Professional Power Amplifiers: Owner'S Manual
Professional Power Amplifiers: Owner'S Manual
Professional Power Amplifiers: Owner'S Manual
POWER AMPLIFIERS
Clip/Limit
7301 Professional Power Amplifier 10004 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB Clip/Limit Clip/Limit
LOWS HIGHS
Signal Signal
Temp/DC Temp/DC
Clip/Limit
7001 Professional Power Amplifier Active Active
Signal -6 -6 -6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3
Temp/DC
-15 -15 -15 -15
Active -1 -1 -1 -1
-6 -6 -30 -30 -30 -30
-10 -3 -10 -3
-80 0dB -80 0dB -80 0dB -80 0dB
-15 -15
Ch A Ch B Ch C Ch D
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
Clip/Limit
6001 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
Active Active
-6 -6
Clip/Limit
4801 Professional Power Amplifier -10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
Signal -1 -1
-30 -30
Temp/DC -80
-80 0dB 0dB
Active Ch A Ch B
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80
Ch A
0dB -80
Ch B
0dB 9001 Professional Power Amplifier
Clip/Limit
Clip/Limit
4601 Professional Power Amplifier Signal
Signal Temp/DC
Temp/DC
Active
Active
-6 -6 -6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3
Clip/Limit
3301 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
8001 Professional Power Amplifier
Temp/DC
Active Clip/Limit
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
Signal
-15 -15
-1 -1 Temp/DC
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
Clip/Limit
MA7120 Professional Power Amplifier -15
-1
-15
-1
-30 -30
Signal -80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-30
-1 -1 MA9130 Professional Power Amplifier
-30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
Clip/Limit
Signal
Clip/Limit
MA5850 Professional Power Amplifier
Temp/DC
Signal
Active
Temp/DC
-6 -6
Active -10 -3 -10 -3
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-15 -15 -30 -30
-1 -1 -80 -80
-30 -30 0dB 0dB
-80
Ch A Ch B
0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
OWNER’S MANUAL
Including MA Series Amplifiers
Important Precautions
This symbol is used to alert the oper- 10. Power down & disconnect units from 20. Non-use periods. The power cord of
ator to follow important operating pro- mains voltage before making connec- equipment should be unplugged from
cedures and precautions detailed in tions. the outlet when left unused for a long
documentation.
period of time.
11. Never hold a power switch in the
This symbol is used to warn opera-
“ON” position if it won’t stay there 21. Service Information E q u i p m e n t
tors that uninsulated “dangerous volt- itself! should be serviced by qualified service
ages” are present within the equip- personnel when:
ment enclosure that may pose a risk 12. Do not use the unit near stoves, heat
of electric shock. registers, radiators, or other heat A. The power supply cord or the plug
producing devices. has been damaged;
1. Save the carton and packing material
even if the equipment has arrived in 13. Do not block fan intake or exhaust B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has
good condition. Should you ever need ports. Do not operate equipment on a been spilled into the equipment;
to ship the unit, use only the original surface or in an environment which may
impede the normal flow of air around C. The equipment has been exposed to
factory packing.
the unit, such as a bed, rug, weather- rain;
2. Read all documentation before oper- sheet, carpet, or completely enclosed D. The equipment does not appear to
ating your equipment. Retain all docu- rack. If the unit is used in an extremely operate normally, or exhibits a
mentation for future reference. dusty or smoky environment, the unit marked change in performance;
should be periodically “blown free” of
3. Follow all instructions printed on unit
foreign matter. E. The equipment has been dropped, or
chassis for proper operation.
the enclosure damaged.
