Integrated

Amplifiers
 Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions. Welcome
3) Heed all warnings. The Basics 1
4) Follow all instructions. Operation 2
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
Power 2
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance Preamp 2
with manufacturer’s instructions. Inputs 2
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat Controls 3
registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat. Notch/Low Cut Filter 3
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or Effects Loop 3
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and Control Panel Drawings 4
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are Signal Flow Diagram 4
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into
your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the Direct Out 6
obsolete outlet. Mute Switch 6
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
Stereo Operation 6
where they exit from the apparatus. Effects 7
11) Use only attachments/accessories specified by the Power Amp 7
manufacturer.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table Focus SA 8
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. Amp Placement 8
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when Care 8
unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing Warranty And Repair 8
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, Specifications 9
such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally or has been dropped. The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced by mechanical,
electronic or other means in any form without prior written
permission from Acoustic Image.

The Acoustic Image logo is a registered trademark of Acoustic

Image LLC. Clarus and Focus are trademarks of Acoustic Image
LLC.
Welcome to Acoustic Image! Operation

Power
You have purchased a state-of-the-art musical instrument amplifier, combining
purity, power and portability in a package that sets a new standard in high
fidelity amplification. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING
AC Input
115/230 VAC
TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
50/60 Hz
400 Watts

0
Each of our designs is engineered to accurately reproduce the sound of

115V
CAUTION: TO REDUCE

acoustic and electric instruments, delivering flat frequency response across

THE RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
FUSE WITH THE SAME TYPE
6.3A FAST BLOW FUSE

Voltage Switch
the entire musical spectrum; extended, tight, well-controlled bass; and Fuse Power Switch
115/230V
Speaker Output 2W min

complete clarity of sound reproduction.

Clarus Rear Panel (Focus rear panel is similar)
This manual provides operating information for your Acoustic Image Clarus 1,
Clarus 2R, Focus 1 and Focus 2R integrated amplifiers. Plug the detachable AC power cord into the receptacle on the back of the amp
and into a wall receptacle. A power switch next to the AC connector turns on
The Basics power to the pre- and power amps, illuminating a “power on” indicator on the
front panel of the amp. A 6.3-amp fast blow fuse(Clarus models) or 8-amp fast
All Acoustic Image integrated amplifiers are based on the same superb class-D blow fuse (Focus models) is mounted on the back panel. To replace the fuse,
power amp that delivers 400-watts into 4 ohms (Clarus amps) or 800-watts into turn off the amp, remove the AC cord and use a small screwdriver to remove
4 ohms (Focus amps) power amplifier and on a sophisticated, sensitive the fuse from the fuse holder. A spare fuse is included with this manual.
preamplifier. The features of the preamp and the power amp rating define the
specific amplifier model. AIl amps will work with either 115 volt, 60 Hz AC or 230 volt, 50 Hz AC power. A
switch located on the rear panel selects the appropriate voltage. Note that the
The power amp is a high efficiency design that requires no external heat sinks correct AC power cord must be used for connection to the appropriate wall
or cooling fans and is capable of driving loads as low as 2 ohms. AC power and plug. If you do not have the right cord, you can buy one from an electronics or
output speaker jacks are located on the rear of the chassis. A standard, three- computer store. Be sure the switch is in the correct position for the intended
prong detachable AC power cord is used to provide power to the unit, while AC application. Operation at 230 volts with the switch in the 115 volt position
voltage selection switch allows the unit to operate at 115V/60 Hz or 230V/50 will damage the unit.
Hz. Japan models operate at 100V, 50/60 Hz only. See the rear panel of your
amp to verify the AC voltage capability. Please note that units sold in Japan operate at 100 volts only. The above
mentioned voltage switch is not available for these units. Operation of a 100
The Clarus 1 and Focus 1 are equipped with a one-channel preamp, the Clarus volt amp at any other voltage than 100 volts will damage the unit.
2R and Focus 2R add a second, identical channel and a six-program effects
unit. The input channels of both preamp types incorporate combo jack Preamp
interfaces that allow either a high impedance instrument input (to optimize the
Refer to the signal flow diagram and the control panel drawings (page 4).
sound of piezo-type pickups) or a mic input, a three-band EQ, an effects loop
with return level control, a selectable notch/low cut filter for feedback control Inputs
and reduction of low frequency boominess, a direct out capability with ground
lift and pre/post EQ switch, a master level control and a mute switch. The two- The Clarus and Focus amps use combo jacks for the input to each channel of
channel preamp has a switch that allows the second channel to be their preamp. Either an XLR or 1/4 inch connector can be plugged into this type
disconnected from the main amp and connected to a satellite power amp to of jack. The 1/4 inch input has a 1 megohm input impedance that is optimized to
create a stereo system. get the best sound from piezo pickups. The XLR input is a low impedance
balanced input with sufficient gain to allow microphones to be plugged into it.
Yours is a high fidelity amplifier with full-range frequency response and low Phantom power is available through the connector for powering a mic or
distortion and noise that will accurately amplify your sound. Onboard EQ is outboard preamp and can be activated using the push button switch located
sufficient to overcome room acoustics and subtly shape the sound of your next to the connector. To avoid an audible “pop”, set the mic input level control
instrument. However, you should note that our amps are not designed to play at all the way off when switching on the phantom power. An LED indicates when
tonal extremes or to allow an overdriven distorted output. To achieve these, phantom power is on. The two channels of the Clarus 2R and Focus 2R can be
use an external effects box. blended to mix two instruments, 2 microphones or a mic and an instrument
thereby performing much like a small PA system.
Your amp comes with a padded case and a speaker cable (Speakon to 1/4
inch). Controls
The preamp has the following controls in each channel: input level, bass, mid,
treble and effects level. In addition, there is a variable frequency, selectable
1 2
notch/low cut filter in each channel and a master level control that affects Preamp
both channels.

