Crown I-Tech 4-3500HD User Manual

Page 1

I-Tech 4x3500 HD DriveCoreSeries

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 situation 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: Crown, Crown Audio, IQ, BCA, and Amcron are registered trademarks of Crown International. HiQnet is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Some models may be exported under the name Amcron.

I-T 4x3500 HD

5006082-1 9/11

Page 2

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

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 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 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

SPLASHING 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.

The I-Tech Series ampliﬁers are certiﬁed only at 120V in Canada.

IMPORTANT

I-Tech Series ampliﬁers require Class 2 output wiring. Les ampliﬁcateurs de série de I-Tech exigent des câbles de sortie de classe 2. I-Tech-Reihe-Verstärker verlangen Klasse die 2 Produktionsverdrahtung. Los ampliﬁcadores de la Serie I-Tech 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 ampliﬁers) 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 compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

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.

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Operation Manual

Page 3

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Harman International

ISSUED BY: Harman International

1718 W. Mishawaka Road Elkhart, Indiana 46517 U.S.A.

Representative’s Name and Address:

David Budge 10 Harvest Close Yateley, GU46 6YS United Kingdom

Equipment Type: Commercial Audio Power Ampliﬁers Family Name: I-Tech HD Model Names: I-TECH4x3500S HD and I-TECH4x3500B HD

EMC Standards:

EN 55103-1:2009 EMC Compatibility – Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 1: Emissions

EN 55103-1:2009 Magnetic Field Emissions-Annex A @ 10 cm and 20 cm EN 61000-3-2:2006 Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (equipment input current less than or equal to 16A EN 61000-3-3:2008 Limitation of Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Low-Voltage Supply systems Rated Current less than or equal to 16A EN 55022:2010 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of ITE: Radiated & Conducted, Class B Limits EN 55103-2:2009 EMC Compatibility – Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 2: Immunity EN 61000-4-2:2008 Ed 2.0 EMC Compatibility – Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 2: Immunity EN 61000-4-3:2010 Ed 3.2 Radiated, Radio-Frequency, Electromagnetic Immunity (Environment E2, criteria A) EN 61000-4-4:2007 Radiated, Radio-Frequency, EMC Immunity (Environment E2, Criteria A) EN 61000-4-5:2006 Surge Immunity (Criteria B) EN 61000-4-6:2006 Immunity to Conducted Disturbances Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields (Criteria A) EN 61000-4-11:2004 Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variation

Safety Standard: IEC 60065:2001 Ed 7 +A1:2005 Safety Requirements – Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus CAN/CSA 60065-03 incl. A1 Safety Requirements – Audio, Video, and Similar Electronic Apparatus UL Std No. 60065-2007 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.

DECLARATION of CONFORMITY

FOR COMPLIANCE QUESTIONS ONLY:

Sue Whitﬁeld sue.whitﬁeld@harman.com

Signed

Terry Davenport Title: Sr. Director of Operations

Operation Manual

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

Date of Issue: February 1, 2012

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Page 4

Table of Contents

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

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

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

Table of Contents ...............................................................................4

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

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

1.2 How to Use This Manual ......................................................... 5

2 Setup .............................................................6

2.1 Unpack and Install Your Ampliﬁer ..........................................6

2.2 Connecting to AC Mains ........................................................ 7

2.3 Wire Inputs and Outputs ......................................................... 7

3 HARMAN GreenEdge - Going ‘Green’ ........................11

3.1 Going ‘Green’ .......................................................................... 11

3.2 The Sound of Efﬁciency .......................................................... 11

3.3 Green Savings ........................................................................11

4 Integraded DriveCoreTM Technology ..........................12

5 Powered by Crown ..............................................13

6 Operation ........................................................14

6.1 Protecting Your Speakers .......................................................14

6.2 Startup Procedure .................................................................. 14

6.3 Precautions ............................................................................14

6.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ........................................ 15

6.5 Back Panel Controls, Indicators and Connectors ..................... 16

7 Advanced Operation ............................................17

7.1 Introduction ............................................................................ 17

7.2 Operation Example .................................................................. 18

7.3 Presets ................................................................................... 27

7.4 List of Pop-Up and Descriptions ............................................. 28

7.5 Digital Audio Options (AES3 and VDrive) ................................ 29

7.6 Networking the Ampliﬁer ......................................................... 29

7.7 Software- Controllable Onboard DSI ....................................... 29

8 Troubleshooting ................................................44

9 Speciﬁcations ...................................................46

10 AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation ..................50

11 Advanced Features ............................................51

11.1 Protection Systems ............................................................... 51

11.2 Global Switching Power Supply with PFC ............................. 51

11.3 6th Generation Class I Circuitry ............................................ 51

11.4 Color-Coded Rear Overlay .................................................... 51

12 Appendix A: Network and CobraNet Basics ................52

12.1 HiQnet Networks ................................................................... 52

12.2 A Closer Look at CobraNet .................................................... 52

13 LevelMAXTM Limiter Suite ....................................56

14 LevelMAX Limiters ............................................57

14.1 LevelMAX Peak Limiter ......................................................... 57

14.2 Peak Limiter Threshold (Vpk) ................................................ 57

14.3 Peak Limiter Attach (sec)....................................................... 57

14.4 Peak Limiter Release (sec) .................................................... 57

14.5 Peak Limiter Look Ahead....................................................... 57

14.6 Level MAX RMS Limiter ........................................................ 57

14.7 RMS Threshold (VRMS) ....................................................... 57

14.8 LevelMAX Tranducer Thermal Limiters ..................................57

14.9 Thermal Voltage (VRMS) ...................................................... 57

14.10 Thermal Response Time (s) ................................................. 57

15 Appendix B: Table of Parameters Modiﬁed by Each Mode

with LevelMAX ....................................................58

16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeakers Crossovers ..60

16.1 FIR Overview......................................................................... 60

16.2 What are IIR Filters and FIR Filters? ....................................... 60

16.3 Pros and Cons of IIR and FIR Filters ...................................... 60

16.4 Desirable Attributes of FIR Filters .......................................... 60

16.5 High Rolloff and Steep Slopes ............................................... 61

16.6 Stop-band Attenuation .......................................................... 61

16.7 FIR Polar Lobing Eror............................................................ 61

16.8 Crown’s Implementation of FIR Filters ................................... 61

16.9 FFT Convolution ................................................................... 61

16.10 Filter Design ....................................................................... 61

16.11 Low Latency 96 kHz Studio Quality Filters ........................... 62

16.12 Measurements of Two-way Loudspeaker System................. 62

16.13 FIR Measurements .............................................................. 64

16.14 Conclusions ....................................................................... 65

17 Service .......................................................... 66

17.1 International and Canada Service .......................................... 66

17.2 US Service ............................................................................ 66

18 Warranty ........................................................67

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Operation Manual

Page 5

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

I-T4x3500HD

2-ohm

2.7-ohm

4-ohm

8-ohm

4-ohm Bridge

8-ohm Bridge

70Vrms Direct

100Vrms Direct

20 Hz - 20 kHz

Minimum power in watts with 0.35% THD, all channels driven.

1,900W

2,100W

2,400W

1 kHz 20ms Burst

7,000W 6,000W

1,900W

3,500W

2,200W 3,800W

4,000W

4,200W 4,800W 2,100W 2,300W

1 Welcome

Operation Manual

The Crown® I-Tech HD DriveCore Series offers amazing power, light weight and ease of use for touring sound applications. Unlike other ampliﬁers, it includes onboard high-deﬁnition DSP, a 4.3” LCD TFT Capacitive Touchscreen, and a built-in network connection.

Modern power ampliﬁers are sophisticated pieces of engineering capable of producing extremely high power levels. They must be treated with respect and correctly installed if they are to provide the many years of reliable service for which they were designed.

In addition, I-Tech Series ampliﬁers include a number of features which require some expla nation before they can be used to their maxi mum advantage.

Please take the time to study this manual so that you can obtain the best possible service from your ampliﬁer.

1.1 Features

• Global Power Supply with PFC (Power Fac tor

Correction) works anywhere in the world.

• High power density, up to 12,000 watts in a

2U chassis.

• Output voltage of 185Vpk provides clean

transient peaks.

• 6th-generation patented Class I (BCA® with

Drivecore Technology) cir cuitry couples power efﬁciently to the load and provides low AC current draw.

• Onboard high-denition analog devices

Sharc

processor DSP with 24-bit, 192 kHz SHARC A/D and D/A converters. Advanced IIR ﬁlters and linear-phase FIR ﬁlters.

• Pushbutton presets simplify setup. Custom

presets for various loudspeakers can be down loaded.

• AES3 digital audio input with V-Drive.

• EtherCon® Ethernet con nector for HiQnet™

control or CobraNet digital audio transport. This “Single Plug” connection allows HiQnet protocol and CobraNet digital audio, and VDrive through the same CAT 5 cable.

• LCD Control Screen is used to adjust the

ampliﬁer’s attenuation and muting, conﬁgure the amp, set up and view error monitoring, and recall DSP presets to reconﬁgure the amp for various applications.

• Comprehensive array of indicators provide

accurate diagnostics: Power, Data, along with Ready, Signal, Clip, Thermal and Fault for each channel.

• AC mains indicator in power switch glows

green when AC power is present.

• Front-panel USB connector accepts a USB

drive to transfer presets from the drive to the ampliﬁer DSP, and vice versa. This feature also allows you to update the ampliﬁer’s ﬁrmware.

• Light weight due to aluminum chassis,

spe cial internal construction, switching power

supply and patented class-I output stage with DriveCore Technology.

• Thermal management controller and two

dis crete thermal zones with variable-speed fans, forced-air cooling.

• Advanced protection circuitry guards against:

shorted outputs, DC, mismatched loads, general overheating, under/over volt age, highfrequency overloads and internal faults.

• Five-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable

Warranty completely protects your investment and guarantees its speciﬁcations.

1.2 How to Use This Manual

This manual provides you with the necessary information to safely and correctly setup and operate your ampliﬁer. It does not cover every aspect of installation, setup or operation that might occur under every condition. For addi tional information, please consult the online help in System Architect software, Crown’s Ampliﬁer Application Guide, I-Tech Application Guide (available online at www. crownaudio.com), Crown Technical Sup port, your system installer or retailer.

We strongly recommend you read all instruc tions, warnings and cautions contained in this manual. Also, for your protection, please send in your warranty registration card today. And save your bill of sale — it’s your ofﬁcial proof of purchase.

page 5

Page 6

2 Setup

8.9 cm

43.1 cm

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

2.1 Unpack and Install Your

Amplier

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

• Ethernet cables

• Rack for mounting amplier (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.

CAUTION: Before you begin, make sure your ampliﬁer is disconnected from the power source, with the power switch in the “off” position and all level controls turned completely down (counterclockwise).

Use a standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) equipment rack (EIA RS-310B). See Figure 2.1 for ampli ﬁer dimensions.

You may also stack amps without using a rack.

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

MAGNETIC FIELD

CAUTION! Do not locate sensitive high-gain equipment such as preampliﬁers or tape decks 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 on the right side and right bottom of the ampliﬁer (facing the ampliﬁer).

If an equipment rack is used, we recommend locating sensitive equipment at least 20 cm (8 inches) away from the ampliﬁer.

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

Figure 2.2 illustrates standard ampliﬁer airﬂow.

page 6

3.5 In

19 In.

48.3 cm

1.5 In.

16.95 In.

Figure 2.1

Dimensions

3.8 cm

Figure 2.2 Airow

Operation Manual

Page 7

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

NAL

INPUT

CH1

CH2

CH3

CH4

DIG

ITAL INPUT AES3

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2 Setup

2.2 Connecting to AC Mains

WARNING: The third (ground) prong of the supplied AC power cord connector is a required safety feature. Do not attempt to disable this ground connection by using an adapter or other methods.

Ampliﬁers do not create energy. The AC mains voltage and current must be sufﬁcient to deliver the power you expect. You must operate your ampliﬁer from an AC mains power source with not more than a 10% variation above or a 10% variation below the ampliﬁer’s speciﬁed line voltage range and within the speciﬁed 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.

-T-TECHECH 4x4x35003500 || 23002300

TITIOON – N – TTOO REREDD

T T BEBE MAINMAINTATAINEDINED..

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OFOF ELECTRICELECTRIC SHOCSHOCKK,, GROUNDINGROUNDIN

2.3 Wire Inputs and Outputs

2.3.1 Wiring basics

• Always use shielded wire for input wiring. The higher the density of the

shield (the outer conductor) the better. Spiral wrapped shield is not recom mended.

• When using unbalanced lines keep the cables as short as possible. Avoid

lengths greater than 10 feet (3 meters).

• Do not run audio input cables together with high-level wiring such as

loudspeaker wires or AC cords. (This lessens the chance of hum and noise being induced into the input cables.)

• Turn the entire sound system off before changing any connections.

Crown is not liable for damage incurred when any transducer or compo nent is over driven.

THE CHANNEL 2 AND 4 INPUT IS IGNORED by default in Bridge Mono mode. It can be summed using the input source selector.

For additional information on audio input wiring please refer to the Crown Ampliﬁer Application Guide available online at www.crownaudio.com. It contains helpful information on preventing unwanted subsonic frequen cies, radio frequency interference, ground loops, and feedback oscillation.

When using network connections, pass the CAT 5 cable ﬁve times through a ferrite core (Figure 2.4), available from Crown Audio Inc. This is to ensure compliance with emission regulations.

32A Neutrik® powerCON

Figure 2.4 Pass the CAT 5 Cable Five Times Through the Ferrite Core

Figure 2.3 Power Connector

Operation Manual

page 7

Page 8

2 Setup

OUTPUTS

CH1 CH2

DUAL

BRIDGE

DUAL

CH3CH4

BRIDGE

DUAL DUAL

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

2.3.2 Choose Input Wire and Connectors

Crown recommends using pre-built or professionally wired, bal anced line (two-conductor plus shield), 22-24 gauge cables and connectors. Use 3-pin male XLR connectors.

Unbalanced line may also be used but may result in noise over long cable runs.

Figure 2.5 shows connector pin assignments for balanced analog wiring or AES3 digital wiring. The use of standard analog cable with AES3 will result in diminished performance. For best results, 110 ohm shielded twisted-pair cable for AES3 signals is highly recommended. Figure 2.6 shows connector pin assignments for unbalanced analog wiring.

If multiple connectors are needed for AES3 distribution from a single AES3 source, the following shows the number of AES connections in parallel based on AES3 switching frequency.

Frequency # of Connections 96kHz 4 AES3 Pairs 48kHz 8 AES3 Pairs

44.1kHz 8 AES3 Pairs

***Please note with good quality 110 ohm shielded digital cable, it is possible to obtain a higher number of connections than stated here. It is up to the user to test this based on their use case. The connections stated here are based on worst case analysis.

CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD: Potentially lethal voltages exist at the output connectors when the ampliﬁer is turned on and is passing a signal.

Using the guidelines below, select the appropriate size of wire based on the distance from ampliﬁer to speaker.

Distance Wire Size

up to 25 ft. 16 AWG 26-40 ft. 14 AWG 41-60 ft. 12 AWG 61-100 ft. 10 AWG

Figure 2.5 Balanced Analog Input Connector Wiring or AES3 Digital Connector Wiring

Figure 2.7 Left: Speakon Right: Speakon

Output Connector on Back Panel

Cable Connector

NOTE: Custom wiring should only be performed by qualiﬁed per sonnel.

2.3.3 Choose Output Wire and Connectors

Crown recommends using pre-built or professionally wired, highquality, two-, four-, or eight-conductor, heavy gauge speaker wire and connectors. Use Class 2 output wiring. You may use a 4-pole Speakon® connector (Figure 2.7) or banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire for your output connectors (Figure 2.8). To prevent the possibility of short circuits, wrap or otherwise insulate exposed loudspeaker cable connectors.

page 8

Figure 2.6 Unbalanced Analog Input Connector Wiring

Figure 2.8

Binding Post Connections

Operation Manual

Page 9

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Channel 1 Loudspeaker

Channel 1

Loudspeaker

Channel 2 Loudspeaker

Channel 2

Channel 1

2 Setup

101-150 ft. 8 AWG 151-250 ft. 6 AWG

CAUTION: Never use shielded cable for output wiring.

2.3.4 Stereo Mode Wiring

Typical input and output wiring is shown in Figure 2.9.

IMPORTANT: Turn off the ampliﬁer and unplug its power cord.

INPUTS: Choose one of these options:

• Connect analog input wiring for all channels.

• Connect AES3 digital signal to the AES3 connectors.

OUTPUTS: Maintain proper polarity (+/–) on output connectors. Use Class 2 output wiring.

Figure 2.9 shows how to wire stereo speakers to the binding posts. Con nect Channel 1 loudspeaker’s positive (+) lead to Channel 1 positive (red) terminal of amp; repeat for negative (–). Repeat Channel 2 wiring as for Channel 1.

To wire stereo speakers to the Speakon

connectors, use this method:

I-TECH 4x3500 | 2300W

CAUTION – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING MUST BE MAINTAINED.

ASSEMBLED IN USA

Channel 1

Channel 2

ANALOG

CH1CH2 CH3CH4

INPUTS

CH 3/4

CH 1/2

DIGITAL INPUT AES3

COND.

