FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

General

Will the PLM Series offer other models, including some with more power?

The PLM 10000Q is the first in a new generation of products. More models at different output power levels can be expected in the foreseeable future.

What is the factory warranty for the PLM Series?

The factory offers the same 6-year warranty as for FP+ Series and C Series products.

Will Lab.gruppen offer training courses for PLM Series?

Yes, and more information can be found on the Lab.gruppen website as courses are developed.

Isn't Dolby Lake Processing expensive, and doesn't it significantly increase the cost of amplification and loudspeaker processing?

Integrating Dolby Lake Processing with the power amplification as one unit yields certain net cost efficiencies, resulting in lower costs compared to purchasing the amplifiers and processors separately. In addition, integrating the Dolby Lake Processor™ into the amplifiers allows use of the on-board DSP power to provide additional amplifier features.

Will both Speakon and binding post output connectors be available?

We offer two separate versions, one with Speakons (which is actually an “embedded patch panel” with 2 x NLT 4 and 1 x NLT 8 connectors) and one with binding posts.

Does PLM have a universal power supply covering all the world's mains voltages?

We offer two separate versions, one for 230 V 50/60 Hz nominal, and 115 V 50/60 Hz nominal.

PLM Series & DLC PLM Edition software

Is there a difference in between PLM Series and FP+ Series in combination with the Dolby Lake Processor?

Though both can be “mixed-and-matched” in the same system, PLM affords numerous advantages. Added features allow greater control over the system, and more operational safety. Features such as LoadLibrary™, LoadSmart™, SpeakerSafe™ are available only the PLM Series. For more detailed information please refer to the PLM product documentation.

Is there an audible difference in between PLM Series and FP+ Series in combination with the Dolby Lake Processor?

Typically not, since all basic components in the signal path are the same, including DSP hardware and amplifier output stages. However, thanks to the seamless integration of the Dolby Lake Processor and the power amplifier, and more loudspeaker parameters being added to the set, the audible result can be vastly improved in many circumstances using PLM Series.

Can I use FP+ or other "slave" amplifiers along with PLM Series, with subwoofers for example?

No, because no analog audio outputs are available on PLM Series, and because a number of benefits, such as load verification and performance monitoring, would not be available. However, as noted above, existing FP+ amplifiers can be used in conjunction with external Dolby Lake Processors, with control of both types seamlessly integrated in a single DLC software user interface.

Does PLM Series work alongside, and communicate with, other Dolby Lake products such as Contour™ and Mesa™?

Yes, they can be integrated seamlessly and communicate with PLM Series products within the same sound system through the DLC software.

Which loudspeaker manufacturers offer presets for PLM, and how can I get them?

Lab.gruppen distributes PLM Series loudspeaker presets created for a range of pro audio speaker brands. These presets are created by Lab.gruppen or it’s partners in the following categories:
• Lab.gruppen’s PLM Series preset for specific speaker brands.
• Speaker manufacturers PLM Series preset for their speaker brands.
• End user’s PLM Series preset for specific speaker brands.

Speaker manufacturer’s presets are usually available from both Lab.gruppen and the individual speaker manufacturer.

Can I create my own PLM presets, or edit presets developed by the loudspeaker manufacturers?

Certainly you may create presets from scratch for use with proprietary, custom-made loudspeakers. Other presets might be editable, as a whole or at least in parts. However, certain values such as particular driver parameters may not be editable as these are fixed values that should not be changed.

Is a PC necessary to operate a PLM Series product?

No, a wide range of functions can be accessed via the PLM’s front panel controls and display, including preset changes.

Is there a difference in between the DLC PLM Edition software and that provided by Dolby Lake?

Yes, PLM Series requires the use of the DLC PLM Edition software supplied by Lab.gruppen or downloaded from the Lab.gruppen website, as added features are included. However, within the Lab.gruppen version, the basic DLC software is the same since it is provided by Dolby Lake. It will be updated simultaneously with Dolby Lake’s standard DLC; therefore, the DLC PLM edition will show the same version number.

Is the software downloadable via Internet?

Yes, please refer to the Lab.gruppen website.

For questions or troubleshooting regarding the processor or the software, who to contact – Lab.gruppen or Dolby Lake?

PLM Series are Lab.gruppen products; hence, please contact Lab.gruppen.

Is my system now finally "foolproof" with PLM? Is it no longer possible to damage any system components?

Assuming the presets were made with accurate data, the system setup is correct, and other basics of system design were considered, then a sound system managed and powered by PLM Series is by far the closest to “foolproof” available on the market today. Nevertheless, irresponsible users – particularly those ignoring clear faults and warnings showing in the DLC interface – may yet cause damage, particularly if extreme “warning” conditions are maintained for prolonged periods.

Is the network (including Dante™) "roadproof" – rugged and stable enough for day-to-day use on tour?

Absolutely yes. The equipment has been tested and is in daily use under typical touring conditions.

In case of any trouble, can I easily hot-swap PLM units on site?

Yes, hot-swapping is a simple operation. Making the necessary software changes requires only that the DLC host computer be connected.

What happens in case of a loss of AC power or a dropped network connection?

After a total loss of power the PLM Series products start in the same state as when power went off. On re-boot, the computer software asks which setup shall be loaded, the one from PLM, or the last-saved one from hard disk. Upon power on, the PLM is operational again after a very short period of time.

Audio

Is the amplifier platform of PLM Series the same as in FP+ Series?

It is the same in many respects, including use of the same output stage design (Class TD) and the same Regulated Switch Mode Power Supply (R.SMPS). However, there are significant improvements in control and management features. Gain and frequency response calibration is more precise, for example, resulting in more consistent and predictable performance.

What is the latency of PLM Series?

Please refer to our product specifications and data sheets. You will find that latency is of no practical concern, particularly when comparing to other well-accepted, world-standard DSP latency levels.

Does the PLM Series use high quality limiters?

The optimized gain structure of the PLM Series allows use of advanced limiters with characteristics essentially the same as those considered mastering quality in the recording industry.

Is there an audible difference in between PLM and FP+ Series in combination with the Dolby Lake Processor?

Typically not, since all basic components in the signal path are the same, including DSP hardware and amplifier output stages. However, thanks to the seamless integration of the Dolby Lake Processor and the power amplifier, and more loudspeaker parameters being added to the set, the audible result can be vastly improved in many circumstances using PLM.

Can I bypass the DSP circuitry?

The software can be set so that it does not affect the signal, effectively providing an audible bypass to the DSP. However, the hardware cannot be bypassed due to the inherent design required for viable PLM functionality.

Does PLM Series support digital audio?

Yes, both AES/EBU and networked digital audio are supported.

Can I feed PLM Series with Ethersound, CobraNet, or other digital audio formats over a network?

PLM Series offers on-board Dante, an advanced, robust digital audio solution over Ethernet. Other formats can be used with converters. For more information about Dante please refer to the Lab.gruppen website and other sources.

How do I get signal into Dante?

Each PLM unit also functions as an analog or AES/EBU to Dante break-in box, making each unit a possible entry point to the network. Currently, an external Dolby Lake Processor can be used as well, and in the future many more devices will communicate with Dante.