Description
Description
The ARC Audio Blackbird is an eight-channel amplifier with a twelve-channel ARC Audio Pro Series DSP platform. It follows the compact footprint of the PS8-50 while adding higher output capability, four dedicated processed RCA outputs, expanded OEM integration, and ARC Audio's current DSP control architecture.
The eight bridgeable amplifier channels deliver 75 watts per channel into 4 ohms or 125 watts per channel into 2 ohms. When bridged, four channel pairs can deliver up to 250 watts each into 4 ohms. The four DSP-controlled RCA outputs can provide up to 8 volts for additional amplifiers, allowing the Blackbird to control twelve system outputs from one processor.
The Blackbird supports high-level and low-level analog inputs, Toslink optical input, digital-over-copper input, and iDatalink Maestro integration. ARC Audio's DNA software provides 444 bands of equalization, full matrix mixing, crossover control, all-pass filtering, time alignment, and four user presets for detailed system setup.
Specifications
| Amplified Channels | 8 bridgeable Class-D channels |
|---|---|
| Power Output at 4 Ohms | 75 watts x 8 |
| Power Output at 2 Ohms | 125 watts x 8 |
| Bridged Power at 4 Ohms | 250 watts x 4 |
| Total Amplifier Power | More than 1,000 watts combined |
| DSP Processing Channels | 12 |
| DSP Preamp Outputs | 4 RCA outputs at up to 8 V |
| DSP Platform | ARC Audio Pro Series |
| DSP Processing Resolution | 32-bit |
| DSP Sample Rate | Up to 192 kHz |
| DSP Equalization | 444 bands |
| EQ Types | Parametric or one-third octave |
| EQ Adjustment Range | +20 dB to -24 dB |
| EQ Adjustment Resolution | 0.1 dB |
| Mixing and Routing | Full input/output matrix with all-pass capability |
| Crossover Slopes | 6 to 48 dB/octave |
| Crossover Alignments | Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley and Bessel |
| Time Alignment | 0.01 ms increments |
| Presets | 4 user presets |
| Maestro Integration | iDatalink Maestro compatible |
| Input Voltage Range | 0.5 to 32 V RMS |
| Speaker-Level Inputs | 8 |
| Low-Level RCA Inputs | 6 |
| Digital Inputs | Toslink optical and digital-over-copper |
| Automatic Turn-On | BTL, signal-detect and DC-offset compatible |
| Stop/Start Compatibility | Operational down to 6 V |
| Firmware Updates | USB or Wi-Fi |
| PC Tuning | Wired USB; optional AXP Wi-Fi interface |
| Mobile Tuning | iOS and Android with optional AXP interface |
Features
- Eight bridgeable amplifier channels with twelve channels of DSP control
- Four dedicated high-voltage DSP preamp outputs for system expansion
- Compact OEM-location-friendly chassis based on the PS8-50 footprint
- ARC Audio Pro Series DNA tuning platform
- 444 bands of parametric or one-third-octave equalization
- Full input/output matrix mixing and flexible signal routing
- Butterworth, Linkwitz-Riley and Bessel crossover options
- Per-channel time alignment and all-pass filtering
- Toslink optical and digital-over-copper inputs
- High-level inputs capable of accepting factory-amplifier signals
- iDatalink Maestro OEM integration compatibility
- Four user presets
- USB tuning with optional AXP Wi-Fi and mobile control
- Start/stop compatible operation and automatic turn-on options