Crown CT 4150, CT 475, CT 875, CT 8150 User Manual

CT 475

CT 4150

CT 875

CT 8150

ComTech DriveCore Operation Manual

Obtaining Other Language Versions: To obtain information in another language about the use of this product, please contact your local
Crown Distributor. If you need assistance locating your local distributor, please contact Crown at 574-294-8000.

This manual does not include all of the details of design, production, or variations of the equipment. Nor does it cover every possible situa tion
which may arise during installation, operation or maintenance.

The information provided in this manual was deemed accurate as of the publication date. However, updates to this information may have
occurred. To obtain the latest version of this manual, please visit the Crown website at www.crownaudio.com.

Trademark Notice: Com-Tech, BCA, Crown, Crown Audio, Amcron and Multi-Mode are registered trademarks of Crown International. IQwic,
PIP and PIP2 are trademarks of Crown International. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Some models may be exported under the name Amcron.

© 2011 by Harman International®, Inc. 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, Indiana 46517-9439 U.S.A. Telephone: [phone]

®

143368-1

4/11

CT Power Amplifiers

Important Safety Instructions

Importantes Instructions de Sécurité

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 ventilation openings. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
reg isters, 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 prong. The wide blade or
the 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,

par ticularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufac-

turer.

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 nor mally, or has been dropped.

15. Use the mains plug to disconnect the apparatus from the

mains.

16. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC

SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.

17. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO DRIPPING OR

SPASHING AND ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED
WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, ARE PLACED ON THE
EQUIPMENT.

18. THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD SHALL

REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.

Wichtige Sicherheitsinstruktionen

Instrucciones de Seguridad Importantes

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE TOP OR
BOTTOM COVERS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

À PRÉVENIR LE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE N’ENLEVEZ PAS LES
COUVERCLES. IL N’Y A PAS DES PARTIES SERVICEABLE
À L’INTÉRIEUR. TOUS REPARATIONS DOIT ETRE FAIRE PAR
PERSONNEL QUALIFIÉ SEULMENT.

PARA PREVENIR UN CHOQUE ELÉCTRICO, NO RETIRE LAS
CUBIERTAS SUPERIOR O INFERIOR. NO EXISTEN PARTES QUE
PUEDAN SER REPARADAS POR EL USUARIO AL INTE RIOR.
REMITA EL SERVICICO AL PERSONAL TÉCHNICAL CALIFI­CADO.

TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS EQUIPMENT FROM THE
AC MAINS, DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG
FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE. THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER
SUPPLY CORD SHALL REMAIN READILY OPERABLE.

POUR DÉMONTER COMPLÈTEMENT L’ÉQUIPEMENT DE
L’ALIMENTATION GÉNÉRALE, DÉMONTER LE CÂBLE D’ALI­MENTATION DE SON RÉCEPTACLE. LA PRISE D’ALIMEN TATION
RESTERA AISÉMENT FONCTIONNELLE.

PARA DESCONECTAR COMPLETAMENTE EL EQUIPO DEL
SUMINSTRO ELECTRICO, DESCONECTE EL CABLE DE ALI­MENTACION DE LA TOMA DE CA. LAS PATAS DEL CONEC TOR
DEL CABLE DE ALIMENTACIÓN DEBERAN MANTENERSE EN
BUEN ESTADO.

WATCH FOR THESE SYMBOLS:

The lightning bolt triangle is used to alert the user to the risk of
electric shock.

The exclamation point triangle is used to alert the user to
important operating or maintenance instructions.

REGARDEZ CES SYMBOLES:

La triangle avec le sigle ‘’foudre’’ est employée pour alerter
l’utilisateur au risque de décharge électrique. Le triangle avec
un point d’exclamation est employée pour alerter l’utilisateur
d’instruction importantes pour lors opérations de mainte nance.

ATENCION CON ESTOS SÍMBOLOS:

El triángulo con el símbolo de rayo eléctrico es usado para
alertar al usuario de el riesgo de un choque eléctrico.

