Two common or BUS inputs feed audio signals from standard line-level audio sources to any or all channels. Each of the twelve channels has its own dedicated input and independent level adjustment to provide further flexibility. By simply flipping a single switch, two channels can be bridged to increase the total power output for that zone. This is helpful when extra power is needed in certain areas.

Manual, automatic on/off, or triggered 12V input turn-on modes facilitate easy integration into automated systems. For quick and easy troubleshooting of the system, each pair of channels or zones has a bi-color LED to indicate its operational status. Use 14-18 AWG stranded two-conductor loudspeaker wire with Phoenix style connectors.

NOTE: See setup addendum when using in-wall volume controls. You can find this document under "Product Manuals / Spec Sheets / Downloads" on this page.

• 1. Power: Front panel pushbutton power switch turns the amplifier on and off. When the switch is on and the indicator LED is red, the amplifier is in standby mode. The remote turn on switch (located on the rear) is either in the “trigger” or “auto” position. When the LED is blue, the amplifier is fully active. The master power switch will turn off the amplifier no matter which power mode has been selected.

• 2. Zone Status Indicators: Each pair of channels or zones has a bi-color LED to indicate its operational status. These indicators provide quick and easy troubleshooting of the system. If the circuitry determines that a channel must be shut down due to excessive heat or low impedance (a short), only the channels that are affected will be turned off causing the zone LED to turn red. The remaining zones will continue to operate and maintain a blue LED status. Once the condition has been corrected for the zone in question, the status LED will return to blue.

3. BUS Line I/O: The MA1240a has two common or BUS inputs that receives audio signals from standard line-level audio sources and sends them to any or all channels. The BUS line outputs are direct feed-through to allow the BUS inputs to be fed to other amplifiers. Be sure to use high quality RCA cables that feature low impedance, shielding and high quality connectors.

5. Trigger I/O: The trigger input is a handy feature when connecting the amplifier to an automated audio system. The 3.5mm miniplug jack will accept a 3-30V AC/DC output from another device, or from a separate power supply. When the trigger input is energized, the amp turns from standby to ON mode. When using the MA1240a with a receiver without a trigger output, the voltage can come from a 12V wall wart (3.5mm tip-positive connector) plugged into the receiver’s switched outlet and the trigger input. The MA1240a can also provide an output trigger voltage (12DC @500mA max.) to turn on and off other devices in the audio system. When the amplifier turns off (standby mode), the voltage will drop to zero.

7. Bridging Switch: By simply flipping a single switch, two channels can be combined to increase the total power output. This is helpful when extra power is needed in certain areas.

9. Speaker Output Terminals: The MA1240a uses high quality Phoenix style connectors (5 mm pitch) for the speaker connections. Use 14-18 gauge stranded two-conductor loudspeaker wire. Ensure that at least 2 inches of each conductor are separated. Strip away 1/4 inch of insulation from each conductor. Connect the appropriate conductor to each screw terminal, observing correct polarity. Also, please observe proper speaker wiring when bridging channels.

11. AC Voltage Switch: The unit is set at the factory for 120V U.S. operation; simply connect the included IEC power cord to your wall outlet. For 230V operation, move the voltage selector switch to the 230V position. When operating at 230V the internal fuse located in the IEC socket should also be changed. In most 230V applications a separate power cord will be required and is not included.

4. Remote Turn-on Switch: This switch selects the turn-on stimuli that will put the amplifier in ready mode. “Trigger” setting relies on 3-30V AC/DC voltage going into the trigger input to activate the amplifier. “Auto” setting senses a signal on the RCA line-level inputs and automatically puts the amp in ready mode. “On” setting puts the amp constantly in ready mode so that it can be controlled by the master power switch on the front panel. In “Auto” mode, the amplifier will take approximately 15 minutes to return from ready to standby mode.

6. Channel Gain Control: Each channel has its own independent level adjustment. This allows the output level of each speaker to be perfectly matched to its area. It can also be used to limit the maximum audio level in a certain area.

8. Input Selection Switch: Each channel is capable of delivering the source from many inputs. The three main inputs are BUS 1, BUS 2 and LINE IN. The selection for these inputs is done via the Input Selection switch associated with each channel. Select the desired source input. Set the Input Selection switch to BUS 1 (will play source connected to the BUS 1 input), BUS 2 (will play source connected to the BUS 2 input) or LINE IN (will play source connected to that channel’s LINE IN).

10. Individual Channel Output: All twelve channels have their own dedicated input that allows the connection of audio sources in addition to the common BUS inputs. This is useful when using the MA1240a with an audio matrix switcher.

12. IEC Power Connector: The unit comes with an IEC jack that permits removal of the AC power cord. This allows the flexibility of changing the power cord for different countries. The IEC socket also houses the main fuse holder. Plug the power cord supplied with the amplifier into the amplifier and wall outlet or appropriate surge protector.

• Channels: 12
• Power Handling (RMS): 40 Watts
• Power Handling (MAX): 80 Watts
• Frequency Response: 5Hz - 72kHz
• Input Sensitivity: 380 mV
• SNR, A-Weighted: <105 dB

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.09%
• Inputs: 12 individual inputs, 2 Stereo Bus Inputs.
• Outputs: 2 Stereo Bus Outputs
• Power Requirements: 120 - 230 VAC
• Standby Consumption: 0.264 Watts
• Dimensions: 16.7" W x 14.25" D x 4" H
• Weight: 33 lbs.