I-Tech Series Power Amplifiers

9 Appendix B: Setting Sensitivity for Best Gain Staging

Optimized system gain structure maximizes signal to noise within the sys- tem. Adjusting your amplifier to fit within an optimized system gain struc- ture is accomplished by properly setting both the sensitivity and attenuation controls within the amplifier. I-Tech amplifiers offer 149 sensi- tivity and gain settings allowing very fine adjustment of the amplifier’s gain and voltage sensitivity. The Appendix section of the I-Tech Application guide (online at www.crownaudio.com) provides charts with sensitivity in volts and gain in dB for each sensitivity/gain setting.

With other amplifiers, it is often necessary to apply attenuation in order to achieve the desired sound pressure level. Large amounts of attenuation are not necessary with I-Tech amplifiers and can, in fact, degrade performance. The attenuation adjustment should only be used for small (3 dB) or tempo- rary adjustments in amplifier gain. Instead, set the sensitivity/gain of your I-Tech amplifier so that you can achieve the desired output with the attenu- ators at or near 0 dB.

Example: Suppose that you are using an I-T8000 with the sensitivity/gain set at 1.4V/37.1 dB. After optimizing the gain structure of the rest of your system you find that attenuating the amplifier by 10 dB produces the desired loudness. The same output level, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and headroom, can be achieved by using 0 dB of attenuation and by setting the amplifier sensitivity/gain to 5.81V/27.0 dB (37 dB – 10 dB = 27 dB).

Note: as indicated in the online appendix, the list of possible sensitivity settings is different for each position of the max input setting. If, while adjusting sensitivity/gain in your amplifier, you do not find the setting you need, try changing the status of the max input setting and search again.

Operation Manual

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Crown Audio I-Tech Series operation manual Appendix B Setting Sensitivity for Best Gain Staging
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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.
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