PA40D independently amplifies each audio channel, left (L) and right (R). If speaker placement in the specified installation is incompatible with stereo amplification, the INPUT MODE switch may be set to SUMMED MONO.

The RU-PA40D includes a stereo analog compressor/limiter for audio fidelity noticeably superior to conventional class D amplifiers with digital limiting. The input GAIN settings determine whether the limiter alone is used for clipping suppression, or if the full compressor/limiter will be used to substantially increase the average output power beyond that of a standard 40 W amplifier. A red front-panel LED flashes when the limiter is preventing output clipping. The RU-PA40D, with compression, is capable of producing average audio output levels and clarity normally expected from stereo amplifiers with a much higher output power rating.

A blue POWER LED illuminates when the RU-PA40D is powered from its external 24 Vdc power supply (included). The module is equipped with both thermal and output short-circuit protection. The high-efficiency Class D output stages produce minimal heat for all levels of expected voice or music modulation.

Applications

Inputs (4):
Line level: Balanced (+4 dBu) Left and Right, Unbalanced (-10 dBV) Left and Right
Input Impedance:
50 kΩ balanced, 20 kΩ unbalanced
Gain Adjustments (2):
Single turn, one per channel
Minimum Input Levels:
-11 dBu balanced, -18 dBV unbalanced (to cross compressor threshold)
Maximum Input Levels:
+22 dBu balanced, +12 dBV unbalanced
VCA Control:
External 0 to 10 Vdc (linear), 10 kΩ linear taper potentiometer, RDL remote controls10 Vdc VCA reference voltage output provided
Frequency Response:
20 Hz to 20 kHz (± 1 dB, 4 or 8 Ohms)*
THD+N:
< 0.1% (1 kHz, 1 W, 4 or 8 Ohms); < 1% (50 Hz to 20 kHz,)*
*measured at compressor threshold level equaling 12 W RMS (8 Ohms) output power
Compressor:
Threshold nominally 2 dB below rated output, automatically adjusting attack and release times
Crosstalk:
Better than 60 dB (1 kHz, no compression)
Noise (below 20 W RMS):
< -80 dB (VCA control 6.25V; output level 6 dB below max.) < -70 dB (VCA control max.)
Selectors (2):
Slide switches: Output Impedance 4 Ohms or 8 Ohms; Input Mode SUMMED MONO or STEREO
Output Power:
20 W RMS into 8 Ω per channel, 40 W RMS total; 15 W RMS into 4 Ω per channel, 30 W RMS total
Output Circuit:
Class D
Ambient Operating Environment:
0° C to 40° C Maximum; 20° C Recommended
Indicators (2):
Red LED: THRESHOLD LED indicates compressor activity; Blue LED: POWER on
Power Supply (included):
100 to 240 Vac, 50-60 Hz, 1.5A; 24 Vdc output to module
Package Type:
Cardboard Box
Package Dimensions:
5.125 x 2.5 x 5.875 in.
Shipping Weight:
2.15 lbs.
WEEE weight:
2.01 lbs.
Tariff code:
8518.50.0000

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RACK-UP SERIES

RACK-UPs are the original 1/3 rack width 1RU rack-mountable modules for the A/V, recording and broadcast industries. Module functions include mixing, switching, pre-amplification, power amplification, distribution, gain control, equalization and more. Some RACK-UP modules are constructed in solid encapsulated durable industrial black plastic enclosures; MAX RACK-UPs are assembled using heavy duty extruded aluminum and steel panels. The rear panels feature clear bold white lettering for the terminal blocks and connectors. Reverse-printed front-panel polycarbonate laminates provide an attractive, durable finished appearance for rack-mounted or free-standing use.

Since RDL first originated 1/3 rack width modules, RACK-UPs have led the industry in economical, high-performance and cost-effective long life solutions in system designs. Multiple RACK-UP modules may be interconnected, or may be connected with other RDL modules to form all or part of an A/V system. Certain RACK-UP modules are often used free standing; all RACK-UPs may be rack mounted. A complete range of mounting options is available for systems comprised of multiple modules.

RACK-UP modules provide input, output and control connections through terminal blocks and connector (or both) according to common usage in professional installations. Front panels are equipped with connectors, user controls and LED metering, as appropriate.

Functions and features provided by RACK-UPs, since their introduction, are still available today. This continuity in product offering and support makes RACK-UP modules a preferred long-term resource for system design solutions. RACK-UP SERIES modules are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

RU-PA40D RU-PA40D