Comprising three models ranging in size from 2,500 to 8,000 watts, QSC’s new PowerLight 3 Series amplifiers offer a choice of DSP with remote control and monitoring via BASIS, or straightforward analog input operation.
Each PowerLight 3 model delivers higher input voltage and selectable sensitivity, and is easily adjusted via a series of rear panel switches with color-coded LED indicators. For instances when complete integration of amplifier control, monitoring and DSP are required, the PowerLight 3 Series offers fully compatible facilities for the QSControl.net/BASIS network audio platform’s drag-and-drop DSP functionality, or lesser DSP requirements that can be met with QSC’s DSP4 processing module.
The 8,000-watt PL380 combines a pair of 4,000W Class-D amplifier channels with QSC’s PowerLight power supply. Within the PL380 circuitry, reactive “back EMF” from the loudspeakers is recycled into the power supply to help promote a plug-to-plug efficiency rating of 85 percent. Operable between 20 and 20k Hz, the PL380 can handle difficult loads without showing signs of stress or changes in tonality.
Models PL325 and PL340 share the same feature set as the PL380, albeit matched to upgraded versions of QSC’s linear, Class-H amplifier platform. Increased power supply capacitance in both amps is responsible for boosting 2-ohm power ratings to approximately 2,000W per channel in model PL340 and 1,250W per channel in the PL325. Along with these gains in low-impedance performance, both amps provide system designers with a choice of running a single type of amplifier throughout their system or matching each amplifier to the needs of specific transducers.
Every PowerLight 3 model is built in the same chassis size, with common back panel layouts. Other features shared across the line include detented gain controls with 1dB increments; removable knobs with a lockout security plate;, three selectable input gains of 1.2V, 32 dB or 26 dB; and QSC’s parallel Dataport, which works with XLR/M and XLR/F connectors to promote loop-through operation.
Estimated street prices for the PL380, PL340 and PL325 are $2,735, $1,633 and $1,253, respectively.
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