Lab.gruppen eyes sports stadia potential with new D Series DSP amps
“The potential for D Series to fulfil and expand the success of our PLM series in the stadia install market is quite substantial.” So says Hakan Gustafsson, product manager for Lab.gruppen, whose new D Series amplifier range is targeted at high performance installs and, in particular, the stadia segment, including sports-oriented facilities.
Unveiled at InfoComm last week, the D Series is a new install-dedicated 4-channel DSP amplifier platform. Lab.gruppen notes that it was designed to offer ‘genuinely open interoperability’, allowing seamless integration with a wide range of digital and control protocols.
The D Series platform is available in two distinct variants – one featuring Lake, the other featuring Tesira by Biamp Systems – and each offering specific capabilities and advantages. The Lake variant offers a well-established and proven package of Lake Processing DSP with analogue, AES and a Dual-redundant Dante network solution, supported by the development of new custom software to provide extensive integration potential with most key systems manufacturers. Meanwhile, a new collaboration between Lab.gruppen and Biamp Systems has resulted in dedicated models equipped with Tesira DSP, with AVB audio and control.
Available in three power configurations (8000 W, 12000 W and 20000 W total power output), each available in either variant, D Series also heralds the debut of Lab.gruppen’s Rational Power Management (RPM) technology, developed to deliver flexible power allocation across all channels.
Explaining the holistic approach taken to both power and application issues with the new platform, Gustafsson remarks: “With the new technology innovations and tools that we are bringing we have not only looked at the amplifier sub system but also at the system-wide installation cost and the lifetime running cost. The rational power management will cater for a more efficient use of the available power, fulfilling the power requirements but minimising wasted headroom, allowing specification of smaller and more cost-effective amplifiers. With our power supply design with unique PFC we are already greenest and best in class, delivering burst power with minimised peak mains current draw. We can also accurately predict the requirements for mains distribution and generators, UPSs and cooling, where needed, avoiding over-specification of those.
“D Series comes with redundant audio paths and comprehensive load monitoring to fulfil the requirements for voice evacuation systems. With the design tools that we offer we will also help to save time for both the designers and the installers throughout the project.”