Category: News

Bob Jeremias has owned and operated Soundmaster for more than 12 years, providing sound hire services across the Greater Northeast. Jeremias and Soundmaster have used Crest amps for years with great results, and recently purchased five Crest Pro 8200s and two Crest Pro 7200s for their large, three-way and four-way FOH rigs.

Jeremias and his four employees deliver FOH and monitors for sold-out concerts featuring chart-topping entertainers, as well as corporate events for some of the world’s biggest and most recognizable brands. Soundmaster’s client list includes Mariah Carey, Funkmaster Flex, Sony Music, Reebok, Motorola, MCA, Tommy Hilfiger, Vibe Magazine and Teen People Magazine.

Since Soundmaster provides FOH and monitors for some of the biggest names in music, taking a chance with sound quality and dependability was simply out of the question. Jeremias has found the lightweight Crest Pro 200 Series power amps do not sacrifice high-fidelity output or reliability. “I love that the Pro 200 Series amps are lightweight, because they make it so much easier to move my racks in and out of gigs,” said Jeremias. “And the fact that they’re shallow is great. It’s really nice not needing a two- or three-foot-long rack case to house my amps.”

Jeremias has been quite impressed with the Pro 200 Series’ sonic performance. “It’s always a legitimate concern that the sound will suffer when you go to a lightweight amp, but my Pro 8200s and Pro 7200s sound as good or better than any other amp on the market,” he said. “Both models produce more bottom end than can be expected from other lightweight amps. A lot of guys in my position have been frustrated by the lack of bottom end generated by lightweight amps, but these new Crest Pro 200 Series amps solve that problem. I’ve run A/B tests with these amps against some of the heavier amps available, and the Pro 200s not only compare–they always sound better.”

After putting his Pro 8200s and Pro 7200s through their paces, Jeremias is confident that they’re extremely dependable and trustworthy performers. “They have been 100% reliable at 2 Ohms,” he said. “They are very efficient amps, and now matter how hard I’ve run them I haven’t been able to blow out a 20 Amp circuit, which is pretty significant considering how much power they generate. Blowing circuits and tripping breakers is a real killer in this business, especially when you’re running FOH for a large concert. Knowing that the Pro 200s will generate tons of power without blowing a circuit gives me great peace of mind.”

Keeping up with the changing demands of mixing a three-hour concert is a challenging task, but even more so once the lights go off and knobs, buttons and meters slip into darkness. That’s why Jeremias appreciates the new ultra-bright LEDs on the new Pro 200 Series amps. “It may seem like a small detail, but the new LEDs on these amps make a big difference,” he said. “They’re so bright that you could probably see them from the other end of a football field. They jump right out at you, and there’s no mistaking what’s on and what’s off, or what’s clipping.”

All Crest Pro 200 Series amplifiers occupy 2RU and weigh 25 lbs. The Pro 8200 delivers 1450 Watts per channel (4500 Watts bridge mode) into 4 Ohms; the Pro 7200 provides 1000 Watts per channel (3300 Watts bridge mode); and the Pro 5200 has 525 Watts per channel (1800 Watts bridge mode). U.S. MSRPs are as follows: Pro 8200, $2630; Pro 7200, $1970; and Pro 5200, $1600.

Since founding Ace Audio in 1992, Mike Goodreau has grown his sound hire company to serve the differing needs of entertainment venues and events throughout New England. His six employees are constantly on the go for this well-regarded “first call” sound hire firm, delivering top-flight FOH and monitors for outdoor festivals, jazz cruises, corporate events, theaters, fairs, churches and regional touring acts.

Goodreau recently added Crest Pro 200 Series power amplifiers to his rental racks because of their light weight, compact size, durability, reliability and high-fidelity output. “Crest Amps have a long history of superior sound quality and reliability,” said Goodreau. “Crest Amps are requested on more tour riders than any other amp, so there is a far greater comfort level with Crest Audio amps when they leave the shop on a job.”

