(June 13, 2024) Red-hot premium audio brand Theory Audio Design is launching a new DLC distributed loudspeaker controller platform. The platform has three new models, including the DLC-250.4d, DLC-1500.4d, and DLC-250.8, each designed for residential and commercial applications. Offering four and eight channels of intelligent power, full DSP matrix, and TCP/IP control through a wired connection or by on-board Wi-Fi access point, the top two models – DLC-250.4d and DLC-1500.4d – add Dante and AES67 audio-over-IP digital I/O compatibility.
We covered Theory Audio Design and Pro Audio Technology at last fall's CEDIA show, where we interviewed CEO and product designer Paul Hales following an enthralling demo session. Hales has injected both brands with interesting designs built around compression drivers – sound quality is off the charts, etched with sonic detail and a balanced audio attack. More recently, we featured news about Pro's forthcoming infrasonic subwoofer, the Pro ULFC-221, which we hope will be in Theory/Pro's demo room at CEDIA this coming fall. Until then, these latest releases added more caché to the brands' appeal.
The DLC-250.4d 4-channel Loudspeaker Controller is designed to be at the core of every Theory distributed audio system. With channel-pair power sharing of up to 250W, each DLC-250.4d offers the flexibility to power any system size. The ½ RU DLC-250.4d ships with a rack kit to allow mounting of one or two units in a single rack space. An optional surface mount kit is also available to hide the DLC-250.4d under a table or behind a TV.
The DLC-250.8 can hold court in surround and distributed audio systems where Dante and AES67 are not required but when more channels per chassis are desired. DLC-250.8 offers the same power per channel and power sharing capabilities as the DLC-250.4d with four additional channels (for a total of eight channels) in a 1U chassis.
The DLC-1500.4d 4-channel Distributed Loudspeaker Controller packs massive power into minimal rack space, offering a massive 3,000W from a 16-pound, 2U chassis. Designed for high-output Theory distributed or surround audio systems, the DLC-1500.4d can deliver 1,500W into 4 or 8 ohms from any channel pair or 800W into 2 or 4 ohms on all channels driven.
According to Hales, “The new generation of Theory DLC loudspeaker controllers offer all the advantages of their predecessors with the addition of audio over IP, an entirely new 8-channel model, and a cohesive new industrial design across the line." He continues, “Now with Dante and AES67 compatibility, even the most complex Theory distributed audio systems can be set up and deployed quickly and painlessly with no bulky analog audio cables required. And the system is bulletproof so when the job is complete the installer can move on without concerns about support calls or truck rolls.”
In hotels, education facilities, and corporate environments with multiple rooms of varying sizes, the DLC models offer complete flexibility regarding available power. The S/PDIF master/slave functionality allows multiple DLCs to be used to cover all these needs, and each loudspeaker controller only takes up two rack spaces maximum. House of Worship requires reliable, high-quality voice amplification while also covering a large distribution area with many specialized speakers. The DLC loudspeaker controllers are up for the challenge, providing high-quality amplification and superior speech intelligibility throughout large spaces.
For home cinema and surround sound systems, a single DLC-250.4d is perfect for 3.1 systems (or more when multiple amplifiers are used), a single DLC-250.8 can handle 7.1 systems, and the larger, more powerful DLC-1500.4d can handle large screen and professional loudspeakers and subwoofers without hesitation. The DLC platform is safety and EMC-certified and compliant with ErP and EnergyStar*.
To connect with a Theory representative or to learn more about all three DLC loudspeaker controllers, visit theoryaudiodesign.com.
Related Reading:
- Pro Audio Technology Teases Its New PRO ULFC-221is Infrasonic Subwoofer, A Beast!
- The Best Kept Secret at CEDIA 2023: Theory Audio/Pro Audio Technology's Awesome Sound Experience!
- Theory Audio Design Unveils Its DLC-250.4 4-Channel IP Amplified Distribution Loudspeaker Controller
- Theory Audio Design's ic6 In-Ceiling Loudspeaker Delivers Broad Installation Versatility
