Peer Review-Furman Sound ASD-120
The Furman ASD-120 offers easy power distribution for a large amp rack. Being able to distribute 120 amps out of one box really simplifies the rack installation.
Peer Reviewer: Daniel Woody, vice president/general manager, Appollo Systems, Maple Grove, MN. Appollo Systems is a pro AV systems integrator specializing in commercial AV, new home construction, remodeling projects, and retrofits
My Pick: Furman Sound ASD-120 AC Sequenced Power Distro power distribution system, $779 MSRP.
What I Like About It: The Furman ASD-120 offers easy power distribution for a large amp rack. Being able to distribute 120 amps out of one box really simplifies the rack installation. The front switches are also intuitive, which makes it easy to explain to the end-user how to sequence the system on and off.
I Would Change: I’d like to have the option of ordering a quick-release plug with the ASD-120. In our application, the rack is self-contained with XLR patch panels for the microphone inputs and speakon jacks for the speaker outputs. Trying to find a quick-release end that could handle 120 amps slowed us down and frustrated the electrician. The electrician ended up providing us with a twist-lock end that installed at the wall. He installed a 6-foot tail on the ASD-120 with a female end and a male end on the wire as it came into the rack.
Where I Used It: Trocadero’s bar and nightclub in Minneapolis.
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS
Input Current: 120 amps
Input Voltage: 120/240 V single phase, or 208 V three-phase
Output: Six identical, 20 amp, 120 V circuits
Circuit Breakers: Heavy-duty thermal, 20A
Power Sequencing Delay Interval: 0.2 to 10 seconds per step
REM Control Inputs: Optically isolated, AC or DC drive, 12 k ohm input impedance
Signal Relay Outputs: Common isolated from chassis and control ground; 130 VAC max. from relay common to chassis
Spike Protection Mode: Line to neutral on each circuit
Clamping Voltage: 200 V peak
Response Time: 1 nanosecond
Maximum Surge Current: 6,500 amps
Maximum Spike Energy: 80 joules per circuit
Weight: 20 pounds
Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.5 x 19 x 9.6 inches
Power Consumption at 130 VAC: 23 W
Safety Information: ETL-/CETL-listed
My Results: I installed two Furman ASD-120s in a large nightclub installation. I used one unit in the live audio rack, which housed all the amplification for the speakers. I had a rack of 12 amplifiers for the main array speakers, sub-woofers, and auxiliary speakers. With that many amplifiers and this size of a system, we needed to distribute a large amount of power. Rather than have the electrician run multiple 20 amp circuits to our rack location, it was much easier to explain what we were doing, and run a single 120 amp service into our rack.
I also installed a Furman PL-8 power conditioner in the rack for additional outlets and conditioning for the CD player, signal processor, and control system processor power.
I installed another Furman ASD-120 unit in the monitor rack for the speakers on the stage. This was a pair of smaller racks, and made the distribution of power very simple. I had another seven amplifiers feeding the signal to the monitor speakers on stage.
I also used a pair of Furman PL-8s for additional outlets and conditioning for the EQs and other local equipment. The lights on the front work great for lighting the front of the EQs.
