Crown 1160ma User Manual

Connect your amplifier to the AC mains power 
source (power outlet) with the supplied AC power 
cordset. First, connect the IEC end of the cordset to 
the IEC connector on the amplifier; then, plug the 
other end of the cordset to the AC mains. The AC 
Mains indication light on the front panel should be 
lit.

Amplifiers don’t create energy. The AC mains volt-
age and current must be sufficient to deliver the 
power you expect. You must operate your amplifier 
from an AC mains power source with not more than 
a 10% variation above or a 15% variation below the 
amplifier’s specified line voltage and within the 
specified frequency requirements (indicated on the 
amplifier’s back panel label). If you are unsure of the 
output voltage of your AC mains, please consult 
your electrician.

It’s wise to avoid clipping the amplifier signal. Not 
only does clipping sound bad, it can damage high-
frequency drivers. To prevent clipping, insert a lim-
iter between your mixer output and amplifier input. 
That way, no matter how strong a signal your mixer 
produces, the amplifier will not clip. Set the limiter 
threshold so that mixer signals above 0 on the 
mixer meters do not quite drive the amplifier into 
clipping.

Also, avoid sending strong subsonic signals to the 
amplifier. High-level, low-frequency signals from 
breath pops or dropped microphones can blow out 
drivers. To prevent subsonic signals, insert a high-
pass filter between mixer output and amplifier input 
(or between mixer and limiter). Alternatively, switch 
in highpass filters at your mixer. Set the filter to as 
high a frequency as possible that does not affect 
your program. For example, try 35 Hz for music and 
75 Hz for speech. On each mixer input channel, set 
the filter frequency just below the lowest fundamen-
tal frequency of that channel's instrument.

Use the following procedure when first turning on 
your amplifier:

1.

Turn down the level of your audio source. 

2.

Turn down the level controls of the amplifier.

3.

Turn on the “Power” switch. The Power indica-
tor should glow.  

4.

Turn up the level of your audio source to an 

optimum level.

5.

Turn up the Level controls on the amplifier until 

the desired loudness or power level is 
achieved. NOTE: In Bridge-Mono mode, only 
the Channel 1 Level control is functional.

6.

Turn down the level of your audio source to its 
normal range.

If you ever need to make any wiring or installation 
changes, don’t forget to disconnect the power cord.

For help with determining your system’s optimum 
gain structure (signal levels) please refer to the 
Crown Amplifier Application Guide, available online 
at www.crownaudio.com.