5 Advanced Features
and Options (continued)
The VZ Mode switches allow you to control the opera- | Note: When ODEP limiting begins, the IOC circuitry will | |||||||||
tion of the VZ power supply for each channel. | see that the input waveform does not match the output | |||||||||
The VZ mode switches are located inside the amplifier | waveform, and an error signal is generated. If the | |||||||||
compressors are on, they will see the error signal and | ||||||||||
behind the top dust filter on the front panel. To access | ||||||||||
compress the input signal to correct the problem. When | ||||||||||
these switches, remove the top filter element. Always | ||||||||||
this happens, there is no audible signal degradation. | ||||||||||
turn the power off before changing one of these | ||||||||||
Compression is subtle, and not noticeable unless the | ||||||||||
switches. Each switch has four settings (from left to | ||||||||||
system is driven to extremely high levels. | ||||||||||
right): | ||||||||||
The Lock Low mode locks the power supplies into the | ||||||||||
and fourth positions are identical. The amplifier is shipped | ||||||||||
from the factory with the switches set to | ||||||||||
The VZ (Variable Impedance) mode causes the power | desirable when driving | |||||||||
must be protected from too much voltage, or when driving | ||||||||||
supplies to automatically shift between | ||||||||||
loads with very low impedances. | ||||||||||
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change. Normally, the power supplies operate in the high- | 5.2.3 ILoad/ILimit | |||||||||
current | ||||||||||
The ILoad/ILimit feature is designed to help you get the | ||||||||||
ciency. When voltage demand reaches highs levels, the | ||||||||||
maximum power out of your amplifier. In the real world, | ||||||||||
supplies quickly shift into | ||||||||||
loudspeaker impedance varies with frequency, and loud- | ||||||||||
mode. Because voltage and current requirements vary with | ||||||||||
speaker impedance ratings are only approximations. With- | ||||||||||
the output level and frequency content of the source | ||||||||||
out ILoad/ILimit, you have to do some lengthy calculations | ||||||||||
signals, the power supplies are designed to be able to | ||||||||||
to approximate the maximum number of loudspeakers you | ||||||||||
continually switch between the two modes as needed with | ||||||||||
can drive with the | ||||||||||
no degradation to the audio signal. | ||||||||||
4 ohm loudspeaker whose impedance drops below 2 ohms | ||||||||||
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The | at 80 Hz. | |||||||||
only difference is that the power supplies are forced into | This is why your amplifier has ILoad/ILimit. The ILoad | |||||||||
function turns a channel’s ILoad/ILimit indicator green | ||||||||||
limiting circuitry. This reduces excessive stress on the | ||||||||||
when it senses current is flowing to the load. The ILimit | ||||||||||
output transistors, and effectively increases the thermal | ||||||||||
function turns the indicator red when it reaches maximum | ||||||||||
performance of the amplifier. | ||||||||||
current output. This makes it possible to connect real | ||||||||||
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| loudspeakers and conduct realistic tests to find the maxi- | |
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| To do a test like this, you can operate under | |
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| ers in parallel with each output until the ILoad/ILimit indi- | |
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| cator turns red. The optimum load is achieved before the | |
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| ILoad/ILimit indicator turns red, so disconnecting the last | |
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| Figure 5.1 Channel 1 VZ Mode Switch (Behind Filter) | |
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5.2.4 Loudspeaker Offset Integration
Loudspeaker Offset Integration (LOI) circuits use double integrating filters in the amplifier’s feedback circuitry to protect loudspeakers in several different ways. First, they center asymmetrical audio waveforms that cause
IMPORTANT: The Loudspeaker Offset Integration circuitry does NOT protect loudspeakers from large transient voltages or excessive power levels for prolonged periods of time. Crown is not liable for damage or personal injury that results from over- driving loudspeakers or other system components. For information on techniques to protect loudspeakers, refer to the Crown Amplifier Application Guide, available online at www.crownaudio.com.
5.3 Options
5.3.1 PIP™ Modules
Versatile PIP (Programmable Input Processor) modules provide flexible expansion features that can be added to customize the amplifier. PIP modules plug into the connector inside the back panel of the amplifier. PIP modules are available with features ranging from error- driven compressor/limiters to .remote control and moni- toring via System Architect or IQwic™. Your amplifier is a PIP2 amplifier, which means it can take advantage of the many advanced features found in PIP2 modules, as well as all standard PIP modules. Visit the Crown website at www.crownaudio.com, or contact Crown Customer Service, for descriptions of available PIP and PIP2 modules.
page 16 | Operation Manual |