CROWN XLS-1500 AMPLIFIER

For their market category and price points, Crown's new XLS Series of amplifiers offer an unprecedented level of performance, configuration flexibility, and user-friendly features. The following points summarize key technology breakthroughs and refinements behind these benefits.

Integrated Digital Crossover and Limiter

Most amplifiers in this market category provide limited facilities, if any, for input signal filtering and driver protection. (Typical offerings are simple analog high-pass filters and a limiter, usually selected via rear-panel DIP switches.) In contrast, the new XLS Series utilizes high-resolution digital signal processing to implement a flexible PureBand Crossover System and proprietary PeakX driver protection limiting./p>

Using the easy-to-read front panel LCD display and large function buttons, users can select crossover points from 50 Hz to 3 kHz on 1/12 octave centers, allowing precise matching of specified crossover points on most bi-amplified loudspeakers. Filters are fourth-order Linkwitz-Riley, with steep slopes for seamless transition between high and low drivers. Alternatively, the digital filters may be set to optimize both amplifier channels for driving either high- or low-frequency loads, or for driving full-range systems./p>

The PeakX limiters utilize highly effective yet sonically transparent algorithms derived from the OmniDrive HD loudspeaker drive processing in Crown's flagship I-Tech HD Series. By precisely matching response to the output characteristics of each amplifier, PeakX enables significantly higher output levels than are possible with conventional analog limiting, yet with assured driver protection. The front panel soft-touch buttons also select limiter on/off (per channel) as well as bridge-mode on/off. There are no rear-panel DIP switches.

Advanced Switched-mode Power Supply

A highly efficient switching power supply is optimized for maximum power transfer from the AC line through the Class D output stage to the loudspeakers. Compared to older, 60Hz transformer-based power supplies, a side benefit is substantial weight reduction: all models weigh less than 12 pounds, but with no compromise of Crown's traditionally robust build quality.

Proprietary Class D Output Stage with Integrated DriveCore Technology

As a type, Class D amplifiers are notable for extraordinarily high efficiency, approaching 90%.  In addition, inherently low output impedance makes Class D well suited to driving difficult reactive loads such as subwoofers. However, a number of complexities make it difficult to design - and to manufacture at modest cost - real-world Class D amplifiers with sonic performance comparable to the best Class AB designs. In addition, as a type, Class D output stages are highly dependent on stable internal voltage rails, and can suffer impaired performance on marginal or unstable AC line supplies.

To overcome these obstacles, Crown engineers designed DriveCore - a proprietary hybrid analog-digital integrated circuit (IC) that drives the "front end" of the Class D output stage. Placed in the signal chain between the DSP module and the main power output devices, and driven fully balanced from the D-to-A converter stage, DriveCore incorporates highly refined feedback circuits and a single synchronous clock. (The DSP and switch-mode power supply clocks are both synchronized to the PWM master clock for optimum overall system stability.) Crown's proprietary circuit-modeling techniques were employed to optimize the relationship between the new modulator chip and the power output stage. Here, Crown engineers applied the latest in power FET semiconductor technology, along with an advanced differential drive circuit topology, to offer the efficiency of Class D but with the lower distortion and residual noise typical of Class AB designs.

Other notable technology features and benefits of DriveCore Technology:

• Patented feedback and PWM modulation circuits enable fast recovery on peak transients, accurate reproduction of low-level detail, and precise tracking of low frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.
• Integrated thermal management and protection systems ensure maximum power is delivered to the load with minimum stress on output devices.
• Advanced power supply design coupled with a wide-tolerance PWM clock maintains full performance even with sagging or "dirty" AC line conditions. The new proprietary modulator chip can handle large (up to 3:1) variations in power supply noise or sag without adversely affecting audio quality. Consequently, compared to other Class D amplifiers in this market category, performance is far less likely to be compromised by fluctuating generator power or by AC circuits sagging from marginal overloading by lighting rigs, backline gear, etc. (Prior to this development, the only way to maintain consistent performance was use of more complex - and costlier -  regulated power supplies.)

Crown's XLS Series amplifiers define the standard for portable PA systems with unmatched performance, technology and affordability. Its advantageous flexibility includes multiple inputs so you can plug in anything and play anywhere, along with several system setup configurations. The integrated crossovers and switch-mode power supply produce superior sound, and Peakx limiters protect your speakers. Weighing less than 12 pounds, compared to 40 pounds for its competitors, it's much easier to set up and move from show to show. Simply put, the XLS is most reliable, versatile, efficient amp available today.