Given that Ace Audio provides sound reinforcement for the whole spectrum of venues and events, it’s no surprise that they often encounter less-than-ideal conditions. Case in point: unreliable electricity. It’s enough to drive a sound engineer crazy, but Goodreau has faith that his Pro 200 Series amps won’t let him down, even in the face of overwhelming AC adversity.

“We go into a lot of venues where maybe a sound system shouldn’t even go, like inadequate, generator-driven cruise ships with AC power and other venues with substandard low voltage,” said Goodreau. “Even when we don’t have enough electricity available, the Pro 200s, with their low current draw, always perform beyond expectations.”

Additionally, Goodreau points out, “The Pro 200 amps don’t trip breakers even when four of them are on a 20 Amp circuit. A huge advantage for us is not worrying, ‘Are the amps are going to cut out?’ when we know the power in the room is inadequate. Therefore, we’re free to concentrate and put our best effort into mixing the show.”

Goodreau’s crew also appreciates the portability of the Pro 200 Series amps. “Aside from the fact that the Pro 200s are less expensive than a lot of the competition, the light weight and compact size of the amps is a big plus,” said Goodreau. “We load the amps on and off trucks, drag them across fields and move them into clubs everyday. Believe me, we looked into all of the options for about a year before we made the switch, and we’re happy we went with the Pro 200 Series amps.”

The Pro 200 Series’ IGM Impedance Sensing and Automatic Clip Limiting (ACL) also helps Goodreau and his Ace Audio staff. “The IGM Impedance Sensing prevents overdriving the Pro 200s into hard clipping,” said Goodreau. “It’s a very unique amplifier protection circuit that’s a great feature for the rental market. It makes me a lot more comfortable when I rent the Pro 200s to people I don’t know. What I do know is the Pro 200s are going to come back in perfect working order, again and again, for a long time to come.”

All Crest Pro 200 Series amplifiers occupy 2RU and weigh 25 lbs. The Pro 8200 delivers 1450 Watts per channel (4500 Watts bridge mode) into 4 Ohms; the Pro 7200 provides 1000 Watts per channel (3300 Watts bridge mode); and the Pro 5200 has 525 Watts per channel (1800 Watts bridge mode). U.S. MSRPs are as follows: Pro 8200, $2630; Pro 7200, $1970; and Pro 5200, $1600.

Crest Audio proudly introduces its new CC Series of power amplifiers, the CC 4000, CC 2800 and CC 1800. Based on powerful Crest Pro 200(TM) Series technology and utilizing a linear power supply, our versatile CC Series amps deliver stable high power output for running main systems, monitors and subwoofers.

Building upon the solid foundation of legendary Crest Audio amplifier designs, CC Series power amps provide tremendous value in proven amplifier technology. CC Series amps deliver world-class power with exceptional sound quality and value for mobile DJs, working bands, club owners, churches and more. Utilizing several new production techniques and Crest-designed toroidal transformers for steady, beefy output that is lightweight in design, the CC Series exemplifies the Crest tradition for solid, reliable and innovative power amp designs.

All CC Series amplifiers are built with tunnel-cooled heat sinks, variable-speed DC fans and extensive protection circuitry for superior efficiency into difficult loads and power conditions. In the Crest Audio tradition, the CC 4000 and CC 2800 also boast more power devices (16 per channel) than any competitive amplifier, plus a switched-rail class H output stage and triple-compound design to provide low distortion and excellent thermal stability.

The CC Series will be available in April 2005 from authorized Crest Audio dealers.

Crest Audio proudly introduces the new CD Series power amplifiers, the new generation of elevated-efficiency amplification from Crest Audio.

The CD Series combines a linear power supply with a Class D output to deliver legendary Crest power in a compact, cost-effective package, with an efficient output stage to allow the power supply to handle heavy duty cycles without compromising sonic integrity. Versatile power points, multiple inputs and other features make the CD Series adaptable to nightclubs and high school gymnasiums alike, and every application between. With the CD Series, sonic performance is the primary objective. CD Series power amps include multiple protection circuits such as ACL™ Active Clip Limiting, which automatically reduces gain at the onset of clipping to prevent amplifier and load damage; IGM(TM) Instantaneous Gain Modulation, which monitors load current to protect against overloading; AUTORAMP(TM) to prevent abrupt turn-on levels by gradually increasing gain when the amplifier is switched on; as well as short circuit, DC voltage, comprehensive thermal management, current in-rush turn on/off transient and sub/ultrasonic input. The CD Series will be available in Q1 2005 from authorized Crest Audio dealers.

