In 1968 the awesome Vox Super Beatle amplifier, the company’s only model named after a band rather than vice versa, boasted its massive 240 watts peak power to enable British bands to play large venues. Today’s amplifier behemoths have brains on top, offering thousands of watts per channel, integral DSP, networked control, noise reduction and backup failover. But while they’ve gotten smarter, their basic mission remains; to take a fragile microvolt signal, boost it, and catapult it through speakers into the wild world of acoustics. From tiny stick-ons to giant rack systems, power amps are still the launch muscle of sound.
Backed by 13 patents, Powersoft UNICA leverages next-generation, cloud-based technology to provide a safe, consistent user experience for any size of install. An all-new power supply section and power-sharing features take Powersoft’s signature efficiency to the next level. The platform also includes new DSPs, based on system-on-chip technology. The DSP section is operable even when only PoE+ power is available. On a firmware-level protocol, audio over IP is managed through both Dante and AES67, and networking is achieved through three ethernet ports, allowing both AoIP and control redundancy and splitting control vs AoIP traffic. Compatible with ArmoníaPlus and third-party integration and integrated with the new Universo cloud control and monitoring software. At InfoComm, Powersoft showcased Unica’s new maritime certification kit and new low-power models. Unica is also compatible with Powersoft’s new Verso cloud gateway and MyUniverso cloud platform.
The new Blaze Audio PowerZone Connect 1008 is a 1000W DSP enabled Class-D amp that works equally well with high-Z or low-Z speaker systems. On low-Z, the unit delivers 125W to eight channels and with 70/100V distribution it sends out four channels at 250W each. There is also a S/PDIF input/output. Full-matrix DSP configuration works via the builtin PowerZone Control web app. All of this and configurable GPIO fits into a single rack space. WiFi, network, and other status LEDs are on the front panel.
The Class-D Ashly ne8250 typifies modern power amp sophistication with its eight 2-ohm, 250W channels and 500W bridge mode capability. Through standard 10/100 Ethernet protocol and Protea software, the amp can be configured, monitored, and managed. Specified versions can have either standard network operation or use an on-board Protea DSP Processor. Customization continues with AES3 inputs, Dante or the CobraNet card. The front panel includes stepped, calibrated input attenuators, LED audio level meters on each channel, and system warning indicators.
In June, the AtlasIED AS Series of all-weather, surface-mount loudspeakers debuted. The AS series is available in five full-range models, including a 4-inch, 5-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch, and 10-inch model, along with a 10-inch subwoofer. Featuring a modern industrial design that complements any space, as well as high-efficiency transformers with flat response, each size offers several mounting options, including yokes, universal brackets, and VESA compatibility
Installers like to see hardware termination and mode options on the back panel and the Audac MFA208 shows them in an impressive array. Capable of 80W at 4-ohms into low impedance systems and delivering 80W into a 70/100V system, the unit is also RS485 & TCP/IP controllable. Also provided is a Dante/AES67 expansion port, advanced DSP and loudspeaker management, stereo line-in on RCA connectors, and a microphone input with separate level control along with switchable phantom power. On the front are a function knob, USB port, signal level LEDs and a 1/8in. line input.
The Aurora AS-AMP1 demonstrates that an amplifier doesn’t have to be a big room blaster to have sophisticated features. This one packs a lot of versatile functionality into a case so small that it can fit on the bottom surface of a desk, table or podium. It allows switching between a balanced mic input and line inputs on RCA and 1/8in. terminals, 48V phantom power switch for the mic, stereo/mono switch, and IR/RS232 control. The output can be looped to other units to cover more inputs or output zones.
Sonic accuracy and rugged reliability were foremost in the design of the Crest Audio Pro 8200 and its ability to drive 2-ohm loads with 2250W adds to the plusses. It keeps temperature under control with dual variable speed fans and it makes strong connections with Speakon and 5-way binding post speaker outputs. Mode selection includes stereo, parallel and bridged-mono operation along with input sensitivity selection on balanced XLR inputs. The front panel features recessed, stepped attenuators right below signal and fault LED indicators.
Today’s power amps have become true multi-zone control systems and the Bluesound Professional A860 8-channel system has everything needed to play this role. Able to send out 50W per channel at 8 ohms, 60W per channel at 4 ohms, or 120W at 8 ohms per pair of channels in bridged mode, it can be custom configured for the venue. While thermostatically controlled fans keep it cool, a global input can go to multiple outputs and the amp can be set up to work within a group of such units.
