Crown I-T4000 I-Tech Amplifier
Crown International has announced the all new I-Tech Series, their new flagship amplifier series for the touring and corporate PA markets.
I-Tech packs a lot of power into a small, lightweight package, with all models being 2RU and weighing less than 28 lbs. (12.7 kg.). I-Tech is built for the road, with a rugged chassis designed to withstand abuse. I-Tech features Crown's Class-I switching output design to deliver massive amounts of power while generating a fraction of the heat of conventional designs. Crown's global regulated power supply delivers full power regardless of AC mains voltage: from 120 to 277 volts, and from 50 to 60 Hz. Power Factor Correction (PFC) allows I-Tech to draw current from the mains more efficiently, providing more power from a single 20 amp breaker. The Class-I output and advanced power supply combine to allow I-Tech to provide the highest output voltage available, for a clearly audible difference when driving today's high-performance loudspeakers.
A front panel work surface with LCD display provides fast and easy menu-based system setup and full amplifier diagnostics. AES/EBU digital audio inputs are standard, along with balanced analog XLR inputs and passive-through outputs. Crown plans to soon announce availability of integrated CobraNet digital audio inputs as an option. Integrated studio-grade DSP with 24 bit / 96kHz converters allow custom settings and factory-designed tunings to be easily loaded and recalled via onboard presets.
I-Tech amplifiers connect directly to IQ Networks, providing Crown's IQ control over industry-standard Ethernet network technology. Using mature, off-the-shelf networking technology, Crown's TCP/IQ protocol provides inexpensive network operation. By connecting I-Tech to an IQ Network and running the free IQwic software application, all amplifier controls can be accessed, and vital amplifier operating parameters monitored, from a remote location. Multiple levels of security are available to prevent unauthorized adjustment of system settings.
Minimum guaranteed power ratings are as follows: Power per channel with both channels driven:
I-T4000: 1,800W at 2 Ohms; 2,000W at 4 Ohms; 1,250W at 8 Ohms.
I-T6000: 2,500W at 2 Ohms; 3,000W at 4 Ohms; 1,500W at 8 Ohms.
I-T8000: 3,500W at 2 Ohms; 4,000W at 4 Ohms; 2,100W at 8 Ohms.
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
- Unmatched power in a 2U lightweight chassis.
- Global power supply with Power Factor Correction.
- Onboard DSP.
- Connects to Harman Pro HiQnet and Crown TCP/IQ™ network (CobraNet input available in optional CN models, coming soon).
- LCD control screen allows easy setup, diagnostics, and DSP presets for various loudspeakers.
The Crown® I-Tech Series offers amazing power, light weight and ease of use for touring sound applications.
Onboard DSP (Digital Signal Processing) provides a wide array of signal processing (compression, limiting, fi lters, and so on). This greatly reduces the need for rack components and rack wiring. The DSP features 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D and D/A converters. All models in the I-Tech Series are compatible with the IQ® Network and TCP/IQ™ networking. CobraNet™ input available in optional CN models, coming soon.
Push-button DSP presets simplify the setup. Custom presets can be downloaded into the amplifi er, making it easy to confi gure 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 provide amazing power: up to 8 kW continuous and 10 kW peak in a 2U rack space. They 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 provides low current drain.
A front-panel control screen shows advanced diagnostics and status information. All controls are set from the front panel. A comprehensive array of indicators provide accurate diagnostics: Power, Data, Bridge, along with Ready, Signal, Clip, Thermal and Fault for each channel. An AC mains indicator in the power switch glows green when AC power is present.
Input connectors include analog XLR and digital AES/EBU. Analog and digital thru connectors are provided. Output connectors are Speakon® and 5-way binding posts.
Advanced protection includes a management controller and two discrete thermal zones with variable-speed, forced-air cooling.
Features
• Global Power Supply works anywhere in the world. Has PFC (Power Factor Correction).
• Highest output voltage in the industry (200V peak) provides clean transient peaks.
• 3rd-generation patented Class I (BCA) circuitry couples power efficiently to the load and provides low current drain.
• Onboard DSP with 24-bit, 96 kHz Cirrus Logic A/D and D/A converters.
• Pushbutton presets simplify setup. Custom presets can be downloaded.
