LabGruppen FLC-LR User Manual
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Passion, innovation
and Swedish craftsmanship
In 1979, Kenneth Andersson and Dan Bavholm established Lab.gruppen while working out of a cramped electronics repair
shop in Kungsbacka, Sweden. With a knack for creative circuit design and a passion for better sound, they set about
developing new audio products – beginning with guitar ampliers – that soon evolved into highly regarded professional
power ampliers. Within a remarkably short time, Lab.gruppen had built a loyal customer base among leading Swedish
sound rental companies.
Not content with merely rening existing designs, the founders continually pushed the envelope of audio amplier design.
New technologies boosted output power while at the same time reducing weight and improving reliability under stress.
Noteworthy among these developments were the patented Class TD® output stage, Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply
(R.SMPS™), the Intercooler® heat dispersion system, and innovative limiter circuits that tailor amplier output parameters
for optimum performance with the connected load.
Unrelenting quality standards
Within a decade, Lab.gruppen had expanded to become
a major supplier of power amplifiers throughout Europe,
and started making significant inroads into the world
market. Demand often threatened to outstrip supply,
but quality control standards never were compromised
in order to increase production levels. With every new
product, and at every stage of expansion, Lab.gruppen
took pride in maintaining the highest levels of traditional
Swedish craftsmanship. Only after a larger and highly
efficient manufacturing facility – still in Kungsbacka –
came online was product distribution fully expanded
worldwide.
Lab.gruppen continued to build on its foundation in touring
sound applications with the pristine sound and bulletproof
reliability of the fP Series. With introduction of the FP+ Series
Lab.gruppen dramatically boosted power density and
added compatibility with NomadLink network control.
Responding to increasing demand from the systems
integration market, Lab.gruppen introduced the C Series,
a range of multi-channel units designed and fitted for
installation applications – also featuring NomadLink®
control.
Lab.gruppen + Lake®: The ultimate in power and control
In 200 6, Dolby® Laboratories and Lab.gruppen announced
an agreement to incorporate Lake Processing into the
forthcoming PLMTM Series of Powered Loudspeaker
ManagementTM systems. The first Lab.gruppen product
to incorporate Lake processing, the PLM 10000Q, was
introduced in 2007. When Dolby decided to exit the live
sound market, Lab.gruppen acquired both the Lake
trademarks and exclusive rights for use of Dolby Lake
Processor technology for the touring and permanent
sound reinforcement markets. Both divisions are now
headquartered in Kungsbacka.
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First drawing of Clas s TD circuit by
Kenneth Andersson
Lab.gruppen co-founder
Kenneth Andersson
Lab.gruppen co-founder
Dan Bavholm
Cutting edge amplifier development
Lab.gruppen power amplifiers and PLM Series
Powered Loudspeaker Management systems have
earned worldwide recognition for outstanding
sound quality and remarkable durability in both
touring and installed applications. At the core of this
enviable reputation is Lab.gruppen’s commitment
to innovation, firmly established by the company
founders and continuing with today’s extensive R&D
department. Notable technology advances include:
Class TD output stage
A patented breakthrough that occupied co-founder
Kenneth Andersson for two years, Class TD
combines the efficiency of digital Class D topologies
with the sonic purity of Class B designs. The audio
path remains in the analog domain: it never enters the
switching portion of the circuit, and is therefore free
from filtering ripple effects. Class TD is bridgeable
and maintains a flat response with complex loads as
low as 2 ohms nominal.
Configurable for any signal, any load
All Lab.gruppen power platforms offer adjustable
gain to optimize performance with any input signal.
In addition, each channel incorporates a proprietary
limiter circuit to optimize output characteristics for any
type of load. The specific implementation is tailored
to each power platform: Rail Sensing Limiter (RSLTM)
in the E Series, Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL™) in
C Series and FP+ Series, and digitally implemented
as ISVPL™ in the PLM Series.
Intercooler for efficient, uniform cooling
The ultra-efficient Intercooler uses thousands of tiny
copper cooling fins to increase heat sink exposure
to the cooling air flow. Output devices are mounted
transverse to the airflow for uniform cooling,
preventing heat buildup in “end of tunnel” transistors.
