THREE NEW HARMAN PRODUCTS

At InfoComm today Harman introduced the new Crown Audio XLC series of power amplifiers and dbx’s release of the AFS2 (Advance Feedback Suppression Processor).

Harman’s Crown Audio today announced the introduction of its XLC Series XLC2800 and XLC2500 Power Amplifiers, two cost-effective 2-channel models that offer a host of useful features for installed sound applications. The new amplifiers incorporate proprietary DriveCore technology for high efficiency with lighter weight and are currently on exhibit at InfoComm 2014.

Both amplifiers can operate into impedances from 8 ohms to 2 ohms using stereo, parallel or bridged mono outputs, which are powered at 775W and 500W per channel respectively (at 4 ohms; 2400W and 1550W into 4 ohms in bridged mode), both are lightweight and measure only 2U rack spaces high.

Both models feature Harman’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip, which combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions – yet is about the size of a postage stamp. DriveCore and other exclusive Crown Class D amplifier topologies significantly reduce the amplifiers’ size/weight and power consumption requirements while yielding much more energy-efficient operation.

“Our new XLC Series amplifiers provide a cost-effective solution for restaurants, bars, stores, businesses and other establishments that don’t require the high power output and networking connectivity of our other amplifier lines, yet still need a top-quality amplifier that’s totally reliable and delivers outstanding sound quality,” said Daniel Sanez, Business Segment Manager, Crown Audio.

Both units feature feature Power, Signal, Clip & Fault indicators and limited front panel control. The series is contractor friendly (input/output connectors) with support for parallel connections to multiple speakers and feature rear-panel volume controls for each channel.

The XLC2800 and XLC2500 Power Amplifiers are available immediately.

AFS2

Likewise, the dbx arm of Harman had new items to introduce, with the announcement today of its AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor, which is designed to completely eliminate feedback from a PA system.

The AFS2 is a successor of the popular AFS224 and offers a host of upgraded features including a one-button Wizard auto-setup function (which automates key setup parameters), a completely re-designed DSP module, a full LCD display and 24 LED meters per channel for setup and monitoring.

The AFS2’s all-new DSP module provides up to 24 programmable filters per channel with filter Qs up to 1/80 of an octave and offers application-specific filter types including Speech and Music Low, Medium and High, along with front face selectable options including Live and Fixed (installed sound) filter modes, selectable filter lift times, live filter lift and more. It includes XLR and TRS inputs and outputs, can be used in either stereo or dual independent channels and also includes a USB jack (for firmware updates).

“Getting rid of feedback can be one of the most difficult and insidious things to deal with when setting up a PA system, especially for bands and performers who have to carry their own PA and may be musicians first and sound engineers second,” said Jason Kunz, Market Manager, Portable PA and Recording & Broadcast at Harman Signal Processing. “The AFS2 is simple to use, yet powerful and flexible enough for elaborate large-scale live sound systems and fixed installations.”

The dbx AFS2 Advanced Feedback Suppression Processor will be available in July 2014 at a suggested retail price of $499.

Excerpts from Press Release