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How do I wire my Speakon connector?
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CE Series amplifiers feature Neutrik Speakon
connectors for output wiring. Speakons allow both channels of amplifier
output to be wired to the same connector. See Crown's ProGuide for
using the Speakon NL4FC assembly for complete instructions (pdf file, requires Adobe Acrobat to read).
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What are the differences between the CE 1000/CE
2000 and the CE 4000?
|
The three
models that make up the CE Series all provide legendary Crown performance
in a very affordable package. All models are similar in their features and
appearance.
The CE
4000 adds the following additional features:
-
On-board selectable
high-pass and low-pass filters;
- Balanced Current
Amplifier (BCA) output circuitry and switching power supply for more power
and less heat and weight than traditional linear amplifiers.
- Power Factor
Correction (PFC) for global power compatibility, which means the CE 4000
will work with any common line voltage and frequency.
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What
are all the input/output options for the CE Series and Contractor Series
(CH/CL Series) amplifiers?
|
CE
Series and Contractor Series (CH/CL Series) amplifiers can be ordered with
a variety of different input and output options. Please go to the SST
module page for descriptions of all current SST input
modules and output, and the CE
accessories page for descriptions of output options.
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|
What is Crown's warranty on amplifiers and
microphones?
|
All commercial and professional amplifiers, IQ
System products and microphones are covered with a Three-Year No-Fault
full warranty. This means that Crown will repair, at no cost to the
customer, the Crown amplifier, IQ System product or Crown microphone for
three years regardless of cause of electrical failure. Crown also pays for
ground shipping to and from the factory (within the United States). Click
here for more info on Crown warranties.
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I
want to send my Crown amplifier to the factory for service. What should I
do?
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When sending a Crown product to the factory for service, be sure to fill out the service information form found in the back of your manual and enclose it with your shipment, either inside the box or in a packing slip envelope securely attached to the outside of the shipping carton. Do not send the service information form separately.
If you don't have your manual, you can also download a copy of the form here
(pdf file, requires Adobe Acrobat to read).
To ensure the safe transportation of your unit to the factory, ship it in an original factory packing container. If you dont have the original carton, you may obtain a product service foam-in-place shipping pack from the Crown Factory Service Department at the number listed below. For non-warranty service, you may also provide your own shipping pack. Minimum recommended requirements for materials are as follows: 275 P.S.I. burst test Double-Wall carton that allows for 2-inch solid Styrofoam on all six sides of unit or 3 inches of plastic bubble wrap on all six sides of unit; securely seal the package with an adequate carton sealing tape. Do
not use light boxes or peanuts. Damage caused by poor packing cannot be covered under warranty.
Do not ship the unit in any kind of cabinet (wood or metal). Ignoring this warning may result in extensive damage to the unit and the cabinet. Accessories are not neededdo not send the product documentation, cables and other hardware.
If you have any questions, please contact the Crown Technical Support
Group.
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What
are PIP Modules?
|
PIP
stands for Programmable Input Processor. These are optional modules that
can be plugged into any PIP-compatible amplifier. There are a variety of
PIP modules with varying functions. Since first introducing PIP-compatible
amplifiers and PIP modules, Crown has updated the PIP standard. This
affects which PIP-compatible amplifiers can host certain PIP modules. For
more information on the differences between the original PIP and PIP2
standards, click
here.
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Which Crown amplifiers are IQ compatible?
|
Any
Crown PIP-compatible amplifier is also IQ compatible; however, since first
introducing PIP-compatible amplifiers and PIP modules, Crown has updated
the PIP standard. This affects which PIP-compatible amplifiers can host
certain IQ PIP modules. To see a chart that shows which Crown amplifiers
are compatible with various IQ-PIP and analog PIP modules,
click here (24.4 KB pdf format).
CTs 2-channel models, CT "10" and MA "02" Series amplifiers and the MA-5000VZ are
PIP2-compatible. The other MA and Reference series' amplifiers, and older
CT series amplifiers are not PIP2-compatible. Note that the IQ-PIP-USP2
may only be installed in a PIP2 amplifier, however the other IQ PIP
modules may be installed in any PIP or PIP2 amplifier. For more
information on the differences between the original PIP and PIP2
standards, click
here.
