ARX Release MaxiDrive High Current Line Driver/Distribution Amplifier

ARX, the Australian based manufacturers of USB, digital and analog interface and signal processors, has announced the release of its new MaxiDrive six-channel high current line driver / distribution amplifier.

Colin Park, the company's managing director, says, "With the advent and widespread use of large self powered line array loudspeaker systems, the change in system signal drive requirements seems to have been missed by many signal processor/DSP processor designers and manufacturers. It seems little thought has been given to what follows on in the signal chain and the demands multiple loudspeaker input impedance loads can place on processor output stages.

"The perceived grittiness and lack of clarity at high operating levels sometimes attributed to large line array' performances can probably be more attributed to the inability of the preceding signal processors in the audio chain to drive multiple parallel loads at high voltage levels over long reactive cables, which can present complex loads to the preceding output drive stage. As an example, the combined effect of 20 or 30 input RF traps in parallel as a load will adversely affect both a loudspeaker system's high frequency and phase response when driven by a processor with the standard 600-ohm output impedance.

"In short, you need a line driver that can comfortably drive multiple inputs per channel with the headroom (+26dB) required for accurate low distortion reproduction. The new MaxiDrive is that line driver. Its very low output impedance and high current output stage virtually eliminates any deleterious cable loading effects and high frequency loss.

"The ARX MaxiDrive will of course also deliver the current drive and voltage swing to drive multiple power amplifier racks in large non-self-powered systems, removing the requirement for individual signal splitters and line buffers in separate amplifier racks. The MaxiDrive's switchable 'link' function also enables it use as a signal splitter and zoning amplifier.

"For the galvanically challenged, we offer a fully transformer isolated option, the MaxiDrive T - for applications where full pin 1 / ground isolation is required."