PLM+ SERIES: Powered Loudspeaker Management System
PLM 20K44 / PLM 12K44 / PLM 5K44
PLM+ Powered Loudspeaker Management System
features and improvements designed to offer real world benefits.
sets the benchmark for Powered Loudspeaker Management Systems.
processing and audio management, allowing complete integration in
the devices and offering many unique functions not found in other
PLM+ makes any production life cycle easier to specify, smoother
to run, more efficient to control and monitor - at the system design
stage, during the show, and right through to final load out. Proven
at all levels of concert touring, the PLM+ series incorporates road
tested and environmentally conscious technologies.
Technical Data
PLM+ has been designed with total integration at the core of the
system, allowing complete control and monitoring of the whole
platform ecosystem – including networking, audio I/O, signal
via Lake Controller, CAFÉ and Third Party Protocol integration.
Building on the TEC Award winning PLM 20000Q, PLM+ offers
up to 4 x 5000 Watts output power (PLM 20K44), twice the
processing power and throughput, and a whole host of additional
PLM+ Features and Benefits
▸ 4 x 1250 W nominal output power for a total of 5000 W (5K44)
4 x 3000 W nominal output power for a total of 12000 W (12K44)
4 x 5000 W nominal output power for a total of 20000 W (20K44)
▸ Any channel is capable of delivering up to 5900 W power output,
from total available power (2000 W for 5K44)
▸ 2U chassis weighing only 11.4 kg (5K44), 16.5 kg (12K44),
17 kg (20K44)
▸ Four ‘Lake Class’ analog inputs with Iso-Float™ ground isolation▸ Two AES3 on XLR digital inputs (4 audio channels)▸ Eight dual-redundant Dante network audio inputs and outputs
with AES67 support
▸ Compatible with PLM, Lake, LM Series and D Series▸ Rational Power Manageme
alloca
tion across channels of the 5K44 and 12K44 models to match
requirements, enabling more efficient use of amplifier inventory
▸Copper-finned Intercooler with transverse-mounted
(R.SMPS™) maintains stability despite mains voltage fluctuations
▸ Best-in-class Power Factor Correction (PFC) helps maintain full
output during extended power bursts
▸ Current Draw Modelling (CDM™) reduces mains peak draw▸ Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL™) - Tailors PLM+ Series to the
available mains distribution
▸ Under-Voltage Limiting (UVL) enables continued operation with
mains voltage sags as low as 65 V
nt (RPM) - Flexible power output
The PLM12K44 and 5K44 offer a touring technology first: Rational
Power Management (RPM™), a new proprietary Lab.gruppen
innovation that rationalises power allocation between channels to
optimise performance and potentially minimise amplifier inventory
from the proven package of onboard Lake Processing and Dante™
digital audio networking, plus redundant audio inputs as well as
live sound applications, where the show must go on, no matter what.
▸ Power Average Limiter (PAL) with software-controlled Breaker
Emulation Limiter (BEL) prevents mains fuse tripping
▸ Amplifier Design: Class TD▸ Digitally controlled and recallable ‘amplifier gain’ adjustable in
0.1 dB steps
▸ Digital output attenuation in 0.25 dB steps from -inf to 0 dB▸ Digitally implemented, zero-overshoot Inter-Sample Voltage Peak
Limiting (ISVPL) adjustable in 0.1 V steps from 17.8 to 194 V
(150 V for 5K44)
▸ LoadSmart load verification▸ Extensive loudspeaker preset database (LoadLibrary™)▸ LoadPilot™, Dual Pilot tone Generating and Monitoring▸ CAFÉ Integration ▸ Dante low-latency digital network included as standard▸ Full support for Dante Controller▸ Lake’s exclusive classic/linear-phase/FIR speaker processing
m with four throughputs
platfor
▸ Group control with Raised Cosine™ MESA EQ™ asymmetric filters▸ LimiterMax™ peak and RMS limiters▸ Comprehensive clocking management system with low latency
sample rate conversion
▸ Multiple and redundant inputs with programmable fallover▸ Primary and secondary network connections▸ High-resolution daylight viewable front-panel LCD display▸ Moisture resistant silicone touchpad for front-panel display mode
selection and menu navigation
®
output stage (Class D for 5K44)
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PLM+ SERIES: Technology Overview
Proven Lab.gruppen Technologies
Reliability, durability, sound quality and pure power remain the
fundamentals for any touring amplifier, and in this regard
PLM+rigorously maintains Lab.gruppen’s industry-leading reputation.