Comprehensive circuit protection
Features for protection and fault indication include
DC at output, short circuit, excessive output current,
sustained very high frequency (VHF), and open load.
Additionally, a Power Average Limiter (PAL) monitors
the current-drawing relationship between the power
supply and the mains inlet, limiting current draw as
necessary to prevent service interruption.
Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS)
The latest generation of R.SMPS technology boosts
power output while reducing size and weight. Precise
regulation maintains constant voltage on the internal
rails, ensuring full output power and undistorted
sound even with significant drops in mains voltage.
Planet protection standard
Lab.gruppen is a leader in building extraordinarily
energy-efficient products, and also in manufacturing
them with minimal environmental impact. The new
E-Series has earned Energy Star certification,
thanks to breakthrough circuit designs for higher
operating efficiency along with flexible mode power
control (including auto-power-down). With C Series
and FP+ Series, phantom powering of the amplifiers’
network modules via the NomadLink® network
means zero amplifier current draw on standby. And
in manufacturing, Lab.gruppen’s modern plant in
Sweden is a model for energy efficiency and near
100% waste recycling.
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PLM Series: Three platforms,
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER/CHANNEL
Model Chan. 2 ohms 2.7 ohms 4 ohms 8 ohms
PLM 20000Q 4 4800 W 5000 W 4400 W 2300 W
PLM 10000Q 4 2350 W 2750 W 2300 W 1300 W
PLM 14000 2 7000 W 6100 W 4300 W 2300 W
countless possibilities
PLM Series Powered Loudspeaker Management
systems encompass a seamless fusion of
cutting-edge technologies from two global innovators
in live audio: Lake and Lab.gruppen. Each PLM
product combines Lake Processing – the world
standard for flexibility and sound quality – with an
amplifier platform based on the power density,
sonic purity and proven reliability of Lab.gruppen’s
FP+ Series. Intelligently merged, these complementary
technologies comprise a complete loudspeaker drive
system. All crossover, delay, equalization, limiting,
audio networking, and power amplification functions
are integrated into one chassis and controlled via a
single Tablet PC software interface.
In addition, the PLM Series’ revolutionary load
verification and performance monitoring features
assure extended reliability for all system components
– loudspeakers included! PLM Series technology is
accessible via three hardware platforms with either
two- or four-channel output sections.
The flagship PLM 20000Q incorporates four
channels with each producing a prodigious 4800 W
at 2 ohms, while the PLM 10000Q offers 4 x 2350 W
at 2 ohms. Optimized for high-power requirements,
the two-channel PLM 14000 delivers a massive
7000 W per channel into 2 ohms and 4350 W per
channel into 4 ohms, making it ideal for demanding
subwoofer and low-end applications. A recent
firmware update allows adjacent output bridging for
additional power, and enables flexible configuration of
PLM 20000Q and PLM 10000Q with two-, three- or
four-channel output stages. All PLM Series platforms
also incorporate Dante
and everything is fitted into a roadworthy 2 U chassis.
PLM Series – it’s your one box solution for a multitude
of challenging audio applications.
™
networked audio distribution,
PLM SERIES AT A GLANCE
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Lab.gruppen power. Lake Processing.
Dante networking and much more.
LoadSmart™ takes a load off your mind
Yes, Powered Loudspeaker Management inserts a
full-featured Lake processor inside a Lab.gruppen
amplifier chassis. But that’s only the beginning. The
PLM Series also introduces a revolutionary set of
tools for fast, accurate load verification and real-time
performance monitoring. The key to this breakthrough
is LoadLibrary™, a comprehensive database that
provides a unique “Fingerprint” (load characteristic)
for each loudspeaker model in the system. Using
this data and on-board DSP, LoadSmart compares
predicted response by applying a brief test
signal. Any potential problems are identified
instantly. During performance, SpeakerSafe™ monitors
driver performance to prevent sonic degradation
and provide critical, real-time information about
system-wide driver performance.
Dante advanced audio networking
With the PLM Series, there’s no need to install
separate modules or configure custom software
for integrated digital audio networking. Every PLM
comes equipped with Dante, a self-configuring digital
audio networking solution from Audinate® of Australia.