• Digital audio and control signals on a single cable (in CobraNet-ready models, coming soon).
• 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.
• AES/EBU digital audio input. Ethernet connector accepts standard network cables for TCP/IQ networking or CobraNet (in CN models). Analog and digital thru connectors.
• Rear overlay has color-coded sections.
• Light weight due to aluminum construction, internal construction and switching power supply.
• Management controller, two discrete thermal zones with variable-speed, 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 specifications.
Guaranteed Minimum Power:
See power grid.
Frequency Response (at 1 watt, 20 Hz - 20 kHz): ±0.25dB.
Signal to Noise Ratio below rated 8-ohm power, A-weighted:>105 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) at full rated power: < 0.35%.
Damping Factor (20 Hz to 100 Hz):> 5000.
Common Mode Rejection (CMR) (20 Hz to 1 kHz): > 50 dB.
DC Output Offset: < ±3 mV.
Input Impedance (nominal): 20 kilohms balanced, 10 kilohms unbalanced.
Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu or +22 dBu, depending on input sensitivity.
Latency (analog, digital inputs): 1.13 mS analog, 1.81 mS digital (96 kHz).
A/D, D/A Converters: 24-bit, 96-kHz Cirrus Logic.
Digital Input: AES/EBU, 16-24 bit, 32-48 kHz. Onboard sample rate converter. Optional CobraNet input coming soon.
Network: Onboard TCP/IQ, compatible with standard 100-Mb Ethernet hardware.
DSP: 24-bit conversion with 32-bit, floating-point DSP processing. Bypass mode available. Has 64
assignable filters with 9 different filter types. Includes all-pass filters, over 2 seconds of delay available per channel, and dual uncorrelated-noise and sine-wave generators.
Load Supervision: Monitors the average impedance on the output of the amplifier. If the impedance falls outside the specified high/low limits, this function alerts the user via the front panel display, and via the IQwic software when amp is on an IQ Network.
Error Reporting: Reports clip errors, thermal errors, fault conditions and load monitoring errors for each channel via the front panel display and via IQwic software when amp is on an IQ Network.
Attenuators: Speed sensitive, continuously variable rotary encoder, 0.5 dB steps, range 0 to –100 dB.
Load Impedance
(Note: Safe with all types of loads):
Stereo: 1/2/4/8/16 ohms.
Bridge Mono: 2/4/8 ohms.
Input Sensitivity: Adjustable in 0.1V steps from 1.4V to 9.7V.
Voltage Gain (referenced to 8 ohm rated output):
I-T4000: 37.0 dB to 20.3 dB
I-T6000: 37.9 dB tp 21.0 dB
I-T8000: 39.3 dB to 22.5 dB
Required AC Mains: Universal AC input, 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz (±15%).
Maximum AC mains voltage: 277 VAC.
AC Line Connector: Five cordsets supplied with amplifier (USA, UK, Europe, Australia, India).
Front Panel Controls and IndicatorsBridge Mode Indicator: Yellow LED illuminates when the amplifier is set to “Bridge-Mono” mode.
Ready Indicator: Green LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel is initialized and ready to produce audio output. Indicator is off when the amplifier is in standby mode via the IQ system.
Signal Indicators: Three green LEDs per channel indicate the amplifier’s input and output signal levels.
Signal: Input signal is above –40 dBu.
–20 dB: amplifier output is 20 dB below clipping.
–10 dB: amplifier output is 10 dB below clipping.
Clip Indicator: Red LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel’s output signal reaches the onset of audible clipping.
Thermal Indicator: Red LED, one per channel, illuminates when the channel has shut down, or is very near shutting down, due to thermal stress or overload.
Fault Indicator: Red LED, one per channel, flashes when the amplifier output channel has stopped operating.
Data Indicator: Yellow LED indicates IQ Network data activity
Power Indicator: Blue LED indicates amplifier has been turned on and AC power is available.
AC Mains Present Indicator: Green indicator built into power switch indicates AC power is present at the power cord and the amplifier circuit breaker is in the "on" position.
Glowing Blue Screen and Controls: These let the user adjust the amplifier’s attenuation and muting, configure the amp, set up error monitoring (such as temperature and load supervision), and recall DSP presets. The presets allow the user to quickly reconfigure the amp for various applications.