The 12K44 and 20K44 amplifiers output stages are the Lab.gruppen
patented Class TD
®
which couples the efficiency of Class D topologies
to the sonic purity of Class A/B designs. The 5K44 uses a newly
developed Class D technology design with increased efficiency and
sustained sonic performance.
Equipped with the Intercooler cooling system (12K44 and 20K44 only),
these amplifiers dissipate heat more effectively and eliminate “end of
tunnel” output device over-temperature problems. PLM+ also offers a
full suite of protection features, including thermal “show-must-go-on”
limiting, short circuit protection, excessive average current limiting,
sustained
Rational Power Management (RPM)
On top of the outstanding performance users have come to
expect from a PLM, the PLM+ series also contains Rational Power
Management (RPM), a proprietary Lab.gruppen technology that gives
system designers and techs unprecedented freedom to allocate the
output power available on each channel for optimum performance
equipment costs, reduce rack space and improve long-term energy
RPM enables the re-allocation of total output power capacity among
the four channels. For example, any channel of the 12K44 model can
supply up to 5900 W, with the provision of keeping within the total
VHF (very high frequency) protection, DC protection and voltage-and
current-clip limiting. None of the limiters introduce slow, long term
gain changes that can risk altering the balance of a tuned system.
A Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL) prevents power interruption while
Under-Voltage Limiting (UVL) allows continued operation despite
severe voltage drops. The Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply
(R.SMPS) connects to any mains supply in
the world. The design also
incorporates power factor correction (PFC) to reduce peak current
draw from the mains. In addition, the inherent rail regulation maintains
stable rail voltages during extended bursts; extreme low-frequency
beats will not affect mid- and high-frequency headroom.
power outtake of 12000 W (up to 2000 W for the 5K44). The maximum
output channel(s) can be used for power-hungry low-frequency
systems, while the remaining output power can be allocated as
needed for the mid-frequency and high frequency drivers, providing
a smarter and more efficient way to distribute total power across any
large scale PA.
From within the CAFÉ software, RPM allows the desired power
demand to be calculated for the various loads in several different
ways. RPM then analyses the desired power in relation to the channel
and device constraints across the two PLM+ models, and guides th
system designer towards the most effective way to power the PA.
e
SUBS
LOW FREQUENCY
DRIVERS
MID FREQUENCY
DRIVERS
HIGH FREQUENCY
MID
DRIVERS
HIGH
Amplifier Power Required
SUB
PLM+ Series - Amp channels power adjusted to match the loudspeaker requirements
LOW
Frequency
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CAFÉ and RPM for Green Credentials
In addition to providing comprehensive system surveillance and
Breaker Emulation Limiter (BEL), CAFÉ also includes valuable help
CAFÉ can accurately predict, based on the true SPL and speaker
requirements of the individual loads for the given project, estimations
of average mains current draw and generated heat in BTU. With
PLM+ Series’ innovative power supply technologies (true Power
Factor Correction utilizing Current Draw Modelling) the required mains
draw is already best in class in relation to burst power output, but in
combination with the BEL the mains draw can also be safeguarded
e predicted level. The end result is precise mains management
to th
and thermal control, which allows more accurate (rather than over-
technology suite reduces lifetime running costs and minimizes
environmental impact. It also reduces demands on UPS systems.
Windows 10
CAFÉ and Equipment Specification Predictor (ESP)
CAFÉ also features an innovative design aid – the Equipment
speaker requirements for a given project and aids in transforming that
Lake Processing
PLM+ devices provide extraordinary input flexibility, the legendary
power of exclusive Lake processing algorithms, comprehensive
control and load monitoring via Lake Controller, and seamless integration into Dante digital audio networks with AES67 support. All PLM+
models incorporate four full-featured Lake Processing modules, with
four discrete channels of audio throughput input to output. Audio
signals are selectable from four channels of analog (with Iso-float
ground isolation), four channels via AES3 digital inputs and eight dual
redundant Dante networked inputs with AES67 support. Input signals
are individually selectable for each channel, with programmable
failover to a lower prioritized input.
