Operation Manual; 2 Welcome; 2.1 Features- Page 14

Operation Manual

DBC Network Bridge

page 14

2 Welcome

At the heart of a Digital B Chain system, the 
Crown

®

 DBC Network Bridge allows you to 

distribute multiple channels of digital audio 
over standard fast Ethernet hardware and 
cabling for use in traditional, e-cinema and d-
cinema applications.

The DBC Bridge accepts standard analog and/
or AES digital audio and CobraNet

®

 digital 

channels from other Cinema processors 
(Dolby

®

, DTS

®

), Cinema Servers, or Alterna-

tive Content Media Players; and bridges 
(routes) them to a Crown DBC network. Figure 
2.1 is a sample application drawing.

This network is Crown’s proprietary “Single-
Click” solution that provides system control, 
monitoring, diagnostics, and digital audio 
transport. The DBC network (fed by the DBC 
Network Bridge) distributes the digital audio 
and system-wide control protocol to Crown 
amplifiers. The DBC Network Bridge also pro-
vides the necessary system equalization, which 
is stored and recalled via a series of presets for 
use in both feature film and alternative content 
programming. 

2.1 Features

• Accepts 8 inputs (7.1 surround) via one of 
the following formats:

Analog
AES/EBU
CobraNet

• Selectable mic, mic with 24V phantom 
power, or line analog XLR inputs for alternative 
content

• Primary and Secondary 100 Mb Ethernet 
“Single-Click” connection for DBC network

• Front-panel LCD display and control func-
tions of internal presets and system setup

• Full 32-channel CobraNet digital audio 
transmit/receive capability

• Enhanced matrix mixer capable of full 8x32 
crosspoint matrix mixing

• 24-bit/48 kHz converters

• Studio-grade DSP with multiple filter banks 
for each channel (up to 256 filters)

• 32 presets, 32 scenes, and 32 events can be 
stored, labeled, and recalled

• Analog monitoring of cinema processor 
inputs, pre-amp, or post-amp signals

• Multiple-function control port for third-party 
automation/control

• Internal clock/calendar for scheduling events

• Auto-leveling functions for dynamic volume 
control of auditoriums or lobby

• Ambient-leveling functions for maintaining 
maximum signal-to-noise ratio

• Three-year, no-fault, fully transferable war-
ranty

2.2 How to Use This Manual

This manual provides you with the necessary 
information to safely and correctly setup and 
operate your DBC Network Bridge. It does not 
cover every aspect of installation, setup or 
operation that might occur under every condi-
tion. For additional information, please consult 
Crown’s 

DBC Bridge Application Guide

 (avail-

able online at www.crownaudio.com), Crown 
Technical Support, your system installer or 
retailer.

We strongly recommend you read all instruc-
tions, warnings and cautions contained in this 
manual. Also, for your protection, please send 
in your warranty registration card today. And 
save your bill of sale — it’s your official proof 
of purchase.