14. Do not remove the cover. Removing
4. Do not spill water or other liquids
the cover will expose you to potentially 22. To obtain service, contact your nearest
into or on the unit, or operate the unit
dangerous voltages. There are no user Crest Audio Service Center, Distributor,
while standing in liquid.
serviceable parts inside. Dealer, or Crest Audio at 201.909.8700
5. Make sure power outlets conform to (USA).
15. Connecting amplifier outputs to
the power requirements listed on the
oscilloscopes or other test equipment
back of the unit.
while the amplifier is in bridged mode
6. Do not use the unit if the electrical may damage both the amplifier and test
power cord is frayed or broken. The equipment!
power supply cords should be routed so
16. Do not drive the inputs with a signal
that they are not likely to be walked on
level greater than that required to
or pinched by items placed upon or
drive equipment to full output.
against them, paying particular atten-
tion to cords and plugs, convenience 17. Do not connect the inputs / outputs of
receptacles, and the point where they All Professional Series power amplifier
amplifiers or consoles to any other
exit from the appliance. models are UL LISTED, except for:
voltage source, such as a battery, mains
source, or power supply, regardless of
7. Always operate the unit with the AC 10001
whether the amplifier or console is
ground wire connected to the electri- 10004
turned on or off.
cal system ground. Precautions should MA5850
be taken so that the means of grounding 18. Do not run the output of any amplifi- MA7120
of a piece of equipment is not defeated. er channel back into another chan- MA9130
nel’s input. Do not parallel- or series-
8. Mains voltage must be correct and
connect an amplifier output with any
the same as that printed on the rear
other amplifier output. Crest Audio is
of the unit. Damage caused by connec-
not responsible for damage to loud-
tion to improper AC voltage is not cov-
speakers for any reason.
ered by any warranty.
19. Do not ground any + (“hot”) termi-
9. Have gain controls on amplifiers
nal. Never connect a + (“hot”) output
turned down during power-up to pre-
to ground or to another + (“hot”) out-
vent speaker damage if there are high
put!
signal levels at the inputs.
Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Cooling Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operating Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Crest Audio Model 7301 Power Amplifier . . . . . . . . . . 3
Crest Audio Model 10004 Power Amplifier . . . . . . . . . 3
Models 3301, 4801, 6001 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Model 4601 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Model 7001 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Model 7301 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Model 8001 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Model 9001 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Model 10001 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Model 10004 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting Inputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Crest Audio Octal Sockets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
NexSys® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Connecting Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operation Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Bridging Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Switches and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Protection Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Speaker Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Amplifier Maintenance and User Responsibility . . . . . 15
Service/Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Professional Series Block Diagram . . . . . . . Appendix A
General Amplifier Specifications . . . . . . . . . Appendix B
Wire Gauge Charts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Appendix C
Meyer-Compatible Power Amplifiers . . . . . . Appendix D
Unpacking
Upon unpacking, inspect the amplifier. If you find any damage, notify your supplier immediately. Only the consignee may institute a
claim with the carrier for damage incurred during shipping. Be sure to save the carton and all packing materials. Should you ever need
to ship the unit back to Crest Audio, one of its offices, service centers, or the supplier, use only the original factory packing. If the ship-
ping carton is unavailable, contact Crest to obtain a replacement.
Mounting
Professional Series power amplifiers will mount in standard 19-inch racks having sufficient depth. The 10004 & 10001 amplifiers are
four rack units high; the 9001 and 8001 models are three rack-spaces high, while the remainder are two rack-space units. All two and
three-rack space units (except for the 9001) are provided with four front panel mounting holes. The 9001, 10001, and 10004 have eight
front panel mounting holes. Crest Audio recommends using all mounting holes to secure the power amplifier in the rack; this will
ensure the safety of the equipment. Rear mounting ears are also provided on all amplifiers for additional support, which is essential in
non-permanent installations like mobile or touring sound systems, but recommended for permanent installations as well. Because of
the cables and connectors on the rear panel, a right-angle or offset screwdriver or hex key will make it easier to fasten the rear mount-
ing ears to the rails.
Note: The 10001 and 10004 models, because of their size, require rack mounting screws stronger than standard rack screws. For cus-
tomers in the USA, these are supplied with the unit. Customers in Europe and Asia should mount these models using heavy-duty met-
ric bolts.
Operating Precautions
Make sure the mains voltage is correct and is the same as that printed on the rear of the amplifier. Damage caused by connecting the
amplifier to improper AC voltage is not covered by any warranty. See the Connecting Power section for more information on voltage
requirements.
Note: Always turn off and disconnect the amplifier from mains voltage before making audio connections. Also, as an extra precaution,
have the attenuators turned down during power-up.
