Harman's Crown Audio Begins Shipping I-Tech 4x3500HD DriveCore Multichannel Power Amplifiers

Harman's Crown Audio is now shipping its new flagship I-Tech HD 4x3500HD DriveCore series four-channel power amplifier. The four-channel I-Tech 4x3500HD incorporates Crown's sixth-generation Class I engine with DriveCore technology to deliver 3,500W per channel burst into two ohms, and offers a host of Crown's most advanced features including a 4.3" TFT LCD with capacitive touchscreen, exclusive Harman HiQnet System Architect 2.0 control functionality, and V5 DSP preset support for JBL Professional's newly-launched VTX series V25 plus VerTec series line array loudspeakers.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD delivers 1,900W per channel into eight ohms, 2,400W per channel into four ohms, and a massive 4,800W into eight ohms bridged with all channels driven at full bandwidth all from an amplifier that measures just 2U rack spaces high. This remarkable power to size ratio is made possible by Crown's exclusive DriveCore amplifier IC chip. The DriveCore chip combines the amplifier driver stage into the power output stage (along with additional audio-signal functions), to dramatically reduce overall size and power-consumption requirements and yield energy-efficient operation that conforms to Harman International's GreenEdge environmental initiative.

"The I-Tech 4x3500HD DriveCore series sets a new benchmark in control, connectivity, DSP, and system interfacing capabilities for professional high-power multichannel amplifiers," said Brian Pickowitz, market manager, tour sound for Crown. "We are confident customers will immediately recognize the distinct benefits of a true four-channel solution that this amplifier offers for a wide range of live sound and fixed installation applications."

The I-Tech 4x3500HD provides an ideal real-world solution with its four analog inputs, four AES3 digital inputs, and four AES inputs over VDrive and the ability to select four CobraNet inputs. The amplifier also includes SpeakON or banana plug speaker connectors, as well as a Neutrik PowerCON AC input connector to prevent the power cord from coming loose in transit.

The Crown I-Tech 4x3500HD provides more DSP sound-tailoring capability than any other amplifier on the market, the company says. Its proprietary BSS OmniDriveHD processing engine employs 32bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters for sonic clarity and the ability to precisely tailor the amplifier's audio output. Crown's exclusive linear phase FIR and IIR filters provide optimized loudspeaker crossover points with improved midrange clarity and off-axis loudspeaker response.

The amplifier is compatible with the Harman HiQnet System Architect and JBL HiQnet Performance Manager sound reinforcement system design software. The inclusion of JBL VerTec V5 DSP preset tunings for VerTec series loudspeakers interface with the I-Tech 4x3500HD's FIR filters to improve the loudspeakers' sound quality and horizontal coverage performance. For enhanced control and monitoring capabilities the amplifier is also compatible with the Powered By Crown iPad/iPhone application.

The I-Tech 4x3500HD incorporates a host of additional useful features including Crown's innovative LevelMax limiter technology that combines the operation of the amplifier's peak, thermal, and RMS limiters for more effective protection; and a front-panel USB port that enables users to load preset amplifier settings or device files and update firmware.

Harman HiQnet is the world's first connectivity and control protocol that integrates all product categories in the signal chain for professional audio systems of all types, size, and applications. Harman HiQnet no longer requires the user to manage multiple disparate operating systems or be responsible for programming individual signal processors, speaker controllers, wireless microphone systems, and mixing consoles. HiQnet was developed by engineers from across Harman's Professional Division and is coordinated by the System Development and Integration Group (SDIG), a team of dedicated systems specialists based in Salt Lake City, Utah.