News
Yamaha adds X appeal to its power amplifier range
Andy Wood Sep 9 2007, 10:00am
New models to be unveiled at PLASA with onboard DSP and networking options
Yamaha has announced that it will further extend its line-up of power amplifiers with the introduction of the new flagship TXn series amplifiers at PLASA 07.
Following on from the Tn series launched at last year’s PLASA show, the new series builds on the sonic quality and reliable 2-ohm drive capability of its predecessors and adds further processing and networking performance features.
The three new high-power amplifiers; the TX4n rated at 2,200 watts, the TX5n rated at 2,500 watts, and the TX6n rated at 3,000 watts per channel into 2 ohms, all also offer an onboard proprietary DSP which incorporates a 24-bit 96-kHz DSP engine to deliver a wide range control and processing capabilities.
These include basic amplifier control and status monitoring, plus extensive speaker processing capabilities including low-pass and high-pass filters, low and high shelving filters, parametric EQ, all-pass filter, delay, compressor/limiter and a polarity inverter.
All models also feature both analog and direct digital inputs, with automatic failsafe redundancy switching between digital and analog inputs. DSP settings can be viewed and programmed via a large central LCD, backed up with an extensive set for status LEDs and a front-plate mute button.
Another new feature, and currently unique to the TXn series, is the ability to change the input configuration as required using optional plug-in Yamaha mini-YGDAI interface cards. As such, by replacing the standard supplied AES/EBU I/O card, the amplifiers can be made fully compatible with CobraNet or EtherSound audio networks, as well as any other formats supported by mini-YGDAI interface cards.
However, even if the standard I/O interface is used, the built-in Ethernet port can be connected to a computer running Yamaha’s NetworkAmp Manager II software for comprehensive remote control and monitoring of individual amplifiers or groups in an intuitive user interface. The software runs on Windows- based computers, and requires no special drivers.
According to Yamaha, the decentralisation of the signal processing architecture by having onboard DSP capabilities on the amplifiers not only allows individual control/processing of amplifiers (and connected speakers), but also gives more versatility in system tuning, and allows access/control over the system from various locations, with more precise control/monitoring of parameters.
For example, attenuation may be adjusted in 0.1 dB increments, whereas conventional amplifiers are usually adjusted in single dB increments. The solution may also remove the need for external processors in many applications, thus cutting down rack space, cabling and power requirements.
Complying with European Norm safety standards, the safety circuitry also includes a fault output (GPI) which can provide a warning when the amplifier’s parameters exceeds a user-defined level; such as fluctuations in
power.
The amplifier also sends pilot tones to speakers to assure that there is nothing wrong with the signal chain and will alert users in case of a dead connection, or if a certain speaker driver is not responding or not functioning.
