Description
The ARC Audio Blackbird combines eight fully bridgeable Class-D amplifier channels with twelve channels of ARC Audio Pro-Series DSP control. Four additional DSP-controlled RCA outputs allow external amplifiers to be added without requiring a separate processor.
The amplified outputs deliver 75 watts × 8 at 4 ohms, 125 watts × 8 at 2 ohms, or 250 watts × 4 bridged at 4 ohms. The four processed RCA outputs provide as much as 8 volts, giving the Blackbird twelve independently configurable system outputs.
A 32-bit Analog Devices ADAU1462 DSP and AKM Velvet Sound conversion operate at 96 kHz. ARC Audio DNA software provides 444-band equalization, crossover control, all-pass and shelving filters, delay, phase control, and full matrix routing. High-level inputs accept 0.5–32 volts, while optical digital input and iDatalink Maestro AR compatibility support modern OEM integration.
Specifications
| Amplified channels | 8 bridgeable Class-D channels |
|---|---|
| Power at 4 ohms | 75 watts × 8 |
| Power at 2 ohms | 125 watts × 8 |
| Bridged power at 4 ohms | 250 watts × 4 |
| DSP-controlled outputs | 12 total: 8 amplified and 4 preamp |
| Preamp output voltage | Up to 8 volts |
| DSP processor | Analog Devices ADAU1462 |
| DSP resolution | 96 kHz/32-bit |
| Equalization | 444 total bands through ARC Audio DNA software |
| Input range | 0.5–32 volts |
| User presets | Up to 4 |
| OEM integration | iDatalink Maestro AR compatible |
| Remote compatibility | PSC and LR-2 |
Features
- Eight bridgeable speaker outputs and four processed RCA outputs.
- 96 kHz/32-bit Pro-Series DSP architecture.
- Full matrix routing, equalization, delay, phase, and crossover control.
- High-level inputs accept factory-amplifier signals up to 32 volts.
- Optical digital input and Maestro AR compatibility.
- Four user presets with compatible ARC Audio remote controllers.
- Compact chassis suited to factory-location and stealth installations.
When SMS Chooses Blackbird
Blackbird is a strong fit when the system needs eight amplified DSP channels, four additional processed outputs, and more onboard speaker power than the X2 800.8 DSP provides. It works across X2, AS, and RS speaker systems when the power and channel plan match the installation.
Blackbird vs X2 800.8 DSP vs Falcon
- X2 800.8 DSP: Eight amplified channels with lower onboard power and four processed outputs; useful when packaging and system power requirements are more moderate.
- Blackbird: Eight amplified channels with 75 W × 8 at 4 ohms and 125 W × 8 at 2 ohms, plus four processed outputs. Choose it when eight channels are enough but the speakers benefit from the additional onboard power.
- Falcon: Twelve amplified channels for larger active systems or vehicles with more independently controlled speaker locations.
Common System Uses
- Active 2-way or 3-way front stages with rear fill or additional vehicle speakers.
- Factory-radio integration with high-level input, routing, summing, correction, and final DSP tuning.
- Cabin amplification with processed output feeding a dedicated subwoofer amplifier.
- Stealth or compact systems where processing and amplification need to share one chassis.
Installation and Tuning
Blackbird should be selected from the complete channel and power map, not because it sits above or below another ARC product. SMS verifies source signal, speaker loads, channel routing, electrical support, mounting, cooling, crossover protection, gain structure, and final measured tuning before the system is completed.
Compare ARC Audio DSP Options | ARC Amplifier Guide | Plan an ARC DSP System