Crown International isn't known
for knee-jerk reactions to market
trends or demands. Rather,
the company takes its time, researches
the best technology available, perfects
it and only then comes to market. The
development path of the recent
I-Tech Series of power amplifiers
proved no different.
For more than 15 years, touring
companies and contractors have
grown comfortable with the Crown
Macro-Tech line of amplifiers. When
the MA-5002VZ came out in 1992, it
was hard for many to believe this 3U
amp produced 5,000 watts (4-ohm
bridge-mono). Users were power
hungry, and no one cared that it
weighed 78 lbs. Fast-forward to 2004,
when the company debuted an amp
that once was only a dream for the
professional audio world – the I-Tech
I-T8000 – capable of generating 8,000
watts (8-ohm bridge-mono) in a 2U
package weighing just 28 lbs. Now
that's advancement!
Taking operator convenience a
step further, the I-Tech Series
(comprised of I-T4000 and I-T6000
models in addition to I-T8000) also
incorporates features such as digital
and analog inputs, digital signal
processing (DSP) and network
control. This makes a lot of sense,
and as a result, the I-Tech Series can
provide significant savings when
looked at in terms of an overall
system cost analysis. A more recent
upgrade is front-panel control and
LCD display, making these amps
much more intuitive to use. Complete
Review by Live Sound International: "Amped Up" by Jeff
Kuells (January 2007)
Crown Audio I-Tech Series
The Crown I-Tech Series offers amazing power, light weight and
ease of use for touring sound and installed sound applications.
Onboard DSP provides a wide array of signal processing, greatly
reducing the need for rack components and rack wiring. Onboard
DSP features 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D and D/A converters. All models
are compatible with the HiQnet Network and TCP/IQ networking. Digital
audio and HiQnet/IQ control signals connect to the amp via a single
CobraNet cable in optional CN models, coming soon. Pushbutton DSP
presets simplify the setup for various loudspeaker arrays. The
Global Power Supply works anywhere in the world, and offers PFC
(Power Factor Correction). It is a switching power supply for reduced
weight. I-Tech amplifiers have the highest output voltage in the
industry (200V peak), which provides clean transient peaks. The
3rd-generation patented Class-I (BCA®) circuitry couples power
efficiently to the load and allows low AC current drain. A front-panel
control screen shows advanced diagnostics and status information.
Features
- Global Power Supply with PFC (Power Factor
Correction) works anywhere in the world
- High power density,
up to 8000 watts in a 2U chassis
- Highest output voltage in the
industry (200V peak)
provides clean transient peaks
- 3rd-generation patented Class
I (BCA) circuitry
couples power effi ciently to the load and provides low
AC current drain
- Onboard DSP with 24-bit, 96 kHz Cirrus Logic
A/D and
D/A converters
- Pushbutton presets simplify setup. Custom presets
for
various loudspeakers can be downloaded
- Front-panel control screen
with advanced diagnostics
and status information. All controls are set from the
front panel
- Comprehensive array of indicators provide accurate
diagnostics: Power, Data, Bridge, along with Ready,
Signal, Clip, Thermal and Fault for each channel
- AC mains indicator
in power switch glows green when
AC power is present
- AES/EBU digital audio input
- Ethernet connector accepts an
RJ-45 connector for
HiQnet and TCP/IQ networking
- Analog and digital thru connectors.
- Labels on rear panel are
color coded to group similar
functions under common colors
- Light weight due to aluminum construction,
special
internal construction and switching power supply
- Management
controller, two discrete thermal zones
with variable-speed fans, forced-air cooling
- Advanced protection
circuitry guards against: shorted
outputs, DC, mismatched loads, general overheating,
under/over voltage, high-frequency overloads and
internal faults
- Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty
completely protects your investment and guarantees
its specifi cations
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