The full-featured, on-board Lake processor includes group control with
any loudspeaker system. LimiterMax peak and RMS limiters set the
industry standard for loudspeaker protection and sonic transparency.
CAFÉ supplies a recommendation for optimized placement of channels
includes model and quantities of PLM+ Series required with most
control of Lake functions and for comprehensive monitoring of both
wireless tablet PC, Lake Controller is easy and intuitive to operate, with
the “feel” of real-time analog faders and controls. Lake Controller also
features seamless integration with third party, real-time sound system
measurement, optimization, and control software packages. Users can
measure spectrum and transfer function and adjust system EQ at the
same time, using the same user interface.
ot pu elbatceles( srevossorc lacissalc sreffo osla gnissecorP ekaL
48 dB per octave) as well as linear-phase crossovers capable of slopes
exceeding 180 dB per octave for greater control to limit lobing and offaxis cancellation.
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PLM+ SERIES: Technology Overview
Lake Controller Software
and monitoring of all functions of the PLM+, including control and
monitoring of exclusive PLM+ features: digital input gain and
control extensive networks of powered loudspeaker management
Group Control
Modules may be assigned to groups representing subsystems in larger
Because each module can be assigned to more than one group,
Lake Controller can simultaneously address multiple groups for global
adjustments as needed while maintaining independent control of
separate subsystems and individual components. The Lake Controller
software is optimized for a wireless Tablet PC. The same Lake Controller
systems from a single computer. The user inter face is based on
discrete processing modules, with each module assigned to power
high, subs). Adjustments can be made in real time to any parameter
of any module on the network.
interface can be used to operate PLM Series, LM Series, and D Series
Another feature is seamless integration with third party real-time sound
system measurement and optimization software packages. Users can
measure spectrum and transfer function while simultaneously adjusting
system EQ on the same user interface.
Dante and AES67 Audio Network
PLM+ Series Powered Loudspeaker Management systems are
from Audinate
technology. Dante provides reliable, sample-accurate audio distribution
over Ethernet with extremely low latency. Dante incorporates Zen™, an
enables PLM+ Series products and other Dante-enabled products to
®
, based on the newest developments in networking
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PLM+ seamlessly incorporates any of the eight available Dante input
channels into the Lake Modules, while simultaneously transmitting
eight unprocessed Dante channels onto the network. PLM+ also
supports AES67, a new open standard to easily connect devices together
and share audio.
The PLM+ Series also has the possibility to convert between AES67
and Dante, and can accordingly work as a bridge between the two
different network protocols. It can input 8 channels of AES67 and
transmit them out again as 8 Dante channels or vice versa, and in any
combination of Dante and AES67 channels.
Speake r outputs
“Embedd ed patch p anel” wi th Neutr ik speakON
conne ctors ( 2 x NLT4 and 1 x NLT8)
32 amp locking powerCON for mains supplyTwo AES3 digital inputs (4 audio channels)
16 amp locking IEC for mains supply
4 x binding posts (pairs)
Analo g inputs wi th Iso-F loat
Four “L ake clas s” analo g inputs w ith Iso -Float
groun d isolat ion
Connectivity
The PLM 20K44 and 12K44 are available with either binding posts
or an ‘embedded patch panel’ with Neutrik speakON connectors
(2 x NLT4 and 1 x NLT8). The 5K44 is equipped with both binding
posts and speakON connectors (4x NLT4). Common connectors
include: 4 x analog inputs across 4 x
EtherCON inputs
Two etherCON jacks are provided for the dual
redundant control and Dante connections
Speake r outputs
“Embedd ed patch p anel” wi th Neutr ik speakON
conne ctors ( 4 x NLT4)
XLR-F connectors with switchable Iso-Float, 4 channels of AES/EBU
across 2 x XLR-F connectors, 2 x etherCON for linking or redundancy.
A 32 amp powerCON connector (16 amp locking IEC for 5K44)
is used for mains supply.
