QSC POWERLIGHT PL380 User's Manual
Contents
1. POWER Blue BRIDGE PARALLEL Status of Input Mode Switch Yellow Orange on rear panel Run or Standby CLIP 10 4B 200B i6 8000 WATT POWER AMPLIFIER SIGNAL 18 3 B 21 2 POWER NY 1 dB ATTEN BRIDGE PARALLEL ATTEN GAIN CONTROLS LOCKOUT PLATE MOUNTING See page 8 for installation 21 Steps 1dB Fach PLUGGABLE TERMINAL BLOCKS 5 0mm 3 pin Paralleled with XLRs CLIP LIMIT SWITCH Ch1 Ch2 Off No LED On Yellow Balanced Pinout Unbalanced Pinout a gt HIGH PASS FILTER SWITCH Ch1 Ch2 Off No LED 30Hz Yellow 50Hz Orange XLR INPUT CONNECTORS Female and Male Wired in Parallel for Daisychaining to Additional Equipment Balanced Inputs Impedance gt 10K INPUT MODE SWITCH Bridge Yellow See page 9 Stereo Green Normal Mode Parallel Orange See page 9 Balanced INPUT IMPEDANCE CLIP LIM gt 10K BALANCED PARALLEL Ne CH1 i BRIDGE STEREO PARALLEL Mi 5 T GAIN SENSITIVITY FTT 3 o rh POS NEG 26dB 3208 1 2V PARALLEL Q so su HIGH PASS DATA INI PORT INPUT INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH QSC DATAPORT Supports QSC DataPort Products BINDING POSTS 26dB Orange RED Speaker HIG2. BRIDGE MONO MODE Yellow LED Sends Ch1 signals out of phase to Ch2 producing twice the normal voltage swing between the two hot speaker terminals Ch1 hot is defined as positive Only Ch1 controls and input are effective USE EXTREME CAUTION when connecting speakers Depending on the model hundreds of volts and thousands of watts are available NOTE it is normal for the Br Mono indicator LED to transition slowly e STEREO MODE Green LED Fach channel operates independently as usual e PARALLEL INPUT MODE Orange LED The inputs of both channels are hard switched together but all controls and speaker connections work as usual Do not attempt to parallel the output channels to the same load INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH 3 POSITION 26dB 32dB 1 2V The 26dB Orange and 32dB Green settings provide the same voltage gain for all models When using these settings all models will sound equally loud but the more powerful amp will have more headroom The 1 2V setting provides the same input sensitivity for all models Larger amps will sound proportionally louder with the same amount of headroom resulting input sensitivities and gains for each model are shown in the Specs SPEAKER CONNECTIONS SPEAKONS e Ch1 provides 4 wire access to both channels using the standard convention Ch1 uses 1 1 and Ch 2 uses 2 and 2 e Ch 2 provides 2 wire access to Ch 2 only using 1 1 SPEAKER CONNECTIONS BINDING POS
3. not extend to any product which has been subjected to misuse neglect acci dent improper installation or where the date code has been removed or defaced OSC shall not be liable for incidental and or consequential damages This warranty gives you specific legal rights This limited warranty is freely transferable during the term of the warranty period Customer may have additional rights which vary from state to state In the event that this product was manufactured for export and sale outside of the United States or its territories then this limited warranty shall not apply Removal of the serial number on this product or purchase of this product from an unauthorized dealer will void this limited warranty Periodically this warranty is updated To obtain the most recent version of QSC s warranty statement please visit www qscaudio com Contact us at 800 854 4079 or visit our website at www qscaudio com How to Contact QSC Audio Products Mailing address QSC Audio Products Inc 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa CA 92626 1468 USA Telephone Numbers Main Number 714 754 6175 Sales amp Marketing 714 957 7100 or toll free USA only 800 854 4079 Customer Service 714 957 7150 or toll free USA only 800 772 2834 Facsimile Numbers Sales amp Marketing FAX 714 754 6174 Customer Service FAX 714 754 6173 World Wide Web www gscaudio com E mail info qscaudio com service qscaudio com QSC QSC Audi
4. the heat to dissipate without heating the rack As the amp works harder the fan will speed up and expel more hot air The exhaust temperature can easily be sensed unlike rear exhaust amplifiers that may seem cool in front but which may be dumping hot air into the rack e Users will notice that the PL380 idles noticeably warm This is normal for Class D technology which is always processing some power and is therefore in gear at all times There is plenty of cooling capacity and the temperature will hardly budge until operated at very high power levels MOUNTING THE OPTIONAL HANDLES eThe handles are packed with the required Phillips head screws Mount the screws through the round holes located inside the rack mounting holes REAR PANEL FEATURES INPUT CONNECTIONS Precision balanced inputs offer superior hum rejection and accept gt 21dBu input levels on all Sensitivity settings see Specs e Female and Male XLR Pluggable Terminal Blocks DataPort Input signals are all wired in parallel for each channel eParalleled DataPort routing is used for the first time on the series Therefore DataPort connected signals can be patched to other amplifiers Do not use unbalanced connectors as this will unbalance and possibly affect the level of all signals connected to that channel e Because the DataPort signals on the PL3 Series are connected like any other input the Sensitivity switch will affect gain for these inputs as well OSC
5. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners QSC INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing PowerLight 3 for your amplification needs You have joined a worldwide community of professionals who rely on QSC products to perform under all conditions QSC s vision is to be the most trusted provider of high quality audio products and services to artists and professionals worldwide We earn that trust through careful design thorough testing and obsessive attention to quality and detail in all phases of manufacturing and service The PowerLight 3 Series is based on decades of research and experience in audio power amplification This series combines the most requested analog input adjustments with easy to read LED indicators making it easy to inspect settings at a glance and match to any system Because there is no internal digital processing or signal delay these amplifiers can be freely combined with all types of traditional amplifiers The QSC DataPort provides access to QSC s full range of digital processors and remote control monitor systems The PL325 and PL340 continue the PowerLight legacy started in 1994 combining a powerful lightweight and efficient switchmode supply with our most advanced Class H linear output section Their reference quality audio performance high thermal capacity and touring grade ruggedness continue to lead the industry The PL380 combines the PowerLight supply with a Class D audio output section do
6. CJSC POWERLIGHT 3 SERIES User Manual PL325 1250 watts per channel at 2 ohms PL340 2000 watts per channel at 2 ohms PL380 4000 watts per channel at 2 ohms PL340 POWERLIGHT gm T 4000 WATT POWER AMPLIFIER an E TD 000235 00 revA Important Safety Precautions amp Explanation of Symbols 1 Read these instructions 2 Keep these instructions 3 Heed all warnings 4 Follow all instructions 5 WARNING To prevent fire or electric shock do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture Do not use this apparatus near water 6 Clean only with a dry cloth 7 Do not block any ventilation openings 8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators heat registers stoves or other apparatus including amplifiers that produce heat 9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other A grounding plug has two blades and a grounding prong The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety the provided plug does not fit your outlet consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet 10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly plugs convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus 11 Use only attachments accessories specified by OSC Audio Pro
7. H VOLTAGE 32dB Green BLACK Common 1 2 Yellow See Specs for Corresponding Values NEUTRICK SPEAKON CONNECTORS Ch1 4 Wire Connection to Ch1 and Ch2 Ch 2 2 Wire Connection Ch 2 Only COOLING VENTS SAFETY AGENCY AND REAR SUPPORT EARS Rear Intake Keep Clear RECYCLING MARKS See page 10 BRIDGE MODE QSC EE ILTERS USE THE BRIDG FILTERS USE THE BRIDGE POWERLIGHT AMPLIFIER MONO SPEAKER CONNECTION DEN WITH 4 OHM MIN IMPEDANCE USE THE CH1 GAIN CONTROL EH NENNEN e NUM AC INLET EHE eee EHE EH eee EHE EHE MADE IN USA TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRONIC SHOCK THE GROUND CONNECTION OF THE AC PLUG MUST BE MAINTAINED BREAKER Q S AC BREAKER PL380 Only AC POWER CABLE SERIAL NUMBER LABEL Location and Type Vary By Model and AC Voltage FRONT PANEL FEATURES AC POWER SWITCH Controls all power to the amplifier The AC Switch must ON to use remote controlled Standby mode The Blue POWER LED should illuminate whenever Power is ON either in Standby or Run e On the PL 380 it is normal for the Clip LEDs to remain on for 15 seconds after removing power The red LEDs indicate prompt muting to prevent turn off noises CLIP LED Red Each Channel eThe LED glows bright red while amp is muted for any reason This normally occurs each time the power is turned on or off Mut