Channel 4

Channel 3

OUTPUTS

CH1CH2

BRIDGE

DUAL

REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. 5,657,219

6,504,348 6,909,321 7,283,379

7,557,622 7,919,998 7,778,324 7,521,936

NETWORK

DATA PRESET LINK/ ACT.

CLASS 2 OUTPUT WIRING

BRIDGE

DUAL DUAL

CH3CH4

Stereo Wiring Method 1: Use Top Speakon® Only

PIN 1+ 1– 2+ 2–

CH 1+ 1– 2+ 2–

Figure 2.10 Wiring Two Stereo Speakers

to the Top Speakon

Operation Manual

Table 1

Connector

AES 1+2

AES 3+4

Figure 2.9 System Wiring, 2 x Stereo Mode

Channel 4Channel 3

page 9

Page 10

2 Setup

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

AES

Table 1 and Figure 2.10: Wire one Speakon® cable connector to two speakers. Insert the Speakon® cable connector into the ampliﬁer’s top Speakon® connector.

2.3.5 Bridge-Mono Mode

Overview: Turn on the amp, enable Bridge-Mono mode using the LCD Control Screen, turn off the amp, wire it, and turn it back on.

1. Be sure that no cables are connected to the ampliﬁer. Turn on the front-panel power

switch. The LCD Control Screen will light up.

2. Under the LCD Control Screen, press the Menu/Exit button. Press the Next

button until you see OUTPUT MODE on the screen. If N/A is displayed, OUTPUT MODE is locked via software. If LOCKOUT is displayed, all the LCD screens are locked via software.

3. Press the Encoder knob to select BRIDGE MONO. Press the knob again to conﬁrm your choice. Press Menu/Exit. Turn down both level controls (Encoder) until you reach maximum attenuation.

4. IMPORTANT: Turn off the ampliﬁer and unplug its power cord.

INPUTS: There are three ways to connect an input signal to the ampliﬁer (Figure 2.11):

• Connect an analog signal source to the Channel-1 and/or Channel-3 amplier

input.

• Connect an AES/EBU digital signal source to the Digital Input IN connector.

NOTE: Crown provides a reference of wiring pin assignments for commonly used connector types in the Crown Ampliﬁer Application Guide available at www.crownaudio.com.

OUTPUTS: Use Class 2 output wiring. There are two ways to wire the ampliﬁer output connectors for Bridge-Mono mode:

1) Wire the speaker across the red binding post channels 1/2 and 3/4 (Figure 2.11). Do not use the black binding posts when operating in Bridge-Mono mode.

NOTE: In Bridge-Mono mode, the Channel 1 Level control sets the level; the Channel 2 Level control is defeated. All Channel 2 objects and controls are hidden and disabled. In this mode, the Channel 3 Level control sets the level; the Channel 4 Level control is defeated.

Figure 2.11

System Wiring,

2 x mono mode

I-TECH 4x3500 | 2300W

CAUTION – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING MUST BE MAINTAINED.

ASSEMBLED IN USA

Analog

3/4

ANALOG INPUTS

COND.

CH1CH2 CH3CH4

CH 1/2

DIGITAL INPUT AES3

OUTPUTS

CH1CH2

BRIDGE

DUAL

REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. 5,657,219

6,504,348 6,909,321 7,283,379

7,557,622 7,919,998 7,778,324 7,521,936

NETWORK

DATA PRESET LINK/ ACT.

CLASS 2 OUTPUT WIRING

CH3CH4

DUAL DUAL

DUAL

BRIDGE

Table 2

Speakon

Wiring for Bridge-Mono

PIN 1+ 2+

SPKR

+ –

page 10

Figure 2.12

Mono Wiring Using Both

SPKR

3+ 4+

+ –

Operation Manual

Page 11

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

3 HARMAN GreenEdge -Going ‘Green’ without compromise

3.1 Going ‘Green’

Going ‘Green’ is no longer an option – it’s a necessity. Protecting the world we live in against adverse climate change is a major objective of socially responsible governments, businesses and individuals everywhere. Reducing energy consumption is fundamental to the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions and is likely to impact various elements of our lifestyle. Maintaining the quality of our lifestyle, while improving the environment, is a challenge addressed by the HARMAN GreenEdge advanced technology initiative.

HARMAN’s passion for innovative engineering remains dedicated to its goal of acoustic excellence for all of its products. HARMAN’s loyal customers never need to fear the loss of performance from going ‘Green’ – in fact, the new range of GreenEdge audio systems enhance performance and acoustic qualities. HARMAN continues to drive the importance of ‘the listening experience’ while caring for the world we share.

3.2 The Sound of Efciency

HARMAN’s Research and Development teams are implementing highly innovative engineering, design and manufacturing processes across its range of world-class branded audio and infotainment products. The GreenEdge technology initiative allows partners to take advantage of Eco-Friendly, energy-saving beneﬁts such as:

Weight Savings -When compared to traditional, non-switching ampliﬁers, the I-Tech HD Series weighs an average of 50 lbs (22.68kg) less. Less weight beneﬁts the consumer by reducing shipping costs and beneﬁts the environment by reducing emissions from vehicles because the shipper is able to either reduce the amount of vehicles needed to transport the goods or the vehicle is not running up to its weight limits resulting in less fuel economy.

High-Efciency Designs – The patented Universal Power Supply with Power Factor Correction combined with the patented Class-I PWM output stage of the I-Tech HD series ampliﬁers provides greater than 90% efﬁciency when ran at 100VAC to 240VAC and all voltage in between.

Power Savings – The I-Tech HD Series has both manual and automatic standby modes that put the ampliﬁer into a low AC current draw state when not in use. When in this mode, the I-Tech HD series draws an average of 100W of power greatly reducing your power bills.

Environmental Responsibility – By integrating HARMAN GreenEdge systems into your business model, you are promoting Eco-Friendly energy saving initiatives and reducing your impact on the enviorment.

3.3 Green Savings

Here’s an example of the energy savings offered by Crown’s Class-I tour products:

Class-I Ampliﬁers v. MA5002VZ in Touring Applications

• If Crown shipped 13,500 IT4000/MA5000/IT5000HD

• If we had shipped 13,500 MA5002VZs in their place, the

numbers would look like this:

MA5002VZ

Number of Units 13,500 13,500

Total Weight 519.8 tons 189 tons

1 hour of Electricity Usage 2.52kWh 1,602kWh

1 year of Electricity Usage 18,370,800 kWh 11,678,580 kWh

Electricity Savings:

• ~6,692,220 kWh

• Enough to power ~370 households annually!

Weight Savings (Freight):

• Reduces ~400 Metric tons of greenhouse gas annually

• About the same as taking 75 cars off the road

Class-I Tour Amp

(IT4000, MA5000i, IT5000HD)

Operation Manual

page 11

Page 12

4 Integrated DriveCoreTM Technology

Class D and Class I ampliﬁers are notable for extraordinarily high efﬁciency and being well suited for driving difﬁcult reactive loads such as subwoofers.

Crown engineers developed DriveCore™ Technology – a proprietary hybrid analog-digital integrated circuit (IC) developed with Texas Instruments that drives the “front end” of the Class D or Class I output stage. Over 60 years of Crown’s design knowledge and experience went into the development of this technology resulting in truly remarkable beneﬁts.

DriveCore™ Technology provides an extremely wide-tolerance with regards to sagging or “dirty” AC line conditions providing consistent performance without affecting audio quality. This means that your performance will not be compromised by ﬂuctuating generator power or overloading by lighting rigs, backline gear, etc.

In addition, DriveCore™ Technology’s patented feedback and PWM modulation circuits enable fast recovery on peak transients, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of lowfrequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

Figure 4.1 I-Tech HD 2 Channel Front End Board

07CYDJKL

SN61112B5

Figure 4.2 Ruby Chip (Actual Size)

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

page 12

Operation Manual

Page 13

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Level

s/Mut

5 Powered by Crown

This I-Tech HD Series ampliﬁer is compatible with the Powered by Crown app. For more information visit: http://www.crownaudio.com/mobileapplications/index.htm

iPad iPad

The New System Control App from Crown,

Available at the Apple App Store.

+ Instantly connect to your Crown networked amps; just p lug

your amps into any wireless router, watch the amps auto-populate, and you have full control of every thing

+ Watch over your entire rig using your IPhone or IPad, anywhere

in the venue - intuitive control panels allow you to monitor input levels, output levels, thermal conditions - anything you nee d

+ Need to limit control or see something special? Choose any

controls you want using System Architect custom panels; then easily import them using ITunes

+ Use it with CTs, I-Tech, I-Tech HD, and Macro Tech I series (CTs

requires network PIP)

Levels/Mute

Input Signal GeneratorLOW MID HIGH

Available right now, download instantly from the Apple App Store.

Operation Manual

Visit crownaudio.com for more information

page 13

Page 14

6 Operation

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

6.1 Protecting Your Speakers

It’s wise to avoid clipping ampliﬁer signals at the input and output. Not only does clipping sound bad, it can damage loudspeakers. To prevent clipping, use System Architect software’s Level Max suite to enable or display the peak voltage limiter and average power limiter in your ampliﬁer’s built-in DSP. That way, no matter how strong a signal your mixer produces, the ampliﬁer output will not clip. Set the limiter threshold so that at full level no components in the audio signal chain are clipping, the ampliﬁer input and output is not clipping, and the attached loudspeakers at properly protected according to the mnfg’s rec’d speciﬁcations.

Also, avoid sending strong subsonic signals to the ampliﬁer. Highlevel, low-frequency signals from breath pops or dropped microphones can blow out drivers. To prevent subsonic signals, use one of these methods:

• Insert a highpass lter between mixer output and amplier input (or

between mixer and limiter).

• Use the I-Tech’s onboard DSP to set up a highpass lters.

• Switch in highpass lters at your mixer. Set the lter to as high a

fre quency as possible that does not affect your program. For example, try 35 Hz for music and 75 Hz for speech. On each mixer input channel, set the ﬁlter frequency just below the lowest fundamental frequency of that channel’s instrument.

• Note: An amplier reproduces the signal present on the input.

Therefore, if you send clipped or squared wave signals to the input, it will recreate this on the output possibly damaging your loudspeakers.

6.2 Startup Procedure

When ﬁrst turning on your ampliﬁer, follow the procedures in the Quick-Start Guide on page 4 (stereo) or page 5 (bridge-mono).

If you ever need to make any wiring or installation changes, don’t for get to disconnect the power cord.

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

6.3 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 operating difﬁculties. For information on wiring and conﬁguration, 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. WARNING: 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 imped ance. Due to the ampliﬁer’s output protection, such a conﬁgura tion may result in premature clipping and speaker damage.

9. CAUTION – SHOCK HAZARD: Potentially lethal voltages exist at the output connectors when the ampliﬁer is turned on and is passing a signal.

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

page 14

Operation Manual

Page 15

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

6 Operation

6.4 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Many of these functions can be disabled using Blackout Mode (a selection in the Advanced Menu, Section 7.2).

A. Cooling Vents

Front-to-rear forced airﬂow through foam dust ﬁlter

B. LCD Control Screen

Integrated 4.3” color touchscreen LCD with backlight, controls ampli ﬁer setup and operation.

The LCD Control Screen and its controls let the user

adjust the ampliﬁer’s attenuation and muting, con ﬁgure the amp, set up and view error monitoring (such as temperature and load supervision), and recall DSP presets.

C. Power Switch

Push-on/push-off switch glows green when AC power is present at the power cord and the ampliﬁer circuit breaker is in the “on” position.

D. USB 2.0 Connector

Accepts a USB drive to transfer presets, device ﬁles, and update ﬁrmware from the drive to the ampliﬁer DSP, and vice versa.

E. Fault Indicator

Red LED, one per channel, ﬂashes when the ampli ﬁer output channel has stopped operating. Usually this means that the ampliﬁer must be serviced.

F. Thermal Indicator

Red LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel has shut down due to thermal stress or overload.

G. Clip Indicator

Red LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel’s output signal reaches the onset of audible clipping. The Clip Indicator also will illuminate dur ing Thermal Level Control (TLC) limiting. The Clip Indicator can be turned off during Blackout mode.

H. Level Control (Encoder)

Speed-sensitive, 0.5 dB steps, range 0 to –100 dB. This knob affect the Channel 1-4 output levels. Also Menu items and adjust parameter values that are displayed on the LCD control screen.

I. Menu/Exit Button

“Menu” enters the main menu. “Exit” leaves the menu.

J. Prev Button

Selects the previous item in the menu.

K. Next Button

Selects the next item in the menu.

L. Signal Indicators

These can be disabled during Blackout mode. Three green LEDS per channel indicate the ampli ﬁer’s input and output signal levels. From top to bot tom the LEDs are

–10 dB: ampliﬁer output is 10 dB below clipping. –20 dB: ampliﬁer output is 20 dB below clipping. Signal: selected input signal is above –40 dBu.

M. Ready Indicator

Green LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel is initialized and ready to produce audio out put.

N. Power Indicator

Blue LED indicates ampliﬁer has been turned on and AC power is available. The LED will ﬂash when the AC line voltage is 15% above or below the nominal rated range. This indicator can be turned off in Blackout mode.

O. Data Indicator

Yellow LED indicates network data activity. Data indicator ﬂashes only when the ampliﬁer is polled for data, or is polled to see whether it is online. This indicator can be turned off in Blackout mode.

P. Bridge Mode Indicator

Yellow LED illuminates when the ampliﬁer is set to Bridge-Mono mode.

Operation Manual

Figure 6.1 Front Panel Controls and Indicators

page 15

Page 16

6 Operation

ANALOG

INPUTS

CH1 CH2CH3 CH4

CH 3/4

CH 1/2

DIGITAL INPUT AES3

NETWORK

COND.

DATA PRESET

LINK/ ACT.

I-TECH 4x3500 | 2300W

ASSEMBLED IN USA

CAUTION – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, GROUNDING MUST BE MAINTAINED.

OUTPUTS

CH1CH2

DUAL

BRIDGE

DUAL

CH3CH4

BRIDGE

DUAL DUAL

REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. 5,657,219 6,504,348 6,909,321

7,283,379 7, 557,622 7,919,998 7,778,324 7, 521,936

CLASS 2 OUTPUT WIRING

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

6.5 Back Panel Controls, Indica tors and Connectors

A. Fans

Provide front-to-back forced airﬂow for cooling.

ANALOG INPUTS SECTION B. Balanced Analog XLR Inputs

A 3-pin female XLR connector for each channel.

OUTPUTS SECTION C. Speakon® Output Connectors

Two high-current, 50A Neutrik® Speakon® NL4MLP (mates with NL4FC and NL4), for channels 1+2 or 3+4 and one NLT8 for channels 1 thru 4. Class 2 output wiring required.

These two connectors accept 2-pole or 4-pole Speakon® connectors. See Figures 2.5 through 2.10 and Tables 1, 2 and 3 for connector wiring. The top 2 speakon connectors are wired each for stereo

operation off of one connector, the bottom NL8 speakon connection is for four way operation off of one connector.

D. Binding Post Output Jacks

One pair per channel of high-current, 60A color-coded binding posts. Accepts banana plugs, wire or spade lugs.

E. Power Cord Connector

32 amp PowerCon

AC Inlet. Voltage range is

indicated above IEC inlet. F. Reset Switch/Circuit Breaker

If the current draw of the ampliﬁer exceeds safe limits, this breaker automatically disconnects the power supply from the AC mains. The switch resets the circuit breaker.

G. MAC Address This speciﬁc ampliﬁer’s network identiﬁer that is burned into its ﬁrmware.

H. Preset Indicator

LED ﬂashes to signal the number of the current preset if active. LED is green if the preset values have not been changed once loaded. LED is yellow if the preset values have been changed since they were loaded.

I. Reset Button To restore factory default settings: Press the Reset Button with a thin, non-conductive object, then turn on ampliﬁer power, and continue to hold the reset button until the Preset light comes on green (approximately 16 seconds)..

J. Data Indicator

Flashes yellow only when the ampliﬁer is polled for data, or is polled to see whether it is online.

DIGITAL INPUTS SECTION K. AES/EBU Digital Input

This 3-pin female XLR connector accepts a dig ital signal in the AES/EBU format.

It is not recommended to loop through more than four ampliﬁers. If larger distribution of AES is needed, the use of an AES distribution ampli ﬁer is recommended.

NETWORKING SECTION L. Link/Act Indicator

Shows net work activity.The LINK ACT LED illuminates when the network port is connected and ﬂashes when network activity is detected.

M. Network Connector

This EtherCon

Ethernet connector is for networking.

Warning: Only connect to networks that remain inside the building.

N. Cond Indicator Turns on if the ampliﬁer is set to be the CobraNet conductor. The CobraNet conductor is a CobraNet node that provides the master timing clock for the CobraNet digital audio transport network.

page 16

Figure 6.2 Back Panel Controls and Connectors

OUTPUTS

CH1 / CH2 CH3 / CH4

+/–

CH1 / CH2 CH3 / CH4

+/–

1 2

1 2 3 4

Operation Manual

Page 17

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

MENU TREE

7 Advanced Operation

7.1 Introduction

The LCD Control Screen and its controls let you conﬁgure the ampli ﬁer and access many features that before were available only through a remote computer. Also, you can recall DSP presets via the front panel. (Some DSP parameters cannot be adjusted with the LCD Control Screen. That is done in System Architect.)

