PowerMatch PM8500N configurable power amplifier

PowerMatch PM8500N configurable power amplifier

PM8500N | PowerMatch
TECHNICAL INFO
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The Bose Professional PowerMatch PM8500N configurable professional power amplifier provides concert-quality sound with a high level of scalability and configurability for fixed installation sound reinforcement systems. Ethernet-based networking enables configuration, control and monitoring, and an expansion slot supports input from optional digital audio accessory cards. The front-panel USB connection allows for direct configuration PC connection to a single amplifier. PowerMatch amplifiers utilize numerous Bose Professional technologies to deliver an unprecedented combination of performance, efficiency and ease of installation—all in a reliable, proprietary design.

FEATURES

  • QuadBridge Technology — Allows the 4 available channels to be configured as Mono, V-Bridge, I-Share or Quad mode, allowing the total available power of the amplifier to be allocated to one or more output channels. The amplifier is capable of driving both low impedance and 70/100V loudspeaker loads directly.

  • Bose Professional ControlSpace Designer software — PowerMatch amplifiers can be fully configured using ControlSpace Designer software via the front panel USB connection, or the rear panel Ethernet connection. Using ControlSpace Designer software you can access additional features including: Parametric EQ stages, load sweep of each output channel and auto standby. ControlSpace Designer software is also used to integrate network model PowerMatch amplifiers into larger control and monitoring systems comprised of Bose Professional ESP processors and CC control centers.

  • Auto-Standby/Auto-Wake function — When enabled, this function automatically enters/exits Standby Mode, allowing the system to consume less power.

  • Dual voltage and current feedback loop — Proprietary design combines Class-D efficiency with a unique current and voltage feedback loop circuit that continuously monitors and controls both the current and voltage delivered to the loudspeaker load. Independent of power level and load impedance, the amplifier consistently delivers the widest possible dynamic range, frequency response and lowest possible distortion.

  • PeakBank power supply — Regenerative 4-quadrant power supply enables higher power density while allowing the re-use of energy from reactive loads that is normally wasted in conventional Class-D designs. This highly efficient amplifier design delivers sustainable and repeatable low frequency response.

  • Fast-tracking power factor correction (PFC) — Efficiently manages the current drawn from the AC mains, allowing the amplifier to drive loudspeakers to maximum output longer without power fluctuation. PFC provides superior transient response and functions at peak burst power much longer than conventional Class-D amplifier designs to satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding program material.

Applications

Designed for a wide range of applications, including:

  • Auditoriums
  • Performing arts venues
  • Theaters
  • Houses of worship
  • Arenas
  • Hospitality venues

SPECS

Technical Specification

AMPLIFICATION

  • Channel Separation (Crosstalk)

  • > 65 dB, adjacent channels at 1 kHz

  • Gain, High-Impedance

  • 42 dB

  • Gain, Low-Impedance

  • 36 dB, Mono mode / 42 dB, V-Bridge mode / 36 dB, I-Share mode / 42 dB, Quad mode

  • Maximum Peak Power, Symmetrical

  • 1000 W

  • SNR

  • > 102 dB (1 dB below rated power, A-weighted)

  • Frequency Response

  • 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB) at 1 W

  • Number of Channels

  • 8

  • Power Class

  • Class D

  • Rated Power, Symmetrical

  • 450 W per channel at 2 Ω / 500 W per channel at 4 Ω / 300 W per channel at 8 Ω

  • THD+N

  • < 0.4% at 1 W (20 Hz – 20 kHz)

AUDIO INPUTS, ANALOG

  • Input Channels

  • 8 balanced, line

  • Connectors

  • (8) 3-pin Euroblock

  • Input Impedance

  • > 100 kΩ

  • Maximum Input Level

  • 24 dBu at 24 dBu sensitivity

  • Sensitivity

  • 0 dBu, +4 dBu, +12 dBu, +24 dBu, selectable

AUDIO INPUTS/OUTPUTS, DIGITAL

  • Channels

  • Expansion card-dependent

  • Connectors

  • Expansion card-dependent

AUDIO OUTPUTS, ANALOG

  • Channels

  • 2–8, configurable

  • Connectors

  • (2) 8-pin Euroblock

COMPLIANCE

  • EMC

  • This Product meets the immunity requirements for the E2 class EN55103-2 directive.

