Autonomic Debuts Mirage Digital Amplifiers, Multiroom Audio System

We recently broke the CEDIA Expo news that Autonomic was implementing Ultraviolet DRM technology in its MMS-5AV Mirage Media Server, which won a CEDIA 2012 Manufacturers’ Excellence Award.

The other big Autonomic news from CEDIA Expo 2012 was the introduction of the company’s first amplifiers. The Mirage Digital Amplifiers include the four zone/six source M400 and eight zone/eight source M800

Although Autonomic is most famous for its elegant, integrated streaming media solutions, it does make solid hardware. So why not take those capabilities to traditional multiroom audio systems?

“This completes the solution,” says principal Michael de Nigris. “We’re an audio company now, not just a server company.”

In addition to traditional analog inputs, both products have high-resolution internal D/A converters with coax digital inputs for all sources, making them an ideal pair with Mirage Media Servers, all of which feature a digital output that can be used as the primary source to supply high-quality music to any of the zones.

Power for both products is rated at 50Watts RMS per channel 8 Ohm, with 4-Ohm capability.

No Third-Party Control System Required

De Nigris explains that many “mainstream dealers are putting us in all of their projects and sometimes they don’t want a control system.”

Paired with one of Autonomic’s servers, the new multiroom audio products provide all of the control capabilities a user would need to play any source in any zone - simply add a computer, Android or iOS device to the mix.

Naturally, clients can add a control system later on. Also, the amplifiers can be used without an Autonomic music server, as they communicate via IP and RS-232.

Autonomic also is coming out with some on-wall user interfaces of its own. The forthcoming MKP-1 keypad offers basic control of volume, source, and power on/off.

In addition, Autonomic is partnering with iPort to deliver the MKP-iOS in-wall keypad mount designed for the iPod Touch.

Each iOS device is “tied to the specific zone,” says de Nigris. “The bathroom iPod knows it’s in the bathroom.”

At CEDIA, a top Autonomic dealer was milling around the booth. I was skeptical about Autonomic getting into the multiroom audio business and asked his opinion on the new products.

“Yes, of course I’ll buy them,” he said, adding that they’ll make it easier to build out an Autonomic media distribution ecosystem.


Autonomic M800 eight source/eight zone amplifier (click for specs and pricing)

Autonomic says its products include these “distinguishing features:”

Several unique features make the M400/800 amplifiers stand out from their competition when selecting an amplifier for use with a Mirage Media Server, or even as a standalone solution.

1) IP controllable. Most matrix amplifiers are only controllable via RS-232. The M400 and M800 offer both connectivity options.

2) 50 watts per channel power distribution. This is significantly higher that most distributed audio amplifiers that average between 15-25 watts per channel, delivering a superior listening experience.

3) Coax digital inputs allowing for a pristine signal path from the MMS (or other components) to the amplifier. This is made more important due to the higher power rating of this amplifier, which may allow installers to use higher quality speakers. Most matrix amplifiers do not provide digital inputs of any kind.

4) Provides a pre-configured and complete solution when paired with an MMS. All MMS applications, keypads, and interfaces will recognize that the system includes an amplifier.

5) Advanced scheduling interface with the Mirage MMS allows any zone to automatically power on/off and play preset programs from local content or streaming services.

Check out the specs and pricing for the Autonomic Mirage Digital Amplifiers here.