News: Crown

In a unique and challenging expansion project, HARMAN Crown amplifiers and JBL
loudspeakers were chosen for the new expanded sound reinforcement system at the
Indiana Convention Center. The Convention Center is now integrated with Lucas
Oil Stadium, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts. The system was designed by
Bowen Technovation and installed by Fairchild Communications.

The area of expansion features a battery of Crown CTs 600, 1200, and 4200 series

amplifiers, all equipped with PIP-USP3 modules. Sound in meeting rooms is provided

by JBL Control 226C/T ceiling speakers, while restrooms and back of house areas feature

JBL 24CT ceiling speakers.

The $275 million project is the Indiana Convention Center’s fourth expansion since

opening in 1972. The current project began after the demolition of the area formally

occupied by the RCA Dome and was completed in January 2011.  The expansion added

254,000 square feet of exhibit space, 63,000 square feet of meeting rooms and 10,000

square feet of pre-function space. A connector that links the Convention Center to

Lucas Oil Stadium was built as well.

“From a design standpoint we were challenged to integrate several wings of the

existing building system with our new systems.  Those areas had varying types and

ages of technology that had to be incorporated. We also needed to assure that the

new system could integrate and route through the newer systems at Lucas Oil

Stadium,” stated Jeff Bowen, president of Bowen Technovation.

“We have had extensive experience with Harman gear in the past but for this specific

project we auditioned speakers from several different manufacturers and JBL stood

out from the pack from a performance and price standpoint. The Crown amplifiers were

chosen for their history of performance and reliability as well as the distinct

advantages we were offered by their ability to monitor and control using HiQnet™

System Architect™,” added Bowen.

“From a contractor’s perspective there were many construction milestones that had to

be met for the overall success of the project.  There was very little room for error

based on the fact that the renovated spaces had already been planned for use with

clients so the systems just had to work. We were challenged on this project from all

aspects and we are proud to say this installation was a huge success for our

company,” stated Mike Cast, vice president of operations for Fairchild Communication

Systems.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that

integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems

of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to

manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming

individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and

mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional

Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG),

a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Resetting the standards for portable sound amplification, Crown Audio today introduced the XTi 2 Series of amplifiers.

Offering increased control, an enhanced feature set and a sleeker design, the XTi 2 Series amplifiers bring together features and performance never before available in an amplifier designed for portable PA applications. Providing a complete suite of integrated speaker processing, the new XTi amplifiers eliminate the need for external crossovers, limiters, and EQs, immediately saving rack space and money.

The XTi 2 features enhanced control with Crown's revolutionary PeakX Plus™ limiters. The limiters are derived from the same framework as those found in I-Tech HD and the new XLS DriveCore Series amplifiers allowing users to manipulate threshold, attack and release times. A new and improved subharmonic synthesizer offers more accurate control over which frequencies are targeted and can be tailored for a specific system or room setup.

Offering increased amplifier functionality, users now have Advanced Thermal Control giving them the ability to tailor the fan performance to their specific application. XTi 2 also increases the amount of presets a user can save and recall from 20 to 30. Enhancing power management, a new status section on the amplifier allows for the monitoring of power supply temperature and AC line voltage making troubleshooting even easier

"Crown's proven reputation in the portable sound market for building amplifiers that provide the highest level of value and performance is unparalled. The new XTi 2 series pushes the industry threshold and redefines the feature set that users can and should come to expect from portable PA amplifiers," stated Andy Flint, Marketing Manager for Crown.

XTi 2 amplifiers are also fully compatible with HiQnet™ Band Manager™ software. The free-of-charge application provides a sleek redesigned function-driven interface, which has been re-skinned to simplify system setup and management while enabling audio professionals, musicians, and engineers to configure and control a rack of Crown XTi and now XTi 2 series amplifiers.

The amplifiers now feature integrated rack handles and an enhanced cast front panel that is more durable. The XTi 2 1002, 2002, and 4002 weigh 18.5lbs and the XTi6002 weighs in at 24lbs with MAP prices ranging from $499-$1999.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across the Harman Pro Group and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

New Chip Based Amplifier Technology Redefines Standard For Installation Market Applications

Providing sound integration professionals with high performance, energy efficient amplifier technology that will redefine the way amplifiers are designed and built, Crown Audio today introduced the ComTech DriveCore™ series of amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models, are all one rack, convection cooled, ultra-energy efficient amplifiers.

Offering up to eight channels and 150 watts per channel in a one-unit chassis without a fan, the ComTech DriveCore amplifiers are the ultimate for solution for a range of fixed installation environments, from video conferencing in boardrooms to luxury suites in stadiums.

The new line features the Integrated DriveCore technology chip that offers greater than 90 percent efficiency with no compromise in performance boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB. DriveCore also has patented feedback and protection circuits integrated into the silicon for fast and accurate response. 
 "The ComTech DriveCore introduction is destructive in the sense that it obsoletes everything that has come before it. Today's introduction is a watershed event in amplifier design and manufacturing in every aspect from performance, weight, heat generation, and efficiency," stated Marc Kellom, director of marketing for Crown. As part of Harman International, Crown has more research and development at its disposal than all of its competitors combined. This introduction is a clear demonstration of our determination to out innovate and outperform the competition while providing our customer base with unmatched value." 
 The amplifiers feature flexible input routing and universal power supply and conform to Harman Professional's Green Edge™ environmental initiative. The amplifiers are convection-cooled and Crown's new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The amplifier's high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for output and each of the four amplifiers in the series weighs only 10lbs.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman's Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Providing sound integration professionals with high performance, energy efficient amplifier technology that will redefine the way amplifiers are designed and built, Crown Audio today introduced the ComTech DriveCore™ series of amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models, are all one rack, convection cooled, ultra-energy efficient amplifiers. 

