Martin Audio IK42-DANTE – 4-Channel 20,000W Class D Amplifier

Dante Availability Notice: Due to the global shortage of Brooklyn II Dante network cards, iKON amplifiers no longer include Dante as standard. Dante-equipped units are available for approved projects. Contact technical@martin-audio.com for Dante system design support.

Product Overview

The Martin Audio iKON IK42-DANTE is a four-channel Class D power amplifier delivering up to 20,000 Watts total output, designed for high-power commercial AV amplification of Martin Audio Wavefront Precision line arrays, XE Series stage monitors, and the broader Martin Audio loudspeaker range. Integrating 96kHz DSP across all input and output channels, Dante digital audio networking, and Ethernet control via Martin Audio VU-NET software, the IK42 functions as both a high-power amplifier and a complete loudspeaker management system in a 2U rack format. Its switch-mode power supply supports global mains operation from 85V to 240V, making it suitable for international touring and fixed installation projects without voltage modification.

Product Description

The IK42's four Class D amplifier channels are capable of driving a range of load impedances with very high efficiency, reducing heat dissipation and rack power consumption compared to linear amplifier designs. The integrated DSP operates at 96kHz sampling frequency on all inputs and outputs, with 48kHz output sampling when FIR filter processing is enabled. FIR filtering provides linear-phase crossover and correction capabilities that are particularly important for line array time-alignment and loudspeaker system optimisation in complex multi-enclosure deployments.

Audio inputs include analogue balanced, AES3 digital, and Dante digital audio network via the Brooklyn II card. Dante integration allows audio distribution over standard Ethernet infrastructure with low-latency, deterministic transport, eliminating the need for dedicated audio cable runs in networked installation environments. System control and monitoring are handled over a separate Ethernet network connection via Martin Audio VU-NET software, which provides remote preset recall, real-time metering, amplifier status monitoring, and channel-level control across all IK42 units in a system. Comprehensive protection functions include thermal management, clip limiting, impedance monitoring, and output short-circuit protection. Factory-loaded DSP presets for Martin Audio Wavefront Precision and XE Series enclosures are available through VU-NET, allowing rapid system configuration without manual parameter entry.

Key Features

• Four-Channel Class D Amplification — Up to 20,000W total output across four channels with high efficiency and minimal heat generation in a 2U rack format.
• 96kHz DSP Processing — Full-bandwidth DSP on all inputs and outputs, with FIR filter support for linear-phase loudspeaker correction and crossover.
• Dante Digital Audio Networking — Brooklyn II card enables audio distribution over standard Ethernet, eliminating dedicated audio cable infrastructure in networked installations.
• Analogue, AES3, and Dante Inputs — Multiple input format support for integration with analogue consoles, digital stagebox systems, and Dante-networked audio infrastructure.
• VU-NET Ethernet Control — Remote preset management, real-time metering, and system monitoring across all amplifiers in the network via Martin Audio's software platform.
• Factory Martin Audio Presets — Optimised DSP presets for Wavefront Precision and XE Series enclosures for rapid, accurate system commissioning.
• Switch-Mode Power Supply — Auto-sensing 85V–240V global mains operation without manual voltage selection.
• Comprehensive Protection Suite — Thermal management, clip limiting, impedance monitoring, and short-circuit protection safeguard connected loudspeakers and amplifier circuits.

Typical Applications

• Houses of worship deploying Martin Audio Wavefront Precision line arrays or XE Series stage monitors
• Auditoriums and performing arts centres requiring networked, remotely managed amplification
• Broadcast studios integrating Dante audio distribution with high-power loudspeaker amplification
• Multi-purpose venues and convention centres with complex multi-zone audio systems
• Government and institutional facilities requiring centralised amplifier control and monitoring

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dante included as standard on the IK42-DANTE?

Due to the global shortage of Brooklyn II Dante network cards, Dante is not currently included as standard. Dante-equipped units are available for approved projects. Contact technical@martin-audio.com for support.

What Martin Audio loudspeakers is the IK42 designed for?

The IK42 is the dedicated system amplifier for the Martin Audio Wavefront Precision line array series and XE Series stage monitors, with factory DSP presets available for these enclosures. It also supports the broader Martin Audio loudspeaker range.

Can the IK42 be used without Dante?

Yes. The IK42 accepts analogue balanced and AES3 digital inputs independently of the Dante network card, making it fully functional in non-Dante system architectures.

What does VU-NET software provide?

VU-NET provides remote preset recall, real-time metering, impedance monitoring, fault reporting, and channel-level control across all networked IK42 amplifiers, enabling centralised system management from a single workstation.

What is the benefit of FIR filter processing in the IK42?

FIR filters provide linear-phase crossover and loudspeaker correction, preserving transient accuracy and group delay consistency. This is particularly important in line array systems where precise time-alignment between enclosures is critical.

Is the IK42 suitable for permanent installation as well as touring?

Yes. The 2U rack format, switch-mode global mains supply, and VU-NET remote control make the IK42 equally suited to permanent rack installations and touring production environments.

Where can I find compatible Martin Audio products?

Browse iKON amplifiers, DX4.0 processors, XE monitors, and the full Martin Audio range at creationnetworks.net/collections/martin-audio.