Scheduled for launch later in 2009, the LM 26 is a full-featured 2-in/6-out Lab.gruppen Lake Processor in a compact 1 U frame. It will offer seamless compatibility with the PLM Series as well as with all Dolby Lake Processors and earlier versions of the technology, including Mesa Quad and Contour. The easily programmable EQ and delay capabilities in the new product will allow quick configuration for use as a processor and line driver for self-powered loudspeaker systems as well as for systems with separate power amplifiers, says the company.
"The new Lab.gruppen Lake LM 26 stand-alone processor gives our customers maximum flexibility to mix and match new and old processors with existing amplifiers or PLM Series units," says Lab.gruppen managing director, Tomas Lilja. "In the touring market it allows operators to optimise performance and efficiency by leveraging their existing inventories, while in the installation market it gives system designers added flexibility to create more cost-effective overall solutions."
The LM 26 announcement comes only a few weeks after Lab.gruppen confirmed its acquisition of the Lake trademarks and rights to Dolby Lake Processor technology from Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Similar in many respects to the Lake Processing technology currently inside the PLM Series, the new LM 26 will accept audio signals as analogue, AES digital, or via Audinate's advanced Dante digital audio network at 48 kHz and 96 kHz sampling rates. Automatic input priority switching may be enabled, and the unit can function as both an input matrix mixer and Dante break-in box.
Exclusive Lake processing features incorporated in the new product design include Raised Cosine Equalization, linear phase and classical crossovers, LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters. A Super Module capability allows flexible grouping of processor channels across separate hardware frames, including prior Lake products and PLM Series units. All functions are controlled via wired or wireless networking by the Windows-based Lake Controller software application. The hardware unit will utilize a universal power supply with detachable mains cable to allow worldwide use.
(Jim Evans)
