QSC Audio 1700, 1400, 1100 User Manual
®
A U D I O
Series One
▲
Model 1100
▲
Model 1200
▲
Model 1400
▲
Model 1700
Owner’s
Manual
*TD-000027-00*
Rev. C
1
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOCK ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
Series One Power Amplifier
Operation Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Welcome .................................................... 3
1.2 Warranty..................................................... 3
1.3 Overview of Amplifier ................................. 3
1.4 Specifications ............................................. 4
II: BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection.......................... 5
2.2 Important Precautions ................................ 5
2.3 Quick Instructions....................................... 6
EXPLANATION OF
GRAPHICAL SYMBOLS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the users to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the product.
EXPLICATION DES
SYMBOLES GRAPHIQUES
Le symbole èclair avec point de flèche à l’intrérieur d’un
triangle équilatéral est utilisé pour alerter l’utilisateur
de la présence à l’intérieur du coffret de “voltage
dangereux” non isolé d’ampleur suffisante pour
constituer un risque d’elétrocution.
III: OPERATION
3.1 Cooling ....................................................... 8
3.2 AC Requirements....................................... 9
3.3 Input Connections ...................................... 9
3.4 Octal Module Accessories........................ 12
3.5 Input Switches and Mono Bridging........... 12
3.6 Speaker Connections............................... 13
3.7 25 and 70 Volt Systems ........................... 15
3.8 Protection Features.................................. 15
3.9 Operational Troubleshooting.................... 16
IV: SPEAKER PROTECTION
4.1 Background .............................................. 18
4.2 DC Protection........................................... 18
4.3 Horn Driver Protection.............................. 18
4.4 Power Capacity ........................................ 19
4.5 Power Limiting.......................................... 19
4.6 User Responsibility .................................. 19
V: MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
5.1 Cleaning ................................................... 20
5.2 Dust Removal........................................... 20
5.3 User Maintenance .................................... 20
5.4 Obtaining Service..................................... 20
Le point d’exclamation à l’intérieur d’un triangle
équilatéral est employé pour alerter les utilisateurs de
la présence d’instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le livret
d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the rish of electric shock, do not remove
the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
ATTENTION: Pour enviter les risques de chock electrique, ne
pas enlever le courvercle. Aucun entretien de pieces interieures
par l’usager. Confier l’entretien au personnel qualifie.
AVIS: Pour enviter les risques d’incendie ou d’electrocution,
n’exposez pas cet article a la pluie ou a l’humidite.
SAFEGUARDS
Electrical energy can perform many useful functions. This unit has
been engineered and manufactured to assure your personal safety.
Improper use can result in potential electrical shock or fire hazards. In
order not to defeat the safeguards, observe the following instructions
for its installation, use and servicing.
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PRECAUTIONS
L’énergie électrique peut remplir de nombreuses fonctions utiles. Cet
appariel a été conçu et réalisé pour assurer une sécurité personnelle
entiére. Une utilisation impropre peut entraîner des risques
d’électrocution ou d’incendie. Dans le but de ne pas rendre inutiles les
mesures de sécurité, bien observer les instructions suivantes pour
l’installation, l’utilisation et l’entretien de l’appareil.
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 WELCOME
Thank you for selecting a QSC Series One power amplifier for your audio system. Our goal is to ensure your complete
satisfaction with your amplifier purchase. Please do not hesitate to call your QSC Dealer or QSC Audio Products if you
have any service problems or questions not answered in this manual.
Your QSC Series One power amplifier can be readily operated by anyone familiar with professional audio systems. The
four models covered by this manual, the 1100, 1200, 1400 and 1700, have similar features and connections. Any
differences will be covered in the following detailed instruction sections of this manual. Because not all amplifier features
and characteristics are standardized, we recommend that both experienced and first-time users review the contents of this
manual.
Please consult the table of contents for quick reference to sections of interest. We recommend that all users review the
“Basic Instructions” section of this manual before installing or operating the amplifier.
1.2 WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMERS
QSC Audio Products, Inc. is not liable for any damage to speakers, amplifiers, or any other equipment that is caused
by negligence or improper installation and/or use of the Series One Amplifier.