Figure 7.1 shows the parts of the LCD Control Screen. Its functions are described below. NOTE: Listed functions can also be controlled in System Architect. Here’s how to access the various menus and settings in the LCD control screen:

Menu/Exit

Figure 7.1 Parts of the LCD Control Screen

• Starting from the Attenuation screen, press Menu/Exit to go to the Menu screen.

• Press Next to go to the next item in the menu.

• Press Prev to go to the previous item in the menu.

• Turn or press the Encoder knob to change the value of a

dis played parameter.

• When you see a menu screen, push the knob once to see the

items in that menu. Or press Next to go to the next menu.

• Press Menu/Exit to leave the menu and return to the previous screen at any time. Some menu items require conﬁrmation: after you request a change, the display might say “Press and hold.” To conﬁrm a change, press and hold the Encoder knob. If you don’t want the change to occur during a conﬁrmation, turn the knob or wait ﬁve seconds. The entire front panel or any selected screens can be locked out or set to read only status using System Architect software. Locked-out screens will either say “Lockout” or the individual parameter will say “N/A”. If a change is attempted the screen will say “Changes Disabled”.

Operation Manual

Touch Screen Functions

To Navigate: Method 1

• Press Menu/Exit button to enter menu screen

• Use previous & next buttons to cycle through

menus

• Click with encoder wheel to select menu

Method 2

• Press menu/exit button to enter menu screen

• Press and drag with one ﬁnger to scroll through

• Tap with a ﬁnger on the menu to select

Menu Tree

As a handy reference, Figure 7.2 shows the menu structure of the LCD control screen. Starting from any Menu screen,

Attenuation - Mute - Lockout

Menu Button

PRESETS

Exit

ALERTS MENU

Amp Output Clip Errors

Analog Input Clip Errors Thermal Errors Low/High Limit Load Errors Sweep Load Monitoring Errors Line Voltage Errors Fan Errors Clear All Error Logs

press an Encoder knob to go to the ﬁrst selection in the Menu. You can loop through a menu’s selections using the Next and Prev buttons. The Menu/Exit button returns you to the previous screen.

GENERAL PROPERTIES MENU

Sample Rate Analog Input Sensitivity Amp Mode Locate Channel Labels Default Display View Screen Configuration

LED Meter Display Type Manufacturing Information

Exit ExitExit

Figure 7.2 The Menu Tree

menus

ADVANCED MENU

Attenuator Limits Attenuator Link Input Source Priorities Ch 1 Input Source Priorities Ch 2 Input Source Priorities Ch 3 Input Source Priorities Ch 4 Maximum Analog Input

AES Input Trim AES Input Status Bandpass Gain Output Polarity Input Delay Driver Delay Clip Limiter Pink Noise Generator Sweep Load Monitoring LevelMax Suite Menu Limiter States Peak Voltage Limiter RMS Voltage Limiter Transducer Thermal Limiter

Exit Exi

NETWORK CONFIGURATION MENU

Network Information Manufacturing Information HiQnet Node Address Network Settings

Shortcuts:

• From the default display view, press and hold the encoder wheel (with no channels selected) to mute or unmute all channelss

• From any menu, press and hold the menu exit button to return to the default display view

COBRANET MENU

CobraNet Information

CobraNet Input Ch 1 CobraNet Input Ch 2 CobraNet Input Ch 3 CobraNet Input Ch 4 CobraNet Foldback CobraNet Conductor Priority CobraNet Transport Latency CobraNet Input Trim

MONITOR MENU

Global Metering Load Monitoring Thermal Percentage Thermal Temperature AC Line Voltage Operating Time Watts Output

ALL MENUS: Next/Previous loops

xit

page 17

Page 18

7 Advanced Operation

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7.2 Operation Examples

Operation Example 1 How to set the CH1 input sensitivity using the LCD Control Screen:

1. After power-up, when the default display screen appears, press Menu/Exit.

2. Press Next twice to reach the Advanced Menu, press the encoder wheel to select.

3. Press Next once to reach the Analog Input Sensitivity menu, then press the encoder wheel to select.

4. Tap on a channel and spin the encoder wheel to adjust the dB gain for that channel, press Menu/Exit to deselect.

5. When ﬁnished, press and hold the Menu/Exit button to return to the default display view.

Operation Example 2

How to monitor the Thermal Errors using the LCD Control Screen:

1. After power-up, when the default display screen appears, press

Menu/Exit.

2. Press Next four times to reach the Alerts Menu, press the encoder wheel to select.

3. Press Next two times to reach the Thermal Errors menu, then press the encoder wheel to select.

4. Tap on a channel to clear errors that channel, press Menu/Exit to deselect.

5. When ﬁnished, press and hold the Menu/Exit button to return to the default display view.

7.2.1 Basic Selections

Opening Screen: On power-up, the LCD Control Screen dis plays the Crown logo. After a few seconds, the ﬁrmware version appears, then the Attenuation screen appears.

Attenuation and Bar Meters

This screen dis plays the attenuation in dB. To change atten uation tap a channel and turn the Encoder. Attenuation changes 0.5 dB per detent when you turn the Encoder slowly, and more when you turn the Encoder quickly. The current preset name is displayed in the upper-right corner. The (M) is explained on the next page under Presets.

If the attenuators for both channels are linked (in the Attenuator Link screen, described later), the word LINK appears. (If there is an error in the error log, an exclamation point appears at bottom center.)

Mute/Unmute (in the Attenuation screen)

• To mute a channel: The display will alternate between MUTE and the

attenua tion level. While the ampliﬁer is muted, you can adjust attenuation for each channel by tapping to select and turning the Encoder knob.

• To unmute either channel: Press and hold for 1 second.

Front Panel Lockout (in the Attenuation screen) The ampliﬁer’s administrator can control access to menu mode and the ampliﬁer’s attenuators. This lockout can be done either by the front panel buttons or by System Architect software.

To lock or unlock the menu with the front-panel buttons: press Next and Prev simultaneously. To lock or unlock the menu with System Architect software: go to the Tools Menu > Display Screen Security and press the lockout button. If a speciﬁc parameter is protected, the screen says “N/A” or “Change Disabled.”

Now let’s look at the function of each menu selection.

page 18

If the lockout is done from the software, the user can disable the lockout only in the software, not by pressing the front-panel but tons.

If the menu is locked and you press any button or turn an Encoder, the word “LOCKOUT” is displayed. If a speciﬁc parameter is protected, the screen says “N/A” or “Change Disabled.”

Operation Manual

Page 19

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

Sample Rate: Starting from the Attenuation screen, press Menu/Exit to go to the Sample Rate screen in the advanced mode. The sample rate of the ampliﬁer’s DSP is displayed. It can be modiﬁed only in System Architect software because FIR ﬁlter settings will need to be recalculated as a result of the change. Please refer to its Help ﬁles. When you route a Cobranet input, the sample rate displayed here must match the Cobranet source.

Analog Input Sensitivity: (Tap to select a channel, turn the encoder to adj.) This screen also displays the amp gain for each channel resulting from the sensitivity settings.

Note: If you do not see the sensitivity you need, try changing the Maximum Analog Input level in the Advanced Menu (described later). This makes different sensitivities available.

To optimize the system gain structure, see Section 3.1 in the I-Tech application Guide at www.crownaudio.com/pdf/amps/137327.pdf.

Presets: A preset is a group of DSP and ampliﬁer settings for a particular speaker system. Turn an Encoder to view Presets 1 through 50. To recall a preset, press the Encoder, then press and hold the Encoder to conﬁrm. For more information on presets, see Section 7.3.

The preset currently in use is displayed in the upper right corner. (A) Active means that the ampliﬁer is operating exactly according to that preset. (M) Modiﬁed means that the ampliﬁer is operating according to the preset but with some settings changed. If a preset number is ﬂashing, it is not in use.

In the example shown below,

• Preset 2 is in use.

• The amplier settings have been modied (M) since Preset 2 was loaded.

Amp Mode: This screen lets you set up the ampliﬁer for Dual, Input Y or Bridge Mono mode. Turn an Encoder knob to choose among those three options, then press the knob to save your choice. You will be prompted to conﬁrm your choice. The LCD screen displays the currently selected mode.

• In Dual (or Stereo) mode, both channels operate independently.

• In Bridge Mono mode, pairs of channels are summed to double the power,

and the ampliﬁer puts out a mono signal.

Locate: Allows users to identify a speciﬁc ampliﬁer in a large network of ampliﬁers without having to compare address infor mation. Locate can be turned on/off from software and/or the front panel. Press an Encoder knob to turn on the Locate function. When on, the LCD screen ﬂashes. Press the knob again to turn off the Locate function. In System Architect, the device icon has a blue outline to indicate that it is in Locate mode.

Operation Manual

page 19

Page 20

7 Advanced Operation

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Attenuator Limits: You can set the maximum attenuation from 0 dB to –100 dB. This feature allows you to set a limit on the attenua tors. Once set, attenuation cannot be adjusted beyond this level.

NOTE: The attenuator setting must be below the attenuator limit that you are trying to set. For example, if the attenuator is set at –3 dB, you cannot set the attenuator limit below –3 dB unless you decrease the attenuator level.

Attenuator Link You can set the attenudators to be independent or linked. Turn an Encoder knob to choose one of those options, then press the knob to save your choice.

Input Sources: For each channel, turn the Encoder to select ana log, digital, or CobraNet Options are: Analog Digital Digital with analog backup Digital with analog override

Digital with analog backup: The I-Tech HD is being fed a digital signal and an analog signal. The input is currently switched to the digital signal. If it fails, the I-Tech HD switches instantly to the analog signal.

Digital with analog override: The input is switched to the digital sig nal, and no analog signal is applied. If an analog signal is sent, the I-Tech HD switches instantly to the analog signal. If the analog signal fails, the I-Tech HD switches to the digital signal after a delay set by the Hold Time slider in the Input Section of the System Architect page.

Maximum Analog Input: Touch the screen to select: +21 dBu or +15 dBu. Note: Changing this value changes the range of sensitivities available to the ampliﬁer.

For more information see Figure 7.3 and the I-Tech Sensitivity Charts in the Appendix of the I-Tech Application Guide. It is available online at www. crownaudio.com/pdf/amps/137327.pdf.

AES Input Trim: Turn the Encoder knob to vary the gain of the AES digital signal for Channel 1: -100.0 dB to +20 dB. See Figure 4.4 for more information.

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AES Input Status: “Lock” indicates that an AES cable is plugged in and the ampliﬁer is receiving (and locking to) the AES phase logs logs. “No Lock” means that the ampliﬁer is not receiving, or is not locking to the AES clock pulse.

CobraNet Input Trim: Turn the Encoder knob to vary the gain of the CobraNet digital signal for Channel 1: -100.0 dB to +20 dB. See Figure 4.4 for more information.

Bandpass Gain: In each channel of the I-Tech HD’s DSP, just before the output limiter and after the preceding ﬁlter, is a gain block (not shown on the Signal Path block diagram). Bandpass Gain adjusts the gain of this block between -24 dB and +24 dB.

Adjusting the bandpass gain in the LCD screen makes it easy to vary the level of subwoofers, midrange drivers and high-frequency driv ers.

Output Polarity: Press each channel icon to toggle the output signal polarity between + and –.

Input Delay: Sets the input signal delay in each channel. Turn the Encoder knob to vary the delay. The delay step size is speed sensitive. Pressing the encoder enables or disables the Delay.

Below each channel’s delay setting is the equivalent distance in feet and meters. For example, 10 ms is the signal delay of sound traveling 11.3 feet or 3.4 m.

Output Delay: Sets the output signal delay in each channel. Turn the Encoder knob to vary the delay. The delay step size is speed sensitive. Pressing the encoder enables or disables the Delay.

Below each channel’s delay setting is the equivalent distance in feet and meters. For example, 10 ms is the signal delay of sound traveling 11.3 feet or 3.4 m.

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LED Meter Display Type : Here you can set the LCD bar meters to display average or peak levels. Turn the Encoder knob to select the option, then press the knob to conﬁrm your selection.

LevelMax - Clip Limiter: Limits the peak output voltage to just below clipping for each channel. Press a channel icon to turn it OFF or ON.

LevelMax - RMS Voltage Limiter: Limits the output rms voltage to an amount that you set, either OFF or 1 to 500 volts, for each channel. Press the Encoder to turn on the Limiter. Once it’s on, turn the Encoder to set the voltage.

Pink Noise Generator: Press a channel icon to turn on the generator. Its level will read –100 dB. Adjust the noise level from –100 dB to +20 dB in 0.5 dB steps by turning the Encoder. To turn off the generator, press and hold a channel icon or go to another menu item.

Front Panel Blackout: This screen lets you black out the front panel display unless you press a front-panel button or turn an Encoder. This feature turns off the LCD backlight and all front panel LEDs except for the fault LEDs and power-switch green LED. After blackout is enabled, an Encoder press/turn will “reactivate” the display. If no button is pressed/turned for 5 seconds, the display will return to blackout mode.

LevelMax- Peak Voltage Limiter: Limits the peak output voltage to a level that you set, either OFF or 1 to 500 volts, for each channel. Press an Encoder to turn on the Limiter. Once it’s on, turn the Encoder to set the voltage. Additional controls, such as attack and release, are available through System Architect.

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7.2.2 MONITOR MENU

This menu lets you monitor the status of the ampliﬁer. Load Monitoring: Press a channel icon to turn speaker load monitoring on

or off for a channel. When load monitoring is on, the load connected to the ampliﬁer output is displayed. The text below the reported load indicates whether the value is within the limits set in Sys tem Architect. OFF means load monitoring is off. LOW means the load is below limits. HIGH means the load is above limits. NORMAL means the load is within limits. (Output must be sufﬁcient)

Thermal %: This indicates the ampliﬁer temperature in percent, where 100% is the maximum allowable temperature. If Thermal % reaches 100%, the ampliﬁer is out of thermal headroom and has shut down (or will very soon). Measurements are shown for Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, and PSU.

Thermal Temp deg. C: This screen displays the temperature in degrees Celsius of the Ch. 1 output devices, Ch. 2 output devices, Ch. 3 output devices, Ch. 4 output, and the power supply.

AC Voltage: This shows the AC line voltage at the AC cord inlet to the ampliﬁer.

Watts Output: This displays the slow-averaged continuous output power of each channel in watts.

7.2.3 ALERT MENU

This menu displays a wide variety of errors in the signal, ampliﬁer, or load.

Amp Output Clip Errors: A clip error occurs if the number of clip events in the ampliﬁer output exceeds the value set with the Count slider (within the time set by the Time slider) on the Ampliﬁer Settings page in System Architect.

When an error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incremented, and the operat ing time since the error is displayed.

To clear this screen, tap a channel icon.

Operation Manual

Operating Time: This displays the number of hours the ampliﬁer has been on since manufacture. Like a car’s odometer, it shows the total amount of operating hours and cannot be reset. All I-Tech HD ampliﬁers come with a variable amount of operating time on them due to burn-in and testing before shipping.

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Low Limit Load Errors: This screen lets you view low-load errors without using the control software. A low limit load error occurs if the load impedance falls below the value set with the Low Limit spin control on the Ampliﬁer Settings page in System Architect.

When an error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incremented, and the operating time since the error is displayed.

To clear this screen, press a channel icon. NOTE: You must use System Architect to enable error reporting and set its

limits.

High Limit Load Errors: This screen lets you view high limit load errors without using the control software. A high limit load error occurs if the load impedance rises above the value set with the High Limit value on the software Control Panel.

When an error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incre mented, and the operating time since the error is displayed.

To clear this screen, press a channel icon NOTE: You must use System Architect to enable error report ing and set its

limits.

SLM (Sweep Load Monitoring) Errors: This screen lets you view SLM errors without using the control software.

When an error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incremented, and the operating time since the error is displayed.

To clear this screen, press and release an Encoder. The display will prompt you to conﬁrm your choice by pressing and holding the Encoder.

NOTE: You must use System Architect to enable error reporting and set its limits.

Line Voltage Errors: This screen lets you view line-voltage errors without using the control software. A line voltage error occurs if the line voltage falls outside the values set with the High/Low Limits slider on the Line Voltage Page of the Control Panel.

When an error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incre mented, and the operating time since the error is displayed. The “Low” and “High” indicators show whether the line voltage was below or above the line-voltage limits.

To clear this screen, press the icon. (The display will prompt you to conﬁrm your choice by pressing and holding the Encoder.)

NOTE: You must use System Architect to enable error report ing and set its limits.

Fan Errors: When a fan error occurs, the count displayed in this screen is incre mented, and the operating time since the error is displayed.

Clear All Error Logs: In this screen, you can press and hold an the icon to clear all the error logs.

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7.2.4 NETWORKING MENU

This menu has screens for setting up audio network parameters. Push an Encoder knob to see the selections in the Networking Menu.

Network Info: This screen displays information about the audio network: IP address, HiQnet address, Subnet and MAC address. Section 12 of this manual explains these terms.

Manufacturing Info: This screen displays information about your I-Tech HD ampliﬁer: model number, ﬁrmware version, serial number, and ampliﬁer date code.

HiQnet Node Address: This screen lets you set the HiQnet address of this ampliﬁer (a node in the network). Tap icon, then turn an Encoder knob to set the address, then press the knob to save your setting.

DHCP: Turn an Encoder knob to turn DHCP on or off, then press the knob to conﬁrm your selection. With DHCP enabled, the IP address of the ampliﬁer might change at power-up. See System Architect Help ﬁles for more information on DHCP.

