| Bosch’s PLENA matrix delivers full-featured digital audio control for applications including zone announcements |
Bosch announces the launch of the PLENA matrix Digital Sound System. With audio quality tailored to a wide range of applications – including live music, business music, highly-demanding speech environments and zone announcements – the PLENA matrix system delivers full-featured digital audio control, with a maximum of flexibility and reliability. As a result, such applications as gyms, small hotels, restaurants, bars, business centres, retail stores and schools can now experience professional audio with an extremely cost-effective and easy-to-install platform.
The new system includes an intuitive graphical user interface, a DSP processor, two types of 4-channel class D amplifiers, a call station and a wall panel. Up to eight zones can easily be addressed with different announcements, music or live speech, and can be controlled wirelessly via an iPad, iPod or iPhone. The app is now available for the latest operating system iOS 7.
High end system for the mid-market
PLENA matrix is characterised by a number of features supporting ease of operation and cutting-edge performance. The main benefits include a single-cable approach to enable efficient and quick system setup. The “Amp link” feature and daisy chaining of call stations and wall panels reduce installation costs.
Further, a wireless control via the iOS app on an iPad, iPod or iPhone is integrated for both the DSP processor and amplifiers. The user needs to simply select a particular zone or channel to adjust the mix levels and master volume. The app provides freedom of movement for the operator and flexibility when choosing operating panel location during installation.
Another benefit is the PC software graphic user interface that is designed around the needs of the installer and end-user. Although straightforward and easy to understand, the amplifier and processor DSP feature set is more powerful than competing alternative solutions. The software allows for the easy upload of pre-stored scene settings and can also be password protected.
Regarding sound, a maximum audio control ensures premium quality. Input controls include multi-band equalising, gain control and dynamic range compression on each input. Output control includes multi-band equalising, filtering, dynamic range compression, delay, and limiting, plus the ability to mix several inputs for up to eight outputs in real time.
Also environmental aspects have been paid respect to. Bosch motion detectors enhance amplifiers with a smart “Auto-Standby” mode when zones are inactive. This reduces both power consumption and operating expenses while increasing amplifier life.
The sleek modern design makes the PLENA matrix an aesthetically impressive solution, ideal for the most demanding environments. It has been tested with and perfectly complements Bosch, Electro-Voice, and Dynacord loudspeakers used for music, speech and announcements.