Compared to the conventional amplifier, Powersoft DIGAM technology offers very high efficiency and delivers more power to the loudspeakers with much reduced heat dissipation. The output stages of the amplifiers typically run at 95% efficiency, dissipating only 5% of the input energy as heat. These compact (1U), lightweight (10kg) amplifiers can generate up to 3,500W per channel into 2 Ohms.
The advantages of such a product are obvious, says Phil Lowther, technical director of Thunder Ridge: "When I first saw the adverts for Powersoft amplifiers two summers ago, I couldn't believe the claims that were made - up to 7000W RMS in a 1U package. After serious bench testing and listening to these amplifiers, I came to the conclusion that they perform exactly as 'they say on the box', plus the fact that their sound quality and reliability is far superior to the majority of well-known conventional switch-mode power amplifiers. In over 20 years of experience in the pro audio industry, these amplifiers are certainly in my top 10 of audio product innovations."
Rob Goodings of Thunder Ridge commented: "These amplifiers are incredible. We specify them for touring and installation all the time. We believe that these amps are really going to take off in a big way in the UK."
Thunder Ridge also took advantage of Glastonbury to put Klark Teknik's Helix digital EQ system through its paces. Two DN9340 master units and six DN9344 slaves were used on the One World stage, giving a total of 28 channels of digital EQ - enabling every component of the FOH and monitor systems to be under Helix control. With a further three DN9848 loudspeaker processors performing all the crossover functions on the FOH system, Klark Teknik's digital processing devices were very much in evidence.
"Using the Helix processors, especially for the monitor system, made the setting-up and operation of the stage sound so much quicker and easier, both for our own engineers, and visiting guests," commented Lowther. "Each monitor send had a channel of Helix and the system was initially voiced using the Helix EQs so all the visiting engineers could be presented with a 'flat' set of graphics as their starting point. If any consistent pattern of alterations became apparent, these could then be programmed into the Helix system. As you would expect from KT, the sound quality of the units would never be in doubt, but the features they incorporate make them far more than just a digital graphic equalizer."
He continued: "Back at the FOH end, this is the second year running that we have used DN9848 processors as the main system loudspeaker controllers. In terms of their sound quality and flexibility they really are our number one choice. The best metering I've seen on a speaker processor, combined with great sounding, predictable limiters make it very easy to see just how our systems are being driven, with driver failure being virtually a thing of the past."
