The Stella-188 external power supply is required when using Stella-4, Stella-4C, and Stella-8C installation loudspeakers. The self-powered Stella loudspeakers are designed primarily for use in Meyer Sound's Constellation electroacoustic architecture.

The Stella-188 can power up to 16 Stella-4 or Stella-4C loudspeakers, or up to eight Stella-8C loudspeakers. The single-space 19-inch rack power supply receives eight channels of balanced audio from its 25-pin D-sub connector and routes the audio, along with 18 V of DC power, to its five-pin Phoenix output connectors for greater wiring convenience. Each of the eight channel outputs can deliver DC power to a single Stella-4 or Stella-4C loudspeaker at cable lengths of up to 300 feet with just 1 dB of loss in peak SPL, using 18 AWG wire, or to up to two Stella-4 or Stella-4C loudspeakers with limited cable runs of 150 feet. Cable runs to Stella-8C loudspeakers with lengths of up to 150 feet are possible (also with 18 AWG).

The Stella-188 front panel has two LEDs per output channel that provide useful feedback on the status of the system. The voltage LEDs indicate when voltage is present for each output channel. The load current LEDs indicate when a loudspeaker is connected to an output channel and these LEDs grow brighter as the signal level increases.

The use of composite multiconductor cables (such as Belden 1502R) allows a single cable to carry both audio and DC power from the Stella-188 to the loudspeakers. Amplifier and signal processing circuits for Stella loudspeakers are designed to tolerate voltage drops of up to 30 percent, thereby accommodating light-gauge cables and long cable runs. Internal energy storage circuits for the loudspeakers minimize the system's peak-to-average current demands, ensuring efficient use of the Stella-188's 18 V DC output.

Stella-188 Datasheet
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