ASHLY NE8250.70PED Network-Enabled 250W with Dante

Product Overview

The Ashly NE8250.70PED is a network-enabled 8-channel power amplifier delivering 250W per channel into 70V constant-voltage speaker systems, with integrated Protea DSP processing on all inputs and outputs and a factory-installed Dante audio network card. Designed as a complete one-box solution for multi-zone distributed audio, the NE8250.70PED handles paging, background music distribution, and announcement systems in retail, hospitality, education, and commercial AV installation environments. With full matrix mixing capability and Dante AoIP connectivity, this Ashly network power amplifier integrates directly into modern IP audio infrastructure without requiring additional signal processing hardware. The Protea DSP audio processor built into every input and output channel gives installers precise control over equalization, dynamics, delay, and routing across all zones.

Product Description

The NE8250.70PED combines Ashly's proven NE Series network amplifier platform with the Protea Embedded DSP (PED) engine and a Dante input card, creating a single rack-mount unit that replaces separate amplifier, DSP processor, and network audio interface components. The amplifier delivers 8 x 250W optimized for 70V distributed audio, making it well suited for large commercial spaces where many loudspeakers are connected across long cable runs. Standard 10/100 Ethernet provides remote control and monitoring through Ashly Protea NE software, and the GPI port enables preset recall and volume control from remote DC voltage devices such as the Ashly WR-5 wall remote. The Dante audio network card accepts digital audio from any Dante-enabled source on the network, eliminating analog audio cabling between source equipment and the amplifier location. Each input channel features a stepped, calibrated front-panel attenuator for local level adjustment during commissioning. Four-stage LED level meters plus output current and temperature indicators on each channel provide real-time status without requiring a connected computer. The Class-D switching amplifier topology offers high efficiency in the rack, reducing heat output and power draw compared to Class-AB designs. Protea DSP on each input and output delivers equalization, dynamics processing, delay, crossover filtering, and signal routing capabilities that cover the needs of virtually any commercial paging or distributed audio installation.

Key Features

• 8-Channel 70V Output — 250W per channel (2000W RMS total) optimized for constant-voltage distributed speaker systems.
• Dante Audio Network Card — Factory-installed Dante input card for AoIP connectivity with Dante-enabled network audio devices.
• Protea Embedded DSP — Full DSP processing on all inputs and outputs including EQ, dynamics, delay, and crossover.
• Standard Ethernet Control — 10/100 Ethernet for remote control and monitoring via Protea NE software; no dedicated controller required.
• GPI and Remote DC Control — Supports preset recall and volume control from remote DC voltage sources and wall panels.
• Stepped Front Panel Attenuators — Calibrated stepped attenuators on each input channel for repeatable level settings.
• Class-D Switching Amplifier — High-efficiency topology with switching power supply reduces heat and power consumption.
• Remote Power Standby — Network or contact-closure remote standby for energy management.
• 4-Stage Channel Meters — Per-channel level meters plus temperature and current indicators for at-a-glance system monitoring.

Typical Applications

• Retail store multi-zone background music and paging
• Hotel and hospitality distributed audio systems
• School and university campus paging and bell systems
• Commercial meeting spaces and conference rooms
• House of worship multi-zone audio distribution
• All-hands rooms and training facilities

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "PED" mean in the NE8250.70PED model name?

"PED" stands for Protea Embedded DSP. It indicates the unit includes Ashly's full Protea DSP engine on all input and output channels, providing equalization, dynamics, delay, crossover, and routing within the amplifier itself.

What is the purpose of the Dante card in the NE8250.70PED?

The Dante card allows the amplifier to receive audio directly from any Dante-enabled device on a standard IP network. This eliminates the need for analog audio runs between source equipment and the amplifier, which is particularly valuable in large facilities or where source equipment is in a separate location.

Does the NE8250.70PED need external DSP hardware?

No. The built-in Protea Embedded DSP provides complete signal processing on all inputs and outputs. The amplifier is a self-contained solution for most commercial paging and background music installations.

How is the NE8250.70PED controlled and configured?

Configuration is performed through Ashly Protea NE software over the standard 10/100 Ethernet port. Wall remotes and GPI inputs can be used for user-facing volume control and preset recall without computer access.

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

The NE8250.70PED includes Protea Embedded DSP and a Dante card. The NE8250.70BD includes Protea Embedded DSP plus both a Dante card and an OPDAC option card, providing additional analog output capability.

Is 70V the only output option for this amplifier?

Yes, the NE8250.70PED is specifically configured for 70V constant-voltage output. Other NE8250 variants are available for low-impedance or other constant-voltage configurations.