ASHLY NE4250.70BD Network Amplifier with Dante and OPDAC4 Option Cards

Product Overview

The Ashly NE4250.70BD is a network-enabled 4-channel power amplifier delivering 250W per channel into 70V constant-voltage distributed speaker systems, with factory-installed OPDante and OPDAC4 option cards providing Dante audio network input and 4-channel analog D-to-A conversion output in a single rack-mount unit. Part of the NE Series, the NE4250.70BD combines 1000W total output for 70V distributed audio with standard 10/100 Ethernet control, selectable high-pass filters, and the ability to serve simultaneously as a Dante-to-speaker amplifier and a Dante-to-analog converter for analog device connectivity. With DC voltage remote gain control, calibrated stepped attenuators, temperature-sensitive fan cooling, and bridged mono capability (500W into 140V), the NE4250.70BD is a complete commercial zone amplifier for Dante-based AV installations requiring both amplification and analog breakout.

Product Description

The NE4250.70BD delivers 4 x 250W minimum RMS per channel into 70V loads with all channels operating simultaneously. The factory-installed OPDante card connects the amplifier to a Dante audio network, accepting digital audio from any Dante-enabled source without analog runs. The factory-installed OPDAC4 card provides 4 channels of digital-to-analog conversion, allowing Dante audio to be output as analog signals for feeding other analog devices in the installation. When switched into bridged-mono mode, channel pairs (1+2 or 3+4) deliver over 500W RMS into 140V loads for higher-power zone requirements. Selectable high-pass filter frequencies (80 Hz, 400 Hz, or off) protect 70V distributed loudspeakers from low-frequency content. Standard 10/100 Ethernet provides remote control and monitoring through Ashly Protea NE software, and DC remote level control and contact closure preset recall integrate with room control systems and wall remotes. Front panel indicators cover power, standby, protect, signal level, bridge mono, temperature, current, and Ethernet communication. A temperature-sensitive variable-speed fan with front-to-back airflow manages thermal load, and all front panel controls can be disabled via software. Input connectors are Euroblock balanced analog, with Euroblock output connectors for speaker connections. The unit mounts in 2U of standard 19" rack space and is certified cTUVus, CE, FCC, and RoHS.

Key Features

• 4-Channel 70V Output — 250W minimum RMS per channel (1000W total) for constant-voltage distributed systems.
• OPDante Card Included — Factory-installed Dante input card for AoIP audio from Dante-enabled devices.
• OPDAC4 Card Included — Factory-installed 4-channel D-to-A conversion for analog breakout from Dante network.
• Bridged Mono Capability — Channel pairs deliver over 500W into 140V loads in bridged mode.
• Selectable HPF — 80 Hz, 400 Hz, or off for 70V loudspeaker protection.
• Standard Ethernet Control — 10/100 Ethernet for Protea NE software remote control and monitoring.
• DC Remote Level Control — Per-channel volume control from wall remotes and building automation.
• Remote Power Standby — Network or contact-closure standby for energy management.
• Variable-Speed Fan Cooling — Temperature-sensitive front-to-back airflow for continuous commercial operation.

Typical Applications

• Conference rooms and boardrooms with Dante-sourced 70V audio
• Commercial meeting spaces requiring 4-zone 70V distribution
• Houses of worship with Dante networks and analog device connectivity
• Government and institutional 70V paging and background music
• Training rooms and multi-purpose spaces with scheduled audio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the NE4250.70BD and the NE8250.70BD?

The NE4250.70BD provides 4 amplifier channels at 250W each (1000W total) with an OPDAC4 card (4-channel D/A). The NE8250.70BD provides 8 channels at 250W each (2000W total) with an OPDAC8 card (8-channel D/A).

What is the purpose of the OPDAC4 card?

The OPDAC4 converts 4 channels of Dante digital audio to analog outputs. This allows the unit to simultaneously amplify Dante audio to 70V speakers and output 4 channels of analog audio to other analog devices in the system.

Does the NE4250.70BD include a DSP processor?

The NE4250.70BD includes the standard NE Series network control features. For full Protea Embedded DSP on all inputs and outputs, the NE4250.70PED model is appropriate.

What bridged mono capability does the NE4250.70BD have?

Channel pairs (1+2 or 3+4) can be bridged to mono, delivering over 500W RMS into 140V loads. This is useful for zones requiring higher power output than a single 70V channel provides.

How are the selectable high-pass filters used?

The 80 Hz and 400 Hz HPF settings protect 70V distributed loudspeakers from low-frequency content. The 400 Hz setting is typically used for ceiling speakers with limited low-frequency capability, while 80 Hz suits higher-quality distributed speakers.