IP Address: You set the IP address of the ampliﬁer here. See Section 12 for more information on IP Address. This function is disabled when DHCP is enabled.

1. Tap the Encoder knob icon to access the left three digits, then turn the knob to set the number.

2. Tap the Encoder again to access the middle three digits, then turn the knob to set the number.

3. Tap the Encoder again to access the next digit to the right, then turn the knob to set the number.

4. Tap the Encoder again to access the right-most digit, then turn the knob to set the number.

5. Tap the Encoder again to save the IP address.

Subnet Mask: You set the Subnet Mask of the ampliﬁer here. See Section 12 for more information on Subnet Mask. This function is disabled when DHCP is enabled.

1. Tap the Encoder knob icon to access the left three digits, then turn the knob to set the number.

2. Tap the Encoder again to access the middle three digits, then turn the knob to set the number.

3. Tap the Encoder again to access the next digit to the right, then turn the knob to set the number.

4.Tap the Encoder again to access the right-most digit, then turn the knob to set the number. Tap the Encoder again to save the Subnet Mask.

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7.2.5 COBRANET MENU

To access the CobraNet Menu from the Attenuation screen, press the Encoder knob, then press Prev. This menu has selections for setting CobraNet parameters. Press an Encoder knob to access the CobraNet Menu selections. See Section 12 and the System Architect Help ﬁles for more on CobraNet.

CobraNet Information: This screen displays information about the CobraNet network: The ﬁrmware version, ethernet status (down or up), and conductor priority.

Ch1 CobraNet Rx: Tap the Encoder knob to set the number of the RxA Bundle for Channel 1. Turn the right Encoder knob to set the CobraNet input for Channel 1. The word “Active” appears if there is audio on the bundle. Bundles 1-8 are available at 48 kHz sampling rate, and bundles 1-4 are available at 96 kHz sampling rate.

CobraNet Tx: Tap the icon then turn the Encoder knob to adj.

CobraNet Conductor Priority: Turn tap then turn the Encoder knob to set

the priority number of the CobraNet channel. Press the knob to conﬁrm your choice. See Section 12 for more on CobraNet conductor priority.

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CobraNet Transport Latency: Tap selection to set the CobraNet transport latency: either 5.33, 2.66, or 1.33msec. Press the knob to conﬁrm your choice. This latency must match the Cobranet source for proper Cobranet reception.

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7.3 Presets

7.3.1 Introduction

Your I-Tech HD ampliﬁer has a wide variety of onboard Digital Signal Process ing (DSP). Some applications for this DSP are speaker conﬁguration (set ting the drive levels, frequency bands, delays and limiting for your particular speakers), EQ, ﬁltering, compression, and much more. System Architect software lets you adjust the DSP settings, such as ﬁlter slope, compression ratio, EQ frequency bands, and so on.

A preset is a group of DSP settings that conﬁgure the amp for a speciﬁc application. For example, you might use one preset that optimizes the amp’s DSP for a JBL VerTec Line Array. You might use another preset that sets up the DSP for a stereo pair of loudspeakers of your choice. You can choose any of 50 presets with the LCD Control Screen.

Preset 1 is the factory default preset and cannot be overwritten. It sets up the ampliﬁer for stereo operation with no DSP features enabled.

The I-Tech HD ampliﬁer works with two types of presets:

1. User presets. Using System Architect, you can create your own custom DSP presets, label them, and send them to the I-Tech HD ampli ﬁer. The amp stores those presets in ﬁrmware. You can recall those presets from the LCD Control Screen.

2. Downloadable presets. Crown and JBL engineers have designed presets that are optimized for various JBL loudspeakers, such as VerTec Line Arrays. You can download presets from www.jblpro.com. Then in the software, or with a USB drive, send the preset ﬁles to the I-Tech HD ampliﬁer, where you can recall them from the LCD Control Screen.

We will describe each type of preset in detail.

7.3.2 User Presets

User presets are DSP presets that are conﬁgured manually. This is the basic procedure:

1. Adjust the DSP settings as desired in the System Architect soft ware (not with the LCD Control Screen).

2. Save this group of settings as preset. Give it a label.

3. Download the preset to the I-Tech HD ampliﬁer. See the software Help ﬁle for details. As soon as you save the setting as a preset, it is sent to the ampliﬁer. Another option, described on the next page, is to transfer the preset ﬁle using a USB drive.

4. Select that preset from the LCD Control Screen. The preset will automat ically set the DSP parameters as you set them up in the control software.

Setting some parameters of the DSP in the I-Tech HD ampliﬁer is done using the control software, not by the ampliﬁer’s LCD Control Screen. For example, if you want to set ﬁlter Q, compression ratio, or graphic EQ, you would do so within the System Architect software.

5. When you want to recall the preset, select it from the Preset screen in the LCD display. The preset will automat ically set the DSP parameters as you set them up in the control software.

7.3.3 Downloadable Presets

Crown and JBL engineers have designed I-Tech HD DSP presets that are opti mized for various JBL loudspeakers, such as VerTec Line Arrays. To use them, follow this procedure in System Architect: Go to www.jblpro.com.

Section 7.8.19 describes the Presets Manager screen in System Architect.

7.3.4 Loading I-Tech HD 2 Channel Presets Into the I-Tech HD 4 Channel

In System Architect, double click on HD4. Go to File › Open Preset, ﬁnd a 2 Channel ITHD preset by selecting 2 Channel Preset from ﬁle “ﬁle of type” drop down menu. Open the Preset from the and S2 will present options to load it into Channels 1/2 or 3/4.

7.4 File Transfer Via the USB Port

On the front panel of the ampliﬁer is a USB Type A port which can transfer ﬁles either direction between a USB ﬂash drive and the ampliﬁer. These ﬁles can be of three types: A Preset ﬁle, which contains ampliﬁer DSP settings for a speciﬁc loudspeaker/ampliﬁer conﬁguration. A Device ﬁle, which contain all 50 presets and the current ampliﬁer DSP settings. A Firmware ﬁle.

When you plug in the drive, the amplﬁer defaults to a ﬁle-exchange mode (and is muted). Then you can load or save individual ﬁles. No computer is needed for this ﬁle transfer.

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This message indicates that the encoder

7 Advanced Operation

7.4 List of Pop-Up Boxes and Descriptions

These messages may appear on the LCD screen.

If N/A is displayed, the particular menu has been locked out via System Architect software.

Lockout

USB Lockout

Invalid Subnet

Invalid Address

Preset Loaded

Address Changed

DHCP Changed

USB Fault Overcurrent!

Device File is not valid!

Loading File FAILED!

Loading File Successful!

“Lockout” is displayed when front panel lockout has been enabled from either the software or front panel. It prevents any changes from the display.

“USB Lockout” is displayed when USB lockout has been enabled from the software. It disables all USB functions.

An invalid subnet mask was selected.

An invalid IP address was selected.

The selected preset has been successfully loaded.

The selected address has been modified. Applies to HiQnet node address, IP address and subnet mask.

The current state of DHCP has been changed to either ON or OFF.

The USB drive is drawing more than 500mA of current.

The selected USB device file cannot be loaded because it is not valid. This is most likely a device file formatting problem. Try to create a new device file.

Loading the preset or device file from the USB device failed. This could be due to the format or contents of the file.

Loading the preset or device file from the USB device was successful.

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Confirm Change (Press knob again)

Confirm Change (Press and Hold)

Press and Hold (Hold knob)

Change cancelled

No Change Selected

Changes Disabled

Change Failed!

Displayed after the first button press. To continue, the user must release the button and press it again.

Displayed after the first button press has been released. To continue, the user must press the button again.

Displayed after the second button press. To continue, the user must continue to hold the button for at least 2 seconds.

To modify this parameter, the encoder button must be pressed twice with the second press being held down for at least 2 seconds. button was not properly pressed and/or held down.

The selected object to change has not been modified from the current value.

The display does not have permission to change this parameter. The display observes HiQnet access rights role 4. Individual screens’ parameters can be user defined as Write Protected and/or Read Protected. When a parameter is Read Protected, a “N/A” is displayed.

The selected change was not made. It may have been out of range or invalid.

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7.5 Digital Audio Options (AES3 and VDrive)

Digital audio inputs allow you to keep the ampliﬁer input signals in the digital domain. Keeping the input signal digital reduces the number of Dig ital-to-Analog and Analog-to-Digital conversions. This provides better sound quality and reduces pickup of electrical interference.

The AES3 connector provides a widely accepted format of digital audio transmission. Con nect an AES3 signal to the AES3 connector on the rear panel. The ampliﬁer has a digital buffer converter so it will adapt to any AES sample rate between 32 and 96kHz that is sent to it.

VDrive is a digital AES3 transport mechanism that combines a standard 10/100MB network connection with AES3 signals. VDrive employs the unused pins of a 10/100MB network to transport AES3 digital audio signals. As indicated in the chart below, one is able to transmit 4 channels of digital audio using a standard CAT5 cable.

7.6 Networking the Ampliﬁer

If you need help understanding network concepts, please see Appendix A on Network and CobraNet Basics. Please check the System Architect help ﬁle for directions on how to use its networking conﬁguration tools.

An I-Tech HD ampliﬁer may be used in an existing I-Tech network and can use existing I-Tech device or venue ﬁles.

VDrive Wiring Schematic

RJ45 Pin # Wire Color (T568A)

1 White/Green 2 Green 3 White/Orange 4 Blue 5 White/Blue 6 Orange 7 White/Brown 8 Brown

Wire Diagram

(T568A)

You can make the following settings via the device front panel or by using the Network Troubleshooter (In System Architect): HiQnet node address DHCP off/on IP address Subnet mask

You cannot set the CobraNet IP address via the front panel.

7.6.1 Network Troubleshooter

The network troubleshooter can assist you in setting up your HiQnet network for the ﬁrst time. Using the troubleshooter, you can address your components and be informed of addressing and other errors in the system. Please note that this wizard is designed to work with devices that are on the same physical network segment as the computer it is running on. It will not work through a router.

Select Network Card

The ﬁrst page of the wizard lists all the network adapters currently in the computer. If you have more than one adapter, you can scroll through the list and see the IP Address assigned to each card.

If you have a card with an IP address of 0.0.0.0, it typically means one of several things:

1. The card is disabled.

2. The card is not connected to a network.

10Base-T Signal

100Base-TX Signal

Transmit + BI_DA+ Transmit - BI_DA-

Receive + BI_DB+ AES 1/2 + BI_DC+ AES 1/2 - BI_DC-

Receive - BI_DBAES 3/4 + BI_DD+ AES 3/4 - BI_DD-

1000Base-T Signal

3. The card is setup to obtain its address from a DHCP server, and no DHCP server is available.

Select the card that is connected to the HiQnet system and click the Next button. The Wizard will walk you through the rest of the process. Please see the System Architect online help for more information.

7.7 Software-Controllable Onboard DSP

Crown’s latest-generation Digital Signal Processing is built into the I-Tech HD ampliﬁer. Its 24-bit/96kHz converters offer extremely low noise and extended dynamic range. When you use an I-Tech HD amp, the loud speaker processors, crossovers, limiters and delays are in the onboard DSP – so you don’t need those rack-mounted devices. This drastically cuts setup time, commissioning, rack space and costs.

The I-Tech HD’s DSP can be monitored and controlled with a computer running System Architect software, and connected to the ampliﬁer Network Connector by a network Category 5 cable.

Some applications for this DSP are:

• Set up signal ow

• Optimize system gain structure

• Set up speaker congurations (set the drive levels, frequency bands,

delays and limiting for your particular speakers)

• Set up EQ, ltering, compression, and much more.

The next several pages explain some of the available DSP functions. See the System Architect Help ﬁles for more detailed information.

The VDrive digital audio transport featured in the IT4x3500HD can be enabled or disabled via the software or from the front display. This selects between AES3 through the EtherCon connector utilizing VDrive. Once AES3 has been selected either through XLR or VDrive, the preset must be stored. This selection is preset by preset based and not a global selection for all presets loaded in the ampliﬁer. To select AES3 between the XLR connections or VDrive, open the IT4x3500HD device panel, select source, then select between XLR or VDrive.

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7.7.1 Ampliﬁer DSP Selection Screen

On the left of this screen is the Input and Output Signal Level Monitor (explained later on this page). On the right side are rows of DSP selection buttons for each channel. When you double click on a button, a control panel opens for that button’s function.

Also on the right are buttons that open control panels for these functions:

• Amplier mode (dual, bridge-mono, input Y)

• Signal generator (pink noise and sine wave)

• Amplier information

• Recall and store presets

• Preset manager

• Apply to others (apply this amplier’s DSP settings to other devices)

We’ll explain each of these functions on the next several pages.

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7.7.2 Ampliﬁer Mode

This is accessed by double clicking the mode button.

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7.7.3 Input Level, Fades, Mute, Link, I/O Level Meters, and Indicators

This panel is on the left side of the I-Tech HD’s main control panel shown above. Channels 1, 2, 3, and 4 Level Controls set the input signal level of each channel. Each channel can be muted, and both faders can be linked with the Link button.

Input Signal Level Meter (green)

The measure ment range is from 0dBFS to –40dBFS with 0.5dB resolution. Each audio channel has the following monitors:

• Switched Audio Input: This meter shows only the switched (selected) audio input after the Input Audio Router.

• Clip Indicator

Output Signal Level Meter (blue)

The mea surement range is from 0 dB to –40 dB with 0.5 dB resolution. The monitors are scaled so that 0 dB is referenced to the full rated output voltage of the ampliﬁer. The wider left meter is rms and the right meter is peak for each channel. An output clip indicator is provided.

Indicators Temp: Lights if the temperature of the ampliﬁer is too high and the ampliﬁer is near shutdown.

Green: Thermal headroom used up is less than 59%. Yellow: Thermal headroom used up is 60-80%. Red: Thermal headroom used up is more than 81%.

Limit: Lights when the ampliﬁer signal is being limited. Load: Lights when the load impedance is out of range. Ready: Lights when the ampliﬁer is on and ready to supply power. Fault: Lights when the ampliﬁer is in a fault mode service may be required.

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7.7.4 Input Signal Router

Each channel of the I-Tech’s signal processing has an Input Signal Router that lets you choose the audio signal that will be used by the channel. Choose one of the following conﬁgurations:

• Analog Audio: This is the audio input from the audio connector on the back panel of the amp. Choices for the Analog Audio input are Channel 1, Channel 2, or a sum of Channels 1, 2, 3, 4, or a sum of 3 and 4.

• Digital Audio: This is the audio input from the AES/EBU connectors or CobraNet connector on the back panel of the amp. It can be set up for Digital with Analog Backup or Digital with Analog Override:

• Digital with Analog Backup The input takes the digital signal as its source when the digital signal (or just the digital clock) is present. If the digital lock is lost, the input switches to the selected Analog Source. Once that digital lock is found again, the input switches back to the selected digital source. This works even when the digital signal has no audio but is sending a clock signal.

• Digital with Analog Override The input takes the digital signal as its source. If the analog signal level is greater than an Analog Signal Detect Threshold that the user deﬁnes, the input switches to the analog signal. As long as the analog signal level exceeds the threshold, or as long as its level falls below threshold for a user-deﬁned hold time, the input remains the analog signal.

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Analog Signal Detect Threshold (-100 dB to 0 dB) This option is not displayed unless override is selected. If the selected analog signal exceeds the threshold level, the analog signal becomes the source for this input rather than the selected digital input source. Use the numeric spin box or the fader provided to set the threshold.

Hold Time (0 - 60 seconds) This option is not displayed unless override is selected. Once an overriding analog input signal falls below threshold, the Hold Time determines how long the input will continue to be the selected analog input before reverting to the selected digital input. Use the numeric spin box or the fader provided to set this time.

The control operation will vary based on the mode that is selected.

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7.7.5 Source Conﬁguration

In this screen you can conﬁgure the levels and settings of the analog, AES and CobraNet inputs. The input signal of each channel can be independently muted.

The I-Tech HD ampliﬁer can be set to work as a ﬁxed gain ampliﬁer: any input signal is given a ﬁxed amount of gain, either 26dB or 32dB. In addition, you can set the input sensitivity to determine how much gain is provided. See Section 4.8.20 for more details.

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4 Advanced Operation

7.7.6 CobraNet Advanced Settings

In the CobraNet Advanced Settings screen you can set the parameters shown here. Indicators that are green can’t be modiﬁed.

The latency on this screen is the CorbaNet transport latency or buffering. This latency must be set to the same latency as the source CobraNet device.

The Foldback control panel lets you select the items to transmit via CobraNet. Selections available are the Analog Inputs, Ampliﬁer Outputs or AES input signal. The audio can be routed out through only one bundle.

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7.7.7 Input Signal Compressor

An input signal compressor is available for each channel. Several parameters control this feature:

On/off button: Enables or disables this function.

Threshold: Sets the level, in dBu, above which the compressor begins to attenuate the input

signal. This level corresponds to the input level meter reading. The compressor is “feedforward,” meaning that the level detection point is located before the gain control stage. The range is from +20 dBu to – 50 dBu.

Attack Time: Sets the attack time of the compressor. The attack time is deﬁned as the time it takes the compressor to attenuate the signal gain by 20 dB. The range is from 1 millisecond to

0.1 second.

Release Time: Sets the release time of the compressor. The release time is deﬁned as the time it takes the compressor to increase the sig nal gain by 20 dB. The range is from 10 milliseconds to 10 seconds.

