COVID had a profound impact on the world and that included numerous segments of the economy that have not yet fully recovered. If that sounds hard to believe as we finish Q2 of 2024, an in-depth look at the box office numbers across North America on Memorial Day weekend makes our case rather convincingly.
Just how bad was it? The worst in decades.
The pandemic forced moviegoers to watch from home and that became a huge opportunity for companies that could offer the best soundbars, in-wall/in-ceiling, and outdoor CI loudspeaker options.
Theory Audio Design took advantage of the newfound interest in the CI market and has been charging ahead ever since with some of the best solutions on the market. We’ve tried many of them at home and at industry trade events and the overall consensus is that Paul Hales builds a much better box than most of his rivals.
They also build amplified loudspeaker controllers and we’re not surprised to see a new series as they significantly expand their residential and commercial product lineups.
Theory Audio Design has announced 3 new Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers to drive their expanded CI loudspeaker lineup.
Overview
Ideal for residential or commercial installations, the new models provide intelligent power, a full DSP matrix, and TCP/IP control through a wired connection, or directly via its onboard Wi-Fi access point.
The DLC-250.8 and DLC-1500.4d are full-size rack mount units with extensive high power output and flexible setup options for large setups. The DLC-250.4 has almost all the features of the DLC-250.8, but has 4 instead of 8 channels and a more compact 1/2 rack design.
This is an option for more modest installations. Two of the three models, the DLC-250.4d and DLC-1500.4d, also add Dante and AES67 audio-over-IP digital I/O compatibility. S/PDIF master/slave functionality allows multiple DLCs to be used to cover all these needs and each loudspeaker controller only takes up two rack spaces maximum.
DLC-250.4d
The DLC-250.4d is a 4-channel Loudspeaker Controller that is designed to be a part of any Theory distributed audio system. With channel-pair power-sharing of up to 250W, each DLC-250.4d offers the flexibility to power any system size. The ½ RU DLC-250.4d ships with a rack kit to allow mounting of one or two units in a single rack space. An optional surface mount kit is also available if hiding the DLC-250.4d under a table or behind a TV is desired.
DLC-250.8
The DLC-250.8 is ideal for surround and distributed audio systems where Dante and AES67 are not required but when more channels per chassis are desired. DLC-250.8 offers the same power per channel and power-sharing capabilities as the DLC-250.4d with four additional channels (8 channels total) in a 1U chassis.
DLC-1500.4d
The DLC-1500.4d 4-channel Distributed Loudspeaker Controller packs massive power into minimal rack space, offering a massive 3,000W from a 16-pound, 2U chassis. Designed for high-output Theory distributed or surround audio systems, the DLC-1500.4d can deliver 1,500W into 4 or 8 ohms from any channel pair, or 800W into 2 or 4 ohms with all channels driven.
Home Theater Applications
For home cinema and surround sound systems, a single DLC-250.4d is perfect for 3.1 systems (or more when multiple amplifiers are used), a single DLC-250.8 can handle 7.1 systems, and the larger more powerful DLC-1500.4d can handle large screen and professional loudspeakers and subwoofers. The DLC platform is safety and EMC-certified and compliant with ErP and EnergyStar.
From Paul Hales, CEO and product designer for Theory Audio Design: “The new generation of Theory DLC loudspeaker controllers offer all the advantages of their predecessors with the addition of audio over IP, an entirely new 8-channel model, and a cohesive new industrial design across the line,…Now with Dante and AES67 compatibility, even the most complex Theory distributed audio systems can be set up and deployed quickly and painlessly with no bulky analog audio cables required. And the system is bulletproof so when the job is complete the installer can move on without concerns about support calls or truck rolls.”
