Versatility and reliability have leapt forward in modern power amps. Multi-channel capability allows maximum space efficiency in the rack room, while advances in DSP and output efficiency have opened a new dimension in both brain and brawn. These modern units are largely self-sufficient in their automatic cutoffs and other safety features. The models included here typify this evolution and the ways in which specific manufacturers have responded to market demand and implemented new technology.
Announced in May and set to ship this summer, the L-Acoustics LA1.16i is an ultra-compact 16-channel amplified controller specifically engineered for the installation market. This latest innovation delivers unmatched channel density in a space-saving 1U format, making premium L-Acoustics sound accessible for a wider range of venues and short-throw applications where higher sound pressure levels aren’t the priority. Like its predecessor, the LA1.16i incorporates L-SMART, L-Acoustics’ patented power management technology. Milan-certified, it supports Milan-AVB and AES67, alongside AES/EBU and analog inputs. Installation-friendly features include terminal block connectors for all audio outputs, GPIOs for third-party control system integration, and a 24V DC backup power input for the DSP card. The LA1.16i is remotely configurable, monitored using L-Acoustics LA Network Manager software, and offers integration with popular media control systems through Q-SYS plugins, Crestron modules, and HTTP API.
As the company’s third-generation amplifier platform, Powersoft Unica comes in four 4-channel and four 8-channel models, all within a compact 1RU chassis. Each model includes Powersoft’s DSP engine with linear-phase FIR filters, advanced limiter architecture, and customizable presets. Unica’s onboard processing power allows integrators to finely tune performance for each environment without requiring external processors. Unica supports Dante and AES67 and includes three fully redundant Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for traffic separation (control vs. audio) and failover support.
The Blaze Audio PowerZone Connect 1008D is a 1000W DSP-enabled Class-D amplifier with 8 channels and Dante in a single RU form factor. A built-in PowerZone Control web app facilitates amp DSP functions, multi-zone setup, input mixing, priority and ducking, restriction, input and output EQ, S/PDIF output routing, highpass filter, speaker presets, and delay. The app can also configure the Wall-S1 controller and sine generator. Its output, at up to 1000W, uses automatic power-sharing technology for proportional distribution in both Lo-Z and Hi-Z modes.
Holding a prominent place in the CA Line of multi-channel amps, the Class-D Ashley Audio CA-504 is a rack mount, 4-channel amplifier 2RU high and ready for installation or road use. Each channel is equipped with indicators for temp, current, input signal (-45dB), and clip/mute. Two power modes, full-ON and Standby, are separately indicated by LEDs on the front panel. This model is capable of driving up to 500W at 2 or 4 Ohms per channel and 250W at 8 Ohms per channel.
Another very capable 4-channel amp is the AtlasIED CLA804 with 800W power capacity. This versatile design can operate in 25V/70.7V/100V distributed power systems or in low impedance installations such as 2, 4, and 8 ohms. The unit’s switch-mode, global auto-sensing power section recognizes different national power standards and adjusts itself automatically. Each channel’s Power Share level and speaker load are configured with rear panel switches. Each model in the CLA Series includes a unique output stage with a low-resistance, direct-coupled thermal transfer design.
At the top of the SMA Series line is the Audac SMA750 Class-D model with WaveDynamics audio processing technology and 750W output through two channels. This is set up for remote control via RS-232. The Dante/AES67 expansion port is featured along with XLR terminal/linkthrough, advanced DSP/ loudspeaker management, and a 2.5in. LCD display for front panel performance monitoring and configuration. Maximum power can be configured individually on each channel. Full system configurations can be selected from a library and uploaded with a USB flash drive.
A significant trend in power amps has been larger performance in smaller packages and the Aurora Multimedia DTX-AMP25-M, a Dante 25-Watt PoE+ amplifier, illustrates how far each trend can go. This unit can be mounted under a table or behind a display while offering both analog and Dante amplification. It also features an OLED display with selection buttons for status information, a USB device port, RS-232 control, 4/8-ohm output, and power/status indicators. All this fits into a package measuring 3.28 x 1 x 4.47in.
Combined with its BluOS-enabled network music player, thermostatic fan cooling, and high-Z/ low-Z performance, the Bluesound Professional B170S networked streaming stereo amplifier simultaneously handles the functions formerly done by many separate components. The versatility is complemented by a small form factor that allows the B170S to be mounted under tables or on walls. With the optional RM160 rack mounting shelf, as many as six B170S units can be mounted side-by-side in a 3U space in a rack.
