Operation; Front Panel Indicators & Controls - Crown K-Series Reference Manual

K-Series Balanced Current Amplifier™
Fig. 3.1 Front Panel Indicators & Controls

3 Operation

Operating a K-Series amp is really fun!
Indicators
TLC: The TLC (thermal level control) indicators turn on with a
dim glow a little before the amplifier needs help dissipating
heat. This forewarning gives you a chance to turn on a fan or
other auxiliary cooling (if available) or turn down the level con-
trols of the amplifier. If you do neither, the amplifier will auto-
matically begin to protect itself with its TLC protection system
by subtly and dynamically reducing the gain as needed. The
TLC indicators gradually turn brighter as the TLC protection
becomes greater.
Clip: The orange Clip indicators turn on when distortion of any
type becomes audible in the amplifier output.
For the first time in its 50 year history, Crown has added clip
lights to an amplifier. We had resisted this feature in the past
because our IOC system was more sensitive than clip indica-
tors. We know that having good information at the right time is
vital for success in business, and so we felt an indicator telling
you the waveform had just been "clipped" was too little, too
late. But now you have a choice! If you want to know when
you are in trouble, look at the clip light. If you want to know
before you are in trouble, look at the IOC light.
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