Fork In The Road
Since much of the nuts-and-bolts work had already been done, by our own team and by Apple’s, we could focus on the essentials.
What feature set should be included in the app? And what kind of graphic user interface would be most useful and least prone to “uh-oh” moments?
The project was undertaken by Vander Werf, Brian Pickowitz (market manager for tour sound), Bradford Benn (director of application engineering), and myself.
Within the first few weeks, we came to a fork in the road. We realized that the potential for integrating the in-depth functionality available for Crown products via System Architect was practically limitless.
But what features really made sense – for the majority of users – on this compact, highly mobile format? On the other hand, what if advanced users wanted to access sophisticated features?
We resolved the dilemma by giving Powered by Crown a dual personality.
The app comes equipped with default control panels for all networkable Crown amplifiers, as well for as JBL VerTec loudspeakers with DP-DA modules. Each amplifier can be called up for monitoring and control as needed.
However, for advanced users, we created an option for importing custom control panel files (for Crown products only) from System Architect.
It’s a simple drag-and-drop operation via iTunes, and the custom panels can include multiple amplifiers and the entire range of amplifier monitoring and control features.
How It Works
The download and installation process is the same as any other iOS app, and the Crown amplifier network needs to be in place, with all firmware updates, and connected to a wireless router. We also advise that your network be password protected.
Once you log on to your network, simply tap the “Crown” button. The app opens instantly and within seconds you will see it populate the amplifiers on the network. Everything should be up and ready in a fraction of the time it takes just to boot Windows.
It is possible to make changes to amplifier parameters in the app when the amplifiers are offline.
However, when they come back online, parameters in the app immediately revert to those stored in the amplifiers, assuring there will be no unexpected changes to your system.
As a side note, anyone without networked Crown amplifiers can still satisfy their curiosity by downloading and running the app in offline mode.
A full system using any combination of amps can be created, and most configuration and level controls will work. But, of course, no monitoring parameters will display.