Tech Focus

Tech Focus: Dynacord Eco Rail Technology

Inside an advanced amplifier power management design that can reduce power costs while maintaining seamless performance

Globally launched in 2018, Dynacord IPX series multi-channel amplifiers are designed, engineered and manufactured in Germany to deliver the pinnacle of power amplifier engineering for mid- to large-sized permanent installations.

To optimize the IPX series for the installation market, the amplifiers make use of new, patent-pending Eco Rail technology. Eco Rail dramatically reduces idle power consumption while still providing audio output, full system supervision and the capacity to restore full output power without any delay.

At low modulation (e.g. background music or pilot tone) or in idle mode, power consumption may be reduced by more than 50 percent, all while the amp stays active and fully functional. This significantly lowers environmental impact and cost of ownership – with absolutely no compromises in audio quality or operational safety.

Generally speaking this approach is not new, as it is derived from Class H switching. However, with the development of IPX, Dynacord engineered a unique new approach that allows rail switching in Class D amplifiers without any compromise. The DSP essentially “looks ahead” and predicts the output signal, solving some of the challenges that other manufacturers have faced with their energy efficient approaches to amplifier technology.

Unique to Eco Rail technology:
• Full output power is instantly available – no missing first syllable.
• There is no audible distortion or click noise during the transition from Eco Rail to normal rail and back again. This process is fully transparent; the user does not have to be concerned with it or configure it.
• No mains inrush occurs during the transition from Eco Rail to normal rail.

IPX20:4 power consumption comparisons:
• High rail: 950W (1/8 max output power at 4 ohms, foreground SPL levels)
• In Eco Rail mode: 110W (amplifier able to deliver background music at reduced power consumption).
• On standby: 19W (only network switches are active so that the amp can still be activated via the network in standby mode)

Learn more about Dynacord IPX multi-channel amplifiers in the video below.

Built to ensure outstanding audio performance, user-friendly integration and flawless reliability under the most demanding conditions, IPX series amplifiers can cover a wide range of demanding fixed install venues, from concert halls, performing arts centers, theaters, and houses of worship to distributed sound systems in stadiums and entertainment complexes.

Models available:
IPX20:4 (4x 5000W @ 4 ohms)
IPX10:8 (8x 1250W @ 4 ohms)
IPX10:4 (4x 2500W @ 4 ohms)
IPX5:4 (4x 1250W @ 4 ohms)
(Maximum output power per channel, all channels driven)

Installation Flexibility & IP Network Integration

The IPX series offers high flexibility for a variety of installation scenarios. This is ensured by Dynacord’s patented VLD (Variable Load Drive) technology as well as the newly developed parallel and bridged parallel operation modes.

All models can be used in both low-impedance and high-impedance operation, selectable per channel. On the IPX5:4 and IPX10:8, VLD technology allows the available output power of 1250W per channel to be used consistently at either 4 or 8 ohms, or via 70V or 100V lines in direct drive mode.

IPX contains primary and secondary network ports, providing full network redundancy and up to eight channels of Dante audio. The OMNEO interface combines Dante audio with OCA (AES70) for remote control and supervision. Redundancy configurations include glitch-free and RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol) to suit individual requirements and existing infrastructure.

Sophisticated Digital Signal Processing

The IPX series has an integrated 96 kHz high-resolution DSP with FIR-Drive processing for optimal performance. High quality analog-to-digital converters deliver ultra-low latency and a superior, market-leading signal-to-noise ratio.

The advanced DSP delivers a wide range of equalization, delay, level options and even asymmetric filters to adapt to almost any application. Complete remote control and supervision is available via the powerful IRIS-Net software and allows the IPX series to be seamlessly integrated into both existing and new installations.

Go to dynacord.com/ipx for more information.

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