NEWS

Pro Audio Technology Announces Five Modular Amplifiers

March 9, 2022

Press Release

Pro Audio Technology has unveiled a new line of five modular amplifiers––the MA-4400, MA-4242, MA-9900, MA-9942 and MA-9999––intended for use by integrators to power audio systems.

“In 2021, it became clear that the worldwide shortage of digital and other electronic components was going to impact our ability to deliver our amplified loudspeaker controllers [in a] timely [fashion],” said Paul Hales, president and product designer for Pro Audio Technology. “Knowing we had many loyal customers with projects in the pipeline, we got to work designing a new amplifier platform that could be manufactured consistently while we wait for the supply chain to normalize. The MA series of amplifiers are the result of that initiative and will allow our integrators to complete open and upcoming audio system installations amongst global supply chain uncertainty.”

The modular amplifiers offer between two to four channels of up to 1,000 Watts each into a fan-less 2U chassis. When combined with the company’s ALC-3316, PLP-8250, or PLP-8800 loudspeaker controller/processors, installers can use the MA amplifiers to power, apply high-resolution DSP filtering, and calibrate the company’s sound system.

“By leveraging our line of loudspeaker controllers, our dealers can now use the MA amplifiers to power larger PRO loudspeakers and subwoofers and do the signal processing for them inside the ALC or PLP units. When using the ALC-3316, it acts not only as an amplified controller for the smaller speakers in the system, but also as a multichannel digital signal processor for the MA amps,” said Hales.

PMA Models

KEY FEATURES

• Installer Programmable Loudspeaker Processing
- Amp Channels can be Programmed for all PRO Loudspeakers via
SoundTools™ Software via USB

• Software and Hardware Input Routing
- Any Audio Input can be Routed to any Channel via Software Control
- Looping Balanced Audio Outputs for Routing between PMA Chassis

• Installer Selectable Acoustic Compensation Filters
      - Perforated Screen Compensation
      - Room Boundary Loading Compensation
      - 80Hz High-Pass Filter
      - Level Control
      - Parametric EQ Filters

• Ultra Low Noise Audio Converters: 123dB Dynamic Range
- >10dB Lower Noise than DPA Amplifiers

• Configurable Amplifier Channel Powers: 200W, 450W and 1000W
• Balanced Audio Inputs with Transformer Isolation*
• Up to 4 Channels and 4000W** in 2U Chassis
- 5.1 Bi-Amp System with Dual Subs in 6U Total Rack Space
- 7.1 Bi-Amp System with Dual Subs in 8U Total Rack Space

*Transformers optional
**230V Operation recommended

Combining high efficiency amplification with advanced DSP processing, the PMA (Programmable Modular Amplifier) series of products introduces operational and performance refinements in a highly adaptable design. Each PMA amplifier employs a common “digital mainframe” to which power modules of 200, 450, or 1000 watts can be mounted. Flexible by design, each mainframe is populated with either two or four channels of amplification based on the system’s needs and specific loudspeaker or subwoofer application. By allowing the mix of modules, the PMA amplifier provides efficient use of power, supplying the appropriate wattage level needed for each specific application (i.e. 1000 watt modules may be used to drive subwoofers, while 450 watt modules may be mixed with 200 watt units to bi-amplify the low-frequency and higher efficiency high-frequency drivers respectively).

As with all PRO products, high resolution digital signal processing (DSP) lays at the heart of the PMA design. High resolution filtering allows PRO engineers to attain levels of technical accuracy orders of magnitude beyond previous designs. When driven by the PMA, the output of each loudspeaker precisely mimics the input signal of its assigned channel, rendering performance tolerances previously only attainable at the pre-amp and power-amp level. The resulting resolution of detail and musical accuracy set a new standard for lifelike portrayal of music and video soundtracks alike.

In addition to its modular design, the PMA provides an installer programmable platform from which any channel of the amplifier can be assigned a proprietary DSP filter matching any driver in a multi-way PRO loudspeaker system. A mini-USB interface and customized Microsoft Windows utility make programming of a complete system quick and easy. For greater flexibility, looping outputs allow multiple PMA chassis to be connected and share pre or post DSP processed signals. This is especially useful for installations employing multiple side channel loudspeakers, or where sophisticated multi-subwoofer configurations are used to address room modes.

Built on proven Class-D technology from Bang & Olufsen, each PMA amplifier operates efficiently, providing generous power while producing little heat. A balanced design, all connections are made via transformer isolated (optional) XLR inputs, minimizing ground-loop hum and buzz problems. In addition, each amp employs world class A-D and D-A converters with native dynamic range of 123dB!