2012 CHIC Youth Conference backed by Crown amplifiers

Over 50 Crown I-Tech HD Series and XTi Series amplifiers were deployed by CTS Audio to power a JBL VERTEC line array system for the Covenant High in Christ (CHIC) youth conference at the University of Tennessee’s 25,000-seat Thompson-Boling Arena.

Commenting on the five-day event, which featured numerous speakers and musical performers, Mike Taylor, vice president at CTS Audio, explained: “We were given the opportunity to upgrade some of our inventory this past winter, and that included the purchase of more than 150 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers. A few years ago when we purchased the original Crown I-Techs, we noticed a huge improvement in the way we could power our VERTEC enclosures. With the leap to the new amplifiers that level of improvement has happened all over again.”

The system used at CHIC included 36 Crown I-Tech 12000HD amplifiers and 16 XTi Series XTi 4001 amplifiers connected to the FOH and monitor mix positions utilising an all-digital signal path. The JBL VERTEC loudspeaker system comprised 32 VT4888 midsize, 24 VT4887 compact and 12 VT4886 subcompact line array elements, along with 16 VT4880 arrayable subwoofers and 16 VT4881ADP compact subs.

“The performance improvement provided by the IT-12000HD amps really contributed to the exceptional sound we were able to achieve in the Thompson-Boling Arena,” added Taylor. “Aside from the amplifier’s sheer power capability and ‘grunt’ factor, the inclusion of the VERTEC V5 DSP preset tunings made a big difference in enabling us to match and optimize the performance of the amps to the VERTEC speakers. The frequency response and smoothness of the system is noticeably better, and we were able to achieve better pattern control from the line arrays and get more consistent sound coverage throughout the arena.”

Taylor also noted that he was impressed with the reliability of the amplifiers. “We have experienced zero failures. Having equipment that simply works consistently is a piece of the tour sound puzzle that not many people talk about, but it’s not something to be taken for granted. We now have a system in place for our fall and winter tours that we can completely rely upon.”

“What the Crown I-Tech HD series amplifiers are capable of is astounding,” said Jon Schwarz, CTS Audio’s Lead System designer. “This amplifier just does naturally what I have been trying to emulate in the field for the past few years. It really is a game-changer.”

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