El triángulo con el signo de admiración es usado para alertar
al usuario de instrucciones importantes de operación o man­tenimiento.

IMPORTANT

CT Series amplifiers require Class 2 output wiring.
Les amplificateurs de série de CT exigent des câbles de sortie de
classe 2.
CT-Reihe-Verstärker verlangen Klasse die 2 Produktionsverdrah tung.
Los amplificadores de la Serie CT requieren de un cableado de sal ida
Clase 2.

MAGNETIC FIELD

CAUTION! Do not locate sensitive high-gain equipment such as pre­amplifiers directly above or below the unit. Because this amplifier has a
high power density, it has a strong magnetic field which can induce hum
into unshielded devices that are located nearby. The field is strongest
just above and below the unit.

If an equipment rack is used, we recommend locating the amplifier(s)
in the bottom of the rack and the preamplifier or other sensitive equip­ment at the top.

FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
complicance could void the user’s authority to operate the euqipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equip­ment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio com­munications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recep­tion, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the

receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

page 2

Operation Manual

CT Power Amplifiers

DECLARATION of CONFORMITY

ISSUED BY: Harman International
1718 W. Mishawaka Road
Elkhart, Indiana 46517 U.S.A.

European Representative’s Name and Address:

David Budge
10 Harvest Close
Yateley GU46 6YS
United Kingdom

Equipment Type: Power Amplifiers
Family Name: CT series
Model Names: CT8150, CT875, CT4150, CT475

EMC Standards:

EN 55103-1:1997 Electromagnetic Compatibility – Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 1: Emissions
EN 55103-1:1997 Magnetic Field Emissions-Annex A @ 10 cm and 1 M
EN 61000-3-2:2006 & Amd 1: 2008 & AMd 2 : 2009 Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (equipment input current ≤16A per phase)
EN 61000-3-3:1998 Limitation of Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Low-Voltage Supply Systems Rated Current ≤16A
EN 55022:2006 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of ITE: Radiated, Class B Limits; Conducted, Class B
EN 55103-2:1997 Electromagnetic Compatibility – Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 2: Immunity
EN 61000-4-2:2009 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Environment E2-Criteria B, 4k V Contact, 8k V Air Discharge)
EN 61000-4-3:2006 Radiated, Radio-Frequency, Electromagnetic Immunity (Environment E2, Criteria A)
EN 61000-4-4:2007 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-5:2006 Surge Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-6:2009 Immunity to Conducted Disturbances Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields (Criteria A)
EN 61000-4-11:2001 Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variation

Safety Standard:

IEC 60065: 2001: 7Ed & Amd 1: 2005 Safety Requirements - Audio Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus

I certify that the product identified above conforms to the requirements of the EMC Council Directive 2004/108/EC and the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.

Signed

Scott Potosky
Title: Director of Engineering

Operation Manual

Due to line current harmonics, we recommend that you contact your supply authority before connection.

