ARC AUDIO
Blackbird
Blackbird DSP Amplifier
$7,999.00TT
Price VAT Inclusive
Description
Blackbird DSP Amplifier: Pure Power. Total Control. Compact Integration.
Born from ARC Audio’s passion for clean design, easy installation, and pro-grade tuning with honest specifications, the Blackbird DSP amplifier delivers unmatched flexibility and power in a single DSP-amplified solution. With 8 fully bridgeable speaker channels, 4 additional DSP-controlled RCA outputs, and tuning powered by ARC Audio’s DNA software interface, the Blackbird is built for everything—from daily driver upgrades to elite competition systems.
Built on a high-performance 32-bit Analog Devices ADAU1462 DSP core and equipped with premium AKM Velvet Sound ADCs and DACs, the Blackbird delivers up to 1,000 watts of clean, real-world power across its 8 speaker outputs. Whether you’re running a fully active 3-way front stage, bridging channels for powerful midbass, or powering all 8 channels to factory speaker locations while feeding a subwoofer via its RCA DSP outputs, the Blackbird adapts to your system design and sonic goals. All 12 output channels—8 amplified, 4 preamp—are fully independent and configurable.
Unlike competing solutions, Blackbird’s fully bridgeable output architecture and dedicated RCA DSP outs make it ideal for hybrid systems. Pair it with ARC’s Nighthawk amplifier when more subwoofer output is needed, or expand into the rest of ARC’s upcoming DSP amplifier lineup—Blackbird stays at the center of it all.
System tuning is handled through ARC Audio’s Pro-Series DNA software, offering one of the most powerful tuning environments in the industry. Enjoy access to 444 bands of EQ, assignable all-pass and shelving filters, per-channel signal delay, phase control, and a vast range of crossover slopes. The Blackbird supports input voltages from 0.5V to 32V, includes high-resolution digital inputs, and is fully iDatalink Maestro AR compatible—ensuring seamless integration into a wide range of modern OEM systems.
And like all ARC Audio amplifiers, Blackbird is CTA-2006 compliant and conservatively rated. No inflated numbers. No creative testing methods. Just honest performance that exceeds expectations and published specifications.
Key Highlights:
8 bridgeable speaker outputs (up to 250W x4 bridged)
4 fully independent DSP-controlled RCA outputs (up to 8V)
96kHz / 32-bit DSP resolution with AKM Velvet Sound ADC/DAC’s
Powered by ARC Audio’s DNA Tuning software utility
iDatalink Maestro AR compatible for OEM system integration
Up to 4 user presets, PSC or LR-2 remote compatibility
Advanced configuration capabilities for a wider range of applications
Whether you’re installing for clarity, power, or total control, the Blackbird sets the standard for what’s possible in a compact, all-in-one DSP amplifier.
| Processor Type | Integrated DSP Amplifier |
| Processor Resolution | Fixed Point Native 32-Bit |
| Main DSP Processor | Analog Devices ADAU1462 |
| ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) | (Dual) AKM Velvet Sound 5558B |
| DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | (Dual) AKM Velvet Sound AK4438 |
| Total DSP Channels | 12 |
| RCA Channels Out | 4 |
| RCA Output Voltage | Up to 8V |
| Total Amplified Output Channel | 8 |
| Stereo @ 4 Ohms | 8 x 75 Watts |
| Stereo @ 2 Ohms | 8 x 125 Watts |
| Bridgeable Speaker Outputs | Yes |
| Bridged @ 4 Ohms | 4 x 250 Watts |
| Bridged @ 2 Ohms | (Not Recommended) |
| Other Channels @ 4 Ohms | N/A |
| Other Channels @ 2 Ohms | N/A |
| Fuse Rating | 3 x 30 Amp |
| Amplifier Operating Voltage Range | 8.0V – 17.1V |
| Adjustable Class-D Switching Frequency | Yes – Via DNA User Software |
| Built-in Fan Cooled | Yes |
| Input Channels (Analog) | 8 |
| Input Channels (Analog Type) | Balanced (RCA or Speaker Level) |
| Input Sensitivity (Analog) | .5V – 32V |
| Input Impedance (Analog) | 10k Ohms |
| Input Gain Type | “Dedicated” Selection by channel “Pairs” in input Mixer Utility |
| Optical Input | Toslink – Yes |
| Digital Coaxial Input | Yes – Requires D.O.C. Adapter |
| Max Digital Input Sample Rate | 192kHz |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 23.5kHz |
| S/N Ratio 1V 1:1 | 107.1dB |
| S/N Ratio 4V 1:1 | 108.4dB |
| S/N Digital | TBD |
| DSP Operating Voltage | 8V – 17.1 (Start Stop Compliant to 4.5V) |
| Auto-Sense Turn-on | Yes – Signal & DC (BTL) (Uses Ch 1/2 Analog Inputs Only) |
| User Defined Presets | Up to 4 |
| Preset Control Without PC Or Controller | Yes – Optional Manual Trigger Switches +/- for up to 4 presets (Not Included) |
| Compatible External Control (Optional) | Yes – PSC & LR-2 (Sold Separately) |
| Dual External Control Use (Optional) | Yes – PSC & LR-2 (Simultaneously) |
| AXP Wifi Control Adapter Card | Optional accessory (Sold Separately) |
| DSP Integrated On/Off Timing Control | Turn on Output (Up to 40ms), Turn on Hold (Up to 40ms), Auto-sense hold time (up to 200ms) |
| External Amplifier Remote “Turn-on Output” On/Off Timing Control | Remote Turn on lead output adjustable from .05 – 40 seconds |
| iDatalink Maestro Amplifier Replacement Interface Capable | Yes – Requires Vehicle compatible replacement module & T-Harness and ARC/iData signal harness adapter |
| iDatalink Maestro Compatibility List | Check compatibility |
| Multi-Processor System Expandability | Yes – Requires each processor be connected with a full-time USB connection to a non-amplified USB hub. Also allows for full control of multiple DSPs with a single PC and GUI |
| USB Connection Type | USB-C |
| Tuning Software Interface | ARC Audio DNA Only |
| DNA Tuning Software Interface Download | Download here |
| DNA Software Tuning Features | Click here for tuning features |
| Dimensions | 10.35″(L) x 6″(W) x 2″(H) |