Lab Gruppen E 20:4 2,000 Watt Amplifier with 4 Flexible Output Channels for Installation Applications

Product Overview

The Lab Gruppen E 20:4 is a 2,000-watt, 4-channel commercial installation amplifier that delivers 4 x 500 W across independently configurable Lo-Z and Hi-Z outputs in a 1RU chassis. Targeted at AV integrators and system designers specifying distributed audio for medium-to-large commercial spaces, the E 20:4 handles mixed-impedance multi-zone systems — including 70 V and 100 V constant-voltage networks — from a single rack unit with Energy Star certified efficiency.

Product Description

The E 20:4 occupies the mid-tier of Lab Gruppen's E Series 4-channel lineup, offering 2,000 W total output with 500 W per channel available at any supported impedance — Lo-Z at 2, 4, 8, or 16 ohms, or Hi-Z at 70 V or 100 V. Unlike fixed-configuration amplifiers, each channel's impedance mode is set independently via rear-panel RSL switch, allowing a single unit to simultaneously serve multiple zone types without additional hardware. This is particularly useful in installations where some zones use line-level ceiling speaker taps on a 70 V rail and others use direct-drive low-impedance loudspeakers in smaller meeting rooms or huddle spaces.

The IDEEA (IntelliDrive Energy Efficient Amplifier) Class-D output stage is the performance core of the E Series platform. It achieves greater than 80% net operating efficiency, which reduces mains current demand and lowers the thermal load in the equipment rack. The E 20:4 draws 600 W from mains at full output and under 2.5 W in standby — compliant with Energy Star certification requirements. Auto-standby activates after 20 minutes without an input signal; the unit powers back on automatically when signal returns, making it appropriate for unattended or scheduled-operation installations.

Commissioning the E 20:4 in the field is straightforward: per-channel level trimmers and signal LEDs are accessible on the rear panel without requiring a laptop or external DSP tool. A fixed 50 Hz high-pass filter is switchable per channel for speaker protection in non-subwoofer zones. The front panel provides power, temperature, and per-channel signal and limit LEDs. The GPIO connector enables contact-closure control system integration.

Key Features

• 2,000 W Total Output, 4 Channels — 4 x 500 W available into 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω Lo-Z, and into 70 V or 100 V Hi-Z per channel.
• Per-Channel Lo-Z / Hi-Z Configuration — Each channel independently switches between low-impedance and constant-voltage modes via rear-panel RSL switch.
• IDEEA Class-D Output Stage — >80% operating efficiency; 600 W mains draw at full output reduces rack power and cooling demands.
• Energy Star Certified — Standby below 2.5 W with auto-standby/auto-power-on functionality.
• Rail Sense Limiter (RSL) — Per-channel dynamic limiter reduces clipping and protects loudspeakers under variable load conditions.
• Asymmetric Channel Loading — Total 2,000 W can be distributed unequally across channels to match zone requirements.
• Built-In 50 Hz High-Pass Filter — Switchable per channel from rear panel for speaker protection in distributed systems.
• GPIO Integration — Contact-closure GPI/GPO connector for control system power management.
• 1RU Form Factor — 44 x 483 x 417 mm, 7.9 kg; dense rack installation with standard IEC mains input.

Typical Applications

• Conference room and boardroom distributed audio
• Huddle room and small meeting space multi-zone systems
• House of worship background and fill speaker systems
• Government building paging and background music
• Multi-purpose room and training room audio
• Commercial meeting space 70 V ceiling speaker networks

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the E 20:4 power both 70 V ceiling speakers and low-impedance speakers from the same unit?

A: Yes. Each of the four channels has an independent RSL mode switch, so it is possible to configure some channels for 70 V Hi-Z ceiling speaker distribution while others operate in Lo-Z mode for direct-drive loudspeakers in the same installation.

Q: How much power does each channel deliver?

A: Each channel delivers 500 W into 4Ω, 8Ω, or 16Ω Lo-Z, and 500 W into 70 V or 100 V Hi-Z. Total system output is 2,000 W across all four channels driven simultaneously.

Q: Is the E 20:4 appropriate for a single-building paging and background music system?

A: Yes. The four independently configurable channels make the E 20:4 well suited for multi-zone paging and BGM installations where different areas may require different speaker types or impedance configurations.

Q: Does the E 20:4 require external DSP?

A: The E 20:4 does not include onboard DSP. It is an analog installation amplifier. External DSP processors or digital mixers can be connected via the balanced analog inputs for EQ, delay, and signal routing as required by the system design.

Q: How does the auto-standby feature affect system operation?

A: After 20 minutes without an input signal, the amplifier enters standby consuming under 2.5 W. It automatically powers on when signal returns. This behavior can also be overridden or monitored via the GPIO contact-closure interface.

Q: What is the form factor and rack space requirement?

A: The E 20:4 occupies a single 1RU space (44 mm / 1.7" height) in a standard 19" rack, weighing 7.9 kg with a depth of 417 mm.