PRO 200 Series
Amplifier Owner’s Manual
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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.
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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’in-
térieur 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 all instructions.
2. Keep all instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this device 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 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.
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/accessories 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 tipover.
13. Unplug this device during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the device is damaged in any
way, such as liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the device, the unit has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
15. Never break off the ground pin.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:
Sound Duration Per Day In Hours Sound Level dBA, Slow Response
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
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 protectors inserted into 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 listed 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 sound pressure levels be protected by hearing protectors.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
p. 1
Table Of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
How To Use This Manual
p.2
Introduction
Terms & Conventions
Installation
p.3
Unpacking
Mounting
Cooling Requirements
Additional Guidelines
Maintenance
Features Overview
p.7
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Operation Modes
p.13
Stereo
Parallel
Bridged
Connections
p.15
Power
Input
Output
Safety
p.19
User Responsibility
Speaker Protection
Protection Circuitry
Service, Support & Warranty
p.23
Support
Contact Crest
Warranty
Specifications
p.25
Block Diagram
p.26
Wire Gauge Chart
p.27
b
c
a
Contents
Appendices
p.2
How to use this manual
1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a Crest Audio Pro 200 Series power amplifier.
Designed for years of reliable operation under rigorous use, these power amplifiers offer the
sonic superiority and unsurpassed reliability for which Crest Audio is famous. Advanced
technology and extensive protection circuitry allow more efficient operation, especially when
working with difficult loads and power conditions.The Automatic Clip Limiting (ACL) circuit
protects drivers, maintains sonic integrity and ensures trouble-free operation into loads as
low as 2 Ohms.
Crest Audio’s high efficiency design uses tunnel-cooled heat sinks and variable-speed DC fans
to maintain a lower overall operating temperature, resulting in longer output transistor life.
Pro 200 Series models 8200, 7200 and 5200 use Crest Audio’s innovative Power Density circuitry and packaging.
Although these amplifiers are simple to operate and housed in ultra-strong steel chassis,
improper use can be dangerous.These are very high-powered amplifiers that can put out
high voltages and sizable currents at frequencies up to 30 kHz. Always use safe operating
techniques with these amplifiers.
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
Additional
Guidelines
Maintenance
/
What to do with the shipping carton
/
Proper rack-mounting technique
/
Keeping the amplifier cooled
/
Tips for trouble free operation
/
Routine maintenance practices
Pro 200 Series Owner’s Manual
p.4
Installation
2
Unpacking
Upon unpacking, be sure to 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,use only the original factory packing. If the shipping carton is unavailable, contact Crest to obtain a replacement.
Mounting
Pro 200 Series amplifiers will mount in standard 19" racks. Rear mounting ears are
also provided for additional support,which is recommended in non-permanent installations like mobile or touring sound systems. 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.
Front Width 19"/ 483mm
Front Panel (8200 shown - 7200 & 5200 have the same dimensions)
For replacement
packaging, call Crest
Audio’s Customer Service
Department directly.
see—service and support
+
Rear Panel
Side Panel
Rear Width 17"/ 432mm
Front
Height
3.47"/
89 mm
Front
Height
3.47"/
88mm
Depth13.75"/349 mm (including rear suppor t ears)
p. 5
Installation
2
Make certain that there
is enough space around
the front and rear of 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
suggestion
In racks with closed backs
allow at least one standard-rack-space opening
for every four amps.
a
Cooling Requirements
Pro 200 Series amplifiers use a forced-air cooling system to maintain a low, even
operating temperature. Air is drawn into the amplifier by fans on the rear panel,
which passes over the cooling fins of the heat sinks and exhausts through the front
grille. If either heat sink gets too hot, its sensing circuit will open the output relay,
disconnecting the load from that particular channel. It is important to have an adequate air supply at the back of the amplifier, and enough space around the front of
the amplifier to allow the cooling air to escape. If the unit is rack mounted, do not
use doors or covers on the front of the rack; the exhaust air must flow without
restriction.If you are using racks with closed backs, use fans on the rear rack panel
to pressurize the rack to ensure an ample air supply. Also make sure there is one
standard rack space opening for every three mounted power amplifiers.
Maintenance
Pro 200 Series amplifiers require little routine maintenance.
When used in an extremely dusty or smoky environment , it 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
Users will not need to make any adjustments to the amplifier during its lifetime.
There are no user-serviceable parts or adjustments that require opening the unit.
