High-quality audio significantly enhances the overall viewing or listening experience for users, a fact that should never be underestimated. Think about the transformative experience of watching a movie in a Dolby Cinema Theatre; it's like a cinematic epiphany that makes conventional theaters seem lacking. Knowledgeable integrators have the power to recreate this awakening for clients by delivering top-notch audio-visual systems in their homes. In the past, home theater quality was mainly judged based on the video display, while sound was often an afterthought. As technology advanced, viewers started expecting more from their audio experience, especially with content beyond major motion pictures. The gap between excellent video quality and subpar audio became apparent. Dolby Laboratories played a pivotal role in changing this landscape with innovations like Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos, in conjunction with Dolby Vision, has revolutionized both commercial and home cinema, offering an immersive audio experience that was previously unimaginable. Dolby's ingenuity doesn’t stop with movies; it extends to music as well. Imagine listening to iconic albums like Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon in Dolby Atmos, where the music envelops you in an atmospheric experience. These remixes enhance, not replace, the original versions, creating an unparalleled listening experience. Dolby has made professional-grade audio accessible to consumers. While the number of speakers in consumer setups might be fewer than in professional venues, the audio performance and accuracy remain unmatched. It's crucial for integrators to select equipment that meets client expectations, preserving the artist's intent and delivering magical experiences.
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At AudioControl, we are proud to announce that we have just been recognized in the CEPro 2023 Quest for Quality Awards! It is an honor to be included among the best of the best when it comes to offering innovative home audio solutions that define the industry.
The Architect Model P250EQ features high-power, stability into 2-Ohms and the superb sound quality of AudioControl’s legendary Made in USA Constant Power Mode amp design AudioControl has introduced the Architect Model P250EQ, a high-power 2-channel amplifier engineered with an emphasis on sound quality plus key features for the custom installation channel. The P250EQ only requires a 1U rack space yet delivers the performance and functionality of much larger solutions. The foundation of the AudioControl P250EQ is the company’s Constant Power Mode amplifier design that delivers clarity and balance into any loudspeaker. Output power is 250-Watts per channel into 8, 4 and 2-Ohm loads. The P250EQ’s Constant Power Mode amplifier platform is highlighted by an overbuilt power supply and advanced filter stage mated to robust output transistors capable of both high-current demand and rock-solid stability across the required range of load impedances. The P250EQ will extract every ounce of detail from all styles of music including the latest high-resolution digital content.
THREE PRESET EQ CURVES ONBOARD The AudioControl Architect Model P250EQ features three selectable EQ curves to ease installation and setup efficiency while delivering a tailored, premium solution for each zone. Integrators can choose from Flat, Bass Boost or Bass/Treble Boost curves that have been engineered to enhance the performance of commonly deployed architectural loudspeakers. FEATURES FOR THE CI CHANNEL The Architect Model P250EQ offers an impressive array of inputs designed to accommodate every application. The main audio inputs are RCA (stereo) along with both coax and optical digital inputs that are controlled by a priority switch selector. There are also multiple 4-conductor speaker-level output connectors for effortless termination that enable the P250EQ to drive up to 4 pairs of speakers. AudioControl’s SDS Priority Input Switching feature is accessible via a 3.5mm stereo input, facilitating the integration of smart doorbells, network-connected speakers and other devices that can pause/restart the entertainment content in selected zones as desired. The P250EQ features a signal-sensing circuit for auto-turn on/off when applicable. AudioControl has a 45-plus year history of creating award-winning products for integrators and backing them up with superior customer service as well as a 5-year warranty. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the P250EQ amplifier is yet another example of a best-in-class product from AudioControl. The AudioControl Architect Model P250EQ will be available July, 2022. New 70-volt Dual-Mode CM Series amplifiers leverage powerful technology first used for avionics and satellite applications AudioControl has continued their nearly 5-decade long legacy of best-in-class solutions by introducing a groundbreaking audio amplifier platform leveraging GaN (Gallium Nitride) semiconductors from GaN Systems. AudioControl engineers have created a circuit that establishes a new bar for power and sound quality, now available in the CM Series 4-channel, 3-channel, and 2-channel 70-volt Dual-Mode amplifiers. “I am so excited about the GaN amplifiers we have developed and the opportunities that CM Series amps represent for A/V integrators,” explained AudioControl President Alex Camara. “Our new Dual-Mode design effortlessly drives 70-volt speaker systems and standard 4/8-ohm speakers simultaneously, achieving bass clarity and definition far beyond the capability of traditional 70-volt solutions. CM Series Dual-Mode amplifiers also incorporate AudioControl’s award-winning DSP engine, enabling integrators to fine-tune each zone for optimized sound quality.” THE CHALLENGE
