ART SLA4

Product overview

The ART SLA4 is ART's most versatile power amplifier: a four-channel linear amplifier designed to drive multiple sets of studio monitors, with the versatility and volume for live and commercial applications.

It delivers 100 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 140 watts per channel at 4 ohms, and both pairs of channels can be bridged independently for up to 280 watts at 8 ohms. 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 level control and status LEDs for signal activity, clipping and protection; the rear panel has balanced 1/4 inch TRS and Euroblock inputs and binding post outputs for bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors. Whether it drives two pairs of monitors, two bridged pairs for high-power stereo or a multi-zone system, the SLA4 offers fidelity, flexibility and durability.

Key features

• 4-channel linear power amplifier
• 100 W per channel at 8 Ω, 140 W per channel at 4 Ω
• 280 W bridged per channel pair at 8 Ω
• 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

Front panel controls and indicators

The power switch sits in the centre, with two channel level controls on each side. The level controls are detented and calibrated in dB: fully clockwise (0) is maximum level and full attenuation is at - infinity. Each channel has a Signal LED, which glows when the output is within approximately 30 dB of full scale, and a Clip LED, which lights when the output is near or at clipping. Channels 1 and 2 share a Protect LED, as do channels 3 and 4; it shows protect mode with the output muted and also lights during power up and down.

Inputs and outputs

The 1/4 inch TRS inputs (tip positive, ring negative, sleeve ground) and the two removable Euroblock barrier strips take balanced or unbalanced signals from a mixer, preamplifier, crossover or EQ. ART recommends balanced connections for cable runs longer than 20 feet, and a 1/4 inch input and the Euroblock connection of the same channel can be used together to link the signal to another amplifier channel. The multi-way binding posts accept bare wire, banana plugs or spade connectors.

2, 3 or 4 channel operation

Two Stereo / Bridge switches bridge channels 1 and 2, channels 3 and 4, or both pairs, so the SLA4 can be configured for 2, 3 or 4 channel applications. In bridged mode the input goes to channel 1 (or 3), the loudspeaker connects across the two red binding posts of the pair and the channel 1 (or 3) level control sets the output. ART specifies loudspeakers of 4 Ω or more per channel in stereo and 8 Ω or more in bridge mode.

Cooling and protection

The external heatsinks carry most of the heat away. At low to moderate signal levels the rear variable-speed fan idles at low speed and switches to a higher speed when the internal temperature rises; if the heatsinks reach 194 °F the amplifier mutes until it cools down enough for safe operation. The output circuitry is fully protected from shorts, opens, over-current and over-voltage, with a relay that disconnects the outputs and returns to normal operation once the fault is removed.

In the box

• SLA4 power amplifier
• Detachable power cord (supplied with the equipment, per the owner's manual)

ART SLA4: frequently asked questions

How much power does the SLA4 deliver?

4 x 100 W RMS at 8 Ω and 4 x 140 W RMS at 4 Ω; bridged, 2 x 280 W RMS at 8 Ω or 2 x 200 W RMS at 16 Ω.

Can I bridge only one pair of channels?

Yes. Separate switches bridge channels 1 and 2 or channels 3 and 4, so the amplifier can run as 2, 3 or 4 channels.

Does the SLA4 have XLR inputs?

No. Its inputs are 1/4 inch TRS and Euroblock, both balanced or unbalanced.

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 SLA4 in India?

The ART SLA4 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Two pairs of studio monitors

Studios switching between main and alternative monitors.

Connections

Setup

1. Turn all level controls down before switching on.
2. Switch on and raise each channel's level.
3. Match levels using the dB-calibrated controls.

Tip: Each channel has its own level control and Signal / Clip LEDs.

Workflow 2: High-power stereo with two bridged pairs

Systems that need 280 W per side into 8 Ω.

Connections

Setup

1. With the power off, set both Stereo / Bridge switches to bridge.
2. Connect the inputs to channels 1 and 3 and each loudspeaker across the two red posts of its pair.
3. Switch on last and set the levels with channels 1 and 3.

Tip: Change the mode switches only with the power off.

Workflow 3: Three-channel set-up

Systems with a bridged sub or centre channel plus a stereo pair.

Connections

Setup

1. Bridge only channels 3 and 4.
2. Connect the bridged loudspeaker across the red posts of channels 3 and 4.

Tip: ART designed the two switches for 2, 3 or 4 channel applications.

Workflow 4: Multi-zone commercial sound

Restaurants, shops and offices with several zones.

Connections

Setup

1. Wire each zone to its Euroblock input and binding posts.
2. Set each zone's level on the front panel.

Tip: The Euroblock strips can be removed for service without disconnecting the wires.

Workflow 5: Linking to another amplifier

Larger systems that share a signal.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the source with a 1/4 inch cable.
2. Take the parallel feed from the Euroblock connection of the same channel.

Tip: Use balanced connections for runs longer than 20 feet.

Workflow 6: Rack mounting in an enclosed space

Installers fitting the SLA4 into a rack.

Connections

Setup

1. Leave adequate ventilation around the heatsinks.
2. Keep the fan unobstructed.

Tip: The fan switches to a higher speed when the internal temperature rises.