Lab Gruppen PLM 20K44 SP - 5000W 4-Channel at 4-Ohm Power Amplifier with Lake DSP/Dante Networking and 3 x SpeakON Outputs in Black Finish

The Lab Gruppen PLM 20K44 SP is a 5000W 4-channel power amplifier that represents the pinnacle of audio amplification technology. Designed for the most demanding touring applications, it integrates top-tier amplification with advanced Lake DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and Dante networking. This amplifier is ideal for large-scale live sound environments, offering exceptional performance, control, and flexibility in a rugged and reliable package. Building on the legacy of the PLM series, the PLM 20K44 SP sets a new standard for Powered Loudspeaker Management Systems, ensuring seamless integration and operational efficiency in complex audio setups.

With a total burst power of 20,000W, the PLM 20K44 SP is capable of delivering up to 5,000W per channel at 2.67 ohms, 4,400W at 2 ohms, and 1,900W at 8 ohms. It also supports 3,300W at 70V Hi-Z and 4,700W at 100V Hi-Z, making it an incredibly versatile amplifier for various speaker configurations. The Rational Power Management (RPM) technology optimizes power allocation between all four output channels, allowing for maximum efficiency and the ability to minimize the number of amplifiers required. This advanced power management feature ensures that the amplifier can adapt to different loads, delivering optimal performance while maintaining energy efficiency.

Lake DSP is integrated within the PLM 20K44 SP, providing unparalleled loudspeaker management and system control. The amplifier offers up to four processing modules for crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters. These features allow for precise tuning of audio systems, enhancing overall sound quality and ensuring that the system performs optimally under varying conditions. The amplifier also supports system tuning with Raised Cosine MESA EQ asymmetric filters, which provide an additional layer of control for audio professionals seeking superior sound clarity and consistency.

For maximum flexibility and connectivity, the PLM 20K44 SP is equipped with dual redundant Dante audio networking, offering 8x8 channels of audio input and output. This allows for flexible audio routing and network management, making it ideal for complex, multi-device systems. The Dante interface is complemented by AES67 support, providing seamless integration with other professional audio equipment. In addition, the amplifier features balanced analog and AES/EBU audio inputs, supporting high-resolution audio up to 192 kHz with 24-bit resolution, ensuring the highest fidelity signal transmission.

The PLM 20K44 SP is also designed with comprehensive protection features, including Current Average Limiter (CAL), Very High Frequency Protection (VHF), Direct Current (DC) Protection, and Short Circuit Protection. These features protect the amplifier and connected speakers from damage, ensuring reliable operation even in the most demanding environments. Additionally, the amplifier includes Voltage Clip Limiter, Current-Clip Limiter, and Temperature Protection, which safeguard the system from extreme operating conditions.

Cooling and thermal management are handled by a high-efficiency front-to-rear airflow system, utilizing three temperature-controlled fans. This ensures that the amplifier operates optimally while maintaining low noise levels. The rugged 2U rackmount chassis, made from black-painted steel with a grey front panel, is built for durability and designed to withstand the challenges of touring environments. Removable dust filter grilles further enhance airflow and cooling, ensuring the amplifier remains cool under heavy use.

The amplifier's user-friendly interface includes a 2.5-inch daylight-readable LCD display and RGB LED indicators that provide clear feedback on system status, fault warnings, and performance metrics. The front panel also features easy-to-use buttons for mute, standby, and menu navigation, as well as a rotary encoder for precise adjustments. For monitoring and configuration, the PLM 20K44 SP can be controlled via Ethernet using Lake Controller software or third-party protocols over UDP Ethernet.

The PLM 20K44 SP is engineered with a soft start feature and Power Factor Correction (PFC), reducing the inrush current at power-up and optimizing power consumption during operation. It also includes a regulated switch-mode power supply (R.SMPS) for efficient power delivery, as well as Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL) and Power Average Limiter (PAL) for further protection and stability.

Features

• 4-channel power amplifier with 20,000W burst power, delivering up to 5,000W per channel at 2.67 ohms, 4,400W at 2 ohms, and 1,900W at 8 ohms
• Lake DSP with up to four modules for crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters for optimal loudspeaker management
• Rational Power Management (RPM) dynamically allocates power across all channels for maximum performance and efficiency
• 8x8 Dante digital audio networking with AES67 support for flexible audio routing and integration with professional audio systems
• Comprehensive protection features including CAL, VHF, DC Protection, Short Circuit Protection, and Temperature Protection
• High-efficiency Class-TD output stage with Intercooler cooling system for reliable performance under demanding conditions
• Advanced system monitoring with redundant audio inputs, onboard load monitoring, and detailed fault descriptions
• 3 front-to-rear airflow fans for efficient cooling and noise reduction, with removable dust filter grilles for increased air circulation
• Easy-to-use front panel with 2.5-inch daylight-readable LCD, RGB LEDs, and soft-function buttons for intuitive control
• Detachable Neutrik powerCON 32A cable for secure power connection, and rugged 2U rackmount chassis for durability
• Balanced analog and AES/EBU audio inputs with high-resolution audio support up to 192 kHz/24-bit
• Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 16 inches, Weight: 37 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): 20000 W

Maximum Output Power (all channels driven)

• 2 ohms: 4400 W
• 2.67 ohms: 5000 W
• 4 ohms: 4400 W
• 8 ohms: 2300 W
• 16 ohms: 1150 W
• Hi-Z 70 V: 3300 W
• Hi-Z 100 V: 4700 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): 194 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: 32 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: 37 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