8. PERSONNEL WARNING To prevent fire or electric shock do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture PPP FCC INTERFERENCE STATEMENT NOTE This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class B digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance to the instructions may cause harmful interference to radio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by switching the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures e Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna ncrease the separation between the equipment and the receiver e Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician for help Copyright 2007 QSC Audio Products Inc QSCG is a registered trademark of OSC Audio Products Inc OSC and the QSC logo are registered with the U S Patent and Trademark Office Speakon and PowerCon are registered trademarks of Neutrik Inc
9. TS WARNING use safe wiring practice as peak output voltages can be hazardous AC POWER CABLE AND AC VOLTAGES Series amplifiers are configured for specific AC voltages The products operate safely over the normal range of AC line variation but rated performance applies only at rated voltage Where regulations permit products feature locking detachable cordsets and are shipped with AC plugs suitable for the intended AC voltage see Specs 10 Rack Mounting and Dimensions Use four screws and washers to mount the amplifier to the equipment rack rails To use the amplifier outside a rack attach the self adhesive rubber feet to the bottom For portable mobile or other applications where the rack assembly may be moved we strongly recommend supporting the rear of the amplifier A rear rack ear kit is available from OSC s Technical Services Group Optional rack handles provide finger grips at each end making lifting and setting into the rack more comfortable 17 30 44 0 2 15 63 39 7 on 3 50 8 9 cm AC Mains Current Draw This table provides typical current draw for each model as a function of load and output power level Units of measurement are amperes rms NOTE Current draw shown is for 120 VAC line For 230 VAC models multiply values shown by 0 5 1 8 power pink noise represents typical program with occasional clipping Use this rating for most applicat
10. ant user defeatable clip limiter and selectable low frequency filter for each channel e Three selectable input gains 26 dB 32 dB or 1 2V eFront and rear panel LEDs indicate status of switch settings at a glance eParallel XLR male XLR female 3 pin header and DataPort connectors for simple loop through connectivity e Neutrik Speakon and touch proof binding post outputs e Neutrik PowerCon power cable remains secure on the road early PL380 units may have hard wired power cables pend ing UL approval of 30 ampere PowerCon e3 year warranty plus optional 3 year extended service con tract PL325 and PL340 Linear class H output crcuit doubles the standard class B efficiency reducing cooling and AC current requirements PL380 Class D output circuit re doubles the output power with even lower losses and minimal increase in average AC power dra matically reducing AC power distribution demands compared to older high power amplifiers RACK MOUNTING EAR 2RU fits 10 32 or AC POWER SWITCH MODEL NUMBER Relay Controlled Inrush Limiting PL325 PL340 PL380 PL38s80 POWERLIGHT 3 am m OPTIONAL HANDLES COOLING VENTS See page 8 for Installation Rear to Front Air Flow Keep Clear LED INDICATORS CLIP Red 10dB Orange Output is approaching Full Power 20dB Green Middle of Normal Range SIGNAL Green Shows Distortion Limiting Muting Low End of Normal Range
11. ducts Inc 12 Use only with hardware brackets stands and components sold with the apparatus or by 05 Audio Products Inc 13 Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time 14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture does not operate normally or has been dropped The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and main tenance servicing instructions in this manual The lightning flashes printed next to the OUTPUT terminals of the amplifier are intended to alert the user to the risk of hazardous energy Output connectors that could pose a risk are marked with the lightning flash Do not touch output terminals while amplifier power is on Make all connections with amplifier turned off The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsu lated dangerous voltage within the product s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans CAUTION TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
