UP-4slim Current Draw and Cable Requirements
Each UP-4slim loudspeaker draws a maximum current of 1.00 A continuous and 4.50 A peak from its external 48 V DC power supply. The current draw for the UP-4slim is dynamic and fluctuates as operating levels change. The cabling between the UP-4slim and its external power supply adds resistance and hence causes a voltage drop at the loudspeaker. Because lower DC voltages compromise amplifier performance (peak SPL), and in some cases frequency response, use short cables to minimize the cable resistance. For long cable runs, use a large cable gauge for DC power and a separate balanced audio cable for audio. For more information, see Long Cable Runs with Separate Cable for DC Power and Audio.
Cable Lengths and Cable Gauges for UP-4slim Loudspeakers
Cable lengths up to 150 feet between the UP-4slim and its external power supply are supported with only 1 dB of peak SPL loss using 18 AWG wire. Longer cable lengths are possible with heavier gauge wires (see the tables below).
Cable Gauge | Resistance (Ω/m) | Approximate Max. Length |
|---|---|---|
12 AWG | 0.0016 | 600 ft |
14 AWG | 0.00253 | 375 ft |
16 AWG | 0.00402 | 237 ft |
18 AWG | 0.00636 | 160 ft |
20 AWG | 0.01008 | 87 ft |
Cable Gauge | Resistance (Ω/m) | Approximate Max. Length |
|---|---|---|
2.50 mm2 | 0.0052 | 157 m |
1.50 mm2 | 0.01076 | 87 m |
1.00 mm2 | 0.02087 | 45 m |
0.75 mm2 | 0.03307 | 27 m |
Note
The total cable resistance between the UP-4slim and its external power supply should not exceed 2 Ω.
Calculating the Maximum Cable Length
The maximum cable length for a UP-4slim can be calculated with the following formula:
maximum length = 2 Ω / (2 * cable resistance in Ω/ft)
For example, the maximum length of an 18 AWG cable with a resistance of 0.00636 Ω/ft is 157.2 feet [2 /(2 * 0.00636)].
Wiring UP-4slim Loudspeaker Cables with Belden 1502 Cable (or equivalent)
The most convenient method of wiring UP-4slim loudspeaker cables is with a multiconductor cable such as Belden1502, which has dedicated conductors for DC power and balanced audio in a single jacket. When wiring UP-4slim loudspeaker cables with Belden1502, use the conventions illustrated and described in the figure and table below.
The thicker red and black wires (18AWG) are for DC power. Cables can be up to 150 ft with just 1dB of peak SPL loss.
The blue, white, and shield drain wires (shielded together) are for audio.
Belden 1502 Composite Cable
Wire | Signal | Gauge |
|---|---|---|
Red | DC power (+) | 18 AWG |
Black | DC power (–) | 18 AWG |
White | Balanced audio (+) | 22 AWG |
Blue | Balanced audio (–) | 22 AWG |
Audio Shield | Balanced audio, (shield) | 24 AWG |
Caution
Make sure the 48 V DC from the external power supply is wired directly (and only) to the 48 V DC pins on the UP-4slim loudspeaker connector, and that the polarity is observed (- to -, + to +) to avoid damaging the loudspeaker. Make sure to wire the audio pins correctly or system performance will be compromised.
Long Cable Runs with Separate Cable for the DC Power and Audio
For installations where Belden 1502 is not feasible, or for installations that require cable runs longer than 150 ft, separate cables for DC power and balanced audio may be used: a large-gauge cable for DC and a high-quality, balanced audio cable for audio. The separate cables attach to the Phoenix connector at the loudspeaker as shown the figure below. DC power cable runs longer than 150 ft require cable gauges larger than 18 AWG; see Cable Lengths and Cable Gauges for UP-4slim Loudspeakers.
Phoenix Connector with Separate Power and Audio Cables
Separate Cables for DC Power and Balanced Audio