Date of Issue: March 16, 2011

page 3

Table of Contents

CT Power Amplifiers

Important Safety Instructions ...................................... 2

Declaration of Conformity ........................................... 3

1 Welcome .........................................5

1.1 Features ........................................................... 5

2 How to Use This Manual ........................ 5

3 Features ........................................... 5

4 Setup .............................................. 6

4.1 Unpack Your Amplifier ......................................6

4.2 Install Your Amplifier ........................................6

4.3 Ensure Proper Cooling ..................................... 6

4.4 Choose Input Wire and Connectors .................. 7

4.5 Choose Output Wire and Connectors ...............7

4.6 Wire Your System .............................................8

4.7 Connect to AC Mains ....................................... 8

4.8 Startup Procedure ............................................ 9

5 Precautions ......................................9

6 Front Panel ....................................... 10

7 Back Panel ........................................ 11

8 Amp Configuration ............................... 12

8.1. 70Hz HPF (High Pass Filter) ............................. 12

8.2 Limiter ............................................................. 12

9 Operating Modes ................................. 12

9.1 Normal .............................................................. 12

9.2 Green Power ..................................................... 12

9.3 Deep Sleep .......................................................12

10 Auxiliary Ports .................................13

9.1 Deep Sleep .......................................................13

9.2 Amp Status ....................................................... 13

11 Input Routing ................................... 13

13 Advanced Features ............................14

13.1 Protection Systems ......................................... 14

13.1.1 Thermal Indicator .................................... 14

13.1.2 Fault .......................................................14

13.1.3 High-Pass Filters .................................... 14

13.1.4 AC Under/Over Voltage Protection ..........14

13.1.5 Circuit Breaker ........................................ 14

13.1.6 Convection-cooled Chassis .................... 14

13.1.7 Auto-Standby .......................................... 14

13.2 Features .......................................................... 14

13.2.1 Switching Power Supply ........................14

13.2.2 Power Mode ............................................14

13.2.3 Adaptive Voltage Rail ..............................14

13.2.4 DriveCore Power Stage ........................... 14

14 Accessories .....................................14

14.1 XFMR 4/8 .................................................. 14

14.2. Rack Support/Ears .................................... 14

15 Troubleshooting ................................15

15.1 Power Indicator ............................................... 15

15.2 Fault Indicator ................................................. 15

15.3 Thermal Indicator ............................................ 15

15.4 Clip Indicator .................................................. 15

15.5 Signal Indicator ..............................................15

15.6 Ready Indicator ............................................... 15

16 Specifications ................................... 16

17 AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation ... 17

18 Service ........................................... 21

19 Warranty ......................................... 22

Product Registration Form ........................................... 25

Factory Service Information Form ............................... 27

page 4

Operation Manual

CT Power Amplifiers

1 Welcome

Crown® ComTech DriveCore™ amplifiers provide state-of-the-art
technology for inst alled sound applica tions. The ComTech amplifiers
provide noiseless o peration an d small footprint with excellent qu ality and
performance.

ComTech DriveCore amplifiers offer:

1.1 Features

Audiophile Sound

• A signal-to-noise ratio of better than 110dB

• Total harmonic distortion below 0.05% across the full audio bandwidth

• Greater than 70dB crosstalk

• Frequency response of ±0.5dB

Size Advantage

• Up to 8 channels in a single rack-space

• Weight of only 10 pounds (4.54 Kg)

Power Efficiency

• Over 90% efficient in the DriveCore amplifier stage

• Power consumption of less than 1W when not in use (In Deep Sleep)

• Green Mode delivers power when needed. Amplifier efficency increases

by up to 10% when compared to typical class D amplifiers

Typical applications for ComTech DriveCore amplifiers include boardrooms,
video and teleconferencing, VIP suites in stadiums and arenas, and upscale
restaurants and retail outlets.

2 How to Use This
Manual

This manual provides you with the necessary
information to safely and correctly set up and
operate your amplifier. It does not cover every
aspect of installation, setup, or operation that
might occur under every condition. For additional
information, please consult Crown’s Amplifier
Application Guide (available online at www.
crownaudio.com), Crown Technical Support, your
system installer, or system retailer).

3 Features

• 4 channel or 8 channel (4 inputs with 4
outputs or 8 inputs with 8 outputs)

• Single rack space

• Balanced 3-pin Barrier block-type/line inputs

• 4-pin Phoenix-type speaker outputs

• Flexible input routing

• Multiple Power Configuration (Auto-Standby,

Deep Sleep, and Green Mode)

• Auxiliary port for amp status and power
saving mode (Deep Sleep)

• Circuit breaker protection with reset switch

• Convection-cooled chassis (no fan)

• Three-year, no-fault, fully transferable

warranty that completely protects your
investment and guarantees its specifications

• Can be used in mass notification and EN 54
systems

• Patented technology including DriveCore

• Fault Reporting through Aux Port

• Adaptive Rail Technology for power

on demand.

• Complies with Green Edge by Harman

TM

Operation Manual

page 5

4 Setup

CT Power Amplifiers

4.1 Unpack Your Amplifier

Please unpack and inspect your amplifier for
any damage that may have occurred during
transit. If damage is found, notify the
transpor tation company immediately. Only you
can ini tiate a claim for shipping damage. Crown
will be happy to help as needed. Save the
shipping carton as evidence of damage for the
shipper’s inspection.

