Linea Research 48M20
Eight Channel Touring Power Amplifier
High Density Power
The Linea Research 48M20 is a high-power touring amplifier, combining advanced Class D amplification with integrated DSP and network control. Designed for large-scale live sound applications, it delivers exceptional multi-channel performance, precise system tuning, and seamless integration into modern audio networks, ensuring reliable and consistent operation in demanding environments.
Description
The Linea Research 48M20 is a high-performance touring power amplifier, engineered to deliver exceptional output, control, and reliability for large-scale professional audio systems. As part of the 48M Series, it combines advanced Class D amplification with integrated high-resolution DSP and network control, providing a powerful, all-in-one solution for system drive and optimisation.
Designed for demanding live sound environments such as concerts, festivals, and touring productions, the 48M20 offers high-output, multi-channel performance with consistent power delivery under continuous load. Its onboard DSP enables precise system tuning, including EQ, crossover, delay, and protection, ensuring optimal performance across a wide range of loudspeaker systems.
With flexible connectivity options including analogue, AES3, and networked audio protocols, the 48M20 integrates seamlessly into modern audio infrastructures. Combined with intuitive control software for real-time monitoring and configuration, it provides audio professionals with complete system control and dependable performance in even the most challenging environments.
48M20 Features
- Eight channels of sonically pure Class D amplification
- Unique, precise, 96kHz digital signal processing
- Over‐designed switch mode power supply
- 85V to 240V Auto-sensing PSU
- 3,000 to 20,000 watts RMS total output
- Full front panel user interface
- Ethernet network for system operation and monitoring
- Analogue, AES3 and optional Dante™ / AES67 digital network audio
- Powerful grouping & multi‐layer EQ
- Accepts 48kHz and 96kHz FIR files via System Engineer (certain models)
- Fully designed and engineered in house by Linea Research
- Manufactured in the UK
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Data sheets, manuals and resources for the 48M20
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Quick Specs
- GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Number of channels
- 8
- Total power output, all channels driven
- 20,000, 10,000, 6,000 and 3,200 Watts RMS
- Audio inputs
- 4x Analogue, 2x AES3 and 4x Dante™ / AES67 (factory fitted option)
- Digital Signal Processing
- High performance DSP processing on all inputs and outputs
Technical Specifications
- GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Number of channels
- 8
- Total power output, all channels driven
- 20,000, 10,000, 6,000 and 3,200 Watts RMS
- Audio inputs
- 4x Analogue, 2x AES3 and 4x Dante™ / AES67 (factory fitted option)
- Digital Signal Processing
- High performance DSP processing on all inputs and outputs
- Control, monitoring and system status alarms
- Ethernet network, Volt-free relay and contact closure port
- Power-save modes
- Standby after user defined time, instant wake up on audio. Deep ECO sleep after user defined time, wake up on command
- System sleep and wakeup
- Front panel switch, network command and audio detection
- POWER OUTPUT
- Power specification
- RMS output power per channel, all channels driven with continuous program material and a nominal ambient temperature of 40ºC / 105ºF
- Crest Factor of 4 (12dB), 2-Ohm nominal load
- 1,500W
- Crest Factor of 2.8 (9dB), 4-Ohm nominal load
- 2,500W
- Crest Factor of 2 (6dB), 8-Ohm nominal load
- 1,500W
- Bridged per channel pair, 4 or 8-Ohm load
- 3,000W / 5,000W
- 100V line (CV) operation, Crest Factor 4 (12dB)
- 2,500W
- 70V line operation, Crest Factor 4
- 1,937W
- 25V line operation, Crest Factor 4
- 625W
- AUDIO PERFORMANCE
- Amplifier topology
- Linea Research high performance Class D
- Amplifier modulation scheme
- Low feedback, multiple loop, with feed-forward error correction
- Dynamic range to amplifier output
- Analogue input, better than 113dBA typical. AES / Dante™ input, better than 114dBA typical
- Gain (with all DSP level controls set to 0dB)
- 32dB
- Frequency response, 4 Ohm load
- <7Hz to >30kHz, 4 Ohms, -2.5dB points
- Total harmonic distortion, THD