LCD Control Screen: Integrated LCD with white LED backlight, controls amplifier setup and operation.
Normal mode: Attenuation in 0.5 dB steps, Mute/Unmute, Front Panel Lockout.
Basic Menu: LCD Contrast, CH1 Sensitivity, CH2 Sensitivity, Speaker Preset, Dual/Bridge mode, Input Y.
Advanced Features Menu: Attenuator Limits, Attenuator Link, Clip Limiter, Peak Voltage Limiter, Average Power Limiter, Pink Noise Generator, AES/EBU Input Trim, Input Source, Maximum Analog Input, Amplifier Label Edit, CH1 Label Edit, CH2 Label Edit.
MENU/EXIT Button: “Menu” enters the Menu screen. “Exit” leaves the Menu.
NEXT Button: Selects the next item in the Menu.
PREV Button: Selects the previous item in the Menu.
Level Controls (encoders):
These two knobs affect the Channel-1 and Channel-2 output levels. They also select Menu items and adjust parameter values that are displayed on the LCD control screen.
Power Switch: Push-on / push-off switch.
Back Panel Controls, Indicators and ConnectorsPower Cord Connector: Standard 20 amp IEC inlet.
Switch/Circuit Breaker: Resets the circuit breaker that protects the power supply.
Output Connectors: Two high-current, 50A Neutrik® Speakon® NL4MLP (mates with NL4FC or NLT4FX), one per channel. Two pairs of high-current, 60A color-coded 5-way binding posts (for banana plugs, spade lugs or bare wire). Two male XLR passive analog loop through. XLR active/re-clocked AES/EBU digital loop through.
Analog Input Connectors: A 3-pin female XLR connector for each channel.
Digital Input Connector: A 3-pin female XLR connector that accepts a digital signal in the AES/EBU format.
Ethernet Connector: This connector accepts an RJ45 connector for IQ TCP/IQ networking and optional CobraNet transport from a standard network cable. Built into the connector is a yellow LINK ACT indicator that shows network activity, and a green 100 Mb indicator that shows a 100 Mb network connection.
Data Indicator: Yellow LED indicates IQ Network data activity.
Preset Indicator: Yellow LED indicates that a preset is in use.
ConstructionCooling: Dual-zone, microprocessor controlled, continuously variable speed fans, front-to-back airflow.
Front Panel: Cast aluminum with integrated handles.
Dimensions: 19 in. (48.3 cm) W x 3.5 in. (8.9 cm) H x 16.2 in. (41.1 cm) D.
Weight: 28 lbs. (12.7 kg) net, 36 lbs. (16.3 kg) shipping.
Included Accessories: Rear rack ears with integral EZ-Rack pin, rack screws, operation manual, power cords, foam air filter.
Power Output
| I-Tech Specifications | |||||
Power Output |
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Stereo |
Mono |
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8 Ohm |
4 Ohm |
2 Ohm |
8 Ohm |
4 Ohm |
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I-T8000 |
2100W |
4000W |
3500W |
8000W |
7000W |
I-T6000 |
1500W |
3000W |
2500W |
6000W |
5000W |
I-T4000 |
1250W |
2000W |
1800W |
4000W |
3600W |
Guaranteed minimum power output per channel, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, <0.35% true THD, both channels driven. Rated power not part-tolerance dependent. |
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I-Tech Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Q. | How can I-Tech produce so much power with only a 20A plug? | ||||||||||
| A. | The combination of Class-I technology and an innovative PFC power supply enables I-Tech to very efficiently draw power from the A/C mains and deliver it to the speakers. This high efficiency, coupled with a significant amount of energy storage, allows I-Tech to deliver high power much more effectively than conventional designs, and thus reduces the demands on the power cord.For more information, read this short "Tech Made Simple" article.Also, to see real current draw numbers for I-Tech, refer to the AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation sheets here |
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| Q. | Isn't Class-I just like other amplifier classes? | ||||||||||
| A. | No, Class -I amplifiers are a fundamentally different design from all other amplifier classes on the market. Crown has patented the technology behind Class-I amplifiers and is the only manufacturer in the world building this design. For more information about Class-I, read this technical paper. |
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| Q. | How does I-Tech recycle energy from the load? | ||||||||||
| A. | Class-I is unique in that it always provides an electrical path between the amplifier's output and power supply bulk capacitors. This means that when a loudspeaker sends energy back to an I-Tech amplifier it stores it in the power supply for later use. This keeps the output devices from dissipating the energy from the loudspeaker as heat and keeps the power supply from having to work as hard. |
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| Q. | Why is the 2 ohm power number smaller than the 4 ohm power number? | ||||||||||