Level
The input level controls the level of the signal at the input stage of the preamp. Phantom power
The master volume controls the level of the signal at the output of the preamp Ch 2 input, EQ and filter
(at the input of the power amp). Set the master control at “12 o’clock” and the (same as Ch 1 below)
input level at zero. The input level should then be used to control the overall
output of the unit. The two controls are provided to allow independent control of
“house” volume and “stage” volume when the unit is used on stage with a XLR 3 band EQ Filte
connection to a house PA. See the discussion under “Direct Out” below. input Notch Cut

Tone
N/C Switc
Each tone control has a center detent at the flat position. Experiment with
Bass Mid Treble
settings to achieve the frequency balance that sounds best to you. In general, Filter
¼ inch switch
small values of boost and cut are best. The amp is designed with flat frequency Input Pre EQ
input outputs
response so only minor corrections should be required to compensate for room buffers Input
effects or “peaky” pickups in order to maintain the balanced response desired level
for acoustic instrument amplification. To minimize electronic noise, avoid Combo jack
operating all controls simultaneously at their maximum settings.

The bass control is a shelving-type that affects frequencies below 250 Hz and
with a maximum boost/cut of 15 dB. The mid control affects frequencies
between 300 Hz and 2000 Hz and has a maximum boost/cut of 15 dB. The
treble control is also a shelving-type that affects frequencies above 1000 Hz
with a maximum boost/cut of 25 dB.
Notch/Low Cut Filter
The notch/low cut filter is a fixed amplitude, variable frequency type that inserts
either an 18 dB cut or a 12 dB per octave rolloff at frequencies between 30 and
800 Hz, depending on the position of the control. Approximate frequency
settings are noted on the frequency control. Note that the first half of the
Signal Flow Diagram
control’s rotation affects frequencies from 30 to 70 Hz, the last half of the
rotation affects frequencies between 70 and 800 Hz. This is done so that there
is plenty of control in the critical low frequency range. The notch filter is used to
remove a given feedback frequency to reduce feedback “howl”. The low cut
filter is used to reduce the bass output in cases where room location or
instrument/pickup combination results in “boomy” sound. To use either, push
the on/off switch to turn on the filter circuit then select the filter type using the
notch/cut switch. Start with the control fully counterclockwise and gradually
turn it clockwise until the desired effect is achieved. Experiment with the Power

position of the control to give you the sound you like best. Phantom Effects
Loop
Send Notch Cut
Filter
70
Post
EQ Mute

