Crown XL Series User manual

XLS Series
Operation Manual
©2001 by Crown International P.O. Box 1000, Elkhart, Indiana 46515-1000 U.S.A. Telephone: [phone]
Some models may be exported under the name Amcron.®
Trademark Notice: Crown
®
and Amcron
®
are registered trademarks of Crown Audio, Inc. Other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Obtaining Other Language Versions: To obtain information in another language about the use of this product, please contact your
local Crown Distributor. If you need assistance locating your local distributor, please contact Crown at 574-294-8000.
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.
The information provided in this manual was deemed accurate as of the publication date. However, updates to this information may
have occurred.
133465-3
11/01
XLS 202
XLS 402
XLS 602

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual
page 2
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 manufactur-
er’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of
the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type
plug has two blades and a third ground-
ing prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replace-
ment of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched, particularly at plugs, con-
venience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
11) Only use attachments/accessories speci-
fied by the manufacturer.
Important Safety
Instructions
MAGNETIC FIELD
CAUTION! Do not locate sensitive high-gain
equipment such as preamplifiers or tape decks
directly above or below the unit. Because this
amplifier has a high power density, it has a
strong magnetic field which can induce hum into
unshielded devices that are located nearby. The
field is strongest just above and below the unit.
If an equipment rack is used, we recommend
locating the amplifier(s) in the bottom of the rack
and the preamplifier or other sensitive equipment
at the top.
The lightning bolt triangle is used to alert the user
to the risk of electric shock.
The exclamation point triangle is used to alert
the user to important operating or maintenance
instructions.
WATCH FOR THESE SYMBOLS:
IMPORTANT
The XLS Series amplifiers require Class 2 output
wiring.
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE
TOP OR BOTTOM COVERS. NO USER SER-
VICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
12) Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods
of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.
15) To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
À PRÉVENIR LE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE N’ENLEVEZ
PAS LES COUVERCLES. IL N’Y A PAS DES PAR-
TIES SERVICEABLE À L’INTÉRIEUR. TOUS REP-
ARATIONS DOIT ETRE FAIRE PAR PERSONNEL
QUALIFIÉ SEULMENT.

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual page 3
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions ...................................................... 2
1 Welcome ...................................................................................... 4
1.1 Features......................................................................... 4
1.2 Unpacking Your Amplifier .......................................... 4
2 How to Use This Manual........................................................... 4
3 Setup............................................................................................. 5
3.1 Unpack Your Amplifier................................................ 5
3.2 Voltage Selection ........................................................ 5
3.3 Mount Your Amplifier.................................................. 5
3.4 Ensure Proper Cooling................................................ 5
3.5 Choose Input Wire and Connectors ......................... 6
3.6 Choose Output Wire and Connectors....................... 6
3.7 Wire Your System........................................................ 7
3.7.1 Stereo Mode...................................................... 7
3.7.2 Bridge-Mono Mode .......................................... 7
3.8 Connect to AC Mains................................................... 8
3.9 Startup Procedure........................................................ 8
4 Operation ..................................................................................... 8
4.1 Precautions.................................................................... 8
4.2 Front Panel Controls and Indicators........................ 9
4.3 Back Panel Controls and Connectors .................... 10
5 Advanced Features and Options............................................ 11
5.1 Protection Systems ................................................... 11
5.1.1 Anti-Clip Limiters........................................... 11
5.1.2 High-Pass Filters............................................ 11
5.1.3 Output Current Limiting ................................ 11
5.1.4 DC Protection .................................................. 11
5.1.5 Fuse .................................................................. 11
5.1.6 Thermal Protection ........................................ 11
6 Troubleshooting ........................................................................ 12
7 Specifications............................................................................ 13
8 Service........................................................................................ 15
8.1 Worldwide Service.................................................... 15
8.2 US and Canada Service............................................ 15
8.2.1 Factory Service .............................................. 15
9 Warranty..................................................................................... 16
Factory Service Information Form ............................................ 19

