CKi Amplifier
Owner’s Manual
Remote
On
Off
Protect
Status Ch BCh A
Active Signal
ACL
ACL
Signal
CKi 800s Professional Power Amplifier
Este símbolo tiene el propósito,de alertar al usuario de la presencia de “(voltaje) peligroso” sin aislamiento dentro de
la caja del producto y que puede tener una magnitud suficiente como para constituir riesgo de descarga eléctrica.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usario de la presencia de instruccones importantes sobre la operación y
mantenimiento en la información que viene con el producto.
PRECAUCION:Riesgo de descarga eléctrica ¡NO ABRIR!
PRECAUCION:Para disminuír el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, no abra la cubier ta. No hay piezas útiles dentro.Deje todo
mantenimiento en manos del personal técnico cualificado.
ADVERTENCIA:Para evitar descargas eléctricas o peligro de incendio,no deje expuesto a la lluvia o humedad este aparato Antes de usar este aparato,Iea más advertencias en la guía de operación.
Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION:Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION:To reduce the risk of electric shock,do not remove cover.No user serviceable parts inside . Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard,do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.Before using this
appliance, read the operating guide for further warnings.
Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur la présence d’une tension dangereuse pouvant être
d’amplitude suffisante pour constituer un risque de choc électrique.
Ce symbole est utilisé dans ce manuel pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu’il ou qu’elle trouvera d’importantes instructions
concernant l’utilisation et l’entretien de l’appareil dans le paragraphe signalé.
ATTENTION:Risques de choc électrique — NE PAS OUVRIR!
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à l’intérieur aucune
pièce pouvant être reparée par l’utilisateur.Confiez I’entretien et la réparation de l’appareil à un réparateur agréé.
AVERTISSEMENT:Afin de prévenir les risques de décharge électrique ou de feu, n’exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou
à l’humidité.Avant d’utiliser cet appareil,lisez attentivement les avertissements supplémentaires de ce manuel.
Dieses Symbol soll den Anwender vor unisolierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses warnen,die von
Ausreichender Stärke sind,um einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen zu können.
Dieses Symbol soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam
machen,die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betreffen.
VORSICHT:Risiko — Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VORSICHT:Um das Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden,nicht die Abdeckung enfernen.Es befinden sich keine
Teile darin,die vom Anwender repariert werden könnten. Reparaturen nur von qualifiziertem Fachpersonal durchführen
lassen.
ACHTUNG:Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden,sollte dieses Gerät nicht dem Regen oder
Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden. Vor Inbetriebnahme unbedingt die Bedienungsanleitung lesen.
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding plug. The wide blade or third
prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessoriegs provided by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the apparatus. When
a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in
any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. Never break off the ground pin. Write for our free booklet “Shock Hazard and Grounding.” Connect only to a power
supply of the type marked on the unit adjacent to the power supply cord.
16. If this product is to be mounted in an equipment rack, rear support should be provided.
17. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in
susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently
intense noise for a sufficient time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational and Health Administration (OSHA) has
specified the following permissible noise level exposures:
Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
890
692
495
397
2 100
1 1/2 102
1 105
1/2 110
1/4 or less 115
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of the above permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. Ear plugs or
protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a
protectors to the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating this amplification system in order to prevent a
permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous
permanent hearing loss, if exposure is in excess of the limits as set forth above. To ensure against potentially dangerous
exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high
exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high
sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
sound pressure levels such as this amplification system be protected by hearing protectors while this unit is in operation.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS !
p.1
Table Of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
How To Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.2
Introduction
Conventions
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.3
Unpacking
Mounting
Cooling Requirements
Circuit Size Requirements
PowerSa v e
Maintenance
Features Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.7
Front Panel
Side Panel
Rear Panel
Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.13
Stereo
Parallel
Bridged
Constant V oltage
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.15
Power
Input
Output
ST O
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.21
User Responsibility
Speaker Protection
Protection Circuitry
NexSys Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.25
Introduction
Installation
Module Features
Module Operation
Service, Support & Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.34
Support
Contact Crest
War ranty
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p.35
Constant Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.36
Network Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p .37
Wire Gauge Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .p.38
b
c
d
a
Contents
Appendices
p.2
How to use this manual
1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Crest Audio CKi Intelligent Power Processing amplifier. Please read this manual carefully as it contains information vital to the unit’s safe operation. Also,please fill out and return the enclosed product registration card.