CTs multi-channel models are compatible only with the IQ-MC4, IQ-MC8,
VCA-MC4 and VCA-MC8 modules.
The IQ-P.I.P.-MEM and -SMT, are continued in the line to allow older Crown PIP-compatible
amplifiers to be upgraded to new IQ PIPs. In almost all other cases where
PIP2-compatible amplifiers are used, the IQ-PIP-USP2 is the most
cost-effective choice. |
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What does ODEP stand for?
|
ODEP
stands for Output Device Emulator Protection. ODEP is an analog computer
simulation of the output device thermal impedance. In layman's terms ODEP
stores how much power the amplifier delivers to its load and its heatsink
temperature. If the protection circuit determines that the output stage is
being overstressed or cannot dissipate any further heat, then output stage
drive is limited (Also see the FAQ, "What is TLC?" below).
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What
is TLC?
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TLC,
Thermal Limit Control is used in K-Series amps to provide the amp thermal
protection, when a predetermined temperature threshold is reached, the TLC
light(s) will begin to glow. This means the temperature sensing circuitry
is starting to engage the input compressor. By compressing the input, the
amplifier will not generate as much heat and will have a chance to cool
down. The degree of compression is directly proportional to the amount of
overheating experienced by the amplifier. |
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What is IOC?
|
IOC stands for Input Output Comparator. This
circuit compares the output signal of the amplifier with the input signal.
If there is any difference other than gain, then it is considered
distortion and the indicator comes on. The LED indicator will come on
whenever there is distortion of 0.05% or more. This is a dynamic Proof of
Performance of the amplifiers functionality. Anytime you experience
distortion in your system you can view the IOC indicators. If they are not
lit then you know that the amplifier is not at fault.
If the IOC indicators are on, then the amplifier is in distortion.
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What is the CLIP Indicator on my amp telling
me?
|
Crown CE Series, Contractor Series (CH/CL Series) and K
Series amplifiers feature a Clip Indicator for each channel. These
amplifiers also have internal compressor circuitry to prevent excessive
clipping. When amplifier clipping reaches the point that the compressor
turns on, the Clip Indicator also turns on to alert the operator that the
input signal is being compressed. When this condition occurs, it is best
to turn down the input signal level to allow the amplifier to pass a
clean, uncompressed signal to the speakers. |
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Why
the 20A and 30A AC connectors, and can I get an adapter to connect to a
standard 15A outlet?
|
North
American MA-3600VZ and MA-5002VZ amplifiers have 30 amp molded AC plugs,
and North American MA-2402 and MT-2400 amplifiers have 20 amp molded AC
plugs to meet regulatory requirements. AC adapters are not recommended,
and may not meet local code requirements. Contact a licensed electrician
for more information about AC connections and electrical codes in your
area. |
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What
is the output power rating of my Crown amplifier?
|
Output
power specifications are provided in the specifications area for each
Crown amplifier model. If you can't find your model of Crown amplifier try
the Legacy
amps page.
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Can I run one channel of my Crown
amplifier at a different
impedance than the other channel?
|
Yes.
All dual channel Crown amplifiers can be treated as if they are two
separate "mono" amplifiers (One channel completely independent
of the other) For example: A Macro-Tech 1202 can function with a single
eight-ohm speaker on channel one and four eight-ohm speakers (a two-ohm
load) on channel two. A Com-Tech 410 can function with one or two
eight-ohm speakers on one channel and the other channel switched to
70-volt operation.
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Should
I have the level controls on my amplifier turned all the way up?
|
It
depends on the system and how much gain you have prior to the amplifier.
The level controls can be thought of as input attenuators. They do not
limit the power available from the amplifier. With the level controls
turned down the amplifier can still reach full rated output power, it just
takes more drive level from your mixer to achieve it. Generally, you
should set the mixer's individual channel sliders and master gain to 0 dB,
then adjust the amplifier level controls to the desired sound level.
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How
do I determine the best input sensitivity setting?