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual
page 4
The XLS Series of power amplifiers from
Crown represents a new era in affordable,
quality power amplification. The line consists
of three models in a uniform, rugged
chassis, incorporating the best of tried-and-
true design principles and innovative features.
Modern power amplifiers are sophisticated
pieces of engineering capable of producing
extremely high power levels. They must be
treated with respect and correctly installed if
they are to provide the many years of reliable
service for which they were designed.
In addition, XLS Series amplifiers include a
number of features which require some expla-
nation before they can be used to their maxi-
mum advantage.
Please take the time to study this manual so
that you can obtain the best possible service
from your amplifier.
1.1 Features
• Simple, reliable design incorporates many
popular features.
• Selectable high-pass filter on each channel
enables amplifier to work more efficiently
when full band-width is not required (eg:
two- or three-way systems).
1 Welcome 2 How to Use This
Manual
This manual provides you with the necessary
information to safely and correctly setup and
operate your amplifier. It does not cover
every aspect of installation, setup or operation
that might occur under every condition. For
additional information, please consult Crown’s
Amplifier Application Guide (available online at
www.crownaudio.com), Crown Tech Support,
your system installer or retailer.
We strongly recommend you read all instruc-
tions, warnings and cautions contained in this
manual. Also, for your protection, please send
in your warranty registration card today. And
save your bill of sale—it’s your official proof
of purchase.
• Pair of linear optocoupler clip limiters pro-
tects loudspeakers from being overdriven.
• Housed in a rugged, all-steel 3U chassis.
• Efficient forced-air fan prevents excessive
thermal buildup.
• Electronically balanced XLR inputs and
touch-proof binding post outputs.
• Features precision detented level controls,
power switch, and four LEDs, which indi-
cate clip for each channel, power and fault
conditions.
1.2 Unpacking Your Amplifier
Please unpack and inspect your amplifier for
any damage that may have occurred during
transit. If damage is found, notify the trans-
portation company immediately. Only you can
initiate a claim for shipping damage. Crown
will be happy to help as needed. Save the
shipping carton as evidence of damage for the
shipper’s inspection.
We also recommend that you save all packing
materials so you will have them if you ever
need to transport the unit. Never ship the
unit without the factory pack.

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual page 5
3 Setup
Figure 3.3 Airflow
Figure 3.2 Dimensions
3.4 Ensure Proper Cooling
When using an equipment rack, mount units
directly on top of each other. Close any open
spaces in rack with blank panels. DO NOT
block side or front air vents.
Figure 3.3 illustrates standard amplifier air-
flow.
3.1 Unpack Your Amplifier
YOU WILL NEED (not supplied):
• Two input wiring cables
• Two output wiring cables
• Rack for mounting amplifier (or a stable
surface for stacking)
WARNING: Before you start to set up
your amplifier, make sure you read and
observe the Important Safety Instruc-
tions found at the beginning of this
manual.
3.2 Voltage Selection
CAUTION: Before use, your amplifier
must be set to the correct operating
voltage for your local supply. Typically,
units are shipped from the factory with voltage
already set with the correct setting, but this
setting should be verified before first using the
amplifier.
The selected voltage is displayed on the top,
left side of the fuse drawer (see Figure 3.1). To
change the voltage setting; disconnect the power
source, then gently pry out the fuse casing from
the fuse drawer. Replace with the correct voltage
positioned to display on the top left side.
Be sure to operate your amplifier from a power
supply within ±10% of the rated voltage (i.e.,
108-132V for 120V supply).
Figure 3.1
Voltage Selection
2 in.
3.3 Mount Your Amplifier
CAUTION: Before you begin, make sure
your amplifier is disconnected from the
power source, with power switch in the
“off” position and all level controls
turned completely down (counterclock-
wise).
Use a standard 19-inch (48.3 cm) equipment
rack. See Figure 3.2 for amplifier dimensions.
You may also stack amps without using a
cabinet.
NOTE: When transporting, amplifiers should be
supported at both front and back.