Based on the newest developments in networking
technology, Dante provides extremely reliable,
sample accurate, low latency audio distribution
over Ethernet. And with Zen™, Audinate’s automatic
device discovery and system configuration protocol,
PLM Series products (as well as discrete Dolby Lake
Processors and other Dante-enabled devices) find
each other on the network and configure themselves
automatically. – whether PLM units, Lake LM Series
processors, Dolby Lake Processors, or other Danteenabled devices.
Lake Processing: full-featured and backward
compatible
All PLM Series models contain two full-featured Lake
Processing modules, each offering precise settings
for gain, delay, crossover slope, equalization, and
limiting. Exclusive Lake Processing algorithms
are included for Raised Cosine Equalization™,
linear phase crossovers, LimiterMax™ loudspeaker
protection, and Iso-Float™ ground isolation.
Regardless of the make or type of loudspeaker
system, the venue size or acoustics, or the program
material, the integral Lake Processing in the
PLM Series will help you create a more consistent
sound with less time and hassle in system setup.
Lake Controller software provides a unified interface
for control and monitoring of PLM functions. In addition
to controlling all parameters of Lake Processing, the
software also provides control and monitoring of
exclusive Lab.gruppen features: digital input gain
and attenuation, and comprehensive load verification
and monitoring via LoadSmart and SpeakerSafe.
The Lake Controller software is optimized for a
Tablet PC, and operates on any newer Windows
®
PC equipped with an Ethernet interface. The same
Lake Controller software interface also can be used
for simultaneous operation of external Dolby Lake
Processors, Lake Contour Pro 26 and Lake Mesa
Quad EQ™ processors.
The Lake Analyser Bridge also allows seamless
integration with third-party, real-time sound system
measurement tools, enabling you to perform
comprehensive measurement routines and adjust
your system EQ at the same time, using the same
user interface. This measurement plug-in feature
is currently implemented for Smaart as well as
Live-Capture Light and Pro.
The PLM Series provides a full range of connectivity for Dante network, AES digital, and analog signals
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MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER/CHANNEL
Model Chan. 2 ohms 4 ohms 8 ohms 16 ohms
FP 14000 2 7000 W 4400 W 2350 W 1200 W
FP 9000 2 4500 W 3000 W 160 0 W 800 W
FP 7000 2 3500 W 2800 W 145 0 W 730 W
FP 4000 2 2000 W 1600 W 800 W 400 W
FP 10000Q 4 2500 W 2100 W 130 0 W 660 W
FP 6000Q 4 1500 W 12 50 W 625 W 320 W
FP+ Series: Kings of the road
More power, more choices
More power from smaller and lighter racks, with more
configuration flexibility, and yet with no compromise
in the legendary Lab.gruppen sound – that’s the
promise fulfilled by FP+ Series amplifiers.
The FP+ Series includes six models, with both
two- and four-channel versions spread across
a range of power output levels. The flagship
FP 14000 produces staggering output power of
14000 W (from a 2 U chassis weighing only 12 kg),
making it ideal for powering larger subwoofers. Other
FP+ Series models offer power levels and channel
configurations scaled to match every conceivable
touring application, from band-limited line array
drivers to full-range monitor and fill loudspeakers.
To achieve the extraordinary power-to-size ratio
in the FP+ Series, Lab.gruppen engineers refined
and upgraded two proprietary technologies: the
Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS)
and the patented Class TD output stage. Working
together, these new-generation proprietary circuits
produce more power from a smaller package while
maintaining Lab.gruppen’s peerless reputation
for sonic excellence. The highs stay crisp and
transparent. The mids are warm and natural. And
the tight low end delivers visceral impact.
Information, control, reassurance
All FP+ Series amplifiers offer real-time monitoring
and control via the NomadLink network, with
network modules built in as standard equipment.
Finally, standing behind Lab.gruppen’s reputation for
rock-solid reliability is a six-year, no-quibble warranty.
FP+ SERIES AT A GLANCE
Built to the highest standards of meticulous Swedish craftsmanship.
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