Crown Audio IQ P.I.P.-DSP Operation, Power/Standby Indicators, IOC Event Monitor, Power Control

IQ–P.I.P.–DSPProgrammable Input Processor with DSP for IQ Systems

4 Operation

With an IQ–P.I.P.–DSPmodule, your Crown amplifier can be monitored and controlled from a remote location through the use of an IQ System. This P.I.P. module features SmartAmp™ capabilities which will enable the amplifier to function automatically. For example, the IQ–P.I.P.–DSPcan automatically turn off the high voltage supplies of the amplifier when no input signal is present. This can lower electrical usage and provide long-term cost savings. And it can automatically limit the audio signal and detect and report various problems.

In addition, the IQ–P.I.P.–DSPfeatures distinctive digital signal processing capabilities, including signal delays and a wide variety of filters. Combined, this adds up to a powerful array of audio control functions which are easily accessed via the IQ System.

Most of the following features can be controlled or configured using IQ software running on an IQ System host computer. Commands are transmitted via an IQ interface to the specified IQ component (an IQ2- compatible interface is required). Please contact your Crown representative or Crown’s Technical Support Group if you are unfamiliar with IQ software. Where specified, some features are accessed via controls located on the unit itself.

4.1 Power/Standby Indicators

(IQ for Windows software only.) The power/standby in- dicators allow you to monitor the power and standby (mute) status of each channel via IQ for Windows soft- ware.

4.2 IOC Event Monitor

The Input/Output Comparator (IOC®) of each channel of the amplifier can be monitored by the IQ System. The IOC circuitry acts as a sensitive distortion meter to provide you proof of distortion-free performance. If distortion of any kind equals or exceeds 0.05%, the IOC circuit will cause an indicator on the front of the amplifier to flash. By monitoring these events, the IQ System can flash an indicator on the screen of the host computer to alert a user that distortion is occurring.

4.3 Input Signal Level Monitor

The input signal level of each channel can be moni- tored by IQ software. This monitor feature has a range from +20 dBu to –40 dBu in ½-dB steps.

4.4 Output Signal Level Monitor

The output signal level of each channel of the amplifier can be monitored by the IQ System. This monitor feature has a range from 0 dB to –40 dB where 0 dB is referenced to the rated output voltage of the amplifier model. (This is assumed to be 70-V or the rated 8 ohm output for Com-Techamplifiers or the rated 8 ohm output voltage for all other amplifiers.)

The output signal of some amplifiers must be padded before the IQ–P.I.P.–DSPcan scale them. This is accomplished by setting jumpers JP4 and JP5 on the IQ circuit board to the “IN” position. Only the Macro- Tech 5000VZ and PIP2-compatible amplifiers do not require these pads. Set jumpers JP4 and JP5 to the “OUT” position for them (see Figure 3.6).

The output signals of all amplifiers must be scaled in order to “calibrate” the 0 dB level. (See Section 4.4.) This is accomplished with either an amplifier ID code or a user scale factor. The factory default setting for this is an amplifier ID code of “CT-70V” which assumes that the output level is that of a Com-Techamplifier (any model) with both channels in the 70-V output mode.

4.5 ODEP Level Monitor

The Output Device Emulation Protection (ODEP®) level of each channel of the amplifier can be monitored by the IQ software. This level represents the percent of available thermodynamic capacity that is currently being used. When the ODEP level reaches 100%, the amplifier cannot produce any more power and “ODEP limiting” will begin to limit the drive level to the output devices, thereby protecting them from too much stress. (See the amplifier’s Reference or Owner’s Manual for more information about ODEP and how it works.)

4.6 Power Control

Each channel’s high-voltage supply can be independently turned on and off with the Power control. The IQ System is used to set this control.

4.7 Signal Mute

The output signal of each channel can be independently muted by the IQ System. The function typically provides 80 dB or more of attenuation.

IMPORTANT: The daisy chain outputs are also muted by this function.

Reference Manual Page 15