Crown Audio MA-24X6, MA-36X12 User Manual
Operation Manual
Macro-Tech Series
MA-24X6
MA-36X12
Obtaining Other Language Versions:
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.
Note:
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:
tem, and P.I.P. are registered trademarks of Crown International. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
©2003 by Crown Audio, Inc. P.O. Box 1000, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-1000 U.S.A. Telephone: 574-294-8000
SmartAmp, Grounded Bridge and PIP are trademarks and Amcron, Crown, Macro-Tech, IOC, ODEP, IQ, IQ Sys-
To obtain information in another language about the use of this product, please contact your
Some models may be exported under the name Amcron.
®
125782-5
6/03
Important Safety Instructions
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
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 registers, stoves, or other
apparatus that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a
third grounding 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, particularly 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, 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 powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally,
or has been dropped.
15) To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
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.
IMPORTANT
MA Series amplifiers require Class 2 output wiring.
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 just above
and below the unit.
If an equipment rack is used, we recommend locating the amplifier(s) in the bottom of the rack and the
preamplifier or other sensitive equipment at the top.
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.
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
complicance could void the user’s authority to operate the euqipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
page 2
Operation Manual
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
Crown International, Inc.
Issued By: Crown International, Inc.
1718 W. Mishawaka Road
Elkhart, Indiana 46517 U.S.A.
Competent Body’s Name and Address:
Technology International (Europe) Limited
41-42 Shrivenham Hundred Business Park,
Shrivenham, Swindon, Wilts, SN6 8TZ
Equipment Type: Commercial Audio Power Amplifiers
Family Name: Macro-Tech
Model Names: MA-24X6, MA-36X12
EMC Standards:
EN 55103-1:1995 Electromagnetic Compatibility - Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 1: Emissions
EN 55103-1:1995 Magnetic Field Emissions-Annex A @ 10 cm and 1 M
EN 61000-3-2:1995+A14:2000 Limits for Harmonic Current Emissions (equipment input current ≤16A per phase)
EN 61000-3-3:1995 Limitation of Voltage Fluctuations and Flicker in Low-Voltage Supply Systems Rated Current ≤16A
EN 55022:1992 + A1: 1995 & A2:1997 Limits and Methods of Measurement of Radio Disturbance Characteristics of ITE: Radiated, Class B Limits; Conducted, Class B
EN 55103-2:1996 Electromagnetic Compatibility - Product Family Standard for Audio, Video, Audio-Visual and Entertainment Lighting Control Apparatus for Professional Use, Part 2: Immunity
EN 61000-4-2:1995 Electrostatic Discharge Immunity (Environment E2-Criteria B, 4k V Contact, 8k V Air Discharge)
EN 61000-4-3:1996 Radiated, Radio-Frequency, Electromagnetic Immunity (Environment E2, criteria A)
EN 61000-4-4:1995 Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-5:1995 Surge Immunity (Criteria B)
EN 61000-4-6:1996 Immunity to Conducted Disturbances Induced by Radio-Frequency Fields (Criteria A)
EN 61000-4-11:1994 Voltage Dips, Short Interruptions and Voltage Variation
Safety Standard:
EN 60065: 1998 Safety Requirements - Audio Video and Similar Electronic Apparatus
I certify that the product identified above conforms to the requirements of the EMC Council Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by 92/31/EEC, and the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EES as amended by 93/68/EEC.
Signed
Larry Coburn
Title: Senior Vice President of Manufacturing
DECLARATION of CONFORMITY
Technical Construction File Route
TCF Technical Certificate No: P4300CRI1.IWS
Sue Whitfield
574-294-8289
swhitfield@crownintl.com
European Representative's Name and Address:
Nick Owen
19 Clos Nant Coslech
Pontprennau
Cardiff
CF23 8ND United Kingdom
Date of Issue: March 28, 2000
Operation Manual
DUE TO LINE CURRENT HARMONICS, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT YOUR SUPPLY AUTHORITY BEFORE CONNECTION.
