In this edition Torsten Steinbrecher of Qualtron introduces Innosonix. In our pursuit of the very best audio solutions, we asked Richard Van Nairn, sales director of Innosonix to explain the benefits of their compact high-density, multi-channel digital power amplifiers and digital signal processing (DSP) hardware for professional audio in marine environments.
When it comes to delivering exceptional AV experiences aboard a superyacht, space, flexibility and reliability are every bit as important as sound quality. This is where Innosonix has built a strong reputation. For years, the German manufacturer has provided amplification solutions for marine AV applications, helping integrators deliver high-performance audio while reducing the amount of infrastructure required behind the scenes.
At the heart of the Innosonix approach is its D² range of high-channel-count amplifiers. With 16, 24 and 32 channels of amplification in just 2U, the D² range gives integrators an impressive amount of amplification in a remarkably compact footprint. Combined with extensive onboard DSP, it provides the processing, routing and control required for complex yacht installations, while helping to reduce the rack space and carbon footprint traditionally associated with large audio systems. This becomes even more powerful when paired with Maxx Remote.
Designed to make managing large numbers of Innosonix devices straightforward, Maxx Remote allows integrators and system designers to create groups, manage inputs and outputs, and control hundreds or even thousands of amplifier channels from a single interface. Its REST API also makes it possible to integrate Innosonix into wider control platforms, opening up further possibilities for sophisticated onboard AV systems.
The result is a solution that can have a significant impact on the sonic experience of a yacht without demanding equally significant amounts of space. That matters in an environment where every square metre has value and the space saved on technology can instead be used to enhance the guest experience.
Building on that philosophy, Innosonix developed the Micro Maxx Series to bring the same approach to locations where conventional amplification simply isn’t practical. The μMA04/POE and μMA04/M provide four channels of amplification in an exceptionally compact form factor, with the extensive onboard DSP Innosonix users have come to expect.The μMA04/POE is particularly well suited to superyacht applications and refits.
With PoE, it can make use of existing network infrastructure, which can be a major advantage when working within an already completed vessel. Rather than installing new power and speaker infrastructure, integrators can potentially use existing data cabling to deploy amplification where it is needed, helping to minimise disruption to the vessel and avoid changes to its physical layout.
The mains-powered μMA04/M provides the same compact approach for projects where PoE isn’t required. Its combination of four channels, onboard DSP and small footprint makes it an attractive option for distributed audio applications, particularly where only a small number of speakers are required or where space is limited.Now, Firmware 1.6.0 takes the Micro Maxx proposition another step forward.
While Innosonix users already understand the benefits of the platform, the latest firmware is designed to make Micro Maxx easier to introduce into existing systems, particularly for integrators encountering the products for the first time. This is important in the refit market, where Micro Maxx can offer a practical way to introduce modern amplification without requiring a complete redesign of the vessel’s AV infrastructure. One of the key additions is improved accessibility through Maxx Control. Simply connect to a Micro Maxx, enter its IP address into a web browser and the device’s onboard DSP can be accessed directly.
This gives installers a straightforward way to configure and deploy a single amplifier without first having to introduce a wider management platform.For larger systems, Maxx Remote remains the ideal solution, providing centralised control of multiple devices, groups, inputs and outputs across the network. Together, Maxx Control and Maxx Remote give integrators two complementary ways of working: simple, direct access when deploying an individual device, and powerful centralised management when managing an entire system.
For the superyacht market, that flexibility could be significant. Whether it is a new build requiring hundreds of amplifier channels, a refit where existing network infrastructure can be reused, or a smaller installation where conventional amplification simply doesn’t make sense, Micro Maxx gives integrators another tool in the Innosonix portfolio. For integrators already familiar with Innosonix, it extends an established platform. For those discovering the brand for the first time, it provides a simple entry point into the wider ecosystem, without sacrificing the processing, networking and control capabilities that have made the company successful in demanding marine environments.
Firmware 1.6.0 is therefore more than a software update. It is another step in making Innosonix easier to discover, easier to deploy and easier to integrate. For integrators looking to deliver more audio performance with less infrastructure, Micro Maxx is a solution worth taking a closer look at.
