Well, Hello LEA! The World’s First IoT-Enabled Professional Amplifiers are at PMC
August 20
Audiophiles and custom integrators, we’ve got big news. Throw up your shark fins because LEA is in the PMC house. No, really. The world’s first IoT-enabled professional amplifiers are in our warehouse, stocked, ready to ship, like today. This is no small feat, considering LEA’s warehousing strategy has ensured they maintain normal stock levels throughout this entire pandemic. Why are they the only company we know of that has accomplished this? We have no idea, but it’s nothing short of miraculous in a time of component gridlock in the electronics industry.
Loud Enuff Audio Sets the Industry on Its Ear
If you’re not familiar with LEA, let us introduce you to this professional amplifier and audio technology company. LEA is made up of industry veterans with over 200 years of combined pro audio experience. They serve the AV industry by providing system integrators and installers with the products, tools and technologies that they need to be successful. (Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?)
LEA’s start is an interesting story. LEA was founded in January 2019 with a drive to introduce technology, not yet seen in the audio industry—power, performance, advanced connectivity, and bold, compelling design.
After being so deeply involved in the professional audio and integrator community for over a decade, it became clear to CEO, Blake Augsburger that there was a desire for something more. There was a need in our market for a new company that understands the way business is done today. Augsburger and like-minded individuals gathered in South Bend, Indiana – a famous cradle of amplifier innovation – to created LEA.
LEA’s IoT-Enabled Amplifiers
DANTE CONNECTSERIES & NETWORK CONNECTSERIES
The DANTE CONNECTSERIES and the NETWORK CONNECTSERIES are the world’s first Internet of Things (IoT) enabled, professional-grade amplifiers. They are perfectly suited for small- to medium-scale installations.
These two, four, and eight channel amps feature direct HiZ (70V or 100V) or LoZ selectable by channel. With three ways to connect, you can engage the built-in WiFi access point, connect to the venue’s WiFi, or use the FAST Ethernet to connect to any local area network via Cat5 or Cat6 cable.
(GOOD TO KNOW: Dante and Network Connect are the same amplifier, but the Dante series is Dante-enabled.)
DANTE CONNECTSERIES is the first professional amplifier family to feature Cloud connectivity. Harness the power of the Cloud for remote control, monitoring, notifications and more from any personal devices. Just connect the amp to a network and start commanding systems. Free LEA Cloud accounts are available at leaprofessional.cloud.
The DANTE CONNECTSERIES also features analog inputs and Dante inputs and external I/O control for remote on/off and fault monitoring.
U.S. customers can register the product to extend the warranty to 6 years. The first 3 years involves advanced replacement.
COMING SOON: CONNECT 1504 and 3004
The range on these high power IoT-enabled amplifiers includes four new four-channel models available in configurations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 watts (into 2, 4, and 8 ohms as well as 70Vrms and 100Vrms). Yeah, they’ll be for large and in charge systems.
LEA’s Software
Web UI for System Control & Monitoring from Any Device
With LEA’s Web UI, you are no more than three clicks away from anything. First, from the broadest view, there’s a clear status check of every amplifier connected to the network. Users see which amps are online/offline, whether they are powered on or in a standby mode, a quick performance status to report any errors or faults and even more.
Three-click visibility and control. In one click, view the status of every channel on any given amp to quickly monitor channel performance, such as output meter with a clip indicator, status indicators such as Ready, Limiting, Thermal, and Fault, as well as a quick attenuation level view and channel mute button. With a second click, select an individual channel for control and monitoring. Lastly, with a third click start viewing and adjusting channel settings such as Input Settings, Signal Generator, Crossover, Equalizer, Limiter, and Load Monitoring.
Other features:
- No software to download
- 3 ways to connect
- An Access Point built in to the amp
- Existing WiFi Networks
- LAN
- Save & load time amp settings
- Save & load complete speaker settings
LEA PROFESSIONAL CLOUD for Cloud Monitoring, Control and Analytics for Professional Amplifiers
LEA Cloud platform gives system integrators powerful, reliable and secure remote monitoring and control capabilities when used with the CONNECTSERIES of IoT-Enabled professional amplifiers.
By leveraging a built-in Amazon Web Services (AWS) IoT Core, system integrators can send their CONNECTSERIES systems into the Cloud where they can be accessed and controlled from anywhere in the world without the need to VPN into a Local Area Network.
The capability delivers greater visibility to provide preventative maintenance, easier troubleshooting and fewer on-site maintenance requirements, ultimately providing a recurring revenue stream for integrators to add to their service contracts. Free LEA Cloud accounts are available at leaprofessional.cloud.
Other features:
- No cost or monthly fee
- Add venues to LEA cloud account for managing installs
- No VPN required
- Recurring revenue opportunities
Ahhhmazing, but How Much?
All we’re going to say is that you’ll be pleasantly surprised at these price points.
A Couple of Tech Tips from the PMC Experts
Because LEA’s founders come from commercial audio, their initial product was built specifically for the commercial audio industry. If you’re going to use LEA for a residential install, you’ll likely need to add this RCA adapter cable.
Also, we’re emphasizing that these amps have a built-in wireless access point. It’s a chance to expand the network while installing audio. Outdoor pool sheds and boat docks have been some of the popular installs we’ve heard using this feature.
What’s Up with the Shark Fin?
The LEA Shark Fin is a symbol of audio excellence and the next step forward in their industry. Like the finned-creature that dominates the oceans with fierce power, LEA aims to unleash BOLD products and unrelenting POWER to amplifier racks around the world. Keep watch for the Shark Fin, wherever audio waves are found.
Talk about agility and speed… we particularly like their customer service. It’s flexibility you get with both LEA and Pioneer Music
Want to talk more about adding LEA to your arsenal? Let us know.