After three years of development and a year of showing its product, the new brand Modus, by DSP Solutions, has shipped some of its products including one of its unique current averaging amplifiers.
One of the first amplifiers of its kind, the marine audio Mezzo MZA-8M uses “Pre Act” technology– a built -in lithium ion battery that feeds the amplifier section as needed via microprocessor control. Instead of the car’s battery feeding the amp section, the car’s battery feeds the lithium ion power bank, and that, in turn feeds the amp section, allowing it to draw current more selectively. These amplifiers are almost 5 times more efficient than traditional amplifiers, and they also are able to work with a wide range in voltage from 9 to 58 volts, another industry first, according to Modus.
The MZA-8M marine amp has 8 channels and includes a programmable DSP at $1,699.99. (Full features are listed below). Car audio versions will follow.
In car audio is a new 10-inch radio with a detachable button panel. If the installer removes the button panel for a custom install, the user interface on the radio can change to show soft buttons. Called the AIM-10 it has a retail price of $1,499. (See more features below).
“The Modus line is built for the new world, whether it’s a radio or a amplifier These products are so versatile they will work in most any application/environment you put them in,” said Matthew Delgado.
Other new car audio products shipping now are two amplifiers in the Portale entry level series: the PTA-4.600, 4-channel amplifier and the PTA1.1000 mono amp.
In marine, now shipping is the MX23 radio at $429.99 retail with party mode to sync with other boats and NEMA2000 compatibility. It has a full color screen, 3 zones and Bluetooth 5.2 audio streaming. An entry level MX12 ($229) will ship in May, followed by a higher end MX44 (full touch panel, larger screen, more zones and preouts) in July.
These are joined by several marine and car audio speakers and another marine amplifier that are now shipping.
In Q3, Modus will ship an Apex line of top end products, including small sized Class AB amplifiers with a full Class A front end, and speakers and subwoofers.
Additional products will ship each month through the end of the year and more products are planned for next year, said Delgado.
Modus is a dealer-direct brand with no distributors. In the future, it will work with select distributors for marine products only.
8 Channel MZA-8M Marine Grade Audio Amplifier Features:
Water Resistant Deutsch Style Connectors | PREACT Current Averaging Technology | ACTEQ Microprocessor Controlled Protection | On Board DSP Tuning Capability :
- • 125 x 8 RMS Power Output @ 4Ω
- • 200 x 8 RMS Power Output @ 2Ω
- • Sealed Deutsch Style Connectors
- • Programmable DSP
- • Lockable Front Controls
- • Full-Range, Class D
AIM-10 Car Radio Features:
- Single DIN Chassis
- 10.1-inch screen
- Removable button cluster
- Modular Design
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto
- SiriusXM Ready
- iDatalink Maestro Compatible
- 8 RCA Pre-amp Outputs
- TOSLINK Optical Output
- 25W x 4 RMS Power Output
- 8 Channel 4V RCA Pre-Amp Output,
- TOSLINK Digital Optical Output
- Built-In DSP with 15-Band EQ
- 8-CH Crossover Settings and Time Alignment
- 2 x USB-C and (1 x USB-A)
See more at www.modusglobal.com
Hi Stephen,
The pixie dust is in the modified efficiency profile. Reduced efficiency when it’s not important, extraordinary efficiency when its needed most. Besides this power efficiency graph, long term energy efficiency is also increased due to reduced I^R losses, from on the PCB itself all the way to the power generation system of the vehicle.
Chart here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/yzk9dxxqhrdxm4yiw05ef/Screenshot-2026-04-04-at-21.36.41.png?rlkey=e0mt4nw0lo5g2qla9xx5okgce&dl=0
Stephen, the point is to turn lots of instantaneous current draw into a much lower average current draw and to reduce the resistance of the path from the voltage source for the instantaneous draw.
But what does 5X more efficient mean?
Oh Stevie,
Its time to open you mind to new innovative things. Technology and batteries have come a long way since your time. I don’t know if you heard but we now have some awesome NEW things like cellular telephones with GPS, self-driving electric cars, wireless music streaming and even satellite radio. I know this may come as a shock to you, but many things have changed since you were the amplifier guy. Its time to take a moment and try to understand the new tech before hating on what is simply beyond YOU.
I would have expected more from someone of your reputation and experience
And where does the power come from to recharge the battery?
Do you get it for free from the pixie dust floating around?
I do not think so.
Don’t buy it or install it….simple.