Crown DCi 8|300N - 300W 8-Channel at 4-Ohm 70V/100V Analog Power Amplifier with BLU Link

The Crown DCi 8|300N is a versatile, high-performance 8-channel power amplifier designed to meet the needs of modern, large-scale installations. Part of Crown's DriveCore Install (DCi) series, this amplifier offers 300W per channel at 4 ohms and supports 70V/100V direct drive, providing exceptional flexibility for professional audio applications. The DCi 8|300N is engineered for system integrators who require high-density, reliable amplification with advanced networking capabilities. Its compact 2U form factor allows it to fit seamlessly into racks, delivering maximum power with minimal space usage, making it ideal for venues such as large conference centers, theaters, stadiums, and houses of worship.

The DCi 8|300N is built around Crown's proprietary DriveCore technology, which integrates hundreds of components into a single chip, reducing power consumption while enhancing performance and reliability. This Class D amplifier topology ensures high efficiency and low heat dissipation, making the amplifier ideal for continuous operation in demanding environments. With DriveCore technology, the DCi 8|300N delivers pristine audio quality with very low distortion, ensuring accurate reproduction of both music and speech.

One of the key features of the DCi 8|300N is its BLU Link compatibility, which allows for the transmission of 256 channels of digital audio over a fault-tolerant, low-latency network using standard Category 5e cabling. This makes it incredibly easy to distribute audio across large systems without the need for extensive analog wiring. The BLU Link functionality provides system integrators with flexible routing capabilities, and it simplifies large-scale installations by integrating seamlessly into Harman's ecosystem of networked audio products.

This amplifier offers true rack density, delivering 300W per channel across its 8-channel configuration, with the option to bridge channels for higher output. It supports both low-impedance (2/4/8/16 ohms) and high-impedance (70V/100V) loads, allowing it to be used in a variety of installations, from distributed audio systems in commercial spaces to high-powered setups in larger venues. The ability to drive 70V/100V lines without external transformers also reduces installation complexity and cost, making it a more efficient solution for integrators.

The Crown DCi 8|300N is equipped with advanced DSP features, including LevelMAX limiters, input/output EQ, crossovers, delay, and a signal generator. These DSP tools allow installers to fine-tune the amplifier's performance for specific applications, ensuring optimal sound quality and speaker protection in every environment. The LevelMAX technology ensures that both thermal and peak power limits are respected, protecting the speakers and amplifier from damage during high-power operation. The amplifier's built-in DSP also includes input compressors and a comprehensive suite of equalization options, allowing for precise control over the audio signal.

The amplifier is supported by HiQnet Audio Architect, a powerful software platform that provides network control and monitoring. Through this software, integrators can configure, monitor, and control the amplifier remotely, making it ideal for large installations where centralized control is essential. HiQnet also offers real-time load monitoring and comprehensive error reporting, ensuring that the amplifier operates reliably and any potential issues are identified quickly. The system supports pilot tone monitoring and includes programmable general-purpose input/output (GPIO) ports for enhanced system integration.

For installations that require energy efficiency, the DCi 8|300N includes an advanced Power Factor Correction (PFC) universal power supply, which ensures consistent power delivery across a wide range of AC inputs. The amplifier can operate from 100V to 240V AC, making it suitable for installations worldwide. The PFC technology minimizes power consumption and current draw, making it both eco-friendly and cost-efficient. Additionally, the amplifier features an auto-standby mode, which reduces power consumption to less than 1W when no input signal is detected for 30 minutes, further enhancing its energy-saving capabilities.

Designed for long-term reliability, the DCi 8|300N features a revolutionary cooling system that directs airflow precisely where it's needed, maximizing cooling efficiency while minimizing fan noise. This makes the amplifier ideal for noise-sensitive environments, such as auditoriums, houses of worship, and theaters, where silent operation is crucial. The continuously variable speed forced-air cooling ensures that the amplifier remains cool even during extended periods of high-power operation, enhancing its durability and longevity.

The Crown DCi 8|300N is an advanced, multi-channel amplifier designed for the most demanding professional installations. With its exceptional power density, flexible configuration options, integrated BLU Link audio transport, and advanced DSP, it provides system integrators with the tools they need to deliver high-quality audio in any application. Whether used for distributed audio in commercial settings or high-output sound reinforcement in large venues, the DCi 8|300N offers unmatched performance and reliability.

Features

• 300W per channel at 4 ohms, 70V, or 100V, with 8 channels of amplification for high-density installations
• BLU Link digital audio transport allows routing of up to 256 channels of low-latency, fault-tolerant audio over Cat 5e cabling
• DriveCore technology delivers high efficiency, low power consumption, and improved reliability with Class D amplification
• Advanced DSP features, including LevelMAX limiters, input/output EQ, crossovers, delay, and signal generator for precise system tuning
• Supports low-impedance (2/4/8/16 ohms) and high-impedance (70V/100V) speaker loads, making it suitable for a wide range of installations
• HiQnet Audio Architect support provides remote control and monitoring with real-time load monitoring and error reporting
• Advanced PFC universal power supply ensures consistent power delivery across a wide range of AC inputs (100V-240V, 50/60Hz)
• Auto-standby mode reduces power consumption to less than 1W when no input signal is detected for 30 minutes
• Revolutionary cooling system with variable speed forced-air cooling for quiet, efficient operation in noise-sensitive environments
• Compact 2U rack-mountable design, maximizing power output while minimizing space usage in installation racks

Specifications

• Output Power (Dual Mode): 150W (2 Ohm), 300W (4 Ohm), 300W (8 Ohm), 150W (16 Ohm), 300W (70Vrms), 300W (100Vrms)
• Output Power (Bridge Mono Mode): 300W (4 Ohm), 600W (8 Ohm), 600W (16 Ohm), 600W (140Vrms), 600W (200Vrms)
• Frequency Response: ±0.25dB
• BLU Link Input Signal to Noise: >108dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.35%
• Voltage Gain: 34dB
• Damping Factor: >1000
• Input Impedance: 10kOhm, 5kOhm
• Maximum Input Level (Before Compression): +20dBu
• Load Impedance (Stereo/Dual Mode): 2 Ohm to 16 Ohm; 70Vrms and 100Vrms
• Load Impedance (Bridge Mono): 4 Ohm to 16 Ohm; 140Vrms and 200Vrms
• Cooling: Continuously variable speed forced air, front to back airflow
• Maximum Fan Noise: 47 dB
• Required AC Mains: 100V-240Vrms, 50/60Hz
• Power Connector: 15A IEC
• Weight: 23.5 lbs
• Dimensions: 19 x 14.25 x 3.5 inches