QSC PL380 - Manual

Features

• PowerLight switchmode power supply for highest efficiency and

improved audio performance

• Flow-thru air path and solid aluminum heat sinks for

maximum cooling

• DataPort supports remote computer control and/or external

DSP-4 modules

• Detented gain controls with 1 dB steps for precise calibration

• Removable knobs with lock-out security plate to prevent

unauthorized tampering

• User defeatable clip limiters and selectable low-frequency filter

per channel (3 Hz, 30 Hz, or 50 Hz)

• Three selectable input gains (26 dB, 32 dB, or 1.2 V)

• Front and rear panel LEDs indicate status of switch settings at

a glance

• Parallel Dataport, XLR/M and XLR/F connectors for simple

loop-through connectivity

• Neutrik Speakon

®

and “Touch Proof” binding post outputs

• Neutrik Powercon

®

power cable remains secure on the road

• 3 year warranty, plus optional 3 year extended service contract

PL340 and PL325

• Linear Class H output circuit doubles standard Class B efficiency to

reduce AC current consumption and cooling requirements

PL380

• Class D output circuit re-doubles the output power with even

lower losses and minimal increase in average AC power,

dramatically reducing power distribution demands compared to

older high power amplifiers

The PowerLight™ 3 Series is designed for the most demanding live
audio users, whether in touring rigs or fixed installations. The most
requested features of the PowerLight 2 series have been upgraded to
deliver “the ultimate analog amplifier”, while the QSC DataPort ensures
full compatibility with advanced digital processing and QSControl. Three
models range in power from 1250 watts to 4000 watts per channel at
two ohms, all in two-rack space chassis that are only 15.6" (40 cm) deep
and 22 lb (10 kg).

In addition to higher power, the PowerLight 3 Series offers higher input
voltage, selectable sensitivity, and easily adjusted rear panel switches
with color coded LED indicators. For those users who simply want a high
performance amplifier to go with their existing processor or console, the
PowerLight 3 Series is an ideal choice, offering high power, excellent
value, and zero signal latency. When complete integration of amplifier
control, monitoring and DSP is desired, the PowerLight 3 Series is
fully compatible with the QSControl BASIS networked audio platform,
with its comprehensive drag and drop DSP functionality. Simpler DSP
requirements can be met with the DSP-4 processing module.

The flagship of the PowerLight 3 Series is the new 8000 watt PL380.
This highly refined, all-switchmode amplifier incorporates nearly 40 years
of QSC engineering experience, resetting expectations for Class D audio
quality. The PL380 combines a pair of 4000 watt Class D amplifier
channels with the well proven PowerLight supply, to deliver more than
twice as much audio power as previous 2 rack unit PowerLight amplifiers.
Reactive “back EMF” from the speaker is recycled to the power supply,
and unmatched “plug-to-plug” efficiency of 85% keeps AC power needs
to a minimum, while delivering more energy to the speaker.

Years of patient development have resulted in outstanding 20 - 20 kHz
audio performance, plus complete protection from normal hazards of the
trade. Even simple features such as dependably silent, surge-free on-off
switching indicate the special care taken to keep things safely under
control. The most pronounced “sonic signature” of the PL380 is one of
immense headroom, sailing through even the most difficult loads with
no signs of stress or change of tonality.

For lower power applications, the PL325 and PL340 offer the same
feature set, matched to upgraded versions of QSC’s most advanced linear
amplifier platform. Recent advances in power supply capacitors further
improve power and low impedance performance, while continuing to
offer the best available audio performance. As a result, designers have
the choice of running a single type of amplifier throughout their rig, or
matching amplifier performance to specific transducer types.

In keeping with normal QSC design standards, back-to-front airflow
provides up to twice as much long-term average power as most
competitors, without dumping hot air into the rack. All PowerLight 3
models are built in the same chassis size, with common back panel
layouts to facilitate easy racking and hookup.

PowerLight™ 3 Power Amplifiers - Watts at Clipping

Watts per channel

Model

8

Ω

4

Ω

2

Ω

PL325

500

850

1250

PL340

800

1250

2000

PL380

1500

2500

4000*

EIA 1 kHz 1% THD
*Burst mode testing required due to AC service current limitations

PowerLight

™

3 Series

Professional Power Amplifiers

PL325 | PL340 | PL380