System integrators working on challenging 21st century installed sound applications require equipment that is versatile, compact, and highly efficient. Look no further than the 4-channel Crown Audio DCI 4|1250N, a 1250W DriveCore Install BLU Link network amplifier with advanced features and flexibility. The amplifier provides analog and digital inputs, network monitoring and control, programmable General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) ports, and on-board Digital Signal Processing (DSP). The amplifier also meets EN 54-16 compliance for life safety systems to serve the needs of hospitality, large venues, and other markets.

The 2 RU 4/1250N can produce up to 1250W of output per channel at 2, 4, 8, or 16 ohms or 70 or 100 Vrms. It is compatible with Harman's BLU Link digital audio transport and accepts digital inputs via its rear-panel RJ-45 connectors. This digital control allows for networked monitoring, recallable presets, and the setup of secondary inputs that engage if the primary inputs fail. The built-in DSP capabilities include limiting, input/output EQs, delay, and a matrix mixer.

Each channel pair can be bridged for powering higher power applications such as a subwoofer. The 4|1250N also has channel-independent high- or low-impedance output that is selectable from the rear-panel DIP switches. This allows you to integrate the amplifier into a variety of different setups. Each of its 4 channels additionally features independent attenuators with a range from 0 to -80 dB.

The front panel of the 4|1250N provides a series of system indicators, including level and signal, ready, clip, thermal, and fault alerts for quick visual monitoring of the system. The unit can be integrated into a control system for powering on and off as well as engaging its sleep mode for saving energy when not in use.

1250W per Channel at 4 Ohms    Network Monitoring    BLU Link Digital Audio & DSP    70/100V Compatible, Rack-Mountable    Channel-Independent Hi-Z or Low-Z Output    Bridgeable Channel Pairs    Front-Panel Indicators    Channel-Independent Attenuators    Sleep Mode    Includes 20A IEC Power Cord

Monitoring, control, and audio manipulation are provided with the HiQnet protocol that's over standard TCP/IP. Remotely see how all networked DCi amplifiers are performing and control them as needed. In addition, this allows Audio Architect software and the Powered by Crown app to work with DCi amplifiers.

GPIO ports can be configured in many different ways, such as volume controls, recall presets, or to report errors to a master computer.

DSP includes LevelMAX limiters, input/output EQ, delay, matrix mixer, and speaker line monitoring.

You can use smaller-gauge wiring to drive the speakers using either 70/100 Vrms. With no need for a step-up transformer at the output, the DCi produces audio more efficiently.

Drive either one to four speakers in low-Z mode, or literally hundreds of speakers in hi-Z mode (70 or 100 Vrms). This means design flexibility since DCi powers all loads on a channel-by-channel basis.

The DriveCore Install Series channels are bridgeable, even in 100 Vrms mode, allowing them to be used to for higher-power applications like subwoofers.

The amplifier can be integrated into a control system for remote on/off control.

Efficient internal cooling fans provide airflow to the most heat-generating parts. Incorporating the fans into the amplifier brick design maximizes cooling while minimizing wasted energy and noise.

The amplifier automatically goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes of no input signal.

The amp has built-in protection from excessive heat by applying gain reduction when necessary.

Amplifier and loads are protected against shorted outputs, DC, mismatched loads, overheating, overvoltage or undervoltage, and high-frequency overload.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How does this compare to the xls1002?

A: The XLS 1002 provides built in DSP, specifically a band pass filter per channel, an integrated crossover system, and limiters. This amp does not.

Q: 2. Do you hear the fans when all is quiet?

A: On the XLi series amplifiers the fans do operate when the unit is idle. They may even increase in speed once the unit reaches a specific operating temperature. I generally recommend the amplifiers be housed in a closed rack enclosure to mitigate fan noise if the unit is going to be housed in the listening space.

Q: 3. I understand the term DriveCore Class D amplification platform but is there a difference, in the sound, between this and the one with the toroidal transformer?I have both of them and the second seems to have a better sound. Am i right?

A: Nelson, A Class D amp uses a chip instead of a transformer primarily as a means to reduce weight. However, in the last 10-15 years, Class D amps have made great strides and now boast less distortion, better frequency response, and more efficiency than the sort of Class A/B amps with transformers that you mentioned. This means that the XLS 1502 will deliver more accuracy and better overall sound than older counterparts.

Q: 4. Can it be used for Bass amplification

A: Yes it can most definitely be used for bass amplification

Q: 5. How loud is this amp, I have 2 18" subwoofers at 4ohms running indoors?

A: This amplifier delivers 775 watts of clean power at 4 ohms. Actual volume, or SPL, will depend largely on the speakers themselves, but that is quite a bit of power being driven to 18" subs in an indoor setting.

Q: 6. Do these get alot heat?

A: It will get warm to touch which is normal: Internal heat sinks with forced air. Fan cooled, speed regulated, thermal protection

Q: 7. I am thinking of running the amps in bridged mode, can put one amp on top of the other without causing heating problems. I don't have a rack.

A: For proper venting, it would be best to leave them side by side if you don't have a rack.

Q: 8. Does it do summing in bridge mode to thru both channels from satellite unit to subwoofer unit?

A: No. When using the Crown Audio XLS 1002 Stereo Power Amplifier in bridge mode, the power of both amp channels is summed into a single channel, so only one output is available.

Q: 9. How loud are the fans when playing at high volumes?

A: The fan used is specified at 28.3 db/A. An engineer at Crown did a test and was getting between 71 and 75 dB right at the fan, and about 45-55 dB at 1 meter. The test was done in a lab with multiple amps and DSPs running in the background as well; so the unit alone would be much quieter.

Q: 10. Will the amp conserve all configurations if unplugged?

A: The configurations of the Crown Audio XLS 1002 Stereo Power Amplifier are saved when powered off. The configurations are only lost if a factory reset is performed.