Lab Gruppen PLM 12K44 BP - 3000W 4-Channel at 4-Ohm Power Amplifier with Lake DSP/Dante Networking and 4 x Binding Post Outputs in Black Finish

The Lab Gruppen PLM 12K44 BP is a 3000W 4-channel power amplifier designed to meet the needs of professional audio applications, including large-scale touring and live sound reinforcement. Part of the PLM+ range, which is Lab Gruppen's flagship series for powered loudspeaker management systems, the PLM 12K44 BP sets a new standard for high-performance amplification, offering exceptional output power, advanced signal processing, and seamless integration with Dante digital audio networking. Built to withstand the demands of the most rigorous live sound environments, the PLM 12K44 BP delivers reliable, efficient, and high-quality audio amplification for a range of demanding applications.

With a total burst power of 12,000W, the PLM 12K44 BP offers up to 3,000W per channel at 2 ohms, 2.67 ohms, and 4 ohms, ensuring that it can drive a variety of loudspeakers at peak performance. The amplifier is designed with Rational Power Management (RPM), which allows the available power to be dynamically allocated across all four channels, optimizing performance and reducing amplifier inventory. This feature is ideal for large-scale events where flexibility and scalability are essential. Whether used in smaller configurations or larger setups, the PLM 12K44 BP's flexibility and power distribution make it an ideal choice for high-demand systems.

As a part of the PLM+ series, the PLM 12K44 BP integrates advanced Lake digital signal processing (DSP), providing comprehensive loudspeaker management and system control. It includes up to four modules of crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters, allowing for precise tuning and protection of connected loudspeakers. The DSP processing also supports the MESA EQ asymmetric filters, ensuring high-quality audio performance across the entire frequency range. The internal sample rate of 96 kHz with 32-bit floating point processing ensures pristine audio quality, while the system's user-friendly interface and 100 user presets make configuration and setup straightforward, saving valuable time during installation and operation.

Connectivity is a key feature of the PLM 12K44 BP. With integrated Dante digital audio networking and AES67 support, it offers 8x8 channels of flexible digital I/O, providing low-latency, high-quality audio transport across the system. Dual redundant Dante interfaces and redundant audio inputs ensure system reliability, even in mission-critical environments. The amplifier is also equipped with balanced analog inputs via Neutrik XLR connectors, as well as AES/EBU digital audio inputs, offering a range of connectivity options for different audio sources.

In addition to its powerful performance and flexibility, the PLM 12K44 BP incorporates several protective features to ensure the safety of both the amplifier and the connected loudspeakers. These include current average limiters (CAL), short-circuit protection, voltage clip limiters, and temperature protection. The amplifier also benefits from a rugged design with front-to-rear airflow fans and a high-efficiency cooling system, ensuring optimal performance even under demanding conditions. The detachable locking IEC power cord, combined with an innovative regulated switch-mode power supply (R.SMPS), ensures consistent and reliable power delivery, while power factor correction (PFC) minimizes environmental impact by reducing running costs.

The front panel of the PLM 12K44 BP features a clear and easy-to-use LCD display with RGB LED indicators for fault, warning, limit, and clip statuses. This provides real-time feedback and diagnostics, ensuring that the operator can quickly address any issues. The amplifier also includes multiple soft function buttons and a rotary encoder for precise control, further enhancing its user-friendly interface.

The PLM 12K44 BP is built for the rigors of touring and large-scale installations, with a durable 2U rackmount chassis and a black-painted steel finish. Its removable dust filter grilles and front-to-rear airflow design enhance cooling and reduce noise, making it well-suited for long hours of operation in high-performance environments.

Features

• 4-channel power amplifier with 12,000W total burst power and up to 3,000W per channel at 2 ohms, 2.67 ohms, and 4 ohms
• Lake digital signal processing (DSP) for comprehensive loudspeaker management and system control
• 8x8 Dante digital audio networking with AES67 support, offering low-latency, high-quality audio transport
• Rational Power Management (RPM) for flexible power distribution across all channels
• Proven Class-TD output stage with Intercooler high-efficiency cooling system for reliable operation
• Comprehensive protection features including current average limiter (CAL), short-circuit protection, and voltage clip limiters
• Redundant audio inputs and system surveillance for mission-critical applications
• Front-panel LCD display with RGB LED indicators for real-time fault diagnostics
• 100 user presets for easy system configuration and setup
• Balanced analog and AES/EBU audio inputs on Neutrik XLR connectors
• 4 binding post output connectors for versatile loudspeaker connections
• Detachable locking IEC power cord and regulated switch-mode power supply (R.SMPS) for reliable power delivery
• Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 16 inches, Weight: 36 lbs
• CE, ANSI/UL 60065 (ETL), CSA C22.2 NO. 60065, PSE, RCM, FCC, and BIS India approvals

Specifications

General

• Processing / Network: Lake / Dante
• Number of amplifier channels: 4
• Total burst power all channels (share among channels with RPM): 12000 W

Maximum Output Power (all channels driven)

• 2 ohms: 3000 W
• 2.67 ohms: 3000 W
• 4 ohms: 3000 W
• 8 ohms: 1900 W
• 16 ohms: 950 W
• Hi-Z 70 V: 3000 W
• Hi-Z 100 V: 3000 W

Maximum Output Power Single Channel (all models)