Additional Guidelines
Make sure the mains voltage is correct and the same as that printed on the rear of
the amplifier. Damage caused by connecting the amplifier to improper AC voltage is
not covered by any warranty. See the Connecting Power section in Chapter 5 for
more information on voltage.
Note — Always turn off and disconnect the amplifier from mains voltage before
making audio connections. As an extra precaution, have the attenuators turned
down during power-up.
Although Pro 200 Series amplifiers have AutoRamp circuitry,which raises the signal
level gradually after the output relay closes, it is always a good idea to have the gain
controls turned down during power-up. This will prevent speaker damage if there
is a high signal level at the inputs. Whether you buy or make them,use high quality
connections, input cables and speaker cables, along with a good soldering technique.
Most intermittent problems are caused by faulty cables.
Consult the the Wire Gauge Charts in Appendix C to determine proper gauges for
different load impedances and cable lengths. Cable resistance robs amplifier power
in two ways: power lost directly to resistance (I2R loss) and by lowering the total
load impedance. Also make sure the mode switch is set correctly for the desired
application. See Chapter 4 for more information on modes.
p. 7
Features Overview
3
Front Panel
Rear Panel
/
Controls and Connectors
/
Legend of Panel Symbols
p. 8
Features Overview
3
Front Panel
1
Rack Mounting Ears
Tw o front-panel mounting holes are provided on each mounting ear.
2
Input Attenuator
Whenever possible, set the attenuator fully clockwise to maintain optimum system headroom. The input attenuator controls (one for each
channel) are located at the front panel, adjust gain for their respective
channels in all modes. See the specifications at the end of this manual
for standard voltage gain and input sensitivity information.
When operating in the bridged mode, both attenuator must be in the
same position so the speaker load will be equally shared between the
channels.
See — Chapter 4 on Bridged Mono mode operation for more information and precautions.
3
ACL (Automatic Clip Limiting) LED
A channel’s ACL LED will light at the onset of clipping. If the LEDs are
flashing quickly and intermittently, the channel is at its clip threshold. A
steady, bright glow means the unit is clip limiting,or reducing gain to prevent severely clipped wave forms from reaching the speakers.During initial power up,the ACL LED will light to indicate that the Auto Ramp gain
reduction circuitry is activated. This will prevent sudden signal bursts
when the speaker relays are closed.
4
Signal LED
This LED lights when its channel produces an output signal of approximately 4 Volts RMS or more (>0.1 Volt at the input, with 0 dB attenuation and x40 Voltage gain). The state of this LED is useful in determining whether a signal is reaching the input and is being amplified. This is
especially true when the unit is operated far from the connected speakers
Front Panel - Pro 8200 shown
1 2 3 4
7
5
6
98
Each Pro 200 Series
amplifier channel features
five front panel LED indicators: ACL, Signal,Temp, DC
and Active.These LEDs
inform the user of operating status and warn of possibly abnormal conditions.
®
p.9
Features Overview
3
5
Temp LED
The Temp LED lights when a channel’s output relay is open, disconnecting the speaker(s) because of an overheating condition.Once the
channel temperature has returned to a safe level,the LED will turn off
and the speaker(s) will be reconnected.
6
DC LED
The DC LED lights when the channel’s output relay is open, disconnecting the speaker(s) when the amplifier senses a DC voltage or subsonic signal at its output.
7
Active LED
The Active LED indicates that a channel’s output relay is closed and
operational. It lights under normal operation and remains on, even
when the channel is in ACL gain reduction. These protection features
leave the output relay closed. If the Active LED goes off, there will be
no signal at the output connector(s).
8
Airflow Outlet Grille
Pro 200 Series amplifiers are cooled by dual, variable-speed, rearmounted fans. Cool air flows over the heat sink and exhausts through
the front grille. Make sure this outlet remains clear to allow unrestricted airflow.
9
AC Power Switch/Circuit Breaker
Pro 200 Series amplifiers have a combination AC switch/circuit breaker on the front panel. If the switch shuts off during normal use, push
it back to the ON position once. If it will not stay on, the amplifier
needs servicing.
p. 10
Features Overview
3
Do not adjust the mode
selection switch while
the amplifier is turned-on.
a
Rear Panel
1
Input Connectors
Input signals can be connected to the amp via the Neutrik Combicon
connectors, using either a TRS or XLR connector. Input sensitivity is
.775v (0 dBv) for full rated output power.
See — Input Connections in Chapter 5 for more information.
