Lab Gruppen PLM 12K44 SP - 3000W 4-Channel at 4-Ohm Power Amplifier with Lake DSP/Dante Networking and 3 x SpeakON Outputs in Black Finish

The Lab Gruppen PLM 12K44 SP is a high-performance, 3000W 4-channel power amplifier designed to meet the demanding needs of live sound reinforcement and touring applications. Part of the PLM+ range, this amplifier combines four channels of amplification with exceptional digital signal processing (DSP) and networking capabilities, setting the benchmark for powered loudspeaker management systems. The PLM 12K44 SP is engineered to deliver unparalleled audio quality, robust performance, and seamless integration with advanced audio networks, making it the ideal choice for large-scale events and mission-critical live sound environments.

Boasting a total burst power of 12,000W, the PLM 12K44 SP offers up to 3,000W per channel at 2, 2.67, and 4 ohms, ensuring that it can drive even the most demanding loudspeakers at high output levels. The amplifier utilizes Lab Gruppen's proprietary Rational Power Management (RPM) technology, which dynamically allocates available power across the four channels to maximize performance and minimize the need for additional amplifiers. This flexibility is ideal for large setups where power distribution needs to be optimized based on load requirements, reducing amplifier inventory and simplifying system design.

In addition to its remarkable power capabilities, the PLM 12K44 SP integrates cutting-edge Lake digital signal processing (DSP), providing complete control over loudspeaker management, system control, and audio routing. The amplifier supports up to four modules of crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters, giving users complete flexibility in fine-tuning their system. The DSP system also includes MESA EQ asymmetric filters for optimized system tuning, ensuring superior audio performance across a wide range of frequencies.

The PLM 12K44 SP supports both analog and digital audio inputs. It features four "Lake Class" analog input channels with Iso-Float ground isolation, as well as AES/EBU (AES3) digital audio inputs, all supported by Neutrik XLR connectors. For seamless integration into digital audio networks, the amplifier is equipped with dual redundant Dante interfaces, supporting 8x8 channels of Dante audio with AES67 compatibility. The flexibility of the Dante network ensures low-latency, high-quality audio transport, with the option to use multiple amplifiers in a daisy-chained or dual-redundant setup for maximum reliability.

The amplifier is designed for easy and efficient system control via the Lake Controller and Dante Controller software, offering remote monitoring and configuration of the entire system. The backlit, white-on-black front panel display provides clear diagnostics, while the menu navigation buttons and rotary encoder make it easy to manage settings and view real-time system information. The amplifier also features RGB LED indicators for fault, warning, limit, and clip statuses, providing immediate feedback to the user.

The PLM 12K44 SP is built for the rigors of touring and large-scale installations. It is housed in a rugged 2U rackmount chassis with a black-painted steel finish, and it includes removable dust filter grilles for improved airflow and cooling. The amplifier features three front-to-rear airflow fans with temperature-controlled speed to ensure efficient cooling, even under heavy load conditions. With a detachable Neutrik powerCON cable rated for 32A, the amplifier is ready for high-performance applications requiring a reliable and powerful power source.

Protection features include a Current Average Limiter (CAL), short-circuit protection, voltage clip limiters, and temperature protection, ensuring that the amplifier operates safely under all conditions. The amplifier also incorporates Best-in-Class Power Factor Correction (PFC) with Current Draw Modeling to reduce running costs and minimize environmental impact, while Under-Voltage Limiting (UVL) ensures continued operation during severe mains supply voltage drops.

Features

• 4-channel amplifier with a total burst power of 12,000W and up to 3,000W per channel at 2, 2.67, and 4 ohms
• Lake digital signal processing (DSP) with up to four modules of crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters
• 8x8 Dante digital audio networking with AES67 support for flexible audio routing and low-latency, high-quality transport
• Supports analog and AES/EBU digital audio inputs via Neutrik XLR connectors
• Rational Power Management (RPM) for dynamic power allocation across all four channels
• Comprehensive protection features including CAL, short-circuit protection, voltage clip limiters, and temperature protection
• High-efficiency Class-TD output stage with proprietary Intercooler cooling system for reliable operation
• Rugged 2U rackmount chassis with removable dust filter grilles for enhanced airflow and cooling
• Dual redundant Dante interfaces for reliable system integration and network redundancy
• Backlit LCD front panel with RGB LED indicators for real-time system diagnostics
• 3 front-to-rear airflow fans with temperature-controlled speed for optimal cooling performance
• 100 user presets for easy system configuration and setup
• Detachable Neutrik powerCON cable rated at 250 V / 32 A 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: Neutrik speakON (1 x NLT8, 2 x NLT4)
• 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