JBL CSMA 180

Features

Overview: The JBL CSMA 180 is a commercial mixer-amplifier with four input channels and one output. The CSMA series mixer-amps are designed and built for commercial sound applications, such as restaurants and coffee shops, or educational applications. The CSMA 180 is rack-mountable in a 1U half-rack space, and includes a rack-mount kit.

DriveCore Technology: The JBL CSMA series utilizes DriveCore technology developed by Crown, another Harman brand. DriveCore technology integrates the amplifier drive stage into the power output stage, and fuses everything into a chip the size of a dime. This significantly reduces the size and weight of the mixer-amps into a 1U rack space.

Harman GreenEdge: JBL Commercial mixer-amps are manufactured under Harman's GreenEdge environmental initiative, utilizing recycled copper, aluminum and steel, an energy-saving powder coat finishing process, and conforming to lead-free RoHS standards and other environmentally-conscious manufacturing processes. The result is an 80% improvement in efficiency over previous models. In addition, the CSMA mixer-amplifiers are EnergyStar certified.

Front Panel: The front panel of the CSMA 180 includes four independent input level controls. Each level control has a ring which illuminates green to indicate presence of an input signal. A single Master volume control lets you control the output of the amplifier. The illuminated ring surrounding the volume control will light green with the presence of a signal. If the signal reaches the threshold of clipping or audible distortion, the ring will glow red. Bass and treble tone control potentiometers are provided on the output. A flat or Phillips screwdriver is needed to adjust bass and treble.

Input Configuration: The CSMA 180 has 4 inputs, three of which accept 3-pin Euro-block connectors, while the other has a 5-pin Euro-block connector. These are designed for pre-built or professionally-wired balanced line 22-24 gauge cables. Three of the inputs also have RCA mono sum connectors for connecting audio devices, such as CD/DVD players. The remaining input (Channel 1) is capable of being used for Voice-activated Ducking (VOX function) and Priority Muting, and utilize the supplied 5-pin Euro-block connectors. Each of the 4 inputs has a Line/Mic switch for selecting the input gain, according to the source used.

Output Configuration: The CSMA 180's powered output is designed for low impedance or constant-voltage systems. The output will accept a 5-pin Euro-block connector. Pre-built or professionally-wired, high-quality two-conductor, heavy gauge speaker wire is recommended. At distances of up to 25 feet, 16-gauge wire is recommended. From 26-40 feet, you should use 14-gauge speaker wire. To drive distributed speaker systems designed to operate at 70V or 100V, the 5-pin Euro-block connectors have designated terminals for 70V, 100V and Common. For 8-ohm speakers, the + and - terminals should be used.

Auxiliary Output: An Auxiliary output is available for connecting an additional amplifier. The audio signal is the mix of the input channels, and the output is at a fixed level. The master volume control and tone controls have no effect on the aux output signal. The Aux output has a 3-pin Euro-block connector.

Phantom Power: Phantom power (27V) can be applied to all microphone inputs by turning on the Phantom Power switch (one of the unit's DIP switches).

Hi-Z Switch: By default, the CSMA 180 is configured to drive low impedance speakers (4 Ohms, minimum). The Hi-Z switch enables the unit to drive 70V or 100V speaker systems directly. When driving these high impedance speakers, the amplifier automatically inserts a 70Hz high-pass filter.

VOX Function: Voice-activated ducking, or the VOX function, is available on Input Channel 1. This function causes attenuation of the overall output level of the amplifier when the input level on Channel 1 reaches a set threshold. A trim pot is provided for setting the audio input level required to activate ducking. A typical usage of the VOX function is to automatically lower the background music in the room while making announcements over the audio system. After the announcement is made, the background music returns to its previously set level.

Sleep Mode: To save energy, the unit is designed to go into sleep mode when no signal is present for approximately 30 minutes. When the input signal returns, the amp will wake up and return to normal operating mode.

Remote Volume Control: An RJ-45 port is provided on the back panel for plugging in a CSR-V remote volume controller via Ethernet cable.

Specifications:

• Maximum Output Power: 80 watts per channel (into 4Ω or 8Ω, 1kHz, ≤ 0.5% THD)
• Line Output Level: 5.0V RMS into 10 kΩ
• Frequency Response:
  • 4/8Ω Output: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 2dB)
  • 70V/100V Outputs: 80 Hz - 15 kHz (+/- 2dB)
  • Line Out: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+/- 1dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD):
  • Power Amp Output: <0.5%, 20Hz-20kHz
  • Line Output: 0.05% typical
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >90 dB
• Phantom Power: 27 VDC
• Minimum Load Impedance:
  • Low Impedance Output: 4Ω
  • 70V Output: 60Ω
  • 100V Output: 120Ω
• Net Weight: 6.8 lbs