12. has been set The LED color matches the rear panel readout See PARALLEL INPUT MODE on next page GAIN CONTROLS eEach channel has a 21 step Gain control with approximately 20dB of input headroom 1dB steps are maintained down to 14dB of atten uation with increasingly large steps below this point as marked e Gain reduction may be used as desired to reduce input noise but will reduce the headroom available to the Clip Limiter Use the three position INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH below to match the dynamic range of the amplifier s input to that of the source permitting nor mal nearly full Gain settings LOCKOUT COVER MOUNTING Gain controls can be made tamper proof using two methods lockout cover packed with this amplifier keeps the LEDs visible but makes it appear there are no Gain controls at all Preset the Gain controls and remove the knobs carefully by pulling straight out Partially remove the screw located on the outside edge of the faceplate using a 9 64 or 3 5mm hex tool Slide the notched end of the lockout cover under the screw let the left end drop into the last vent and slide to the right until both ends seat flush with the faceplate All LED holes should now be aligned Carefully tighten the screw Alternatively individual Gain knobs can be removed and covered by the included hole plugs FRONT PANEL VENTILATION SLOTS e QSC amplifiers pull air from the rear and exhaust it from the front thus allowing
13. ing at other times indicates overheating or other protective behavior eThe LED flashes bright red during clipping The intensity and duration correlates with the audibility of the clipping e The LED glows half bright during limiting This may occur on all products when the Clip Limiting circuit is enabled The PL380 also uses limiting to protect against overheating excessive high frequency output and prolonged power overload 10dB LED Orange Each Channel e lluminates when the amplifier channel reaches the last 10dB of its power range between 10 and 100 of rated power The LED is orange to warn that clipping is being approached 20dB LED Green Each Channel e lluminates when the amplifier channel is 10 to 20dB below clipping between 1 and 10 of rated power This should normally be a safe zone of operation SIGNAL LED Green Each Channel e lluminates when the signal level reaches 35dB which should produce an easily audible sound in the speakers If this LED remains illu minated when no signal is expected there may be interference or some other abnormal condition POWER LED Blue Blue POWER LED should illuminate whenever Power is ON It may dim visibly when the amp is in Standby BRIDGE LED Yellow eWarns that the rear panel Bridge Mode switch has been set The LED color matches the rear panel readout See BRIDGE MONO MODE on next page PARALLEL LED Orange eWarns that the rear panel Parallel Mode switch
14. ions 1 3 power pink noise represents severe program with heavy clipping Full power sine is continuous sine wave driven at 1 clipping Idle 1 8 Power 1 3 Power Full Power Model Load Current Pink BTU Pink BTU Sine BTU Amperes Noise Noise Wave PL325 8 ohms x 2 1 0 52A 792 8 6 A 893 17 0 A 1204 4 ohms x 2 85A 1387 143A 1981 28 3 A 2481 2 ohms x 2 12 6 A 2178 22 0A 3339 45 3 A 4942 PL340 8 ohms x 2 1 0 75A 1150 13 3A 1682 259A 2082 4 ohms x 2 11 8A 2114 21 1A 2864 43 5 A 4253 2 ohms x 2 19 1A 3495 31 6 A 5306 68 6 A 8601 PL380 8 ohms x 2 2 8 87A 918 16 0A 1101 38 3 A 1853 4 ohms x 2 13 1A 1355 26 2A 1674 70 A 3000 2 ohms x 2 19 3A 1768 41 6 A 3278 100 A 6000 Burst mode only Protective limiting will reduce long term AC current Specifications MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER 1KkHz 1 clipping 8 ohms both channels driven 4 ohms both channels driven 2 ohms both channels driven 8 ohms bridge mono 4 ohms bridge mono PL325 PL340 PL380 500 800 1500 850 1250 2500 1250 2000 4000 1700 2600 5000 2500 4000 8000 Burst mode testing required due to AC service current limitations TYPICAL DISTORTION 20 3kHz 3dB below clip or 20 5kHz 10dB below clip or 20 20kHz 20dB below clip 8 ohms 4 ohm 2 ohms co MAXIMUM DISTORTION 4 8 ohms 20 20kHz 1dB below rated power FREQUENCY RESPONSE 8 ohms NOISE FLOOR 20 20kHz 32dB Gain DYNAMIC HEADROOM 4 ohms DAMPING FACTOR 8 oh
15. ms OUTPUT CIRCUIT TYPE INPUT SENSITIVITY 26dB Setting 324 Setting INPUT GAIN 1 2V Setting INPUT IMPEDANCE MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL 1 2V Setting 324 Setting 26dB Setting CONTROLS and LEDs Common FRONT PANEL Each channel CONTROLS and LEDs Common REAR PANEL Each channel INPUT CONNECTORS Common Each channel OUTPUT CONNECTORS Each channel AMPLIFIER AND LOAD PROTECTION AC POWER CORDSET 120V 50 60Hz 230V 50Hz DIMENSIONS All models WEIGHT Net Shipping 0 002 0 01 0 002 0 01 0 01 0 03 0 005 0 01 0 005 0 01 0 03 0 06 0 02 0 02 0 10 0 05 0 05 0 20 20 20kHz 0 2dB all models 106dB 105dB 104dB 24 all models 500 500 200 Class H 2 tier Class H 2 tier Class D 3 28V 3 92V 5 27V 1 60V 1 96V 2 67V 34 5dB 36 4dB 39 1dB 10k balanced or unbalanced all models 11V 23dB 11V 23dB 10V 22dB 14 6V 25 54 18V 427 4dB 22V 294 25V 30dB 25V 304 25V 304 AC Power Switch Power Blue Br Mono Yellow Par Orange Gain Control 21 detents 1dB steps Signal 35dB 20dB Green 10dB Orange Clip Prot Red Input Mode Parallel Orange Stereo Green Br Mono Yellow Sensitivity 26dB Orange 32dB Green 1 2V Yellow LF Filter Off 30Hz Yellow 50Hz Orange Clip Limit Off On Yellow HD 15 DataPort inputs wired in parallel with XLR Male XLR Female XLR 3 pin terminal block connector 5 way Binding Posts Output Red Common Black Neu
