Sweden’s Lab.gruppen will launch the IPD (Intelligent Power Drive) Series of affordable two-channel amplifiers at Prolight + Sound, bringing Lab’s reputation for performance and reliability to a wider customer base.
The IPD 2400 (2 x 1,200W) and IPD 1200 (2 x 600W) – aimed primarily at small rental/hire companies and touring bands looking for pro performance – pack DSP power, networking control ability and 100 user-definable presets into 1U of rack space.
With the 1200 model, Lab.gruppen – part of the TC Group of companies – is for the first time offering the marketplace a product with a street price that will inevitably dip below the €1,000 mark.
“We’ve given the IPD series as much performance and horsepower as we could at this price point,” emphasises Martin Andersson, Lab.gruppen’s product manager for touring (pictured).
Weighing 4.6kg (IPD 1200) and 6.2kg (IPD 2400), the new amps employ the proprietary low power consumption IDEEA (IntelliDrive Energy Efficient Amplifier) technology, tried and tested in the E Series installation range launched 18 months ago.
A powerful onboard DSP engine delivers a total of 40 real-time, multi-slope parametric EQs along with adjustable gain, input delay, output delay, and high-pass and low-pass filters adjustable to any frequency. A Software Configurable Voltage Peak Limiter (SCVPL) tailors outputs to load conditions, while a four-channel mixer provides flexible routing from the analogue XLR or AES3 digital inputs (two of each). Parameters may be stored in up to 100 user-defined presets, and accessed via the intuitive, touch-based GUI of IntelliDrive Controller. Available for PC, Mac and as a dedicated iPad app, this software interface enables accurate remote system tuning over Ethernet, or wirelessly via a suitable WiFi router.
Both models feature integrated rack handles, a backlit graphic display with horizontal VU meters, and fully configurable front panel controls. A three-year warranty comes as standard.
“When my father, Kenneth Andersson, and Dan Bavholm started Lab.gruppen in 1979, their goal was to serve the local musical community with great-sounding and affordable products,” recounts Andersson. “Over the past 30 years we have advanced our technology to create innovative, ‘best-in-class’ power amplifiers, including the legendary fP Series and our flagship PLM Series – the platform of choice for international touring and prestige installations. Now with IPD Series, we’ve put everything we’ve learned into a product that will serve a wider market – delivering on both performance and value.”
The first IPD series are expected to ship almost immediately.