We also recommend that you save all packing
materials so you will have them if you ever need
to transport the unit. Never ship the unit

without the factory pack.

YOU WILL NEED (not supplied):

• Input wiring cables

• Output wiring cables

• Flathead screwdriver

Rack for mounting amplifier (or a stable surface
for stacking)

WARNING: Before you start to set up
your amplifier, make sure you read and
observe the Important Safety Instruc­tions found at the beginning of this
manual.

4.2 Install Your Amplifier

CAUTION: Before you begin, make sure
your amplifier is disconnected from the
power source and that all level controls
(see section 7.6) are set to 0.

The amplifier is 1.75” tall by 15.19” deep and
19” wide (see figure 4.2.1).

Mount the unit in a standard 19-inch (48.3-cm)
equipment rack (EIA RS-310B). You can also
place a single amp on a solid, stable surface or
stack multiple amps.

NOTE: When transporting, amplifiers should be
supported at both front and back.

4.3 Ensure Proper Cooling

When using an equipment rack, mount units
directly on top of each other. Close any open
spaces in the rack with blank panels. DO NOT
block front, top or side air vents.

The side walls of the rack should be a minimum
of two inches (5.1 cm) away from the amplifier
sides, and the back of the rack should be a
minimum of four inches (10.2 cm) from the
amplifier back panel. While the amplifier is
convection cooled and does not require a fan, it
is critical that the air vents are not covered.

page 6

Figure 4.2.1 CT Series Dimensions

Operation Manual

CT Power Amplifiers

4 Setup

4.4 Choose Input Wire
and Connectors

Crown recommends using pre-built or
professionally wired balanced line (two­conductor plus shield). Balanced wiring provides
better rejection of unwanted noise and hum but
unbalanced line may also be used. For more
information, refer to the Crown Amplifier
Application Guide, available online at www.
crownaudio.com.

Use 3-pin Phoenix-type cable ends at the amp
input connectors.

Figure 4.4.1 shows connector pin assignments
for balanced wiring and figure 4.4.2 shows
connector pin assignments for unbalanced wiring.

NOTE: Custom wiring should only be
performed by qualified personnel. Class 2
wiring is required.

4.5 Choose Output Wire and
Con nectors

Crown recommends using professionally
constructed, high quality, two-conductor, heavy
gauge speaker wire and connectors. Use 2-pin
Phoenix-type connectors (Included with the
amp).

Suggested below are guidelines to select the
appropriate size of wire based on the distance
from amplifier to speaker. Check with local code
as this may vary.

Distance Wire Size

up to 25 ft. (7.6m) 16 AWG
26-40 ft. (7.9-12.2m) 14 AWG

CAUTION: Never use shielded cable for
output wiring.

CAUTION: Never connect the speaker
return to the chassis of the amplifier, or
damage to the amplifier may result.

CAUTION: Output of amplifier channels
cannot be bridged. This may damage the
amplifier.

Figure 4.4.1

Operation Manual

Figure 4.4.2

page 7

4 Setup

4.6 Wire Your System

Before you wire your system, you must be familiar with
the capabilities of the input routing.

The DriveCore amplifier can be configured in two ways:

1. The input for a channel goes out the same channel.
This option is the standard configuration.

DRIVECORE AMPLIFIER

CHANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

C

HANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

Figure 4.6.1 Four channels with no input routing

DRIVECORE AMPLIFIER

CHANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

CHANNEL 5

C

HANNEL 6

C

HANNEL 7

HANNEL 8

C

C

HANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

C

HANNEL 5

C

HANNEL 6

C

HANNEL 7

HANNEL 8

C

Figure 4.6.2 Eight channels with no input routing

2. The input for a channel can be routed to the next
channel, overriding the wired input signal for that
channel. This method simplifies input wiring and
minimizes use of y-cables.

