Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4d Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante & AES67

About The Theory Audio Design DLC-250.4d Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante & AES67

The DLC-250.4 is small but mighty and is now even more capable with the addition of Dante and AES67. 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-250.4d 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-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.

Full control API and control modules for AMX, Control4, Crestron, Crestron Home, ELAN, Q-SYS, and RTI 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-250.4d may be compact, but it’s anything but ordinary - now supercharged with Dante and AES67 for seamless audio over IP integration. Weighing just 2.8 kg and taking up only half a rack unit, it effortlessly delivers 250 Watts into 4, 8, or 16 Ohms (from any channel pair) or 125W across all channels, with the added bonus of driving 70V/100V systems directly - no bulky transformers required. Its flexible connectivity via Ethernet eliminates the need for analogue cabling, while dual network ports keep control and audio traffic clean and reliable. The DLC-250.4d can handle up to 16 Theory loudspeakers in Lo-Z mode - or an impressive 64 in Hi-Z - making it ideal for the most immersive cinema systems. With onboard DSP, web-based setup, control modules for all major automation systems, and full AES67 compatibility, it’s a rock-solid hub for the most demanding sound installs. Just pair it with Theory’s speakers, and you’re guaranteed system synergy that’s second to none.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 4-Channel Amplified Loudspeaker Controller with Dante and AES67
• 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)
  • 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
  • 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: Surface or Rack Mount (with included/optional accessories)
• Included Accessories: Single and Dual Unit Rack Mount Kit
• Optional Accessories: Surface Mount Kit
• Finish: Matte Black
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 221 x 44 x 297mm
• Weight: 2.95 kg
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 3 Years. Does not include misuse.

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