ELECTRICAL

  • Current Draw, Idle

  • 0.3 A (standby) or 1.3 A (awake) at 120 VAC, 60 Hz / 0.1 A (standby) or 0.5 A (awake) at 230 VAC, 50 Hz

  • Current Draw, Inrush

  • 15.4 A at 230 VAC, 50 Hz

  • Mains Connector

  • IEC 60320-C20 inlet

  • Mains Voltage

  • 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz

  • Protections

  • High temperature, DC, short circuit, high frequency, voltage limiter, current limiter, inrush current, mains circuit breaker

  • AC Power Consumption

  • 31 W standby (idle), 176 W awake (idle), 1789 W maximum

GENERAL

  • Software Applications

  • ControlSpace Designer 3.2 or later (Windows)

  • Computer Interface Connection

  • USB Type-B, RJ-45 (Ethernet, 100 Mbps)

  • Notification Outputs

  • (1) 3-pin Euroblock

INDICATORS AND CONTROLS

  • Controls, Front Panel

  • (1) navigation soft key, (5) menu soft keys, (1) scroll/select knob (rotary/push)

  • Controls, Rear Panel

  • POWER SWITCH – ON/OFF AC power switch

  • LED Status Indicators

  • (1) input signal LED, (1) input clip LED, (1) output limit LED, (1) fault LED

INTEGRATED DSP

  • Delay

  • 3 s

  • Equalization

  • Input: 5-band parametric EQ (±20 dB), notch, shelving, high-pass, low-pass / array (ArenaMatch, RoomMatch) / band-pass crossover / loudspeaker: 9-band parametric EQ (±20 dB), notch, shelving

  • Crossover Types

  • Butterworth, Bessel, or Linkwitz-Riley, up to 48 dB/octave

  • A/D and D/A Converters

  • 48 kHz / 24-bit

  • Audio Latency

  • < 0.95 ms, analog input to analog output

  • DSP-Enabled

  • Yes

  • Limiters

  • Peak voltage, RMS voltage

  • Presets

  • Bose Professional loudspeaker presets

  • Processing Functions

  • Input EQ, array EQ, loudspeaker EQ, peak voltage limiter, RMS voltage limiter, delay, band-pass, matrix mixer

PHYSICAL

  • Colors

  • Black

  • Cooling System

  • Microprocessor-controlled, variable-speed fans, front to rear airflow

  • Suspension/Mounting

  • Rack-mounting

  • Operating Temperature Range

  • 0 °C to 40 °C (32 °F to 104 °F)

  • Product Dimensions (H×W×D)

  • 3.5 in × 19.0 in × 20.7 in (88 mm × 483 mm × 525 mm)

  • Net Weight

  • 28.4 lb (12.9 kg)

  • Rack Spaces

  • 2

  • Shipping Weight

  • 34.5 lb (15.7 kg)

Mechanical Diagrams

mechanical diagram front
front-view
mechanical diagram back
rear-view
mechanical diagram right view
right-view

Product codes

  • 343546-1110
  • 120V US
  • 343546-4110
  • 230V EU
  • 343546-2110
  • 230V AU
  • 343546-5110
  • 230V UK
  • 343546-3110
  • 100V JP

Warranty Period

  • 5 years

Included in Packaging

  • (2) 8-pin Euroblock connectors

  • (4) shorting jumpers

  • (9) cable ties

  • (1) installation guide

  • (9) 3-pin Euroblock connectors

  • (1) IEC power cord

  • (1) PowerMatch PM8500N

DOWNLOADS

Technical Information
User Documentation
Design Tools
Mechanical Files
Third-Party Integration
Product Images
Latest Software

ACCESSORIES

Optional Accessories

PowerMatch Dante network card
PowerMatch Dante network card
PowerMatch AmpLink 24-channel input card
PowerMatch AmpLink 24-channel input card

FAQs

+ What are PowerMatch amplifiers?

