Theory Audio Design ALC-1809 Amplified Loudspeaker Controller

About The Theory Audio Design ALC-1809 Amplified Loudspeaker Controller

At the nucleus of every Theory surround sound system is the Amplified Loudspeaker Controller like the ALC-1809, 9-channel model we have here. With 1,800 total Watts and 96kHz/32-bit digital signal processing, the ALC-1809 is the AV version of an integrator’s Swiss army knife, combining the functionality of five products in one: a multi-channel DSP processor, high power multichannel home theatre and distributed audio amplifier, multichannel mixing amplifier, multichannel bass manager, and high-resolution loudspeaker processor, all in a stylish, 1U package.

Theory's unique Automator™ software automates the system setup process via an intuitive five-step system configuration process. Installers can deploy and configure spectacular sounding surround sound systems with up to 18 loudspeakers with minimal effort.

With a single ALC, a 7.2 or 5.2.2 system can be configured. Or, use two ALC-1809s to con­figure systems up to 9.4.4 or 7.4.6 with efficiency and ease. Automator also provides printable wiring graphics and tabular wiring diagrams to simplify system hook-up. The performance and versatility of the ALC-1809 must be experienced to be believed.

The Theory of Everything: Theory is genuinely unique - their products have completely changed the level of performance attainable from small to medium size installed sound systems. Part of the way they attain this level of performance is by employing proprietary DSP techniques to process the signal for their loudspeakers and subwoof­ers with a very high degree of precision.

As such, the Theory ecosystem of products is a little different than what you're used to as all The­ory loudspeaker models require the application of Theory High Resolution Digital Loudspeaker Processing. For this reason, it is best to think of Theory loudspeakers as "active" or "powered" speakers - Theory have just elected to place the electronics, normally installed inside the loudspeaker itself, in rack-mountable chasses, outside the harsh environment of the loudspeaker, and where wiring and service of the electronics can be accomplished painlessly.

So, when configuring system designs, always pair your chosen Theory loudspeakers with appropriate Theory Amplified Loudspeaker Controllers. These highly powerful and flexible units will make deploying Theory systems simple and painless and will guaranty the best performance available for your application.

Applications

High Output Surround Sound Systems: High-End residential cinema rooms, commercial media rooms, gaming systems, executive boardrooms, etc

Music and Video Post Production: Surround and Dolby Atmos mix rooms, music and movie post production.

Corporate Conferencing and Education: Executive offices, boardrooms, high-end conference rooms, classrooms, arts schools, music conservatories, etc.

Our Review

The Theory Audio Design ALC-1809 is the heart and brains of a high-performance Theory surround sound setup, packing serious muscle and smarts into a sleek 1U chassis. Delivering a whopping 1,800 Watts across nine channels with ultra-clean 96kHz/32-bit DSP, this controller does the work of five separate components - think DSP processor, high-power amp, mixer, bass manager, and loudspeaker processor all in one. It's tailor-made for installers, with Theory’s clever Automator™ software guiding setup through an intuitive five-step process, making even large-scale 9.4.4 or 7.4.6 systems a breeze to configure. Whether you're outfitting a luxury home theatre, a Dolby Atmos mix room, or a top-tier boardroom, the ALC-1809 guarantees superb sound and simplified deployment. And because Theory keeps the electronics out of the loudspeakers and in easily accessible rack units, servicing and wiring are just as smooth as the audio it delivers.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 9-Channel Amplified Digital Loudspeaker Controller
• 1U Chassis
• Supports: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 7.1, 7.2, 5.2.2 Atmos
• Use Two ALC-1809s to Configure Systems up to 9.4.4 or 7.4.6
• Operation: Low-Z Operation Only
• Inputs
  • 8 x Balanced Analogue Audio w Loop Outputs
• Outputs
  • 9 x Speaker Outputs
  • Trigger Loop Output
• Trigger: +12VDC or Contact Closure Trigger Input w Loop
• Audio Operation: 96kHz/24-bit
• On-Board DSP: 96kHz/32-bit
• DSP Features: Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models, plus:
  • Automatic Configuration of Surround System Settings
  • Input Trim
  • Signal Routing
  • Gain
  • Delay (up to 75msec per channel)
  • 160 Parametric EQ Filters (20 per channel)
  • 8 x 8 Parametric Bass Management (Bass Steering)
  • Mono Summing: 8 Stereo + 4 mono Signals
  • Bass and Treble Controls
  • Master Volume
  • Clip Limiter
  • Internal Sine and Pink Noise Sources
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.2dB
• Power Output
  • Channels 0-1-2: 300W @ 4 Ohms
  • Channels 3-8: 100W @ 4 Ohms, bridgeable to 300W
• Voltage Gain: 30dB
• Input Sensitivity
  • Channels 0-2: 1.1V
  • Channels 3-8: 660mV
• Power Requirements
  • Standby: 16W
  • Idle: 41W
• Idle Noise
  • Channels 0-2: -82dBV (0.00008V)
  • Channels 3-8: -80dBV (0.00010V)
• Signal to Noise Ratio
  • Channels 0-2: 108dB
  • Channels 3-8: 105dB
• Distortion (1kHz, 1dB below max output): <0.02%
• Terminals: Euroblock Connectors with Parallel Outputs
• Outdoor Capability: Indoor Use Only
• Mounting Points: Surface or Rack Mount (with included Rack Ears)
• Included Accessories: 8 x Euroblock-to-XLR Adapters, Rack Ears
• Finish: Silver
• Dimensions (WxHxD)
  • 432 x 44 x 381mm
  • 483 x 44 x 381mm (with Rack Ears)
• Weight: 5.9 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years. Does not include misuse.

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.