2
Gain Select Switch
The rear panel Gain Select switch determines whether the amplifier has
an overall gain of 40x (32 dB) or 20x (26 dB).
The OUT position will select x40
The IN position will select x20.
3
Mode Select Switch
The rear panel Mode Select Switch determines whether the amplifier is
in stereo, parallel or bridged mono mode. Do not operate the Mode
Select Switch with the amplifier on.
See — Chapter 4 for more information on operation modes.
Rear Panel Legend
Input Connection
Output Connection
Channel A stereo/parallel
Bridged mono
Channel B stereo/parallel
Input Connector Polarity
Ta b le
Speakon Output Polarity
Ta b le
3
4
6
7
Rear Panel
2
5
1
p.11
Features Overview
3
Rear Panel cont.
4
Cooling Fans
The cooling fans operate continuously while the amplifier is on. An
internal temperature sensor increases the speed of the fans during
high temperature conditions. Air enters through the rear and exits
through the front grille. Be sure to allow adequate air flow from the
rear of the rack in which the amp is mounted.
5
Binding Post Output Connectors
Speakers can be connected via the high current binding posts. One
pair of posts is provided (Red- hot, Black- ground) for each channel.
See — Output Connections in chapter 7 for information on Bridged
Mono operation using Binding Posts.
6
Speakon Output Connectors
Speakers can also be connected via industry-standard Speakon (NL-
4) connectors.
One connector is provided for each channel. In Bridged Mono
mode, the Speakon connector for Channel A is used exclusively
Note — Both Binding Post and Speakon output connectors may be
used at the same time. Both sets are are parallel to each other, so if
you use them together be sure calculate the total impedance for each
channel.
For example: If you connect a 4 ohm load to the binding posts on
channel A, and another 4 ohm load via the Speakon connector on
channel A, the total impedance for channel A will be 2 ohms, not 4.
7
IEC power connector
Accepts a standard IEC terminated power cable
See — Connecting Power in Chapter 5.
Never connect a hot
(red) output to ground
or to another hot (red)
output!
a
In situations where an
UNBALANCED signal is
fed to the amp, it’s
important to ground the
unused input. If the inverting (-) input of an amp
channel is left floating, the
gain will drop by 3 dB.
In effect, the amp will not
be as loud. For more
information about this, ask
your dealer or contact
Crest Audio Technical
Support directly.
+
p. 13
Operation Modes
4
Stereo
Parallel
Bridged
/
Choosing the appropriate mode
/
Switching between operation modes
/
Special considerations when using bridged mode
p. 14
Operation Modes
4
Mode Selection
The rear panel Mode Select Switch determines whether the amplifier is
in stereo, parallel or bridged mono mode. Do not operate the Mode
Select Switch with the amplifier on. See the next chapter on
Connections for proper wiring in each mode.
Stereo
For stereo (dual channel) operation, turn the amplifier off and set the
Mode Select Switch to the stereo position. In this mode, both channels
operate independently of each other, with their input attenuator controlling their respective levels. Thus, a signal at Channel A’s input produces an amplified signal at Channel A’s output,while a signal at Channel
B’s input produces an amplified signal at Channel B’s output.
Parallel
For parallel (dual-channel/single input) operation, turn the amplifier off
and set the Mode Select Switch in the parallel position; both amplifier
channels are then driven by the signal at Channel A’s input. No jumper
wires are needed. Output connections are the same as in the stereo
mode. In the parallel mode, only Channel A’s input is active; Channel B’s
input is not in the circuit. Both input attenuator remain active, allowing
you to set different levels for each channel. Power and other general
performance specifications are the same as in the stereo mode.
Bridged Mono
Both amplifier channels can be bridged together to make a very powerful single-channel monaural amplifier. Use extreme caution when
operating in the bridged mode, as potentially lethal voltage may be present at the output terminals. To bridge the amplifier, turn the power off,
and set the rear panel mode select switch to the bridge position. Apply
the signal to Channel A’s input and connect the speakers across the hot
outputs (the “+” binding posts of channels A and B) or the Speakon connector for Channel A.
Unlike the stereo and parallel modes, in which one side of each output
is grounded,both sides are hot in bridged mono mode. Channel A’s side
is the same polarity as the input.For proper operation,both input attenuator must be in the same position. This keeps the load balanced
between the channel outputs.