16. o Products Inc 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa California 92626 USA 2007 QSC and the QSC logo are registered with the U S Patent and Trademark Office
17. ontrol devices will read the setting of the Sensitivity Switch to allow for this REMOTE MONITORING DATAPORT e All DataPort connected accessories are supported The usual signals representing output voltage output current clipping temperature supply voltage and switch status are provided plus remote control Standby The current version of OSControl will read a unique ID code and know what PL3 models are connected without operator intervention CLIP LIMITING ON OFF SWITCH Ch1 Ch 2 e Each channel provides a Clip Limit switch with an adjacent yellow LED for ON Clip Limiting is designed to reduce the audibility of clipping without changing the program dynamics in any other way It replaces harsh clipping with very rapid limiting reducing rather than eliminating clipping This is not a substitute for long term power limiting as aver age program levels can still be driven very high HIGH PASS FILTER 3 POSITION SWITCH Ch1 Ch2 eFor simple systems second order 12dB octave filters can be engaged at 30Hz yellow LED or 50Hz orange LED These fil ters can prevent speakers from sub audio overload but can have an audible effect on percussive material Their effect should be auditioned carefully When bypassed no LED the low frequency response extends to about 3Hz In this wide band mode very large sub audio transients may trigger brief protective muting INPUT MODE SWITCH 3 POSITION BRIDGE STEREO PARALLEL
18. trik Speakon Ch 1 4 wires accesses both channels Short circuit open circuit thermal RF protection On off muting DC fault shutdown active inrush limiting 8 5A NEMA 15 12A NEMA 15 18A 30A Twist Loc 7 5A Euro 16A 7A Euro 16A 11A Euro 16A 2RU depth 15 63 39 7cm mounting rails to rear support ears 22105 10kg 22105 10kg 24lbs 11kg 31 5165 14 3kg 31 5165 14 3kg 33 5lbs 15 2kg S Patent No 5767744 0376360 and patents pending SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 11 Warranty USA only other countries see your dealer or distributor Disclaimer QSC Audio Products Inc is not liable for any damage to amplifiers or any other equipment that is caused by negligence or improper installa tion and or use of this loudspeaker product 05 Audio Products 3 Year Limited Warranty QSC Audio Products Inc QSC guarantees its products to be free from defective material and or workmanship for a period of three 3 years from date of sale and will replace defective parts and repair malfunctioning products under this warranty when the defect occurs under normal installation and use provided the unit is returned to our factory or one of our authorized service stations via prepaid transpor tation with a copy of proof of purchase i e sales receipt This warranty provides that the examination of the return product must indicate in our judgment a manufacturing defect This warranty does
19. ubling the output power while further reducing losses The Class D output section outperforms most competitive linear amplifiers offering the best full range audio performance available in this power range All models have a neutral sonic signature driving even difficult loads without any distracting behavior or change in tone quality In order to control thousands of watts of power smoothly and safely OSC amplifiers employ many sophisticated protection circuits These systems provide the highest possible dynamic range without letting the amplifier exceed its safe operating limits To avoid unwanted triggering of these protection systems and to protect your valuable speakers please review these instructions to ensure that you get the full benefit of your amplifier s performance PowerLight 3 Power Amplifiers Watts at Clipping Model 8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms PL325 500 850 1250 PL340 800 1250 2000 PL380 1500 2500 4000 1 kHz 196 THD PowerLight 3 Series Professional Power Amplifiers FEATURES ePowerlight switchmode power supply for highest efficiency and improved audio performance eFlow through air path and solid aluminum heat sinks for maximum cooling supports remote computer control and or external DSP 4 modules e Detented gain controls with 1 dB steps for precise calibration e Removable knobs with lock out security plate to prevent unauthorized tampering e Independ
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