WEBSTER, NEW YORK – APRIL 2009: Ashly Audio has expanded its NE (Network Enabled) Series of Ethernet-equipped products with three new two-channel power amplifiers that are designed to meet the needs of the performance installed sound and constant voltage markets. The ne800, ne1600 and ne2400 – respectively delivering 400W, 800W and 1200W per channel at four ohms – offer easy setup, control and monitoring using standard 10/100 Ethernet protocol and Ashly’s Protea NE software. They may optionally be factory-fitted with Protea DSP, an AES/EBU digital input module and enabled for CobraNet or EtherSound network audio.
As standard, the new NE Series two-channel amplifiers include balanced analog inputs accessed via XLR and Euroblock connectors with Speakon/Euroblock output connectors. Rear panel features include Ethernet access for Protea NE software control, DC voltage level control using an Ashly WR-1 wall-mount remote or equivalent, as well as remote power standby, plus switches for bridged mono mode, input sensitivity (26dB, 36dB or 1.4V) and an 80Hz high-pass filter. Balanced analog aux outputs on XLR and Euroblock connectors provide buffered signals matching the inputs.
With the optional DSP module factory-fitted, and using PC-based Protea NE software, each amplifier input channel can be configured with DSP blocks that provide independent dynamics control, gain functions, graphic and/or parametric EQ, high and low-pass filters, time delay, metering and test signal generator. The same DSP functions, with the addition of a fast, automated crossover setup, may also be applied to the outputs. Any input may be assigned to drive any or all amplifier outputs via the software matrix mixer.
With the optional Protea DSP module fitted, any input source, including AES/EBU, CobraNet, or EtherSound (if optionally fitted), may be routed to the aux outputs to drive other power amplifiers. Additionally, DSP blocks may be independently configured for each aux output as well as for the two main amplifier channels.
Software functionality also includes the ability to copy input and output settings to other channels. Up to thirty-five presets/sub presets of global and individual channel parameters and DSP configurations can be stored within the amplifier, and can be recalled in real-time via Ethernet from a computer using Protea NE software.
The factory-installed AES/EBU input module option allows two channels of 48kHz or 96kHz digital audio to be transmitted over a single cable, providing a fully digital signal path all the way to the power amplifier
With the optional CobraNet module – a combination of software, hardware and network protocol – fitted with any NE two-channel amplifier, may be included in a networked digital audio distribution system.
ABOUT ASHLY AUDIO INC. With over a thirty-five year history, Ashly Audio Inc. is recognized as a world leader in designing and manufacturing quality signal processing equipment and power amplification for use in the commercial sound contracting and professional audio markets.
