Integration of DSP into amplifiers has led to standardization of amp racks, including the L-Acoustics LA-RAK with amplified controllers and the Crown VRACK with I-Tech HD amplifiers for JBL VTX line arrays.
Standardization of loudspeaker-amplifier-DSP combinations is the “Holy Grail” for large-scale tours, permitting extreme consistency for loudspeaker systems around the world. Touring engineers can specify a particular loudspeaker configuration that will have predictable results on every continent.
Further, “universal racks” can be deployed with different models of loudspeaker inventory by simply recalling the correct preset.
And for years, amplifiers with multiple channels (generally defined as more than two) were for either multiple headphones in studios or low-power-per-channel commercial applications. But are multichannel amps viable for mainstream professional sound reinforcement? You bet.
Again, credit the advent of switching power supplies in class D output topologies, making design limitations a thing of the past. Most of the major players in the amplifier production game (as well as a host of lesser known ones) have shown an increased proliferation of models in the genre.
Professional user acceptance has become far more widespread as a result. The size and dollar-per-watt ratio of multichannel amps has dropped dramatically, with a typical chassis sizes of 2RU for 4 output channels common.
Weight reduction is also substantial. Few multichannel units exceed 40 pounds while producing as much or more power per channel than heavier 2-channel units of decades past.
Cost savings is another advantage. Multichannel amps cost less to build. Not only is there less metal per channel and no power transformer when using switching supplies, but fewer components, such as power cords, switches, fuse holders, circuit breakers, etc., adds up and the savings is passed on to the buyer.
Further cost savings can result from less rack space used, thus less racks needed, and for mobile use, less truck space occupied, faster load-ins, load-outs, etc.
Enjoy our Real World Gear Photo Gallery Tour of the latest high-power amplifiers with DSP, networking, and often, multiple channels.