page 3
Table of Contents
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
Important Safety Instructions .....................................................................................2
Declaration of Conformity ..........................................................................................3
1 Welcome ........................................................................ 5
1.1 Features .........................................................................................................5
1.2 How to Use This Manual ................................................................................5
2 Setup ............................................................................. 6
2.1 Unpack Your Amplifier ...................................................................................6
2.2 Install Your Amplifier .....................................................................................6
2.3 Ensure Proper Cooling .................................................................................6
2.4 Choose Input Wire and Connectors ..............................................................7
2.5 Choose Output Wire and Connectors .............................................................8
2.6 Wire Your System .........................................................................................9
2.7 Connect to AC Mains ...................................................................................10
2.8 Startup Procedure ........................................................................................10
3 Operation ....................................................................... 11
3.1 Precautions ..................................................................................................11
3.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators ............................................................ 12
3.3 Back Panel Controls and Connectors ........................................................... 13
4 Advanced Features and Options ............................................ 14
4.1 Protection Systems ......................................................................................14
4.1.1 Output Device Emulation Protection (ODEP) .......................................14
4.1.2 IOC (Input Output Comparator) ...........................................................14
4.1.3 Standby Mode ....................................................................................14
4.1.4 Transformer Thermal Protection ............................................... 15
4.1.5 Circuit Breakers ........................................................................ 15
4.2 Circuit Designs ................................................................................. 15
4.2.1 Grounded Bridge ...................................................................... 15
4.2.2 Variable Impedance (VZ) .......................................................... 15
4.3.1 PIP Modules ............................................................................ 16
4.3.2 IQ-PIP-USP2 Adapter ............................................................... 16
4.3.3 Input Sensitivity Switch ............................................................ 16
4.3.4 Input Ground Lift Switch ..........................................................16
5 Troubleshooting .......................................................... 17
5.1 Indicators ............................................................................................ 17
6 Theory of Operation ..................................................... 19
7 Specifications ............................................................21
8 AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation ............................24
9 Service .................................................................... 26
9.1 Worldwide Service.............................................................................. 26
9.2 US and Canada Service ....................................................................... 26
9.2.1 Service at a US or Canada Service Center................................ 26
9.2.2 Factory Service ........................................................................ 26
9.2.3 Factory Service Shipping Instructions: .....................................26
10 Warranty ................................................................27
Crown Factory Service Information Form ........................................................29
page 4
Operation Manual
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
1 Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of a Macro-
®
Tec h
dual level professional power amplifier.
Your amplifier has a separate high-power and
medium-power channel, making it ideal for
biamplified systems. The Macro-Tech 24x6
combines one channel of a Macro-Tech 2400
with one channel of a Macro-Tech 600. The
Macro-Tech 36x12 combines one channel of a
Macro-Tech 3600VZ with one channel of a
Macro-Tech 1200. And because each model
has a separate power supply for each channel,
each channel can be treated as a separate
power amplifier.
Because it’s a Macro-Tech, you have the added
benefit of PIP ™ compatibility for access to
custom input modules and ODEP
to keep the show going long after other amplifiers would fail.
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, MA-24X6 and MA-36X12 amplifiers include a number of features which require
some explanation before they can be used to
their maximum advantage.
Please take the time to study this manual so
that you can obtain the best possible service
from your amplifier.
®
protection
1.1 Features
•Crown’s Grounded Bridge™ design deliv-
ers incredible voltage swings without
using stressful output transistor configurations like conventional amplifiers. The
results are lower distortion and superior
reliability.
• Patented ODEP (Output Device Emulation
Protection) circuitry compensates for
overheating and overload to keep the
amplifier working long after others would
fail.
®
• IOC
• PIP connector accepts accessories that tai-
• Very low harmonic and intermodulation
• High damping factor provides superior
(Input/Output Comparator) circuitry
immediately alerts of any distortion
exceeding 0.05%, providing dynamic
proof of distortion-free performance.
lor the amplifier to suit specific applications.
distortion give the best dynamic transfer
function in the industry.
control over low frequency drivers for a
clean, accurate low end.
• Full protection against shorted outputs,
open circuits, DC, mismatched loads, general overheating, high frequency overloads
and internal faults.
• Extra rugged, extruded aluminum front
panel with ODEP and Signal Presence/IOC
indicators for each channel, as well as an
Enable indicator.
• Macro-Tech 36x12: Articulated VZ power
supply for Channel 1 (3600) provides the
best power matching to your load.
• Efficient heat sinks and forced air cooling
prevent overheating and prolong component life.
• Balanced inputs with three-position sensitivity switch and adjustable front panel
level controls.
• 5-way binding post outputs provide versatile connection.
• Mounts in a standard 19-inch (48.3-cm)
equipment rack (units can also be
stacked).
• Three Year “No-Fault” Full 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 additional information, please consult Crown’s
Amplifier Application Guide (available online at
www.crownaudio.com), Crown Tech Support,
your system installer or retailer.
We strongly recommend you read all instructions, 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.
Operation Manual
page 5
2 Setup
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
2.1 Unpack Your Amplifier
Please unpack and inspect your amplifier for
any damage that may have occurred during
transit. If damage is found, notify the transportation company immediately. Only you can
initiate 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
Rack for mounting amplifier (or a stable surface
for stacking)
WARNING: Before you start to set up
your amplifier, make sure you read and
observe the Important Safety Instructions found at the beginning of this
manual.