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The
input sensitivity setting is a function of amplifier gain. You will want
to match it with the output level of whatever is before the amp in the
audio chain (i.e. preamps, mixers). For amplifiers with a 0.775V position,
this positions corresponds to a 0 dBu level. The 1.4V position corresponds
to a +4 dBu level. The 26 dB position is a fixed gain position. The 26 dB
position is also the lowest gain position, and will usually work well with
output levels of +10 dBu (2.5Vrms and above).
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How
can I parallel the inputs of my Crown amplifier with the same signal?
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The
input impedance of Crown amplifiers is high enough that paralleling
multiple inputs together is not a problem. Using a standard "Y"
cable works wonderfully. Without using a "Y" cable, the
procedure is different depending upon the Crown amplifier used.
Com-Tech
amplifiers have barrier block inputs that make it easy to tie two or more
channels together.
With
Macro-Tech amplifiers the 1/4" inputs are in parallel with the inputs
of the PIP-FX. You can use the XLR connector on the standard PIP-FX as an
input, and the 1/4" of the same channel as an output to another amp
channel.
The
Studio Reference Series amplifiers have both 1/4" and XLR connectors
on the standard PIP module, so the procedure is similar as with the
Macro-Tech Series.
The
standard SST input module on the CE Series and Contractor Series (CH/CL
Series) amplifiers have barrier block connectors in parallel with the
Neutrik Combo connector. You can use the Combo connector as an input,
and the Barrier Block connector of the same channel as an output to
another amp channel.
The
K Series amplifiers have a "Y input" switch that internally
connects both channel inputs.
The
CP660 has barrier block input connectors, so the input signals can easily
be jumped from one channel to another.
With
the Power-Tech Series and Micro-Tech Series models, you need the MT-XLR
accessory to be able to parallel the inputs.
With
the D Series, you must use a "Y" cable.
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How
much "inrush current" will my amp draw during turn on?
|
Design
features of the amplifier, including power supply design and transformer
size, partially determine maximum peak inrush current for a given
amplifier. In addition, the external factors of AC mains voltage and
impedance vary greatly making exact values difficult to determine.
Many Crown
amplifiers include "Soft Start," a feature designed to limit
inrush current. Worst-case peaks for amplifiers without Soft Start may
reach as high as 150 amperes; however, such numbers seldom have bearing on
practical operation. For example, it is not unusual to find 3 or 4 Crown
Micro-Tech amplifiers on a single 15A or 20A branch circuit without
tripping breakers at turn-on. There are a couple of reasons why this is
possible. First, peak inrush current is usually of such short duration
that the breaker will not trip (maximum duration is approximately 18 msec).
Second, Crown amplifiers are designed with design tolerances in the power
supply start-up circuitry to make it highly unlikely for more than one
amplifier channel to come out of standby during the same 18 msec interval.
If
nuisance circuit breaker tripping is a concern, "motor-start"
circuit breakers, which are designed to withstand the large inrush
currents from electrical motors, may be used in place of standard circuit
breakers. Contact a licensed electrician for more information about
circuit breaker requirements and electrical codes in your area.
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|
How can I get rid of the noise in my system?
|
First let
us lay some groundwork: audio systems can exhibit "hum" and they
can exhibit "buzz," which are two separate situations. To solve
the problem, you need to determine whether your system is exhibiting hum
or buzz.
Sixty(60)-hertz
hum (fifty(50) hertz internationally) is a result of having a ground loop
in the audio system. This is where there are two or more ground references
in the system, and current is flowing from one ground point to another.
Any piece audio equipment requires one ground reference. Ground loops can
be formed in a number of ways. For example: An audio power amplifier
obtains its ground from the AC power cord. The mixer, which drives the
power amplifier, also receives its ground from the AC power cord. When the
audio cable connects the mixer to the power amplifier the amplifier now
sees a second ground from the mixer. If the mixer and power amplifier are
both plugged into the same AC power strip then the mixer/amplifier
interconnect cable shield can be cut to eliminate this problem. On most
Crown amplifiers there is a "ground lift" switch on the back of
the amplifier that performs this function and can be used to eliminate hum
caused by ground loops. If you are using a cable service, such as cable
TV, and you are routing the audio through your stereo system, you may
experience a ground loop hum. This is a result of the cable company's
ground reference setting different than your system ground reference. You
can contact your cable company and get an isolation transformer that will
take care of the problem.
