"There are many applications - ceiling systems in corridors or meeting rooms for example - where installing a 70V system is the preferred solution but there is no convenient nearby location for an equipment rack," notes Klas Dalbjorn of Lab.gruppen. "In these situations, LUCIA's exceptionally small footprint, light weight, multiple mounting options and input flexibility provide installers with an absolutely reliable and highly-cost effective solution. LUCIA is not only easy to install, easy to set up and easy to hide, but it's also Energy Star approved for green building certification."
Both new LUCIA models incorporate dual inputs, a feature which allows mixing of two sources or selection of either the A or B source for the single mono output. Connectors are both balanced Phoenix type and unbalanced RCA for each input, with a built-in matrix function mixing the balanced and unbalanced signals with optimized gain structure. Front panel controls mix or select the A and B discrete source signals.
In common with all models in the LUCIA range, the new 70V models couple a digital, firmware-controlled front end (including a multiband compressor and look-ahead limiter) to a patented Class D output stage that is designed for high efficiency, low distortion and minimal heat dissipation. A universal power supply plugs in worldwide, while intelligent fan control maintains silence from idle up to fairly high levels.
"LUCIA's ultra-compact form factor - a half-rack 1U chassis - allows it to be tucked away inconspicuously wherever needed," the company says. "LUCIA mounts behind video screens using the included wall bracket, tucks away in rack shelves or drawers, or attaches to the optional pole mount."
To save energy, LUCIA amplifiers automatically enter standby mode (<1 W power draw) after 20 minutes of no signal input, and then power up within one second when signal returns. For applications were the turn on delay creates issues, power up can be trigger via contact closure connected to the GPI port before the signal is applied. Default GPIO functionality also includes remote control of output level. LUCIA amplifiers are built with premium grade components, tested thoroughly prior to shipping, and incorporate advanced features for protecting both the amplifier and connected loads from potential damage caused by clipping, thermal overload, or extreme low line voltage.
"With addition of the two new 70V models the LUCIA range now offers and installers a choice of six compact amplifiers with diverse but complementary feature sets," notes Klas Dalbjorn of Lab.gruppen. "With the low impedance matrix models, you can have input/output matrixing and sophisticated programmable DSP inside a put-it-anywhere amplifier package. The non-matrix low impedance models are extremely cost-effective for more basic applications, and now the new 70V models extend the LUCIA concept into constant voltage distributed systems."
With the release of the LUCIA 70 volt models, Lab.gruppen are providing a new version of the Application Browser software which will support all six LUCIA models. This will be a free upgrade for the low impedance base models, the 120/2 and 240/2. With this updated software, all LUCIA models will have the features previously only available on the LUCIA M amplifiers.
These include custom EQ on each input, adjustable matrix (2 in
