RDL Format-A Amplifiers Explained

December 06, 2024

By Chuck Smith, RDL

I was excited when I first heard we were going to develop three Format-A constant voltage amplifiers. Even though we have over 80 Format-A products available, a 100-watt constant voltage amplifier that doubles as a Format-A Receiver made great sense and really rounds out the series. Plus, 100-watts is an ideal power for many constant voltage applications. Combine this with the system design flexibility and ease of installation that Format-A provides, and you’ve got a winning concept.

If you’re not familiar with Format-A, you’re probably sensing that these are not your average 100-watt amplifiers. Think of it like this, Format-A products send, receive, and distribute up to three channels of audio we call Pairs A, B & C, plus power, over standard CATx (CAT5 or greater) network cables. However, unlike audio networks, the modules connect to each other instead of using a network switch. There’s a multitude of Sender and Receiver models to choose from that support every common audio signal and connector type, including Bluetooth®. They distribute studio-quality audio over short or long distances up to 3,000’ (900 meters), and they’re extremely cost-effective. For system designs that need 100-Watts constant voltage in one or multiple zones, you can now use a Format-A amplifier in place of a Format-A Receiver.

It would have been great if we stopped there, but in typical RDL fashion, we took the functionality and flexibility up another level. Here’s what makes these amplifiers special:

The SF-PA100A mono amplifier accepts all three Format-A audio pairs on one RJ45 jack and lets you select one pair to be amplified. All three pairs are output through another RJ45 jack to feed additional amplifiers: up to ten amplifiers can be daisy-chained per pair. Using multiple SF PA100A amplifiers, you could easily distribute three different signals to various zones with one cable run. And our optional D-RLC10KM type remote level controls can be used to provide separate in-room level control.

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The SF-MA100A is a mixer-amplifier that accepts all three Format-A signals and mixes them in one of three selectable modes. Mode 1 uses no remote control. There are three level pots on the rear panel that adjust the input signals to fixed levels. This is great for systems that don’t require continuous level changes. Mode 2 provides a VCA for remote level control of the mixed output. This requires a D-RLC10KM type remote control which has one volume pot. Mode 3 provides three VCAs to control each mixer input, which requires a D-RC3 type remote control with three volume pots: one for each audio channel. It also outputs all three Format-A pairs to feed additional amplifiers.

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Our third model, the SF-NP100A, is a network to Format-A amplifier that supports Dante® and Format-A signals. Up to four network audio signals can be fed into this amplifier. One signal is amplified, the other three are converted to Format-A Pairs A, B and C, and output on a separate RJ45 jack to feed additional amplifiers or Receiver modules. This design minimizes the need for additional interfaces and helps reduce the costs of your Dante system without compromising functionality. The amplifiers’ output level can be controlled by an optional D-RLC10KM type remote level control.

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All three models are plenum rated, and they include a switch-selectable compressor-limiter for providing more consistent audio levels and signal overload protection. Since these amplifiers require more power than the average network cable can support, an external power supply is included with each model. This power can be used to feed connected Sender and Receiver modules over the CATx cable.

These three amplifiers are perfect for any size Format-A or Dante system design. And again, with over 80 different Format-A modules available, your system design possibilities are nearly limitless!

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About RDL
RDL is the world's premier manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and control modules. The concept of APPLICATION-SPECIFIC MODULES was first introduced by RDL more than twenty years ago…a concept promoting unsurpassed value and performance. A concept which has attained widespread popularity and is a proven success in many thousands of facilities around the world. As the inventor of APPLICATION-SPECIFIC MODULES, RDL continues to lead the industry with solutions to specific problems as well as building blocks of quality system designs. RDL is on the cutting edge in product performance, fully robotic high-volume manufacturing and technical applications advice from a dedicated customer service staff. RDL stands ready with the resources and the commitment to assist with any need, from the simplest solution to the most complex installation.

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