PLM 12K44
The PLM 12K44 is the natural successor of the proven, road tested, and trusted Lab.gruppen touring foundation exemplified by the iconic PLM series, but with an additional new powerful feature set: the ability to rationalize power allocation between channels to optimize performance. Now packaged in an extended 4-in, 4-out configuration together with twice the processing power via the latest version 6.3 Lake Controller release, plus industry-standard Dante® networking, the PLM 12K44 sets the benchmark for Powered Loudspeaker Management Systems.
The PLM 12K44 combines four channels of extremely powerful amplification with unrivalled signal processing and audio management. At the core of the system concept is the total integration of all devices – including networking, audio I/O, signal processing, amplifiers, power supply and connected mains supply – allowing complete control and monitoring of the entire platform, resulting in unique operational benefits.
Rational Power Management (RPM)
On top of the outstanding performance users have come to expect from a PLM, the 12K44 also features Rational Power Management (RPM), a proprietary Lab.gruppen technology that provides designers and systems techs with unprecedented freedom to allocate the available output power of each amplifier channel for optimum performance with specific load conditions. For the first time, RPM provides true flexibility in allocating available power across the four output channels. Each channel of the PLM 12K44 may be tailored to meet the requirements of the connected load, and any power not used for that channel may be allocated for use on other channels.
RPM helps to avoid amplifier over-specification, or bridging of adjacent channels in order to meet minimum demands on one power-hungry load, which would otherwise result in a loss of channel count. RPM technology also enables the user to minimize equipment costs, reduce rack space and improve long-term energy efficiency – all achievable without compromising sonic performance. Rational Power Management incorporates features that safeguard the defined power output of one or more specified channels. From within the CAFÉ software, it allows the desired power demand to be calculated for the different loads in several different ways. RPM then analyses the desired power in relation to the channel and device constraints and guides the system designer towards the most effective way of powering the PA.
Rational Power Management results in real-world savings, both immediate and long-term. In many cases, fewer amplifiers – or lower cost models – may be specified while still fulfilling all power requirements. It also allows better mains management, avoiding over-specification of mains distribution, cooling, and UPS (where required). Finally, the overall gains in efficiency in larger systems will minimize current consumption and reduce operation costs – a “green bonus” for the system owner.
The Power of Lake Processing
The PLM 12K44 features the legendary power of exclusive Lake Processing algorithms, incorporating four full-featured Lake modules with four discrete channels of audio throughput input to output. Audio signals are selectable from four channels of analog (with Iso-Float ground isolation), four channels via AES3 digital inputs and eight dual redundant Dante networked digital inputs. Input signals are individually selectable for each channel, with programmable failover to a lower prioritized input.
The full-featured, on-board Lake Processor includes group control with Raised Cosine MESA EQ asymmetric filters to match the responses of any loudspeaker system. LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters set the industry standard for loudspeaker protection and sonic transparency.
The included Lake Controller software provides a unified interface for control of Lake functions and for comprehensive monitoring of both amplifier status and connected loudspeaker loads. Optimized for a wireless tablet PC, Lake Controller is easy and intuitive to operate, with the “feel” of real-time analog faders and controls. Lake Controller also features seamless integration with third party, real-time sound system measurement, optimization, and control software packages. Users can measure spectrum and transfer function and adjust system EQ at the same time, using the same user interface.
Lake Processing offers classical crossovers (selectable up to 48 dB per octave) as well as linear-phase crossovers capable of slopes exceeding 180 dB per octave for greater control to limit lobing and off-axis cancellation.
CAFÉ for Green Credentials
CAFÉ (Configuring Amplifiers For the Environment) is a software suite that allows the PLM 12K44 to be easily configured and monitored in the most efficient manner possible.
