ART SLA2

Product overview

The ART SLA2 is ART's most powerful amplifier: a two-channel linear power amplifier designed for passive studio monitors, with the versatility and volume for live and commercial applications.

It delivers 200 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 280 watts per channel at 4 ohms, and can be bridged for up to 560 watts into a single 8 ohm load. A wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 40 kHz (± 0.5 dB), with ultra-low noise and distortion, delivers the full fidelity of the source material. Each channel has an independent volume control and status LEDs for signal activity, clipping and protection. The rear panel has balanced XLR and 1/4 inch TRS inputs, Euroblock inputs and binding post outputs for bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors, and ART's SmartFan system adjusts the fan speed to the internal temperature for cooling with quiet operation.

Key features

• 2-channel linear power amplifier
• 200 W per channel at 8 Ω, 280 W per channel at 4 Ω
• 560 W bridged into 8 Ω
• XLR, 1/4 inch TRS and Euroblock inputs
• Multi-way binding post outputs
• 10 Hz - 40 kHz frequency response (± 0.5 dB)
• SmartFan adaptive cooling system
• Toroidal transformer
• 1U rackmount, steel and aluminium enclosure

Front panel controls and indicators

The power switch sits in the centre of the front panel, with the channel 1 and channel 2 attenuators to its left and right, calibrated in dB from 0 (fully clockwise, no attenuation) to - infinity. For each channel, the Signal LED glows when the output signal is within approximately 30 dB of full scale, the Clip LED lights when the output begins to distort and the Protect LED shows that the channel is in protect mode with its output muted; the Protect LEDs also light briefly at power up and power down.

Three input types

The SLA2 has Euroblock, XLR and 1/4 inch inputs for the output of a mixer, preamplifier, crossover or EQ. The XLR inputs are balanced (pin 2 positive, pin 3 negative, pin 1 ground), the 1/4 inch TRS inputs take balanced or unbalanced signals and the Euroblock barrier strip can be wired balanced or unbalanced; the whole strip can be removed for quick service without disconnecting the wires. ART recommends balanced connections for cable runs longer than 20 feet, and two input types can be used together to link the signal to another amplifier.

Outputs, bridging and loads

The multi-way binding posts accept bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors. The rear Amp Mode switch selects stereo or bridged mono: in bridged mode the input goes to channel 1 and the loudspeaker connects across the two red binding posts. ART specifies loudspeakers of 4 Ω or more per channel in stereo (two in parallel at 8 Ω or more each) and 8 Ω or more in bridge mode; the amplifier is stable into 2 Ω stereo and 4 Ω mono.

Cooling and protection

The heatsinks carry most of the heat away and a rear mounted variable-speed fan adds cooling as needed. The output circuitry is fully protected from shorts, opens, over-current and over-voltage: a relay disconnects the outputs under any fault condition and returns to normal operation once the fault is removed. An ultrasonic network decouples RF from the output and keeps the amplifier stable with reactive loads, and the amplifier mutes until it cools down if the heatsink reaches 194 °F.

In the box

• SLA2 power amplifier
• Detachable power cord (supplied with the equipment, per the owner's manual)

ART SLA2: frequently asked questions

How much power does the SLA2 deliver?

200 W RMS per channel at 8 Ω, 280 W RMS per channel at 4 Ω, and 560 W RMS bridged mono into 8 Ω.

Which inputs does it have?

Balanced XLR, 1/4 inch TRS (balanced or unbalanced) and Euroblock (balanced or unbalanced) inputs.

Is it only for studios?

It is designed for passive studio monitors, and ART describes it as having the versatility and volume for live and commercial applications.

Which mains voltages are available?

ART's manual lists 100 V, 120 V, 220 V, 230 V and 240 V versions, 1000 W maximum; export units are configured for the country of destination.

Where can I buy the ART SLA2 in India?

The ART SLA2 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Powering passive studio monitors

Project and professional studios.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn the attenuators fully counter-clockwise before switching on.
2. Switch on, then slowly raise the levels.
3. Keep the Clip LEDs from lighting continuously.

Tip: An intermittent clip signal is acceptable.

Workflow 2: Bridged mono for a high-power loudspeaker

Live and commercial systems that need 560 W into 8 Ω.

Connections

Setup

1. With the power off, set the rear Amp Mode switch to bridge (in).
2. Connect the input to channel 1 and the loudspeaker across the two red binding posts.
3. Switch the amplifier on last and set the level with channel 1's attenuator.

Tip: Change the Amp Mode switch only with the power off.

Workflow 3: Installed sound with Euroblock wiring

Commercial installations with fixed cabling.

Connections

Setup

1. Insert the wires into the barrier strip and tighten the set screws.
2. Wire balanced or unbalanced as needed.

Tip: The barrier strip can be removed for service without disconnecting the wires.

Workflow 4: Live sound monitors or mains

Live venues and rehearsal rooms.

Connections

Setup

1. Use balanced XLR cables for runs longer than 20 feet.
2. Set the levels while watching the Signal and Clip LEDs.

Tip: Two loudspeakers per channel in parallel must each be rated 8 Ω or more.

Workflow 5: Feeding a second amplifier

Systems that send one signal to several amplifiers.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the source to one input type of the channel.
2. Use another input type of the same channel to pass the signal on.

Tip: ART describes this parallel link in the owner's manual.

Workflow 6: Rack installation

Installers mounting the SLA2 in a 19 inch rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave the fan and ventilation openings unobstructed.
2. Check that the mains voltage marked on the unit matches the supply.

Tip: Thermal protection mutes the amplifier until it cools if the heatsink reaches 194 °F.