StormAudio, a renowned leader in high-performance audio processors and power amplifiers for home theatre systems, has announced the release of its latest flagship: the Core 16+. Building upon the success of the acclaimed Core 16, this new version offers significant enhancements in channel capacity and advanced features, all while maintaining the compact design and reliability StormAudio is known for.
A Commitment to Performance and Future-Proofing
Olivier Thumerel, CEO of StormAudio, emphasizes the company’s philosophy: “With the Core 16+, we set out to deliver a processor that is designed to handle increasingly complex home theatre systems whilst staying true to our ‘Core’ principles: performance and reliability. Just as importantly, we believe in giving our customers more without raising costs unnecessarily and keeping our promise of future-proof products.”
This approach ensures that users receive cutting-edge technology without inflated costs, reaffirming StormAudio’s commitment to delivering value and longevity.
Expanded Channel Support for Limitless Creativity
The Core 16+ now supports up to eighteen discrete audio channels, a notable increase from previous models. This expanded channel capacity grants installers and home cinema designers greater flexibility to execute ambitious speaker configurations such as the popular 9.4.4 setup delivering immersive, high-impact soundscapes with precision.
Advanced Features Standardized Through Software
One of the most impressive aspects of the Core 16+ is the inclusion of several advanced technologies as standard features, previously available only via optional licenses. These include:
- Expert Bass Routing: Allows integrators to precisely control low-frequency energy across multiple subwoofers, ensuring smooth and balanced bass performance.
- StormXT: Enhances spatial realism by generating ambient content in speakers that would otherwise remain silent, creating a more enveloping sound environment.
- HDMI Dual Zone Matrix: Provides greater flexibility for multi-room video distribution, facilitating seamless multi-zone entertainment experiences.
Comprehensive Support for Immersive Formats
The Core 16+ offers full support for leading immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D, and IMAX Enhanced, ensuring compatibility with the latest content standards.
Room acoustics are optimized with the latest Dirac Live software, which now includes the Active Room Treatment license delivering real-time, spatially aware room correction. The processor can handle up to 20 parametric EQs per channel, and it can drive four-way active crossovers along with multiple subwoofers, catering to the most demanding acoustic environments.
Future-Proof Scalability for Existing Users
In line with StormAudio’s commitment to future-proof design, existing Core 16 units can be upgraded via an Optional License Package after updating to firmware version 4.7. This upgrade unlocks the same 18-channel support and advanced features as the Core 16+, protecting users’ investments and ensuring their systems remain at the cutting edge.
The upgrade process is seamless, requiring no hardware modifications or system downtime, making it a practical solution for current owners seeking to expand capabilities as their needs evolve.