- <0.05% typical, 1kHz signal, AES17 filter, 4 Ohm load
- Inter-channel crosstalk, worst case combination
- better than -85dBr at 1kHz and -75dBr at 10kHz
- Maximum analogue input level
- +20dBu
- Analogue input sensitivity range for full output
- 0dBu to +20dBu, continuously adjustable
- Analogue input (four channels)
- Input 20k Ohm, electronically balanced, link directly connected to input
- Analogue ground scheme
- AES48 standard compliant
- AES3 input (two audio channels)
- Transformer isolated with unique active cable equalisation for extended range
- AES3 link (two audio channels)
- Active AES3 signal regeneration. Automatic direct bypass to the AES3 input ensuring the audio signal will still flow even when the amplifier is powered down
- AES3 supported sampling rates
- 24kHz to 192kHz (auto locking)
- DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
- Resolution
- 40 bit, Linea Research proprietary algorithms
- Sample rate
- 96kHz throughout
- Physical inputs to DSP drive modules
- 4x analogue, 2x AES & 4x Dante™ inputs can be routed to four DSP drive modules
- Drive module input processing
- Input signal routing, delay, gain, HPF, Phase, Mute. EQ: 2x low shelf, 6x PEQ / band pass and FIR shelving filters
- Drive module output processing
- Source, delay, gain, Phase, Mute, crossover filters, VX limiters. EQ: low shelf, 8x PEQ / band pass and shelving filters
- Preset management
- 10 snapshots for device wide setup, 50 presets for loudspeaker settings. Presets can be recalled to sets of outputs or individual outputs as required
- Overlays
- Twelve additional independent overlays of EQ, Delay and Gain. Flexible grouping for effective control of many amplifier channels in large systems
- Class leading VX limiters
- See the ‘speaker protection systems’ section in the manual
- Hardman crossover filters
- Better out of band rejection than Linkwitz-Riley
- LIR crossover filters
- Unique Linear Phase alignments without the compromises of FIR filters
- POWER SUPPLY
- Topology (main power supply)
- Linea Research high performance Series Resonant
- Topology (auxiliary and standby supplies)
- Low quiescent Eco-Flyback
- Internally stored energy
- >600 Joules
- Nominal mains input voltage range
- 85V to 240V Power supply automatically detects voltage and configures accordingly
- Mains input frequency range
- 47Hz to 63Hz
- Mains inrush current (max for <10ms)
- 6A at 115V and 12A at 230V
- PHYSICAL
- Cooling
- Dual vari-speed fans, front to back airflow. Washable, tool less change filter media.
- Analogue IN and LINK
- 4x female and 4x male Neutrik™ XLR
- AES3 dual channel IN and LINK
- 1x female and 1x male Neutrik™ XLR
- Amplifiers output
- 4x Neutrik Speakon™ NL4 connectors
- Mains input connector
- Neutrik 32A Powercon™
- Dante Primary and Secondary
- 2x Shielded RJ45
- Relay output & contact closure inputs
- Phoenix™ pluggable terminal block (supplied)
- Front panel display (backlit)
- Graphical, high contrast, daylight visible
- Front panel encoders
- Two, indented, velocity sensitive
- Front panel push buttons
- Large, tactile, illuminated
- LED indicators
- Bright, easily differentiated
- Enclosure
- Standard 19” 2U (88mm), 357mm (14”) deep with handles and optional rear support
- Net Weight
- 12.5kg (27.5 pounds).
The Linea Research 48M20 is a high-performance touring power amplifier, engineered to deliver exceptional output, control, and reliability for large-scale professional audio systems. As part of the 48M Series, it combines advanced Class D amplification with integrated high-resolution DSP and network control, providing a powerful, all-in-one solution for system drive and optimisation.
Designed for demanding live sound environments such as concerts, festivals, and touring productions, the 48M20 offers high-output, multi-channel performance with consistent power delivery under continuous load. Its onboard DSP enables precise system tuning, including EQ, crossover, delay, and protection, ensuring optimal performance across a wide range of loudspeaker systems.
With flexible connectivity options including analogue, AES3, and networked audio protocols, the 48M20 integrates seamlessly into modern audio infrastructures. Combined with intuitive control software for real-time monitoring and configuration, it provides audio professionals with complete system control and dependable performance in even the most challenging environments.
