Lab Gruppen PLM 8K44 SP 8000W 4-Channel Amplifier with Lake DSP and Network (speakON) - PLM8K44/SP

Product Overview

The Lab Gruppen PLM 8K44 SP is an 8,000W four-channel touring power amplifier with integrated Lake Digital Signal Processing, Dante/AES67 digital audio networking, and Neutrik speakON speaker outputs. It delivers 4 x 2,000W across impedance loads from 2 to 16 ohms and 70/100V distributed audio, making it a practical PLM+ series solution for mid-scale live sound systems, touring rigs, and permanent installations requiring network-managed amplification with onboard DSP. The speakON NL8 and NL4 connectors provide the secure twist-lock cable connections standard in professional touring applications.

Product Description

The Lab Gruppen PLM 8K44 SP brings the full PLM+ platform to 8,000W four-channel amplification, providing the same Class-TD output stage, Lake Controller 6.3 DSP engine, Dante/AES67 networking, and 4-in/4-out signal architecture as the higher-power PLM 12K44 and PLM 20K44 models. This makes it an effective choice for touring engineers and AV integrators who want PLM+ DSP and network management capabilities in a lower-power amplifier — for example, driving delay speaker arrays, fills, or monitor systems within a larger PLM+ rig. With 2,000W per channel at 2 ohms, the PLM 8K44 SP handles a wide range of mid-size loudspeaker loads efficiently. Rational Power Management (RPM) allows available power to be redistributed between channels when loads are unequal, adding flexibility for mixed speaker configurations. Lake Controller 6.3 provides FIR linear-phase crossovers, MESA EQ, parametric EQ, delay, limiting, and 100 stored presets, all accessible over the Ethernet network. Dual etherCON Dante ports with AES67 support integrate the amplifier into any Dante-based audio system. Four balanced XLR analog inputs and two AES3 digital inputs handle both analog and digital source signals. Speaker outputs are one NL8 and two NL4 speakON connectors. Comprehensive protection circuitry and a 2 RU rack-mount chassis with included rack brackets complete the package.

Key Features

• 8,000W Total Output Power — Four channels at 2,000W each (2 ohms), supporting 2, 4, 8, 16 ohm and 70/100V loads.
• Rational Power Management (RPM) — Dynamically allocates total amplifier power across channels for optimized performance with mixed speaker loads.
• Lake Digital Signal Processing — FIR linear-phase crossovers, MESA EQ, parametric EQ, delay, and limiting via Lake Controller 6.3.
• Dante and AES67 Networking — Dual redundant etherCON ports for full IP audio network integration.
• speakON Output Connectors — One NL8 and two NL4 Neutrik speakON outputs for secure touring speaker connections.
• 4-In / 4-Out Signal Architecture — Four balanced XLR analog inputs plus two AES3 digital inputs.
• Class-TD Amplifier Topology — Combines Class-B audio quality with Class-D efficiency.
• Voltage Peak Limiter (VPL) — Per-channel adjustable limiting for loudspeaker protection and headroom management.
• Comprehensive Circuit Protection — DC, short-circuit, thermal, and inrush protection.
• 2 RU Rack-Mount Chassis — Ships with power cord and rear rack support brackets.

Typical Applications

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

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the PLM 8K44 SP fit within a larger PLM+ touring rig?

A: The PLM 8K44 SP shares the same Dante network, Lake DSP platform, and Lake Controller software as the PLM 12K44 and PLM 20K44, making it straightforward to mix models within a single rig. A common configuration uses higher-power PLM units for main PA and subwoofers, with the PLM 8K44 SP handling delays, fills, or monitor systems within the same network-managed infrastructure.

Q: Does the PLM 8K44 SP support 70V or 100V distributed speaker systems?

A: Yes. The amplifier supports 70V and 100V high-impedance operation, making it suitable for distributed ceiling speaker installations as well as low-impedance touring loudspeaker rigs.

Q: What is the difference between the PLM 8K44 SP and a standard touring amplifier without Lake DSP?

A: The PLM 8K44 SP includes integrated Lake DSP with FIR linear-phase crossovers, parametric EQ, delay, and limiting, as well as Dante network audio routing. A standard amplifier without onboard DSP requires separate external processor units for loudspeaker management, adding rack space and signal path complexity.

Q: Is Dante networking standard on the PLM 8K44 SP?

A: Yes. Dual redundant etherCON Dante ports with AES67 support are built in. The amplifier connects to any Dante-capable network switch and is managed via Dante Controller and Lake Controller software.

Q: What Lake Controller version is required?

A: Lake Controller 6.3 is compatible with the PLM 8K44 SP. It provides access to all DSP parameters and can manage multiple PLM+ series units simultaneously.

Q: How much rack space does the PLM 8K44 SP require?

A: The unit occupies 2 rack units (2 RU) in a standard 19-inch rack. Rear rack support brackets are included.

Q: What is included in the box?

A: The PLM 8K44 SP ships with a power cord and rear rack support brackets. Lake Controller software is available as a free download from the Lab Gruppen support portal.