Effects Loop Off On

30 800

Level Bass Mid Treble Level Freq Master

Acoustic Image preamps have output (“Send”) and input (“Return”) capability Input Return
Off On Ground
lift Direct Out
in each channel to allow you to use effects boxes. The send output is affected
by the input volume and tone controls and can also be used as a preamp output
for driving other power amplifiers. The Return input can be used to directly
Clarus 1 and Focus 1 Control Panel
3 4
 Ch 2 Return
connect an external preamp to the unit’s power amp. The effects level control in
effects level
Ch 2 each channel controls the volume of the returned (“wet”) signal relative to the
send
Ch 2 effects original (“dry”) signal. Because the effects loop is a parallel type, plugging
on/off return something into the send output does not interrupt the signal path. So, a tuner
can be plugged into the send output without affecting the signal going through
I/O buss the amp. When the effects loops are not used, the level controls should be set
at zero.
Ch 2 Effects
Master
effects Effects level Mute The return input can also be used as an auxiliary input for connecting other line
level Direct Ground
switch Switch level signals such as a CD player.
H R P D AC F out lift
er Direct Out
Pre/Post
Prog switch Switch
An XLR jack is provided for a Direct Out connection that allows the system’s
h Freq output to be fed to mixing boards of house PA systems or recording studios. As
a result, the instrument amplified by the unit can be recorded or further
Ch 1 effects amplified by the house PA system. In the Clarus 2R and Focus 2R amps, the
switch
Direct Out signal is the combined output of the two channels. A switch is
Ch 1 provided to allow you to select whether the output from the Direct Out jack is
effects affected by the tone controls (post EQ) or not (pre EQ).
Ch 1
effects Return return
The input level control affects the level of the Direct Out signal, the master level
send level
does not. This allows independent adjustment of the “stage” volume (the
volume coming from the amp and speaker on stage) and the “house” volume
(the volume in the house PA system) when the unit is used as a stage monitor.
Once the level has been set for the house, if more volume is needed on stage,
Speaker the master level can be increased. This will increase the stage volume but not
Out 1 the volume in the house PA.
(internal
connection on A ground lift switch is available to “lift” the ground from the output of the direct
combo amps) out--reducing noise should a ground loop create hum when the unit is
Power amp connected to a mixing board.

Mute Switch
Speaker
Out 2 A switch is provided to allow you to mute the output of the amplifier without
having to turn the amp off. This will allow you to tune your instrument on stage
without being heard. The amp output and direct out signals are both muted by
the switch.

Stereo Operation
Phantom
Channel 2 Effects
Loop
Send Notch Cut
Filter
70
Ch 2 Ambient
Delay Chorus
Plate Flange The two-channel preamp of the Clarus 2R or Focus 2R can be operated in
Off On Room
stereo mode. When it is in the “on” position, the switch labeled “Ch 2” connects
30 800 Hall
Level Bass Mid Treble Level
Off On
Freq Power the channel to the internal power amp. When it is in the “off” position, it is
Input Return Ch 1 Effects Level
Phantom
Channel 1 Effects Send Notch Cut
Filter Post Mute
disconnected from the internal amp but is accessible from the channel 2 send
Loop 70 EQ
output. By connecting the send output to a satellite power amplifier (such as
Off On
our Focus SA),and putting the switch in the off position, the preamp operates in
30 800

Level Bass Mid Treble Level Freq Master stereo mode. Note that channel 2 remains in the direct out signal even when
Off On Ground
Input Ch 2
Return lift Direct Out the switch is in the off position. This is done since stereo operation is typically a
“Stage” mode but not a “house” mode (house systems are typically not stereo).
Clarus 2R and Focus 2R Control Panel Note that channel 2 will not be heard through the speaker system

5 6
 Focus SA
connected to the amplifier unless the Ch 2 switch is in the depressed or
on position. If you are not hearing channel 2 in the output, check to be The Focus SA is a standalone power amp that is designed to be used with any
sure that the switch is on. preamp or to be used in conjunction with another integrated amp (such as our
Clarus or Focus amps) to increase the total system power output. The Focus
Effects (Clarus 2R and Focus 2R) SA uses the same power amp section as our Focus amps so it has the same
sound and specs as those amps.
Our high-quality effects units (which use the Alesis DSP chips) offer 6
program selections: 3 reverb programs (Hall, Room and Plate), a delay, an The Focus SA is connected as shown in the diagram below. One or two
ambient chorus and a flanger. There are switches to select which of the two speakers are connected via the Speakon connectors on the rear panel (2 ohm
channels are processed by the effects unit. Either channel can be connected to minimum load). The output of a preamp is connected directly to the input of the
the effects unit. If both switches are engaged, the selected program appears in SA using either a ¼ inch plug or an XLR plug. The level control is used to adjust
both channels. A level control affects the level of the reverb signal that is mixed the sensitivity of the SA to the output of the preamp. DO NOT CONNECT A
with the “dry” signal to control the overall effect of the selected program. You SPEAKER OUTPUT TO THE INPUT OF THE SA. THAT WILL DAMAGE THE
should experiment with both the program selection and the level control to find AMP.
the sound that you prefer. When effects are not used, the switches for both
channels should be off and the level control should be turned fully
Preamp Speaker 1
counterclockwise. Output