Working especially well for installations, the Bogen M600 is equipped with slots for two custom-selected input modules, and has outputs of both 70V mono and low impedance stereo. An especially handy feature is the set of ports for pre- and post-outboard signal processing. Also on the rear panel is a channel balance knob that operates in dual mono mode to allow one channel’s output to be higher than the other. The effects loop RCA terminals offer an insert point for outboard signal processing, then the amp is in 70V mono or dual mono mode.
A perfect example of the progress toward more power and more channels with a smaller footprint is the Extron XPA U 4004 FX 4-channel configurable output audio power amp with its ability to operate in low impedance and 70/100V systems. This device can run on low power standby until its InstaWake+ feature exits auto-standby mode in under 5 milliseconds. Standard output is 400W per channel but this fan-cooled design can be configured to output 800W into a single channel, and it all fits into a single rack space.
In sound system environments that require a high number of constant voltage, 70V or 100V amplifier channels, the Peavey MediaMatrix sPower 3008 Class D amplifier can feed a variety of different zones. In this 8-channel output system, each pair of channels has a 10k-ohm balanced input, high-pass filter for each channel in the pair, an external redundant channel input, and a high-Z output. The amp can be controlled remotely via RS-485, and there is a series of amp address DIP switches. In addition, there is a termination switch and a 70V/100V output selector switch.
Flexibility in output power, channel count, and speaker load flexibility are primary features of the Crown Audio DCi 4|1250DA along with its use of proprietary DriveCore technology. This line of amps has sophisticated DSP, network control/monitoring, and the ability to drive 2/4/8/16 ohm, 70V, and 100V speaker loads. Its support for Dante Domain Manager allows this model to slide seamlessly into a Dante network environment. The 1250DA can output 1250W into four channels in dual mode and 2500W in bridged mono.
The Crestron AMP-8150 takes multizone coverage to the maximum with eight output channels in a single RU design that supports bridging, Lo-Z, and Hi-Z applications. This model was developed to work with the Crestron Avia family of digital signal processors and it can be controlled through the Crestron Avia Audio Tool software, a Crestron control system, or Crestron Fusion. In bridged mode, two channels can be combined to provide a single channel delivering 300 watts into 8 ohms. All of the AMP-8000 Series amps provide protection against overheating, shorted or overloaded speaker lines, and excessive signal levels.
Enjoying substantial success at the level where reliable performance is essential, the Biamp Systems Voltera A Series consists of the Voltera A 300.2, Voltera A 300.4, Voltera A 600.2, and the Voltera A 600.4 with its 4 channels putting out a total power of 600W. All models fit into a half rack space, and all can interface with either low impedance or 70/100V sound systems. The internal fans on each model are thermally controlled and support whisper mode for normal operation. There is manual configuration for each channel with mode switches for Lo/Hi-Z, high-pass filter, and gain trim options. Gain trim can boost both the gain and the power by up to 3dB.
For stereo music inputs with 100W mono output and gain-controlled paging microphone capability, the Denon Professional DN-280 fits the task in a half-rack space. There is a 1/8in. aux input on the front panel and stereo RCA inputs on the back, which are summed to the mono output. This model Class D amp is designed to work with a 4-ohm load or with a 70/100V sound system. It is also equipped with short circuit protection. Among the front panel LED indicator lights are those for signal presence, clipping status, and thermal interruption. The amp’s output is on a Euroblock connector.
The Dynacord TGX20 is capable of working in big shows using its 5000W output power into 4 channels with DSP functions on each. Featuring 96 kHz processing and FIR Drive technology, the TGX20 includes OMNEO integration for seamless compatibility with Dante and OCA. The 2RU chassis has analog audio input and loop-through, AES input, and a Dante interface. The full-color front panel touch screen allows the operator to use one factory and 20 user-defined DSP presets, 30 speaker settings, source supervision, and switchover to alternative source selection.
At the top of the UXA line of rugged and powerful amps is the EAW UXA4416, featuring four output channels at 4000W each. Configured with standard analog and AES digital inputs along with primary and secondary Dante network connections, this power amp can use EAW’s Resolution 2 software for quick setup and monitoring of large sound systems. Alternatively, the UXA4416 can be addressed and configured using the 4.3in. front panel touch screen interface. All of this runs on the Universal PFC power supply, which is globally power-compatible.
