Powersoft K3 DSP+AESOP 2-Channel High Performance Power Amplifier

The most versatile model due to an attractive mix of features, size and output power, making the K3 an outstanding value. It is built on same technologies as every other K Series model, and indeed, the K3 produces the same great sound quality, no matter what type of loudspeaker it is connected to.

In use worldwide by leading touring and event sound companies, K Series is preferred among the top ranking system designers, sound engineers, and system techs on the road for making their lives easier, giving them reliable premier-grade power and headroom in the smallest possible package size.

Fully digitally controlled and with a serial PC communication port as standard, the K3 is also available with KDSP board and KAESOP Ethernet/AES3 interface: the K3 DSP+AESOP amounts to a fully integrated, highly sophisticated yet easy to use power source including state-of-the-art sound shaping and system management capabilities, remotely controllable via Powersoft's ArmoniaPlus (Interface available for MediaMatrix, Crestron, AMX, Q-SYS control and monitoring systems).

While safe and stable with 2 Ohm loads like all K Series models, the K3 DSP+AESOP is optimized for 4 Ohm loudspeakers. Built on the same unique Powersoft technologies as its much more powerful siblings, it also occupies only a single space in a 19" rack, yet at even less depth, and weighing as little as 8 kg/17.7 lb.

A fully integrated state-of-the-art DSPyields extensive system management functionality. IIR/FIR filters, safety features like TruePower limiting and LiveImpedance, as well as the convenient Active DampingControl are intuitively manageable with the free PC software Armonia Pro Audio Suite.

The AESOP interface provides four standard Ethernet ports, adding hub functionality for two AES3 digital audio streams equivalent to 4 analog signal channels over the same RJ45, allowing for a redundant ring architecture too.

All features added up, plus versatility and usability along with the sonic performance taken into account, the K3 DSP+AESOP represents a highly attractive mix and an exceptionally great value for almost any sound professional, no matter what type of loudspeaker it is connected to. So, it must not surprise that the K3 is one of the best selling amplifier models in the entire Powersoft range.

Features

Power supply
• Advanced switch-mode worldwide operating power supply technology for high performance and compact size
• Power Factor Correction PFC for extremely low mains consumption and extremely wide mains operating range
• Low Inrush Limiting reduces AC inrush current, removing the need for expensive power sequencers

Protections
Fully protected circuit design with:

• Ac protection: shut down power supply when AC mains voltage is outside operating range
• Clip limiter: prevents severely clipped waveforms from reaching loudspeakers, while still maintaining full peak power output
• DC protection: protects against infrasonic signal at the outputs
• VHF protections: protects the loudspeakers against non audible, strong, non musical high frequency signals
• Short circuit protection: protects the amplifier from short circuit or other stressful events for the output circuits with automatic protection reset
• Long term limiter: protects the loudspeaker against steady long term rms (non audio) signals reducing maximum output
• Thermal protection: output stages operating temperature up to 80 Degree C (176 Degree F)
• Temperature controlled continuous variable speed fan, front to back airflow
• Temperature forecast with LCD traced historical behaviour

General
• Fixed frequency switchmode output stage for high grade sound accuracy
• Compact size - all models only 1 RU for reduced rack cost and space
• Light weight - for easier racking and shipping: 8 - 12 kg (17.6 - 26.5 lbs) according to configuration
• Combo XLR/6.3mm jack Neutrik input connectors with link capability
• AES3 digital input

Settings
• LCD matrix interactive display
• Comprehensive-user friendly front panel display menu
• Built-in defeatable clip limiters for each channel
• Digital gain-attenuator control
• Defeatable gate selection for each channel
• User selectable gain/sensitivity
• User selectable maximum output power for each channel
• User selectable maximum mains current draw
• Lockable set-up by user selectable access key code
• Built in remote control via the RS-485 interface provides full diagnostic, operational setting and system monitoring

Monitoring
• Hardware monitor available for fast local diagnostic
• Load impedance measurement / display for each channel
• Output power measurements / display for each channel
• Mains voltage and current measurements / display
• Downloadable log file of functional fault events with time related trace
• Smart Card settings, parameters and upgrades functionality

Digital Signal Processing
• Analog Devices SHARC DSP architecture
• AD/DA converter: dual 24bit @ 96 kHz Tandem architecture, 127 dB dynamic range, per channel
• Input/output independent equalizers per channel providing PEQ, raised cosine, shelving IIR filters as well as custom output FIR filters
• Delay up to 1 s for time alignment
• Active DampingControl for cable compensation
• Power limiter (TruePower, RMS voltage, RMS current) + Peak Limiter

Remote management
• Control and monitoring through ArmoniaPlus
• Interface available for MediaMatrix, Crestron, AMXcontrol, Q-SYS and monitoring systems

Legendary Powersoft efficiency
• Unequaled Class D design with fixed switching frequency
• Universal switch mode power supply with PFC (Power Factor Correction)
• Space and weight saving: only one rack space (1 RU) and 8 kg/17.7 lb
• Green Audio Power: more amplifier output power from the AC mains power distribution due to >85% efficiency

Outstanding performance and operational safety
• Excellent sonic quality by design, including amp clip limiters and patented ripple cancellation network
• Proven reliability, yet downloadable log file of all functional fault events with time-related trace
• Numerous amp/system/venue parameters can be configured, locked, and monitored; i.e. AC mains voltage/current draw to protect from breaker tripping

Highly integrated
• Top-grade DSP with high dynamic range and extensive feature set
• Separate input/output EQ's with numerous filters of various types up to 48 dB/oct (IIR), linear phase (FIR), and hybrid (FIR+IIR)
• Sophisticated limiter system comprising peak, RMS voltage, RMS current, and TruePower limiting
• Speaker wire compensation with Active DampingControl
• LiveImpedance load monitoring with regular musical signal

Plug & play communication and redundancy for control and digital audio
• Fully digitally controlled amplifier providing feedback of all status information
• 4-port AESOP Ethernet/AES3 interface allowing daisy-chaining and redundant ring architecture
• Fully manageable via Armonia Pro Audio Suite software, intuitive system setup and maintenance, control and monitoring
• AES3 digital audio distribution over Cat-5e cable: two streams equaling four analog channels, low latency, glitchless fallback to analog backup signal

Practically versatile
• Mono-bridgeable amplifier channels; switch for linking analog signal inputs
• AC inrush current limiting; channel output voltage limiting
• Digital gain attenuator for gain/sensitivity selection

Front panel interactive LCD display for local access and configuration

Front panel SmartCard reader/writer for firmware updates and preset storage

Front-to-rear airflow cooling with variable-speed fan, temperature controlled

Full protection circuitry: over/under AC voltage; troublesome signals (clipping, VHF, long-term RMS); DC; thermal; short circuit; mute at power on/off