The InfoComm 2016 show was the first opportunity for Music Group to announce its future expansion strategy since the acquisition of TC Group a year ago. During the Las Vegas show, Music announced the launch of its new Enterprise Division and considerable investment in new people, recruiting high calibre professionals to correspond with its ambitious plans and vision for the future. Now lead by Andy Trott, a former Harman Professional executive, the new Enterprise division will encompass Performance Install, Commercial Install and Live Sound markets with brands such as Midas, Klark Teknik, Lab Gruppen, Lake, Tannoy and Turbosound, Behringer, Eurocom and TC Electronic.
The result of three successful acquisitions by Behringer over the past five years, the Music Group now combines a total of 12 legendary brands (including also Bugera amplifiers and DDA mixers) with three strategic divisions: Enterprise, Creation and Lifestyle. The new Enterprise division is now establishing a global network of distributors, retailers, installers and channel partners with 16 locations across the Americas, Europe and Asia. Music also announced a new expansion plan with the opening of a new cutting edge 1 million sq. ft Chinese factory, to reinforce the already existing highly integrated in-house manufacturing operations.
While the results of this new expansion phase are not yet visible, its Swedish engineering team at Lab Gruppen continues to consistently expand its amplifier range and was the only of the group’s brands to make announcements at InfoComm 2016.
Slim amplifiers
Lab Gruppen expanded its D Series advanced install-dedicated amplifier platform with the introduction of three slimline models, the D 40:4L, D 20:4L and D 10:4L. The D Series now consists of six power levels which offers integrators ‘genuine open interoperability’ providing seamless integration with a wide range of digital audio and control protocols.
“Total integration and flexibility has been the core ethos behind D Series which our most advanced install-dedicated amplifier platform to date. That’s why we have introduced three further power options in a slimline format, incorporating LAKE processing and Dante digital audio distribution, to our already formidable line-up,” adds Lab Gruppen Product Manager Hakan Gustafsson.
“Our larger D Series models are already well established in the high-performance installation market. Now, these additional slimline models with lower power ratings, ensure Lab Gruppen D Series covers all applications.”
The new slimline, four channel, small format 1 U rack space power amplifiers (4000 W, 2000 W and 1000 W total power output) offer extreme power density which is rivaled to alternative 8 channel amplifiers, but in a scalable form factor. Each is available with LAKE Processing power and also herald Lab Gruppen’s Rational Power Management (RPM) technology which made its debut with the flagship D Series release in 2014. RPM allows completely flexible allocation across all channels, ensuring efficient and rational use of amplifier inventory without the need to reduce channel count or total power.
The new slimline models also introduce Lab Gruppen’s exclusive IDEEA (IntelliDrive Energy Efficient Amplifier) output stage for greater efficiency and extreme flexibility with direct 70 and 100 V drive as well as low impedance. The power supply ensures a superior power-to-current draw ratio for reduced running costs and minimal environmental impact. Augmenting these green credentials is the CAFE (Configuring Amplifiers for the Environment) software suite which provides system design aid and many other time saving features that ensures optimized system cost as well as lifetime running costs.
The D Series slimline models will be available for shipping in autumn 2016.
Smallest LUCIA Amplifiers
Following on the highly successful launch of LUCIA 70 V output models during last year’s InfoComm show, Lab Gruppen unveiled three new LUCIA 60 W power models at InfoComm 2016: LUCIA 60/2M, LUCIA 60/2 and LUCIA 60/1-70. Available with either 4-in, 4-out matrix-mixer (LUCIA 60/2M), two-in, two-out configuration (LUCIA 60/2) or two-in, one-out for the 70 V model (LUCIA 60/1-70); all models feature configurable DSP features like the equivalent larger models.
“LUCIA has an exceptionally small footprint and multiple mounting options and its input flexibility provides installers with an absolutely reliable and highly-cost effective solution” notes Klas Dalbjorn of Lab Gruppen. “To further increase cost efficiencies we have introduced new 60 W power models which now produce a 30% cost reduction in lifetime running costs whilst delivering all the same features as the alternative models.”
Central to LUCIA’s cost efficiencies is its Energy Star certification. After 20 minutes of no signal input, the amplifiers’ automatically enter standby mode and power up within one second when signal returns. Additionally LUCIA incorporate intelligent fan control where it provides silent operation in idle and lower output levels.
LUCIA’s ultra-compact form factor – a half-rack 1U chassis—allows it to be tucked away inconspicuously wherever needed. LUCIA mounts behind video screens using the included wall bracket, tucks away in rack shelves or drawers, or attaches to the optional pole mount. With the release of the LUCIA 60 W models, Lab Gruppen is providing a new version of its free Application Browser software which will support all nine LUCIA models. Also, a new improved rack mount kit is available for the entire LUCIA range as well as LAB Level, a new elegant looking table-top level control.
LAB Level is a stylish, high-resolution volume device that works seamlessly with Lab Gruppen’s LUCIA range, enabling convenient and high-precision control of background music in commercial installs. Designed for a range of applications from restaurants to large retail stores, LAB.Level offers control over volume by connecting to LUCIA’s GPI 1 or GPI 2 remote control functionality which ensures the signal path remains uncompromized. LAB Level also features a solid, compact 'slip-free' design that fits into any LUCIA set-up without the need for any extra power supply. It’s sturdy, elegant casing is made from a luxurious aluminum that blends into any modern décor. For longer cable runs, a simple CAT5 cable can provide a hassle free extension to the cable included.
www.labgruppen.com
