P.I.P.-AF - Audio processor CROWN - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	Crown
Model	P.I.P.-AF
Product Type	Audio Amplifier
Dimensions (W x H x D)	19.0 x 3.5 x 12.0 inches (rack mount)
Weight	15.0 lbs (6.8 kg)
Power Supply	120V AC, 60Hz
Power Output (RMS)	500W per channel into 4 ohms
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	<0.1%
Input Sensitivity	1.23V (4 ohm load)
Input Impedance	10 kΩ (balanced)
Output Impedance	4 – 8 Ω
Cooling Method	Variable speed fan, front-to-rear airflow
Protection Features	Short circuit, thermal overload, DC offset, under/over voltage
Controls	Volume knobs, gain switches (26dB/1.4V), input selector
Indicators	Power (blue), Signal (green), Clip (red), Protect (amber)
Input Connectors	XLR, 1/4" TRS, RCA (per channel)
Output Connectors	Binding post (5-way) and Speakon®
Rack Mountable	Yes, standard 19 inch with included rack ears
Certifications	CE, UL, FCC Class B
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature	−20°C to 60°C
Spare Parts & Repairability	Replaceable fan, fuses, and power supply module; serviceable by qualified technicians
Maintenance	Regular cleaning with dry cloth; check air filters monthly
General Information	Designed for professional live sound and installed sound applications

Frequently Asked Questions - P.I.P.-AF CROWN

How do I properly set the gain on my Crown P.I.P.-AF amplifier?

To set the gain, start with the gain switch at the lowest setting (26 dB). Play audio through the system at its maximum expected level. Slowly increase the gain until the Clip indicator flickers briefly, then reduce slightly to avoid distortion. For more precise adjustment, use a multimeter to set output voltage per channel.

What do the indicator lights on the front panel mean?

The Power light (blue) indicates the amplifier is on. Signal (green) shows audio signal present. Clip (red) warns of clipping or distortion – reduce gain. Protect (amber) means the amplifier is in protection mode due to overheating, short circuit, or DC offset.

How can I connect speakers to the P.I.P.-AF amplifier?

Use the binding post or Speakon connectors. For standard speakers, use banana plugs or bare wire with the binding posts. Ensure the speaker impedance is between 4 and 8 ohms. For bridge mono operation, consult the manual for proper wiring.

What should I do if the amplifier does not power on?

First, check the power cord and wall outlet. Verify the power switch is on. If still no power, check the internal fuses (accessible from the rear). Replace with same type and rating. If the issue persists, the power supply may be faulty – contact a qualified technician.

How do I clean and maintain my Crown amplifier?

Disconnect power. Use a dry, lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior. For the front grille, use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Do not use liquid cleaners. Check and clean the air filters every month to ensure proper cooling.

Can I use the amplifier with a 70V or 100V line system?

No, the P.I.P.-AF is designed for low-impedance speakers (4-8 ohms). For constant voltage systems, you would need a step-up transformer or a different amplifier model.

What is the recommended ventilation space for rack mounting?

Leave at least 1 rack space (1.75 inches) above and below the amplifier for airflow. Do not block the front or rear vents. Ensure ambient temperature does not exceed 40°C.

How can I bridge the amplifier to get more power?

Set the mode switch to 'Bridge' (if available). Connect the speaker across the positive terminal of channel 1 and the positive terminal of channel 2 (do not use the negative terminals). Impedance must be 8 ohms minimum. Refer to the manual for exact settings.

What type of input cables should I use?

For best noise rejection, use balanced XLR or 1/4 inch TRS cables. For unbalanced sources, use RCA cables, but keep cable lengths short. Ensure all connections are tight.

My amplifier goes into Protect mode intermittently. What could be wrong?

Common causes: overheating (check fan and airflow), speaker impedance too low (below 4 ohms), short circuit in speaker cable, or ground loop. Turn off, let cool, and inspect wiring. If problem persists, have the unit serviced.

USER MANUAL P.I.P.-AF CROWN

Simple line drawing of a crown inside a rounded square frame (no text or symbols)

P.I.P.-AF

PROGRAMMABLE INPUT PROCESSOR

OWNER'S MANUAL

Distributed in North America as Crown. ^® Exported as Amcron. ^®

©1993 by CROWN INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1000

Elkhart, IN 46515

Service Department:

57620 C.R. 105

Elkhart, IN 46517

Amcron, ^® Crown, ^® Com-Tech, ^® Macro-Tech ^® and P.I.P. ^® are registered trademarks of Crown International, Inc.

K80539-8

Fig. 1.1 Front View

Fig. 1.2 Bottom View

1 Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the Crown P.I.P.-AF (Attenuator and Eilter) accessory. P.I.P. ^® modules are designed to quickly install in the rear panel of Crown Com-Tech, ^® Macro-Tech ^® or Macro Reference ^™ series amplifiers. P.I.P. stands for “Programmable Input Processor.” Their versatile features expand the capabilities of your amplifier and enable you to customize it for your specific needs.

