Crown History

1947

Founders Ruby and Clarence Moore establish "International Radio and Electronics Corporation" modifying and distributing high-quality tape recorders (Magnecord, Recordio, Pentron, and Crestwood) for rugged environments.

Transistor invented at Bell Labs.

1950

Introduction of world's first tape recorder with built-in power amplifier. Tone control circuitry further enhances this unit designed for PA system use.

1950s

Crown's line of vacuum tube tape recorders includes the Standard, Imperial, Broadcast, Prince, and Royal.

1953

A three-motor electromagnetic braking mechanism revolutionizes the tape recorder industry. Clarence Moore obtains patent the following year.

Speakers are designed and manufactured as accessories to tape recorders.

1955

Tape recorder production grows and expands.

1958

The Royal makes its appearance as Crown's first stereo, 2-channel, tape recorder.

1959

Crown-s tape recorders take on a new rack-mount design with the introduction of the Crown Prince.

Crown introduces standalone vacuum tube amplifiers including the A15 and A30.

1960-61

Crown tape recorder improvements include separate electronic and transport sections, push button and relay control, and remote control capabilities.

The Gold Crown Stereo X recorder includes several innovations in component electronics.

1962-63

The first solid state, professional quality tape recorder is invented at Crown.

1964

Crown's first solid state amplifier, the SA 20-20, is an industry first, low-profile unit (1 3/4 inches high).

1967

Crown raises the bar once more with the introduction of the DC-300® amplifier. It is the world's first reliable, solid-state, high-power amplifier. Rated conservatively at 150 watts per channel, the amplifier features extremely low distortion and noise. Two years after its introduction, High Fidelity magazine calls it the world's best stereo amplifier.

1968

The Pro 800 Series tape recorders feature a logic-controlled transport.

1970

The new IC-150 pre-amp and D-150 amplifier feature exceptional sound quality.

1971

The grounded bridge amplifier is invented at Crown. Prototypes, however, are destroyed in another significant event of 1971.

Thanksgiving Day, 1971

Fire destroys over 60% of the Crown facility and the remainder of the plant is severely damaged. $1 million of uninsured inventory destroyed. Production resumes within 6 weeks with the D-60 amplifier.

1972

A new Crown plant emerges over the ashes of the former structure. Introduction of the M600/M2000 amplifier, another industry first (2000 watts mono into 8 ohms), using the patented grounded-bridge circuit.

1975

International Radio and Electronics Corporation becomes Crown International, Inc.

1976

The patented EQ-2 synergistic equalizer is added to the Crown product family.

1977

Crown gracefully ends production of its tape recorder products.

Introduction of DL-2 controller, revolutionizing preamplification with digitally controlled modular systems, computer interface capabilities, and patented phono circuitry.

The IOC® (Input-Output-Comparitor) circuit instantly indicates amplifier overload conditions.

1978

The newly introduced D-75 amplifier is combined with the RTA-2 (real-time analyzer) to create a compact, accurate, and easy-to-use instrument for acoustical analysis.

1979

Patented SA-2 is the world's first power amplifier to use a built-in computer to maximize transistor performance.

The newly introduced FM ONE tuner is a design winner at the Consumer Electronics Show.

1980

Crown begins microphone manufacturing with the introduction of the PZM® (Pressure Zone Microphone®) family of microphones.

1981

FM TWO replaces FM ONE with a low-profile, digital-tuning design.

1982

Development of Delta Omega power amplifier. The patented design allows an operator to compensate for speaker cabling effects that normally reduce usable power.

1984

Micro-Tech® family of amplifiers brings patented Grounded Bridge™ and Junction Temperature Simulation technologies to the audio world. PIP™ modules also provide input flexibility.

1986

The PCC®-160, an advanced directional boundary microphone, is launched.

1987

GLM (great little mics) line of miniature microphones is developed for recording use: radio, TV, and motion pictures.

A new line of hand-held microphones, the CM-300 Differoid®, is patented.

The ultimate amplifier, MA10000, provides 10,000 watts of power. First application, to provide power for 465 speakers at the Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway.

1988

The IQ-2000 System® allows computer monitoring and control of up to 200 remote power amplifiers.

1989

Com-Tech® amps for fixed installations debut with direct 70-volt operation. The Patented SASS® microphone becomes the first new stereo recording system since WWII. The Macro Reference amp provides exceptional sonic performance for the studio market.

1991

MPX-6 and SMX-6 mixers expand the IQ System family of products.

1992

MA-5000VZ amplifier featuring the Variable Impedance (VZ®) bi-level power supply added to the Macro-Tech Series, quickly becoming the touring standard for Sub cabinets.

Development of PZM-11 and PCC-170SW microphones.

1993

Introduction of the CM-311, a head-worn microphone. First created for country music star, Garth Brooks.

1995

CM-700 studio condenser microphone earns rave reviews from both critics and users.

1996

A new 46,000 square foot facilities addition expands the production capacity.

The revolutionary K2™ amplifier (first ever without a cooling fan) is the star of the NAMM show, offering 1270 watts mono output from a chassis only 3 1/2 inches high.

1998

CE1000 and CE2000 offer outstanding performance at an affordable price.

1999

The IQ-PIP-USP2, Crown's second-generation DSP-based amplifier module, provides amazing power and flexibility with an extensive list of features.

2000

Crown becomes a member of the Harman International family of Pro Audio companies.

CE4000 expands the CE Series, Crown's most cost efficient amplifier yet.

IQ-USM 810 digital mixer/digital processor is an eight-input, ten-output, all digital "system in a box."

2001

Crown's IQ-PIP-USP2/CN, when added to a PIP2 amp, creates the industry's first CobraNet™-compatible amplifier.

2002

Crown reinvents it's IQ System and ships the world's first solution for transporting networked audio control and digital audio via a single 100 Mb Ethernet network connection.

CTs Series introduced as the new flagship Installed Sound amplifier.

The new XLS Series sets sales records for Crown.