| A. | The question may be better stated, "Why is the 4 ohm number so large?" The 4 Ohm number is so large because Class-I is not fundamentally voltage limited, unlike ALL other amplifier designs available on the market. Competitive amplifier designs require complicated multi-level (Class-H) supplies, which limit the voltage available to the output under low impedance loads. This multiple step supply topology lends itself to the typical power matrix. The down side of Class-H is that if the program material asks for a peak higher then the rail voltage limit the amplifier will distort. In other words, headroom is limited. Class-I does not exhibit this limitation. 200V is always available to all loads. As a result the amplifier is capable of producing very high music output peaks without distorting. Some view I-Tech's unconventional power matrix to indicate that I-Tech is not "good" or is "unstable" when driving low impedance loads. Nothing could be further from the truth. A fundamental advantage of Class-I is that it cares little about the load impedance. Pile on the speakers. I-Tech isn't afraid. |
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| Q. | How does Crown measure power? | ||||||||||
| A. | I-Tech output power is measured using the "Maximum Average Power" method. The Maximum Average Power test is designed to be an easy way to more closely approximate output power with real world musical sources. The test is simple: the amplifier is set up with the level controls turned to the maximum setting, and then a connected sine wave source is increased until the specified total harmonic distortion is reached. |
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| Q. | What are your 20Hz to 20kHz specs? | ||||||||||
| A. | All output power specs for I-Tech are provided at 20Hz to 20kHz. |
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| Q. | I heard that PFC could cause the mains to sag and shut the amplifier down. Will I-Techs PFC do that? | ||||||||||
| A. | No. I-Tech monitors the mains voltage and gently corrects for this rare phenomenon. |
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| Q. | Are you going to produce a lower-cost version of I-Tech? | ||||||||||
| A. | When compared to retail pricing of competitive amplifiers with similar specifications you will find that I-Tech is priced VERY competitively, and none of those competitive amplifiers have DSP, 200V rails, or global power supply with PFC. |
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| Q. | I don't want to use your DSP. Can I buy I-Tech without DSP? | ||||||||||
| A. | No. The DSP is an integral part of the I-Tech, not just bolt-on signal processing. By integrating the DSP into I-Tech, Crown engineers have been able to dramatically improve signal-to-noise, and use this integration to allow intelligent control of amplifier operation. Benefits of integrated DSP: |
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| Q. | What kind of filters are available in I-Tech's DSP? | ||||||||||
| A. | There are 64 filters total within the I-Tech DSP and they can be placed anywhere within the system. In addition to filtering,each possesses up to +/-24dB of gain. The following filters are available: All Pass filters provide no gain change to the output, but provide a phase change at the selected frequency. This corrects the phase relationship of the output without a gain reduction, such as is found in other filters. |
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| Q. | How many filters are available in I-Tech's DSP? | ||||||||||
| A. | There 64 filters available in I-Techs DSP. |
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| Q. | How much delay is available in I-Tech's DSP? | ||||||||||
| A. | I-Tech has over 2 full seconds of delay available on each channel, adjustable in 20 microsecond increments. |
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| Q. | What are the adjustment increments for I-Tech's delay setting? | ||||||||||
| A. | One 48,000th of a second, or 0.02083 millisecond, or approximately 1/4" or about 1 centimeter. |
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| Q. | Will other signal processors work with I-Tech? I don't want to use the on board DSP. | ||||||||||
| A. | Yes, any outboard signal processing can be used with I-Tech. You must remember that all DSP has its own inherent latency and this must be considered when configuring delays.Note: As in all cases with any amplifier, make sure you re-check the EQ for the room every time the system is setup in a different location. |
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| Q. | What is latency, and does I-Tech have a fixed latency? | ||||||||||
| A. | The latency of a device is the amount of time it takes a signal to travel from the device's input to its output. When using the analog inputs, latency has been measured at 1.13ms. The latency of the input/DSP section is fixed, and does not change whether using no processing or maximum- available processing. Latency with an AES/EBU input varies due to buffering of the signal that occurs before it is sent to the input/DSP stage, and is dependent upon the input AES/EBU data rate as shown below:
