Crown I-Tech 4-3500HD User Manual

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.

©2012 by Harman International, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd., Elkhart, Indiana 46517-9439 U.S.A. Telephone: [phone]

®

I-T 4x3500 HD

5006082-1
9/11

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.

page 2

Operation Manual

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.whitfi[e-mail]

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

page 3

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

page 4

Operation Manual

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

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

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

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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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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

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

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

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

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

CH

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

PIN

SPKR

3+ 4+

+ –

Operation Manual

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

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

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

Level

s/Mut

e

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

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

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

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

+/–

1

1

+/–

2

2

+/–

3

+/–

4

CH1 / CH2
CH3 / CH4

+/–

1

+/–

2

+/–

3

+/–

4

1
2

1
2
3
4

Operation Manual

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

MENU TREE

tE

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

Next

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

Next

LED Meter Display Type
Manufacturing Information

Next

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

Next

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

Next

COBRANET MENU

CobraNet Information

Next

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

Next

Next

Prev

page 17

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

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.

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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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Operation Manual

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

7 Advanced Operation

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.

Operation Manual

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7 Advanced Operation

I-Tech HD DriveCore Series Power Ampliers

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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Operation Manual