Power Amp
Speaker
Focus SA outputs
Speakers are connected to the amps via Neutrik Speakon connectors (”twist Send out
Focus or Clarus amp
Input

lock” type). These connectors are used because of their low contact resistance
and non-shorting operation. The output of each Speakon connector is wired to Direct out Any of these outputs
can be connected to Speaker 2
pole “1.” Make sure the cables you use to connect a speaker are similarly Do not connect speaker
the input of the SA

wired. Cables with Speakon connectors are available from Acoustic Image if outputs to the input of the SA
you are unable to obtain them from your local music store. One 6 foot Speakon
to 1/4 inch cable is supplied with the unit. Amp Placement
The power amp of both the Clarus and Focus amps is capable of driving The small size and light weight of the amps allow them to be placed almost
speaker loads as low as 2 ohms. Use a high quality speaker system in order to anywhere that is convenient for the performer. The best results will be achieved
get the maximum performance from the amp. The Acoustic Image Contra EX is from the amp/speaker combination if the resistance of the speaker cable is
an excellent choice. kept as low as possible. That means that a shorter cable is better.
The power amp is short circuit protected. If a short is connected to one of the Care
speaker jacks, the output signal will be interrupted until the short is removed. If
a short is present, you will hear a ticking sound at 3 to 4 second intervals which The amp chassis is made of powder coated aluminum. A little caution in how it
indicates that the short circuit protection is working. To be on the safe side, is handled will keep it looking new for years to come. Use a clean, dry cloth to
you should shut off the power to the amp before connecting or wipe the surfaces of the amplifier. Note that there are no user-serviceable parts
disconnecting speakers from the unit. inside the amp. Refer servicing to qualified Acoustic Image or other
technicians.
We highly recommend the use of Speakon connectors at both the amp and
speaker ends of the connecting cable. If you use these connectors, you will get
the highest possible performance and reliability from your amp. Conversion of
your speaker to Speakon connectors is a simple job. Contact your local repair
Warranty and Repair
shop or Acoustic Image for more information. We stand behind our products with a full warranty of five years from the date of
purchase. Should a problem arise, please call us before returning your
All Acoustic Image amps can be operated without a speaker load if required.
amplifier or enclosure. Naturally, our warranty does not cover products that
When operating without a speaker attached, turn the master level to zero
have been damaged through misuse. Be sure to check our web site regularly,
(all the way counterclockwise). This will prevent the power amp section
we have an FAQ section and we post helpful information for getting the most
of the amp from being driven and protect it from damage.
out of your Acoustic Image product.

7 8
Specifications
FCC Compliance Notice
System
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation
Distortion <0.5%, full output, <0.1%, typical
Hum and Noise -85 dB or better is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may
AC Power 115V/60 Hz or 230V/50 Hz, switchable not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept
Japan version is 100V, 50/60 Hz only any interference received, including interference that may
Size 10x8x3.5 inches (Clarus/Focus) cause undesired operation.
10x6.5x3.1 (Focus SA)
Weight Less than 5 lbs for all models
3.5 lbs (Focus SA) CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
Preamp (Mic and Instrument Inputs through combo jack) authority to operate the equipment.
Mic Input 600 ohm balanced, XLR connector
Phantom Power 38 volts, on/off switch w/LED indicator
Instrument Input 1 MW impedance, 1/4 inch jack NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
Direct Out +4 dB, balanced, XLR connector, ground lift, with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
pre/post EQ selector the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
Effects Loop Parallel type with return level control
Bass Control Shelving type, ±15 dB at 60 Hz protection against harmful interference in a residential
Mid Control ±15 dB at 650 Hz installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiated
Treble Control Shelving type, ±25 dB at 10 kHz radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
Notch Filter >-18 dB sweepable from 30 to 800 Hz accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
Low Cut Filter -12 dB/octave sweepable from 30 to 800 Hz
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
Effects (Clarus 2R and Focus 2R)) guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
Type Digital with 6 presets and level control installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
Program Presets 3 reverb (hall, room, plate), delay, ambient to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
chorus, flange
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try
Power Amp (all models) to correct the interference by one or more of the following
Topology Class D (PWM) measures:
Switching Frequency 230 kHz
Output Power-Clarus >250W (8W), >400 WW (4 ), >500W W (2 )
--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Output Power-Focus >450W (8W), >800 WW (4 ), >1000WW (2 )
Minimum Load 2W --Increase the separation between the equipment and
Output Connectors Neutrik Speakon type (pole 1) receiver.
Input (Focus SA only) XLR-1/4 in combo jack, 5kW --Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
Sensitivity (SA only) 250 mVrms for full output (”instrument level”) from that to which the receiver is connected.
--Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician
Included Accessories Gig bag with shoulder strap, 6 foot for help.
Speakon to 1/4 inch cable

Warranty Information
Serial Number _______________
Acoustic Image Phone: 919-785-1280
5820 Triangle Drive Fax: 919-785-1281
Raleigh, NC 27617 www.acousticimg.com

9
 TM

CLARUS 1 SERIES III

Model 500 IA
TM

CLARUS 2R SERIES III

Model 501 IA
TM

FOCUS 1 SERIES III

Model 530 IA

TM

FOCUS 2R SERIES III

Model 531 IA
TM

FOCUS SA
Model 440 SA

© 2006 Acoustic Image LLC