The AudioControl engineering team was tasked with elevating the performance standard for the 70-volt Dual-Mode audio amplifier category. 70-volt amplifiers are useful for driving many loudspeakers but have always suffered from performance limitations, often lacking clarity and reduced bass extension. Now, in burgeoning resimercial markets such as bars, restaurants, retail outlets, and corporate offices/boardrooms as well as large residential/outdoor entertainment projects, the sound quality of 70-volt amplifiers had to be elevated to satisfy discerning clients. THE SOLUTION — AUDIOCONTROL’S GAN-BASED AMPLIFIERS AudioControl CM Series amplifiers have set a new standard for power and sound quality—but how was this achieved? GaN (Gallium Nitride) is a semiconductor material that 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 engineers were 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. “The AudioControl GaN amplifier design is a great example of combining system engineering innovation with the newest offerings in power semiconductors,” said Jim Witham, CEO of GaN Systems. “Customers across the market spectrum are taking the lead in their industry by leveraging the many performance advantages of GaN.” ALWAYS THERE FOR INTEGRATORS WITH THE FINEST SOLUTIONS AVAILABLE AudioControl has a 45-plus year history of creating award-winning products for integrators and backing them up with superior customer service and a 5-year warranty. Engineered and manufactured in Seattle, WA, the GaN audio amplifier platform and CM Series 70-volt Dual-Mode amplifiers are further examples of a best-in-class, innovative product design from AudioControl. GaN-powered AudioControl CM Series amplifiers are available now. PLEASE VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AT THE 2022 ISE SHOW IN BARCELONA MAY 10-13, STAND 2Q400 ABOUT AUDIOCONTROL AudioControl is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial, and automotive markets since 1977. Based in Seattle, WA, AudioControl offers premium quality home theater and whole-house entertainment products, distributed audio amplifiers for commercial applications and a legacy of outstanding car audio processors, amplifiers and OEM interface solutions sold and installed worldwide by qualified professionals. For more information visit audiocontrol.com or contact AudioControl at +1 425-775-8461. AudioControl’s Award-Winning Dual-Mode Amplifier Design on Display at ISE 2022 in Barcelona7/28/2023 ISE attendees will experience the latest multi-zone entertainment solutions from AudioControl highlighted by the new CM Series 70-volt Dual-Mode amplifiers. CM Series amplifiers feature category-defining engineering and performance plus optional Dante® network connectivity along with the benefits of DSP control and channel matrixing capabilities AudioControl is now shipping three highly versatile CM Series amplifiers, winner of several prestigious awards for design, innovation and performance including the 2021 CEDIA Best New Hardware award. AudioControl will showcase their full lineup of multi-zone entertainment and cinema products at the 2022 ISE show in Barcelona at the Fira Barcelona – Gran Via from May 10th-13th, stand 2Q400. The AudioControl CM Series amplifiers utilize a highly sophisticated Constant Power Mode architecture featuring GaN (Gallium Nitride) semiconductors—a groundbreaking circuit engineered by AudioControl to deliver more output power, greater efficiency and superb sound quality—far surpassing the performance of conventional 70-volt solutions. CM Series amplifiers are the perfect complement to AudioControl’s best-in-class 4/8-Ohm Architect and Director Series amplifiers, engineered as the ultimate solution for professional integrators. “The performance we have been able to achieve from the CM Series 70-volt amplifier platform is nothing short of astonishing,” explained AudioControl CEO Alex Camara. “These amps have redefined the value proposition for integrators seeking to deliver best solutions across a vast range of projects. We are thrilled to be able to showcase these amplifiers to ISE attendees in Barcelona.” CM Series amplifiers feature optional Dante digital audio networking capability (Dante option available beginning Q1, 2022) along with the flexibility of both 70-volt and 4/8-Ohm (Dual-Mode) compatibility. These ultimate-performance amplifiers are ideally suited for commercial and residential A/V installations, delivering best-in-class audio performance, legendary build quality, channel matrixing and a powerful, intuitive DSP engine that is second to none. The features and performance of CM Series amplifiers enable integrators to precisely tailor the sound by zone to any environment—from Houses of Worship, Boardrooms, Hospitality, Collaboration Suites and more. CM Series amplifiers are compatible with popular smart home platforms such as Crestron, RTi and Control4, enabling control of Dante signal routing as well as volume up/down and power on/off by zone. There are three available channel configurations for the CM Series amplifiers:
A POWERFUL STORYEach CM Series amplifier utilizes a highly sophisticated Constant Power Mode architecture that delivers 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. CM Series amplifiers also deliver 1500-watts bridged in 100-volt mode and 1250-watts 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 analog inputs (two analog inputs can be set to accommodate a microphone) plus two digital audio inputs (coax and optical). 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.
