Model: Macro-Tech 3600VZ Some models may be exported under the name Amcron.® ©2000 by Crown International, Inc., P.O. Box 1000, Elkhart, IN 46515-1000 U.S.A. Telephone: 219-2948000. Fax: 219-294-8329. Macro-Tech amplifiers are produced by the Professional Audio Division of Crown International,Inc.Trademark Notice: SmartAmp,™ PIP,™ and Grounded Bridge™ are trademarks and Amcron,® Crown,® Macro-Tech,® IOC,® ODEP,® IQ System,® and P.I.P.® are registered trademarks of Crown International, Inc.
3 YEAR THREE YEAR FULL WARRANTY 3 YEAR WORLDWIDE NORTH AMERICA SUMMARY OF WARRANTY The Crown Audio Division of Crown International, Inc., 1718 West Mishawaka Road, Elkhart, Indiana 46517-4095 U.S.A.
The information furnished in this manual does not include all of the details of design, production, or variations of the equipment. Nor does it cover every possible situation which may arise during installation, operation or maintenance. If your unit bears the name “Amcron,” please substitute it for the name “Crown” in this manual. If you need special assistance beyond the scope of this manual, please contact our Technical Support Group. Crown Audio Technical Support Group Plant 2 SW, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Important Safety Instructions 1) Read these instructions. 2) Keep these instructions. 3) Heed all warnings. 4) Follow all instructions. 5) Do not use this apparatus near water. 6) Clean only with a dry cloth. 7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that produce heat.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier CONTENTS 1 Welcome ............................................................................ 7 1.1 Unpacking ................................................................... 7 1.2 Features ....................................................................... 8 2 Facilities ............................................................................ 9 3 Installation ....................................................................... 11 3.1 Mounting .............
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier ILLUSTRATIONS 1.1 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 7.1 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Page 6 Macro-Tech 3600VZ Amplifier .................................................... 7 Front Facilities ........................................................................... 9 Rear Facilities ......................................................................... 10 Mounting Dimensions .....
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 1.1 Macro-Tech 3600VZ Amplifier 1 Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the Macro-Tech® 3600VZ professional power amplifier. It is the first audio amplifier to offer Crown’s patented Variable Impedance (VZ®) power supplies. The new power supplies, along with new semiconductor technology, enable the MacroTech 3600VZ to pack more power into a mere 3½ inches of vertical rack space than ever before.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 1.2 Features The Macro-Tech 3600VZ amplifier uses the latest technology and miniaturized design to deliver the highest power and value for its size, weight and price. Crown’s Grounded Bridge™ output and patented ODEP protection circuitry combine to provide performance and reliability that surpass all conventional amplifier designs. Macro-Tech amplifiers also have an independent high voltage power supply for each channel.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 2.1 Front Facilities 2 Facilities A. Dust Filter The dust filters remove large particles from the air at the air intake. Check filters regularly to be sure they do not become clogged. The filter elements can be easily removed for cleaning by gently pulling them away from the front panel (see Sections 3.2 and 4.5). B. Level Controls The level for each channel is set with these convenient controls mounted on the front panel.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 2.2 Rear Facilities available to drive a single load with an impedance less than 4 ohms. Important: Do NOT change this switch unless the amplifier is first turned off (see Section 3.3). I. Reset Buttons (PUSH TO RESET) These reset buttons are used to reset the breakers that safeguard the power supplies from overload (see Section 4.3). J.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3 Installation 3.1 Mounting Macro-Tech amplifiers are designed for standard 19 inch (48.3 cm) rack mounting and “stack” mounting without a cabinet. In a rack cabinet, it is best to mount them one on top of the other. This provides efficient air flow and enables each unit to support the one above. Important: Due to its weight, the back of the amplifier should be supported.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3.3 Wiring The following section describes common ways to install your amplifier in a sound system. The input and output terminals are located on the rear panel. Please use care when making connections, selecting signal sources and controlling the output level. The load you save may be your own! Crown assumes no liability for damaged loads resulting from careless amplifier use or deliberate overpowering.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3.3.2 Bridge-Mono Operation Bridge-Mono mode is intended for driving loads with a net impedance of 4 ohms or greater. (See Parallel-Mono if the load is less than 4 ohms.) Installing the amplifier in Bridge-Mono mode is very different from the other modes and requires special attention. To put the amplifier in Bridge-Mono mode, turn the amplifier off and slide the Stereo/Mono switch toward the right (as you face the back of the amplifier).