• XLS High Performance, Lightweight Class D amp weighs less than 11 lbs.
• Integrated PureBand Crossover System for better performance and control
• Peakx Limiters provide maximum output while protecting your speakers
• XLR, 1/4", RCA inputs provide outstanding flexibility
• Efficient forced-air fans prevent excessive thermal buildup
• Electronically balanced XLR inputs; touchproof binding post and Speakon outputs
• Precision detented level controls, power switch, power LED, and six LEDs which indicate signal, clip and fault for each channel
• Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty completely protects your investment and guarantees its specifications

XLS Series with Integrated DriveCore Technology
The XLS Series of power amplifiers from Crown define the standard for live sound systems with unmatched performance, technology, and affordability.

This high-performance line consists of four models each providing enormous power and flexibility thanks to the integrated DriveCore Technology, PureBand Crossover System and Peakx limiters. And weighing in at only 10 lbs or less, they provide the ultimate in lightweight portability.

Generating chest-thumping lows and crystal clear highs, the four models in the series - the XLS1000, XLS1500, XLS2000, and XLS2500 - are engineered to meet any demanding audio requirements - reliably and within budget.

Every XLS Series amplifier is backed by Crown's unequaled Three-Year, No-Fault, Fully Transferable Warranty that covers everything.

With over five decades of experience designing and building rock-solid products, Crown is the standard in amplifier technology. So check out the Crown XLS Series. They are a powerful argument for performance, flexibility, and value!

Integrated DriveCore Technology
Class D amplifiers are notable for extraordinarily high efficiency and being well suited for driving difficult reactive loads such as subwoofers. However, their performance can suffer impaired performance on marginal and unstable AC line supplies.

To overcome this obstacle, 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 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 low-frequencies at high power levels for maximum subwoofer output.

Advanced Switched-Mode Power Supply
This advanced power supply is highly efficient and optimized for maximum power transfer from the AC line through the Class D output stage to the loudspeakers. A benefit to this is substantial weight reduction when compared to older 60Hz transformer-based power supplies. All four models in the line weigh 10 pounds or less with no compromise in performance. This makes the XLS Series the benchmark for high performance lightweight portability.

PureBand Crossover System
The PureBand Crossover System in the XLS Series adds an enormous amount of flexibility and performance to any system. With this system, the crossover frequency is completely variable allowing the choice of any crossover point between 50Hz and 3kHz on 1/12 octave centers. The use of 4th order Linkwitz-Riley filters provides steep slopes for a seamless transition between high and low drivers. And with four crossover modes to choose from providing the ultimate in flexibility, all of your system needs are covered:

1. Crossover Mode (CH1=LPF, CH2=HPF) - When chosen, this mode enables a LowPass Filter on Channel 1 and a HighPass Filter on Channel 2 at the frequency chosen.
   
   
2. LowPass Mode (CH1=LPF, CH2=LPF) - When chosen, this mode enables a LowPass Filter on both Channel 1 and Channel 1 at the frequency chosen.
   
   
3. HighPass Mode (CH1=HPF, CH2=HPF) - When chosen, this mode enables a HighPass Filter on both Channel 1 and Channel 2 at the frequency chosen.
   
   
4. Bridge Mode (LPF or HPF) - When the amplifier is put into Bridge-Mono, you are still able to use the crossover system and employ either a LowPass Filter or HighPass Filter at the frequency chosen.

All of the PureBand Crossover System settings can be fully configured quickly and easily from the front panel using the intuitive LCD interface.

Peakx limiters
Peakx limiters provide the ultimate in performance and protection for your entire system. This advanced algorithm was specifically developed and tuned to work with this amplifier and power-supply to achieve higher SPL will less audible artifacts. This means less distortion, less shutdowns, and maximum safe power delivered to your speakers. The Peakx limiters can be easily turned on or off by channel right from the front panel eliminating the need to be digging around in the back of the dark rack.

Specifications

Crown warrants its products to be free from defects for 3 years from the date of purchase.

FOR SUPPORT WITH YOUR PRODUCT CONTACT:
800-342-6939