With the launch of the new X Series at ProLight + Sound
2014, Powersoft plans to change the landscape of the professional amplifier
market once more.
Much more than a simple amplifier, the new series
promises to provide unmatched levels of versatility, flexibility and power
without compromising on size, efficiency, audio quality and sheer elegance that
has become Powersoft’s modus operandi.
Set to make its debut at the Prolight+Sound show in
Frankfurt, the Powersoft X Series will mark a real evolution in pro-audio
amplification, much as the seminal K Series did back in 1995 when technologies
such as Power Factor Correction (PFC) and switch-mode amplification were
introduced for the first time into the professional audio industry.
The Powersoft X Series represents the next step in the
evolution of the power amplifier: the first amplifier that in reality is a
system tool that integrates a large amount of functionality, generally only
found in separate outboard units. This includes an innovative system of channel
routing, a truly universal mono, bi and three-phase balancing power supply and
a revolutionary fully-featured DSP.
The X Series consists of two models. The X8 is the
largest amplifier in the range, boasting eight channels in a 2U chassis, while
the X4 features four channels in a single rack unit. Both models share the same
power density, being capable of delivering up to 5200W @ 2 ohms per channel.
The X Series natively supports AES3, two redundant Dante™
by Audinate® digital streams and analogue inputs, providing up to four
different selectable input sources per channel.
“By focusing on quality and innovation, Powersoft has
built a reputation and tradition, for its high performance
amplifiers,\” states Lee Ellison, CEO of Audinate. \”Coupled with
the market leading Dante networking option, the new Powersoft X Series
amplifier builds on Powersoft\’s rich tradition of great solutions for the AV
industry.\”
Suitable for both low and high impedance applications,
the Powersoft X8 and X4 are equally suitable for concert touring and
professional fixed installations. The modular construction permits the rear
input / output connections to feature either XLR / speakON or Phoenix
connectors, depending on the requirement of the specific application.
“The philosophy behind the X Series is to permit the
audio system to operate independently from the power mains available at the
venue and to allow even smaller racks to be brought to run the show,” explains
Luca Giorgi, Pro Audio Business Unit Director at Powersoft. “This brings us
even closer to complete integration of the system and provides an unmatched
level of control over the behaviour of both the audio and power source.”
The truly universal power supply has worldwide AC
acceptance and allows direct connection to any regional power line
configuration.
Ultimately flexible and safe, Powersoft’s legendary and
reliable power supply is now suitable for Single Phase, Bi-Phase or Three Phase
operation from 85 V AC up to 440 V AC without the need for manual selection.
True Three Phase load balancing is directly achievable by the unit without any
complex load assignment in the power distribution system design. Neutral
connection is not necessary given the capability of the unit to work in delta
connection on Three Phase Systems. The power supply also features full Power
Factor Correction as well as Powersoft’s patented Smart Rails Management
technology, ensuring that the X Series runs as cool and efficiently as is
currently possible.
Our sights have been fixed firmly on the future during
the design of the X Series,” states Claudio Lastrucci, Powersoft R&D
director, “We looked at what we believe amplifiers will require for the next 10
years and made a platform capable of meeting these needs as well as building in
a certain level of ‘future proof’ expandability.”
The renowned reliability of Powersoft’s power supplies
and the fully protected circuit design guarantee high sustained power to any
and all of the output channels of Powersoft X Series amplifiers.
Managing power with Powersoft X4 and X8 becomes extremely
easy thanks to the integrated revolutionary low latency DSP providing
outstanding quality in signal processing as well as a complete routing and
mixing of the input/output channels. Signal management and processing
architecture on the Powersoft X Series is composed of six separate sections:
Input source selection; Input processing; Matrix; Pre-output processing;
Speaker routing; Output processing.
The set-up parameters of the Powersoft X Series are
fully integrated into Armonía Pro Audio Suite™ which offers an intuitive
interface for parameter adjustment, a comprehensive control over the digital
audio processing and complete real-time monitoring of the system performance.
An integrated WiFi connection permits the Powersoft X Series to be accessed and
managed via any smartphone or tablet through a user interface specifically
developed for local monitoring.
