System integrators working on challenging 21st century installed sound applications require equipment that is versatile, compact, and highly efficient. Look no further than the Crown Audio DCI 4|300N , a 300W DriveCore Install 4-channel 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 4/300N can produce up to 300W 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|300N 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|300N 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.

300W 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 15A 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 Vrms 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, over- or under-voltage, 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. what will be the RMS wattage be with 6 ohm speakers, eg, cerwin vega xls 15 ?

A: Crown has not provided wattage ratings for 6 ohms, but they do list ratings for 4 and 8 ohms. We can use the specs listed for peak wattage to calculate RMS wattage at 4 and 8 ohms. 6 ohms is going to be right in the middle so you can get a better idea of how it would perform with your speaker. At 4 ohms, the XLS 2502 is rated at 775W per channel and 2400W bridged for peak power, which works out to approximately 550W per channel and 1700W bridged for RMS power at 4 ohms. At 8 ohms, the XLS 2502 is rated at 440W per channel and 1550W bridged for peak power, which works out to approximately 310W per channel and 1100W bridged for RMS power at 8 ohms.

Q: 3. I have two 4 ohm subwoofers, can I use a xls 2002 and xls 2502 bridged without a lot problems?

A: Each of these amps will run one 4ohm subwoofer in bridged mode.

Q: 4. is this compatible with two JBL AWC62's as well as two JBL AWC129's?

A: Yes

Q: 5. Are the 1/4 inputs balanced or unbalanced?

A: You may want to down load the data sheet or manual for the 1502. I can't say for sure but I think they are balanced.

Q: 6. 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: 7. Is that 775watts at hz or khz?

A: Neither. The power rating for an amplifier is not related to the frequency response. The 775 Watt power rating for the Crown XLS 2502 Stereo Power Amplifier is for each channel when the amp is operating at 4 Ohms. This means the amp will deliver 775 Watts to each channel to drive a 4 Ohm speaker. The maximum power the amp can output will vary depending on the impedance of the speakers that are connected. With an 8 Ohm speaker the amp delivers 440 Watts per channel and with a 2 Ohm speaker the amp delivers 1200 Watts per channel. When speakers with lower impedance ratings are use the amp will deliver higher amounts of power.

Q: 8. can I use a 2002 and 2502 both bridged without significant problems?

A: The amps can each operate safely in bridged mode as long as you are connecting them to speakers that are compatible with the power and impedance ratings.

Q: 9. 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: 10. 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.