PowerMatch amplifiers are configurable professional multichannel power amplifiers. Four main models, each available in a network version, offer differing channel and power options to suit the needs of most installed-sound applications.

+ What models are available in the PowerMatch amplifier line?

The model number of the PowerMatch amplifier refers to the number of amplifier channels together with the maximum power available to each channel (referenced at 4 Ω, all channels driven). There are three models of amplifiers:

PM8500N (8 channel, 4 kW, 500 W/ch)
PM8250N (8 channel, 2 kW, 250 W/ch)
PM4500N (4 channel, 2 kW, 500 W/ch)

+ What is the maximum rated continuous power output for each PowerMatch amplifier model?

The PM8500N is capable of 4,000 watts of power, 2,000 watts for the PM8250N and PM4500N models.

+ What types of loudspeaker loads can PowerMatch amplifiers drive?

Each PowerMatch amplifier model has the capability to drive both low impedance (2 – 8 Ω) and high impedance (70/100V) loudspeaker loads.

+ Do I need a transformer to drive constant-voltage (70/100V) loudspeaker lines?

No. PowerMatch amplifiers can directly drive constant voltage loads without the use of external transformers.

+ Can I drive 70/100V loudspeaker lines from a single amplifier channel?

Ideally, 70/100V loads should be driven from channels set to V-Bridge or Quad modes to enable selectable 71 Vrms and 100 Vrms output levels. However, loudspeakers can be driven with minor tradeoffs using a single channel which provides 50 Vrms (using Mono mode). Download the document Using MONO Mode (single channel) to Drive High Impedance Loudspeaker Loads.

+ What is QuadBridgeTM output technology?

The QuadBridge output accommodates both low and high impedance loudspeaker loads and the ability to combine output power on each output connector. For example, on the PM8500 amplifier, a single output block can be configured for Mono (500 W × 4), V-Bridge (1000 W × 2), I-Share (1000 W × 2) or Quad (2000 W × 1).

+ What is I-Share?

I-Share output configuration mode combines two amplifier channels to deliver increased current output. This operating mode is particularly useful for powering subwoofers and 2 Ω loads.

+ What is dual voltage and current feedback loop, and what is the benefit?

The dual voltage and current feedback loop continuously monitors and controls both the current and voltage of each output channel. It prevents the AC mains from being overdrawn, and combines the sound quality and reliability of the best Class-AB designs with Class-D efficiency. It precisely controls each output to deliver optimal frequency response while minimizing distortion, regardless of the output level and loudspeaker load.

+ Why is the transformer used in PowerMatch amplifiers much smaller than conventional transformers and why doesn't it have copper windings?

Adapted from the power supply industry, the design of the Bose Professional Planar magnetics transformer is such that the windings are integrated with the highly repeatable and reliable circuit board manufacturing process. This offers increased reliability and efficiency from a smaller design than possible from larger conventional transformers.

+ How does the PM8500 amplifier get 4 kW rated power out of a 120V, 20 amp AC mains?

Although seemingly counterintuitive to Ohm’s law, the unique PeakBank power supply performs as a regenerative four-quadrant power supply with fast tracking Power Factor Correction (FPC) to continuously deliver 4000 watts using typical source material. This operation allows the PM8500 amplifier to deliver a long duration of maximum power at all output channels from a standard outlet without amplifier shutdown or disturbing fuses and breakers on the AC mains feed.

+ What functions can be performed from the front of the amplifier?

The front panel LCD screen and controls allow access to a subset of amplifier settings, best for simple system configuration, in-rack adjustments and fault diagnostics. A front panel lock combination is available to disable front panel access to unauthorized users.

+ How is the onboard DSP used?

All PowerMatch amplifiers feature an integrated loudspeaker processor which enables a high level of control over each loudspeaker connected. This capability is appropriate for use with most professional loudspeakers. When using Bose Professional loudspeakers, factory presets allow for fast, precise recall of band pass, parametric EQ and limiter settings. Additional settings allow for non-Bose Professional loudspeaker EQ design, input channel matrix mixing and EQ, array EQ and delay. When using PM8500 and PM4500 PowerMatch amplifiers, RoomMatch loudspeakers connect and configure easily with complementary output power ratings, channel options and additional loudspeaker processing support.