Among the Black Max line of amps specifically designed to operate within constant voltage speaker systems, the Bogen X600 anchors the top spot. The Class-H device produces up to 1200W through dual 70V transformerless outputs and its auto-sleep feature reduces power use on constant-on systems. Dual LED indicators on the front show signal presence, clipping and 3-color status. The rear panel includes signal level controls for its balanced inputs, input sensitivity adjustments and a power sequencing switch. Twin 80mm high speed fans control the temperature of its big heat sinks
Yes, having eight amp channels in a single rack space is possible and the Crestron AMP-8150 has the proof. Each channel on this unit is configurable the power button and master level control are easily accessible while bass and treble controls require screwdriver adjustment.
For environments that require that same level of functionality with a step up in power, the Biamp Voltera A 600.4 is a halfrack sized amp that can connect to low impedance or 70/100V systems. Within the amp’s 600W total output capability, channels can be individually configured to carry 150W per channel into 4-ohm, 8-ohm, 70/100 V or deliver 300W into any channel. This Energy Star certified model includes temperature controlled internal fans, gain trim, impedance selector, and high-pass filter.
Featuring Cloud connectivity for remote control, monitoring, and performance or fault notifications, the LEA Professional CS704D can show these functions on a variety of personal devices. This product has analog inputs and Dante inputs as well as external I/O control. 70/100V and low-Z operation are selectable by channel and there are four channels packed into a single rack space. On the back are primary and secondary Dante RJ-45s and a network control port. A sleekly designed front panel displays LED indicators for fault, thermal, clipping, and more.
The Martin Audio VIA2004 is for medium sized jobs using its four 500W/4-ohm channels in Class-D operation. Its 2RU size belies its light weight and the variable speed fans allow cool power. The VIA2004 can be used anywhere due to its automatic power sensing capability. There are multiple protection systems to maximize reliability, individual front panel level controls and LEDs to show signal level, clipping, and protection circuit activation. There is also a balanced link-out connector on each input channel.
Developed for the Q-SYS platform, the QSC Q-SYS SPA-Qf 60×4 is a 4-channel flex amplifier for 70/100V or low-Z systems and adds bi-directional GPIO for control. A very useful feature on this model is the twin flex channel concept that uses these ports as mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power or as line outputs. This machine puts 60W into each of its four channels and convection cooling keeps it quiet. The 1RU half-rack design saves space while RJ-45 network connectivity facilitates setup and control.
One of the muscle amps capable of taking on the big jobs with multichannel sound is the RCF QPS 10K, a Class-HD unit that pumps up to 2500W into four channels at 2 ohms. It features variable speed cooling fans, stereo, parallel and bridge modes, sophisticated protection circuits, signal, clip and fault LEDs, and a limiter on each channel. It also interfaces with any professional gear through its standard XLR inputs and SpeakON output terminals. Rear panel DIP switches allow a wide range of operational modes.
At the other end of the scale where a huge and heavy amp would be overkill, the RDL HD-PA35UA is the perfect solution for simple and reliable low power, single zone sound systems. Compact and advanced, the amp fits anywhere and includes EQ with separate bass and treble controls, remote level control, a detachable output terminal block for 25/70/100V loads, and a programmable sleep delay for power saving operation. The RJ-45 on the rear panel is the VCA controlled master volume adjustment.
Well-established performers, the RenkusHeinz SA Amplifier Modules have a proven record with the SA Series amps enabling a wide range of Renkus-Heinz loudspeaker models to interoperate. The multi-configurable series is composed of the SA-625 amplifier with 500W+125W; the SA-250 with 1000W+250W in two-way configuration, and the SA-1250 with 500W+500W+250W in three-way mode. All of the SA amplifiers have full networking capabilities, RHAON II control and monitoring, native DSP, and connection through a choice of Analog, AES/EBU, or optional Dante input.
Dignified diversity describes the Speco Technologies PL260A. Its sleek black housing looks great out on a table or installed in a rack and the versatility of its inputs can expand its role as needed. There are seven front-selectable 70/25V speaker zones, each with a selectable 70/25V switch and the unit’s reliability is extended through a 24V terminal for emergency backup power. The RMS output power is 260W and each XLR mic input includes a phantom power switch. The Mic 1 input can be used for selectable priority paging.
The TOA Electronics DA-550F sends 550W into each of its four channels at 4 ohms with secure screw connections on the rear panel. External control and monitoring are possible through two separate RJ-45 network terminals and there is a separate and independently controlled power supply for each channel. Up to five units can be stacked with no space between them and each can be assigned to stereo or bridged operation. Comprehensive protection circuitry includes overload, short circuit, and unusual DC voltage output.
Actually blurring the line between a megamixer and a high power amplifier, the Yamaha PC412-D adds 16-channel Dante I/O to answer any further questions as to the level of its versatility. The whole PC-D/DI series functions smoothly with ProVisionaire Touch and ProVisionaire Control as it pushes 1200W into 4 channels at 8 ohms. DSP capability provides 16 band PEQ, crossover, filters, delay and limiter functions. The PC412-DI is the installation version of this model and there are 600W versions of the touring and installation models.