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual
page 6
Figure 3.4. Input Connector Wiring
3 Setup
3.5 Choose Input Wire
and Connectors
Crown recommends using pre-built or profes-
sionally wired, balanced line (two-conductor
plus shield), 22-24 gauge cables and connec-
tors. You should use 3-pin male XLR cable
ends at the amplifier inputs. Unbalanced line
may also be used but may result in noise over
long cable runs.
Note: Male XLR signal links are also provided
on the amplifier to allow daisy-chaining of the
audio signal.
Refer to Figure 3.4 for correct XLR connector
pin assignments.
NOTE: Custom wiring should only be
performed by qualified personnel.
Figure 3.5. Output Connector Wiring
3.6 Choose Output Wire
and Connectors
Crown recommends using pre-built or pro-
fessionally wired, high-quality, two- or four-
conductor, heavy gauge speaker wire and
connectors. You may use banana plugs, spade
lugs or bare wire for your output connectors
(see Figure 3.5). To prevent the possibility
of short-circuits, wrap or otherwise insulate
exposed loudspeaker cable connectors.
Using the guidelines below, select the appro-
priate size of wire based on the distance from
amplifier to speaker.
Distance Wire Size
up to 25 ft. 16 gauge
26-40 ft. 14 gauge
41-60 ft. 12 gauge
61-100 ft. 10 gauge
101-150 ft. 8 gauge
151-250 ft. 6 gauge
CAUTION: Never use shielded cable for
output wiring.

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual page 7
3 Setup
3.7 Wire Your System
3.7.1 Stereo Mode
Typical input and output wiring is shown in
Figure 3.6.
INPUTS: Connect input wiring for both
channels.
OUTPUTS: Maintain proper polarity (+/-) on
output connectors.
Connect Channel 1 positive (+) speaker load
to Channel 1 positive (red) terminal of amp;
repeat for negative (-). Repeat Channel 2 wiring
as for Channel 1.
3.7.2 Bridge-Mono Mode
Typical input and output wiring is shown in
Figure 3.7.
INPUTS: Use a custom “Y” adapter cable,
wired to split the signal and invert the polarity
for the Channel 2 amplifier input as shown in
Figure 3.8. We recommend you label the ends
of the Y adapter to help make sure to connect
the correct end to each amplifier input.
Connect the Y adapter between the signal
source and each amplifier input.
NOTE: Crown provides a reference of wiring
pin assignments for commonly used connector
types in the Crown Amplifier Application Guide
(Section 1.21.) available at www.crownaudio.
OUTPUTS: Connect the speaker across the red
binding post of each channel. Do not use the
black binding posts when the amp is being
operated in Bridge-Mono mode.
NOTE: The Channel 1 and 2 level con-
trols MUST be set to identical settings
when operating the XLS amplifier in
Bridge-Mono mode.
120V
110V
120V
110V
Figure 3.6. System Wiring, Stereo Mode
Figure 3.7. System Wiring, Bridge-Mono Mode
Figure 3.8. Custom Input Cable for Bridge-Mono Mode