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3.3.3 Parallel-Mono Operation Parallel-Mono mode is used to drive loads with a total impedance of less than 4 ohms. (See Bridge-Mono if the load is 4 ohms or greater.) Installing the amplifier in Parallel-Mono mode is very different from the other modes and requires special attention. CAUTION: Do not attempt to operate in Stereo or Bridge-Mono mode until the Parallel-Mono jumper is first removed.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3.3.4 Input Connection Both the balanced XLR and phone jack inputs have a nominal impedance of 20 k ohms (10 K ohms with unbalanced wiring) and will accept the line-level output of most devices. Female XLR input connectors are provided on the standard P.I.P.-FX input module (other PIP modules are described in Section 8.1).
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 910 Ω SOLVING INPUT PROBLEMS Sometimes large subsonic (subaudible) frequencies are present in the input signal. These can damage loudspeakers by overloading or overheating them. To attenuate such frequencies, place a capacitor in series with the input signal line. The graph in Figure 3.10 shows some capacitor values and how they affect the frequency response. Use only low-leakage paper, mylar or tantalum capacitors. + A – Balanced Out – 910 Ω 1.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier shielded pair cable is another effective way to reduce or eliminate hum resulting from inductive coupling. Ground loops often result when two or more devices are improperly grounded. This causes undesirable stray currents that may produce hum in the output. The best way to avoid ground loops is to ensure that all system devices are plugged into the same power strip. In addition, make sure that all cable shields are grounded at one end only. resistance increases.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 1. Note the load resistance of the loudspeakers connected to each channel of the amplifier. Mark this value on the “Load Resistance” line of the nomograph. 2. Select an acceptable damping factor and mark it on the “Damping Factor” line. Your amplifier can provide an excellent damping factor of 1,000 from 10 to 400 Hz in Stereo mode with an 8-ohm load. In contrast, typical damping factors are 50 or lower.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 3.3.6 Additional Load Protection Because the amplifier generates enormous power, it may be desirable to protect loudspeakers (or other sensitive loads) from damage due to excessive power. A common way to do this is to put a fuse in series with the load. This may be accomplished by using a single fuse to protect the entire system, or by fusing each driver.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 4 Operation 4.1 Precautions Although the Macro-Tech 3600VZ is protected from external faults, the following precautions should be followed for safety and optimum operation: 1. There are important differences among the Stereo, Bridge-Mono and Parallel-Mono operating modes (see Section 3.3). 2. WARNING: Do not change the position of the Stereo/Mono switch unless the amplifier is first turned off. 3.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 4.2 Macro-Tech Indicator States amplifier’s performance. As input overload indicators, they flash brightly with a 0.5 second hold delay when an input signal that is too large begins to cause early clipping distortion at the input. Note: the Channel 2 IOC indicator will stay on in Parallel-Mono mode. 4.3 Protection Circuits Macro-Tech amplifiers provide extensive protection and diagnostics capabilities.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Its name describes what it does: Output Device Emulation Protection or ODEP. It not only simulates the operation of the output transistors but it also compares their operation to their known SOA. If ODEP sees that more power is about to be asked of the output devices than they are capable of delivering under the present conditions, ODEP immediately limits the drive level until it falls within the SOA.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier in situations where extremely low-impedance loads and sustained high output levels result in current draw that exceeds the breaker’s rating. Again, this should only be possible when operating outside rated conditions or when an input signal is clipped severely. 4.4 Controls The Enable switch is located on the front panel so you can easily turn the amplifier on and off.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier The Circuit Breaker Reset Buttons (PUSH TO RESET) are located on the back panel to protect the power supplies against overload. If a circuit breaker trips, the Signal/IOC indicator of the affected channel turns on (the Enable indicator remains illuminated). 4.5 Filter Cleaning Dust filters are provided on the air intakes to the cooling system (Figure 2.1).