CKi amplifiers represent a new level of value and flexibility nev er before offered to the contracting market.S Series models are designed to drive lo w impedance speaker loads while V
Series models feature a unique front end circuit to provide directly coupled 70.7 volt outputs,eliminating the need for step-up transformers.X Series models feature transformer-isolated outputs for 100V operation (50V optional).
Together, these amplifiers cover almost e very conceivable installed or distributed sound
power requirement.The CKi family is everything that you expect from Crest Audio.They are
ruggedly built from high quality components,intelligently laid out,and possess comprehensive
protection features.
After-sale support is considered paramount at Crest Audio. For any assistance in the set-up
or operation of this product please call Cr est Audio’s Customer Service department or your
local Crest Audio representative.Should you have any problems at all,or suggestions that
may help us improve our products or service,please contact us.We encourage your participation in Crest’s future.
FOR YOUR SAFETY,READ THE IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS SECTION AS
WELL AS THE INPUT,OUTPUT AND POWER CONNECTION SECTIONS
OF THIS MANUAL.
Conventions
Warnings
Indicators
Tips
See
See—refers to other sections of the manual containing supplementary information
on the current topic or a related issue
Note
Note—supplementary feature information
Preferred methods.
Helpful hints.
Feature insights.
+
Procedures not to
attempt.
Issues or hazards to keep
in mind when operating
the equipment.
a
What to look for on
the equipment display.
Alerts, indicators, or
prompts that may
appear.
®
p.3
Installation
2
Unpacking
Mounting
Cooling
Requirements
Circuit Size
Requirements
PowerSave
Maintenance
/
What to do with the shipping carton
/
Proper rack-mounting technique
/
Keeping the amplifier cooled
/
Supplying proper power
/
Saving power
/
Routine maintenance practices
p.4
Installation
2
Be certain that there is
enough space around
the the amplifier to
allow the heated air to
escape. When mounting
in a rack,try to avoid
using doors or covers
on the front and rear of
the enclosure;the
exhaust air must not be
impeded
In racks with closed
backs allow at least one
standard-rack-space
opening for every four
amps.
a
Unpacking
Upon unpacking,inspect the amplifier.If you find any damage,notify your supplier immediately.Only the consignee may institute a claim with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping.Be sure to save the carton and all packing materials.Should you ever need to ship the
unit for any reason,use only the original factory packing. If the shipping carton is unavailable,
contact Crest to obtain a replacement.
Mounting
Crest Audio CKi amplifiers are configured to a standard set-up at the factory.They are functional and ready to use ‘out of the box.’ All controls and input/output connections are clearly
labeled.Units are shipped standard with a blank panel in the module bay.
To set the amplifier up for basic usage:
1.Mount the amplifier in a rack,remembering to allow for adequate access and cooling space.
See - Cooling Requirements below for more information.
2.Make input connections via the rear -panel Phoenix connector inputs.Make the connections to both inputs (Ch A and Ch B) for stereo operation,or connect to Ch A
only for parallel or bridged mono configuration.
See - Chapter 4 Modes for more inf ormation.
3.Connect speakers to the output barrier strip.Be sure to make the correct output
connections for stereo,parallel or bridged mono configuration.
See - Chapter 5 Operation for more information.
4.Make power connections,allowing for proper current draw.
See - Chapter 5 Operation for more information on power considerations.
5. Turn the front panel three-position AC switch to 'on',and bring up the rear panel
gain attenuators to the desired level.
CKi Power Processing amplifiers are 2,3 & 4-rack space units of 17 1/8" (437mm)
depth that mount in a standard 19-inch rack.On 2 &3 rack space units,four front
panel-mounting holes are provided.4-rack space units have eight front panel-mounting holes.
