Rotel C8 8-Channel Custom Power Amplifier | C8

Rotel C8 8-Channel Custom Installation Power Amplifier

The Rotel C8 is a high-density, 8-channel Class AB amplifier engineered for custom installation and distributed audio. It delivers 50 W/ch into 8 Ω or 70 W/ch into 4 Ω with all channels driven, supports bridged mode for 140 W into 4 Ω, and includes a built-in analog source-to-zone matrix with front-panel zone control (source selection, volume, bass, treble). It’s designed to simplify multi-room builds by reducing the need for external matrixing and per-zone control hardware.

Dealer Quick Fit

• Best for: distributed audio requiring 4 stereo zones (8 channels) with matrixed analog routing
• Power: 8 × 50 W/ch (8 Ω, all channels driven) • 8 × 70 W/ch (4 Ω, all channels driven) • Bridged: 140 W (4 Ω)
• Source matrix: 4 × analog stereo inputs routed per zone (front panel / IP / RS232 control)
• Zone EQ/control: per-zone source/volume/bass/treble control from the chassis
• Control: Ethernet (IP control) + RS232 + 12V trigger input
• Priority audio: Priority Zone PA Override for paging/announcement use cases
• Rack: 2U chassis; rack ears included; designed for dense rack layouts

Why Dealers Care

• Integrated analog matrix: route four analog sources to four stereo zones without adding a separate zone matrix in many installs.
• Per-zone tone shaping: bass/treble controls help compensate for in-ceiling boundaries, patio acoustics, or “background music” target curves.
• Bridgeable power: allocate more power to a demanding zone (larger room, outdoor speakers, or higher-SPL area) while keeping other zones stereo.
• Control-system flexibility: IP/RS232/trigger options cover everything from basic sequencing to full automation integration.
• Rack efficiency: 2U form factor supports high channel density where rack space is premium.

Zone & Channel Model (CI Overview)

• Zones: 4 stereo zones (8 amplifier channels total).
• Analog sources: 4 stereo RCA inputs (matrixed).
• Per-zone settings: select source + set volume + bass/treble per zone via front panel or automation.
• Bridging: bridge channel pairs only when the speaker load and wiring are confirmed compatible; label bridged pairs for serviceability.
• Priority override: PA override can force a priority signal to selected zones (paging/announcement behavior).

Specs at a Glance

Connectivity & Control

• Analog Inputs: 4 × stereo RCA pairs (matrixed)
• Digital Inputs: none
• Speaker Outputs: 8 channels / 4 stereo zones (CI-style terminal outputs)
• Network: Ethernet for IP control and configuration
• RS232: serial control for automation systems
• Trigger: 12V trigger input (3.5 mm mono)
• Front Panel Control: zone source/volume/bass/treble with display feedback
• Priority: Priority Zone PA Override

Installation Notes (Dealer-Level)

• Design as four stereo zones: map each zone to a room/area and allocate sources via the matrix during commissioning.
• Use bridging selectively: bridge only for the zones that truly need additional headroom; keep remaining zones stereo for flexibility.
• Gain structure: confirm source output level and zone volume limits so clients don’t accidentally overdrive small in-ceiling speakers.
• Paging behavior: enable PA override only where required; document which zones are affected for future service calls.
• Thermal planning: 2U density is rack-efficient—still confirm airflow strategy for sustained multi-zone duty cycles.

Finish Options (SKU)

• C8 — Black

Commercial & Logistics (No Dealer Pricing)

• MSRP: $2,999.00
• Warranty: 5 Years
• Status: Active

In the Box

• Rack ears
• Detachable IEC power cord

FAQ

• Can I route multiple sources to different zones? Yes — four analog inputs are matrixed to zones.
• Can it be bridged for more power? Yes — bridged mode is supported (140 W into 4 Ω stated).
• Does it support automation control? Yes — RS232, IP control (Ethernet), and 12V trigger input.
• Does it support PA override? Yes — Priority Zone PA Override is supported.
• Does it have digital inputs? No — analog sources only (no optical/coax inputs).