AudioControl has a 40-plus year history of creating award-winning products for integrators and backing them up with superior customer service as well as a 5-year warranty. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, CM Series amplifiers are yet another example of a best-in-class product design from AudioControl. AudioControl CM Series amplifiers are available now. The optional Dante capability will become available Q2, 2022. PLEASE VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AT THE 2022 ISE SHOW IN BARCELONA MAY 10-13, STAND 2Q400 ABOUT AUDIOCONTROLAudioControl is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial, and automotive markets since 1977. Based in Seattle, WA, AudioControl offers premium quality home theater and whole-house entertainment products, distributed audio amplifiers for commercial applications and a legacy of outstanding car audio processors, amplifiers and OEM interface solutions sold and installed worldwide by qualified professionals. For more information visit audiocontrol.com or contact AudioControl at +1 425-775-8461 Engineered as the ultimate signal-extending solution for professional A/V installers, the BLX-1K provides superior analog audio-over-Ethernet performance up to 1000-feet AudioControl (audiocontrolpro.com) has introduced the BLX-1K bi-directional signal extender that sends and receives a fully-balanced, analog audio signal up to 1000-feet over standard Ethernet cable. Professional A/V installers often encounter projects that require long cable runs, and the BLX-1K has been engineered as a premium solution to efficiently address these challenges. “A/V professionals look to AudioControl for innovative solutions that enhance system performance while improving overall efficiency on the jobsite,” explained Chris Kane, VP of Sales & Marketing at AudioControl. “The BLX-1K delivers superb audio quality over long runs, overcoming a critical challenge for installers while retaining the exceptional clarity and detail customers demand.” HIGHEST QUALITY SOLUTION FOR LONG A/V RUNS
Manufactured to the highest standards by AudioControl, the BLX-1K provides professional A/V installers with a premium, bi-directional signal-extending solution that is ideal for projects with considerable distance between devices. Designed to be used in pairs at both ends of the signal path, each BLX-1K contains a 2-channel receive stage as well as a 2-channel transmit stage, enabling content to travel in both directions across a span of Ethernet cable. The BLX-1K comes equipped with an external power supply for easy connection and ultra-quiet performance. Delivering a stout output of nearly 8-Volts RMS, the BLX-1K rejects noise, providing a pure, crystal-clear audio signal over long Ethernet runs—the ultimate problem-solver for A/V installers. The AudioControl BLX-1K has a suggested selling price of $180 is now shipping to dealers. VISIT AUDIOCONTROL AT THE 2022 ISE BARCELONA, MAY 10-13 BOOTH 2Q400 ABOUT AUDIOCONTROL AudioControl is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative high-performance audio solutions for the residential, commercial, and automotive markets since 1977. Based in Seattle, WA, AudioControl offers premium quality home theater and whole-house entertainment products, distributed audio amplifiers for commercial applications and a legacy of outstanding car audio processors, amplifiers and OEM interface solutions sold and installed worldwide by qualified professionals. For more information visit audiocontrol.com or contact AudioControl at +1 425-775-8461 |