Another
cause of system "hum" is electrically induced, such as having a
very sensitive component too close to a power transformer. Power
amplifiers have large power transformers and can induce a magnetic field
into other equipment. If you suspect this may be the cause of your problem
then placing more distance between the two components is the only
practical solution.
Excessive
"noise" on the AC mains can cause "buzz" in certain
components. Lighting dimmer packs are notorious for inducing noise onto
the AC mains. If this is your problem try putting the lighting system on a
different AC mains feed.
Ground
loops, induced hum, and all kinds of nasty noises are sometimes hard to
pin point. You may have to try several different approaches before
arriving at solution. For more information call the Crown Technical
Support Group and ask for the Sound & Communications reprint of
"The AC Connection."
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What is Damping Factor?
|
Though
technically more complex than this, Damping factor is usually thought of
as an indicator of how tight an amplifier will sound when powering bass
speakers. A speaker's driving motor is
a coil of wire (called a voice coil) mounted within a magnetic field. As
this coil of wire moves within the field a voltage will be induced in the
voice coil. If resonant motions of the speaker are not sufficiently short
circuited by the amplifier, the speaker output can have an over
accentuated or "boomy" bass sound.
From a
technical measurement stand point, Damping factor is the ratio of the
rated speaker impedance to the amplifier's output impedance. Low output
impedance is the consequence of the amplifier having
substantial negative voltage feedback taken from its output terminals.
Properly designed negative feed back not only corrects for output
voltage errors induced by the speaker but also produces other benefits:
- Low
distortion
- Low
noise (hiss)
- Flat frequency response
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|
What
gauge speaker wire should I use in my system?
|
For the best
speaker damping and least amount of power loss you will want to use the
heaviest gauge that is practical. The length of the speaker wire should be
considered when considering wire gauge. The shorter the run, the smaller
gauge you can use with minimum power and damping factor loss. The longer
the run, the heavier gauge you will need to minimize power and damping
factor loss. You will also want to consider the size of power amplifier
you are using. The larger the amplifier, the heavier gauge you will want
to use. Generally speaking, runs of 25 Ft or less work well with 14 gauge.
Over 25 one should use 12 gauge if possible. These numbers are not set in
stone, but generally work well. For Constant Voltage systems such as a
70.7V or 140V systems, the voltage is high and the current is low. Because
there is not much current you can use smaller wire without much power
loss. Quite often 18-gauge wire works well with these systems. To
calculate power loss you can use the Crown Constant Voltage Slide Rule,
which is available from our literature department (1-800-342-6939).
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Should
I use vented spaces between my amplifiers?
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With the exception of the K
Series*, the answer is no. The airflow technology that we use in our
amplifiers is designed such that it is best to stack multiple amplifiers
on top of each other, with no space between. The amplifiers draw fresh air
into the front of the amplifier and exhaust it either out the sides and
into the rack, or out the back depending upon the model. We want the hot
air that is in the rack to vent out the sides or back, not the front. If
any of these amplifiers are spaced apart with vented panels some of the
preheated air will recycle to the front of the rack. The result is
attempting to use preheated air to cool the amplifiers within the rack.
The result will be loss of thermal headroom. If you choose to place the
amplifiers with space between them, then use solid panels between them,
not vented panels.
*When racking K Series
amplifiers, it is best to leave one rack-space between amps, and if
necessary, provide some airflow (front to back). The K Series amps are
convection cooled and need space to radiate the heat. |
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How
can I augment the cooling of my amplifier racks using external fans?
|
Crown amplifiers draw air in
the front and exit out the sides (CE Series and Contractor Series (CH/CL
Series) amplifiers exit air out the back). For this reason do not install
auxiliary fans POINTING IN toward the amplifiers. The following are two
suggestions:
- Place the fan in the back of
the rack pointing out or away from the amplifier(s)
- Seal the back of the rack with the road case cover. Mount the fans to the
TOP of the road case back cover POINTING OUT.
