Powersoft has launched its third-generation fixed-install amplifier platform, UNICA, sufficiently versatile to cover a wide range of applications and delivering high levels audio quality, reliability and efficiency.
The most advanced amplifier platform in Powersoft’s 28-year history, UNICA calls on cloud-based technology to provide a safe, consistent user experience for any size of install. With an eye firmly on future requirements, UNICA promises users simple integration, straightforward configuration and low maintenance costs well into the future, all in one easily upgradable and futureproof package.
The UNICA range comprises three four-channel (UNICA 9K4, 12K4 and 16K4, offering 9kW, 12kW and 16kW respectively) and three eight-channel models (UNICA 2K8, 4K8 and 8K8, with 2kW, 4kW and 8kW).
‘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 offersa milestone in the development of cloud-based devices, with cloud-native connectivity and remote monitoring functions without the need for specific product registration or configuration. Cloud integration allows storing and sharing of projects online, keeping the amplifier’s firmware up to date, or simple integration in third-party systems through APIs.
UNICA enables install professionals and system integrators to cover multiple applications, in any size installation, with a single amplifier platform family. This will support the creation of solid value and consistency among different applications during the whole project lifecycle.
‘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 A/V integrators and fixed-installation professionals,’ Lastrucci says. ‘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 takes Powersoft’s efficiency and real-world operability to the next level, resulting in less power dispersed through wasted heat. The latest generation of single-stage power factor correction (PFC) and system-on-chip technology processing grant low 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 maximise efficiency and reduce idle losses. An Eco Mode further diminishes consumption when engaged, resulting in cooler racks and drastic reductions in long-time running costs.
The proprietary next-generation architecture allows high-quality amplification through newly designed input and output sections, boasting the highest signal-to-noise ratio so far achieved in a Powersoft amplifier. This new technology platform grants faithful reproduction of line-level and digital signals in high-performance installations. It 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, simplifying deployment and pre-configuration operations.
In the event of a failure, trained technicians need to access the installation, assess the situation and, when remote or on-site repair is not an option, replace the unit. They then need to program the new unit and run a series of tests before the audio system can be operational. Powersoft has addressed issue through functionality for hot-swapping amplifiers. Because each UNICA amplifier is able to automatically archive backups on a flash memory drive situated on the rear panel, users can easily replace a faulty unit with a new one in a matter of minutes, without any configuration or product knowledge.
Networking is via three Ethernet ports, allowing both AoIP and control redundancy and splitting control vs AoIP traffic. Thanks to a firmware-level protocol, audio over IP is managed through both Dante and AES67.
Compared to existing Powersoft products, UNICA also benefits from 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,’ Lastrucci says. ‘This, combined with its reference-quality sound, industry-leading power efficiency and a straightforward user experience, makes UNICA the new industry standard.’
More: www.powersoft.com/en/products/install-amps/unica-platform