Compression Ratio: Sets the compression ratio of the compressor. The ratio is the relationship between the amount of attenuation applied by the compressor versus the amount that the input signal is over the threshold. The available settings are 2:1 to 32:1.

Makeup gain: The amount of gain you want to apply to the compressed signal to raise it to a higher level.

Knee width: The knee of the compression curve is the transition point between no compression and compression. The wider the knee, the more gradual is the transition -- so compression is not so obvious when the signal is close to threshold.

Beyond the controls for each channel, a single-control Com pressor Link connects the compressors together. The compressors are tied at their sense points, meaning that the greater of the two input signals will be used as stimulus for both compressors. Each compres sor will still compress based on its individual threshold, attack, release and ratio settings.

Operation Manual

7.8.8 Input Delay and Driver/ Output

In these screens you can set the signal delay for each channel in seconds, feet or meters.

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7.7.9 Input EQ and Output EQ

These screens let you adjust channel equalization for up to 16 frequencies. You can select ﬁlter type, frequency, gain, and bandwidth in octaves or Q as set by the user preferences in System Architect. Changes to the equalizer’s frequency response can be done by typing in parameters or by click-dragging the response curve.

Operation Manual

Page 37

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.10 Crossover Filters

The Crossover section lets you use inﬁnite impulse response (IIR) or ﬁnite impulse response (FIR) ﬁlters for the crossover.

FIR advantages: FIR has a longer processing latency but has less phase artifacts compared to IIR. FIR allows for brickwall, 48dB/oct and 24dB/octave ﬁlters with zero phase shift.

IIR advantages: FIR has one processing block per channel; IIR has one or more. For example, you can place an FIR at only one end of a channel, but you can place an IIR at either end.

Operation Manual

The ampliﬁer contains four FIR blocks which can be used in various conﬁgurations: In Duplicate mode the same settings are used on both channels, allowing two FIR ﬁlters per bandpass. In Unique mode the FIR ﬁlters are limited to one per bandpass. However, if the High Pass of Channel 1 and Low Pass for Channel 2 are set to identical slopes and frequencies, you can use FIR on all the bandpasses. The logic for this operation is built into the software controls. In addition, the Processing (FIR) latency sets the minimum frequency that can be set for an FIR.

A polarity inverter button lets you change the polarity of each channel independently.

Each audio channel has three separate places where ﬁlters can be placed in the system: input EQ (16 ﬁlters), Crossover, and Output EQ. Up to 24 ﬁlters per channel are available, plus crossover ﬁlters and 4 ﬁlters for the signal generator. Each ﬁlter has up to +/-24dB of gain. The following ﬁlters are available:

• Lowpass: Bessel 2-4, Butterworth1-4, and Linkwitz-Riley 8

• Highpass: Bessel 2-4, Butterworth1-4, and Linkwitz-Riley 8

• Lowshelf: Low-frequency shelving EQ

• Highshelf: High-frequency shelving EQ

• Lowpass EQ: Variable bandwidth, can be expressed as Q (0.100 to 35) or

Octaves (0.041 to 6.672)

• Highpass EQ: Variable Q from 0.1 to 25

• Parametric EQ: Variable Q form 0.1 to 35

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Page 38

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.11 LevelMax Suite

This is a suite consisting of a peak voltage limiter, average power limiter, clip limiter and thermal transducer limiter. First you will set the mode to automatic or advanced:

• Automatic mode: The software determines the best settings based on the signal characteristics. You can modify only the RMS threshold, Speaker Thermal threshold and time constant. Everything else is set automatically.

• Advanced mode: You can modify the RMS threshold, Speaker Thermal threshold, time constant, Peak threshold and Peak/RMS release.

Peak Voltage Limiter

This limits the peak voltage output ofthe ampliﬁer.

On: Enables or disables this function. You’ll set the parameters below:

• Threshold: Sets the level, in absolute voltage, which the limiter will allow from the ampliﬁer. The range is from 12 V

• Attack Time: Sets the attack time of the limiter. The attack time is deﬁned as the time it takes the limiter to attenuate the output signal by 20 dB. The range is from 1 millisecond to 100 milliseconds. The Instant setting attack time is instant (0 millisecond).

• Release Time: Sets the release time of the compressor. The release time is deﬁned as the time it takes the limiter to increase the output signal by 20 dB. The range is from 10 milliseconds to 10 seconds.

Average Power Limiter

This limits the long-term output power of the ampliﬁer. You’ll set the parameters below:

• Threshold: Sets the average power level, in watts, which the limiter will allow from the ampliﬁer channel. The range is from 10 watts to 10,000 watts. This level should be set to the connected loudspeaker’s long-term power rating. Also you must enter the loudspeaker’s nomi nal impedance.

• Attack Time: Sets the attack time of the limiter. The attack time is deﬁned as the time it takes the limiter to attenuate the output signal by 20 dB. The range is from 1 second to 30 seconds.

• Release Time: Sets the release time of the compressor. The release time is deﬁned as the time it takes the limiter to increase the output signal by 20 dB. The range is from 1 second to 30 seconds.

to 255 V

pk.

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7.8.12 Front Panel Security

Here you can choose which ampliﬁer LCD screens to lock so they can’t be changed.

Clip Eliminator: This limiter monitors the clip events and attenuates the input signal to prevent ampliﬁer clipping. The attack and release times are preset to optimum rates. Only one parameter controls this limiter. “Enable” enables or disables this limiter.

A lookahead feature prevents overshoot of the limiters. These settings were developed with JBL to protect the speakers from overvoltage.

Transducer Thermal Limiting

This limits the long-term output power of the ampliﬁer to what the loudspeaker load can handle without overheating and going into thermal compression. You can set the thermal level at which the thermal limiter engages, the thermal response time and thermal voltage. Your loudspeaker manufacturer might be able to provide this information. Meters show the ampliﬁer output level in dBFS; and peak, rms, and total gain reduction.

page 38

Operation Manual

Page 39

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.13 Ampliﬁer Settings

The Ampliﬁer Output Enable button turns each channel on or off.

Error Reporting

The I-Tech ampliﬁer can detect four different error conditions per channel and errors in the AC line voltage. Each error type can be indi vidually conﬁgured to report the error through the network. Network reported errors appear in the control software Event Log. The following describes each error source.

Clip: A clip detector is provided each channel. These monitors will indicate any clip condition (> 0.05% distortion) in the ampliﬁer channel. The clip detectors also can indicate Thermal Level Control limiting.

The I-Tech HD can be conﬁgured to report if an excessive number of output clip events occur in either ampliﬁer channel. The clip events are considered an error if they exceed the deﬁned count per the deﬁned unit of time.

The Count Control sets the maximum number of events before the error is reported. The range is 1 to 100. The Time Control deﬁnes the amount of time that the events are counted before starting the counting process over. Its range is 1 to 10 seconds. Note: Clip events are deﬁned as the start of each clip and every 10 milliseconds the ampliﬁer is in clip thereafter. Using a high count set ting with a short time setting may result in clip errors never being detected.

Thermal: Errors can be generated for excessive temperature in the output section of the ampliﬁer channel. The Threshold Control sets the level that, if exceeded, will generate the error report. This control has a range of 1 to 100%.

Line voltage: The AC line voltage can be monitored and an error generated whenever the voltage is outside of the limits set by the soft ware.

Continuous Load Monitoring

The load supervision feature allows real-time monitoring of the load connected to each ampliﬁer channel. When enabled, the ITech contin uously monitors the ampliﬁer output voltage and current, and calcu lates the long-term average load impedance. The measured load impedance is compared against the userdeﬁned high and low limits. If either limit is exceeded, the status indicator and, if enabled, the System Architect Error Reporting functions alert the user of the problem. There are six controls and two indicators for each channel:

On: Enables or disables the load-supervision function.

Load Status: This indicator shows the present sta tus of the

load impedance with respect to the user-deﬁned high and low limits.

Average Impedance: Shows the average impedance for the connected load.

High Limit: Sets the upper bound above which the system will report a “high” error status.

Low Limit: Sets the lower bound below which the system will report a “low” error status.

Nominal Impedance: Sets the expected average impedance for the connected load. This value determines the output signal level required for the test. This parameter is also used by the average power limiter to determine the expected power threshold. You set this ﬁeld to the nominal impedance of the connected load per channel.

Report Errors via Network: When this is turned on, high and low load errors are sent via the network to System Architect software.

Fan: Using the ON button, you can enable reports of any fan errors.

Operation Manual

page 39

Page 40

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.14 Ampliﬁer Information

Information about the ampliﬁer is stored in the software system inven tory and is displayed on the software control panels. Information includes manufacturer, model, date code, and serial number. The green items can’t be edited.

Channel Labels: Each ampliﬁer includes two labels that you may edit for your own use. Simply type in the text areas. Use these labels to describe the channels of your ampliﬁer. These names will appear in the individual processing blocks.

Attenuator Limits: This lets you set a limit on the attenuators. You can set the maximum attenuation from 0 dB to –100 dB. Once set, attenuation cannot be adjusted beyond this level.

Front Panel Display: This button lets you blackout the front panel display until you press a front-panel button or turn an Encoder. This feature turns off the LCD backlight and all front panel LEDs except for the fault LEDs and power-switch green LED. After blackout mode is enabled, an Encoder press/turn will “reactivate” the display. If no button is pressed/turned for over 5 seconds, the display will return to blackout mode.

Front Panel Display:

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7.8.15 Apply to Others

This screen lets you apply the System Architect settings for your I-Tech HD ampliﬁer to other I-Tech HD ampliﬁers in the venue ﬁle.

7.8.16 Delay (Latency)

Due to the nature of DSP processing, there is some inherent delay or latency within the I-Tech HD’s DSP. These latencies are shown in Table 3 below:

page 40

Table 3 I-Tech HD latencies at two sample rates

Sample

rate

48 kHz 250µs 666µs 196µs 54µs 1.166ms 96 kHz 94µs 333µs 48µs 54µs 1.13ms

These latencies do not include CobraNet Transport Latency and FIR Processing Latency.

ADC DSP DAC Ampli-

ﬁer

Total

latency

Operation Manual

Page 41

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.17 Preset Manager

The control settings for all the functions can be stored as presets. Up to 50 presets can be saved in the I-Tech amp’s nonvolatile memory. Each preset can be named with a 30 character name describing its function, which is also stored in memory.

• The Store Preset Control saves the current setting to the speciﬁed preset.

• The Recall Preset Control recalls the speciﬁed preset settings. It appears in the Active Preset ﬁeld. If you change the settings after recalling a preset, the Store button will turn yellow.

You can drag the presets to place them in a logical order. Also, you can color-code the presets to organize them.

Operation Manual

page 41

Page 42

7 Advanced Operation

7.7.18 Signal Generator

All channels share a noise generator that allows noise to be mixed into the audio signal. This is useful for noise masking applications and testing. Each channel has the following controls:

• Noise On/Off: Turns the noise generator on or off.

• Noise Type: Selects full-spectrum white noise or

pink noise.

• Master: Sets the noise level with a fader.

The sine-wave signal generator lets you mix a single tone into the audio signal. Its controls are listed below:

• Sine Frequency: Sets the frequency anywhere from 20Hz to 20kHz.

The noise generator and sine-wave generator cannot be used at the same time.

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

page 42

Operation Manual

Page 43

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

Analog input

AES input

Cobranet input

Maximum analog input

Low +21 dBu (0 dB) High +15 dBu (+6 dB)

AES input trim

Cobranet input trim

Analog input sensitivity

Source select

Output attenuator

Fixed gain

Low +21 26/32 dB Hi +15 32/38 dB

Fixed gain compensation

Limiters

Amplifier

Operation Manual

Figure 7.3 The Various Gain Settings in the I-Tech HD

7.7.19 Fixed-Gain Mode in the I-Tech HD

Fixed-gain mode makes any I-Tech HD model have the same gain, regardless of output power.

To do that, ﬁxed-gain mode sets the Analog Input Sensitivity to 0 dB gain, then adjusts the Fixed Gain Compensation fader, and the Maximum Analog Input, to achieve 26 or 32 dB of gain (if the Maximum Analog Input is set Low), or to achieve 32 or 38 dB of gain (if the Maximum Analog Input is set High), no matter what model the ampliﬁer is.

However, In ﬁxed-gain mode, the input trims (Analog, AES, CobraNet) can still be adjusted.

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Page 44

8 Troubleshooting

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

“Off/Flashing/On” means that the LED can be off, or ﬂashing, or on.

CONDITION: Power indicator is off and power switch is not illuminated.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• The amplier has lost AC power.

• The amplier is not plugged into the

power receptacle.

• Rear-panel breaker is off.

CONDITION: Power indicator is off and power switch is illuminated.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• The amplier’s power switch is off.

CONDITION: Power indicator is ﬂashing.

POSSIBLE REASON

• The AC line voltage has dropped below

15% or has risen above 15% of the rated range.

CONDITION: Thermal indicator is on.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• The amplier is becoming too hot for safe

operation. Allow ampliﬁer to cool. Check for loads less than 2 ohms, and for excessive input levels. Check for proper ventilation.

CONDITION: Fault indicator is ﬂashing.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• The amplier channel has stopped

operating. Refer the unit to an authorized Crown Service Center.

CONDITION: Power indicator is off and power switch is not illuminated.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• Load is wired incorrectly or Output Mode

switch in LCD-screen menu is set incorrectly. Check both.

• Input is overloaded by a signal level that

is too high. Turn down your ampliﬁer level controls (Encoders), or turn down the input signal, until the clip light goes out.

Note: If the signal sounds distorted even though the Clip LED is off, the input signal may be distorted before it reaches the ampliﬁer input. Check gain staging and output levels of the mixer or preamp.

page 44

Operation Manual

Page 45

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

8 Troubleshooting

CONDITION: No sound, even though the amp has power. Power LED is on

with out ﬂashing and the amp is receiving an input sig nal. Signal indicator is on or ﬂashing.

POSSIBLE REASON

• Speakers not connected.

• Open circuit due to speaker failure.

• There is a short on the amplier output. First

disconnect your speakers from the affected channel(s) one by one to determine if one of the loads is shorted.

• Ready LED is off. Channel has been set to

standby mode via the software.

• Amplier is in blackout mode. Press or

turn an Encoder to reactivate the LCD display.

CONDITION: Data indicator not ﬂashing, even though host computer software is active.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• Cable between computer and amplier is bro ken

or not connected.

Note: Data indicator ﬂashes only when the ampliﬁer is polled for data, or is polled to see whether it is online.

CONDITION: Yellow LINK ACTIVITY indicator in

Ethernet connector does not illuminate or ash.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• Ethernet link is broken.

CONDITION: COND indicator is off.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• There is only one conductor allowed per network system. This

indicator is lit only when the ampliﬁer is the conductor.

• Amplier is in blackout mode. Press or turn an Encoder to

reactivate the LCD display.

Operation Manual

CONDITION: No input signal. Signal

indicator is not ﬂashing even though audio is applied, and the channel is ready.

POSSIBLE REASON

• Input signal level is very low.

• Another source is selected or routed.

CONDITION: Computer does not communicate with the network devices.

POSSIBLE REASON:

• Incorrect wiring. See Section 3.5 letter O on network wiring.

• IP Addressing is not done correctly. Use the Network Troubleshooting

Wizard in System Architect.

page 45

Page 46

9 Speciﬁcations

Minimum Guaranteed Power I-T4x3500HD

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

20 Hz - 20 kHz with 0.35% THD, all channels driven

2-ohm

2.7ohm 4-ohm 8-ohm 4-ohm Bridge 8-ohm Bridge 70Vrms Direct 100Vrms Direct

Performance I-T4x3500HD

Input Sensitivity (volts RMS) for rated output Adjustable in 0.1V steps from

Voltage Gain for full rated power at 8 ohms 37.1 dB to 22.2 dB

Frequency Response (20Hz to 20kHz at 1 watt, 20Hz - 20 kHz) ± 0.25 dB

Signal to Noise Ratio below rated full-bandwidth power, A-weighted > -108 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at full rated power at 1 kHz < 0.35%

Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) 60 Hz and 7 kHz at 4:1, from full rated output to –35 dB

Maximum Input Level +15 dBu or +21 dBu, depending on setting of

Latency 1.16 mS at 48 kHz, 1.13 mS at 96 kHz

20 Hz - 20 kHz

2,100W 2,200W 2,400W 1,900W 4,200W 4,800W 2,100W 2,300W

maximum input level

1 kHz 20ms Burst

1.28V to 8V

< 0.06%

3,500W 3,800W 4,000W 1,900W 7,000W 6,000W

A/D, D/A Converters 24-bit 96 kHz Cirrus Logic

Digital Input AES/EBU, 24-bit, 32-96 kHz.

Onboard sample rate converter.