As in the parallel mode, only Channel A’s input is active. If an output
patch panel is used, all connections must be isolated from each other
and from the panel. For all models the recommended minimum nominal load impedance in the bridged mode is 4 Ohms (equivalent to driving both channels at 2 Ohms). Driving bridged loads of less than 4
Ohms will activate the ACL circuitry, resulting in a loss of power, and
may also cause a thermal overload.
Connecting amplifier
outputs to oscilloscopes
or other test equipment
while the amplifier is in
bridged mode may
damage both the amplifier
and test equipment!
a
p. 15
Connections
5
Power
Input
Output
/
Connecting the amplifier to AC power
/
Proper signal paths: Stereo, Parallel & Bridged Mono
/
Proper wiring schemes for output connectors
p. 16
Connections
5
Inputs
Pro 200 series amplifiers are configured standard with pin 2 hot on XLR
inputs and Tip hot on TRS inputs.
Outputs
Speakers are connected using the high-current five-way binding posts
or Speakon connectors, or both.
Power
Unless otherwise specified when ordered, Pro 200 Series amplifiers are
shipped from the factory set to one of following voltage options:
Option 1 US domestic
Nominal 120Vac 60Hz for rated power output (safe operating range
100 - 132Vac )
Option 2 Export
Nominal 230Vac 50Hz for rated power output (safe operating range
200 - 264Vac )
Note — Due to the nature of the switching power supplies in the Pro
200 Series, 50 - 60Hz operation is acceptable for either option above.
Very high current is
available at the outputs.
Please connect your
output cable to the + and
- terminals of each section precisely as shown.
a
Stereo/Parallel
Female
XLR
Bridged Mono
TRS pinouts
Speaker + to PIN 1+
Speaker - to PIN 1-
Speaker + to PIN 1+
Speaker - to PIN 2+
When using Pro 200
Series amplifier with
other amplifiers, be sure to
check the XLR polarity of
those amplifiers. Some
amplifiers use pin 3+ and
pin 2-. Mis-matched polarity across multiple amplifiers
could cause undesirable
system performance.
+
p. 17
Connections
5
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
Bridged Mono
A
Stereo Mode
5-way binding post connectors
Parallel Mode
5-way binding post connectors
Bridged Mono Mode
5-way binding post connectors
p. 18
Connections
5
A
A
B
B
Speaker + to PIN 1 +
Speaker - to PIN 1 -
1
2+
1-
2-
1+
-
-
A
A
B
Speaker + to PIN 1 +
Speaker - to PIN 1 -
1
2+
1-
2-
1+
-
-
A
Speaker + to PIN 1 +
Speaker - to PIN 2 +
1
2+
1-
2-
1+
-
Bridged Mono
Stereo Mode
Speakon output connectors
Parallel Mode
Speakon output connectors
Bridged Mono Mode
Speakon output connectors
p. 19
Safety
6
User
Responsibility
Speaker
Protection
Protection
Features
/
The owner’s role in amplifier safety
/
Protecting your speakers
/
Description of protection features
p. 20
Safety
6
Speaker Protection
All loudspeakers have electrical, thermal and physical limits which must be observed to
prevent damage or failure. Too much power, severely clipped wave forms, low frequencies
applied to high frequency drivers and DC voltage can all be fatal to cone and compression drivers. Crest Audio Pro 200 Series amplifiers automatically protect speakers from
DC voltages and subsonic signals.
Be sure that the low and mid bands of an electronic crossover are connected to the correct amplifiers and drivers, and not accidentally connected to those for a higher frequency band. The amplifier’s clipping point is its maximum peak output power, and some of
the higher-powered Pro 200 Series amplifiers can deliver more power than many speakers can safely handle. Be sure the peak power capability of the amplifier is not excessive
for your speaker system.
To ensure the speakers never receive excessive power and that the amplifier never clips,
use a properly adjusted external limiter (or a compressor with a ratio of 10:1 or higher)
to control power output; in systems with active electronic crossovers, use one for each
frequency band. The clip limiter will automatically limit the duration of squared-off, continuous wave forms applied to the speakers.The amplifier will, however, allow normal
musical transient bursts to pass. When the amplifier does clip, it is at its maximum output power. Some speaker systems are packaged with processors that have power limiting circuits and should not require additional external limiting. Fuses may also be used to
limit power to speaker drivers, although as current-limiting rather than voltage limiting
devices. Some poor quality fuses have a significant series resistance that could degrade
the amplifier’s damping of the speaker’s motion and may even deteriorate the system’s
sound quality. If you elect to use fuses, check with the speaker manufacturer to determine the proper current rating and time lag required.