+ Can I assign separate signal processing to each individual channel?

Yes. PowerMatch amplifiers include built in loudspeaker DSP, allowing users to control signal processing functions between all inputs and all amplifier outputs in the PowerMatch amplifier line. ControlSpace Designer software provides access to all DSP functions within the PowerMatch amplifier, while a subset of functions are accessible via the front panel interface of the PowerMatch amplifier

+ Can I route or matrix inputs to different outputs?

Yes, each amplifier input, whether from the analog connectors or using an optional digital expansion card, can be routed and mixed to any of the amplifier output channels.

+ Do PowerMatch amplifiers have fault condition reporting?

es. PowerMatch amplifiers internally monitor for dozens of fault conditions. If loudspeaker, line voltage or amplifier faults occur, they are logged and stored in the amplifier for access from the front panel or when using the ControlSpace Designer software. Additionally, the amplifier has a fault-triggered dry contact closure connector (NC/NO) and network models can broadcast and report faults using Serial over Ethernet. Full detail on faults can be found in the Installation and Safety Guide and the ControlSpace Designer software help file.

+ Do PowerMatch amplifiers offer tools to measure system health?

Yes. PowerMatch amplifiers can be monitored directly using the USB or the Ethernet port (network versions only) where full system status can be monitored in real time using ControlSpace Designer software. For system benchmarking and troubleshooting, the amplifier can measure and store the load impedance of each output where it can be used for future comparisons to determine if the system is operating as expected.

+ What is Auto-Standby / Auto-Wake and how do I access it?

Auto-Standby is an energy saving feature that allows PowerMatch amplifiers to automatically go into a lower power Standby Mode when an audio signal falls below a set threshold, and the amplifier will wake (Auto-Wake) when audio is above the threshold. All parameters including enable/disable, time and audio detection levels are adjustable from within ControlSpace Designer software. This function is disabled by default.

+ Is it possible to monitor more than one amplifier?

Yes, but only PowerMatch amplifier models that are network (N) versions can provide Ethernet connectivity for network control and monitoring.

+ Can I use ControlSpace DesignerTM software to set up a PowerMatch amplifier?

Yes, all PowerMatch amplifiers feature a USB port, or an Ethernet connection for setup via ControlSpace Designer software.

+ What is the Digital Expansion Slot on the rear of the amplifier used for?

The Digital Expansion Slot is used with optional digital audio accessory cards. Accessory cards allow the amplifier to receive digital audio directly to the amplifier. Support for audio over Ethernet network cards is intended for this slot. See Expansion Cards for available cards.

+ How can I prevent someone else making changes to my settings?

PowerMatch amplifiers come with a password control feature that helps prevent any unwanted changes to your settings. Additional options for saving/maintaining changes are available when using the ControlSpace Designer software.

+ Can I set up the amplifier from a network?

Yes, network connectivity is available on all amplifiers.

+ What does the network connection offer?

PowerMatch amplifiers use a rear-panel RJ45 connector for Ethernet configuration, control, and monitoring using ControlSpace Designer software. ControlSpace CC-64 control centers can be connected via a network switch or directly to these models for remote control capability. Additionally, third party control systems can interface with these models using Serial over Ethernet.

+ Do I have to use a crossover cable when connecting the amplifier directly to a PC with the Ethernet connection?

Crossover cables are not required when using the RJ45 connector directly to a PC. Standard network patch cables can be used due to the built-in auto-MDIX function which automatically detects the cable type and establishes a link. Network settings on the PC will have to be set to the appropriate subnet for the computer to detect and communicate with the amplifier. See ControlSpace Designer software help file for more information.

+ Are there any considerations for rack-mounting PowerMatch amplifiers?

Each PowerMatch amplifier model requires an EIA-310 standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) rack mount width opening and 2RU height. A minimum 21-inch (53.3 cm) mounting depth is required from the front rack rail.

 
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