Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4 Amplified Loudspeaker Controller

About The Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4 Amplified Loudspeaker Controller

The DLC-250.4 is small but mighty. Capable of delivering 250 Watts into 4, 8, and 16 Ohms from any channel pair, or 125W into 4, 8 or 16 Ohms all channels driven, this little 2.8 kg, one-half rack loudspeaker controller packs new levels of power into minimal rack space. If that weren’t enough, the DLC-250.4 can drive 70V/100V hi-Z loudspeakers direct - no internal transformer is required.

The DLC-250.4 can drive up to 16 Theory 16 Ohm loudspeakers in Lo-Z mode, or up to 64 in Hi-Z mode - all from a half rack chassis!

The DLC loudspeaker controllers from Theory 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.

Optional single/double rack mount kit and surface mount kits available. Full control API and control modules for Crestron, Control4 and Q-SYS are available. The performance and versatility of the DLC-250.4 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-250.4 may be small, but it’s a serious powerhouse in a compact package. Weighing in at just 2.8 kg and occupying only half a rack space, this little amp delivers up to 250 Watts into 4, 8, or 16 Ohms per channel pair - or 125 Watts with all channels driven. It also handles 70V/100V systems with no transformer needed, making it wildly flexible. Whether you’re powering up to 16 Theory loudspeakers in Lo-Z or an incredible 64 in Hi-Z mode, the DLC-250.4 has you covered. Add in onboard DSP with EQ, delay, gain, and limiting, along with intuitive control via Ethernet or built-in Wi-Fi, and you’ve got a controller that punches well above its weight. It’s a key part of the Theory ecosystem - where all loudspeakers are designed to be paired with these smart external amplifiers for maximum performance and easy servicing. From high-end home cinemas to commercial installs and everything in between, this little unit redefines what’s possible in small-to-medium audio systems.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 4-Channel Amplified Loudspeaker Controller
• Half Rack 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)
• Outputs
  • 4 x Speaker Outputs
  • S/PDIF Digital Audio (Loop)
• Trigger: +12VDC
• Audio Operation: 48kHz/24-bit
• On-Board DSP: 48kHz/32-bit
• DSP Features: Loudspeaker Processing For All Theory Models, plus:
  • 10 Parametric Input EQ Filters
  • Crossovers
  • Input and Output Trims
  • Signal Routing
  • Gain
  • Delay
  • Polarity
  • Peak and RMS Limiters
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz, +/-0.25dB
• Power Output
  • 250W per channel @ 4, 8, 16 Ohms and 70V/100V
  • 125W per channel @ 4, 8, 16 Ohms all channels driven
  • 125W per channel @ 70V/100V all channels driven
• 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
• Outdoor Capability: Indoor Use Only
• Mounting Points: Rack Mount (with optional accessories)
• Optional Accessories
  • Single and Dual Unit Rack Mount Kit
  • Surface Mount Kit
• Finish: Matte Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 221 x 44 x 297mm
• Weight: 2.8 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years. Does not include misuse.

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