- Eight channels of sonically pure Class D amplification
- Unique, precise, 96kHz digital signal processing
- Over‐designed switch mode power supply
- 85V to 240V Auto-sensing PSU
- 3,000 to 20,000 watts RMS total output
- Full front panel user interface
- Ethernet network for system operation and monitoring
- Analogue, AES3 and optional Dante™ / AES67 digital network audio
- Powerful grouping & multi‐layer EQ
- Accepts 48kHz and 96kHz FIR files via System Engineer (certain models)
- Fully designed and engineered in house by Linea Research
- Manufactured in the UK
| GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Number of channels | 8 |
| Total power output, all channels driven | 20,000, 10,000, 6,000 and 3,200 Watts RMS |
| Audio inputs | 4x Analogue, 2x AES3 and 4x Dante™ / AES67 (factory fitted option) |
| Digital Signal Processing | High performance DSP processing on all inputs and outputs |
| Control, monitoring and system status alarms | Ethernet network, Volt-free relay and contact closure port |
| Power-save modes | Standby after user defined time, instant wake up on audio. Deep ECO sleep after user defined time, wake up on command |
| System sleep and wakeup | Front panel switch, network command and audio detection |
| POWER OUTPUT | |
| Power specification | RMS output power per channel, all channels driven with continuous program material and a nominal ambient temperature of 40ºC / 105ºF |
| Crest Factor of 4 (12dB), 2-Ohm nominal load | 1,500W |
| Crest Factor of 2.8 (9dB), 4-Ohm nominal load | 2,500W |
| Crest Factor of 2 (6dB), 8-Ohm nominal load | 1,500W |
| Bridged per channel pair, 4 or 8-Ohm load | 3,000W / 5,000W |
| 100V line (CV) operation, Crest Factor 4 (12dB) | 2,500W |
| 70V line operation, Crest Factor 4 | 1,937W |
| 25V line operation, Crest Factor 4 | 625W |
| AUDIO PERFORMANCE | |
| Amplifier topology | Linea Research high performance Class D |
| Amplifier modulation scheme | Low feedback, multiple loop, with feed-forward error correction |
| Dynamic range to amplifier output | Analogue input, better than 113dBA typical. AES / Dante™ input, better than 114dBA typical |
| Gain (with all DSP level controls set to 0dB) | 32dB |
| Frequency response, 4 Ohm load | <7Hz to >30kHz, 4 Ohms, -2.5dB points |
| Total harmonic distortion, THD | <0.05% typical, 1kHz signal, AES17 filter, 4 Ohm load |
| Inter-channel crosstalk, worst case combination | better than -85dBr at 1kHz and -75dBr at 10kHz |
| Maximum analogue input level | +20dBu |
| Analogue input sensitivity range for full output | 0dBu to +20dBu, continuously adjustable |
| Analogue input (four channels) | Input 20k Ohm, electronically balanced, link directly connected to input |
| Analogue ground scheme | AES48 standard compliant |
| AES3 input (two audio channels) | Transformer isolated with unique active cable equalisation for extended range |
| AES3 link (two audio channels) | Active AES3 signal regeneration. Automatic direct bypass to the AES3 input ensuring the audio signal will still flow even when the amplifier is powered down |
| AES3 supported sampling rates | 24kHz to 192kHz (auto locking) |
| DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING | |
| Resolution | 40 bit, Linea Research proprietary algorithms |
| Sample rate | 96kHz throughout |
| Physical inputs to DSP drive modules | 4x analogue, 2x AES & 4x Dante™ inputs can be routed to four DSP drive modules |
| Drive module input processing | Input signal routing, delay, gain, HPF, Phase, Mute. EQ: 2x low shelf, 6x PEQ / band pass and FIR shelving filters |
| Drive module output processing | Source, delay, gain, Phase, Mute, crossover filters, VX limiters. EQ: low shelf, 8x PEQ / band pass and shelving filters |
| Preset management | 10 snapshots for device wide setup, 50 presets for loudspeaker settings. Presets can be recalled to sets of outputs or individual outputs as required |
| Overlays | Twelve additional independent overlays of EQ, Delay and Gain. Flexible grouping for effective control of many amplifier channels in large systems |
| Class leading VX limiters | See the ‘speaker protection systems’ section in the manual |
| Hardman crossover filters | Better out of band rejection than Linkwitz-Riley |
| LIR crossover filters | Unique Linear Phase alignments without the compromises of FIR filters |
| POWER SUPPLY | |
| Topology (main power supply) | Linea Research high performance Series Resonant |
| Topology (auxiliary and standby supplies) | Low quiescent Eco-Flyback |
| Internally stored energy | >600 Joules |
| Nominal mains input voltage range | 85V to 240V Power supply automatically detects voltage and configures accordingly |
| Mains input frequency range | 47Hz to 63Hz |
| Mains inrush current (max for <10ms) | 6A at 115V and 12A at 230V |
| PHYSICAL | |
| Cooling | Dual vari-speed fans, front to back airflow. Washable, tool less change filter media. |
| Analogue IN and LINK | 4x female and 4x male Neutrik™ XLR |
| AES3 dual channel IN and LINK | 1x female and 1x male Neutrik™ XLR |
| Amplifiers output | 4x Neutrik Speakon™ NL4 connectors |
| Mains input connector | Neutrik 32A Powercon™ |
| Dante Primary and Secondary | 2x Shielded RJ45 |
| Relay output & contact closure inputs | Phoenix™ pluggable terminal block (supplied) |
| Front panel display (backlit) | Graphical, high contrast, daylight visible |
| Front panel encoders | Two, indented, velocity sensitive |
| Front panel push buttons | Large, tactile, illuminated |
| LED indicators | Bright, easily differentiated |
| Enclosure | Standard 19” 2U (88mm), 357mm (14”) deep with handles and optional rear support |
| Net Weight | 12.5kg (27.5 pounds). |
About Penguin Media Solutions
Penguin Media Solutions is a professional audio, video, and lighting design, installation, and maintenance company based in Brighton, UK. As an authorised Martin Audio dealer, we provide high-performance AV systems for commercial venues, hospitality, and event spaces across Brighton, London, and South-East England.
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