The DIN standard allows the amplifiers to be fitted where all the other electrical mains hardware lives - fuse boxes etc - saving valuable space in smaller shops and bars. Alternatively, the Blocks can be mounted locally throughout larger multiple speaker installations, close to the speakers and thus saving long cable runs and signal losses.
EQ and Level can be set on the Blocks themselves or controlled remotely either by a PC using a network connection with an IP address, by infra-red remote control or by simple wall-mounted control boxes. A CobraNet Block will soon be available, allowing audio to be run on Cat-5 cable.
Currently there are two amplifier Blocks; the Ti 2101 & Ti 2102. These are Class - T Digital Audio Power Amplifiers using Tripath's proprietary Digital Power Processing (T M) technology. Class - T amplifiers offer both the audio fidelity of Class-A B, and the power efficiency of Class-D Amplifiers. The Ti 2101 gives 2 x 50W(RMS) into 8 ohms and 2 X 50W(RMS) into 4 ohms; the Ti 2102 is 1 X 50W(RMS) into 8 ohms and1 X 100W(RMS) into 4 ohms.
Additional modules will be demonstrated in Frankfurt including Transformer Blocks for 70/100volt line operation, a Connections Block that allows basic two-way remote control and monitoring of large numbers of Amplifier Blocks using the Vieta-Net protocol and easy-to-us Vieta-Net Control (VNC) software.(Vieta-Net is Vieta's proprietary communications protocol.)
The system is inexpensive yet flexible, and is the perfect companion to the Vieta Do Line and other efficient, high-quality, loudspeaker systems. Installers will love the simplicity of the system as the different Blocks can rapidly be fixed and wired at the same time as contractors do other wiring jobs. As no amp rack is required, the system doesn't occupy high-rent city-centre square metres, and shop, bar and prestige home designers have greater freedom.
Although not designed as a 19" rack device, the DIN rail standard means that third-party, off-the-shelf adaptors exist to allow multiple Blocks to be rack-mounted if required. Equally, specialist, high-risk,installations can be fitted with the Ti Line using pre-approved, third-party safety-covers. This allows the Ti Line to be used in situations where other amplifiers cannot be used cost-effectively.
(Lee Baldock)
