AudioControl Reinvents Distributed Audio with New Dual-Mode GaN-Based Amplifier Design

June 12 2024, 01:10
AudioControl has announced the introduction of three highly versatile CM Series amplifiers using GaN technology and a new proprietary circuit design for compatibility with both 70-volt and 4/8-Ohm loudspeakers (Dual Mode). These new CM Series amplifiers offer DSP control, matrixing capabilities, Dante digital audio networking and all the critical features integrators must have to satisfy every imaginable application including superior audio performance and build quality.
 

AudioControl CM Series amplifiers have set a new standard for power and sound quality by embracing the benefits of GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology for audio applications. Although GaN was initially designed for the challenging demands of avionics, space, satellite, and 5G wireless applications, by using GaN Systems' power semiconductors as the foundation for a new amplifier platform, AudioControl was able to achieve high-output power, unparalleled efficiency, reduced distortion, and ultra-low signal-to-noise resulting in outstanding sonic rendering from a highly efficient circuit that fits elegantly inside a sleek form factor.

This allows AudioControl to now expands the CM Series of amplifiers with new models that perfectly blend power, performance, and reliability with Dual-Mode capability, balanced and unbalanced analog inputs plus digital audio inputs and DSP features. The company now offers three available channel configurations: CM4-750 4-channel, CM3-750 3-channel, and CM2-750 2-channel.

Each amplifier utilizes a highly sophisticated Constant Power Mode architecture that was engineered by AudioControl to surpass the performance of conventional 70-volt solutions. This way, CM Series amplifiers deliver 750 watts per channel in 70-volt mode or 625 watts per channel at 8, 6 or 4-ohms along with stability into 2-ohms. The amplifiers also deliver 1500 watts bridged in 100-volt mode and 1250 bridged into an 8-ohm load.

The CM Series Dual Mode design can simultaneously operate in 70-volt mode while also driving a conventional loudspeaker. Each model offers eight balanced analog inputs (two analog inputs can be set to accommodate a microphone) plus two digital stereo inputs (coax and optical), which is unique in the world of 70-volt products. The amplified outputs of each CM Series model can be individually controlled as mono outputs or controlled as stereo pairs, giving integrators the system configuration flexibility they need to accommodate any system architecture.

All amplifiers in the CM Series offer DSP control and signal matrixing capabilities developed by AudioControl, enabling integrators to precisely tailor the sound by zone to any environment — from a heavily upholstered lobby to a highly reflective suite or boardroom. For maximum installation efficiency, system setup and diagnostics can be managed remotely via a web browser (iOS or Android devices) along with traditional PC or Mac browsers, leveraging a touch-responsive interface to control the CM Series amplifiers via IP interface and traditional 12-volt triggering methods. 
 

The amplifiers can also be configured with Dante audio networking. Dante delivers uncompressed, multichannel digital audio over a standard IP network using readily available CAT5e, CAT6 or fiber optic cable with near-zero latency. Dante is effortlessly scalable from modest installations to large scale projects, providing integrators with a highly flexible network-based platform. 

With the new CM Series amps from AudioControl, any source can be accessed from anywhere on the network, and up to 16 mono or 8 stereo streams of digital content can be routed to any Dante-enabled device, creating limitless system architecture options for any size project. And because the Dante technology utilizes a master clock, all connected devices remain in precise synchronization for a seamless audio experience. 

There are over 3000 Dante-enabled products available, providing integrators with a broad range of choices when assembling a multi-zone entertainment system. CM Series amplifiers offer Dante-enabled drivers for Control4, Crestron, and Crestron Home smart home platforms, with the ability to control 3rd party Dante sources, encoders, and other hardware.

DSP capabilities include onboard speaker profiles crafted by the engineers from leading architectural and commercial loudspeaker manufacturers such as Dynaudio, Graysound, James Loudspeaker, Monitor Audio, Nuvo, Origin Acoustics, Stealth Acoustics and Triad Speakers — all part of a growing list of Sound Partner Program members. AudioControl’s CM Series amplifiers also offer advanced graphic and parametric equalization along with onboard crossovers, enabling integrators to fine-tune the sound to any acoustic environment.

All three CM Series amplifier models are available now and are backed by customer service as well as a 5-year warranty.

AudioControl Pro is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance audio solutions for residential and commercial applications based in Seattle, WA since 1977. An AVPro Global company, AudioControl's product lineup includes power amplifiers, multi-zone amplifiers, network amplifiers, 70-volt amplifiers, single-zone amplifiers, subwoofer amplifiers, AV processors, AV receivers, and AV signal extenders.
www.audiocontrol.com
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