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Why
are there so many different Crown amplifiers to choose from?
|
Crown serves a variety of
marketplaces within the audio industry. In order to provide the optimum
product for an individual marketplace features may vary. The following is
a list of marketplaces and the products optimized to serve their
particular needs:
- Music Industry: the K,
Micro-Tech and CE Series amplifiers have been optimized for the
"Music Group" industry.
- The Macro-Tech and K Series
line of amplifiers are aimed at the larger portable or touring systems.
- The CP660, Contractor Series
(CH/CL Series) and Com-Tech Series amplifiers are aimed at the commercial
installation marketplace.
- Studio Reference and D
Series amplifiers are designed for the studio marketplace.
Though each amplifier model has
a target marketplace one should not assume that other model products would
not work in the various markets. Macro-Tech amplifiers work well for
musicians and Power-Tech amplifiers work well for portable touring
systems. From the standpoint of circuit design, superior sonic
performance, reliability and warranty all of the Crown amplifiers are very
similar. The main differences are features, options and load impedance
optimization. |
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What
is the difference between the Power-Tech (PT), Micro-Tech (MT), and
Macro-Tech (MA) amplifiers?
|
First, the Power-Tech (PT)
Series is distinguished from the Micro-Tech (MT) Series and Macro-Tech
(MA) Series by the ranges of impedances they are able to drive. PT Series
amplifiers are optimized to function down to 4 ohms (two 8 ohm speakers)
per channel in Stereo mode, and MT and MA Series amplifiers are optimized
to function down to 2 ohms (four eight ohm speakers) in Stereo mode.
Power-Tech Series amplifiers are appropriate for applications such as
small to moderate-sized PA systems and instrument amplification, while the
MT and MA Series amplifiers are designed to handle more difficult loads
such as those found in large touring PA systems.
The distinguishing
characteristics between the MT and MA amplifiers are features. The MA
(Macro-Tech) amplifiers have front panel level controls, SPI, IOC, and are
PIP (Programmable Input Processor) module compatible. The MT (Micro-Tech)
amplifiers do not include these features.
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What
does 'VZ' stand for in the MA-3600VZ and MA-5002VZ amplifiers? What does
it do?
|
VZ means Variable Impedance and
is the name of Crown's patented articulated power supply technology. VZ
technology enables Crown to pack tremendous power into small rack spaces.
Background:
A power supply must be large enough to handle the maximum voltage and
current necessary for the amplifier to drive its maximum rated power into
a specified load. In the process of achieving this requirement
conventional power supply designs produce large quantities of heat, are
heavy, and take up precious real estate. It's no secret that heat is a
power amplifier's greatest destructive factor. The larger the power
supply, the more heat the output stage will be required to dissipate. An
articulated power supply, like VZ, can bypass much of this dilemma by
reducing the voltage applied to the transistors when less voltage is
required. Reducing the voltage decreases the heat. Subsequently the
amplifier runs cooler allowing more power to be safely packed into the
chassis. The VZ supply is divided into segments to better match the
voltage and current demands of the power output stage. Bear in mind that
audio signals are complex waveforms. The average level of music is always
much less than the peak level. This means a power supply does not need to
provide full voltage all of the time. The VZ supply is divided into two
parts. When the voltage demands are not high, it operates in a parallel
mode to supply less voltage and more current. The power transistors stay
cooler because they are not forced to needlessly dissipate heat. This is
the normal operating mode of the VZ power supply. When the voltage
requirements are high VZ switches to a series mode to produce higher
voltage and less current. The amplified output signal never misses a beat
and gets full voltage only when it requires it. Sensing circuitry observes
the voltage of the signal to determine when to switch VZ modes. The
switching circuitry is designed to prevent audible switching distortion to
yield the highest dynamic transfer function-the customer hears only the
music and not the amplifier. You get not only the maximum power with the
maximum safety; you also get the best power matching to your load.