2.2 Install Your Amplifier
CAUTION: Before you begin, make sure
your amplifier is disconnected from the
power source, with power switch in the
“off” position and all level controls
turned completely down (counterclockwise).
Use a standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) equipment
rack. See Figure 2.1 for amplifier dimensions.
You may also stack amps without using a cabinet.
NOTE: When transporting, amplifiers should be
supported at both front and back.
2.3 Ensure Proper Cooling
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
19 in
48.3 cm
SIDE VIEW
16 in
40.6 cm
Figure 2.1 Dimensions
2.5 in
6.35 cm
3.5 in
8.9 cm
Figure 2.2 Airflow
Operation Manual
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
2 Setup
2.4 Choose Input Wire and Connectors
Figure 2.3 shows connector pin assignments for
balanced wiring, and Figure 2.4 shows connector pin assignments for unbalanced wiring.
NOTE: Custom wiring should only be
performed by qualified personnel.
Balanced Line
Figure 2.3 Balanced Input
Connector Wiring
Unbalanced Line
Figure 2.4 Unbalanced Input
Connector Wiring
Operation Manual
page 7
2 Setup
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
2.5 Choose Output Wire and Connectors
Crown recommends using pre-built or professionally wired, high-quality, two-conductor,
heavy gauge speaker wire and connectors. You
may use banana connectors, terminal forks or
bare wire for your output connectors (see Figure
2.5). To prevent the possibility of short-circuits,
wrap or otherwise insulate exposed loudspeaker
cable connectors.
Note: Binding post outputs on European
models come with safety plugs installed
to prevent European power-cord plugs
from being inserted. The side entry positions for these connectors should therefore be used on European models.
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
101-150 ft. 8 AWG
151-250 ft. 6 AWG
OUTPUTS
CH-2
CH-1
Figure 2.5 Output Connector Wiring
page 8
CAUTION: Never use shielded cable for
output wiring.
Operation Manual
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
2 Setup
2.6 Wire Your System
This section describes the most common way to
install the Macro-Tech 24X6 and 36X12. Each
model is designed for biamplified systems and
includes both a high-power and a mediumpower channel.
Because each channel produces a different
power level, the Macro-Tech 24x6 and 36x12 are
dedicated to two-channel operation. They do
NOT offer mono operation.
WARNING: Never strap the outputs
together for Parallel-Mono operation!
Never bridge the outputs for Bridge-Mono
operation!
Installation of the Macro-Tech 24x6 and 36x12 is
very intuitive. The Channel 1 input feeds the
Channel 1 output and the Channel 2 input feeds
the Channel 2 output. Be sure to connect the
output wiring as shown in Figure 2.6.
Five-way binding posts are provided to facilitate
easy connection of loudspeakers to each channel. Note: Because of its higher output power,
Channel 1 of a Macro-Tech 36x12 has an additional set of binding posts.
Observe correct loudspeaker polarity and be very
careful not to short the outputs of one channel to
the outputs of the other channel.
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.
Operation Manual
Figure 2.6 System Wiring (a Macro-Tech 36x12 is shown)
page 9
2 Setup
Macro-Tech MA-24X6 & 36X12 Power Amplifiers
2.7 Connect to AC Mains
Connect the AC power cordset of your amplifier
to the AC mains power source (power outlet).
NOTE: The third prong of this connector
(ground) is an important safety feature. Do not
attempt to disable this ground connection by
using an adapter or other methods.
Amplifiers don’t create energy. The AC mains
voltage and current must be sufficient to deliver
the power you expect. You must operate your
amplifier from an AC mains power source with
not more than 10% variation above or below the
amplifier’s specified line voltage and within the
specfied 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.
2.8 Startup Procedure
Use the following procedure when first turning
on your amplifier:
1. Turn down the level of your audio source.
2. Turn down the level controls of the amplifier.
3. Turn on the “Enable” switch. The Enable
indicator should glow.
4. Turn up the level of your audio source to an
optimum level.
5. Turn up the Level controls on the amplifier
until the desired loudness or power level is
achieved.
6. Turn down the level of your audio source to
its normal range.
If you ever need to make any wiring or
installation changes, don’t forget to turn
off the amplifier and disconnect the
power cord.
For help with determining your system’s
optimum gain structure (signal levels)
please refer to the Crown Amplifier Appli-
cation Guide, available online at
www.crownaudio.com.
page 10
Operation Manual
Loading...