In addition to providing comprehensive system surveillance and configuration of RPM and other amplifier features such as ISVPL and Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL), CAFÉ also includes valuable help to save the environment. In combination with the RPM configuration CAFÉ can accurately predict estimations of average mains current draw and generated heat, and utilizing the PLM+ Series’ innovative power supply technologies in combination with BEL the mains draw can be safeguarded to a predicted level. The end result is precise mains management and thermal control, which allows more accurate (rather than over-specified) provision of mains distribution, cabling and cooling. This technology suite reduces lifetime running costs and minimizes environmental impact. It also reduces demands on UPS systems.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
General Processing / Network: Lake / Dante Number of channels: 4 Total burst power all channels (share among channels with RP): 12000 W
Max output power all channels driven (*1) 2 ohms: 3000 W 2.67 ohms: 3000 W 4 ohms: 3000 W 8 ohms: 1900 W 16 ohms: 950 W Hi-Z 70 V: 3000 W Hi-Z 100 V: 3000 W
Max output power single channel (*1) 2.67 ohms: 5900 W 2 ohms: 4400 W 4 ohms: 4600 W 8 ohms: 2300 W 16 ohms: 1150 W Hi-Z 70 V: 3300 W Hi-Z 100 V: 4700 W
Limiters Adjustable Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Limiter (ISVPL): 17.8 - 194 V, step size 0.1 V Current Peak Limiter < 300 ms: 67 A peak Current Average Limiter (CAL) > 300 ms: 33 Arms MaxRMS (rms voltage limiter): Yes MaxPeak (peak voltage limiter): Yes
Amplifier output modules (all models, all channels) Peak output voltage: 194 V Max output current: 67 A Rational Power Management (RPM): Regardless of model, any channel has potential to deliver the max single channel output power Default voltage limitation (can be lifted with RPM configuration): 175 V Protection features: Current Average Limiter (CAL), Very High Frequency Protection (VHF), Direct Current Protection (DC), Short Circuit Protection, Current-Clip Limiter, Voltage Clip Limiter, Temperature protection
Measurement & Analysis Pilot tone generation and analysis: Yes Load impedance analysis: Yes Real Time Analyzer (RTA), 3rd party integration: Yes
Gain Amplifier gain: 22 - 44 dB, step size 0.1 dB Output attenuator: -Inf to 0 dB, step size 0.25 dB
Audio Performance (Amplifier platform with digital input) THD + N 20 Hz - 20 kHz for 1 W: < 0.05 % THD + N at 1 kHz and 1 dB below clipping: < 0.04 % Dynamic range: > 114 dB Channel separation (Crosstalk) at 1 kHz: > 70 dB Frequency response (1 W into 8 Ohm, 20 Hz - 20kHz): +/- 0.05 dB Internal Sample Rate / Data path: 48 kHz / 32 bit floating point Product propagation delay AES 96 kHz / analog input: 1.61 / 1.68 ms
Lake processing Loudspeaker processing: Up to 4 modules of Classic/linear-phase/FIR crossover, EQ, delay, LimiterMax™ - peak and RMS limiters System tuning: Group control with Raised Cosine™ MESA EG™ asymmetric filters Input redundancy / Matrix: Automatic 4 level input redundancy / 4 input mixers System integration: Comprehensive 3rd party protocol over UDP Ethernet
Dante Audio Network Dante I/O: 8x8 Network topology / redundancy: Flexible topology / Supports daisy-chained and Dual redundant networks Sample Rates / Transport: 48, 96 kHz / Uni+Multicast Network latency: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 ms
Analog Inputs Inputs: 4 high quality inputs with Iso-Float ground isolation Maximum input / digital reference: +26 dBu / +21 dBu Sampling rate / Resolution: 96 kHz / 24 bit Input impedance balanced / unbalanced: 20 k/ 10 kOhm THD+N (typical at 1 kHz unweighted): 0.00022 % THD+N (typical at 20 Hz and 20 kHz unweighted): 0.00033 %
AES Inputs Inputs: 4 AES inputs Supported sample rates / resolution: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz / up to 24 bits Sample rate conversion THD+N 20 Hz - 20 kHz unweighted: 0.00003 %
Back panel Interface Analog, 2-channel I/O (input + link): 4 x 3-pin XLR, electronically balanced AES / EBU / I/O (input + link): 2 x 3-pin XLR Output connectors: Neutrik speakON (1 x NLT8, 2 x NLT4) or 4 Binding Posts (pairs) Auto 10/100, Auto Uplink: 2 x RJ45 etherCON Control and monitoring interface: Via Ethernet for Lake Controller software, or DLM (the 3rd party protocol) Detachable mains cord: Neutrik PowerCon rated at 250V/32A Cooling: Three fans, front-rear airflow, temperature controlled speed
Device presets Local memory locations for the settings of the product: 100
Front-panel user interface Display: 2.5 inch, black / white, daylight readable LCD Fault/Warning/Limit/Clip indicators: RGB LEDs and detailed fault description on display Mute and soft function buttons: 8 provided Standby Power button: On/Standby Mute Enable button: Enables muting of outputs and inputs via soft-button keypad Meter button: Toggles through meter views Menu button: Provides a menu driven interface for full function front panel control Rotary Encoder: Yes Exit Button: Provides a “back” function
Mains Power Nominal voltage: 100-240 Volt AC 45-66 Hz Operating voltage: 70-265 V AC Mains wall plug: Selectable on order CEE 7/7 “Schuko” 230 V / 16 A, NEMA L5-30 “Twistlock” 125 V / 30 A, NEMA 6-20 250 V / 20 A
Power supply features Soft start / Inrush power: Yes/ Max 8 Ampere Power Factor Correction (PFC): 0.98 Regulated switch mode power supply (R.SMPS): Yes Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL): Configurable current threshold and breaker profile BEL max current threshold: 25 A Power Average Limiter (PAL): Yes Under Voltage Limiter (UVL): Yes Mains undervoltage and overvoltage protection and mains glitch tolerance: Yes
Dimensions - Weight - Finish Rack rail to rear panel: W: 483 mm (19"), H: 88 mm (2 U), D: 424 mm (16") Overall depth front-rear support: D: 498 mm (19.6") Weight: 16.5 kg (36 lbs) Finish: Black painted steel chassis with black painted steel / aluminum front
Approvals Approvals CE, ANSI / UL 60065 (ETL), CSA C22.2 NO. 60065, FCC, PSE, RCM, BIS India
Notes *1. Lab.gruppen burst power (1 kHz, 25 ms burst power @ 150 BPM, 12 dB Crest factor)