Rear mounting ears are also provided on all amplifiers for additional support,which
is essential in non-permanent installations like mobile or touring sound systems,and
recommended for permanent installations.(Distance from the back of the front rack
ear to the center of the rear mounting ear holes is 16 5/8" / 422mm) Because of the
cables and connectors on the rear panel,a right-angle or offset screwdriver or hex
key will make it easier to fasten the rear mounting ears to the rails
For replacement
packaging,call Crest
Audio’s Customer Service
Department directly.
see—service and support
+
Protect
Active Signal
ACL
Status Ch BCh A
Signal
ACL
Remote
Off
On
CKi 100s Professional Power Amplifier
19” (483mm)
3.5” (89mm)
5.25” (133mm)
7” (178mm)
17” (432mm)
3.5” (89mm)
5.25” (133mm)
7” (178mm)
IGM
Protect
AB
ACL
Signal
Ch BCh A
Input
+
Gain
(.775V)
0dB
x40x20
+
Mode
Stereo
ParallelBridge
Active
+
AB
A B
+
+
Output - Class 2 Wiring
In Out
On
Com
Off
On
Com
Off
Fault
N/O
Com
N/C
Gnd
In
Sequential Turn-On
Input
V-In
Crest Audio, Inc.
Fair Lawn, NJ USA
www.crestaudio.com
Designed and manufactured in the USA by:
3.3V
Out
Ch B
-30
-6
-1
dB
Ch A
-3
-10
-15
-
-30
-6
-1
dB
-3
-10
-15
-
17.1” (435mm)
3.5” (89mm)
5.25” (133mm)
7” (178mm)
p.6
Installation
2
Cooling Requirements
CKi amplifiers use a forced-air cooling system to maintain a low,even operating temperature.Air drawn by a fan mounted behind the front panel enters through the front grille and
the heated air exits through the side panel ports.On two an three space CKi amplifiers the
fan will remain inactive until operating temperature rises to 45° C.One four space units the
fan runs all the time.Make sure that there is enough space around the front of the amplifier
to allow air to enter, and around the sides to allow the heated air to exit. System cooling
needs must be considered before installation,and the system installer/designer should specify
appropriate countermeasures,such as ventilation,air conditioning,etc.Refer to Appendix A
for specific thermal emission figures.
Note:If the amplifier is rack-mounted,do not use doors or covers on the front or rear
without pressurizing the rack.Make sure that heated air can escape freely, and that there is
no resistance to the intake of cool air.Intake and exhaust air must flow without restriction.
Fan filters should be regularly cleaned and periodicall y replaced.
Circuit Size Requirements
CKi amplifier power requirements are rated at “idle, ” 1/8th power (“typical” music condi-
tions),1/3rd power, and maximum rated power.The maximum power current draw rating is
limited by the amplifier's circuit breaker. Consult Appendix A for the current that each amplifier model will demand.AC mains voltage must be the same as that indicated on the rear of
the amplifier. Damage caused by connecting the amplifier to improper AC voltage is not covered by any war ranty.
PowerSave
All CKi amplifiers come standard with PowerSave circuitry.This effectively r educes current
draw and thermal emissions to a minimum when the amplifier is at idle.PowerSav e operates
by cutting off the bias current to the output stage after absence of signal is sensed at the
input.When signal presents itself,PowerSave instantly restores the bias curr ent after the first
positive-going waveform.Current draw specifications while PowerSa ve is active are included
in specifications under "Idle Current Draw."
Maintenance
CKi amplifiers require little routine maintenance.
When used in an extremely dusty or smoky en vironment,the unit should be periodically
blown free (using compressed air) of any foreign matter that may have built up inside.
When used in an environment where residue from smoke/fog machines is regularly present,
the amplifier(s) should be periodically checked (by authorized Crest service personnel) for
build-up of that residue.
The filter in the front panel air intake grille should be periodically cleaned. Should the filter
become permanently clogged or damaged,a replacement should be obtained through your
Crest representative
Users will not need to make an y adjustments to the amplifier during its lifetime.Other than
installing or replacing a NexSys module,there are no user-serviceable parts or adjustments
that require opening the unit.
