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The Need For Power Management
Today’s microprocessor-based circuits are more sensitive and vulnerable than
ever. Though basic protection from catastrophic AC line surges and reduction
of radio frequency noise from interfering with the signal have always been
prudent, we must strive to eliminate far more from our AC power source if we
expect to meet professional standards in the digital age.
In prior decades we primarily worked with circuits that were based on valve and
solid-state (transistor) topologies. These circuits were robust, and capable of ab-
sorbing the daily onslaught of modest power spikes generated by the utilities’
sub-stations and local appliances. Fast forward to the era of the rst integrated
circuit chips, and the circuits were still capable of handling all but the poorest of
AC sources.
Unfortunately, today’s miniature surface-mount, high-speed processing chips
can be destroyed with an arc of as little as 3 volts to the wrong junctions. Long before that occurs, small voltage spikes can cause
circuits to pit and ssure. This can increase distortion, promote lock-ups, and decrease signal resolution over time.
Advanced transient voltage surge protection has never been more necessary.
In environments where failure is not an option and time is money, it is not acceptable to replace an inferior surge strip that has
sacriced its protection devices, or lose a rack of critical components connected to a surge device that has lost its ability to protect
beyond a single large surge event. Though a simple surge strip or bar may work once, many will allow unsafe power to pass long
after they have lost their ability to protect. Employing a simple AC surge strip or power bar is simply not the professional choice.
Fortunately, Furman’s Prestige range of AC power management products have been manu-
factured and designed to a higher standard. With technologies such as our non-sacricial
SMP surge suppression, the equipment rack will be protected - as well as the Furman itself.
No service call. No down time.
Stabilizing Incoming Voltage With The P-6900 AR E
Another critical consideration for today’s audio / video professional is the need for stable
voltage. A common misconception is that modern switching power supplies are virtually im-
mune to AC voltage swings. This has some basis in truth when they are compared to simple
devices from 40 years ago, where circuit bias, noise, and distortion characteristics were liter-
ally determined in part by the incoming AC voltage. Modern switch mode power supplies
are immune to this – up to a point.
The problem is that once the limits of the switch mode circuit have been reached, you will
instantly lose operation of the device! No signal...no warning...no show!
The traditional linear (transformer based) power supplies were far more robust, and as they
were pushed to voltage input levels excessively high or low, they would still function (albeit
with noticeably increased distortion, but this at least gave the operator valuable minutes
to eect a change). Whether we are using with vintage or cutting-edge technology, professional A/V and sound reinforcement
requires stable AC voltage.
However, this can be challenging when venues are unknown, and peak current requirements are high. Further, many touring
companies will, by necessity, rely on petroleum or diesel AC power generators for supplementary power, or in some cases, to
power an entire event. These generators are far from stable. Most are designed to feed a specic AC voltage for a xed VA (volt
– amp or wattage) rating. Because your power ampliers, back line instrument ampliers, and lighting will never represent a
constant current load, the voltage from the generator will swing up and down, in rhythm (literally) with the audio dynamics and
lighting cues.
P-6900 AR E True RMS Voltage Regulator
Application Guide for Professional Audio / Video • Sound Reinforcement
Furman 220V-240V
Prestige Family