Theory Audio Design DLC-1500.4d Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante & AES67

About The Theory Audio Design DLC-1500.4d Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante & AES67

The DLC-1500.4d delivers a massive 3,000 Watts in a 7.6 kilo chassis. Capable of delivering 1,500W into 4 or 8 Ohms from any channel pair, or 800W into 2 or 4 Ohms all channels driven, this 2U loudspeaker controller packs new levels of power into minimal rack space. If that weren’t enough, the DLC-1500.4d can drive 70V/100V hi-Z loudspeakers direct - no internal transformer is required.

The DLC-1500.4d comes standard with Dante and AES67 audio over IP (Internet Protocol) capability.  You can dispense with costly, bulky, analogue audio cables and connect everything over a common Ethernet network.  There are separate Ethernet connections for audio and control to insure that both functions work seamlessly within your network.

AES67 is a technical standard developed by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) for interoperability of audio over IP (AoIP) networks, thus allowing them to all work together. Full compatibility with the AES67 standard insures Theory loudspeaker controllers can be incorporated into any existing AES67 protocol system in the event Dante is not available or desired.

The DLC-1500.4d can drive up to 16 Theory 16-ohm loudspeakers in Lo-Z mode, or more than 300 (!) in Hi-Z mode. You read that right, 300+ Theory speakers at 7.5W each.

Theory DLC loudspeaker controllers can be configured via the on-board web interface accessible via wired Ethernet, or via the on-board Wi-Fi access point and includes parametric EQ, delay, gain, and limiter DSP objects to make system optimization easy.

Rack ears are included and full API and control modules for AMX, Control4. Crestron, Crestron Home, ELAN, Q-SYS and RTI are available. The performance and versatility of the DLC-1500.4d 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

Two-Channel Music Systems: Premium residential and corporate stereo music systems, music and performance higher education

Background and Foreground Business Audio Systems: Bars and sports bars, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, houses of worship, corporate conference, screening rooms, lobbies, casinos, etc

Distributed Audio: Residential and commercial distributed audio systems, airports, universities, and education facilities

Music and Video Post Production: Surround and Dolby Atmos mix rooms where maximum output in compact depth is required, music post production

Our Review

The Theory Audio Design DLC-1500.4d is an absolute powerhouse in a compact 7.6 kilo frame, delivering a jaw-dropping 3,000 Watts of amplification across just 2U of rack space. Whether you're running 1,500W into 4 or 8 Ohm loads, or filling out a full rig at 800W all channels driven, this controller doesn’t break a sweat - and it’s just as comfortable driving 70V/100V systems without an internal transformer. With built-in Dante and AES67, it lets you ditch bulky analogue cabling and run clean, reliable audio and control over Ethernet, making installs smoother and networks cleaner. You can control and configure everything from its web interface or Wi-Fi access point, and its onboard DSP tools - EQ, delay, gain, and limiting - make fine-tuning a breeze. It’ll drive up to 16 Theory speakers in low-Z, or an outrageous 300+ in high-Z mode, so scale is never a problem. Like all Theory gear, it’s designed to deliver jaw-dropping fidelity and output from systems that are compact, smart, and a little unconventional - in the best possible way.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 4-Channel Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante and AES67
• 2U Chassis
• IP Control via Ethernet or Built-in Wi-Fi Access Point
• Power Sharing Between Neighbouring Channels
• Operation: LoZ and HiZ (70V/100V) Operation
• Inputs
  • 4 x Balanced Analogue Audio
  • 4 x RCA Unbalanced Analogue Audio
  • 1 x S/PDIF Digital Audio (Stereo, Coax)
  • 4 x Dante / AES67 Digital Audio
• Outputs
  • 4 x Speaker Outputs
  • S/PDIF Digital Audio (Loop)
  • 4 x Dante / AES67 Digital Audio
• Trigger: +12VDC
• Audio Operation: 48kHz/24-bit
• On-Board DSP: 48kHz/32-bit
• DSP Features: Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models, plus:
  • Input Matric Mixer
  • 5 Parametric Input EQ Filters
  • Input Trim
  • Stereo / Mono Inputs and Zones
  • Signal Routing Including Priority Automatic Routing
  • Audio Ducking
  • 10 Parametric Output EQ Filters
  • Crossovers
  • Gain
  • Delay
  • Polarity
  • Peak and RMS Limiters
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB
• Power Output
  • 2 x 1,500W (BTL) @100V
  • 2 x 1,200W (BTL) @ 70V
  • 4 x 400W (SE) and 2 x 1,500W (BTL) @ 8 Ohms
  • 4 x 800W (SE) and 2 x 1,500W (BTL) @ 4 Ohms 
  • 4 x 800W (SE) @ 2 Ohms
• Voltage Gain: Variable
• Input Sensitivity (Selectable)
  • +14dBu
  • +4dBu
  • -10dBV (Unbalanced RCA)
  • Microphone
• Power Requirements
  • Standby: <1W
  • (1/8 power, all channels driven): 70W
• Idle Noise: -78dBV
• Signal to Noise Ratio: >106dB
• Distortion (1kHz, 1dB below max output): <0.02%
• Terminals: Euroblock Connectors with Parallel Outputs
• Outdoor Capability: Indoor Use Only
• Mounting Points: Rack Mount Ears Included
• Finish: Matte Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 483 x 89 x 320mm
• Weight: 7.62 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years. Does not include misuse.

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