Lab.gruppen has announced the launch of the E Series of power amplifiers developed specifically for the custom installation market.
The E Series, made up of three 2-channel models housed in 1U packages, utilizes much of the design philosophy and energy-efficiency concepts found in the company’s flagship PLM 20000Q touring amplifier.
All models incorporate Lab.gruppen’s IDEEA (IntelliDrive Energy Efficient Amplifier) technologies and are outfitted with universal power supplies for operation anywhere in the world.
Nominal output power ratings per channel (at 4 ohms or 70 V) are 600 watts, 400 watts, and 200 watts for, respectively, models E 12:2, E 8:2, and E 4:2. However, significantly higher per-channel outputs are possible with asymmetrical loading and proper setting of Lab.gruppen’s proprietary Rail Sensing Limiter (RSL).
Certified as Energy Star 2.1 compliant, E Series power amplifiers are stellar in terms of net operating efficiency and typical current draw. The power-to-current-draw ratio for burst signals with 1/8th average power is 400 watts output for 1 amp of line current at 120 volts mains – a performance characteristic matched only by the PLM 20000Q. Reduced power consumption in both operational and non-operational cycles results in lower long-term cost of ownership.
Each model features an automatic power scheme, which means it turns on with signal present and goes into standby mode automatically after 20 minutes of no signal. GPIO facilitates power on/off state via third-party control systems.
“E Series offers the Lab.gruppen hallmarks of reliability, performance and ease of use at a much more accessible price point for the install market,” said Klas Dalbjorn, product research manager for Lab.gruppen. “The energy efficient performance made possible by our new IDEEA technologies means that overall cost of ownership, including lifetime energy consumption, is considerably lower than other products aimed at this market, providing contractors with real, bottom line benefits to their customers and client base.”
E Series incorporates new technological developments from Lab.gruppen, including Rail Sensing Limiter (RSL), a 2-position switch to allow selection of either Hi-Z (100 V all models) or Lo-Z (40 V – 69.3 V model dependent) as output thresholds.
The RSL switch circuit senses rail voltage and optimizes output for instantaneous load conditions. It also allows for continued operation with fluctuating mains down to below 60 V AC. RSL setting also configures outputs for asymmetric loading.
As an example, this allows users to achieve optimum performance and efficiency with a small subwoofer connected to one channel and a 70-volt distributed system (such as ceiling loudspeakers) to the other. Overall, this makes E Series extremely flexible for systems designers, allowing a single 1U device to fulfill multiple roles in a system, whereas with conventional amplifiers separate units would be required.
A High Headroom universal power supply allows for a higher storage capacity, thus preventing excessive draw on the mains inlet during repeated peak bursts and maintaining extra headroom on the rails for longer sustained maximum power output.
Key Features:
• 1U cabinet for high power- and channel-density
• Each channel can be individually set for either lo-Z (2-16 ohm) or hi-Z (70 V distributed) systems
• Asymmetric loading allows “mixing and matching” of loads with different impedances to maximize both overall system efficiency and inventory utilization
• Single temperature-controlled fan for efficient cooling
• Comprehensive circuit protection and fault indication
• Inputs and outputs on detachable Phoenix-type screw terminals
• 35 Hz high-pass filter, switchable per channel