Although the Professional Series amplifiers have AutoRamp circuitry, which raises the signal level gradually after the output relay clos-
es, it is always a good idea to have the gain controls turned down during power-up to prevent speaker damage if there is a high signal
level at the inputs. Whether you buy or make them, use good-quality connections, input cables, and speaker cables, along with good
soldering technique, to ensure trouble-free operation. Most intermittent problems are caused by faulty cables.
Consult the Wire Gauge Charts to determine proper gauges for different load impedances and cable lengths. Remember that cable resis-
tance robs amplifier power in two ways: power lost directly to resistance (I2R loss), and by lowering the total load impedance. Also
make sure the mode switch is correctly set for the desired application. See Sections on Stereo, Parallel, and Bridged Mono Operation
for more information.
Clip/Limit
3301 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAUTION OUT A
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
STEREO PARALLEL DO NOT OPEN
BRIDGE
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE—NE PAS OUVRIR
+
A WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. BRIDGE
--
PIN 3+ ATTENTION! POUR ÉVITER LE RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU DE CHOC
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE PLACEZ PAS CET APPAREIL SOUS LA PLUIE OU Á
L'HUMIDITÉ
IN A
OUT B
PUSH
SIGNAL
GROUND
LIFT Designed & manufactured in the USA by:
IN B USA ONLY
B MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER
PUSH
1-Channel A & B Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch. 3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill.
4-Fan Intake Grill & Filter 5-Channel A & B Gain Attenuators. 6-Channel A & B XLR Input Connectors. 7-Mode Select Switch.
8-Crest Audio Octal Accessory Sockets. 9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip. 10-Five-Way Output Binding Post Connectors.
Clip/Limit
4601 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
CAUTION OUT A
STEREO PARALLEL
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
BRIDGE DO NOT OPEN
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE—NE PAS OUVRIR +
A BRIDGE
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT --
PIN 3+ EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
OUT B
SIGNAL
GROUND
LIFT
USA ONLY
IN B Designed & manufactured in the USA by:
1-Channel A & B Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-Mode Select Switch. 5-Channel A & B XLR Input Connectors. 6-Channel A & B Gain Attenuators.
7-Fan Intake Grills & Filters. 8-Crest Audio Octal Accessory Sockets
9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip. 10-Five-Way Output Binding Post Connectors.
Clip/Limit
7301 Professional Power Amplifier
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
LOWS HIGHS
4 5 6 7 8 9
SIGNAL
PIN 3+ GROUND
IN LIFT
USA ONLY Designed & manufactured in the USA by:
HIGHS
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER
MODEL # INPUT CURRENT IN WATTS PER
PUSH
1-Lows and Highs Channel Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-Lows and Highs Channel XLR Input Connectors. 5-Lows and Highs Channel Attenuators.
6-Fan Intake Grills & Filters. 7-Crest Audio Octal Accessory Sockets.
8-Five-Way Output Binding Post Connectors. 9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip.
1 2 3
Clip/Limit
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
4 5 6 7 8 9
IN B IN A
PUSH PUSH
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN -- --
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE—NE PAS OUVRIR OUT A OUT A
+ +
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
PIN 3+ EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
ATTENTION! POUR ÉVITER LE RISQUE D'INCENDIE OU DE CHOC
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE PLACEZ PAS CET APPAREIL SOUS LA PLUIE OU Á + +
L'HUMIDITÉ BRIDGE BRIDGE
-- -- SIGNAL
A USA ONLY GROUND
LIFT
PARALLEL
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER + +
MODEL # INPUT CURRENT IN WATTS PER OUT B OUT B
BRIDGE @ 120V, 60Hz CHANNEL, 2Ω -- --
8001 30 AMPS 1400W
OUTPUT - CLASS 1 WIRING MAY BE USED
1-Front Panel Channel Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-Mode Select Switch. 5-XLR Input Connectors. 6-Crest Audio Octal Socket Accessory Connectors.
7-Channel A & B Attenuators. 8-Five-Way Output Binding Post Connectors. 9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip.
