AudioControl, a specialty electronics manufacturer of innovative residential, commercial, and mobile audio products, revealed today that it has upgraded the semiconductor technology resident in its recently introduced 70-volt, dual-mode CM line of amplifiers. This upgrade, to Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors, offers many performance improvements over traditional silicon-based ICs and is said to take the performance of this category to a whole new level.
See more on the Audiocontrol GaN-based 70-volt amps
AudioControl’s CM series is really targeted at the crossover market between the residential and commercial market segments. Some integrators refer to this as the “light commercial” market for installations in small cafes, coffee shops, and the like.
The technology of choice for commercial installations is a 70-volt solution – perfect for driving many speakers spread throughout an indoor or outdoor space. And while there are certainly good products on the market targeted at the light commercial channel – the fact is that 70-volt system configurations come with some compromises and can fall short of peak audio performance by “lacking clarity” and suffering from “reduced bass extension,” the company says.
Engineers Tasked with Raising the Bar in Performance
So Audio Control’s engineers were tasked with finding a way to raise the bar in 70-volt performance for their CM 70-volt line. The goal was to upgrade the line to satisfy the most demanding audio aficionado.
The epiphany? Redesign the circuit around an upgraded GaN semiconductor. According to the company, GaN ICs were first designed for demanding, high-performance situations, such as satellite, space, avionics, and 5G wireless applications. AudioControl engineers redesigned the internal circuitry of the CM line to implement GaN…and liked what they heard.
I am so excited about the GaN amplifiers we have developed and the opportunities that CM Series amps represent for A/V integrators. Our new Dual-Mode design effortlessly drives 70-volt speaker systems and standard 4/8-ohm speakers simultaneously, achieving bass clarity and definition far beyond the capability of traditional 70-volt solutions. CM Series Dual-Mode amplifiers also incorporate AudioControl’s award-winning DSP engine, enabling integrators to fine-tune each zone for optimized sound quality.
Alex Camara, AudioControl’s President
Gallium Nitride is Catching the Attention of Industry
According to the website All About Circuits (allaboutcircuits.com), “Silicon technology is approaching its limits.” Therefore, researchers are seeking new materials to continue to advance semiconductor performance. “One material in particular that has caught the attention of the industry is gallium nitride or GaN, which is already gaining increasing use in optoelectronics.”
What does GaN bring to the table? “GaN transistors are faster and more efficient than classic silicon devices,” says Robin Mitchell on All About Circuits. And it is just that type of performance upgrade that AudioControl engineers were looking for. They worked with GaN Systems, a specialist with the technology.
Substantial Performance Upgrade
In a prepared statement the company says, “By using GaN Systems’ power semiconductors as the foundation for a new amplifier platform, AudioControl engineers were able to achieve high-output power, unparalleled efficiency, reduced distortion and ultra-low signal-to-noise resulting in outstanding sonic rendering from a highly efficient circuit that fits elegantly inside a sleek form factor.”
Mission accomplished! AudioControl’s constant effort to push the outer edge of the innovation envelope has delivered a better performing, better sounding 70-volt solution with their all-new CM Series. The new CM Series 70-volt dual-mode amplifiers with GaN technology are available from the company now in 2-, 3-, and 4-channel models.
Learn more about AudioControl by visiting: audiocontrol.com.
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