Crown Audio showcased its DriveCore Install (DCi) Series power amplifiers at InfoComm 2013.
Twelve models in the DCi series are available ranging from 300 watts to 600 watts (into 4 and 8 ohms and 70Vrms and 100Vrms). The first number in the model is the amount of channels and the second number indicates the watts-per-channel power rating. All amplifiers are just 2U rack spaces high, to conserve valuable installation space.
“In introducing the DCi series we had to exceed the benchmarks set by our acclaimed CTs Series, which has established itself as the de facto amplifier standard for installed sound applications,” said Daniel Saenz, Business Segment Manager, Install Sound, Crown. “It was no easy task, but our DCi series offers an entirely new level of unsurpassed performance that will be appreciated by audio professionals worldwide.”
At the heart of the DCi Series is Harman’s proprietary DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage along with additional audio-signal functions – yet is about the size of a postage stamp.
DriveCore and the DCi series’ amplifier topologies reduce size and power consumption requirements and yield an energy-efficient operation that conforms to Harman International’s GreenEdge environmental initiative.
DriveCore technology reduces the footprint of the amplifier by replacing over 500 parts from a typical amplifier design with one single IC. Smaller amplifier engines means more channels and capabilities can be put into a 2 RU box.
Crown DCi series amplifiers can be operated into 8-, 4- or 2-ohm loads and offer direct drive “constant voltage” capabilities for 70Vrms and 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up transformer resulting in higher audio quality in distributed audio applications.
The amplifiers incorporate an exclusive Power Factor Corrected global power supply that is designed to deliver maximum power in any country and their universal AC input accepts voltages from 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60Hz (+/- 10%).
The DCi series is Crown’s greenest amplifier line with a Power Factor Corrected (PFC) power supply, and a selectable powersave auto-standby mode where the amplifier will power down after 30 minutes of no input signal and consume less than 1 watt.
In addition to the amplifiers’ balanced 3-pin input connectors and 2-pin terminal strip output connectors, a rear-panel AUX port enables the amplifiers to be integrated into control systems for remote on/off and amplifier fault monitoring.
Crown DCi series amplifiers are built for the most demanding conditions of continuous professional use and carry a 3-year, no-fault fully transferable warranty.