DRIVECORE AMPLIFIER

CHANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

C

HANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

Figure 4.6.3 Two channel to four channel routing

DRIVECORE AMPLIFIER

CHANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

C

HANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

Figure 4.6.4 One channel to four channel routing

DRIVECORE AMPLIFIER

CHANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

CHANNEL 5

C

HANNEL 6

C

HANNEL 7

HANNEL 8

C

C

HANNEL 1

C

HANNEL 2

C

HANNEL 3

HANNEL 4

C

C

HANNEL 5

C

HANNEL 6

C

HANNEL 7

HANNEL 8

C

Figure 4.6.5 Four channel to eight channel routing

CT Power Amplifiers

4.7 Connect to AC Mains

Connect your amplifier to the AC mains power source
(power outlet) with the supplied AC power cordset. First,
connect the IEC end of the cordset to the IEC connector
on the amplifier; then, plug the other end of the cord set
to the AC mains.

WARNING: The third prong of this connector
(ground) is an important safety feature. Do not
attempt to disable this ground connection by
using an adapter or other methods.

Amplifiers don’t create energy. The AC mains voltage and
current must be sufficient to deliver the power you
expect. If the AC line voltage varies out of an acceptable
range, the amplifier’s power supply turns off and the blue
Power LED flashes. The amplifier will turn back on when
the AC line voltage returns to safe operating levels.

Figure 4.7.1 provides voltage limits for all amplifier AC
voltage configurations. Also, the amplifier must be run
within the specified mains frequency requirements
(indicated on the amplifier’s back panel label). If you are
unsure of the output voltage of your AC mains, please
consult your electrician.

Model Under-Voltage Limit Over-Voltage Limit

All Models 90 VAC 264 VAC

Figure 4.7.1 AC Under-Voltage and Over-Voltage Limits for
Various Amplifier Models

page 8

Input routing is configured using the dip switches on the
back of the amplifier. See Section 11 Input Routing

for information on configuring switches.

Note: ComTech DriveCore amplifiers can NOT be
bridged.

Operation Manual

CT Power Amplifiers

4 Setup

4.8 Startup Procedure

Use the following procedure when first turning on your
amplifier:

1. Turn down the level of your audio source.

2. Turn down the level controls of the amplifier (see
Section 7.6).

3. Turn on the “Power” switch. The Power indicator
should glow.

4. Turn up the level of your audio source to an
optimum level.

5. Turn up the Level controls on the amplifier until the
desired loudness or power level is achieved.

If you ever need to make any wiring or installation

changes, don’t forget to turn off the amplifier and
discon nect the power cord.

For help with determining your system’s optimum gain
structure (signal levels) please refer to the Crown
Ampli fier Application Guide, available online at
www.crownaudio.com.

5 Precautions

Your amplifier is protected from internal and external
faults, but you should still take the following
precautions for optimum performance and safety:

1. Before use, your amplifier first must be configured
for proper operation, including input and output
wiring hookup. Improper wiring can result in
serious operat ing difficulties. For information on
wiring and config uration, please consult the Setup
section of this manual or, for advanced setup
techniques, consult Crown’s Amplifier Application
Guide available online at www.crownaudio.com.

2. Use care when making connections, selecting
signal sources and controlling the output level.
The load you save may be your own!

3. Do not short the ground lead of an output cable to
the input signal ground. This may form a ground
loop and cause oscillations.

4. Never connect the output to a power
supply, battery or power main. Electrical
shock may result.

5. Tampering with the circuitry, or making
unauthorized circuit changes may be hazardous
and invalidates all agency listings.

6. Do not operate the amplifier with the red Clip LEDs
constantly flashing.

7. Do not overdrive the mixer, which will cause
clipped signal to be sent to the amplifier. Such
signals will be reproduced with extreme accuracy,
and loudspeaker damage may result.

8. Do not operate the amplifier with less than the
rated load impedance. Due to the amplifier’s
output protec tion, such a configuration may result
in premature clipping and speaker damage.

9. Output of amplifier cannot be bridged or multiple
channels cannot be connected together.

Remember: Crown is not liable for damage that results
from overdriving other system components.

Operation Manual

page 9