Yamaha P-2200 - 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 pro-
fessional features, sophisticated design, and uncom-
promising 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 over-
driving 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 attenua-
tors 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 flexi-
bility 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 unbeat-
able 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 wave-
forms — even the tortuous output of today's synthe-
sizers. 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)