PowerMatch^® PM8500 / PM8500N

PowerMatch amplifiers are configurable professional multichannel power amplifiers. Four main models, each available in a network version, offer differing channel and power options to suit the needs of most installed-sound applications. 

The model number of the PowerMatch amplifier refers to the number of amplifier channels together with the maximum power available to each channel (referenced at 4 ohms, all channels driven).
There are four main models of amplifiers:

PM8500 / PM8500N (8 channel, 4 kW, 500 W/ch)
PM8250 / PM8250N (8 channel, 2 kW, 250 W/ch)
PM4500 / PM4500N (4 channel, 2 kW, 500 W/ch)
PM4250 / PM4250N (4 channel, 1 kW, 250 W/ch)

The PM8500 is capable of 4,000 watts of power, 2,000 watts for the PM8250 and PM4500 models, and 1,000 watts for the PM4250 model.

Each PowerMatch amplifier model has the capability to drive both low impedance (2 – 8 ohm) and high impedance (70/100V) loudspeaker loads. 

No. PowerMatch amplifiers can directly drive constant voltage loads without the use of external transformers.

Ideally, 70/100V loads should be driven from channels set to V-Bridge or Quad modes to enable selectable 71 Vrms and 100 Vrms output levels. However, loudspeakers can be driven with minor tradeoffs using a single channel which provides 50 Vrms (using Mono mode). Download the document Using MONO Mode (single channel) to Drive High Impedance Loudspeaker Loads.

The QuadBridge output accommodates both low and high impedance loudspeaker loads and the ability to combine output power on each output connector. For example, on the PM8500 amplifier, a single output block can be configured for Mono (500W x 4), V-Bridge (1000 W x 2), I-Share (1000 W x 2) or Quad (2000 W x 1).

I-Share output configuration mode combines two amplifier channels to deliver increased current output. This operating mode is particularly useful for powering subwoofers and 2 ohm loads.

The dual voltage and current feedback loop continuously monitors and controls both the current and voltage of each output channel. It prevents the AC mains from being overdrawn, and combines the sound quality and reliability of the best Class-AB designs with Class-D efficiency. It precisely controls each output to deliver optimal frequency response while minimizing distortion, regardless of the output level and loudspeaker load.

Adapted from the power supply industry, the design of the Bose® Planar magnetics transformer is such that the windings are integrated with the highly repeatable and reliable circuit board manufacturing process. This offers increased reliability and efficiency from a smaller design than possible from larger conventional transformers.

Although seemingly counterintuitive to Ohm’s law, the unique PeakBank™ power supply performs as a regenerative four-quadrant power supply with fast tracking Power Factor Correction (FPC) to continuously deliver 4000 watts using typical source material. This operation allows the PM8500 amplifier to deliver a long duration of maximum power at all output channels from a standard outlet without amplifier shutdown or disturbing fuses and breakers on the AC mains feed.

The front panel LCD screen and controls allow access to a subset of amplifier settings, best for simple system configuration, in-rack adjustments and fault diagnostics. A front panel lock combination is available to disable front panel access to unauthorized users.

All PowerMatch amplifiers feature an integrated loudspeaker processor which enables a high level of control over each loudspeaker connected. This capability is appropriate for use with most professional loudspeakers. When using Bose loudspeakers, factory presets allow for fast, precise recall of band pass, parametric EQ and limiter settings. Additional settings allow for non-Bose loudspeaker EQ design, input channel matrix mixing and EQ, array EQ and delay. When using PM8500 and PM4500 PowerMatch amplifiers, RoomMatch® loudspeakers connect and configure easily with complementary output power ratings, channel options and additional loudspeaker processing support.

Yes. PowerMatch amplifiers include built in loudspeaker DSP, allowing users to control signal processing functions between all inputs and all amplifier outputs in the PowerMatch amplifier line. ControlSpace® Designer™ software provides access to all DSP functions within the PowerMatch amplifier, while a subset of functions are accessible via the front panel interface of the PowerMatch amplifier

Yes, each amplifier input, whether from the analog connectors or using an optional digital expansion card, can be routed and mixed to any of the amplifier output channels.

Yes. PowerMatch amplifiers internally monitor for dozens of fault conditions. If loudspeaker, line voltage or amplifier faults occur, they are logged and stored in the amplifier for access from the front panel or when using the ControlSpace® Designer™ software. Additionally, the amplifier has a fault-triggered dry contact closure connector (NC/NO) and network models can broadcast and report faults using Serial over Ethernet. Full detail on faults can be found in the Installation and Safety Guide and the ControlSpace Designer software help file.

Yes. PowerMatch amplifiers can be monitored directly using the USB or the Ethernet port (network versions only) where full system status can be monitored in real time using ControlSpace® Designer™ software. For system benchmarking and troubleshooting, the amplifier can measure and store the load impedance of each output where it can be used for future comparisons to determine if the system is operating as expected.

Auto-Standby is an energy saving feature that allows PowerMatch amplifiers to automatically go into a lower power Standby Mode when an audio signal falls below a set threshold, and the amplifier will wake (Auto-Wake) when audio is above the threshold. All parameters including enable/disable, time and audio detection levels are adjustable from within ControlSpace® Designer™ software. This function is disabled by default.

Yes, but only PowerMatch amplifier models that are network (N) versions can provide Ethernet connectivity for network control and monitoring.

 Yes, all PowerMatch amplifiers feature a USB port for setup via ControlSpace Designer software.

The Digital Expansion Slot is used with optional digital audio accessory cards. Accessory cards allow the amplifier to receive digital audio directly to the amplifier. Support for audio over Ethernet network cards is intended for this slot. See Expansion Cards for available cards.

PowerMatch amplifiers come with a password control feature that helps prevent any unwanted changes to your settings. Additional options for saving/maintaining changes are available when using the ControlSpace® Designer™ software.

Yes, network connectivity is available on all network version amplifiers.

Network version amplifiers use a rear-panel RJ45 connector for Ethernet configuration, control, and monitoring using ControlSpace® Designer™ software. ControlSpace CC-64 control centers can be connected via a network switch or directly to these models for remote control capability. Additionally, third party control systems can interface with these models using Serial over Ethernet.

No, not at this time. If you think you will need the networked option now or in the future, please consider that when purchasing your amplifier.

Crossover cables are not required when using the RJ45 connector directly to a PC. Standard network patch cables can be used due to the built-in auto-MDIX function which automatically detects the cable type and establishes a link. Network settings on the PC will have to be set to the appropriate subnet for the computer to detect and communicate with the amplifier. See ControlSpace® Designer™ software help file for more information.

Each PowerMatch amplifier model requires an EIA-310 standard 19” (48.3 cm) rack mount width opening and 2RU height.  A minimum 21” (53.3 cm) mounting depth is required from the front rack rail.