Amplifier and PIP Compatibility

PIP vs PIP2

Since introducing PIP-compatibile amplifiers and PIP modules over ten years ago, Crown has updated the standard to allow new capabilities to be added as new PIP products are developed. The updated standard requires that the amplifier and PIP module be connected in a different way.

This page explains the differences between the original PIP interface and the new PIP2 interface, and how those differences affect the selection of PIP modules.

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PIP-THE ORIGINAL STANDARD

Crown’s original PIP module was designed with a 22-pin edge connector, which mated with a slide-in card rail on all Crown Macro-Tech Series, Com-Tech Series, Macro Reference and Studio Reference amplifiers.

Installing a PIP Module Into a PIP-Compatible Amplifier

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PIP2-THE NEW STANDARD

The PIP2 standard, announced in 1998, upgraded the PIP feature set and requires both 18- and 20-pin ribbon cables which mate with a PIP2-compatible amplifier using standard ribbon connectors.

Connecting a PIP2 module to a PIP2 capable amplifier is accomplished by plugging the 18-pin and a 20-pin ribbon cables from the amp directly to the PIP2 module, as shown below:

Installing a PIP2 Module Into a PIP2-Compatible Amplifier

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USING A PIP MODULE IN A PIP2 AMPLIFIER

Older PIP modules being installed into PIP2-compatible amplifiers require a special “PIP2 Adapter” (see Figure 2) which accepts the edge connector of the PIP module.

 

PIP2 Adapter

This PIP2 Adapter provides upwards compatibility, so any older PIP module can be adapted for use in any newer, PIP2-compatible amplifier. However, because of the extended feature set, PIP2 modules may not be used in older, PIP-compatible amplifiers.

 

Installing a PIP Module Into a PIP2-Compatible Amplifier