Abstract: An audio amplifier for receiving input current and sinusoidal line voltage from an AC source, and delivering audio output power to a load includes: a power factor correction circuit for receiving the line voltage from the AC source, the power factor correction circuit including a control circuit operable to cause the wave shape of the input current drawn from the AC source to substantially correspond to the wave shape of the line voltage by producing an intermediate source of voltage at a substantially higher potential than the line voltage of the AC source; a DC power supply coupled to the power factor correction circuit and operable to convert the intermediate source of voltage into a regulated DC source of power; and an audio power amplifier coupled to the DC power supply and operable to convert the DC source of power into the audio output power for delivery to the load.

Abstract: A load monitor module for measuring voltage and current supplied from an amplifier to a load is provided within an amplifier and includes a device for calculating an impedance of the load and an amount of power delivered to the load from the amplifier. The load monitor module includes a voltage measuring device and a current measuring device for accurately measuring the voltage and current of a generated test signal or an audio signal input the amplifier signal path without substantially altering the signal. The monitor module also includes a controller for controlling the performance of the amplifier and load according to the calculated load impedance and power input to the load from the amplifier.

Abstract: An amplifier has a digital signal processor for receiving input digital or analog audio signals for modification by at least one of a plurality of signal processing functions and corresponding signal processing function parameters. The digital signal processor receives input control signals for changing the signal processing function and signal processing function parameters. The amplifier also includes a detecting device for directly monitoring performance of the amplifier and a detecting device for monitoring a current and voltage of a signal output from the amplifier. The digital signal processor monitors the detected amplifier performance, current and voltage and automatically controls the signal processing functions and parameters, as well as amplifier circuits, to make any necessary modifications to the signal output from the amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for programming an amplifier includes an amplifier and a portable programmer that is removably connectable to the amplifier. The portable programmer includes a microprocessor, a keypad, and a display screen. The amplifier includes a programming input port, a signal processing circuit, a power amplifier and a control circuit. When the portable programmer is connected to the amplifier, information relating to parameter of various signal processing circuit elements can be read and modified through the programmer. The information input via the keypad and displayed on the display screen is transmitted from the programmer via the microprocessor to the signal processing control circuit to change signal processing functions and/or signal process function parameters of at least one of the signal processing circuit elements. As a result, processing of a signal transmitted through the amplifier is changed so that a sound produced by the signal can be modified.