Always turn off and
disconnect the
amplifier from the mains
voltage before making
audio connections.If
possible, as an extra precaution,have the attenuators turned down during power-up.
+
p.8
Features Overview
3
Front Panel
1
Rack Mounting Ears
Two holes (four on 4U amplifiers) are provided on each front mounting ear..
2
3-Position Power Switch
With this switch in the “up” position the amplifier is On. The middle
position is Off and the lower position is marked Remote. When
switched to Remote,the amplifier must be activated by the sequential
turn on/turn off (STO) circuit.
3
Protect LED
If the amplifier enters any of its Protect modes,the output relay will
open,and this LED will light.
4
Active LED
The Active LED indicates the amplifier is turned on and the output
relays have closed.
5
ACL LEDs
Each channel has an ACL (Active Clip Limiting) LED. If a channel reaches the clipping point,this LED will light to show that the ACL circuit is
active.
Front Panel - CKi 800s shown
1 2 3 4
7
5
6
This chapter identifies the switches,indicators,connectors and functional components of all CKi amplifiers.Keep in mind that this chapter is only as an
overview of the amplifier’s layout,and does not contain all the information nec-
essary to effectively operate the CKi. For more detailed information on the
items listed here,be sure to read this entire manual.
On
Off
Remote
Protect
Status Ch BCh A
Active Signal
ACL
ACL
Signal
CKi 800s Professional Power Amplifier
p.9
Features Overview
3
1
Front Panel cont.
6
Signal LEDs
Each channel has a Signal LED .The intensity of the light varies with signal level – the stronger the input signal,the brighter the LED.
7
Fan Grille & Filter
A DC fan draws air into the amplifier though the removable dust filter. Do not block this intake! The fan operates only when the amplifier requires cooling. Fan filters are easy to remove and should be
cleaned regularly to ensure optimum performance. Contact your
Crest Representative to obtain replacement filters.
Side Panel
1
Exhaust Ports
Heated air exits through the exhaust ports,on the sides of the amplifier chassis.Do not block these ports.
Side View
p.10
Features Overview
3
Never connect a hot
(red) output to ground
or to another hot (red)
output!
a
Rear Panel
1
Mains Breaker
2U & 3U amplifiers hav e a push-type circuit br eak er,while 4U units have
a throw-switch style breaker. If the unit’s breaker trips repeatedly, the
amplifier needs servicing.
2
IEC Power Cord Connector
On 2U amplifiers, a standard IEC power connector is located on the
rear panel of amplifier . The connector accommodates a standard IEC line
cord, included in the amplifier box. Should this cord need to be
replaced,only a cord with the same current rating should be used.3U
& 4U units have a captive power cord.
3
AC Mains / Active LED indicators
The AC mains yellow LED indicates that the amplifier is attached to a
power source.The activ e green LED indicates that the amplifier has been
turned on and is operating.
4
Sequential turn on/off Connectors
These connectors can be wired to a contact closure for remote turnon and to other CKi amplifiers for sequential turn-on (STO).
5
Fault I/O Connector
This output is a contact closure that can be used to report a fault condition (e.g.an open output relay) in the amplifier.
Rear Panel Legend
Ground Connected
Ground Lifted
Channel A stereo/parallel
Bridged mono
Channel B stereo/parallel
Input Polarity
3
Rear Panel - CKi 100s shown
2
¡09
8
6
1
4
5
7
12
13
Active
Sequential Turn-On
On
On
Off
Com
Com
In Out
Designed and manufactured in the USA by:
AB
Fault
V-In
N/C
N/O
Off
3.3V
In
Input
Com
Gnd
Out
Crest Audio, Inc.
Fair Lawn, NJ USA
www.crestaudio.com
A B
+
+
+
Output - Class 2 Wiring
Stereo
Mode
-6
-10
-15
-15
-3
-1
-30
ParallelBridge
-30
-
dB
Ch A
AB
-6
-10
-
Ch B
Protect
-3
IGM
-1
ACL
dB
Signal
Ch BCh A
+
+
Input
(.775V)
0dB
Gain
x40x20
+