Bose PM8500 Data Sheet

PowerMatch® PM8500 / PM8500N

configurable power amplifier

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

Product Overview

The Bose® PowerMatch PM8500 configurable professional
power amplifier provides concert-quality sound with a high
level of scalability and configurability. The PM8500 offers
multiple channel and power options, an integrated audio
DSP, front panel interface and USB connection. Ethernet­equipped versions enable network configuration, control and
monitoring. An expansion slot supports inputs from optional
digital accessory cards. PowerMatch amplifiers utilize
numerous Bose technologies to deliver an unprecedented
combination of performance, efficiency, and ease of
installation—all in a reliable, proprietary design. Available
in two versions, the PM8500 provides USB connection for
single-unit setup and control using Bose ControlSpace® V3.0
or higher software. The PM8500N adds Ethernet connectivity
for network control and monitoring of multiple “N” version
amplifiers.

Applications

Designed for a wide range of applications, including:

Auditoriums

•

Performing arts venues

•

Theaters

•

Houses of worship

•

Arenas

•

Hospitality venues

•

Key Features

• QuadBridge™ Technology – Allows each 4-channel
loudspeaker block to be configured as Mono, V-Bridge, I­Share or Quad modes, allowing the total available power
of the amplifier block to be allocated to one or more output
channels. The amplifier is capable of driving both low
impedance and 70/100V loudspeaker loads directly.

• Bose® ControlSpace® Designer™ software – PowerMatch
amplifiers can be fully configured using ControlSpace
Designer software via the onboard front panel USB
connection, or the rear panel Ethernet connection (network
models only). Using ControlSpace Designer software you
can access additional features including: Parametric EQ
stages, load sweep of each output channel and auto standby.
ControlSpace Designer software is also used to integrate
network model PowerMatch amplifiers into larger control and
monitoring systems comprised of Bose ESP processors and
CC control centers.

• Auto-Standby/Auto-Wake function – When enabled, this
function automatically enters/exits Standby Mode, allowing the
system to consume less power.

• Dual voltage and current feedback loop – Proprietary
design combines Class-D efficiency with a unique current
and voltage feedback loop circuit that continuously monitors
and controls both the current and voltage delivered to the
loudspeaker load. Independent of power level and load
impedance, the amplifier consistently delivers the widest
possible dynamic range, frequency response and lowest
possible distortion.

• PeakBank™ power supply – Regenerative 4-quadrant power
supply enables higher power density while allowing the re­use of energy from reactive loads that is normally wasted in
conventional Class-D designs. This highly efficient amplifier
design delivers sustainable and repeatable low frequency
response.

• Fast-tracking power factor correction (PFC) – Efficiently
manages the current drawn from the AC mains, allowing the
amplifier to drive loudspeakers to maximum output longer
without power fluctuation. PFC provides superior transient
response and functions at peak burst power much longer
than conventional Class-D amplifier designs to satisfy the
requirements of even the most demanding program material.

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PowerMatch® PM8500 / PM8500N

configurable power amplifier

Technical Specifications

Power Rating

2 Ω 4 Ω 8 Ω 70 V 100 V

THD for Power Rating

Mono Mode

V-Bridge Mode

I-Share Mode

Quad Mode

Maximum Rated Power 4000 W (500 W x 8 channels at 4 ohms)

Peak Output Voltage 71 / 142 V (Mono / V-Bridge, I-Share, and Quad modes)

Voltage Gain 33 / 36 / 33 / 36 dB (Mono / V-Bridge / I-Share / Quad modes)

Audio Performance Specifications

Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz (at 1 W and +/- 0.5 dB)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Analog Input > 102 dB (1 dB below rated power, A-weighted)

THD < 0.4 % (at 1 W, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Intermod Distortion - SMPTE < 0.4 % (60 Hz, 7 kHz)

Channel Separation (Crosstalk) > 65 dB (adjacent channels, at 1 kHz)

Damping Factor > 1000 (10-1000 Hz, 4 ohms, at amplifier output)

Integrated DSP

A/D and D/A Converters 48 kHz / 24-bit

Total Latency (Analog In - Amp Out) < 0.95 ms

Input to Output Signal Routing 8 x 8 matrix

Loudspeaker Presets Bose Professional

Input EQ 5-band PEQ (+/- 20 dB), notch, shelving, high pass, low pass

Bandpass Filters (Crossover) Butterworth, Bessel, or Linkwitz-Riley, up to 48 dB/octave

Loudspeaker EQ 9-band PEQ (+/- 20 dB), shelving, high pass, low pass, 2-band RoomMatch® array EQ

Maximum Output Delay 3 s

Output Limiter Peak and RMS voltage

Audio Inputs

Input Channels

Input Impedance

Sensitivity

Maximum Input Level

Connectors, Input

Audio Outputs

Output Channels 2 to 8 (configurable)

Connectors, Output 8-pin Phoenix Contact® connectors (part # 1778120), supports 10-24 AWG wire

Indicators and Controls

LED Status Indicators Signal, limit, clip, fault

User Interface Controls Mute, input sensitivity, output configuration, output attenuation, EQ on/off, preset select. 240 x 64 LCD. Additional controls available w/

Electrical Specifications

Mains Voltage 100-240 V (50/60 Hz)

Mains Circuit Recommendation 20A (120 V) or 16A (230 V)

Mains Connector IEC 60320-C20 (Inlet)

Minimum AC Line Voltage 80 V (reduced output power)

Maximum Inrush Current 15.4 A (230 VAC, 50 Hz)

Maximum RMS Current Draw 15 A

Efficiency, 1/3 Rated Power > 75 % (pink noise input signal)

Output Stage Topology Class-D

Overload Protection High temperature, DC, HF, short, voltage limiter, current limiter, inrush current, mains circuit breaker protection

Physical

Dimensions 3.5" H x 19" W x 20.7" D (88 mm x 483 mm x 525 mm) - 2 rack space

Net Weight

Mounting Depth 21" (533 mm)

Operating Temperature 32 °F - 104 °F (0 °C - 40 °C)

Cooling System Microprocessor-controlled, variable-speed fans, front to rear airflow

< 0.1 % < 0.1 % < 0.1 % 1 % 1 %

450 W 500 W 300 W See footnote 3 See footnote 3

2

450 W

1000 W

2

1000 W

Analog Digital (Optional Card)

8 (balanced line level) 8

> 100 kΩ N/A

0, +4, +12, +24 dBu, selectable Digital: 0, -12, -20, -24 dBFS, selectable

+24 dBu (at 24 dBu sensitivity setting) N/A

3-pin Phoenix Contact® (green color; part # 1776168) Card Dependent

ControlSpace® Designer™ software

28.4 lb (12.9 kg) Shipping Weight: 34.5 lb (15.7 kg)

1000 W 1000 W 800 W 1000 W

500 W

2000 W

2

300 W

1000 W

2

2

Not available Not available

1600 W 2000 W

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

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PowerMatch® PM8500 / PM8500N

configurable power amplifier

General

Setup and Configuration Software ControlSpace® Designer™ software V3.2 or greater

PC Interface Connection USB (Network version adds Ethernet RJ45)

Fault Notification Output NC/NO Relay Contact (1 A, 30 VDC), 3-pin Phoenix Contact® connector (orange color; part # 1976010)

Footnotes:

1 Output power is measured per channel, all channels driven, using test signals at 1 kHz.
2 Configuration not recommended / not optimal.
3 Limited use available. Tap 70V loudspeakers 2x the desired power. Tap 100V loudspeakers 4x the desired power.
4 Measured at +24 dBu sensitivity unless otherwise specified.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

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