Do not drive any low frequency speaker enclosure with frequencies lower than its own
tuned frequency; the reduced acoustical damping could cause a ported speaker to bottom out even at moderate power. Consult the speaker system specifications to determine its frequency limits.
The wire gauge charts in Appendix C will assist you in determining the optimum copper
wire gauge for your speaker cables. Remember that the speaker cable resistance robs
amplifier power in two ways: through power lost directly to resistance (often referred to
as I2R loss), and through increased total load resistance, which decreases the amount of
power available from the amplifier. Appendix C gives cable length figures in feet/AWG
wire gauges and in metric values.
User Responsibility
Your Pro 200 Series amplifier is very powerful and can be potentially dangerous to loudspeakers and operators alike.It is your responsibility to read all precautions and make sure
that the amplifier is installed, wired, and operated properly as instructed in this manual.
Many loudspeakers can be easily damaged or destroyed by overpowering,especially with
the high power available from a bridged amplifier. Always be aware of the speaker’s continuous and peak power capabilities. Crest Audio is not responsible for damage to loudspeakers for any reason.
p. 21
Safety
6
Protection Features
Pro 200 Series amplifiers incorporate several circuits to protect both themselves and
loudspeakers. Crest Audio has attempted to make the amplifiers as foolproof as possible
by making them immune to short and open circuits, mismatched loads, DC voltage and
overheating. If a channel goes into ACL gain reduction mode, the speaker load will remain
connected but clipping percentage or output power will be instantly reduced. When a
problem occurs that causes a channel to go into a protection mode, the Temp LED or
DC LED for that channel will glow. DC voltage on the output, excessive subsonic frequencies or thermal overload will cause the channel’s output relay to open, disconnecting the speaker load until the condition is corrected.
Automatic Clip Limiting (ACL)
Any time a channel is driven into hard,continuous clipping,the clip limiter circuit will automatically reduce the channel gain to a level just slightly into clipping, which protects the
speakers against the damaging, high power, continuous square waves. Situations that may
activate the clip limiter include uncontrolled feedback, oscillations, and improper equipment setting or a malfunction upstream from the amplifier. Normal program transients
will not trigger the clip limiter; only steady, excessive clipping will. The ACL LED will glow
brightly and continuously when limiting occurs.
IGM Impedance Sensing
Pro 200 Series amplifiers feature innovative circuitry that allows safe operation into any
load. When an amplifier sees a load that overstresses the output stage, the Instantaneous
Gain Modulation (IGM) circuit adjusts the channel gain to a safe level. This method of output stage protection is far superior to the conventional,brute force-type limiting found on
other amplifiers. The IGM circuit is sonically transparent in normal use and unobtrusive
when activated.
Thermal Protection
The internal fans will keep the amplifier operating well within its intended temperature
range under normal conditions. If a channel’s heat sink temperature reaches 75°C (which
may indicate an obstructed air supply),that channel will independently protect itself by disconnecting its load and shutting down until it has cooled. During this time, the channel’s
Temp LED will light, the Active LED will extinguish and the cooling fans will run at their
highest speed.
Short Circuit
If an output is shorted, the IGM and thermal circuits will automatically protect the amplifier. The IGM circuit senses the short circuit as an extremely stressful load condition and
attenuates the signal, protecting the channel’s output transistors from over-current stress.
If the short circuit remains, the channel will eventually thermally protect itself by disconnecting the load.
DC Voltage Protection
If an amplifier channel detects DC voltage or subsonic frequencies at a channel output,
the respective output relay will immediately open to prevent loudspeaker damage.The
channel’s DC LED will light.
p. 22
Safety
6
Turn-On/Turn-Off Protection
At power-up, the amplifier stays in the protect mode with outputs disconnected for about
six seconds, while the power supplies charge and stabilize. While the output relays are
open, the ACL LEDs will light. When the power is turned off, the speaker loads immediately disconnect so that no thumps or pops are heard.
Auto Ramp Signal Control
Whenever a Pro 200 Series amplifier powers up or comes out of a protect mode, the
Auto Ramp circuit activates. While the speakers are disconnected,the Auto Ramp circuit
fully attenuates the signal. After the output relay closes,the signal slowly and gradually raises up to its set level. The Auto Ramp Signal Control circuit has some important advantages over the conventional instant-on circuits:
1. If a signal is present during power-up or when coming out of a protect mode, the speakers are spared a sudden, potentially damaging burst of audio power.
