Crest audio CK MODULE OWNERS MANUAL

Power
Processing

MODULE OWNERS MANUAL

Modules

About Power Processing Modules

The rear panel of the CK family Power Processing amplifiers provides three bays (Input, Network
and Power/Output) configured to accept interchangeable plug-in modules. Your amplifier may have
been factory-configured with some of the optional modules. The back page of this manual contains
an overview chart of all currently available Power Processing modules.

“CC-” Modules fit into the Power/Output or Input module bays. These basic analog modules are
non-programmable and non-NexSys®compatible; only the Sequential Turn-On/Off (STO) function
can be controlled (through hardwiring).

“NC-” Modules can be controlled, programmed and/or monitored via the hand-held N-Coder, N­Coder/PC software or over the NexSys netw ork. Except for the STO feature, NC Modules are “tam­per-proof” in that there are no user-accessible setup controls.

Programming NC Input Processing Modules

NC Input Processing modules can be programmed in OR out of the amplifier.

Programming with the N-Coder

Connected to an Input Processing module’s data port via the supplied RJ14-RJ14 cable, N-Coder
automatically identifies module type and displays only the parameters available for that module.
Users can then adjust parameters, audition the results, then store new settings in the module’s non­volatile memory, or inside the N-Coder for later reference. Modules need not be powered, or even
installed in the amplifier for programming; N-Coder provides the necessary power. Parameters can
also be created ahead of time without any modules attached, stored in the N-Coder ,then downloaded
into the module’s memory later. Except for DSP modules, all NC Input Processing modules can be
programmed from an N-Coder.

Programming with N-Coder/PC software

N-Coder/PC Software, a Windows®-based program that configures all Input Processor NC modules,
will run on any PC with Windows ‘95 or 3.1. The computer’s parallel (printer) port is used with a
DB25 to RJ-14 adapter and cable (both supplied) that connects to the Input Processor NC module.

Programming with Octopus

Crest Audio’s LCP-AC8 “Octopus” is a one rack space, Locally Controlled Processor that adds
‘Snapshot’ capability to the CK family of Power Processing amplifiers. Octopus is compatible with
all NC Input Processing modules, and can activate functions including sequential power control,
level attenuation, analog EQ, crossovers, and all DSP parameters. The Octopus may be integrated
with third-party RS-232C system controllers.

Programming with NexSys

Using the appropriate NC Network module, NC Input and Power/Output modules can be controlled,
programmed and/or monitored remotely through the use of NexSys. NexSys is Crest Audio’s hard­ware and software package that offers network connection of Crest Audio amplifiers and associated
devices, along with diagnostic facilities.

Input Processing Module Connections

The CK family of amplifiers come standard with a CC-IPB Input module. Barrier strip input con­nectors and removable individual channel rotary attenuators are provided. All Input modules have
an internal voltage gain/input sensitivity jumper that is factory-set for X40 gain.

Input barrier strip lug / gauge information

Input barrier strips have a 0.325" (8.3mm) center and 0.270" (6.9mm) lug space. For connecting to
the input barrier strips, a wire gauge between 14 AWG (2.5mm2) & 24 AWG (0.25mm2), and spade
lugs (Panduit Part No. PNF 18-6LF-C or equivalent) are recommended.

SEE INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Level

5

4

6

A

3
2
1

0

Level

5

4

6

B

Model
CC-IPB

3
2
1

0

Input A

Input B

–

–

+

+

Barrier strip inputs are ready to accept balanced sig-

7

8
9

nals. For use with an unbalanced source, tie the

10

7

inverting (minus) input to ground by installing a

8
9

10

jumper across the appropriate barrier strip terminals.
If the inverting input is left floating, a 6 dB loss in
gain will result.

Input Barrier Strip

Input Level

Attenuators

AES/EBU Input

This XLR jack accepts a standard AES/EBU XLR
plug.

Daisy chaining

Balanced vs. unbalanced inputs

Some Input Processing modules have daisy-chained outputs, located on barrier strip terminals.
NC-AES and NC-DSP-D modules have balanced daisy chain outputs.
NC-DSP-A and NC-SEQ modules have unbalanced daisy chain outputs.
NC-MCO and NC-MEQ modules have unbalanced mono HP/LP daisy chain outputs.
The NC-SCO module has unbalanced stereo HP/LP daisy chain outputs.

NC-IPE page input & enable connections

Get information from engineering

Input Processing Module Attenuators

Operation

Channel attenuators (A&B) are used to control signal level. Ideally, the amplifier should be operat­ed with the controls at 0dB attenuation. When the amplifier is being used in bridged mono mode,
both attenuators must at the same level.

Knob Removal

The attenuator knobs can be removed and replaced with blanking plugs.
The procedure for attenuator knob removal is as follows:

1. With an X-Acto or similar knife, pop off the grey ke y cap of the attenuator knob. This will reveal
the inside nut.

2. Using needle nose pliers or appropriate size nut driver, loosen and remove the inside nut.

3. Slide the attenuator knob off the shaft.

4. Insert a regular screwdriver in the slotted end of the shaft, and adjust attenuation to desired level.

5. Blanking plugs may now be inserted in the attenuator holes.

Input Processing Modules - Internal Options

Input sensitivity/voltage gain jumper

Input modules have user-settable jumpers to configure Input Gain/Sensitivity. These internal
jumpers (two for CC-IPB, three for all input NC modules), labeled “W1 W2 W3”, are used to set
the overall gain of the amplifier.

+26dB

0dBu

0dBu IN

+32dB

+32dB

A
B

+26dB

0dBu

+32dB

+26dB

0dBu

+32dB

.775V / 0 dBu (For Full Power)

W1
W2

+26dB

Input Gain/Sensitivity Jumpers

X20 (+26 dB)

Channel A Jumper
Channel B Jumper
NexSys Indicator Jumper (NC-IPN Only)

+26dB

0dBu

+26dB

+32dB

0dBu

+32dB

X40 (+32dB) Standard Factory Setting

+26dB

0dBu

CREST AUDIO

The 3 positions (shown at left) allow
the amplifier to be set for constant gain
of X20 (26 dB), X40 (32 dB), OR con­stant sensitivity for full output (.775V)
at 0 dBu input. The standard factory

+32dB

setting is for X40 (32dB). All jumpers
must be set to the same position as
shown.

To change jumper settings, the Input
module must first be removed from the
amplifier.

Warning! Amplifier must
be removed from AC

2 6 C 21 9 7 - 0 2

mains supply before this
operation is undertaken!

The diagram at left shows the location
of these jumpers on the CC-IPB mod­ule. The diagram at the lower right
shows the location of the jumpers on
the NC-IPN module.

NexSys/N-Coder jumper

All NC Modules have internal jumpers used to set the module for operation with NexSys or N­Coder. These jumpers are labeled “W4 W5” on the Input module circuit board.

Input Gain/Sensitivity Jumpers

N-CODE

NC-NXS

N-Coder Setup

The “NC-NXS” jumper position
allows operation with NexSys,
while the “NCODE” jumper posi­tion permits the Input module to be programmed through N-Coder or N-Coder/PC software when
the amplifier is off.

Note: Factory setting is the ‘NexSys’ position. If NexSys, N-Coder, or N-Coder/PC software is not
being used, jumper position will have no effect upon the operation of the amplifier.

N-CODE

NC-NXS

NexSys Setup

W2

W3

W1

+26dB

CREST AUDIO

2 6 C 2 7 9 7 -0 2

0dBu Sen
+32dB

Nexsys / N-Coder Jumpers

N-CODE
NC-NXS

W4

W5