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What
is the difference between the original Com-Tech Series and the newer
Com-Tech "10" Series?
|
Crown's Com-Tech 10 Series
amplifiers are "new and improved" versions of our Com-Tech
family of commercial power amplifiers. Although they directly parallel the
original models in size, appearance, and power output, these amplifiers
have been enhanced with new features and protection that make them an even
better choice for your fixed installation requirements.
First, the 10-Series amplifiers
were designed to accept the latest, enhanced PIP2 standard for Crown PIP
(Programmable Input Processor) modules. With PIP2 capability, Com-Tech
amplifiers can now take advantage of the advanced IQ capabilities found in
a variety of PIP2 components, such as SmartAmp features, load supervision,
memory backup, and fast roll call.
These new Com-Tech amplifiers
also feature Crown's advanced, Quad Mute protection system. Designed to
temporarily remove bias from the output stages to protect the amplifier
and loads during potentially catastrophic conditions, Quad Mute protection
brings you added assurance that the show will go on.
Other enhancements include soft
start circuitry to reduce inrush current at start up, a new fan control
circuit which offers fully proportional speed fan operation, a new standby
mode feature which places the amplifier in a ready mode to reduce power
consumption during idle periods, and a new standard PIP input module with
barrier block connectors that features test points for DVM probes for
easier system diagnosis and troubleshooting.
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Should
I use Bridge Mono or Parallel Mono?
|
Generally,
the deciding factor to this dilemma is the total speaker load impedance
you wish to drive. With Micro-Tech and Macro-Tech amplifiers you would
want to use Bridge Mono to get the most power available when driving 8 or
4-ohm loads (one or two 8 ohm speakers). With a Power-Tech or Com-Tech
amplifier you need to stay at 8 ohms or greater. Parallel Mono can be used
when driving lower impedance loads. A one-ohm load can be driven Parallel
Mono with a Micro-Tech or Macro-Tech. With a Power-Tech or Com-Tech
amplifier you can drive down to two ohms in Parallel Mono. The biggest
advantage of using Parallel Mono is when you have an odd number of
speakers, such a three. Instead of leaving the amplifier in the dual mode
and driving two on one side and one on the other, you can parallel all
three and drive them Parallel Mono. This way the power is distributed
equally to all three speakers.
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|
How
do I set up my Crown amplifier to operate in Bridge-Mono?
|
The following is a step-by-step
procedure to set up a Crown amplifier to operate in Bridge-Mono:
- Make sure the amplifier is
powered down.
- Place the MODE switch (located
on the back panel) in the Bridge-Mono position.
- The input connector should be
inserted into channel one (leave channel two's input empty.
- Connect the speaker leads
across the two red binding posts, using channel one binding post as
the + (hot) connection or on CE's with Speakons across pins 1+ and 2+
on the channel one output.
- Channel one level control
should be used to control level.
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|
How
do I set up my Crown amplifier to operate in Parallel-Mono?
|
The following is a step-by-step
procedure to set up a Crown amplifier to operate in Parallel-Mono:
- Make sure the amplifier is
powered down.
- Place the MODE switch (located
on the back panel) in the Parallel-Mono position.
- The input connector should be
inserted into channel one (leave the channel two input empty).
- Place a small diameter wire (14
gage {1.63 mm}) between the two red output binding posts.
- Connect the speaker leads
across the red and black binding posts.
- Channel one level control
should be used to control output level.
Note: For those amplifiers with
IOC (Input-Output Comparator) the channel two IOC indicator will
illuminate when the unit is operated in Parallel-Mono.
Note: CE Contractor Series (CH/CL Series)
CP660, D Series and K Series amplifiers cannot operate in a Parallel-Mono
mode.
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|
Which
pin is hot (non-inverting) on a Crown amplifier?
|
XLR
Pin 1 is ground (shield).
Pin 2 is hot (non-inverting)
Pin 3 is low (inverting)
1/4" TRS
Tip: hot (non-inverting)
Ring: low (inverting)
Sleeve: Shield (ground)
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|
How
much does my amplifier weigh?
|
Shipping
weights are provided in the specifications area for each Crown amplifier
model.
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|
Where can I find retail prices for Crown products?
|
Go
here for retail prices for Crown products.
|