Network Onboard HiQnet and TCP/IQ, compatible with

standard 100Mb Ethernet hardware

DSP 24-bit conversion with 32-bit, ﬂoating-point DSP

processing

Attenuators Speed-sensitive rotary encoder, 0.5 dB steps,

range 0 to –100 dB.

page 46

Operation Manual

Page 47

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

9 Speciﬁcations

Performance I-T4x3500HD

Damping Factor (8 ohms): 20 Hz to 100 Hz > 5000

Crosstalk (below rated power, 20 Hz to 1 kHz) > 80 dB

Common Mode Rejection (CMR) (20 Hz to 1 kHz) > 55 dB, typically > 70 dB

DC Output Offset (Shorted input) < ± 3 mV

Input Impedance (nominal) 20 kilohms balanced, 10 kilohms unbalanced

Load Impedance (Note: Safe with all types of loads) Stereo Bridge Mono

Required AC Mains Universal AC input, 100-240VAC +-10%,

AC Line Connector USA, UK, European, Australia, India, Brazil, China

Construction I-T4x3500HD

Ventilation Flow-through ventilation from front to back

Cooling Dual-zone, microprocessor controlled,

Dimensions EIA Standard 19-inch rack mount width (EIA

Weight Net Shipping

2-4-8-16 ohms, 70V/100V

2-4-8 ohms, 70V//100V

50/60 Hz. Max. AC mains voltage.

(USA ships with Hubbell L6-30)

continuously variable speed fans

RS-310B), 3.5-inch (8.9-cm) height, 16.95-inch

(43.1-cm) depth behind front mounting surface

29 pounds (13.1 kg) 37 pounds (16.8 kg)

Operation Manual

page 47

Page 48

9 Speciﬁcations

Charts

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

page 48

Figure 9.1 Typical Frequency Response (1W)

Figure 9.2 Typical Crosstalk vs. Frequency

Operation Manual

Page 49

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

9 Speciﬁcations

Operation Manual

Figure 9.3 Typical Damping Factor vs. Frequency

page 49

Page 50

10 AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation

I-Tech 4x3500HD AC Current Draw and Thermal Dissipation:

Pink noise 12dB crest factor, bandwidth limited 22Hz to 22kHz. Typical line impedance used. Data based on all channels driven.

LoadCondition

Line Current

Amps

I-T4x3500HD

120 VAC / 60 Hz

Power Dissipated as Heat

Watts BTU

kcal/hr

Line Current

Amps

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

208 VAC / 60 Hz 240 VAC / 60 Hz

Power Dissipated as Heat

Watts BTU

kcal/hr

Line Current

Amps

Power Dissipated as Heat

Watts BTU

kcal/hr

Idle (sleep mode) Idle (awake)

1/8th Power Pink Noise 8 Ohms/Ch.

Typical of program material

just at clip.

1/3rd Power Pink Noise 8 Ohms/Ch.

Typical of program material

at extreme clip.

4 Ohms/Ch.

2 Ohms/Ch.

4 Ohms/Ch.

2 Ohms/Ch.

1.0

2.1

13.5

16.0

17.0

32.2

33.0

36.8

335

559

787

886

962

1084

1521

page 50

256

1143

1907

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3023

3285

3699

5191

288

481

677

762

828

933

1309

1.3

2.1

7.9

8.8

9.1

17.5

19.1

19.9

328

591

625

777

1180

1092

1228

300

1119

2017

2133

2652

4027

3729

4191

282

509

538

669

1015

940

1057

1.4

2.1

7.6

7.2

8.8

16.5

17.5

19.6

100 335

620

766

979

1027

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1506

341

1143

2115

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Operation Manual

288

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884

940

1296

Page 51

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

11 Advanced Features

11.1 Protection Systems

Your Crown ampliﬁer provides extensive pro tection and diagnostic capabilities, including thermal level control, fault indicators, high-pass ﬁltering, DC protect, AC under/over volt age protection, inrush limiting, and variable-speed fans with tachometer feedback. Microprocessor monitors fans, and signals an error via System Architect if fans are not operating.

11.1.1 Thermal Level Control (TLC)

If the ampliﬁer becomes too hot for safe opera tion, the TLC will engage the input compressor and the clip LED will illuminate. By compress ing the input, the ampliﬁer will not generate as much heat and will have a chance to cool down. The degree of compression is proportional to the amount of overheating. This feature allows the show to go on, rather than having the ampliﬁer shut down, and only occurs in extreme situations.

11.1.2 Circuit Breaker

If the current draw of the ampliﬁer exceeds safe limits, this breaker automatically disconnects the power supply from the AC mains.

11.2 Global Switching Power

Sup ply with PFC

Thanks to its global power supply, the I-Tech ampliﬁer works anywhere in the world. There’s no need to reset an AC mains voltage switch, and no need to order a special model. The amp will work and meet all specs on 100V - 240VAC, 50/60 Hz.

Crown’s Switching Power Supply minimizes the ampliﬁer’s weight.

Typical non-switching power supplies require large, heavy transformers in order to produce the required power at the output stage. These transformers must be large to operate at 50 to 60 Hz (standard AC supplied by the power company).

By contrast, switching power supplies can operate with a much smaller (and lighter) trans former because they ﬁrst convert the AC up to a much higher frequency, thereby reducing waste.

Power Factor Correction (PFC) controls how your ampliﬁer draws current from the AC mains. Instead of drawing high-magnitude cur rent spikes that reduce the capacity of your power

distro (and couple noise into other sys tem components), PFC draws a smooth and quiet current waveform that is in phase with the mains voltage waveform. PFC allows you to reduce the size and weight of your power distri bution and improve the performance of your signal processors.

11.3 6th Generation Class I

Cir cuitry

Class I (BCA, Balanced Current Ampliﬁer) Interleave technology allows high levels of power output without all the associated heat found in a conventional ampliﬁer. This highly efﬁcient design also provides accurate, uncol ored sound with very low distortion and a high damping factor for tight, clean bass response. And it can deliver more power to reactive loads than conventional dissipative designs (com fortably driving the latest hightechnology transducers). Class I also reduces current draw of the AC mains, providing energy conserva tion.

11.4 Color-Coded Rear Overlay

The labels on the rear panel are color coded to group similar functions under common colors.

Operation Manual

page 51

Page 52

12 Appendix A: Network and CobraNet Basics

I-T4x3500HD

12.1 HiQnet Networks

Background: A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computers in a venue that share data, either through cables or via wireless transmission. Ethernet is a popular LAN communication protocol for PCs. An audio network is a Local Area Network made of audio devices and one or more computers. A subnet is a small network within a larger network. For example, an audio network might have two subnets: one for enter tainment audio, and one for paging.

One use of an audio network is to control and monitor power ampliﬁers on stage from a computer at Front-of-House. You can set ampliﬁer levels, adjust crossovers, measure speaker impedance, check for overheating and clipping, all from the house mixing con sole.

You need a way to send computer commands to several audio devices at once. This is done with an Ethernet switch, which is something like an audio Y cable or distribu tion amp. The computer, and all the audio devices, connect to the switch as in Figure 12.1.

HiQnet protocol lets you control and monitor cer tain Harman products (including Crown) on an Ethernet network. Figure12.1 shows a typical HiQnet network.

HiQnet control offers many advantages:

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

I-T4x3500HD

Computer

I-T4x3500HD

• Use of “off-the-shelf” network hardware. HiQnet uses standard hardware commonly used in the computer industry, making it both low-cost and readily available.

• Better Performance. Meters display faster in realtime because the network is wide bandwidth.

HiQnet provides these functions:

• Quickly ﬁnd all HiQnet components connected to the network.

• Synchronize multiple control points on a network.

• Control and monitor components on different Local Area Networks (LANs) through the

use of an IP router (explained later).

• Upgrade ﬁrmware via the network.

Network Addresses

Each component in a HiQnet network has three addresses to identify it:

• Media Access Control (MAC) Address

• Internet Protocol (IP) Address

• HiQnet Address

Let’s explain each identiﬁer.

page 52

I-T4x3500HD

Laptop

100Mb Switch

Figure 12.1 A HiQnet Network

Operation Manual

Page 53

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

MAC address: Short for Media Access Control, MAC is an address for an audio compo nent that is burned into ﬁrmware in the component by its manufacturer, and cannot be changed. Every component in a network has its own unique MAC address. The MAC address is printed on a label outside the component. It is shown in hexadecimal format as 6 two-byte octets such as:

00-0A-40-00-DC-2F

HiQnet Address: When you set up a network with System Architect soft ware, you assign an

address to each component. Each component has its own address, numbered from 1 to 64,999.

AUDIO NETWORK VENUE NETWORK

Internet Protocol (IP) Address: When you set up a network, you assign an IP address to each component. The IP address identiﬁes each component. That way, certain data can be sent to the correct address (the correct component). An IP address has four numbers sepa rated by periods. Each of the four numbers must be 0 to 255. For example:

192.168.0.1

Part of an IP address the network ID, and the remaining part is the host ID. The host ID is either:

• A subnet number and a device address.

• A device address (if there is no subnet in the network).

To identify which part of the IP address is the network ID, you assign a Subnet Mask to the network. A Subnet Mask is four numbers (0-255) separated by periods. “255” means “this part of the address is the network ID”. For example, if the subnet mask is 255.255.0.0, and the IP address is 192.168.0.127, the network ID is 192.168.

IP Router

To communicate between different networks, you need an IP Router. Any control data or monitor data that is sent to the other network must go through the IP Router.

The IP address allows components and computers on multiple networks to communicate with each other through the use of an IP Router as shown in Figure 12.2.

Here is an application for a router. Wireless devices, because of bandwidth limitations, can not be on a CobraNet network. However, the wireless devices can be on a non-CobraNet net work, and access CobraNet devices through a router using IP addressing.

Discovery is the process where System Architect ﬁnds all the devices on an audio network and lists them on the computer screen. Discovery cannot be done through an IP router, so a Discovery Proxy is required. If you need to control or monitor components that are on another subnet, you will need to specify ONE component on the remote network that can act as a Discovery Proxy. Currently, all networked Crown products except the PIP Lite can function in this capacity.

PIP-Lite

I-Tech HD power amplifiers

Laptop

Computer

Laptop

100Mb Switch

Figure 12.2 Multiple-Network Communication Via an IP Router

IP Router

Wireless Access Point

100Mb Switch

To add a Proxy, select Setup > Network Setup > Proxy addresses. Choose any one of the components listed above, type its IP address in the box under Proxy Addresses, then click the Add button. To remove a Proxy, select the IP address in the list and click the Remove but ton.

Operation Manual

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12.2 A Closer Look at CobraNet

Licensed by Cirrus, CobraNet is a protocol, ﬁrmware and hardware that lets you transmit digital audio over a 100Base-T Fast-Ethernet network.

This section provides an overview of CobraNet. Cirrus Logic has provided a number of technical papers that describe CobraNet in detail. These papers are available at: http://www.cobranetinfo.com.

12.2.1 Fast Ethernet

(100Base-T) Fast Ethernet (100Base-T) runs at 100Mbps (Megabits per second). It uses a hub or network switch to interconnect all network nodes (components). This forms a star network (see Figure 9.1). In a star network, all PCs are connected to a centralized hub or switch. Messages are sent from the originating PC to the hub, which then transmits the message either to the whole network or, if a switched hub (network switch) is used, to the destination device only.

In larger Fast Ethernet networks, additional hubs, concentrators, and other network hardware are used to form a larger network, as shown in Figure 12.4.

Today, commonly available networking cards are 10/100Base-T capable, which allows them to be used on either 10BaseT or 100Base-T networks.

The maximum length of cable for CobraNet is the same as for Ethernet:100 meters over CAT-5 copper cable, 2 kilometers over multimode ﬁber. Proprietary “Fast Ethernet via single mode ﬁber” networks can reach even further.

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Figure 12.3 Star Topology

12.2.2 Audio Specs

Sample rate: CobraNet can handle sample rates of 48 kHz or 96 kHz. I-Tech HD is switchable between 48 kHz and 96 kHz.

Bit depth: Set each channel to transmit 16-, 20- or 24-bit audio data as desired.

Latency: The transmitter and receiver buffers required for reliable transmission are

set to 256 samples as a default. This gives a network transmission latency of 5.333 mS (256 samples at 1/48 kHz per sample). I-Tech HD latency is switchable between 1.33,

2.66, and 5.33 mS.

12.2.3 Bundles and Audio Channels

You assign all audio channels to groups called Bundles for transmission over the CobraNet network. Bundles were formerly called Network Channels.

A bundle can carry up to 8 audio channels. Up to 8 bundles can be sent in a 100 Mbps line, depending on the signal’s bit depth and sampling rate. Only 4 bundles are available when 96 kHz sampling rate is in use.

The usual assignment is 8 channels at 20 bits. You can use fewer channels per bundle, but maximum size bundles are suggested for the most efﬁcient use of network bandwidth. If 24-bit data is desired, then only 7 audio channels can be loaded into a single Bundle. With a 96 kHz sample rate, only 4 channels of audio are available.

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Figure 12.4 Multi-Star Topology

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

In System Architect, you create audio connections between sending devices (transmitters) and receiving devices (receivers). For example, a mixer could be a transmitter, and a power amp could be a receiver.

You assign each connection a Bundle number. The Bundle number indi cates which devices are communicating with each other.

Also in System Architect, you address each connection as Multi- cast or Unicast. A Multicast (Broadcast) connection is from one trans mitter to multiple receivers. A Unicast connection is from one transmitter to one receiver. For example, if you send a mixer’s digital audio signal to sev eral power amps, the signal would be Multicast. Unicast is most used on “switched” networks requiring more than 64 channels.

You specify a connection as Multicast or Unicast by the delivery address it you give it in System Architect. 255 and lower is Multicast (Broadcast); 256 and up is Unicast.

The “Receiver Count” monitor indicates how many devices are receiving the digital audio bundle. The “Active” indicator indicates whether the par ticular Bundle is being actively transmitted onto the network.

12.2.4 The Conductor

A CobraNet system is coordinated by one audio device in the network called the Conductor. It regulates the CobraNet digital audio trafﬁc on the CobraNet network. That is, the Conductor is the master clock for the rest of the network.

You choose one device to be the network conductor based on a priority scheme. The Conductor indicator will light on the CobraNet device that is serving as the conductor. The Conductor handles time-division multiplexing and clock recovery on the network. The Conductor periodically broadcasts a well-deﬁned “beat” packet to all components to recover synchronous timing information. The “beat” also speciﬁes which addresses can transmit at certain time slots within the “beat” period.

Each transmitting device is allowed to transmit in a given time-slot within the Conductor-controlled isochronous cycle time. The timeslot is deter mined by the assigned bundle priority. Higher bundle priorities receive lower-numbered positions and are transmitted ﬁrst.

12.2.5 Switched Networks

A more complex CobraNet network can be built using Ethernet switches. Switches do not simply broadcast each and every packet to all nodes. Instead, they check each incoming data packet to determine its destination and (very quickly) transmit the data to only that destination port. This allows for more network data ﬂow, more Bundles and more audio channels.

In effect, each network port in an audio component has 100MB of band width. The network can be as large as 100MB times the number of ports on the network.

Another advantage of switched networks is “full-duplex” connections between components. A full-duplex link allows simultaneous send and receive over the same Ethernet connection.

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13 LevelMAXTM Limiter Suite

The I-Tech HD LevelMAX™ Limiter Suite features three types of limiting:

• Peak

• RMS

• Transducer Thermal

and three modes of operation:

• Auto

• Advanced

• Manual (OEM Factory Locked)

The standard i-Tech HD LevelMAX limiter panel (Advanced Mode) is shown below:

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

LevelMAX has been designed to limit accurately to the speciﬁed voltage thresholds. The addition of a thermal limiter allows thresholds for the faster-acting RMS and peak limiters to be set higher, providing more output and maintaining dynamic range before the onset of limiting, while protecting the long term integrity of the transducers. In Auto or Advanced modes, turning on the LevelMAX Limiter Suite will enable all three limiters: Peak, RMS and Thermal. The three LevelMAX limiter types and operating modes are outlined in the following sections.

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

14 LevelMAX Limiters

14.1 LevelMAX Peak Limiter

LevelMAX Peak limiting instantaneously limits the output voltage to not exceed the deﬁned peak threshold voltage.

14.2 Peak Limiter Threshold (Vpk)

In Auto mode, the peak limiter threshold value is automatically determined from the deﬁned RMS threshold and the low pass frequency deﬁned in the XOVER block. For a low pass frequency less than 100 Hz, the RMS to peak threshold ratio is 6 dB. From 100 Hz to 400 Hz, the RMS to peak ratio increases from 6 dB to 9 dB. Above 400 Hz, the ratio remains at 9 dB.

For Advanced and Manual modes, the peak limiter threshold can be set by the user.

14.3 Peak Limiter Attack (sec)

The peak limiter attack time is instantaneous and cannot be modiﬁed. The output voltage is limited to the value deﬁned by the peak limiter threshold (see 14.1).

14.4 Peak Limiter Release (sec)

In Auto mode, the peak limiter release time is determined by the high pass frequency deﬁned in the XOVER block.

For Advanced and Manual modes, the peak limiter release time can be set by the user.

14.5 Peak Limiter Look-Ahead

Peak Limiter Look-Ahead inserts a delay into the peak limiter signal path in order to ‘look’ at the input signal and anticipate when the peak threshold will be exceeded. If it detects that the threshold will be exceeded, the signal is gradually reduced prior to reaching the threshold, while still limiting to the correct peak voltage. This approach eliminates a sharp signal discontinuity which, in turn, could create audible distortion.

The peak limiter look-ahead value is 0.5 ms. This value was determined to be subjectively acceptable for most frequency ranges while not adversely compromising overall latency. Overall latency remains

constant regardless of whether the LevelMAX Limiter suite is enabled (ON) or bypassed (OFF).