Front Panel Interface
The front panel is the “local control center” for the PLM+. An intuitive,
menu driven inter face allows quick access to key functions using the
moisture resistant silicone touchpad. Information is clearly displayed
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on the daylight-readable, 2.5-inch LCD panel. The sof t-button keypad
and precision rotary encoder provide control of processing and
WWW.LABGRU PPEN.COM
PLM+ SERIES: Technology Overview
4 x Analog
4 x AES
8 x Dante
Input
router
Input
router
Input
router
Input
mixer
Input
mixer
Input
mixer
PLM+ Series Lake Amplifier
Output router
Attenuator
Phase rev
Mute
Attenuator
Phase rev
Mute
Attenuator
Phase rev
Mute
Contour
Module
Contour
Module
Contour
Module
AmpGainRPM/ISVPL
AmpGainRPM/ISVPL
AmpGainRPM/ISVPL
Load
Monitoring
Load
Monitoring
Load
Monitoring
Input
router
Input
mixer
Contour
Module
System Block
The input section (inputs, input router and input mixer) allows for mixing
capabilities as well as redundant and prioritized inputs with automatic
switch-over in case of signal failure. Up to four Lake Processing
Attenuator
Phase rev
Mute
AmpGainRPM/ISVPL
Load
Monitoring
modules provide user EQ and loudspeaker processing, including
LimiterMax limiting. Each power output channel provides individual
channel processing, including ISVPL limiter, RPM and load monitoring.
Specifications
t cudo r p eh t f o sgn i t t es eh t r o f sno i t a co l y r omem l a coL
General
Processing / Network
Numbers of amplifier channels
Total burst powe r all cha nnels (s hare am ong cha nnels w ith RPM)
Max. O utpu t Power (all c h.’s driven )
2 ohms
2.67 ohms
4 ohms
8 ohms
16 oh ms
Hi-Z 70 V
Hi-Z 100 V
Max ou tput p ower si ngle c hannel
2 ohms
2.67 ohms
4 ohms
8 ohms
16 oh ms
Hi-Z 70 V
Hi-Z 100 V
Amplifier o utpu t modu les (al l mode ls, all c hannels)
Peak output v oltage
Max output current
Defaul t voltage limitation (can be lif ted with RPM configuration
Audio P erfo rman ce (A mplifier pl atfo rm with digital input)
THD + N 20 Hz - 20 kHz f or 1 W
THD + N at 1 kHz a nd 1 dB bel ow clipping
Dynamic range
Channel s eparat ion (Crosst alk) at 1 kH z
Frequen cy respons e (1 W into 8
Internal s ample rate / Da ta path
Product propagation delay AES 96 kHz / a nalog input
Lake processing
System tuningGroup co ntrol wi th Raise d Cosin e™ MESA EG™ asymmet ric filters
Input re dunda ncy / MatrixAutomati c 4 level inpu t redun dancy / 4 inpu t mixer s
System integrationCompre hensi ve 3rd par ty protocol over UD P Ethern et
Measurement & An alysis
Pilot tone generation and analysis
Load impedance analysis
Real Ti me Anal yzer (R TA), 3rd part y integra tion
Dante A udio N etwo rk
Dante I/O
Network topology / redundancy
Sample rates / tra nsport
Network latency
AES67 Audio Network
I/O
Network topology / redundancy
Sample rates / transport
Network latency2 ms
Device Presets
AES Inputs
Inputs
Supported sa mple rates / resolu tion
Sample rate conversion T HD + N 20 Hz - 20 kHz u nweighte d
Analog Inputs
Inputs4 high quality inputs with Iso-Float™ ground isolation
Maximum input / dig ital refe rence
Sampling rate / re solut ion
impedance balanced / unbalanced
Input
THD + N (ty pical at 1 k Hz unwei ghted)
THD + N (ty pical at 2 0 Hz and 20 kHz u nweigh ted)
Limiters
Adjustable Inter-Sample Voltage Peak Li miter (ISVPL)
Curren t Peak Lim iter < 30 0 ms
Curren t Average Lim iter (CAL) > 3 00 ms
Limite rMax (r ms and pe ak limi ters)
MaxRM S (rms voltage limiter)
MaxPeak (peak voltage limiter)
