I-Tech Series Power Amplifiers

3Operation

3.1Protecting Your Speakers

It's wise to avoid clipping the amplifier signal. Not only does clipping sound bad, it can damage high-frequency drivers. To prevent clipping, use IQwic™ or System Architect software to enable or display the peak voltage limiter and average power limiter in your amplifier’s built-in DSP. That way, no matter how strong a signal your mixer produces, the amplifier output will not clip. Set the limiter threshold so that mixer signals above 0 dB or 0 VU on the mixer meters do not quite drive the amplifier into clipping.

Also, avoid sending strong subsonic signals to the amplifier. High- level, low-frequency signals from breath pops or dropped micro- phones can blow out drivers. To prevent subsonic signals, use one of these methods:

Insert a highpass filter between mixer output and amplifier input (or between mixer and limiter).

Use the I-Tech’s onboard DSP to set up a highpass filters.

Switch in highpass filters at your mixer. Set the filter to as high a fre- quency as possible that does not affect your program. For example, try 35 Hz for music and 75 Hz for speech. On each mixer input channel, set the filter frequency just below the lowest fundamental frequency of that channel's instrument.

3.2 Startup Procedure

When first turning on your amplifier, follow the procedures in the Quick-Start Guide on page 4 (stereo) or page 5 (bridge-mono).

If you ever need to make any wiring or installation changes, don’t for- get to disconnect the power cord.

For help with determining your system’s optimum gain structure (sig- nal levels) please refer to the Crown Amplifier Application Guide, available online at www.crownaudio.com.

3.3 Precautions

Your amplifier is protected from internal and external faults, but you should still take the following precautions for optimum performance and safety:

1.Before use, your amplifier first must be configured for proper operation, including input and output wiring hookup. Improper wiring can result in serious operating difficulties. For information on wiring and configuration, please consult the Setup section of this manual or, for advanced setup techniques, consult Crown’s Amplifier Application Guide available online at www.crownaudio.com.

2.Use care when making connections, selecting signal sources and controlling the output level. The load you save may be your own!

3.Do not short the ground lead of an output cable to the input signal ground. This may form a ground loop and cause oscillations.

4.WARNING: Never connect the output to a power supply, battery or power main. Electrical shock may result.

5.Tampering with the circuitry, or making unauthorized circuit changes may be hazardous and invalidates all agency listings.

6.Do not operate the amplifier with the red Clip LEDs constantly flashing.

7.Do not overdrive the mixer, which will cause clipped signal to be sent to the amplifier. Such signals will be reproduced with extreme accuracy, and loudspeaker damage may result.

8.Do not operate the amplifier with less than the rated load imped- ance. Due to the amplifier’s output protection, such a configura- tion may result in premature clipping and speaker damage.

9.CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD: Potentially lethal voltages exist at the output connectors when the amplifier is turned on and is passing a signal.

Remember: Crown is not liable for damage that results from overdriv- ing other system components.

Operation Manual

page 13

Page 13
Image 13
Crown Audio I-Tech Series operation manual Operation, Protecting Your Speakers, Startup Procedure, Precautions

I-Tech Series specifications

The Crown Audio I-Tech Series represents a pinnacle of power amplification technology, designed to meet the demanding needs of live sound reinforcement and installation applications. Renowned for their flexibility, efficiency, and sound quality, these amplifiers integrate cutting-edge features that appeal to both professional audio engineers and musicians alike.

One of the key technologies employed in the I-Tech Series is the use of DriveCore technology. This innovative design allows the amplifiers to achieve high power output while minimizing size and weight. The DriveCore technology combines the efficiency of Class D amplification with superior sound quality, yielding a lightweight solution that maintains high fidelity and low distortion even at peak volumes.

The I-Tech Series amplifiers come equipped with a comprehensive suite of digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities. Each amplifier integrates sophisticated DSP algorithms that enable advanced speaker management, including extensive equalization, delay settings, and limiting controls. This ensures optimal performance for a variety of loudspeakers and installation scenarios, allowing users to tailor the output to the specific acoustical environment.

Connectivity is another strong point for the I-Tech Series. The amplifiers often include a variety of input options, providing flexibility for different setups, whether analog or digital. The inclusion of Ethercon connectivity enables seamless integration into a networked environment, allowing for remote control and monitoring via Crown's sophisticated software interface. Users can access real-time data about the system's performance, making adjustments on-the-fly to maintain optimal sound quality.

Durability and reliability are fundamental characteristics of the Crown I-Tech amplifiers. Built to withstand the rigors of touring and the demands of permanent installations, these amplifiers are housed in rugged enclosures that dissipate heat effectively while maintaining a compact form factor. Integrated protection circuits safeguard against over-temperature, over-current, and short-circuits, ensuring longevity even under extreme conditions.

In terms of power output, the I-Tech Series features a range of models, each capable of delivering substantial wattage to drive large sound systems with authority. The efficient cooling design allows for extended use without compromising performance, making them suitable for both large concerts and smaller venues.

In summary, the Crown Audio I-Tech Series amplifiers combine advanced technologies, including DriveCore and flexible DSP, to deliver powerful and high-quality audio performance. Their robust design, comprehensive connectivity options, and tailored control make them a premier choice for audio professionals seeking reliable and effective amplification solutions.