14.6 LevelMAX RMS Limiter

LevelMAX RMS limiting accurately limits the output signal to the speciﬁed RMS threshold voltage.

14.7 RMS Threshold (VRMS)

The RMS Threshold should be set by the user to correspond to the short term (2 hour) power handling of the transducer or system.

Refer to the appropriate JBL Speciﬁcation Sheet, Technical Manual or Product Manual for two hour power ratings. To calculate the RMS Threshold in VRMS, use the following equation:

where AES Power (Wrms, 2 hour) is the free air component power rating.

If minimum impedance data is unavailable, use nominal impedance. If 2 hour AES power ratings are unavailable, use 2 hour IEC power ratings. For most applications, it is recommended to operate LevelMAX limiters in Auto mode so that peak thresholds are automatically calculated based on the RMS threshold and selected LP frequency (see 14.1).

14.8 LevelMAX Transducer Thermal Limiter

LevelMAX Transducer Thermal limiting is designed to protect transducers from long term thermal damage by gradually adjusting the RMS threshold until the target long term thermal threshold voltage has been reached. The thermal limiter functions only when the RMS limiter is enabled and when the thermal voltage threshold is lower than the RMS threshold. On the main limiter panel, the thermal protection LED turns on once the thermal limiter is 0.75 dB into limit.

14.9 Thermal Voltage (V

The thermal voltage threshold should be set to correspond to the long term (100 hour) power handling of the transducer or system.

Refer to the appropriate JBL Speciﬁcation Sheet, Technical Manual or Product Manual for 100 hour power ratings. To calculate the Thermal

)(Impedance Minimum)hour2,(PowerAES)(ThresholdRMS ohmsxWrmsVrms �

Voltage Threshold in VRMS, use the following equation:

where Power (Wrms, 100 hour) is the 100 hour power rating. If 100 hour power handling data is unavailable, set 100 hour power

rating ≈ 0.8 x 2 hour power rating.

14.10 Thermal Response Time (s)

The thermal response time is the amount of time the average RMS signal is above the thermal threshold voltage before limiting begins. Once the threshold has been exceeded for the amount of time deﬁned by the thermal response time, the RMS threshold is lowered until the target thermal voltage has been reached. The thermal response time is not the time it takes to reach the target voltage, although the longer the thermal response time, the longer it takes to reach the target voltage. It is also dependent on the amount of gain reduction and the ratio between RMS and thermal thresholds.

Thermal response time is transducer-dependent and should be based on the initial temperature rise of the transducer voice coil to protect it from thermal overload.

If detailed transducer data is unavailable, the Thermal Response Time should be left at the default value of 10 sec.

RMS

)

)(Impedance Nominal)hour100,(Power)(ThresholdThermal ohmsxWrmsVrms �

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

15 Appendix B: Table of Parameters Modiﬁed by Each Mode with LevelMAX Limiter Suite Enabled

Parameter Auto Advanced Visible in Main Panel

Peak Enable

Peak Threshold

Peak Attack

Peak Release

RMS Enable

RMS Threshold

RMS Attack

RMS Release

RMS Detector Time

Thermal Enable

Thermal Threshold

Thermal Attack

 



 



Thermal Slope (Kp & Ki)

Look-Ahead

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 

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

SV Value Range Auto Peak max for each model (online)

Parameter Auto Increment

Peak Threshold (See Below)

Peak Release 0.1ms-10s 1ms

RMS Threshold 1-200V 1V

RMS Attack 0-10s n/a

RMS Release 0-10s 1ms

RMS Detector Time 1ms-1s n/a

Thermal Threshold 1-200V 0.1V

Thermal Attack 1-600V 1s

Thermal Slope (Kp & Ki) 1-10 n/a

1-400V 1V

Parameter Auto

I-Tech HD 5000 201.2

I-Tech HD 9000 217.6

I-Tech HD 12000 233.4

I-Tech 4x3500 HD 217.6

Look-Ahead 0-10ms n/a

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16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY

SUM

OUT

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

16.1 FIR Overview

The powerful DSP processing in the latest Crown I-Tech HD Series ampliﬁers allow sophisticated Finite Impulse Response ﬁlters as well. FIR ﬁlters offer a number of very strong advantages when used to implement DSP electronic loudspeaker crossovers.

Although high-order IIR ﬁlters, which are based on conventional analog ﬁlters, can be designed to provide high stop-band roll-off rates, the resultant ﬁlter phase response is highly nonlinear. This signiﬁcantly complicates crossover design and implementation.

As compared to IIR ﬁlters, FIR ﬁlters can be straightforwardly designed to allow extremely narrow crossover overlap between adjacent drivers with high stop-band attenuation and very-high rolloff rates. In-phase and linear-phase crossovers can easily be designed. Minimizing overlap dramatically reduces polar lobing and vastly improves off-axis response through the crossover region.

This white paper brieﬂy describes the characteristics and pros/cons of FIR and IIR ﬁlters, discusses the desirable attributes of FIR ﬁlters, and closes with a set of example measurements on a two-way loudspeaker system to illustrate the practical application of IIR and FIR crossover ﬁlters. In addition, audio demonstration ﬁles are available on Crown’s web site that demonstrates the effects described in this white paper (see comments at the end of this report).

16.2 What are IIR Filters and FIR Filters?

A ﬁlter modiﬁes certain characteristics of a signal such as amplitude/ phase frequency response and wave-shape in a desired manner. This can be done either in a purely analog manner with a real piece of hardware such a non-computer based equalizer or ﬁlter set, or with a computer-based instrument running mathematical algorithms using digital signal processing techniques. These algorithms can be either implemented in hardware and/or software. The term “digital ﬁlter” refers to the speciﬁc hardware or software routine that performs the ﬁltering algorithm.

Digital ﬁlters may be further classiﬁed into two general types: Inﬁnite Impulse Response (IIR) and Finite Impulse Response (FIR). Fundamentally, IIR ﬁlters include feedback (recursion) in their implementation while FIR ﬁlters do not. The feedback in an IIR ﬁlter means that the impulse response of the ﬁlter theoretically goes on forever, thus the “Inﬁnite” term in the name. The impulse response of a FIR ﬁlter, on the other hand, is ﬁnite because there is no feedback. Simpliﬁed structures for both these types of ﬁlters are shown in Fig. 16.1.

SUM

DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY DELAY

SUM

OUT

DELAY

OUT

Fig. 16.1 Simpliﬁed ﬁlter structures of an IIR (top) and FIR (bottom) ﬁlter

The IIR structure on the left feeds back weighted the delayed versions of the output signal back to the input and thus sets up a form of recirculation which effectively goes on for forever once a signal is applied to the input. The FIR structure on the right feeds weighted and delayed signals to the output ounly and thus can’t recirculate the signals. Effectively there is only a single path through the FIR ﬁlter.

16.3 Pros and Cons of IIR and FIR Filters

The following table lists several characteristics of the two types of ﬁlters and their pros and cons.

Characteristic IIR Filter FIR Filter

Linear Phase Response

High Rolloff Rates

Implement Complex Filters

Not Possible Possible

Yes, but with

phase distortion

Yes, without

phase distortion

No Yes

Stability Conditionally Naturally Stable

Computational Complexity

Implementation

Few CPU cycles

Common

Practice

Massive CPU

cycles

Difﬁcult to achieve with limited DSP

16.4 Desirable Attributes of FIR Filters

Linear Phase

FIR ﬁlters can be designed to have exact linear phase. Linear-phase ﬁlters provide minimal modiﬁcation to the wave shape of a signal and also greatly simplify crossover design and implementation because the ﬁlter does not change the phase of the drivers being crossed over.

A linear phase crossover does not mean that the overall response of the crossover including driver response is linear phase. This can be true only if the individual drivers themselves are linear phase or can be equalized to be linear phase.

Electronic crossovers using conventional non-linear phase ﬁlters such as IIR ﬁlters can artiﬁcially increase the crest factor of a signal and thus decrease the headroom in the transmission channel.

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16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

16.5 High Rolloff and Steep Slopes

FIR ﬁlters can be designed to have extremely high stop-band rolloffs and exceptionally steep slopes which greatly minimizes crossover driver overlap. In a conventional analog or analog-based IIR crossover, driver overlap can extend over two or three octaves. FIR crossovers dramatically restrict the operating overlap bandwidth of the crossover which considerable reducers the range over which both upper and lower range drivers are radiating in the same frequency range. Very narrow overlaps of one-third octave or less can be implemented with FIR ﬁlters.

In addition, the extremely steep slopes of FIR ﬁlters offer greater driver protection and reduced distortion. Beyond the driver’s linear frequency range, energy is attenuated so rapidly that most non-linearity’s cease to be a problem. The driver does not need to be as well behaved outsied its frequency range. Power handling capability of HF drivers is much improved. The narrower crossover region also lessens the need for precise driver time alignment since the overlap region is so small.

16.6 Stop-band Attenuation

Associated with the very high stop-band rolloff of an FIR ﬁlter, is the associated extremely high stop-band attenuation. This minimizes interaction between adjacent drivers such as a low-frequency woofer signal bleeding into a tweeter and thus causing intermodulation distortion. In a home theater setup, high stop-band attenuation of the subwoofer minimizes subjective localization of the woofers due to hight-frequency bleed through.

16.7 Polar Lobing Error

Polar lobing is a potential problem when spatially separated non-coincident drivers are crossed over. Throug the crossover region both drivers are radiating simultaneously. This may cause a narrowing of the coverage pattern and the creation of a directional lobe. It is very desirable that this lobe face straight ahead, and not directionally wander with frequency. If it does, lobing error occurs.

Polar lobing error is minimized when the low- and high-pass sections of the crossover are in-phase with each other throughout the crossover are in-phase with each other throughout the crossover region. This is an attribute of the “Linquitz-Riley” (LR) type of crossover rewponses. Polar lobing can also be minimized by reducing the crossover overlap with zero-phase sharp-cutoff ﬁlters such as provided by FIR ﬁlters.

16.8 Crown’s Implementation of FIR Filters

Crown’s FIR ﬁlter implementation uses state-of-the-art digital signal processing techniques which are highly optimized for the DSP engine in the I-Tech HD series of ampliﬁers.

16.9 FFT Convolution

The resource requirements of a high-performance FIR ﬁlter in terms of cpu cycles per sample, datapath bandwidth and memory footprint can exceed those of an IIR solution by several orders of magnitude. Key to an efﬁcient FIR implementation is the use of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) techniques to accelerate the FIR convolution process, which is usually thought of as a time domain operation. Time domain convolution is something to be avoided, because it is extremely expensive in the computational sense. Fortunately, signal processing theory tells us that multiplication in the frequency domain is equivalent of convolution in the time domain. This is important because multiplication is very efﬁcient in comparison to convolution. Of course, an efﬁcient and speedy means of moving between the time and frequency domains is also required. This is where the FFT comes in. Using the FFT to transform back and forth between the time and frequency domains so as to replace convolution with multiplication is referred to as FFT Convolution. Figure 16.2 shows a block diagram of the FFT convolution process.

Operation Manual

input output

FFT

inv FFT

FFT

lter impulse response

Fig. 16.2 FFT conbolution block diagram. here the input and ﬁlter impulse responses are both individually FFT’d and multiplied and then inverse FFT’d to genterate the output.

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16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

16.10 Filter Design

IIR ﬁlters are typically based on an equivalent analog circuit. Because of this, the IIR design process is a straightforward matter of converting an analog ﬁlter frequency response speciﬁcation into digital coefﬁcients. In contrast, FIR frequency response is usually speciﬁed in terms of an ideal, though physically unrealizable ﬁlter, e.g. a brick wall lowpass. The FIR ﬁlter design is the process of generating coefﬁcients that approximate the response of the ideal ﬁlter. The I-Tech HD FIR ﬁlters are designed using a proprietary iterative algorithm using state-of-the-art signal processing techniques. It yields linear response and predictable low-noise operation over the entire audio frequency range.

1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

16.11 Low Latency 96 kHz Studio Quality Filters

Because of the extreme computational load imposed by high rolloff FIR crossover ﬁlters, a potent DSP and highly optimized FFT Conbolution algorithm are essential to low latency operation at 96 kHz. In-system performance is equally dependent on the ﬁlter design process itself. I-Tech HD’s platform-optimized FFT Convolution algorithm and state-of-the-art ﬁlter design methodology combine to deliver low latency 96 kHz studio quality ﬁlters.

Required CPU Processing Power

IIR FIR

FFT FIR

Real World Benets

16 .12 Me asu r eme nts of Two-wa y

Loudspeaker System

The practical advantages of using an FIR-based crossover can be illustrated by comparing results with an IIR crossover when a two-way loudspeaker is setup and measured. For measurement purposes, a small two-way loudspeaker was driven by a Crown I-Tech 12000 HD power ampliﬁer controlled by Crown’s HiQnetTM System ArchitectTM software. the use of a small system in this application ensures that the frequency response and angular coverage of the individual drivers has sufﬁcient overlap through the crossover region to properly illustrate frequency response and crossover effects.

The following two sets of measurements show the results of using a conventional IIR ﬁlter set up as a 4th-order Linquitz-Riley crossover and a FIR ﬁlter set up as a linear-phase high-rolloff crossover. Each set of measurements ﬁrst show the magnitude and phase response of the crossover alone and then follows the frequency response measurements of the system itself showing individual driver responses, on-axis responses with the crossover in and out of polarity, and a single off-axis frequency response where the response exhibits a null due to driver spacing.

The small two-way system measured here has a woofer and tweeter that are separated by about 5.5” which creates an off-axis polar null at about ±25° at the 3 kHz crossover frequency.

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400

200

CPU Processing Power - cycles/sample

10 20 30 40

Crossover Rolloff Rate - dB/octave

Fig. 16.3 FFT convolution block diagram. here the input and ﬁlter impulse responses are both individually FFT’d and multiplied and then inverse FFT’d to genterate the output.

50 60 70 80 90 100

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

Note that the individual driver responses were ﬁrst equalized using the ampliﬁer’s parametric equalizer to be more of less ﬂat over a signiﬁcantly wide range above and below crossover. After the initial equalization, the chosen crossover was applied and adjusted. Slight delay was added to the tweeter channel to compensate for driver offset to insure that the high- and low- pass sections were in phase through crossover.

One unexpected beneﬁt of the FIR crossover was the speed up of the adjustments to insure that the drivers were in-phase through crossover. This was because the linear/zero phase characteristic of the FIR ﬁlter did not change the phase of the individual drivers when the crossover was applied! The linear phase characteristic of the FIR-ﬁlter based crossover signiﬁcantly reduces the setup time of the crossover as compared to an IIR implementation.

All measurements were accomplished using windowed freeﬁeld techniques in a non-anechoic room at 1m using a 25 ms window. This window size allows fairly-accurate measurements to be made down to abut 100 Hz.

IIR Measurements

A 4th-order Linquitz-Riley (LR) crossover with 24 dB/octave slopes at 3 kHz was chosen to demonstrate a typical well-designed conventional crossover. Although, in conventional terms, a relatively sharp 24 dB/ octave crossover slope is considered quite sharp. The crossover region spans a relatively wide two octaves. This means that effectively both woofer and tweeter are radiating simultaneously between roughly 1.5 and 6 kHz.

The following two graphs in Fig. 16.4 show the theoretical frequency response magnitude (left) and phase (right) of a 3 kHz LR 4th-order crossover. In each graph, individual curves are shown for the low pass (blue) and high pass (red) portions of the crossover. Note that both low-pass and high-pass ﬁlters are 6 dB down and in-phase at the 3 kHz crossover and thus sum to unity. Note also that the phase of the lowand high- pass sections is identical but exhibit a 360° phase rotation through crossover. The jump in phase at 3 kHz is a byproduct of the wrapped phase display, which keeps the phase on a ± 180° scale. The LR responses will sum to unity at all frequencies as expected, but will exhibit an all-pass non-linear phase characteristic.

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

Low Pass High Pass

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

180

-90

Phase - Degs

-180 20

Low Pass High Pass

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

The next two graphs in Fig. 16.5 show the measured individual driver responses of the two-way system driven by the LR crossover as produced by the Crown I-Tech HD ampliﬁer and the resultant summed 1m on-axis response.

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Woofer Tweeter

Frequency - Hz

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

Fig. 16.5 Measured individual driver responses (left) and overall summed on-axis response (right) of a two-way system with a 4 3 kHz LR crossover.

-order

Operation Manual

Fig. 16.4 Magnitude (left) and phase (right) of a 3 kHz Linquitz-Riley 4th-order crossover ﬁlter.

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16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

The remaining two LR crossover graphs in Fig. 17.6 show the reversed-polarity on-axis response and the ±25° off-axis response. note that when the tweeter leads are reversed, the response exibits a deep null at the 3 kHz crossover. However, the null is also accompanied by a wide two-octave depression in response. The second graph of the pair shows the 25° off-axis null due to driver spacing. Not surprisingly, the response is similar to the on-axis response when the polarity is reversed.

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

16.13 FIR Measurements

The Crown I-Tech HD ampliﬁer was used to create a linear-phase FIR crossover with a 3.67 ms latency. This latency allows crossovers to be created with ﬁlters whose corner frequencies can extend down 500 Hz. Selections of higher latencies allow sharper cutoff ﬁlters to be created with correspondingly lower corner frequencies. FIR ﬁlters with latencies from 0.92 ms up to 29.33 ms can be created with the ampliﬁer’s software with minimum corner frequencies ranging from 2 kHz down to 62.5 Hz. the 3.67 ms latency FIR ﬁlter provides a relatively sharp rolloff ﬁlter with reasonably short latency.

