Power amplifier technology has come a long way from the 90-pound, seven-rack space behemoths that pulled a ton of AC power to deliver a measly 300 watts of audio output. Powersoft, an Italian-based company manufactures amplifiers that effortlessly deliver 1,000 watts (or more) per channel from a 1U device with built-in DSP and extensive speaker management processing. Targeted toward the live-sound industry, Powersoft amplifiers have appeared worldwide on major concert tours.
Small But Powerful
Powersoft recently introduced its T-Series of compact high-performance amplifiers. Targeted toward rental and touring companies who deploy small and medium size systems. Available in 2- and 4-channel versions, these single rack space units offer cost-effective, high-quality performance with extensive on-board loudspeaker DSP processing. Output power ranges from 750 to 3,000 watts per channel and when in bridged mode, can offer up to 6,000 watts of audio power.
Along with balanced analog audio inputs the T-Series provides both AES3 and Dante digital inputs. For Dante and network, each amplifier has dual Ethercon connectors and a built-in network switch so that multiple units can be daisy-chained on the network. Control signals and Dante audio can be distributed to many amplifiers without the need for external network switches or splitters. IP addresses can be statically assigned or configured automatically from a DHCP router allowing for quick and easy network setup. For AES3 signals, dedicated XLR connectors are provided.
Mean Green Machine
As part of the company’s commitment to their “green” initiative, internal AC power management is a hallmark of Powersoft amplifiers. Their high peak voltage design allows the amplifier to deliver high SPLs to single 8- or 16-ohm speakers, while power sharing optimizes the amplifier’s AC power consumption when used with bi-amped loudspeakers or when driving subwoofers and passive top boxes. The amplifiers monitor actual speaker line impedance and offer an Active Damping Control for cable compensation. All outputs are fully protected, and each T-Series model offers extensive power limiting protection (RMS, Peak, Clip and Current).
Welcome to the Network
When used with Powersoft’s Armonia+ control software, all functions and DSP processing in the T-Series can be configured, controlled and monitored via the network. An extensive database of DSP configuration settings for popular speaker models is available in the Armonia+ application and the database is continuously updated as new speaker products are introduced. Offering real-time system configuration and control, the software features a graphical layout “Design” window for visual display of the amp and speaker system configuration. The “Configuration” and “Tune” windows are used to select speaker system types, link speakers to amplifier channels and configure amplifier settings including input levels, delay, EQ curves and routing. Finally, the “Show” window offers real time indication of key operating parameters. Speaker/amp configuration data can be saved as presets and pushed to the amplifiers via the network or loaded using a USB thumb drive. Within the UI, an “Operator View” allows remote access to preselected amplifier functions via a browser-based Web app. For room tuning, the Armonia+ software also integrates with Smaart audio and acoustical measurement software.
When not connected to Armonia+, the amp’s front panel display and controls can be used to call up preloaded presets, set each channel’s gain, mute and delay without the need for a computer. This is a real convenience for rental companies looking to use standardized amp racks with different speaker systems. Simply connect the input source and speakers, call up the preset via the front panel and you are good to go. If desired, the controls can also be locked off to prevent unauthorized tampering.
Load and Go
I received T-602 (2-channel) and T-604 (4-channel) units for evaluation, along with download instructions for the Armonia+ software. I downloaded the software and installed it with no issues. The local Powersoft rep gave me a short tutorial on using the software and left me to explore on my own.
I unpacked the amplifiers and set them up in my shop. Right away, I noticed the attention to detail Powersoft puts into its product. The 16.5-pound amps feel sturdy and well thought out. One thing that caught my eye was the robust stainless-steel rack ears that extended the length of the chassis for front and rear rack mounting. Unlike some wimpy steel rack mounts, I don’t think these are going anywhere, although Powersoft does recommend supporting the units from front and rear.
The stylized front panel has a display, illuminated soft touch buttons for configuration and control, a USB port and the front ventilation ports. The T-series use variable-speed DC fans controlled by heat sink mounted sensors. Two small torque-head screws on the front panel access filters that prevent dust from getting into the amplifier. A single air exit port is on the rear panel.
Multiple T-series amplifiers can be stacked on top of each other in a rack without overheating issues. Should the amplifier’s internal temperature become extreme, protection circuits limit output power to levels that can operate in the ambient conditions.
On the well-labeled rear panel are the analog inputs, AES3 digital ins, network/Dante in/out ports, exhaust vent and the AC connector. Designed for worldwide operation, the T-series operate on 90 – 254 VAC. A heavy-duty 20A IEC connector is used, and a wire “keeper” is provided to secure the cable in place.
Analog inputs are on XLRs and two-channel models offer a convenient loop-thru link out. Dante/network connections use locking Ethercons and the AES3 XLRs also have a link out. Outputs are Neutrik 4-pole Speakons. Four-channel models route outputs 1&2 on one connector and 3&4 on a second, while two-channel models put its outs on both connectors.
You Are In Control
The bright front panel OLED is easy to read. On each side of the display are four illuminated buttons. They light up according to what is happening on the display. By design, pushing an unlit button does nothing. Buttons on the far left let users scroll through the front panel settings. If the amplifier is under control by the Armonia+ software, front panel functions are automatically locked out, but you still can scroll through and see the active settings.
With the amplifiers set up and connected to my shop’s network, I routed the local shop network port to the T-602 and the second network port to link to the T-604. I fired up Armonia+ on my Wi-Fi connected laptop and used a “Match” window to locate the two amplifiers. With drag and drop, I moved the amplifier icons to the design window and proceeded to configure some speakers. Using the “Add” window, I picked some speakers (a sub, top and two bi-amped monitor boxes) from the database and linked them to amplifier channels. As I linked them, the speaker model and section (LF or HF) appeared on the amplifier’s display and the DSP was set properly for the selections. I then saved the presets and using the preset manager function sent the data to the amplifiers via the network. I picked a couple other configurations and repeated the process using Armonia+. I then disconnected the computer and proceeded to use the front panel presets to change entire system configurations between my two presets… quick and easy.
Using my basic speaker/amp combinations, I played a variety of music and program material through the system. The audio was very clean and detailed. I felt that the T-Series amplifiers breathed some fresh new life into my somewhat older speakers.
And in the End
With the T-series, Powersoft is targeting the mid-size rental company looking for flexibility and performance in a cost-effective form factor. The extensive onboard DSP, combined with easy-to-use Armonia+ software with its database of popular speakers allows for quick and painless configuration for a wide range of scenarios. Plus, the intuitive front-panel controls make it easy to provide a standard amplifier/rack package that can quickly go from one rig to another. Finally, the build quality, attention to design detail and audio performance make the T-Series amplifiers an ideal choice for many applications.
Compact, Powerful, Versatile
Powersoft’s T-Series models combine high-output, high-performance loudspeaker processing in a flexible single rackspace package. When used with Powersoft’s Armonia+ control software, all functions and DSP processing in the T-Series can be configured, controlled and monitored via the network. When not connected to Armonia+, the front panel controls can call up presets and set each channel’s gain, mute and delay.
Powersoft T-Series
PROS
- Armonia software has extensive speaker database
- Front-panel user presents are fast and convenient
- Excellent audio quality
- Solid, rugged construction
CONS
- Limited documentation supplied with product
STATS
T602
- Channels: 2
- Power/Ch@4 ohms: 2,500W
- Power/Ch@8 ohms: 1,300W
- Bridged: 6,000W (4 ohms)
- Bridged: 5,000W (8 ohms)
- Price: $3,280
T604
- Channels: 4
- Power/ch@4 ohms: 1,500W
- Power/ch@8 ohms: 1,250W
- Price: $3,910
More Info: www.powersoft-audio.com
Steve Savanyu operates Buford T. Hedgehog Productions, an independent sound company in Northeast Ohio.