2. Because the gain is reduced until after the output relay closes, no arcing occurs at the
contacts, thereby extending their useful life.
p. 23
Service, Support & Warranty
7
/
When to get support
/
Ways to contact Crest Audio
Support
Contact Crest
Warranty
p. 24
Service, Support & Warranty
7
Support
In the unlikely event that your amplifier develops a problem, it must be
returned to an authorized distributor, service center or shipped directly to our factory. Because of the complexity of the design and the risk
of electrical shock, all repairs must be attempted only by qualified technical personnel.
If the unit needs to be shipped back to the factory,it must be sent in its
original carton. If improperly packed, the unit may be damaged.
To obtain service, contact your nearest Crest Audio Service Center,
Distributor, Dealer, or any of the worldwide Crest Audio offices. For
those with Internet access, please visit the Crest Audio web site.
Contact Crest
Customer Service
Phone 201.909.8700 USA
Fax 201.909.8744 USA
Email customerserve@crestaudio.com
Technical Support
Phone 201.909.8700 USA
Fax 201.587.0550 USA
Email techserve
@crestaudio.com
Web Site
www.crestaudio.com
Postal Mail
Crest Audio Inc.
16-00 Pollitt Drive
Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA
Warranty
Your Crest Audio Amplifier is covered against defects in material and
workmanship. Refer to the warranty card provided with this manual for
more details.
For replacement
packaging, call Crest
Audio’s Customer Service
+
p. 25
Specifications
a
Bridge Power 4Ω
Stereo Power (per channel, both channels driven) 2Ω
4Ω
8Ω
Bridge Power 2Ω
4Ω
8Ω
Minimum Load Impedance
Maximum output RMS Voltage Swing
Frequency Response
1W @ 8Ω
Power Bandwidth @ rated 4Ω power
Damping Factor (8Ω)
Input cmrr
Input sensitivity 4Ω rated output power (40x)
Input sensitivity 4Ω rated output power (20x)
Input impedance
Hum and noise “A” weighted, rated power @ 8Ω
Crosstalk 1kHz at rated power, 8Ω
Slew rate
Class
T.H.D.
(2x2Ω) 20 Hz - 20kHz
T.H.D. (2x4Ω) 20 Hz - 20kHz
T.H.D. (2x8Ω) 20 Hz - 20kHz
Current draw 1/8 power, 120Va c
Current draw 1/3 power, 120Va c
Cooling
Connectors
Controls
LED indicators
Protection
Construction
Imperial Dimensions
Metric Dimensions
Net Weight
Gross Weight
5200 7200 8200
Pro 200 Series
1,800W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D) 3,300W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D) 4,500W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D)
850W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D) 1,650W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D) 2,250W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D)
525W (1kHz at <0.01% T.H.D) 1,000W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D) 1,450W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D)
290W (1kHz at <0.01% T.H.D) 590W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D) 825W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D)
950W (1kHz at <0.02% T.H.D) 2,000W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D) 2,800W (1kHz at <0.1% T.H.D)
550W (1kHz at <0.01% T.H.D) 1,150W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D) 1,600W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D)
300W (1kHz at <0.005% T.H.D) 625W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D) 880W (1kHz at <0.05% T.H.D)
2Ω 2Ω 2Ω
52 volts 75 volts 90 volts
10Hz–100kHz;
+0 , - 3dB 10Hz–100kHz; +0 , - 3dB 10Hz–100kHz; +0 , - 3dB
10Hz–60kHz; +0 , - 3dB 10Hz–50kHz; +0 , - 3dB 10Hz–50kHz; +0 , - 3dB
>300:1 @ 20Hz - 1kHz >300:1 @ 20Hz - 1kHz >300:1 @ 20Hz - 1kHz
>-85 dB @ 1kHz >-85 dB @ 1kHz >-85 dB @ 1kHz
1.12 volts +/- 3% 1.58 volts +/- 3% 1.87 volts +/- 3%
2.24 volts +/- 3% 3.16 volts +/- 3% 3.74 volts +/- 3%
15 k Ohms, balanced 15 k Ohms, balanced 15 k Ohms, balanced
>-110dB >-110dB >-110dB
> -65 dB > -70 dB > -70 dB
<15V/µs <15V/µs <15V/µs
???