CD-3000

• Stereo Mode, 8 Ohms: 800 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 4 Ohms: 1500 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 2 Ohms: 1500 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 8 Ohms: 3000 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 4 Ohms: 3000 Watts
• 85 Volts RMS max output voltage
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via back-to-front, variable-speed DC fan
• Inputs: balanced female XLR, 1/4″ TRS, unbalanced 1/4″ TS on Neutrik combi connectors
• Outputs: five-way binding posts and Speakon® connectors
• Signal (five-level bar graph), active, ACL/IGM and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis, cast aluminum front panel
• Two rack spaces
• 41.4 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

CD-2000

• Stereo Mode, 8 Ohms: 560 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 4 Ohms: 1000 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 2 Ohms: 1000 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 8 Ohms: 2000 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 4 Ohms: 2000 Watts
• 72 Volts RMS max output voltage
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via back-to-front, variable-speed DC fan
• Inputs: balanced female XLR, 1/4″ TRS, unbalanced 1/4″ TS on Neutrik combi connectors
• Outputs: five-way binding posts and Speakon connectors
• Signal (five-level bar graph), active, ACL/IGM and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis, cast aluminum front panel
• Two rack spaces
• 38 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

CD-1500

• Stereo Mode, 8 Ohms: 400 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 4 Ohms: 750 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 2 Ohms: 750 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 8 Ohms: 1500 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 4 Ohms: 1500 Watts
• 64 Volts RMS max output voltage
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via back-to-front, variable-speed DC fan
• Inputs: balanced female XLR, 1/4″ TRS, unbalanced 1/4″ TS on Neutrik combi connectors
• Outputs: five-way binding posts and Speakon connectors
• Signal (five-level bar graph), active, ACL/IGM and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis, cast aluminum front panel
• Two rack spaces
• 35 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

CD-1000

• Stereo Mode, 8 Ohms: 280 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 4 Ohms: 500 Watts
• Stereo Mode, 2 Ohms: 500 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 8 Ohms: 1000 Watts
• Bridged Mode (mono), 4 Ohms: 1000 Watts
• 53 Volts RMS max output voltage
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via back-to-front, variable-speed DC fan
• Inputs: balanced female XLR, 1/4″ TRS, unbalanced 1/4″ TS on Neutrik combi connectors
• Outputs: five-way binding posts and Speakon connectors
• Signal (five-level bar graph), active, ACL/IGM and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis, cast aluminum front panel
• Two rack spaces
• 30 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

Crest Audio proudly introduces the new CM Series industrial power amplifiers, ideal for multi-channel applications in nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, retail stores and video conferencing systems.

The four-channel CM 2204 and eight-channel CM 2208 feature an advanced amplification architecture that allows low impedance or 70 Volt operation at the same power levels without switching. Each amplifier in the chassis will operate to rated power, regardless of impedance connected, from 4 Ohms to 70 Volt line systems. The design centers around an ultra-high efficiency output circuit, lowering the line current required for a given output power by as much as 50%. All inputs and outputs are on Phoenix(TM) connectors with level controls in the rear.

CM Series power amps include multiple protection circuits, such as ACL(TM) Active Clip Limiting, which automatically reduces gain at the onset of clipping to prevent amplifier and load damage; IGM(TM) Instantaneous Gain Modulation, which monitors load current to protect against overloading; AUTORAMP(TM) to prevent abrupt turn-on levels by gradually increasing gain when the amplifier is switched on; as well as short circuit, DC voltage, comprehensive thermal management, current in-rush turn on/off transient and sub/ultrasonic input.