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual
page 8
4 Operation
4.1 Precautions
Your XLS Series amplifier is protected from
internal and external faults, but you should
still take the following precautions for optimum
performance and safety:
1. Before use, your amplifier first must be
configured for proper operation, includ-
ing input and output wiring hookup.
Improper wiring can result in serious
operating difficulties. For information
on wiring and configuration, please
consult the Setup section of this
manual or, for advanced setup tech-
niques, consult Crown’s Amplifier
Application Guide available online at
www.crownaudio.com.
2. Use care when making connections,
selecting signal sources and controlling
the output level. The load you save may
be your own!
3. Do not short the ground lead of an
output cable to the input signal ground.
This may form a ground loop and cause
oscillations.
4. Never connect the output to a
power supply, battery or power
main. Electrical shock may result.
5. Tampering with the circuitry, or making
unauthorized circuit changes, may be
hazardous and invalidates all agency
listings.
6. Never operate the amplifier with the
red Clip LEDs constantly flashing.
7. Do Not overdrive the mixer, which will
cause a clipped signal to be sent to
the amplifier. Such signals will be repro-
duced with extreme accuracy, and loud-
speaker damage may result.
8. Never operate the amplifier with less
than the rated load impedance. Due to
the amplifier’s output protection, such
a configuration may result in premature
clipping and speaker damage.
9. XLS Series amplifiers feature a built-in
Anti-Clip Limiter which, when selected,
will provide a high degree of protection
against amplifier clipping. Crown rec-
ommends activating the limiter whenever
sensible operation of the system cannot
be ensured.
Remember: Crown is not liable for
damage that results from overdriving
other system components.
3.8 Connect to AC Mains
Connect your amplifier to the AC mains power
source (power outlet) with the supplied AC
power cordset. First, connect the IEC end of the
cordset to the IEC connector on the amplifier;
then, plug the other end of the cordset to the
AC mains.
NOTE: The third prong of this connector
(ground) is an important safety feature. Do not
attempt to disable this ground connection by
using an adapter or other methods.
Amplifiers don’t create energy. The AC mains
voltage and current must be sufficient to deliver
the power you expect. You must operate your
amplifier from an AC mains power source with
not more than 10% variation above or below
the amplifier’s specified line voltage and within
the specfied frequency requirements (indicated
on the amplifier’s back panel label). If you are
unsure of the output voltage of your AC mains,
please consult your electrician.
3.9 Startup Procedure
Use the following procedure when first turning
on your amplifier:
1. Turn down the level of your audio source.
2. Turn down the level controls of the ampli-
fier.
3. Turn on the “Power” switch. The Power
indicator should glow.
4. Turn up the level of your audio source to
an optimum level.
5. Turn up the Level controls on the ampli-
fier until the desired loudness or power
level is achieved.
6. Turn down the level of your audio source
to its normal range.
If you ever need to make any wiring or instal-
lation changes, don’t forget to turn off the
amplifier and disconnect the power cord.
For help with determining your system’s
optimum gain structure (signal levels)
please refer to the Crown Amplifier
Application Guide, available online at
www.crownaudio.com.
3 Setup

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual page 9
4 Operation
4.2 Front Panel Controls
and Indicators
A. Cooling Vents
Front-to-rear forced airflow.
B. Level Controls
Two black rotary level controls, one for
each channel.
C. Clip Indicators
Two red LEDs, one for each channel, illu-
minate when the channel’s output signal is
being overdriven.
D. Power Indicator
Green LED indicates amplifier has been
turned on and AC power is available.
E. Fault Indicator
Yellow LED illuminates when amplifier is
in protect mode. Also illuminates briefly
during normal power-up when amplifier is
first switched on.
F. Power Switch
Amplifier is on when the switch is in the
UP position.
Figure 4.1 Front Panel Controls
and Indicators

XLS Series Power Amplifiers
Operation Manual
page 10
4 Operation
4.3 Back Panel Controls
and Connectors
G. Power Connector
H. Fuse
Provides overload protection.
I. Voltage Selector
Two-position switch is factory-set to coun-
try-specific voltage. WARNING: Do not
operate your amplifier with an incor-
rect voltage selected or amplifier
damage may result.
J. Male XLR Signal Links
One per channel; male XLR connectors
are provided for daisy-chaining to other
amplifiers.
K. Balanced XLR Inputs
One per channel; three-pin female XLR
input connectors are provided.
L. Filter Switches
One per channel; three-position switch sets
the internal high-pass filter frequency. Fre-
quency setting is 30 Hz when switch is
in left position; 15 Hz when switch is cen-
tered; and bypassed when switch is in right
position.
M. Limiter Switch
Offers loudspeaker protection against mod-
erate amplifier clip when set to the “IN”
position.
N. 5-Way Binding Post Output Jacks
One pair per channel; accept banana plugs,
spade lugs or bare wire. Note: Binding post
outputs on European models come with
safety plugs installed to prevent banana
plugs from being inserted. Note that it is
possible to lever the caps out of the bind-
ing posts, but this will invalidate the prod-
uct safety approvals in some territories.
The side entry positions for these connec-
tors should therefore be used if possible.
Figure 4.2 Back Panel Controls
and Connectors