At the ISE 2023 show in Barcelona, Powersoft announced the debut of UNICA, the company’s third-generation fixed-install amplifier platform that incorporates cloud-based technology that’s designed to provide a consistent user experience.
The UNICA range comprises three four-channel (UNICA 9K4, 12K4 and 16K4, with 9,000W, 12,000W and 16,000W respectively) and three eight-channel models (UNICA 2K8, 4K8 and 8K8, with 2,000W, 4,000W and 8,000W). The platform incorporates five new patented technologies and four existing ones.
Featuring high power density, top-shelf sound quality and class-leading efficiency, and backed by no less than five new patents and four existing ones, UNICA represents the third and latest generation of Powersoft amplifier platforms, designed to meet the requirements of any size of installation with a single product family, explains
“UNICA is engineered to accommodate upcoming functions and feature expansions to fulfil the most demanding audio design requirements for years to come – all within a single platform,” says Powersoft R&D director and co-founder Claudio Lastrucci. “By listening to customer feedback and market demands, and drawing on our passion and R&D ingenuity, we have, with UNICA, created an amplifier platform truly fit for the future.”
In conjunction with Universo, Powersoft’s new cloud-based platform, UNICA offers cloud-native connectivity and remote monitoring functions without the need for specific product registration or configuration. Cloud integration allows for the storing and sharing of projects online, keeping the amplifier’s firmware up to date, and integration in third-party systems through APIs.
“As a single, versatile platform with broad power range options, functionalities and networking capabilities, suitable for a myriad of applications from high-quality background music to performance venues, UNICA unlocks the power of consistency for busy, hard-working AV integrators and fixed-installation professionals,” Lastrucci explains. “Specifying amplifiers from a single product family that can cover a wide range of SPL requirements translates into tidier racks and a new level of user experience, while user-friendly features such as a straightforward third-party communication protocol and simple amplifier replacement with Easy Swap help eliminate any support headaches.”
UNICA’s all-new power supply section is designed to further efficiency and operability to the next level and result in less power dispersed through wasted heat. The latest generation of single-stage power factor correction (PFC) and system-on-chip technology processing grant lower power consumption and thermal dissipation, while proprietary Smart Rails Management (SRM) allows the supply rails to adapt in real-time to the required output voltage to help maximize efficiency and reduce idle losses. An Eco Mode further diminishes consumption when engaged, resulting in cooler racks and reductions in long-time running costs.
The proprietary next-generation architecture is designed to deliver high-quality amplification through newly designed input and output sections while offering the highest signal-to-noise ratio ever achieved on a Powersoft amplifier. The platform additionally introduces the next generation of Powersoft’s DSPs, based on the latest system-on-chip technology. The DSP section is operable even when only PoE+ power is available.
UNICA also incorporates a proprietary novel functionality for hot-swapping amplifiers — because each amplifier is able to automatically archive backups on a flash memory drive situated on the rear panel, users can replace a faulty unit with a new one in a matter of minutes, without any configuration or product knowledge.
Based on the third-generation architecture, UNICA is optimized to reduce points of failure while providing more accurate reproduction and improved performance. An all-new power supply section is designed to facilitate efficient conversion, resulting in less power dispersion through wasted heat, while a new approach to heat management has resulted in fan noise reduction. A filter can also be accessed without any tools, making it faster and more convenient to keep the airways clear of dust.
Networking is achieved through three Ethernet ports, allowing both AoIP and control redundancy and splitting control vs AoIP traffic. Using a firmware-level protocol, audio over IP is managed through both Dante and AES67. And, UNICA offers enhanced Power Sharing developed for the output section, with each output channel capable of delivering up to twice the power when loaded asymmetrically.
“Being designed around future functionalities and added features, our new-generation platform guarantees customers maximum reliability and simplified operations throughout the entire project, from planning to completion,” concludes Lastrucci. “This, combined with its reference-quality sound, industry-leading power efficiency and a straightforward user experience, makes UNICA a truly futureproof amplifier platform, and the new industry standard.”
Go here for more specifics on the new Powersoft UNICA platform.
www.powersoft.com
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