ASHLY PEMA 8250.70D Amplifier plus OPDante Option Card

Product Overview

The Ashly PEMA 8250.70D is an 8-channel, 250W-per-channel Protea-Equipped Media Amplifier designed for commercial AV installations requiring constant-voltage 70V distributed audio with full Dante network audio integration. As a complete one-box solution combining matrix mixing, DSP audio processing, and a Class-D amplifier, the PEMA 8250.70D replaces multiple rack-mounted components in boardrooms, houses of worship, and large multi-zone installations. The included OPDante option card enables direct connection to Dante audio networks, making this amplifier an ideal Dante-enabled zone amplifier for modern AV infrastructure. With 2000W total output power and 32-bit SHARC DSP, it handles demanding commercial AV installation requirements with precision and efficiency.

Product Description

The Ashly PEMA 8250.70D network amplifier consolidates the functions of a matrix mixer, Protea DSP audio processor, and high-power amplifier into a single 2U rack-mount chassis. The full 8-in x 8-out matrix allows any input to be routed to any output, giving installers complete flexibility over signal distribution across multiple zones. The built-in OPDante card provides seamless interfacing with Dante audio networks, while standard 10/100 Ethernet allows remote control and monitoring via Ashly Protea NE software without dedicated control hardware. Eight built-in microphone preamps with 15V phantom power support direct microphone connections for paging, conferencing, and announcement applications. The gain-sharing automatic microphone mixer automatically manages open microphone levels in multi-mic environments, reducing feedback and noise in conference rooms and all-hands spaces. An automatic feedback suppressor, ambient noise detection with level adjustment, and a real-time clock with event scheduling round out the feature set for unattended operation. The Class-D amplifier topology with switching power supply delivers over 80% energy efficiency, reducing operating costs in commercial installations where amplifiers run continuously. At 96kHz or 48kHz sample rates with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, audio quality meets the demands of critical listening environments including houses of worship and performance auditoriums. The 70V constant-voltage output is optimized for distributed speaker systems spanning large areas with long cable runs.

Key Features

• 8-Channel 70V Output — 250W per channel, 2000W total RMS, optimized for constant-voltage distributed speaker systems.
• OPDante Option Card Included — Factory-installed Dante audio network card for direct AoIP integration with Dante-enabled devices.
• 8x8 Matrix Mixer — Full matrix routing allows any input to be assigned to any output or combination of outputs.
• 8 Built-In Mic Preamps — With 15V phantom power for condenser microphones, supporting direct mic connections.
• 32-Bit SHARC DSP — Full Protea DSP suite including FIR filters, dynamics, EQ, crossover, delay, and metering.
• Automatic Mic Mixing — Gain-sharing automatic microphone mixing for multi-mic conference and presentation environments.
• Automatic Feedback Suppressor — Built-in feedback suppression reduces setup time and protects against feedback events.
• Ambient Noise Detection — Automatically adjusts output levels based on measured ambient noise in the room.
• Real-Time Clock and Event Scheduler — Schedule standby, power-off, and preset changes for automated daily operation.
• Class-D Efficiency — Over 80% energy efficiency with switching power supply reduces rack heat load and operating costs.
• FIR Filter Capable — Supports linear-phase FIR filtering for advanced loudspeaker alignment and correction.
• 96kHz/48kHz Sample Rate — 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion with selectable sample rates for high-fidelity audio.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom and executive conference suite audio distribution
• House of worship multi-zone sound reinforcement
• Government and municipal building public address systems
• Commercial meeting spaces and training rooms
• Multi-purpose rooms requiring zone-switched audio
• All-hands and town hall meeting spaces
• Auditorium distributed audio with 70V speaker systems

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included with the PEMA 8250.70D and what does the "D" suffix mean?

The "D" suffix indicates the unit ships with the OPDante option card factory-installed, providing full Dante audio network input capability alongside the standard Ethernet control port. The amplifier is ready for Dante network deployment out of the box.

Does the PEMA 8250.70D require a separate DSP processor?

No. The PEMA 8250.70D integrates a full Protea DSP engine, 8x8 matrix mixer, and 8-channel Class-D amplifier in one unit. For most commercial installations, no additional DSP hardware is required.

What control software is used to configure the PEMA 8250.70D?

The unit is configured and monitored using Ashly Protea NE software over a standard 10/100 Ethernet connection. No proprietary control hardware is required.

Can the PEMA 8250.70D be used for microphone paging over a distributed 70V speaker system?

Yes. The eight built-in mic preamps with 15V phantom power and gain-sharing automatic microphone mixing make this amplifier well suited for paging and announcement systems in commercial facilities.

What is the difference between 70V and low-impedance operation?

The PEMA 8250.70D is specifically configured for 70V constant-voltage output, which allows multiple loudspeakers to be connected across long cable runs without significant signal loss. This is the standard approach for distributed audio in large commercial spaces.

How does the event scheduler work?

The built-in real-time clock allows scheduled actions such as preset changes, standby mode, and power-off to occur automatically at programmed times. This is useful for facilities that follow set daily schedules, reducing manual intervention.

Is the PEMA 8250.70D compatible with CobraNet networks?

Yes, the PEMA series supports both Dante and CobraNet option cards. The 8250.70D ships with the OPDante card installed; a CobraNet card can be ordered separately as an alternative.