1 2 3
Clip/Limit
Signal
Temp/DC
Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
PIN 3+
PUSH IN A A
PARALLEL
BRIDGE
MODEL 9001
MAXIMUM OUTPUT --
POWER PER CHANNEL OUT A
+
8Ω 1200 WATTS
4Ω 2200 WATTS CAUTION
PUSH IN B STEREO
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
-- DO NOT OPEN
B SIGNAL BRIDGE AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE—NE PAS OUVRIR
GROUND + WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
LIFT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
NEXSYS
OUTPUT Crest Audio Inc.
SAMPLE 100 Eisenhower Dr.
Paramus, New Jersey 07652 USA
11
1-Front Panel Channel Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-XLR Input Connectors. 5-Air Intake/Fan Filter. 6-Channel Attenuators.
7-Mode Select Switch 8-Crest Audio Octal Socket Accessory Connectors.
9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip. 10-Single-Screw Solderless Output Connectors. 11-NexSys Output Sample Connector
1 2 3 2 1
Clip/Limit Clip/Limit
Signal Signal
Temp/DC Temp/DC
Active Active
-6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3
-15 -15
-1 -1
-30 -30
-80 0dB -80 0dB
Ch A Ch B
5
4 5 6 7 8 4
9
PUSH IN A
PIN 3+
OUT B OUT A
- + + -
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS : RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE—NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
SIGNAL
GROUND
PARALLEL STEREO LIFT
Crest Audio Inc.
100 Eisenhower Dr.
Paramus, New Jersey 07652 USA
BRIDGE
PUSH IN B
NEXSYS
OUTPUT
SAMPLE
AC MAINS-INPUT AC MAINS-INPUT
CH. B CH. A
8 10 11
1-Front Panel Channel Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switch.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-Single-Screw Solderless Output Connectors. 5-Channel Attenuators. 6-Air Intake/Fan Filter.
7-Crest Audio Octal Socket Accessory Connectors. 8-XLR Input Connectors. 9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip.
10-Mode Select Switch 11-NexSys Output Sample Connector
1 2 3 2 1
Clip/Limit Clip/Limit
Signal Signal
Temp/DC Temp/DC
Active Active
-6 -6 -6 -6
-10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3 -10 -3
5
4 5 6 7 8 6 7 4
9
C A
-- --
OUT C OUT A
+ +
+ +
BRIDGE BRIDGE
-- --
D B
+ +
OUT D SIGNAL OUT B
-- GROUND --
LIFT
PARALLEL STEREO PARALLEL STEREO
BRIDGE BRIDGE
PUSH PUSH IN B
NEXSYS NEXSYS
OUTPUT IN D OUTPUT
SAMPLE SAMPLE
AC MAINS-INPUT AC MAINS-INPUT
CH. C & D CH. A & B
10 7 11 7 11 10
1-Front Panel Channel Clip/Limit, Signal, Temp/DC, and Active LEDs. 2-Combination Circuit Breaker/Power Switches.
3-Heated Air Exhaust Grill. 4-Five-Way Output Binding Post Connectors. 5-Channel Attenuators. 6-Crest Audio Octal Socket
Accessory Connectors. 7-XLR input connectors. 8-Air Intake/Fan Filter. 9-Signal Ground Lift Barrier Strip.
10-NexSys Output Sample Connector. 11-Mode Select Switch
Connecting Outputs
On the models 9001 and 10001, speaker cables must be connected to the single screw solderless lug connec-
tors on the back of the amplifiers. For all other models, speaker cables can be connected with banana plugs,
spade lugs, or bare wire to the 5-way binding posts. On the Models 8001 and 10004, two pairs of 5-way bind-
ing posts are provided for each channel, so that paralleling of speakers is possible. Consult the Wire Gauge
Chart to find a suitable wire gauge to minimize losses of power and damping factor in the cables.
Note: See the section on model 7301 for pertinent output connection information.
XLR Pinouts
Never connect a “hot” (red) output to ground or to another “hot” (red) output! Always
turn off the amplifier before making connections.
