QSC 215 Brochure
The 215PCM is a self-contained active subwoofer
system with dual 15-inch drivers. It provides power
amplification not only for itself, but also two
channels for driving stereo full-range or mono biamp “top box” speakers as well. Thus, it serves as
a core module for portable live sound
reinforcement systems and is ideal for
corporate/industrial events. The 215PCM can
supply extreme SPL within the recommended
bandpass of 35-150 Hz (-3 dB). The 215SB is a
passive subwoofer system with no backpack
electronics. The 215PSB is a powered subwoofer,
but without the “top-box” electronics.
The power and processing electronics of the
215PCM are contained in a backpack mounted on
the rear of the subwoofer enclosure. Powering the
215PCM and 215PSB is an integral 3000-watt
amplifier (equivalent to a bridged-mono PL 230) for
the subwoofer itself. For the 215PCM, the
backpack also contains a two-channel amplifier
equivalent to a PL 236 (725 W at 8 ohms; 1100 W
at 4 ohms; 1850 W at 2 ohms) for the top boxes.
The subwoofer amp and the top-box amp each
have the processing equivalent of a DSP-3. Both
processing units have eight user-configurable and
-selectable presets (using a personal computer and
QSC’s Signal Manager software).
The cabinet of the 215 enclosure is constructed of
Composilite™ carbon fiber composite material,
which is extremely stiff and strong. The high
rigidity of the cabinet walls raises the enclosure’s
natural resonances to frequencies higher than the
subwoofer’s operating range, so the cabinet
performs as an ideal enclosure.
A bonus of the Composilite material is its
very light weight, which enhances the cabinet’s
portability. Strategically placed wheels and handles
on the backpack provide easy single-person mobility.
Self-powered System Core Module
ISIS Series
Key Features
■ Highest output to size ratio available
■ 3000W powerplant for sub (215PCM and
215PSB) – 3600W, 2 channel powerplant for
accompanying top enclosures (215PCM)
■ User configurable DSP for both sub and
top enclosures with eight storable presets
for each (215PCM and 215PSB)
■ Removable backpack houses processing
and amplification for system (215PCM
and 215PSB)
■ Dual High power 15" drivers rated at
1400 watts each
■ Diametrically opposed drivers for
increased efficiency and output
■ Cored Composite construction results in
greater rigidity, increased output, reduced
off axis resonances and lighter weight
■ Weather and UV resistant durable enclosure
■ Reinforced, integral suspension fly track
for vertical or horizontal hanging
■ QSControl compatible for remote
monitoring and control
■ Integrated heavy-duty pole cups on top
and side for pole mounting top boxes
The cabinets of all 215 enclosures are constructed of
Composilite™ carbon fiber and composite materials,
which is extremely stiff and strong. The high
rigidity of the cabinet walls raises the enclosure’s
natural resonances to frequencies higher than the
subwoofer’s operating range, so the cabinet acts
more like an ideal enclosure.
Composilite construction significantly reduces the
weight of the subwoofer, making it easier and more
cost-effective to transport. The system is designed
for single-person portability; by leaning the cabinet
back onto its two casters and grasping the handles at
the upper rear corners, one person can easily roll it
across a floor or other flat surface.
Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion states that to
every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
This reality presents a challenge for subwoofer
cabinets. Subwoofer cones have significantly higher
mass than those of other types of speaker driver, and
the low frequencies they reproduce require large
displacements. Thus, the forces that move the cone
forward and backward also make the enclosure move
the opposite way in reaction. The enclosure’s
vibrations tend to turn its walls into radiating surfaces
and its supporting feet into walking appendages. The
inertia of a heavy box naturally resists opposing
motion. However, a lightweight enclosure like the
215’s has relatively little inertia, so instead it uses two
identical and diametrically opposed 15-inch drivers to
ensure inertial stability. The drivers face each other
and move equally but in opposite directions. The net
effect is that the driver forces counterbalance,
minimizing vibration in the cabinet.
The movement of the two
separate drivers counteract,
reducing enclosure vibration.
Of Lightweight Boxes, Diametric Drive, and Newton’s Third Law of Motion
18.38"
24.0"
Port
Port
215PCM / 215PSB / 215SB
System Specifications
Description
Frequency Range
Maximum Output
Impedance
Power Handling
Sensitivity
Nominal Coverage
Transducers
On-board Power
On-board Processing
Connectors
Controls
Operating Modes
Signal Routing
Other Features
Enclosure Type
Weight
Overall Dimensions
Pole Cups
Flying Points
Power Requirements
Current Consumption
@ 120 VAC, typical, pink noise
215PCM: Comprised of the 215SB Subwoofer Cabinet with a “backpack” containing two QSC DSP-3 24-bit Signal
Processors, 1 vibration damped QSC PL230 3000 Watt amplifier and 1 vibration damped QSC PL236 3600 Watt
amplifier. All interconnections for the audio signals and AC power are complete inside the backpack.
NOTE: Regular production PL230 and 236 amplifiers are not recommended replacements for the amplifiers in
your 215PCM. See owners manual.
