Meyer Sound has introduced the MPS-488X, a new integrated power supply and signal distribution unit for multi-channel audio systems using the company’s exclusive IntelligentDC technology. By delivering both balanced audio signals and 48V DC for loudspeakers powering over a single composite cable, IntelligentDC uniquely combines the sonic superiority of self-powered loudspeakers with the installation ease of low-voltage systems. Each MPS-488X supplies eight channels of power and balanced audio signals.
The MPS-488X also incorporates a network connection as standard, with telemetry and control data accessed via an RJ45 connector on the rear panel. Critical data such as load status, current draw, fan speed, and temperature are reported for visual display and fault alerts in Meyer Sound’s Nebra software for Mac and PC. Current draw is reported for each output channel, enabling the operator to assess the status of connected loudspeakers. The Nebra software platform also allows the operator to mute or solo individual channels of the MPS‑488X.
Unlike the predecessor MPS-488HP, the network connectivity on the MPS-488X does not require the use of an external RMServer device. However, for mixed system compatibility, both the MPS-488X and MPS-488HP with RMServer can report their status on the same Nebra interface.
“The MPS-488X now provides a direct link between IntelligentDC systems and Nebra, Meyer Sound’s new monitoring and control software,” said Meyer Sound Product Manager Gautam Sharma. “Through Nebra, the MPS-488X enables integrated monitoring and control of connected IntelligentDC loudspeakers. It also seamlessly works with mixed systems comprising both IntelligentDC loudspeakers and our new generation of fully networked larger loudspeakers such as the PANTHER line array loudspeaker.”
The MPS-488X also features a two-way Wink mode, which allows quick identification of the unit when multiple units are in a rack. Pressing a button on the unit identifies it in Nebra while clicking on it in Nebra winks an LED on the unit. In addition, a Safe Mode facilitates troubleshooting while a Restore option allows resetting to the original factory settings.
Designed principally for installed sound applications, the MPS-488X utilises 3-pin Phoenix connectors for balanced audio input and 5-pin Phoenix connectors for audio and DC power output.
As with its predecessor, the MPS-488X has selector switches for each output which can select either the corresponding input or the signal from the adjacent lower channel. (Example: Input 1 to output 1, input 2 to outputs 2, 3 and 4 etc.) Larger IntelligentDC loudspeakers typically require powering from a dedicated channel, but two or more smaller Ashby series loudspeakers often can be connected to a single channel, depending on power requirements.
The Meyer Sound IntelligentDC range includes the Ashby ceiling and MM-4XP miniature surface mount loudspeakers, along with powerful, true bi-amplified systems such as the ULTRA-X20XP compact wide coverage and HMS-15 surround loudspeakers. The IntelligentDC range also includes two subwoofers.