Straightforward Blaze by Sonance PowerZone 1004 – 1000W 4-Channel Installation Amplifier with Per-Channel Lo-Z/Hi-Z Configuration
The Blaze by Sonance PowerZone 1004 is a 1000W non-networked Class-D installation amplifier with four independently configurable output channels in a full-rack 1U chassis. Unlike the PowerZone Connect series with its built-in DSP and web app, the PowerZone 1004 strips the system back to essentials — DIP-switch configuration, GPIO remote control, and raw Pascal UMAC™ Class-D power. Each channel delivers 250W and can be independently set to Lo-Z or Hi-Z mode, so a single amplifier can drive a mix of conventional 4Ω–16Ω speakers and 70V/100V distributed lines without needing separate units for each load type.
For integrators across Africa working on installations where networked DSP is handled upstream by a separate processor, or where the project simply needs clean, reliable power with minimal complexity, the PowerZone 1004 delivers a kilowatt of flexible amplification from a proven Class-D platform at a price point below the Connect range. Set it, lock the front panel, and let it run.
Design and Construction of the Blaze by Sonance PowerZone 1004
The PowerZone 1004 is housed in a full-rack width 1U chassis — the largest of the three non-Connect PowerZone models. Its full-width faceplate accommodates four output channels and the associated rear-panel connectors, while keeping the profile low enough to stack efficiently in standard 19″ equipment racks. Rack ears are included, with optional rear support hardware available for secure installation.
The amplifier is built around Pascal’s UMAC™ Class-D output stage — the same proven technology used across the PowerZone Connect range. The UREC™ universal mains switch-mode power supply features Power Factor Correction (PFC) and an integral standby converter, accepting 100–240V AC at 50–60 Hz for worldwide deployment. Power consumption at full load is 300W, with standby draw below 0.5W — meeting both ErP and Energy Star compliance standards.
Protection circuits cover short circuit, DC fault, under-voltage, thermal, and overload conditions. The unit is UL listed and backed by Blaze’s five-year warranty. A front-panel control lock prevents unauthorised changes to the setup after commissioning — particularly useful in venues where the amplifier rack is accessible to non-technical staff.
Performance and Applications for the PowerZone 1004
Each of the four output channels delivers 250W into 4Ω or 8Ω loads in Lo-Z mode, or 250W into 70V or 100V in Hi-Z mode. The key feature is per-channel impedance selection — each channel can be independently configured to Lo-Z or Hi-Z via rear-panel DIP switches. This means a single 1004 can drive two channels of conventional speakers and two channels of distributed 70V/100V lines simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate amplifiers for each load type.
Unlike the 252 and 504 models in the PowerZone series, the 1004 does not feature automatic power-sharing between channels. Each channel operates independently at its rated 250W, providing a fixed and predictable power envelope per zone. This makes system design straightforward — you know exactly how much power each zone gets without dynamic redistribution.
Configuration is handled entirely through rear-panel DIP switches — no web app, no network connection, and no software required. A GPIO interface via Euroblock connector allows connection of a standard remote potentiometer for volume control from a wall panel or external controller. This simplicity is a deliberate design choice: the PowerZone 1004 is built for installations where DSP is either unnecessary or handled by a separate upstream processor, and where the amplifier’s job is simply to deliver clean, reliable power to the speakers.
Typical applications include bars, cafés, and restaurants with external mixing or DSP, retail stores with third-party audio controllers, fitness centres, hotels with centralised audio processing, education facilities, corporate environments, and houses of worship where the amplifier sits behind an existing DSP or mixing system. The PowerZone 1004 is also well-suited to retrofit projects where a straightforward, no-software amplifier replacement is needed.
Specifications – Blaze by Sonance PowerZone 1004
- Total System Power: 1000W
- Output Channels: 4
- Output Power (Lo-Z, 4Ω/8Ω): 4 × 250W
- Output Power (Hi-Z, 70V/100V): 4 × 250W
- Powershare: Not available on this model
- Amplifier Topology: Pascal UMAC™ Class-D
- Power Consumption: 300W
- Standby Consumption: < 0.5W (ErP & Energy Star compliant)
- Power Supply: UREC™ universal mains SMPS with PFC
- Operating Voltage: 100–240V AC, 50–60 Hz
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
Connectivity and Configuration
- Inputs: 4 × analogue inputs (channels 1/2 and channels 3/4)
- Outputs: 4 × speaker outputs (channels 1/2 and channels 3/4)
- Configuration: Rear-panel DIP switches (per-channel Lo-Z/Hi-Z selection)
- GPIO: Euroblock connector for external remote potentiometer (volume control) and standby control
- Front Panel Lock: Prevents unauthorised changes to setup
- Network / DSP: None — this is a non-networked amplifier with no built-in DSP web app
Protection and Safety
- Protection Circuits: Short circuit, DC fault, under-voltage, thermal, overload
- Safety Certifications: UL listed audio equipment
- Energy Compliance: ErP 1275/2008/EC and Energy Star
- Warranty: 5 years
Physical Dimensions and Mounting
- Form Factor: Full-rack width, 1RU height
- Mounting Options: Rack ears included; optional rear support hardware, desk mount, and wall mount brackets (available separately)
Conclusion
The Blaze by Sonance PowerZone 1004 is the no-nonsense power amplifier in the Blaze lineup. With 1000W across four independently configurable channels, per-channel Lo-Z/Hi-Z selection via DIP switches, and Pascal UMAC™ Class-D reliability, it delivers clean, flexible amplification without the complexity of networked DSP. Each channel runs at a fixed 250W, giving you a predictable and straightforward power budget for every zone in your system.
For integrators across Africa, the PowerZone 1004 is the right choice when your project already has a separate DSP or mixing system handling signal processing, and the amplifier’s job is simply to deliver reliable power to the speakers. It sits comfortably alongside PowerZone Connect models in a mixed rack — the Connect units handle the zones that need DSP and network control, while the 1004 covers the straightforward high-power channels. Backed by the same UREC™ universal power supply, comprehensive protection, and five-year warranty as the rest of the Blaze range, it is a cost-effective workhorse built to run day after day without intervention.
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About Blaze by Sonance.
Blaze by Sonance (formerly Blaze Audio) was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2020 as a brand of Pascal A/S, a global leader in professional amplifier electronics. Acquired by Sonance in May 2025, Blaze brings Danish precision engineering and a focused product lineup of high-performance amplifiers and sound reinforcement loudspeakers to the installed sound market.