Recommended Bandpass: 35 - 150 Hz (±3 dB)
Frequency Response: 36 - 360 Hz (-3 dB)
Usable Frequency Range: 29 - 440 Hz (-10 dB)
Calculated Peak Output
1
: 141 dB SPL
Measured Continuous Output2: 131 dB SPL
4 ohms (nom.) 3.7 ohms (min.) 23.3 ohms (max.)
1300 W RMS, 2 hours (AES)
1000 W RMS, 8 hours (IEC)
800 W RMS, 100 hours (IEC)
101 dB half-space, 95 dB full space, 35 - 100 Hz, 1W, 1m
Omnidirectional (100 Hz)
Two 15-inch (394 mm) high efficiency subwoofer drivers.
4-inch (102 mm) voice coil, copper on fiberglass former.
High excursion, multi-vented voice coil construction.
Subwoofer: One vibration damped QSC PL230 amplifier in bridge mode, 3000 Watts at 4 ohms
Top Boxes: One vibration damped QSC PL236 amplifier, 2-Ch.’s, 1300 Watts per Ch. at 4 ohms/Ch.
Two QSC DSP-3 24-bit, 48 kHz Digital Signal Processors. (One Processor per amplifier)
Neutrik NL4MP
Standard Bridge Mono Wiring
Pin 1+= Positive Input Signal
Pin 1– = Negative Input Signal
AC Power - NEMA L5-30 receptacle
CH1/CH2 Input - female XLR, Input 3 (discrete mono) - female XLR
Parallel Out (discrete mono) - male XLR wired directly in parallel with Input 3 connector
Output to Top Boxes - two Speakon NL4MP receptacles:
CH1 wired for 4-wire biamp use
CH2 wired for 2-wire (right channel) normal use
Both Processors feature:
Post-Processor audio outs (3-wire, detachable terminal block connectors), one for each channel.
RS-232 port for Processor configuration using PC/laptop and QSC Signal Manager software.
DataPort ties to QSControl systems to support network Processor configuration and remote control of monitoring.
AC Power switch and MODE switch (Combination Mode/Discrete Mode)
Combination Mode: Inputs are wired to both the Subwoofer Processor and the Top Box
Processor inputs. Cross feeds CH3 (sub) with CH1 and CH2 for system applications.
Discrete Mode: Use all three inputs. Top Box Processor inputs are from CH1 and CH2 Input connectors.
Subwoofer Processor input is from Input 3 connector, input is connected ONLY to Processor Input 1.
Signal Routing is dependant on MODE Switch position and Processor configuration.
Built-in heavy-duty casters and handles. Durable rubber anti-skid feet on two sides of cabinet.
Weather-resistant enclosure.
High efficiency horn-ported box hybrid, tuned to 35 Hz. Material: Composilite™ cored construction.
215PCM: 230 pounds (104.3 kg)
215SB: 175 pounds (79.4 kg)
215PCM 40" W x 26" H x 30" D, nominal (102 x 66 x 76 mm). Refer to drawing for details.
215SB 40" W x 26" H x 25" D, nominal (102 x 66 x 64 mm). Refer to drawing for details.
Three 2-inch diameter, 6-inch deep, aluminum. Refer to drawing.
Four 16-inch “L-track” rails at corners. Refer to drawing.
120 VAC, 50/60 Hz, NEMA L5-30 connector (230 V. model available)
Idle 2A
Subwoofer 1/8 power, Top Box idle 11A
Subwoofer 1/8 power, Top Box 1/8 power 8 ohms each channel 19A
Subwoofer 1/8 power, Top Box 1/8 power 4 ohms each channel 23A
Subwoofer 1/8 power, Top Box 1/8 power 2 ohms each channel 28A
NOTE: 1/8 power is representative of current draw with typical music program material with occasional clipping.
Digital Signal Processor Specifications
Type
Signal Processing
Frequency Response
at 3 dB below full scale input voltage
Distortion
Delay (throughput)
Dynamic Range
User configurable, custom DSP with software for PC. Computer connection needed only for set up.
Two QSC DSP-3 Processors, 24 bit, 48 kHz, one for each amplifier
20 Hz - 10 kHz ±0.3 dB (XLR inputs on 215PCM rear panel)
20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.7 dB (XLR inputs on 215PCM rear panel)
20 Hz - 20 kHz±0.2 dB (if using DataPort input on Processors)
<0.01% THD+N @ +4 dBu out
1.00 millisecond
>93 dB unweighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1.5V, 4V and 9V sensitivity
>88 dB unweighted, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 18V sensitivity
ISIS Series 215PCM / 215PSB / 215SB Specifications
1 - Calculated maximum peak SPL at 1 meter distance, half-space, speaker operating at rated RMS power with 6 dB crest factor pink noise input, 35 - 100 Hertz.
2 - Measured maximum RMS SPL referenced to 1 meter distance, loudspeaker operating at rated RMS power with 6 dB crest factor pink noise input, 35 - 100 Hertz.
Measurements taken at 2 meters, half-space, after 15 minutes of full power operation.
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