<0.1% @ 800W/ch <0.2% @ 1,475W/ch <0.2% @ 1,900W/ch
<0.05% @ 500W/ch <0.15% @ 950W/ch <0.15% @ 1,300W/ch
<0.05% @ 275W/ch <0.1% @ 550W/ch <0.15% @ 775W/ch
2Ω - 1,380W, 4Ω 875W 2Ω - 1,400W, 4Ω 875W 2Ω - 1,875W, 4Ω 1,250W
2Ω - 2,100W, 4Ω 1,310W 2Ω - 3,900W, 4Ω 2,500W 2Ω - 4,350W, 4Ω 3,050W
2, variable speed, high output, DC fans
Input - Combined female TRS/XLR, Output - 5-Way Binding Post & Speakon, Power - 20A IEC Mains
Front Panel Attenuator(2), Rear Panel Mode and Gain switches
2 each: ACL, Signal, Temp, DC, Active
Thermal, DC, Turn-on bursts, subsonic, incorrect load
16 gauge steel with 5mm aluminum front panel
3.5” x 19” x 12.25” (+ 1.5” rear support ears)
89mm x 483mm x 311mm (+ 38mm rear support ears)
25 lbs. - 11.34 kg.
27 lbs. - 12.25 kg.
All power measurements made at 120 VAC. 2 Ohm sine wave power is time-limited by magnetic circuit breaker and internal protection circuit.
p. 26
Block Diagram
b
A
ATTENUATOR
OUTPUT STAGE
OUTPUT RELAY
1
3
2
1
3
2
OUTPUT STAGE
OUTPUT RELAY
MODE SWITCH
A
B
C
A: STEREO
B: PARALLEL
C: BRIDGE
B
ATTENUATOR
Channel A
Inputs
Phoenix
Combicon
1/4”
TRS
Female
3-Pin XLR
Phoenix
Combicon
1/4”
TRS
Female
3-Pin XLR
Channel A
Outputs
5-Way
Binding Posts
Neutrik
Speakon
5-Way
Binding Posts
Neutrik
Speakon
Channel B
Inputs
Channel B
Outputs
SEE SECTION 5 FOR
OUTPUT CONNECTION DETAILS
p. 27
Wire Gauge
c
Stranded Cable Length
0.3mm
2
0.5
0.75
1.5
2.5
4.0
2.9%
1.74
1.16
0.58
0.35
0.22
5.6%
3.4
2.3
1.16
0.70
0.44
10.8%
6.7
4.5
2.3
1.39
0.87
0.5mm
2
0.75
1.5
2.5
4
6
4.3%
2.9
1.45
0.87
0.55
0.37
8.2%
5.6
2.9
1.74
1.09
0.73
15.5%
10.8
5.6
3.4
2.2
1.45
0.5mm
2
0.75
1.5
2.5
4
6
8.24%
5.6
2.9
1.74
1.09
0.73
5.5%
10.8
5.6
2.9
1.74
1.09
28%
19.9
10.8
6.7
4.3
2.9
0.75mm
2
1.5
2.5
4
6
10
15.5%
8.2
5.1
3.2
2.2
1.31
0.73%
15.5
9.8
6.3
4.3
2.6
45%
28
18.2
12.0
8.2
5.1
2
meters
5
meters
10
meters
30
meters
Wire Gauge Power Loss
8Ω load 4Ω load 2 Ω load
p. 28
Wire Gauge
c
Stranded Cable Length
18AWG
16
14
12
10
0.81%
0.51
0.32
0.20
0.128
1.61%
1.02
0.64
0.40
0.25
3.2%
2.0
1.28
0.80
0.51
18AWG
16
14
12
10
1.61%
1.02
0.64
0.40
0.25
3.2%
2.0
1.28
0.80
0.51
6.2%
4.0
2.5
1.60
1.01
18
AWG
16
14
12
10
8
6.2%
4.0
2.5
1.60
1.01
0.60
11.9%
7.7
5.0
3.2
2.0
1.20
22%
14.6
9.6
6.2
4.0
2.4
18AWG
16
14
12
10
8
11.9%
7.7
5.0
3.2
2.0
1.20
22%
14.6
9.6
6.2
4.0
2.4
37%
26
17.8
11.8
7.7
4.7
5
feet
10
feet
40
feet
80
feet
Wire Gauge Power Loss
8Ω load 4Ω load 2 Ω load
http://www.crestaudio.com Pro 200 Owner's Manual Version 1.1 11/02
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