The Altitude range is now complete. From compact media rooms to the world’s most ambitious private cinemas, there is now a Trinnov processor designed to fit. What unites them is uncompromised performance, powered by Trinnov’s exclusive technologies: Optimizer™, WaveForming™, and Remapping™. What separates them is how they integrate into your system.
On one hand, the Altitude16 and Altitude32 remain the reference for analog-first systems, where integrators and audiophiles want freedom to use the vast majority of power amplifiers on the market. On the other side, the AltitudeCI introduces a new hardware platform, built for Custom Integration, with Audio over IP (AoIP) at its core and scalability that extends all the way to DCI-grade theaters and theatrical post-production.
All models will benefit from Trinnov’s redesigned, streamlined user interface, a premium, professional workflow consistent across the range.The question is not which sounds better, they all do. The real question is: which Altitude fits your project?
The Two Families at a Glance
Altitude16 & Altitude32 - Analog-First, Audiophile-Friendly
More than 95% of power amplifiers still accept analog inputs only. For that reason, the Altitude16 and Altitude32 remain the natural choice for the majority of projects. They provide maximum amplifier freedom and remain the safest fit when networking expertise is limited.
- Altitude16 provides 16 channels natively and can be expanded to 20 via the +4 option, enabling up to 20 discrete outputs, for example 9.1.6, 11.1.8, or 7.4.6 depending on your bass strategy, making it a robust analog‑first choice for dedicated theaters.
- Altitude32 is expandable from 8 to 32 channels via DAC boards. It has become the benchmark for reference theaters worldwide, not only because of its performance but also because of its long-term flexibility: integrators can start smaller and expand the channel count over time.
Which Trinnov Processors is right for your project?
AltitudeCI - AoIP-First, CI-Optimized
The AltitudeCI represents a new hardware generation, designed for AoIP-first workflows. It is available in precise configurations, scaling in 2-channel increments from 8 up to 32 outputs. This allows integrators to select exactly the right capacity for their project, without unnecessary overhead. For the largest theaters and post-production facilities, 64-channel builds will be available from 2026, extending the same platform into DCI-grade applications.
AltitudeCI Rear Panel
Connectivity is built around Dante (hardware) and AES67 (software), with additional AES/EBU I/Os and 8 analog outputs for hybrid designs. A compact 2RU chassis, integrated touchscreen, and a three-port Ethernet design make it a natural fit for technical racks and networked environments.
The AltitudeCI shines when paired with power amplifiers equipped with digital inputs, most notably the Amplitude16 with its optional Dante board, or with AoIP-ready amplifiers from other vendors. It requires more networking expertise to deploy correctly, but in return it delivers exceptional scalability, cleaner wiring, and the most efficient rack usage of any Altitude model.
How to Decide Between AltitudeCI and Altitude16/32
Integration and Skillset
The first decision point is not performance but infrastructure and installer expertise.
- If your project is analog-heavy and your team prefers traditional wiring, the Altitude16/32 remains the safest and most flexible choice.
- If your project is designed around AoIP and your integrator is confident with networking (Dante Controller, VLANs, QoS, and traffic isolation), the AltitudeCI is the more forward-looking option.
Channel Count Split
Channel count is the second major qualifier:
- 8–20 channels → Altitude16 or AltitudeCI both suitable.
- 20–48 channels → Altitude32 or AltitudeCI both valid choices.
- 48–64 channels → AltitudeCI only (build-to-order, available from 2026).
Altitude32 also serves as an upgradable smaller system: it can start with as few as 8 channels and grow to 32 through additional DAC boards, a path some integrators value for future-proofing.
Technical Differences That Matter
A few differents in terms of technical specification may be sufficient to guide your choice:
- Outputs: Altitude16/32 provide extensive analog outputs; AltitudeCI offers only 8 analog outs but adds AoIP and AES/EBU flexibility.
- HDMI: Altitude16/32 feature 8 HDMI inputs; AltitudeCI includes 4, typically sufficient in CI environments where video matrices handle switching.
- Sampling Rate: All Altitude processors process at the native sampling rate up to 96kHz/192kHz depending on channel count. When using AoIP, the limitation comes from the network itself, Dante and AES67 streams are typically restricted to 48kHz. This is not a processor limitation but a network constraint.
- 3D Microphone:
- Altitude16/32 use Trinnov’s previous-generation, self-powered 3D microphones with XLR3 or XLR5 connectors, requiring manual upload of the calibration file.
- AltitudeCI requires Trinnov’s new Ethercon-based 3D microphone, powered directly by the processor, which automatically feeds its compensation file.
The two microphone generations are not compatible, a detail important for integrators with mixed inventories.
Project Scenarios
- Media Rooms & Hi-Fi (Stereo to 7.1.4)
Both Altitude16 and AltitudeCI can serve these projects, but in different ways. The Altitude16 is the natural fit when paired with analog amplifiers. The AltitudeCI, available as an 8-channel configuration, is particularly efficient for smaller systems such as stereo, 5.1, or 7.1, avoiding unused channels while adding AoIP flexibility. It becomes even more compelling when digital-input amplifiers are part of the design. - Dedicated Theaters (≈16–20 outputs)
The Altitude16 delivers 16 channels natively and up to 20 with the +4 option, supporting layouts such as 9.4.6, 11.2.6, or 11.1.8. Beyond 20 outputs, the choice shifts to the Altitude32 for analog-first projects or the AltitudeCI-16/20 for AoIP-first systems, especially effective when paired with the Amplitude16. - Large Private Cinemas (≈22–32 outputs)
For theaters requiring higher channel counts such as 13.4.6 or 15.8.9, the Altitude32 remains the strongest option for analog-based projects, while the AltitudeCI-22 to CI-32 provides hybrid routing and full AoIP scalability - DCI-Grade & Post-Production (up to 64 outputs) At the very top end, only the AltitudeCI is designed to meet these requirements. It offers Dolby server compatibility over AES67 and the scalability needed for screening rooms, large private cinemas, and professional post-production facilities.
Conclusion – Infrastructure Decides, Not Performance
All Altitude processors deliver identical Trinnov sound quality, the same exclusive technologies, and the same redesigned user interface. Choosing between them is not a matter of audio performance, it is a matter of infrastructure, amplifier choice, and integrator skillset.
- Choose Altitude16/32 if you want maximum amplifier freedom, more analog outputs, and the reassurance of traditional wiring.
- Choose AltitudeCI if your system is AoIP-centric, rack efficiency is a priority, and your integrator has the network expertise to implement it properly.
Either way, you are investing in the most advanced AV processor platform available today, built to deliver uncompromised performance for years to come.