Offering up to eight channels and 150 watts per channel in a one-unit chassis without a fan, the ComTech DriveCore amplifiers are the ultimate for solution for a range of fixed installation environments, from video conferencing in boardrooms to luxury suites in stadiums.

The new line features the Integrated DriveCore technology chip that offers greater than 90 percent efficiency with no compromise in performance boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB. DriveCore also has patented feedback and protection circuits integrated into the silicon for fast and accurate response.

“The ComTech DriveCore introduction is destructive in the sense that it obsoletes everything that has come before it. Today’s introduction is a watershed event in amplifier design and manufacturing in every aspect from performance, weight, heat generation, and efficiency,” stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing for Crown. As part of Harman International, Crown has more research and development at its disposal than all of its competitors combined. This introduction is a clear demonstration of our determination to out innovate and outperform the competition while providing our customer base with unmatched value.”

The amplifiers feature flexible input routing and universal power supply and conform to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative.  The amplifiers are convection-cooled and Crown’s new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for output and each of the four amplifiers in the series weighs only 10lb.

Harman HiQnet™ is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman’s Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The new line – consisting of four models and offering an unprecedented level of performance and configuration flexibility will usher in a new era of power amplification at the entry level.

The XLS series amplifiers implement a flexible PureBand™ Crossover System. A user can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz, allowing for precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loud speakers. Increased Control is also highlighted by the three selectable channel modes and clip limiters designed to protect loudspeakers that can be turned on and off by channel.

PeakX™ limiters allow higher output levels than conventional analog limiting while providing assured driver protection, and deploy algorithms derived from the extensive research and development of the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker processing in Crown's flagship I-Tech HD Series. 
In another major advance, the new XLS series amplifiers feature Integrated DriveCore™ Technology Regardless of AC Line sag or distortion due to other equipment such as backline or lighting gear, the user will consistently have the highest level of performance as though there is a power conditioner built directly into the amplifier. It also provides fast recovery on peaks, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output. 
Further simplifying ease of use, an intuitive front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics.

"We designed the XLS series amplifier from the ground-up to be a category-defining amplifier. We are bringing features and technology to a price point that no one else is close to offering. We set out to provide users with an amplifier that would reset the standard for power, performance, flexibility and value. Quite simply, this amplifier is a game changer," stated Andy Flint, marketing manager for Crown.

The new XLS Series amplifiers are housed in a new premium industrial design chassis, featuring a cast front panel for durability. They also feature integrated rack handles and weigh under 11lbs making the XLS Series the ultimate portable amplifier.

XLS Series amplifiers conform to Harman Professional's Green Edge™ environmental initiative. Crown's new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The XLS amplifier's high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for each watt of output and a significantly reduced carbon footprint.

InfoComm Booth #C6236

New Chip Based Amplifier Technology Redefines Standard For Installation Market Applications

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Providing sound integration professionals with high performance, energy efficient amplifier technology that will redefine the way amplifiers are designed and built, Crown Audio today introduced the ComTech DriveCore™ series of amplifiers. The new line – consisting of four models, are all one rack, convection cooled, ultra-energy efficient amplifiers. 

Offering up to eight channels and 150 watts per channel in a one-unit chassis without a fan, the ComTech DriveCore amplifiers are the ultimate for solution for a range of fixed installation environments, from video conferencing in boardrooms to luxury suites in stadiums.

The new line features the Integrated DriveCore technology chip that offers greater than 90 percent efficiency with no compromise in performance boasting a signal-to-noise ratio of 110dB. DriveCore also has patented feedback and protection circuits integrated into the silicon for fast and accurate response.

“The ComTech DriveCore introduction is destructive in the sense that it obsoletes everything that has come before it. Today’s introduction is a watershed event in amplifier design and manufacturing in every aspect from performance, weight, heat generation, and efficiency,” stated Marc Kellom, vice president of marketing for Crown. As part of Harman International, Crown has more research and development at its disposal than all of its competitors combined. This introduction is a clear demonstration of our determination to out innovate and outperform the competition while providing our customer base with unmatched value.”

The amplifiers feature flexible input routing and universal power supply.  Conforming to Harman Professional’s Green Edge™ environmental initiative, the amplifiers are convection-cooled and Energy Star 2.0 compliant. Crown’s new advanced circuit components use fewer resources in manufacturing, but have also contributed to significant weight reduction in the amplifiers that result in less energy consumption. The amplifier’s high operating efficiency translates into greater efficiency for output and each of the four amplifiers in the series weighs only 10lbs.

• MA-5000i — 3000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 2565W 20mS burst), 2500W per channel at 4 ohms, 1250W per channel at 8 ohms, 4000W at 4 ohms bridged, and 5000W at 8 ohms bridged
• MA-9000i — 4700W per channel at 2 ohms (with 4570W 20mS burst), 3500W per channel at 4 ohms, 1500W per channel at 8 ohms, 5600W at 4 ohms bridged, and 7000W at 8 ohms bridged
• MA-12000i — 6000W per channel at 2 ohms (with 5900W 20mS burst), 4500W per channel at 4 ohms, 2100W per channel at 8 ohms, 7500W at 4 ohms bridged, and 9000W at 8 ohms bridged