Figure 7 shows two graphs illustrating the measured frequency response magnitude (left) and phase (right of the 3.67 ms latency FIR 3 kHz crossover generated by the HD ampliﬁer. The right graph shows the measured phase of the crossover with the phase rotation due to the latency and speaker-to-microphone transit time subtracted out. It shows a linear zero-phase characteristic over most the measured range.

Note the extremely fast ﬁlter rolloffs in the left graph which approach 150 dB/octave and the exceptionally-narrow one-third octave crossover span.

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

Low Pass High Pass

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30

Low Pass High Pass

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

Fig. 16.7 Magnitude (left) and phase (right) of a 3.66 ms latency 3 kHz FIR crossover ﬁlter generated by an I-Tech HD ampliﬁer.

Fig. 16.6 Reversed-polarity on-axis response (left) and ±25° off-axis response of a two-way system with a 4th-order 3 kHz crossover.

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16 Application of FIR Filters to Loudspeaker Crossovers

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Woofer Tweeter

Frequency - Hz

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

Fig. 16.8 Measured individual driver responses (left ) and overall summed on-axis response (right) of the two-way system of Fig. 5 driven with 3.67 ms latency 3 kHz FIR crossover ﬁlter generated by an I-Tech HD ampliﬁer.

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

-10

Level - dB

-20

-30 20

100 1k 10k 20k

Frequency - Hz

Fig. 16.9 Reversed-polarity on-axis response (left) and ±25° off-axis response of the two-way system of Fig. 5 driven with 3.67 ms latency 3 kHz FIR crossover filter generated by an I-Tech HD amplifier.

16.15 Refereces

For those who want a more in depth treatment of the topics in this white paper, here are three good reverences.

[1.] A.V. Oppenheim, R. W. Schafer, Digital Signal Processing, (Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffes, NJ, 1975).

[2] E.C. Ifeachor, B.W. Jervis, Digital Signal Processing, A Practical Approach (Addison-Wesley Publishers, Reading, MA, 1996).

[3] G. J. Krauss, “Advantages of FIR Filters in Digital Loudspeaker Controllers,” Presented at the 120 Convention Paper 6779. (May 2006, Paris)

convention of the Aud. Eng. Soc.,

Figure 16.8 shows the measured individual driver responses of the same two-way system driven by the FIR crossover as produced by the Crown I-Tech HD ampliﬁer and the resultant summed 1m on-axis response. Note the extremely sharp ﬁlter rolloffs in the left magnitude graph. Note also that the right on-axis response is essentially identical to the previous LR on-axis response. The ﬁnal two graphs, shown in Fig. 17.9, illustrate the reversedpolarity on-axis response and the ±25° off axis response for the FIR crossed-over system. Note the extremely narrow crossover regions due to the rapid ﬁlter rolloff of the FIR ﬁlter. Psycho acoustic tests reveal that these narrow high-Q dips in the response are much less audible than low-Q wider dips.

Operation Manual

16.14 Conclusions

Crown’s powerful DSP processing power in the latest I-Tech HD Series ampliﬁers allow sophisticated crossovers to be implemented using Finite Impulse Response (FIR) ﬁlters. FIR ﬁlters offer a number of very strong advantages when used to implement DSP electronic loudspeaker crossovers.

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17 Service

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Crown ampliﬁers are quality units that rarely require ser vicing. Before returning your unit for service, please con tact Crown Technical Support to verify the need for servicing.

This unit has very sophisticated circuitry which should only be serviced by a fully trained technician. This is one reason why each unit bears the following label:

CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not remove covers. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to a qualiﬁed technician.

Complete the Crown Audio Factory Service Information form, in the back of this manual, when returning a Crown product to the factory or authorized service center. The form must be included with your product inside the box or in a packing slip envelope securely attached to the outside of the shipping carton. Do not send this form separately.

Warranty is only valid within the country in which the product was purchased.

17.1 International and Canada Service

Service may be obtained from an authorized service cen ter. (Contact your local Crown/Amcron representative or our ofﬁce for a list of authorized service centers.) To obtain service, simply present the bill of sale as proof of purchase along with the defective unit to an authorized service center. They will handle the necessary paperwork and repair.

Remember to transport your unit in the original factory pack.

17.2 US Service

Service may be obtained in one of two ways: from an authorized service center or from the factory. You may choose either. It is important that you have your copy of the bill of sale as your proof of purchase.

17.2.1 Service at a US Service Center

This method usually saves the most time and effort. Sim ply present your bill of sale along with the defective unit to an authorized service center to obtain service. They will handle the necessary paperwork and repair.

Remem ber to transport the unit in the original factory pack. A list of authorized service centers in your area can be obtained from Crown Factory Service, or online from http://www.crownaudio.com/support/servcent.htm.

17.2.2 Factory Service

Crown accepts no responsibility for non-serviceable product that is sent to us for factory repair. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that their product is ser viceable prior to sending it to the factory. Serviceable product list is available at http://crownweb.crownintl.com/crownrma/. For more information, please contact us direct.

A Service Return Authorization (SRA) is required for product being sent to the factory for repair. An SRA can be completed online at www.crownaudio.com/support/ factserv.htm. If you do not have access to the web, please call Crown’s Customer Service at 574.294.8200 or

800.342.6939 extension 8205. For warranty service, we will pay for ground shipping

both ways in the United States. Contact Crown Customer Service to obtain prepaid shipping labels prior to send ing the unit. Or, if you prefer, you may prepay the cost of shipping, and Crown will reimburse you. Send copies of the shipping receipts to Crown to receive reimbursement. Your repaired unit will be returned via UPS ground. Please contact us if other arrangements are required.

17.2.3 Factory Service Shipping Instructions:

1. Service Return Authorization (SRA) is required for product being sent to the factory for service. Please complete the SRA by going to www.crownaudio.com/support/factserv.htm. If you do not have access to our website, call

1.800.342.6939, extension 8205 and we’ll create the SRA for you.

2. See packing instructions that follow.

3. Ship product to: CROWN AUDIO FACTORY SERVICE 1718 W MISHAWKA RD. ELKHART, IN 46517

4. Use a bold black marker and write the SRA number on three sides of the box.

5. Record the SRA number for future reference. The SRA number can be used to check the repair status.

17.2.4 Packing Instructions

Important: These instructions must be followed. If they are not followed, Crown Audio, Inc. assumes no respon sibility for damaged goods and/or accessories that are sent with your unit.

1. Fill out and include the Crown Audio Factory Ser vice Information sheet in the back of this manual.

2. Do not ship any accessories (manuals, cords, hard ware, etc.) with your unit. These items are not needed to service your product. We will not be responsibility for these items.

3. When shipping your Crown product, it is important that it has adequate protection. We recommend you use the original pack material when returning the product for repair. If you do not have the original box, please call Crown at 800.342.6939 or 574.294.8210 and order new pack material. See instructions for “foam-in-place” shipping pack. (Do not ship your unit in a wood or metal cabinet.)

4. If you provide your own shipping pack, the mini mum recommended requirements for materials are as follows:

a. 275 P.S.I. burst test, Double-Wall carton that allows

for 2-inch solid Styrofoam on all six sides of unit or 3 inches of plastic bubble wrap on all six sides of unit.

b. Securely seal the package with an adequate carton

sealing tape.

c. Do not use light boxes or “peanuts”. Damage caused

by poor packaging will not be covered under war ranty.

Using your ‘foam-in-place’ shipping pack

Note: The foam-in-place packing is molded so that there is only one correct position for your product.

1. Open carton and lift center cushion leaving both endcushions in place.

2. Carefully place your product with the product’s front panel facing the same direction as arrows indicate.

3. Reset center cushion down over top of product’s chassis. The foam-in-place packing was molded to accommodate different chassis depth sizes. If your product’s chassis does not completely ﬁll the foamin-place cavity, you may use a soft but solid packing material (such as paper or bubble wrap) behind the chassis.

4. Enclose the completed Crown Audio Factory Service Information form (or securely attach it to the outside of carton) and re-seal the shipping pack with a sturdy carton sealing tape.

17.2.5 Estimate Approval

Approval of estimate must be given within 30 days after being notiﬁed by Crown Audio Inc. Units still in the pos session of Crown after 30 days of the estimate will become the property of Crown Audio Inc.

17.2.6 Payment of Non-Warranty Repairs

Payment on out-of-waranty repairs must be received within 30 days of the repair date. Units unclaimed after 30 days become the property of Crown Audio Inc.

If you have any questions, please contact Crown Factory Service.

Crown Factory Service

1718 W. Mishawaka Rd.,

Elkhart, Indiana 46517 U.S.A.

Telephone:

574.294.8200

800.342.6939 (North America,

Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands only)

Facsimile:

574.294.8301 (Technical Support)

574.294.8124 (Factory Service)

Internet:

http://www.crownaudio.com

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Operation Manual

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

YEAR

18 Warranty

SUMMARY OF WARRANTY

Crown International, 1718 West Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, Indiana 46517-4095 U.S.A. warrants to you, the ORIGINAL PURCHASER and ANY SUB SEQUENT OWNER of each NEW Crown product, for a period of ﬁve (5) years from the date of purchase by the original purchaser (the “warranty period”) that the new Crown product is free of defects in materials and workmanship. We further warrant the new Crown product regardless of the reason for failure, except as excluded in this War ranty.

Warranty is only valid within the country in which the product was purchased.

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THIS CROWN WARRANTY

This Crown Warranty is in effect only for failure of a new Crown product which occurred within the Warranty Period. It does not cover any product which has been damaged because of any inten tional misuse, accident, negligence, or loss which is covered under any of your insurance contracts. This Crown Warranty also does not extend to the new Crown product if the serial number has been defaced, altered, or removed.

WHAT THE WARRANTOR WILL DO

UNITED STATES & CANADA

the actual purchase price, not including inter est, insurance, closing costs, and other ﬁnance charges less a reasonable depreciation on the product from the date of original purchase. War ranty work can only be performed at our autho rized service centers or at the factory. Warranty work for some products can only be performed at our factory. We will remedy the defect and ship the product from the service center or our factory within a reasonable time after receipt of the defec tive product at our authorized service center or our factory. All expenses in remedying the defect, including surface shipping costs in the United States, will be borne by us. (You must bear the expense of shipping the product between any for eign country and the port of entry in the United States including the return shipment, and all taxes, duties, and other customs fees for such for eign shipments.)

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE

You must notify us of your need for warranty ser vice within the warranty period. All components must be shipped in a factory pack, which, if needed, may be obtained from us free of charge. Corrective action will be taken within a reason able time of the date of receipt of the defective product by us or our authorized service center. If the repairs made by us or our authorized service center are not satisfactory, notify us or our autho rized service center immediately.

DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES

YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM US ANY INCIDENTAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE NEW CROWN PRODUCT.

THIS INCLUDES ANY DAMAGE TO ANOTHER PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS RESULT ING FROM SUCH A DEFECT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATIONS OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM AGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLU SION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

WARRANTY ALTERATIONS

No person has the authority to enlarge, amend, or modify this Crown Warranty. This Crown War ranty is not extended by the length of time which you are deprived of the use of the new Crown product. Repairs and replacement parts provided under the terms of this Crown Warranty shall carry only the unexpired portion of this Crown Warranty.

DESIGN CHANGES

We reserve the right to change the design of any product from time to time without notice and with no obligation to make corresponding changes in products previously manufactured.

LEGAL REMEDIES OF PURCHASER

THIS CROWN WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. No action to enforce this Crown Warranty shall be commenced after expiration of the warranty period.

THIS STATEMENT OF WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ANY OTHERS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL FOR CROWN PRODUCTS. 5/11

Operation Manual

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Page 68

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

YEAR

18 Warranty

WORLDWIDE EXCEPT USA & CANADA

SUMMARY OF WARRANTY

Crown International, 1718 West Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, Indiana 46517-4095 U.S.A. warrants to you, the ORIGINAL PURCHASER and ANY SUB SEQUENT OWNER of each NEW Crown1 product, for a period of ﬁve (5) years from the date of pur chase by the original purchaser (the “warranty period”) that the new Crown product is free of defects in materials and workmanship, and we further warrant the new Crown product regardless of the reason for failure, except as excluded in this Warranty.

Warranty is only valid within the country in which the product is purchased.

1 Note: If your unit bears the name “Amcron,” please substitute it

for the name “Crown” in this warranty.

ITEMS EXCLUDED FROM THIS CROWNWARRANTY

WHAT THE WARRANTOR WILL DO

We will remedy any defect, regardless of the rea son for failure (except as excluded), by repair, replacement, or refund. We may not elect refund unless you agree, or unless we are unable to pro vide replacement, and repair is not practical or cannot be timely made. If a refund is elected, then you must make the defective or malfunctioning product available to us free and clear of all liens or other encumbrances. The refund will be equal to the actual purchase price, not including inter est, insurance, closing costs, and other ﬁnance charges less a reasonable depreciation on the product from the date of original purchase. War ranty work can only be performed at our autho rized service centers. We will remedy the defect and ship the product from the service center within a reasonable time after receipt of the defec tive product at our authorized service center.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE

You must notify your local Crown importer of your need for warranty service within the warranty period. All components must be shipped in the original box. Corrective action will be taken within a reasonable time of the date of receipt of the defective product by our authorized service center. If the repairs made by our authorized service cen ter are not satisfactory, notify our authorized ser vice center immediately.

DISCLAIMER OF CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES

YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO RECOVER FROM US ANY INCIDENTAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE NEW CROWN PRODUCT. THIS INCLUDES ANY DAMAGE TO ANOTHER PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS RESULTING FROM SUCH A DEFECT.

WARRANTY ALTERATIONS

No person has the authority to enlarge, amend, or modify this Crown Warranty. This Crown Warranty is not extended by the length of time which you are deprived of the use of the new Crown product. Repairs and replacement parts provided under the terms of this Crown Warranty shall carry only the unexpired portion of this Crown Warranty.

DESIGN CHANGES

We reserve the right to change the design of any product from time to time without notice and with no obligation to make corresponding changes in products previously manufactured.

LEGAL REMEDIES OF PURCHASER

No action to enforce this Crown Warranty shall be commenced after expiration of the warranty period.

THIS STATEMENT OF WARRANTY SUPERSEDES ANY OTHERS CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL FOR CROWN PRODUCTS. 5/11

page 68

Operation Manual

Page 69

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Online registration is also available at http://crownweb.crownintl.com/webregistration.

Warranty is only valid within the country in which the product is purchased.

When this form is used to register your product, it may be mailed or faxed.

Harman International Fax: 574-294-8329 1718 W Mishawaka Rd Elkhart IN 46517

Please note that some information is required. Incomplete registrations will not be processed. * Indicates required information.

* First name: ______________________ Middle initial: _____ * Last name: ________________________________ Company: _________________________________________________________________________________

CUT ON THIS LINE

* Mailing address: ____________________________________________________________________________ * City: ____________________________* State: ___________________________* Zip Code: ________________ * Country: __________________________ E-mail address: ___________________________________________ * Phone # (include area code): ___________________________ Fax #: __________________________________

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Harman International 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd. Elkhart, IN 46517-9439 Phone: 574-294-8000 Fax: 574-294-8329 www.crownaudio.com

OWNER’S INFORMATION - PLEASE PRINT

Operation Manual

PRODUCT INFORMATION

* MODEL * SERIAL # * PURCHASE DATE e.g. IT8000, CDi1000, PCC160 e.g. 8000000000 mo/day/yr ________________________________ ____________________ ______ /_____ /_____ ________________________________ ____________________ ______ /_____ /_____ ________________________________ ____________________ ______ /_____ /_____ ________________________________ ____________________ ______ /_____ /_____

Product purchased from: *(Business/Individual) ___________________________ Country: ________________________ Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________

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I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

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Operation Manual

Page 71

Crown Audio Factory Service Information

Shipping Address: Crown Audio Factory Service, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, IN 46517

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

SRA #: __________________(If sending product to Crown factory service.) Model: ____________________________________________ Serial Number: _____________________ Purchase Date: _____________

PRODUCT RETURN INFORMATION

Individual or Business Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone #: __________________________________________________ Fax #: ________________________________________ E-Mail: _______________________________________________________

Street Address (please, no P.O. Boxes): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________ State/Prov: ________________________________ Postal Code: _________________ Country: _________________________

Nature of problem: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Other equipment in your system: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

If warranty is expired, please provide method of payment. Proof of purchase may be required to validate warranty.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

I have open account payment terms. Purchase order required. PO#: __________________________________ COD

Credit Card (Information below is required; however if you do not want to provide this information at this time, we will contact you when your unit is repaired for the information.)

Credit card information:

Type of credit card: MasterCard Visa American Express Discover

Type of credit card account: Personal/Consumer Business/Corporate

Card # ______________________________________________ Exp. date: _____________ * Card ID #: __________________________

* Card ID # is located on the back of the card following the credit card #, in the signature area. On American Express, it may be located on the front of the card. This number is required to process the charge to your account. If you do not want to provide it at this time, we will call you to obtain this number when the repair of your unit is complete.

Name on credit card: ____________________________________________________________________________

Billing address of credit card: __________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Page 72

Crown I-Tech 4-3500HD User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual