Crown’s CDi DriveCore amplifiers embody a new era of power amplification, offering innovative features and cutting-edge technology that make them a standout choice for professional audio applications. At the heart of these amplifiers is Crown’s proprietary and patented DriveCore™ technology, which integrates hundreds of components into a single chip. This technology not only simplifies the design by reducing component variability but also enhances reliability and ensures remarkable audio fidelity. It shares several patents with Crown’s flagship I-Tech 4x3500HD touring amplifier, demonstrating its advanced engineering pedigree.
One of the standout features of the CDi DriveCore series is its revolutionary cooling system. Unlike traditional amplifiers, which often suffer from inefficient heat dissipation, these amplifiers are designed to focus airflow precisely where it’s needed most. This targeted cooling maximizes efficiency, minimizes heat buildup, and reduces fan noise, ensuring quiet operation even in demanding environments. This efficiency is complemented by the amplifiers’ Class D topologies, which are at the forefront of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technology. This next-generation design offers superior power efficiency and output, providing clear and powerful sound.
The amplifiers offer true rack density, with power points of 300W or 600W available in 2, 4, or 8 channel configurations. Additionally, there are configurations providing up to 1250W in 2 or 4 channel setups with bridgeable outputs ranging from 300W to 2500W, all housed within a compact 2U form factor. This design allows for high power output while conserving rack space, making these amplifiers an ideal choice for installations where space is at a premium.
One of the key features of the CDi DriveCore amplifiers is their minimum guaranteed power ratings. Unlike many competitors, Crown guarantees that these amplifiers will consistently deliver at least the rated power specified in the documentation over extended periods. This reliability ensures that users can count on the amplifiers to perform under a wide range of conditions without degradation in quality or power output.
The CDi DriveCore series also features advanced Direct Drive “constant voltage” capabilities. Each output channel can provide either 70Vrms or 100Vrms amplification without the need for a step-up frequency limiting transformer. This feature significantly enhances audio quality by eliminating the distortion and loss typically associated with transformers, making these amplifiers suitable for high impedance applications.
To further enhance efficiency, the amplifiers include a Powersave feature with an auto-standby mode. If no audio input is detected for 30 minutes, the amplifier automatically powers down, consuming less than 1W of power. This energy-saving feature can be easily enabled or disabled via back panel DIP switches, providing flexibility depending on the user’s needs.
The advanced Power Factor Correction (PFC) universal power supply is another highlight, offering market-leading efficiency. It is designed to deliver maximum power consistently, regardless of the amplifier’s location, by accepting a universal AC input range of 100 – 240VAC, 50/60Hz (±10%). This adaptability ensures the amplifiers can be used in various regions and setups without requiring additional equipment or modifications.
Additionally, the AUX Port provides extra flexibility by allowing the amplifiers to be integrated into control systems for remote on/off control and fault monitoring. This integration capability makes the CDi DriveCore series a versatile choice for various professional audio environments, ensuring ease of use and seamless operation in complex setups.
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