Lab Gruppen C 88:4 8800W 4-Channel Amplifier with NomadLink Network Monitoring - C884

Product Overview

The Lab Gruppen C 88:4 is an 8,800W 4-channel commercial installation amplifier combining Class-TD efficiency with NomadLink network monitoring in a compact 2U rack-mount chassis. Designed for system integrators specifying audio in houses of worship, performing arts centers, convention centers, theme parks, and large commercial venues, the C 88:4 handles both Lo-Z (2–16 ohm) and Hi-Z (70V and 100V) speaker loads on a per-channel basis. The Lab Gruppen C 88:4 4-channel amplifier with NomadLink provides procurement teams and AV designers with a high-power, network-monitored amplifier for professional commercial sound installations where remote visibility and control are required without the complexity of a full DSP platform.

Product Description

The C 88:4 is the highest-power model in the Lab Gruppen C Series, delivering 8,800W across four channels at up to 2,200W per channel into 2 ohm and 70V loads. Its Class-TD output stage provides the sonic quality of Class-A/B with the efficiency of Class-D, and a Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS) maintains consistent output regardless of mains fluctuations. The proprietary Intercooler copper cooling system dissipates heat efficiently to support extended peak output in demanding continuous-duty installation environments.

NomadLink network monitoring is built in, enabling key amplifier parameters to be displayed and controlled via DeviceControl software over an Ethernet network. Remote mute control and power on/off are available per channel via NomadLink, supporting centralized AV system control in large facilities. Note that the NomadLink Bridge (NLB 60E) is required separately for network connectivity. The rear panel provides four balanced 3-pin Phoenix connector inputs and four 2-pole barrier strip screw-terminal outputs for clean cable management in permanent installations. A comprehensive protection scheme covers current, voltage, DC, temperature, short-circuit, and open-load conditions with LED-indicated status on the front panel. A scalable Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL) and bridge-mode operation capability allow custom configuration to match specific loudspeaker requirements. The 2U chassis includes a removable dust filter grille for maintenance access.

Key Features

• 8,800W Total Output Power — Up to 2,200W per channel into 2 ohm and 70V loads across all four channels simultaneously.
• NomadLink Network Monitoring — Remote parameter monitoring and control of channel mutes and power on/off via DeviceControl software (NLB 60E required separately).
• Hi-Z and Lo-Z Operation — Each channel supports 2, 4, 8, and 16 ohm loads plus 70V and 100V constant-voltage speaker distribution.
• Class-TD Output Stage — Delivers Class-A/B audio quality at Class-D efficiency with Intercooler copper cooling for extended peak performance.
• R.SMPS Power Supply — Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply provides stable output across varying mains conditions.
• Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL) — Scalable VPL protects loudspeakers from excessive voltage peaks while preserving dynamic range.
• Bridge-Mode Operation — Supports bridge configuration for higher per-channel output: up to 4,600W bridged into 4 ohms and 4,400W bridged into 140V.
• Comprehensive Protection — Current, voltage, DC, temperature, short-circuit, and open-load protection with front-panel LED indication.
• Installation-Ready Connectors — 4 x 3-pin Phoenix balanced inputs and 4 x 2-pole barrier strip speaker outputs for clean permanent installation wiring.
• 2U Compact Chassis — 483mm wide 2U rack-mount with removable dust filter grille for clean installation environments.

Typical Applications

• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Multi-purpose room
• Conference room
• Training room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the C 88:4 include DSP or just monitoring?

A: The C 88:4 does not include onboard DSP. It provides NomadLink network monitoring for remote parameter visibility, channel mute, and power on/off control via DeviceControl software. For onboard Lake DSP with Dante networking, see the Lab Gruppen D Series Lake amplifiers.

Q: What is NomadLink and what hardware is required to use it?

A: NomadLink is Lab Gruppen's proprietary network monitoring system for the C Series. To enable network connectivity, the NLB 60E NomadLink Bridge and Network Controller must be purchased separately. The C 88:4 is NomadLink-ready out of the box.

Q: Can the C 88:4 drive 70V and 100V constant-voltage speaker systems?

A: Yes. Each channel supports 70V and 100V Hi-Z operation alongside Lo-Z loads from 2 to 16 ohms, making the C 88:4 suitable for both distributed and direct-coupled commercial speaker installations.

Q: What is bridge mode and when should it be used on the C 88:4?

A: Bridge mode combines two channels into one output for higher per-channel power. In bridge mode, the C 88:4 delivers up to 4,600W into 4 ohms and 4,200W into 8 ohms. This is typically used when a single zone requires more power than one channel can provide independently.

Q: How is the C 88:4 gain and limiter configured?

A: The C 88:4 has selectable gain and a scalable Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL). These are set directly on the amplifier and monitored via DeviceControl software over the NomadLink network. There is no onboard DSP — external signal processing is recommended for loudspeaker management.

Q: What protection does the C 88:4 provide for loudspeakers and the amplifier itself?

A: The amplifier includes a comprehensive protection scheme covering current limiting, overvoltage, DC protection, temperature limiting, short-circuit protection, and open-load detection. All protection events are indicated via front-panel LEDs.

Q: What warranty and support apply to the C 88:4?

A: Lab Gruppen C Series products carry the manufacturer's standard warranty. Creation Networks provides pre-sales support and can connect customers with authorized Lab Gruppen service centers for technical and warranty service.