Soundscape for the masses? D&b exec on what 5D amp means for installers

German pro audio giant d&b audiotechnik recently launched its new 5D amplifier, a new solution designed to open up the capabilities of its sound systems available to a wider range of installations. Product manager Wolfgang Schulz speaks to Headliner about what the new system means for the business and the possibilities it presents in bringing immersive sound to the masses…

Tell us about the origins of the 5D amplifier and the philosophy behind its creation.

Faithful reproduction is integral to the d&b brand, a value that runs throughout the business, from R&D to marketing. From a system architecture perspective, d&b loudspeakers and amplifiers have always been built for what we consider to be the fundamentals: performance, quality and reliability. There was a clear need for economical and decentralized amplification which led us to develop the 5D, with the goal of making d&b high-quality sound available to an even broader range of installations.

How much potential is there for new business with this amp?

The 5D improves the affordability of a d&b system, opening up d&b technology to more projects around the world. It is an ideal product for introducing d&b systems to new installation segments as well as expanding the scope of opportunity in established segments. It is the ‘yes’ amp and it creates an opportunity for those who may have thought d&b was out of their reach, to say ‘yes’ to a d&b system.

What kind of markets does it open up for you?

5D will empower our installation strategy supporting applications that use multiple smaller loudspeaker setups. The 5D ensures that these smaller systems, as well as large installations with lots of areas around the main performance area, can be delivered in a cost effective way without compromising d&b quality. Delivering full d&b Workflow integration, with 16 amplifier channels in just 2RU of amp rack space.

The flexibility of the 5D means it addresses a range of installation projects, from conference facilities and meeting rooms, to restaurants and wedding halls as well as mass notification systems in train stations and airports, etc.

The 5D is unique for d&b, it is our most compact amp and our first amp with integrated Audio networking using Dante.

Using decentralization amplification, it is the perfect size to drive smaller loudspeakers and can be mounted under tables, behind screens or above ceilings as well as in a rack. We went to great lengths to make sure the 5D offered all the interoperability that integrators need and expect, such as Q-Sys, Crestron and some others.

Does it mean that Soundscape and other d&b solutions will now become more accessible for businesses on a budget?

Yes! Its compact four-channel design means the 5D is particularly convenient for the set-up and deployment of small Soundscape systems. For example, it will significantly bring down the cost in pre-production rehearsal Soundscape environments. 5D is great for En-Space room emulation applications with lots of surround speakers and for near-field loudspeakers.

For those curious about the future of pro audio, d&b Soundscape alongside the 5D can provide them with the possibilities and efficiency to implement immersive experiences in a straightforward and scalable way.

How important is it for the company to broaden its reach into new areas of the market?

For the last few years d&b has been evolving from an audio manufacturer to an event technology company for integrated audio, video, light and media solutions. We took the important step in formalizing this with the establishment of d&b solutions last year. Future plans will see this evolution broaden into global markets, all the while continuing to work side by side with our partners to ensure we are offering pioneering technologies, methodologies and services.

Will this move into more affordable, smaller scale applications be something we can expect to see more from with d&b this year and beyond?

Yes! Never compromising on the quality of d&b products of any scale, we always try to figure out the best budget/performance ratio. With the 5D in our amp portfolio, d&b quality is even more achievable.

Are there any other new products in the pipeline you can discuss at this point?

As always, our focus is on establishing a complete end-to-end offering to provide everything for creatives to deliver extraordinary experiences for their audiences. We have focused on the continuous improvement of Soundscape from new software updates to game-changing additions such as the Soundscape En-Scene simulation tool, third party technology integrations and the technology will continue to adapt in the future. Watch this space.