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PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIERS Professional Power Amplifier Professional Power Amplifier Professional Power Amplifier Professional Power Amplifier Professional Power Amplifier Professional Power Amplifier OWNER’ S MANUAL...
Do not parallel- or series-connect an amplifier output with any other amplifier output. Crest Audio is not responsible for dam- age to loudspeakers for any reason. 19. Do not ground any red (“hot”) ter- minal. Never connect a “hot” (red) output to ground or to another “hot”...
Crest Audio CA Series Power Amplifiers Models CA2, CA4, CA6, CA9, CA12, CA18 Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual Internal Configuration and Control Connecting Power / Circuit Size Requirements Stereo /Parallel/Bridged Mono Connections TourClass Recommended Speaker Cabling Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C...
133mm Front height 3.5" 89mm 17.9"/437mm (19"/483mm to rack ears) *Note: see Appendix E for detailed CA18 rear panel drawings. Page 4 CA12, CA18 Front View Professional Power Amplifier Front width 19" / 483mm CA2-9 Front View Professional Power Amplifier Front width 19"...
For your safety, please read the Important Precautions section before installing and operating the amplifier. The Crest Audio CA Series is based on the same advanced circuit topologies that have made Crest ampli- fiers the choice of touring professionals worldwide. CA Series amplifiers are designed for high operating efficiency and accurate sonic performance across the full audio bandwidth, even under stressful conditions.
Page 6 Professional Power Amplifier Never try to hold the circuit breaker/power switch in the “ON” position if it won’t stay there itself! Crest Audio CA Series Power Amplifiers Models CA2, CA4, CA6, CA9, CA12, CA18...
Bridged mode connector for Bridged Mono Mode. See Appendix D and the section on Mode Selection for more information. NOTE: on the 5-way Output Binding Post version of the CA18, two pairs of 5-way binding posts are provided for each channel, so that paralleling of speakers is possible.
CA4, CA6, CA9 and CA12, an internal jumper makes it possible to alter the amplifier to “Pin 3 hot” (+). NOTE: This jumper is NOT user configurable. Please consult your supplier or local Crest Audio service center if you wish to have the input XLR polarity changed On the CA18, an external XLR polarity switch is featured.
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. Unless other- wise specified when ordered, Crest amplifiers shipped to customers are configured as follows: North America...
Connecting Inputs. Use either the XLR or 1/4-inch input connectors on the rear to supply audio signals to your Crest Audio CA Series amplifier. Both connectors accept balanced and unbalanced audio connections. (The CA Series amplifiers are configured standard with “Pin 2 hot” on XLR inputs. Please note that some other Crest Audio amplifiers are configured with “Pin 3 hot”).
When set to Parallel Mode, a signal applied to Channel A’s input will be amplified and appear at outputs for both Channels A & B. Either the 1/4" (TRS) input or the XLR input on Channel A may be used.
AutoRamp Protection. Auto Ramp operates every time the amplifier is turned on or is reactivated after a protect condition is cor- rected. This exclusive Crest Audio feature gradually increases gain to the attenuator setting avoiding unnec- essary stress on the loudspeakers.
The amplifier’s clipping point is its maximum peak output power. At maximum peak output power, Crest Audio CA Series amplifiers will deliver more power than many speakers can safely handle. Be sure the peak power capability of the amplifier is not excessive for your speaker system.
In the unlikely event that your amplifier develops a problem, it must be returned to an authorized distributor, service center or shipped directly to our factory. To obtain service, contact your nearest Crest Audio Service Center, Distributor, Dealer, or any of the worldwide Crest Audio offices. For contact information, reach Crest Audio Inc.
Gain Select Switch (CA18) 40x 20x Ø XLR Pin + XLR pin hot (+) select switch (CA18) Output Connection Section Speakon Output Connector - Channel A Stereo/Parallel Speakon Output Connector - Channel B Stereo/Parallel Speakon Output Connector - Bridged Mono...
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X40 and X20. NOTE: on the 5-way Output Binding Post version of the CA18, two pairs of 5-way binding posts are provid- ed for each channel, so that paralleling of speakers is possible.
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