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 5 Technical Information 5.1 Overview Your Macro-Tech VZ amplifier incorporates several new technological advancements including low-stress output stages, real-time computer simulation of output transistor conditions, advanced thermal management, a modular system for signal input and processing, and the articulated VZ power supplies. Custom protection circuitry limits temperature and current to safe levels while making the amplifier highly reliable and tolerant of faults.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 5.1 A Typical Power Supply Also, the lower the resistance of the power transistors, the more voltage you can deliver to the load. But when you lower the resistance of the transistors, you increase the current passing through them, and again increase the amount of heat they must dissipate. 5.2.2 The VZ Supply An articulated power supply like VZ avoids much of this problem by reducing the voltage applied to the transistors when less voltage is needed.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Fig. 5.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier The input signal at the phone jack passes directly into the balanced gain stage (U104-C,D). Use of a PIP module for input signal causes the input signal to pass through the PIP and then to the balanced gain stage. The balanced gain stage (U104-C,D) causes balancedto-single-ended conversion to take place using a difference amplifier. From there, gain can be controlled with a potentiometer.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 6 Specifications These specifications apply to 120 VAC units in stereo mode with 8 ohm loads and an input sensitivity of 26 dB unless otherwise specified. 120 VAC, 60 Hz Units: These units are equipped with transformers rated for 120 VAC, 60 Hz power. International Units: These units are equipped with transformers for either 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz, or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz power. Performance Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 watt. See Figure 6.3.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Controls Enable: A front panel push button used to turn the amplifier on and off. Level: A 31-position detented rotary attenuator for each channel located on the front panel used to control the output level. Stereo/Mono: A three-position back panel switch used to select Stereo, Bridge-Mono or Parallel-Mono operation. Sensitivity: A three-position switch located inside the PIP compartment used to select one of three input sensitivities for both channels: 0.775 volts or 1.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Construction Durable black powder coated steel chassis and aluminum front panel with Lexan overlay; specially designed “flow-through” ventilation from front to side panels. Cooling: Forced-air with custom heat diffusers and patented circuitry to promote uniform dissipation. Dimensions: 19 inch (48.3 cm) standard rack mount (EIA Std. RS-310-B), 3.5 inch (8.9 cm) height, 16 inch (40.6 cm) depth behind mounting surface and 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in front of mounting surface.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Crown specifications are guaranteed for three years. In an effort to provide you with as much information as possible about the high power-producing capabilities of your amplifier, we have created the following power matrices. Minimum Guaranteed Power Specifications Crown’s minimum power specifications represent the absolute smallest amount of output power you can expect from your amplifier when it is driven to full output under the given conditions.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Maximum Power Specifications Crown’s maximum power specifications represent the largest amount of output power you can expect from your amplifier when it is driven to full output under the given conditions. These specifications can be used to prevent loudspeaker and hearing damage. The maximum power matrices include specifications for single cycle and 40 millisecond burst sine waves. Burst signals act like large transient peaks that are present in common source signals.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier +2 +1 0 –1 –2 8 ohm 4 ohm –3 2 ohm 1 watt dB –4 –5 –6 –7 10 100 1K 10 K 100 K FREQUENCY (Hz) Fig. 6.3 Typical Frequency Response 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 8 ohm 200 100 0 100 20 1K 10 K 20 K FREQUENCY (Hz) Fig. 6.4 Typical Damping Factor 504.0 126.8 6 dB MILLIOHMS 31.8 8.0 2.0 10 100 1K 10 K 100 K FREQUENCY (Hz) Fig. 6.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier TEF ® Measurement +45˚ 0˚ –45˚ TEF ® 100 1K 10 K 20 K FREQUENCY (Hz) Fig. 6.6 Typical Phase Response (Measured with a TEF® Analyzer) TEF ® –60 Measurement –66 –72 –78 dB –84 –90 –96 100 TEF ® 1K 10 K 20 K FREQUENCY (Hz) Fig. 6.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 7 AC Power Draw and Thermal Dissipation This section provides detailed information about the amount of power and current drawn from the AC mains by the Macro-Tech 3600VZ, and the amount of heat produced under various conditions. The calculations presented here are intended to provide a very realistic and reliable depiction of the amplifier.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 8 Accessories 8.1 PIP Modules One advantage of Crown PIP compatible amplifiers is the ability to customize them using PIP (Programmable Input Processor) and PIP2 modules. The PIPs shown here may be used in any Crown PIP-compatible amplifier. PIPs carrying the PIP2 logo have been configured with an extended, PIP2-enhanced feature set. These PIPs may also be used in any PIP-compatible amplifier; however, extended features will only be available in PIP2-compatible amplifiers.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier P.I.P.-BEQC adds many features of the Bose® Controllers to the input of your amplifier. Each channel includes a custom equalization network for Bose loudspeakers. Also included is a bass-cut (high-pass) filter for each channel. The equalization and bass-cut filters can be bypassed, if desired. Balanced inputs and “daisy-chain” outputs use removable barrier block connectors for quick, solderless connections. P.I.P.-BEQX Same as P.I.P.-BEQC but with XLR connectors.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 8.2 Level Control Shaft Lock A security accessory, the shaft lock can be used to secure your amplifier’s level controls in situations where the front panel controls are subject to tampering. One is needed for each channel.They can be ordered through the Crown Service/Parts Department. For more information, contact the Crown Service Department. Fig. 8.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier 9 Service This unit has very sophisticated circuitry which should only be serviced by a fully trained technician. This is one reason why each unit bears the following label: CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, do not remove covers. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to a qualified technician. Factory Service Shipping Instructions: 1.
Macro-Tech 3600VZ Power Amplifier Crown Factory Service Information Shipping Address: Crown Factory Service, Plant 2 SW, 1718 W. Mishawaka Rd.
