Powersoft Mezzo Will See CEDIA Debut of Newest Amplifier Platform
Powersoft (CEDIA EXPO booth 335) will demonstrate its newest amplifier platform at CEDIA EXPO. Integrated into a half-rack enclosure with lots of connectivity options, Mezzo is designed for the AV/IT markets, commercial and residential installations. The new line consists of eight amplifier models in all, each offering different power and connectivity options. We short a product video of this last month at InfoComm — as the product made its commercial debut there. Watch this:
The eight available models in the new Mezzo line consist of four power sizes, each offering an option with ‘A’ (analog) or ‘AD’ (analog-digital), which adds Dante/AES67. The power sizes include smaller option of 320 watts (four 80-watt channels or two 160-watt channels) and a larger option of 600 watts (four 150-watt channels or two 300-watt channels). All of the eight models are networkable and feature automatic setup for audio parameters, significantly reducing deployment time during installation. Further, all of the units offer load monitoring, so users can monitor system parameters such as temperature, power usage and performance over time. These parameters can be monitored and controlled via Powersoft’s own ArmoníaPlus System Manager or through an external control system or a plug-in in a DSP matrix platform.
The AD models include Dante and AES67 integration and also add an internal Gigabit Ethernet switch and a second port, meaning that multiple products can share the same network cable. This feature can convenient in a retrofit, or if the user needs to share a network connection between a projector and an amplifier for instance.
Perhaps most impressive is Mezzo’s overall flexibility and power sharing capabilities. The smaller 320W power sized models are able to deliver 80/160 watts-per-channel into 2, 4, 8 or 16 ohms as well as 100, 70 or 25V. The larger 600-watt power-sized models can deliver four 150-watt channels or two 300-watt channels and can drive two 16 ohm as well as 25, 70 or 100V. While this is impressive in terms of flexibility, each channel has sufficient headroom for power sharing according to the specific installation needs. This means one model can drive zones of varying sizes, and design changes can be accommodated on the fly without having to alter equipment choice.
Mezzo also features equally impressive installation options. Each unit comes with rack mount accessories to fit two units into a standard 19″ rack or one unit in a 11″ compact rack. Alternatively, the unit can stand alone on rubber feet in a credenza or be mounted on the wall — behind a video screen, for instance. The unit is ultra-quiet and requires no ventilation and can therefore be used in dusty environments, under a desk or in locations where an audio closet may not available. Further, in terms of performance, Mezzo also delivers enough power to drive many subwoofers. This potentially means a significant space savings in locations that will no longer require 19″ racks.
Here is the entire Mezzo lineup.