In addition to these sources of delay through the amplifier, there is the possibility of some minimal delay due to the wiring of the AES/EBU signal. The AES/EBU standard 110Ω cable has a delay of 6ns/meter. In addition, the I-Tech amplifier has a delay of ~85ns in its active digital loop-thru. To put this in perspective, a system with 50 meters of cable and sixteen amplifiers all looped through each other would have a delay at the last amplifier of 1.575us. This is equivalent to a delay of less than one-quarter inch. This additional source of delay will be inconsequential in almost all systems and can be ignored. |
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| Q. | If I use I-Tech and Macro-Tech to power a stack, do I have to worry about any delay or time alignment? | ||||||||||
| A. | There is a ~1 ms difference between I-Tech and Macro-Tech amplifiers, as well as any other Crown amplifier using the Grounded BridgeTM output design. See the previous FAQ for more about the I-Tech latency. |
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| Q. | Is post-processed audio available on the analog audio XLR outputs/loop through? | ||||||||||
| A. | No. Since all I-Tech amplifiers have DSP as standard, post-processed outputs are not necessary. |
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| Q. | I cannot find 26dB gain in the sensitivity menu. Is it available in I-Tech? | ||||||||||
| A. | Yes, many different sensitivities and gains are available depending on the setting of the max input level switch. Refer to the I-Tech Application Guide for a complete list of all 149 sensitivity / gain settings. To set the I-Tech amp for 26dB gain, change the max input level switch to 20dBu using IQwic or the front panel display. Upon returning to the sensitivity menu you can set the gain to 26dB. |
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| Q. | What is an attenuator limiter? | ||||||||||
| A. | An attenuator limiter is a control set via the front panel display or through IQwic software that places a limit or lock on the attenuator at a user defined level keeping curious hands from turning the input attenuator beyond your desired level. |
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| Q. | How do I set the power limiters? | ||||||||||
| A. | Via either the front panel LCD or IQwic software. |
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| Q. | Why did you put an LCD on the front? | ||||||||||
| A. | To provide real-time diagnostics: thermal headroom, load monitoring, etc. |
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| Q. | Do I have to use the LCD? | ||||||||||
| A. | No. The amplifier was designed for simple plug-and-play operation, and can be quickly setup as though it were a traditional amplifier. |
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| Q. | How can I keep unauthorized people from tampering with my settings? | ||||||||||
| A. | Controls can be fully locked out through front panel LCD or through higher levels of security using IQwic software. |
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| Q. | I don't know anything about networking. Can I get I-Tech's networking up and running quickly without reading a book or taking a class? | ||||||||||
| A. | In IQWic version 7, a network wizard is included under the Setup Menu to assist in the process of setting up your network. The software looks at your computer and configures the address of the amplifier to be on the same network. In many cases, this is all that is required to set up your IQ Network. |
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| Q. | What happens if the network breaks or goes down? | ||||||||||
| A. | Network communication will stop, but the amplifier will continue to operate as last programmed. |
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| Q. | Why didnt you use the Ethercon connector for the network connection? | ||||||||||
| A. | The EtherCon connector does not provide noise filtering as the one used in I-Tech does. Also, the connector used will generally not be changed often as the use of rack mounted network switches will minimize cable changing. |
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| Q. | What happens if the amp loses digital signal? | ||||||||||
| A. | The analog connections can be configured as backup and the amplifier will switch to those connections automatically. |
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| Q. | Are there filters available for the air inlets? | ||||||||||
| A. | Yes, two sets are included with the amplifier. |
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| Q. | Are the air filters required? How often should I change them? | ||||||||||
| A. | Although the amplifier is shipped with air filters, they are not required. If you use the air filters, you should clean or change them frequently depending on the dust level of the environment where they are used. The dust should not be allowed to block the airflow into the amplifier. |