1)
1)
ohm, 20 Hz - 20 kH z)
Lake / Dante
4
5000 W
900 W
1250 W
1250 W
1250 W
700 W
1300 W
1250 W
900 W
1250 W
1750 W
1350 W
700 W
1450 W
2000 W
150 V
30 A
Short Circuit Protection, Cur rent-Cl ip Limi ter, Voltage Clip Limiter, Temperature protection
< 0.05 %
< 0.04 %
> 112 dB
> 70 dB
+ /- 0.05 dB
96 KHz / 32 bit floating point
1.61 / 1.68 ms
Yes
Yes
Yes
8 X 8 (shared with AES67)
Flexible topology / Supports daisy-chained and Dual redundant networks
48, 96 kHz / Uni + Multicast
0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 5.0 ms
8 X 8 (shared with Dante)
Flexible topology / Supports daisy-chained
48 kHz / Multicast
100
4 AES inputs
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4,
192 kHz / up to 24 bits
0.00003 %
+ 26 dBu / +21 dBu
96 kHz / 24 bit
20 k / 10 k ohm
0.00022 %
0.00033 %
17.8 - 150 V, step size 0.1 V
30 A peak
15 Arms
Yes
Yes
96 kHz / 32 bi t floating point 96 kHz / 32 bit floa ting point
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W 0005W 0003
W 004 4W 0003
W 003 2W 009 1
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W 003 3W 0003
W 007 4W 0003
W 004 4W 004 4
W 009 5W 009 5
W 006 4W 006 4
W 003 2W 003 2
W 05 1 1W 05 1 1
W 003 3W 003 3
W 007 4W 007 4
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Specifications
Amplifier gainBd 1.0 ezis pets ,Bd 44 - 22
Rear-panel inte rfa ce
AES inputsRLX nip 3 x 2
Output connector sNeutrik speakON (4 x NLT4)
Front-panel interf ace
Mute Enable buttonEn
Menu buttonProvide s a menu dr iven in terfac e for ful l function fro nt pane l control
Rotar y Encod erseY
Main s power
gulp llaw sniaMNEMA L5- 30 “Twist loc
and 4 binding posts (pairs)
IEC rated at 250 V / 16A
temperature controlled speed
dedivorp 8snottub noitcnuf tfos dna etuM
ybdnatS / nOnottub rewoP ybdnatS
ables m uting of ou tputs a nd inputs vi a soft-bu tton key pad
CA V 562 - 07egatlov gnitarepO
Selectable order CEE 7/7
“Schuko” 230 V / 16 A,
NEMA 5-15 125 V /15 A
BS1363-A 250 V / 13 A,
IA16A3 250 V / 16 A,
AU/NZ 250 V / 10 A,
JP 125 V / 15 A,
CPCS-CCC 250 V / 10 A
Bd 52.0 ezis pets ,Bd 0 ot fnI -rotaunetta latigiD
decnalab yllacinortcele ,RLX nip 3 x 4stupni golanA
Neutrik speakON (1 x NLT8, 2 x NLT4) or 4 binding posts (pairs)
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Neutri k powerCON 32 ANeutri k powerCON 32 A
Three fans front-to-rear airflow, temperature controlled speed
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>0.98 for mains power > 400 W
, D: 424 mm (16.7"))U 2( mm 88 :H ,)"91( mm 384 :Wlenap raer ot liar kcaR
CE, ANSI / UL 60065 (ETL), CSA C22.2 NO. 60065,
PSE, RCM, FCC and BIS India
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Note 1): Lab.gru ppen b urst powe r (1 kHz, 25 ms burs t power @ 150 BPM, 12 dB Cre st facto r)
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
Intercooler, Class TD and Lake ar
SpeakerSafe, BEL, UVL and ISVPL are trademarks of Lab.gruppen AB. Dolby and the double-D symbol are register
EQ, Raised Cosine Equalization, LimiterMax and Iso-Float are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Audinate is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty Ltd. Dante and Zen are trademarks of Audinate
Pty Ltd. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
e national and/or international registered trademarks of Lab.gruppen AB. PLM, Powered Loudspeaker Management, R.SMPS, LoadLibrary, LoadSmart,
ed trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Contour, Mesa Quad EQ, Mesa Parametric