RDL RU-PA518 – Stereo 5 W / 18 W Mono Amplifier

What is the RDL RU-PA518?The RDL RU-PA518 is a compact audio power amplifier that runs in stereo or bridged mono, delivering more than 18 W RMS into 8 Ω in mono. In stereo it provides more than 5 W RMS per channel into 8 Ω or more than 9 W RMS per channel into 4 Ω. A switchable peak limiter and 1/3-rack RACK-UP chassis make it a practical utility amplifier for small rooms and zones.How does it work?A rear-panel switch selects stereo or bridged mono operation. In stereo, each input feeds its own output, and front-panel knobs set the gain for channel A and channel B. In bridge mode, inputs A and B are mixed together and fed to the single output. An internal peak limiter, enabled by a rear-panel switch, protects speakers from transient peaks and lets more power reach the speakers without clipping. A front-panel LED flashes when the limiter operates, which helps set gain accurately at high levels. Each input has balanced connections on a rear-panel barrier block and unbalanced connections on a phono jack. Outputs are on a barrier block, and 24 Vdc power connects through barrier block terminals or a rear-panel dc jack. The 1/3-rack chassis mounts at high density with RDL RACK-UP accessories such as the RDL RU-HRA1 or RDL RC-1UR.What are the key features? Stereo or bridged mono — Switch between 2-channel and 18 W mono operation. Selectable peak limiter — Protects speakers and delivers more unclipped power. Limiter indicator — Front-panel LED flashes when limiting occurs. Balanced and unbalanced inputs — Barrier block and phono jack for each input. Front-panel level controls — Separate gain knobs for both inputs. 1/3-rack chassis — High-density rack mounting with RACK-UP accessories. Where is it typically used? Huddle room Conference room Training room Multi-purpose room Technical Specifications Model RU-PA518 Inputs (2) Line level (+4 dBu nominal bal, -10 dBV nominal unbalanced) Input Impedance 20 kΩ balanced bridging, or 10 kΩ unbalanced Input Connectors Balanced on barrier block; Unbalanced on phono jack Minimum Input Signal Levels Balanced: -6 dBu for rated power Unbalanced: -20 dBV for rated power Maximum Input Signal Levels Balanced: +20 dBu Unbalanced: +6 dBV Frequency Response 20 Hz to 40 kHz (±1 dB, stereo mode,8 Ω output @ 5 W RMS) 25 Hz to 40 kHz (±1 dB, stereo mode, 4 Ω output @ 9 W RMS) 25 Hz to 30 kHz (±1 dB, bridge mono mode, 8 Ω output @ 18 W RMS) THD+N < 0.05% below rated power (1 kHz) < 0.1% below 18 W RMS (50 Hz to 20 kHz) Noise < -85 dB below rated output CMRR > 55 dB (50 Hz to 120 Hz) Crosstalk < -60 dB (stereo mode, 1 kHz) Output Power Stereo Mode: > 5 W RMS per channel Into 8 Ω > 9 W RMS per channel into 4 Ω Mono Mode: > 18 W RMS into 8 Ω Ambient Operating Environment 32° F to 104° F (0° C to 40° C); 68° F (20° C) recommended Dimensions Height: 1.7 in. (4.3 cm), Width: 5.8 in (15.0 cm), Depth 8.0 in. (20.3 cm) Power Requirement GROUND-REFERENCED, 24 Vdc @ 1500 mA (RMS output) 1000 mA (Continuous music or voice) Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much power does it deliver?More than 5 W RMS per channel into 8 Ω or 9 W into 4 Ω in stereo, and more than 18 W RMS into 8 Ω in bridged mono.How is mono mode selected?With a rear-panel switch; in bridge mode inputs A and B are mixed and fed to the output.What inputs does it accept?Line-level sources: +4 dBu balanced on a barrier block or -10 dBV unbalanced on a phono jack.What power does it need?24 Vdc, ground-referenced, at 1500 mA for rated output or 1000 mA for continuous music or voice.Can it be rack mounted?Yes. It is a 1/3-rack RACK-UP module for high-density mounting with RDL rack accessories.What warranty does it carry?This product is covered by a 7-year RDL warranty. For warranty claims, RMAs or support, contact Creation Networks at (888) 230-3661 or sales@creationnetworks.net.Can Creation Networks help design the system?Yes. Our team specifies, programs and installs small-room audio systems for commercial projects nationwide. Call (888) 230-3661 for a quote or design review.