A switch allows selection of 0.775V sensitivity or x40 gain. A high pass filter is selectable per channel, and 100 Volt and 50 Volt operation is supported with our CM100V and CM50V accessories.

The CM Series will be available in Q1 2005 from authorized Crest Audio dealers.

CM 2204

• 160 Watts x 4 (4 Ohm output)
• 220 Watts x 4 (70 Volt output)
• 240 Watts x 4 (8 Ohm output)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via DC fan, front-to-side air flow
• Balanced, three-pin Phoenix inputs
• Two-pin Phoenix outputs
• Signal, clip and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis
• Two rack spaces
• 27 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

CM 2208

• 160 Watts x 8 (4 Ohm output)
• 220 Watts x 8 (70 Volt output)
• 240 Watts x 8 (8 Ohm output)
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Cooling via DC fan, front-to-side air flow
• Balanced, three-pin Phoenix inputs
• Two-pin Phoenix outputs
• Signal, clip and protect LED indicators
• 16-gauge steel chassis
• Two rack spaces
• 35 lbs.
• U.S. MSRP $TBA

Crest Audio proudly introduces the HP-Eight professional mixing console, combining Crest’s legendary high quality audio design with modern, efficient construction. The HP-Eight is available in easily portable 24-channel and 32-channel frames, as well as installation-size 40-, 48- and 56-channel frames, making this console ideal for a variety of medium-capacity live performance venues and houses of worship.

The HP-Eight mixing console packs in Crest Audio’s legendary sound quality with sought-after features such as four-band, double-swept mid EQ; eight analog subgroups; two-channel matrix; full talkback and monitor systems; and four-channel scene mute. This quality console also includes 10 aux sends on each mono input channel for use as a monitor mixer, plus five stereo line input channels with EQ, assignment and aux sends. Using contemporary construction, the HP-Eight adheres to the highest standards of engineering design, production and components.

The internal switching power supply on the HP-Eight is designed to work on worldwide voltages at 50 or 60 Hz, and a DC connector allows attachment to an optional, external backup supply for worry-free, redundant operation. This console is made in the U.S.A. and backed by the same five-year warranty that covers Crest’s larger consoles.

The HP-Eight is now available from authorized Crest Audio dealers.

Features

• 24, 32, 40 or 48 mono input channels
• Eight analog subgroups
• Five stereo line input channels on faders with EQ, assignment and aux sends
• Individual 48 Volt phantom power, mic/line and polarity reverse switches on all mono input channels
• “Fader Flip” function on aux outputs
• Four-band, double-swept mid EQ
• Two-channel matrix system
• Four-channel scene mute
• Full talkback and monitor systems
• Internal power supply with provision for external, redundant supply
• U.S. MSRP $4199-6999

The Mix Foundation for Excellence in Audio has nominated the Crest Audio HP-Eight for a Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC) Award in the category of Outstanding Technical Achievement in Sound Reinforcement Console Technology. The 20th annual TEC Awards will be held October 30 in San Francisco.

“We designed our HP-Eight console to be the best combination of performance and price for FOH and monitor engineers as well as the installation market,” says Jack Hudnut, sales and product development manager. “During its development, Crest engineers placed a high degree of importance on user functionality as well as manufacturing efficiency, which enabled us to produce a superior-performing, low-cost product that fits our installers’ budgetary requirements. We’ve gotten an overwhelmingly positive response–measured in orders–on the HP-Eight.”

The Crest Audio HP-Eight professional mixing console combines Crest’s legendary high quality audio design with modern, efficient construction. Available in easily portable 24-channel and 32-channel frames, as well as installation-size 40-, 48- and 56-channel frames, this console is ideal for a variety of live performance venues and houses of worship. The versatile HP-Eight includes four-band EQ; eight analog subgroups; two-channel matrix; full talkback and monitor systems; four-channel scene mute; 10 aux sends on each mono input channel and more.

Founded in 1985, the TEC Awards is the foremost program recognizing the achievements of audio professionals and honoring the individuals, companies and technical innovations behind the sound of recordings, films, TV shows and live performances. TEC Awards nominations are made by a panel of industry professionals and voted upon by the subscribers of Mix, a leading trade magazine of the recording and sound production industry. The awards are presented each fall during the annual convention of the Audio Engineering Society.

