Lab Gruppen PLM 8K44 BP - 2000W 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 8K44 BP is a 2000W 4-channel power amplifier that delivers exceptional performance and reliability for professional audio applications. Part of the renowned PLM+ series, the PLM 8K44 BP integrates advanced amplification with superior digital signal processing (DSP) and Dante networking. Designed specifically for demanding touring environments, the PLM 8K44 BP combines cutting-edge technology with rugged build quality, making it an ideal solution for live sound professionals and large-scale audio systems. With up to 8,000W of total power, this amplifier provides the power, flexibility, and control needed to manage complex loudspeaker systems effectively.

One of the standout features of the PLM 8K44 BP is its Rational Power Management (RPM) system, which intelligently allocates power across the four channels, optimizing performance and reducing the need for additional amplifiers. This allows for a more efficient use of available resources while maintaining high levels of output and ensuring stable operation. The amplifier's power output capabilities are impressive, delivering 2,000W per channel at 2 ohms and up to 1,500W at 8 ohms, making it highly versatile and adaptable to various loudspeaker configurations. Additionally, the PLM 8K44 BP supports Hi-Z 70V and 100V outputs, offering 2,000W on each channel at these high-impedance settings, further enhancing its flexibility for large-scale installations.

At the heart of the PLM 8K44 BP is Lab Gruppen's Lake DSP, which provides unparalleled loudspeaker management and system control. The amplifier includes up to four processing modules, supporting Classic, Linear-Phase, and FIR crossover types, as well as advanced EQ, delay, and LimiterMax for both peak and RMS limiting. This gives users complete control over the sound system, enabling precise tuning and optimization of the audio signal. The system is also designed to provide seamless integration with third-party protocols via UDP Ethernet, ensuring compatibility with various control systems and offering extensive customization options through the Lake Controller software.

For modern digital audio setups, the PLM 8K44 BP offers integrated Dante digital audio networking, with 8x8 channels of input and output. The amplifier also supports AES67, ensuring smooth interoperability with other Dante-enabled devices and providing a flexible and redundant audio network. The amplifier's AES/EBU inputs offer support for all standard sample rates up to 192 kHz with 24-bit resolution, ensuring high-quality audio transmission with minimal signal degradation.

The PLM 8K44 BP is equipped with a highly efficient Class-TD output stage, coupled with Lab Gruppen's proprietary Intercooler cooling system. This advanced cooling mechanism ensures optimal temperature management, even during high-demand performances, while keeping noise levels to a minimum. The amplifier is built with three front-to-rear airflow fans, which are temperature-controlled to adjust fan speed based on operating conditions, contributing to quieter and more efficient performance.

In terms of protection and reliability, the PLM 8K44 BP incorporates several critical safeguards, including Current Average Limiter (CAL), Very High Frequency Protection (VHF), Short Circuit Protection, and Temperature Protection. These features ensure that the amplifier remains protected under extreme conditions, providing peace of mind during high-stress performances. The built-in voltage protection features such as the Voltage Clip Limiter and the adjustable Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL) further enhance the amplifier's reliability and durability.

Additional user-friendly features include a 2.5-inch LCD display with clear, daylight-readable readouts, RGB LED indicators for fault warnings, and intuitive front-panel navigation buttons. The amplifier's front panel allows users to easily adjust settings, monitor performance, and interact with the system through an intuitive menu-driven interface. The PLM 8K44 BP also provides 100 user presets, making it easy to configure and deploy the amplifier for a wide variety of applications.

The PLM 8K44 BP is housed in a durable 2U rackmount chassis, constructed from black-painted steel with a grey-painted steel front, built to withstand the rigors of touring and road use. The amplifier is equipped with Neutrik powerCON connectors for secure power input and detachable cables, along with rugged Neutrik speakON outputs (1 x NLT8, 2 x NLT4) for reliable speaker connections. Removable dust filter grilles provide additional protection and ensure optimal airflow, extending the longevity of the amplifier.

Features

• 4-channel power amplifier delivering up to 8,000W total burst power with 2,000W per channel at 2 ohms, and 1,500W at 8 ohms
• Lake DSP with up to four modules for crossover, EQ, delay, and LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters for advanced loudspeaker management
• Rational Power Management (RPM) optimizes power allocation across all channels, enhancing efficiency and performance
• 8x8 Dante digital audio networking with AES67 support for seamless integration with other Dante-enabled devices
• Comprehensive protection features, including CAL, VHF, DC Protection, Short Circuit Protection, and Temperature Protection
• Class-TD output stage with proprietary Intercooler cooling system for efficient operation and minimal noise
• Backlit 2.5-inch LCD display and RGB LED indicators for easy monitoring of system status and faults
• 100 user presets for simple and efficient system configuration and setup
• 3 front-to-rear airflow fans with temperature-controlled speed for optimal cooling
• Balanced analog and AES/EBU inputs with high-resolution audio support up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Rugged 2U rackmount chassis with removable dust filter grilles for increased airflow
• Neutrik powerCON and speakON connectors for secure power and speaker connections
• Dimensions: 19 x 3.5 x 16 inches, Weight: 34 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): 8000 W

Maximum Output Power (all channels driven)

• 2 ohms: 2000 W
• 2.67 ohms: 2000 W
• 4 ohms: 2000 W
• 8 ohms: 1500 W
• 16 ohms: 750 W
• Hi-Z 70 V: 2000 W
• Hi-Z 100 V: 2000 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): 155 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: > 112 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: Three 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: 34 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