PowerMate has a professional 24-bit/96kHz USB 2.0 digital audio interface for PC or Mac. Four channels can be transmitted in either direction simultaneously. This interface can therefore be used for the input of audio signals (e.g. 4 backing tracks / playbacks) while recording 4 channels in parallel. This allows to use PowerMate not only live on stage but also in recording sessions and studio work. The entire USB configuration is done in the main menu.
PowerMate ships with instructions and a free license for Cubase LE (PC or Mac).
PC-MIDI-Interface
The PowerMate also offers a fully-featured PC MIDI interface. The MIDI input also supports the remote switching of both internal effects units using a master keyboard or MIDI footswitch.
PowerMate has always been known for its studio grade FX devices, building on Dynacord’s heritage as a pioneer in digital effects. The two stereo multi-effects processors work completely independently of one another; each offering 100 effects algorithms optimized for live performance. AD/DA converters and 48-bit double-precision processing guarantee the finest studio quality based on state-of-the-art technology. The most important FX parameters are editable and changes can be stored in 20 user presets. Linear 24-bit
The libraries of 100 factory settings in each device are packed with high-quality reverbs, halls and plates that deliver professional results in live performance on stage as well as in both studio and home recording environments. Other presets include Echo/Reverb and Chorus/Reverb combinations, a variety of delay, flanger, chorus and doubling algorithms, as well as special reverb and delay programs. When a delay effect is active, the delay time can be synchronized to the beat of the music using the TAP key.
Dynacord PowerMate 1600-3 Compact Powered Mixer Processing Menu
A clear menu structure allows to easily configure the effect devices, utilize special functions and the wide variety of editing options to perfectly match the individual requirements. The operation is intuitive and made easier still through the use of soft keys and a rotary encoder.
Particularly valuable is the option to adjust the PowerMate perfectly to the selected loudspeaker cabinets: optimizing the audio performance and maximizing the operating safety and reliability of the system using the LPN Processing and Speaker Protection menus.
LPN-Processing
Small to medium-sized loudspeaker cabinets exhibit distortion in the transient response of the woofer. This is for physical reasons that have nothing to do with their make or quality. Since neither graphic nor parametric equalizers can compensate for transient distortion, the PowerMate offers a configurable LPN (low-pass notch) filter. Depending upon the size of the loudspeaker cabinet being used and also to adjust to problematic acoustics, the LPN filter can be set to either High or Medium. The result is considerably greater punch (e.g. from the kick drum), an extension of the frequency response to lower frequencies, and an overall improved transparency in the bass and midrange.
Speaker Protection
This menu allows you to match perfectly the continuous power output of the PowerMates power amplifiers to the connected loudspeakers to gain operational safety and system reliability. Through dynamic limiting of the maximum power at the output, loudspeaker damage due to thermal overload can be avoided, without sacrificing the wide dynamic range the power amplifiers provide. The maximum permissible nominal power handling of the connected loudspeaker cabinet can be selected from the menu. Unlike with conventional peak voltage limiters, dynamic peaks of short duration are permitted, as loudspeaker cabinets tolerate peak levels higher than their nominal sustainable loads (RMS). The speaker protection supervises permanently the amount of energy being fed to the loudspeakers, only limiting it in the event of a threatened overload, and even then softly and inaudibly. For peak levels of short duration, the full output of the power amplifier remains available at all times, even when relatively small cabinets are being used. As a result, the maximum dynamic range of the system is maintained at all times, combined with the highest degree of operational safety and reliability.
Professional Class-D High-Performance Power Amplifiers
The PowerMate is equipped with a professional, extremely powerful, stereo power amplifier that uses latest, highly efficient class-D technology for highest quality audio performance. At a nominal output of 2 x 1.000 watts RMS into 4 ohms, or 2 x 1.350 watts RMS into 2,7 ohms, only a comparatively small amount of heat is generated within the device, consuming considerably less power than a conventional power amplifier. The minimal load impedance of 2,7 ohms, allows operation with up to three 8-ohm loudspeaker cabinets in parallel per channel without any problems. The overall power supply is handled by an extremely robust, microprocessor-controlled, switching power supply, with a huge weight-saving over a conventional toroidal transformer. Another advantage is the automatic mains voltage switching, which ensures that the Dynacord PowerMate 1600-3 Compact Powered Mixer can be used without any problem anywhere in the world. Voltage surge protection is also integrated. A soft start function prevents the mains fuse tripping when the device is switched on.
The PowerMate is equipped, naturally, with all the protective circuitry familiar from DYNACORD power amplifiers and satisfies even the extreme demands of hard tour use. The power amplifiers are protected against thermal overload, short-circuit, back EMF and no-load operation as well as high-frequencies or DC at the output. Both outputs are supervised independently: should a fault occur, only the channel affected is shut down. When the device is powered up, there is a delay before the power outputs are connected, to obviate the risk of noise.
The thermal stability of the PowerMate is assured by two very quiet fans with continuously variable speed. The front-to-rear airflow allows the device to be used in large or small racks. Furthermore, the PowerMate is equipped with an intelligent thermo-limiter, so if ever the threat of overheating does arise, the clip limiter intervenes in a highly musical way, acting only upon the peaks. In this way, a total shutdown of the power amplifiers is effectively prevented. The PROTECT and LIMIT LEDs on the front panel indicate the current operating state of the power amplifiers.
Innovative Solution for Protection and Transportation
A solution that offers optimal protection for the device as well as greater carrying comfort without the need of adding a large, heavy flight case.