Crest Audio proudly introduces the HP-Eight professional mixing console, combining Crest’s legendary high quality audio design with modern, efficient construction. The HP-Eight is available in easily portable 24-channel and 32-channel frames, as well as installation-size 40-, 48- and 56-channel frames, making this console ideal for a variety of medium-capacity live performance venues and houses of worship.

The HP-Eight mixing console packs in Crest Audio’s legendary sound quality with sought-after features such as four-band, double-swept mid EQ; eight analog subgroups; two-channel matrix; full talkback and monitor systems; and four-channel scene mute. This quality console also includes 10 aux sends on each mono input channel for use as a monitor mixer, plus five stereo line input channels with EQ, assignment and aux sends. Using contemporary construction, the HP-Eight adheres to the highest standards of engineering design, production and components.

The internal switching power supply on the HP-Eight is designed to work on worldwide voltages at 50 or 60 Hz, and a DC connector allows attachment to an optional, external backup supply for worry-free, redundant operation. This console is made in the U.S.A. and backed by the same five-year warranty that covers Crest’s larger consoles.

The HP-Eight is now available from authorized Crest Audio dealers.

Features

• 24, 32, 40, 48 or 56 Mono input channels – 8 analog subgroups – Left, Right, and Mono outputs
• 5 Stereo Line Input channels on faders with EQ, bus assignment, and aux sends
• Mono input channels have individual 48-volt phantom power, pad and polarity reverse switches
• 4-band equalizer on Mono inputs with two swept mid frequencies and fixed frequency high-pass filter
• 10 Auxiliary sends on mono input channels enables the console to be used as a monitor mixer
• Direct output on all mono input channels
• “Fader flip” function on aux outputs places aux masters on 100mm faders in place of groups and L/R
• 100mm high-quality faders on mono inputs, groups and separate left, right, and mono outputs
• 4-channel scene mute system
• TRS Inserts on Mono inputs and all main buses (Auxes, Groups, L/R/M)
• Full talkback and monitor systems
• Modular input blocks of 8 channels
• Internal Power supply with connector for external, redundant supply
• 2 channel matrix system
• Designed and manufactured in the U.S. by the same people who brought you the Century Series, X-Series, X-Rack Series, and V12 consoles
• Five-Year Warranty

Crest Performance, a division of Crest Audio proudly introduces the CPS-1203, a revolutionary processor designed for use in all audio applications.

The CPS-1203 is an innovative full spectrum enhancement system that produces a massive low end while adding clarity and definition to any audio source. Applications for this processor are virtually limitless, from individual mixer channels to live mixes to pre-recorded audio.

The Sub Harmonic generator analyzes the source material’s bass frequencies, then generates additional low frequencies an octave lower. The Low Frequency control provides an additional bass boost an octave higher than the original bass track to fill in and fatten the low end, while the High Frequency control intensifies the left-right stereo image to add improved separation, atmosphere and clarity. Because its audio analysis is dynamic, the effect is increased low bass without the muddy mid-bass region that often occurs with other frequency enhancement systems.

The CPS-1203 is now available from Authorized Crest Performance Dealers.

Features:

• Exclusive technology
• Frequency Response: process mode-program controlled bypassed <10 Hz to 40 kHz +0/-1 dB
• THD+N: (10 Hz to 80 kHz BW) Process Mode: =<.003% Bypassed =< .002%
• Signal to Noise: -107 dBu
• Crosstalk: <-75 dB @ 1KHz
• Nominal Input Level: 0 dBu (.775 VRMS)
• Max Input/Output: +22 dBu
• Input Impedance: 20 k Ohms balanced (Pin 2 positive), 10 k Ohms unbalanced
• Output Impedance: 200 Ohms balanced (Pin 2 positive), 100 Ohms unbalanced
• 1/4″ and XLR Input/Output for connecting to any system
• U.S. MSRP $320