Power Amplifiers Technology Showcase

Mar 22, 2011 12:00 PM, By Mark Johnson

Applications for power amplifiers run the gamut from elevator music to brute force in a concert setting.

Lab.gruppen C 88:4

The Lab.gruppen C 88:4 4-channel amplifier provides 2100W per channel at 4§Ù. Input connectors are three-pin Phoenix and outputs are barrier strip. Selectable gain via rear panel switches are 23dB, 26dB, 29dB, 32dB, 35dB, 41dB, and 44dB. The amplifier weighs 26.4lbs., and the unit is 2RU high.

Mackie FRS-2800

The FRS-2800 from Mackie features Class H topology in a 2RU, 22lb. package. Indicators include signal present, overload, signal meters (-3dB, -6dB, -9dB, -20dB), and power.

Another amp manufacturer from the United Kingdom, MC2 Audio's lineup includes the T3500, which uses complementary Class A/B bipolar outputs for 1850W per channel into 4§Ù. The amplifier features XLR input connectors and 4-pole Speakon output connectors and weighs 49.6lbs.

Peavey IPR 6000 DSP

At the top of the line for Peavey's IPR series is the 6000 DSP, which features Class D topology and DSP-based loudspeaker management including delay, parametric EQ adjustable fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley crossover, and adjustable fourth-order high-pass filters. A setup wizard aids with DSP configuration.

The Powersoft Digam K20 features a switch-mode power supply and Class D output topology. The power ratings for the K20 are 5200W per channel at 4§Ù, and the net weight is 26.5lbs. A front-panel LCD screen provides control and monitoring of the amplifier status.

QSC Audio PowerLight 3 Series PL380

QSC Audio's PowerLight 3 Series PL380 is also a Class D amplifier with a switch-mode power supply. Input gains are selectable between 26dB, 32dB, and 1.2V. A dataport provides connectivity for DSP and control. Power at 4§Ù is 2500W, and the unit's net weight is 24lbs.