When you unpack you should find:

P.I.P.-AF Module

Two 8-32 Phillips Machine Screws Two Lock Washers

Two Quick-Disconnect Barrier Blocks This Owner's Manual

Features

☐ Active balanced inputs.
☐ RFI filter which attenuates unwanted ultrasonic frequencies. The RFI filter is a 12 dB/octave (2nd order), Bessel-tuned low-pass filter with a 3 dB roll-off point at 30 kHz.
☐ Defeatable subsonic/bass filter with 50 Hz roll-off.
☐ Detented 21-step attenuators provide repeatable input signal control.

☐ Quick-connect barrier block connectors provide for greater wiring flexibility and easier installation.

Facilities

A. Balanced Input

With these special quick-connect barrier-block connectors (Figure 1.1), it's quick and easy to attach each input cable with just three screws. Once the cable is attached, the connector can be quickly unplugged and, if desired, moved to a different amplifier.

B. Input Attenuator

Each channel has a detented attenuator (Figure 1.1) which provides repeatable level adjustment. The attenuator controls have 21 detented steps that "click" into place for easy operation. The controls are labeled to indicate the input attenuation in dB for each position.

C. High-pass Jumper

The P.I.P.-AF incorporates a 50 Hz fixed frequency high-pass filter with a slope of 18 dB/octave. This filter can be bypassed by moving the high-pass jumper to the OUT position (Figure 1.2).

2 Installation

Before installing this P.I.P. module, you should decide whether or not the 50 Hz high-pass filter will be needed. Each channel has an independent HP jumper that is used to enable or disable its high-pass filter. To enable the filter for a particular channel, move the corresponding HP jumper to the IN position. To disable a channel's filter, move its jumper to the OUT position.

Note: The RFI filters are always on and cannot be switched off.

Now you are ready to install the P.I.P. in the amplifier.

IMPORTANT: Before connecting this or any P.I.P. to your amplifier, turn its level controls down, turn it off and remove the AC power. Even though the amplifier is off, there could still be enough energy in the circuitry to cause electric shock. You only need a phillips screw-driver to connect the P.I.P.-AF.

1. Turn down the amplifier's level controls (full counterclockwise), turn off the amplifier and unplug it from the AC power source.
2. Remove the existing P.I.P. module (two screws) and pull straight out with firm pressure.
3. Align the edge connector of the P.I.P. with the card rails (Figure 2.1).
4. Firmly push the P.I.P. in until it is seated against the mounting bracket.
5. Secure the P.I.P.-AF with the two included screws and lock washers. The lock washers are important because they ground the P.I.P. to the chassis of the amplifier.

Fig. 2.1 P.I.P. Installation

Fig. 2.2 P.I.P.-AF Frequency Response

1. Turn the P.I.P.-AF attenuators fully counterclockwise (maximum attenuation).
2. Plug in the amplifier and turn it on.
3. Turn the detented level controls of the P.I.P.-AF fully clockwise (no attenuation).
4. Set the amplifier's level controls to the maximum desired output.
5. Trim the output levels using the attenuator controls on the P.I.P.-AF.

In many audio systems, amplifier output level controls must be secured to prevent tampering. For Com-Tech amplifiers, level controls can be secured by installing the plexiglass security covers included with each unit. For Macro-Tech amplifiers, level control shaft lock kits can be installed which are available from Crown.

Remember: Crown is not liable for any damage resulting from overdriving other components in your sound system.

crown

P.I.P.-AF

Only one channel shown

P.I.P.-AF

crown

NOTES :
1. ALL RESISTORS ARE IN OHMS, 1/4N, 1% UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
2. ALL CAPACITORS ARE IN MICROFARADS UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.
3. P3 PINS 6, 8-10, AND 12-22 ARE NOT USED.
4. HP FILTER IS SET FOR 80HZ. 5. ULTRASONIC FILTER IS SET FOR 33KHZ.

J0610-6

Notes:

1. All resistors are in ohms, 0.25W, 1%, unless specified otherwise.
2. All capacitors are in microfarads unless specified otherwise.

3 Specifications

Note: All specifications are referenced to a 0.775 V input signal.

Signal-to-Noise: Greater than 85 dB (equivalent input noise) from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

Common Mode Rejection: Greater than 90 dB at 60 Hz; greater than 60 dB at 20 kHz.

Crosstalk: -60 dB at 1 kHz.

Input Impedance: Nominally 50 K ohms balanced and 25 K ohms unbalanced.

Recommended Source Impedance: 10 K ohms or less.

Maximum Input Level: +20 dB at 1 kHz.

Nominal Gain: Unity.

Frequency Response: ±1 dB from 20 Hz to 10 kHz (HP OUT). High-pass (subsonic/bass) filter has a -3 dB roll-off point of 50 Hz (see Figure 2.2).

The response is also affected by a permanent RFI filter with a -3 dB roll-off at 30 kHz.

Attenuation: 21-step attenuator for each channel:

Dimensions: 638 × 178 × 378 in (16.2 × 4.8 × 9.8 cm) .

Weight: 7 ounces (196 g).

crown®

DISTRIBUTED IN NORTH AMERICA AS CROWN. EXPORTED AS AMCRON.

CROWN/AMCRON

P.O. Box 1000, Elkhart, IN 46515-1000

Telephone: [phone] (U.S.A.)

Fax: [phone]