VALENCIA, CA – ATK Audiotek recently instituted a new system design approach revolving around a single type of power amplifier to drive all types and brands of speakers, and purchased 450 Powersoft DIGAM K10 AESOP-equipped amplifiers to drive its inventory of JBL VerTec speaker systems along with other brands of speakers.
"We wanted to have one universal amp pack that has all the necessary flexibility and configuration capabilities to operate our full range of speaker cabinets," said Scott Harmala, chief technology officer and vice president of engineering for ATK Audiotek. "This includes the VerTec sub-woofer, two-way and three-way speakers, as well as other brands and speakers that we designed ourselves. We have been considering this one-amp-for-all approach for a number of years and we believe that the Powersoft amplifiers were the best choice for many reasons."
Like most sound companies, ATK had created specialized amp packages for particular speaker types such as two-way or three-way. However, the packages contained different amp brands, with different sizes, weights, mains requirements and output power. ATK then considered the advantages of going with Powersoft as the amplification backbone for its entire operation. Each K10 weighs only 26.5 lbs., lightening the load for trucking and handling. ATK can now fly the amplifiers off the stage to reduce the backstage equipment footprint. Because the K10 runs at over 90 percent efficiency, it draws less AC power, streamlining power distribution requirements as well.
"We started looking at them about four years ago and we had to do a double take on the tested specs," Harmala said. "The amplifiers are extremely efficient, don't produce a lot of heat and deliver a ridiculous amount of clean power for its size. We started rolling them out delicately on some of the shows since last December to get familiar with them, and they have been remarkable. Our new approach is now standard for our systems and the standard comment back from our clients and road engineers is that they like the new universal amp packages and the system flexibility, but also the sound. It's a noticeable improvement over our previous amps. As we add the DSP cards and Powersoft's Armonía control software, our systems will be further streamlined and tuned to the VerTec and other speakers in our inventory. This will save us time, headaches and money."
For more information, please visit www.powersoft.com and www.atkcorp.com.