For normal operation (not using the accessory sockets), jump Pin 1 to Pin 8 and Pin 6 to Pin 7 on both sockets (indicated by the dot-
ted lines in Figure 7; the jumpers are set this way at the factory). To invert the input polarity, that is, to make XLR Pin 2 (+ ) and Pin
3 ( - ), remove the existing jumpers and jump Pin 1 to Pin 7 and Pin 6 to Pin 8. If the jumpers are misplaced, use solid wire; 4mm2
(metric) or No. 10 (AWG) will suffice. If the wire is too small, it will not fit snugly in the socket holes and may fall out; if it is too
large, it may distort the socket contacts.
NexSys
Professional Series amplifiers are compatible with NexSys, Crest Audio’s dynamic hardware/software package that allows for sound
system control and management from a Windows-based PC. The octal socket is used to connect between the amplifier and the NexSys
supervisor via the NS-CCM-2 Control Module.
Operation Modes
Stereo Operation
For stereo (dual channel) operation, turn the amplifier off and set the mode select switch to the stereo position. In this mode, both chan-
nels operate independently of each other, with their input attenuators controlling their respective levels. Thus, a signal at Channel A’s
input produces an amplified signal at Channel A’s output, while a signal at Channel B’s input produces an amplified signal at Channel
B’s output. For models 9001 and 10004, the recommended minimum nominal load impedance for stereo or parallel operation is 2Ω per
channel. For model 10001, the minimum is 1 ohm per channel. Note: The Model 7301 has no mode select switch; it always operates
as a dual-channel amplifier. Model 10004 has two mode select switches, one for channels A/B, and one for channels C/D.
Parallel Operation
For parallel (dual-channel/single input) operation, turn the amplifier off and set the mode switch in the parallel position; both amplifi-
er channels are then driven by the signal at Channel A’s input. No jumper wires are needed. Output connections are the same as in the
stereo mode. In the parallel mode, only Channel A’s input is active; Channel B’s is out-of-circuit. Both input attenuators remain active,
allowing you to set different levels for each channel. Power and other general performance specifications are the same as in the stereo
mode. Note: Model 7301 has no mode select switch; it always operates as a dual-channel amplifier.
Input Attenuators
Whenever possible, set the attenuators fully clockwise to maintain optimum system headroom. The input attenuator controls (one for
channel A, one for channel B) located at the front panel adjust gain for their respective amplifier channels in all modes. See the spec-
ifications at the end of this manual for standard voltage gain and input sensitivity information.
When operating a Professional Series amplifier in the bridged mode, both attenuators must be in the same position so the speaker load
will be equally shared between the channels. See the section on Bridged Mono Operation for more information and precautions.
Note: on the Model 7301, channel attenuators are labeled "LOWS" and "HIGHS", corresponding to the low and high frequency mon-
itor output channels.
Clip/Limit LED
A channel’s Clip/Limit LED will light dimly at the onset of clipping and increase in brilliance as clipping becomes more severe, stay-
ing on until the clipping ceases. If the LED’s are flashing quickly and intermittently, the channel is just at the clip threshold, while a
steady, bright glow means the amp is clip limiting, or reducing gain to prevent severely clipped waveforms reaching the loudspeakers.
See the Clip Limiting section for more information.
Signal LED
This LED lights when its channel produces an output signal of about 4 volts RMS or more (0.1 volt or more at the input, with 0 dB
attenuation and standard X40 voltage gain). It is useful in determining whether a signal is reaching and being amplified by the ampli-
fier.
Temp/DC LED
The Temp/DC LED lights to indicate that the channel’s output relay is open, disconnecting the speaker(s) for any of the following rea-
sons:
1. The unit was just powered up and is in the turn-on delay mode.
2. The amplifier senses a DC voltage at its output.
3. The channel has overheated.
Active LED
The Active LED indicates that its channel’s output relay is closed and the channel is operational. It lights under normal operation and
remains on even when the channel is in clip limiting or IGM gain reduction. These are protection features which leave the output relay
closed. If the Active LED goes off, there is no signal at the module output point.
Protection Features
Professional Series amplifiers incorporate several circuits to protect both themselves and loudspeakers under virtually any situation.