• 2 ohms: 4400 W
• 2.67 ohms: 5900 W
• 4 ohms: 4600 W
• 8 ohms: 2300 W
• 16 ohms: 1150 W
• Hi-Z 70 V: 3300 W
• Hi-Z 100 V: 4700 W

Amplifier Output Modules (all models, all channels)

• Peak output voltage: 194 V
• Max output current: 67 A
• Rational Power Management (RPM): Yes
• Default voltage limitation (can be lifted with RPM configuration): 175 V
• Protection features: Current Average Limiter (CAL), Very High Frequency Protection (VHF), Direct Current Protection (DC), Short Circuit Protection, Current-Clip Limiter, Voltage Clip Limiter, Temperature protection

Audio Performance (Amplifier Platform with Digital Input)

• THD + N 20 Hz - 20 kHz for 1 W: < 0.05%
• THD + N at 1 kHz and 1 dB below clipping: < 0.04%
• Dynamic range: > 114 dB
• Channel separation (Crosstalk) at 1 kHz: > 70 dB
• Frequency response (1 W into 8 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 kHz): +/- 0.05 dB
• Internal sample rate / Data path: 96 kHz / 32 bit floating point
• Product propagation delay AES 96 kHz / analog input: 1.61 / 1.68 ms

Lake Processing

• Loudspeaker processing: Up to 4 modules of Classic/linear-phase/FIR crossover, EQ, delay, LimiterMax - peak and RMS limiters
• System tuning: Group control with Raised Cosine MESA EQ asymmetric filters
• Input redundancy / Matrix: Automatic 4 level input redundancy / 4 input mixers
• System integration: Comprehensive 3rd party protocol over UDP Ethernet

Dante Audio Network

• Dante I/O: 8 x 8 (shared with AES67)
• Network topology / redundancy: Flexible topology / Supports daisy-chained and Dual redundant networks
• Sample rates / transport: 48 kHz / Unit / Multicast
• Network latency: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 ms

AES67 Audio Network

• I/O: 8 x 8 (shared with Dante)
• Network topology / redundancy: Flexible topology / supports daisy-chained networks
• Sample rates / transport: 48 kHz / Multicast
• Network latency: 2 ms

Device Presets

• Local memory locations for the settings of the product: 100

AES Inputs

• Inputs: 4 AES inputs
• Supported sample rates / resolution: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz / up to 24 bit
• Sample rate conversion THD + N 20 Hz - 20 kHz unweighted: 0.00003%

Analog Inputs

• Inputs: 4 high quality inputs with Iso-Float ground isolation
• Maximum input / digital reference: +26 dBu / +21 dBu
• Sampling rate / resolution: 96 kHz / 24 bit
• Input impedance balanced / unbalanced: 20 kΩ / 10 kΩ
• THD + N (typical at 1 kHz unweighted): 0.000022%
• THD + N (typical at 20 Hz and 20 kHz unweighted): 0.000033%

Limiters

• Adjustable Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL): 17.8 - 194 V, step size 0.1 V
• Current Peak Limiter: 67 A peak
• Current Average Limiter (CAL) > 300 ms: 33 Arms
• LimiterMax (rms and peak limiters)
  • MaxRMS (ms voltage limiter): Yes
  • MaxPeak (peak voltage limiter): Yes
• Amplifier gain: 22 - 44 dB, step size 0.1 dB
• Digital attenuator: - Inf to 0 dB, step size 0.25 dB

Rear-panel Interface

• Analog inputs: 4 x 3 pin XLR, electronically balanced
• AES inputs: 2 x 3 pin XLR
• Output connectors: 4 binding posts (pairs)
• Auto 100/1000, Auto Uplink: 2 x RJ45 etherCON
• Control and monitoring interface: Via Ethernet for Lake Controller software, or DLM (3rd party protocol)
• Detachable mains cord: Neutrik powerCON 32 A
• Cooling: Four fans front-to-rear airflow, temperature controlled speed

Front-panel Interface

• Display: 2.5 inch, Black / white, daylight readable LCD
• Fault / Warning / Limit / Clip indicators: RGB LEDs and detailed fault description on display
• Mute and soft function buttons: 8 provided
• Standby Power button: On / Standby
• Mute Enable button: Enables muting of outputs and inputs via soft-button keypad
• Meter button: Toggles through meter views
• Menu button: Provides a menu driven interface for full function front panel control
• Rotary Encoder: Yes
• Exit button: Provides a "back" function

Mains Power

• Nominal voltage: 100 - 240 V AC 45 - 66 Hz
• Operating voltage: 70 - 265 V AC 45 - 66 Hz
• Mains wall plug: NEMA L5-30 "Twist lock" 120 V / 30 A, and CEE 7/7 "Schuko" 230 V / 16 A

Power Supply Features

• Soft start / Inrush power: Yes / Max 8 A
• Power factor correction: > 0.98 for mains power > 400 W
• Regulated switch mode power supply (R.SMPS): Yes
• Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL): Configurable current threshold and breaker profile
• BEL max current threshold: 25 A
• Power Average Limiter (PAL): Yes
• Under Voltage Limiter (UVL): Yes
• Mains undervoltage and overvoltage protection: Yes

Physical

• Dimensions:
  • Rack rail to rear panel: 19 x 3.50 x 16 inches
  • Overall depth including handles and rear support: 19.6 inches
• Weight: 36 lbs
• Finish: Black painted steel chassis with grey painted steel front
• Approvals: CE, ANSI / UL 60065 (ETL), CSA C22.2 NO. 60065, PSE, RCM, FCC and BIS India