Pushing power density to even higher output at 4800W, highest in the IPX line, the Lab.Gruppen IPX 4800 also features a DSP engine that provides up to 40 real-time, multislope parametric EQs along with adjustable gain, input/output delay, and adjustable highpass and low-pass filters. Operators can use the IPX Controller software to protect speaker systems with the softwarecontrolled Speaker Protect Limiter. DSP features and limiter settings on the front panel are configured with front panel navigation buttons.
The LEA Professional CS1504D is a network-controlled, high-power IoT-enabled smart amp operating with low impedance and 70/100V sound systems. The D version is the analog/AES/Dante connected model and the AES 67 inputs are configurable via the Dante Controller Software. There is also a routable matrix that connects any input to any output with primary and secondary input priority. The web browser user interface enables control and system monitoring from any remote location to handle the amp’s 1500W output on each channel.
Another big job handler with immense power in a 2RU frame is the Martin Audio VIA5004, an advanced 4-channel power amplifier putting 1250W into each channel at 2 ohms. It can also be configured for 3-channel operation, for compatibility with the Martin Audio TH Series 3-way systems. Temperature is handled through a variable-speed cooling fan with front-to-back airflow.
Showing the versatility that multi-zone amps require is the 8-channel QSC CX-Q 8K8 that features custom power output loading for each channel, up to a total of 8000W for live shows, venue installations, and touring. This is a twin network port unit that adds eight bi-directional GPIO connections, touch-proof Euroblock loudspeaker connections, a PowerLight universal switchmode power supply, and automatic energy-saving modes. Each input is mic/line with 12V phantom power. Configuration is done by simple drag-and-drop integration into a Q-SYS design
The RCF UP 2321 commercial power amp has features for background music and paging, including an analog mic/line input and an auxiliary input on RCA connectors to project a summed stereo sound source. The Class D amp can work in low impedance or 70/100V installations. There is a master volume control on the front panel, while the aux input has its own volume and tone controls on the back. The main input on the 320W amp has a presence control and a high-pass filter for best speech intelligibility.
It is typically difficult to find a very small amplifier with big amp features, but the RDL HD-MA35UA has a surprising array of these. Easily mounted in a small space, the 4-input mixer amp is mic/line switchable on input 1 for a paging source, and when that is active, inputs 2, 3, and 4 can be adjusted to duck to a specific level. A rear-panel trimmer allows the following fade-up time to be adjusted. Inputs 3 and 4 each provide unbalanced stereo RCA input jacks, summed to mono. The unit is also equipped with a master VCA for remote adjustment of the Zone 1 amplifier output.
Designed to maximize performance when using any combination of the company’s speaker models, the Renkus-Heins SA Series amplifiers provide RHAON II network control and monitoring as well as a choice of analog, AES/EBU, or Dante inputs. These features are centered on three product versions. The SA-625 amplifier has 500W + 125W output; the SA-1250 provides 1000W + 250W in two-way configuration and 500W + 500W + 250W in three-way mode. The third model is the SA2000, which can be configured for single channel with 2000W into 4 ohm, or 2 channels of 1000W each into 8 ohm, or 3 channels with 1000W, 500W, and 250W.
For installations that require paging with a wide variety of other inputs, the Speco Technologies PBM240A is at the top of the line in output power. It has five zoned 70/100V outputs and a non-zoned 4/8-ohm output. There is phantom power on all mic inputs, and mic input 1 features selectable priority paging. Each input has its own level control along with a master on the front panel. Control is conveyed through an IR remote or via RS-232. This mixer-amp includes a telephone paging input and a music-on-hold output.
Another widely used amp in the background music and paging market is the TOA Electronics A-2240 which is equipped with two aux inputs and a recording output, all on RCA connectors. The amp is output compatible with 4-ohm, 70V, or 100V sound systems. There are also two microphone inputs, and phantom power is available on Mic 1. Bass and treble controls on the back panel allow up to +/- 10dB for each.
The Yamaha PC406-D goes far beyond just being a power amp largely through the addition of its 20×8 input matrix capability and 16-channel Dante I/O. Its speaker processors can operate seamlessly with ProVisionaire Touch and ProVisionaire Control, Yamaha’s sound system control software, while providing 6-band PEQ, crossover, filters, delay, and limiting. Custom layouts are easily created on the apps. The output is 600W on each of its four channels at 8 ohms