Crest Audio has attempted to make the amplifiers as foolproof as possible by making them immune to short and open circuits, mis-
matched loads, DC voltage, and overheating. If a channel goes into the clip limiting or IGM gain reduction mode, the speaker load
remains connected, but clipping percentage or output power are instantly reduced. When a problem occurs that causes a channel to go
into a protection mode, the Temp/DC LED for that channel will glow. DC voltage on the output, excessive subsonic frequencies, or
thermal overload will cause the channel’s output relay to disconnect the speaker load until the problem is corrected or the amplifier
cools down.
Clip Limiting
Any time a channel is driven into hard, continuous clipping, the clip limiter circuit will automatically reduce the channel gain to a level
just slightly into clipping, guarding the speakers against the damaging high power continuous square waves that may be produced.
Situations that may activate the clip limiter include uncontrolled feedback, oscillations, or an improper equipment setting or malfunc-
tion upstream from the amplifier. Normal program transients will not trigger the clip limiter; only steady, excessive clipping will. The
Clip/Limit LED will glow brightly and continuously when limiting occurs.
Short Circuit
If an output is shorted, the IGM and thermal circuits will automatically protect the amplifier. The IGM circuit senses the short circuit
as an extremely stressful load condition and attenuates the signal, protecting the channel’s output transistors from overcurrent stress. If
the short circuit remains, the channel will eventually thermally protect itself by disconnecting the load.
DC Voltage Protection
If an amplifier channel detects DC voltage at its output terminals, its output relay will immediately open to prevent loudspeaker dam-
age. The channel’s Temp/DC LED will light.
Subsonic Frequencies
The Professional Series amplifiers have built-in 12 dB per octave high-pass filtering, cornered at 8 Hz, to provide subsonic frequency
protection for each channel. In addition, a channel’s output relay will open if excessive subsonic energy appears at the output.
Turn-On/Turn-Off Protection
At power-up, the amplifier stays in the protect mode, with outputs disconnected, for about 3 seconds while the power supplies charge
and stabilize. While the output relays are open, the Temp/DC LED’s light. When power is removed, the speaker loads immediately dis-
connect so that no thumps or pops are heard.
Speaker Protection
non-inverting
Channel A Output stage
Attenuator
inverting
ground Preamp
B Amp front end
Output relay
Mode switch
P
S
Stranded Cable Lgth. Wire Gauge (AWG) Power Loss Power Loss Power Loss
(ft.) (8 ohm load) (4 ohm load) (2 ohm load)
Stranded Cable Lgth. Wire Gauge (mm2) Power Loss Power Loss Power Loss
(m) (8 ohm load) (4 ohm load) (2 ohm load)
The Crest Audio Models MA5850, MA9130, and MA7120 Professional power amplifiers are specifically designed in close coopera-
tion with Meyer Sound Laboratories to meet the needs of the European Meyer Sound loudspeaker user. This manual describes all of
the important aspects of amplifier installation, mounting, connection and operation. Additional information pertaining to these power
amplifiers is provided in this appendix.
MA5850 - Based on the Crest Audio Professional Series 4801 power amplifier, the MA5850 contains custom circuitry to limit output
to 58V RMS per channel, effectively preventing driver over-excursion on the models for which it is intended. As the power supply of
the MA5850 is capable of much greater output, this design also reduces possible damage from clipped waveforms. The MA5850 is
specifically designed as a Meyer Type 1 power amplifier. The gain setting is 23 dB at Meyer’s recommendation.
MA9130 - The MA9130 is based on the Crest Audio Professional Series 8001 power amplifier, using a custom designed, low noise
two speed fan and custom circuitry for operation as a Meyer Type 2 Power Amplifier. The MA9130 gain setting is also 23 dB.
MA7120 - The MA7120, based on the Crest Audio Professional Series 6001 and 7001 power amplifiers, is intended for bridged mode
operation, with a voltage gain of 6.3 (+16 dB). It has been specifically designed to meet the high power requirements of a Meyer Type
3 power amplifier.
Warranty applicable in USA, Canada, U.K., and many other countries. Power figures are watts per channel, both channels driven. Crest Audio reserves the right to make improvements in manufacturing or design which may
affect specifications. Crest Audio specification literature is available in downloadable PDF file format; visit our website at http://www/crestaudio.com. ©1996 Crest Audio Inc.
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