Comparison
| DLC-250.4d | DLC-250.8 | DLC-1500.4d | |
| Price | $2,495 | $3,500 | $4,750 |
| Channels | 4 | 8 | 4 |
| Description | 4-Channels Dante & AES67 Half-Rack Chassis IP Control via Ethernet or Built-In WiFi Access Point Power Sharing Between Neighboring Channels | 8-Channels 1U Chassis IP Control via Ethernet or Built-In WiFi Access Point Power Sharing Between Neighboring Channels | 4-Channels Dante & AES67 2U Chassis IP Control via Ethernet or Built-In WiFi Access Point LoZ BTL Mode |
| Operation | LoZ and HiZ (70V/100V) | LoZ and HiZ (70V/100V) | LoZ and HiZ (70V/100V) |
| Inputs | 4 x Balanced Analog Audio 4 x RCA Unbalanced Analog Audio 1 x S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) 4 x Dante/AES67 Digital Audio | 8 x Balanced Analog Audio 8 x RCA Unbalanced Analog Audio 1 x S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) | 4 x Balanced Analog Audio 4 x RCA Unbalanced Analog Audio 1 x S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) 4 x Dante/AES67 Digital Audio |
| Outputs | 4 x Speaker Outputs S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) 4 x Dante/ AES67 Digital Audio | 8 x Speaker Outputs S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) | 4 x Speaker Outputs S/PDIF Digital Audio (stereo) 4 x Dante/ AES67 Digital Audio |
| Trigger | +12VDC | +12VDC | +12VDC |
| Audio Operation | 48kHz/24-bit | 48kHz/24-bit | 48kHz/24-bit |
| On-Board DSP | 48kHz/32-bit | 48kHz/32-bit | 48kHz/32-bit |
| DSP Features | Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models plus: Input Matrix Mixer 5 Parametric Input EQ Filters Input Trim Stereo/Mono Inputs and Zones Signal Routing Including Priority Automatic Routing Audio Ducking 10 Parametric Output EQ Filters Crossovers Gain DelayPolarity Peak and RMS Limiters | Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models, plus: Input Matrix Mixer 5 Parametric Input EQ Filters Input Trim Stereo/Mono Inputs and Zones Signal Routing Including Priority Automatic Routing Audio Ducking 10 Parametric Output EQ Filters Crossovers Gain DelayPolarity Peak and RMS Limiters | Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models, plus: Input Matrix Mixer 5 Parametric Input EQ Filters Input Trim Stereo/Mono Inputs and Zones Signal Routing Including Priority Automatic Routing Audio Ducking 10 Parametric Output EQ Filters Crossovers Gain DelayPolarity Peak and RMS Limiters |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB | 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB | 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB |
| Power Output | 250W per channel @ 4, 8, 16-ohms and 70V/100V 125W per channel @ 4, 8, 16-ohms all channels driven 125W per channel @ 70V/100V all channels driven | 250W per channel @ 4, 8, 16-ohms and 70V/100V 125W per channel @ 4, 8, 16-ohms all channels driven 125W per channel @ 70V/100V all channels driven | 2x 1500W (BTL) @ 100V2x 1200W (BTL) @ 70V 4x 400W (SE) and 2x 1500W (BTL) @ 8-ohms 4x 800W (SE) and 2x 1500W (BTL) @ 4-ohms 4x 800W (SE) @ 2-ohms |
| Voltage Gain | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Input Sensitivity (selectable) | +14dBu +4dBu -10dBV (Unbalanced RCA) Microphone | +14dBu +4dBu -10dBV (Unbalanced RCA) Microphone | +14dBu +4dBu -10dBV (Unbalanced RCA) Microphone |
| Power Requirements | Standby: <1W (1/8 power, all ch. driven): 70W | Standby: <1W (1/8 power, all ch. driven): 70W | Standby: <1W (1/8 power, all ch. driven): 70W |
| Idle Noise(A-Wt) | -78dBV | -78dBV | -78dBV |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >106dB | >106dB | >106dB |
| Distortion (1kHz, 1dB below max output) | <0.02% | <0.02% | <0.02% |
| AC Operation | 100V-240VAC, 50-60Hz | 100V-240VAC, 50-60Hz | 100V-240VAC, 50-60Hz |
| Connection Terminals | Eurblock Connectors | Eurblock Connectors | Eurblock Connectors |
| Outdoor Capability | Indoor Use Only | Indoor Use Only | Indoor Use Only |
| Mounting Points | Surface or Rack Mount (with included/optional accessories) | Rack Mount (with included/optional accessories) | Rack Mount Ears Included |
| Finish | Matte Black | Matte Black | Matte Black |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 1.75 x 8.7 x 11.7-inches 44 x 221 x 297 mm | 1.75 x 19.0 x 12.6 inches 44 x 483 x 319 mm | 3.50 x 19 x 12.6 inches 89 x 483 x 320 mm |
| Net Weight | 6.5 lbs. 2.95 kg | 7.7 lbs. 3.5 kg | 16.8 lbs. 7.62 kg |
| Included Accessories | Single and Dual Unit Rack Mount Kit | Rack Mount Ears | Rack Mount Ears |
| Optional Accessories | Surface Mount Kit | N/A | N/A |
Initial Thoughts
Theory Audio offers up some of the most practical solutions for residential and commercial audio applications and the three new Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers seem to continue that tradition.
Availability and Pricing
Theory Audio Design products can be purchased and installed through Authorized US and International Representatives at the following prices:
- The DLC-250.4d is available for $2,495/each (US MSRP)
- The DLC-250.8 is available for $3,500/each (US MSRP)
- The DLC-1500.4d is available for $4,750/each (US MSRP)
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