Product Warranty
QSC Audio Products, Inc. guarantees the Series One Amplifier to be free from defective material and/or workmanship
for a period of three 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
via prepaid transportation with proof of purchase (sales receipt). This warranty provides that examination of the
returned product must disclose, in our judgement, a manufacturing defect. This warranty does not extend to any
product which has been subject to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or where the date code has been
removed or defaced.
Warranty and Service Repair Instructions
1. Pack the product safely making sure to include a copy of the sales receipt, your name, return address, and phone
number. Mark the package: Attention Service Department.
2. Call QSC’s Service Department—1-800-772-2834—and obtain a “Return Authorization” (R.A.) number.Ship the
product prepaid to QSC Audio Products. We recommend UPS.
3. We will determine if the product is under warranty:
a. If it is, we will repair and ship it back to you at no charge.
b. If it is not, we will contact you and inform you of the charges. Upon your approval, we will repair the product
and ship it back freight and services charges collect (COD).
1.3 OVERVIEW OF AMPLIFIER
The basic Series One circuit design is the result of years of QSC product development, combined with a host of new
features, a number of circuit improvements, and the use of premium components. The result is superb audio performance,
exceptional reliability, and a flexible interface system.
To begin with, each channel has a balanced bipolar power supply which assures proper dynamic response during program
peaks. We then combine a superior series of complementary power transistors with a modern high-performance
integrated circuit at the input, in order to deliver the required power with the minimum number of amplifying stages. This
ensures minimum signal degradation with maximum reliability and consistency. The circuit accepts balanced or
unbalanced input signals and provides the high internal gain needed for low overall distortion and wide frequency
response. Due to the circuit simplicity and the fact that we can use direct-mounted output transistors, Series One power
amplifiers offer higher power, smaller size and lower weight than older designs.
In order to ensure that users get the full benefit of high performance amplification despite real-world hazards, our circuit
includes many operational and protective features. Complete protection is provided for open-circuit, short-circuit, and
mismatched loads; the amplifier will shut down temporarily if it over-heats, and AC circuit breakers protect against
excessive power levels. Our protection circuits are designed to ensure a minimum of false triggering and unwanted
interruptions and except for the AC breaker, which replaces the usual AC fuse, all protection systems will reset
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automatically as soon as safe operation is assured. An equally important muting circuit protects the loudspeakers from
unexpected damage, by muting the amp during turn-on and turn-off and by blocking DC faults, whether caused by the
amplifier or preceding components.
The front panel presents essential user information and is recessed to prevent damage. The green power indicator serves
as a pilot light and individual red clip indicators monitor overall performance of each channel. The AC switch and circuit
breaker are front mounted for convenience and quick resetting. Except for the Model 1100, the Gain controls and input
programming switches have been placed on the back of the amplifier to protect them from damage, inadvertent adjustment,
or tampering. The Gain controls, as well as a pair of headphone jacks, have been placed on the front panel of the Model
1100 to allow easy access in monitoring applications.
The amplifiers use a separate bipolar power supply for each channel, for minimum crosstalk, cross-distortion, and greater
reliability. A single dual-secondary transformer feeds isolated, separately fused rectifiers and filter capacitors for each
channel. Thus the remaining channel can keep running in case of breakdown.
In order to interface properly with a variety of pro-audio systems, we have included all of the popular input and speaker
connectors. Balanced or unbalanced inputs can be made using XLR plugs, screw lugs to the barrier strip, or 1/4-inch phone
plugs (ring-tip-sleeve for balanced inputs). Speaker connections are made with 5-way binding posts.
The steel chassis, of the 1200, 1400 and 1700, is a 14 gauge, single piece design with integral rack mounting ears. The
1100 chassis features single piece aluminum extrusions that form the sides of the chassis and feature integral rack
mounting ears and heatsinks. The extra strength chassis and rugged mounting of internal parts contributes greatly to
QSC’s reputation for reliability by protecting the circuitry from years of road abuse.
All of these points are more fully explained in the following Sections.
1.4 SPECIFICATIONS
1100 1200 1400 1700
OUTPUT POWER (per channel)
Both Channels Driven
8 ohms, 20-20 kHz, 0.1% THD 50w 100w 200w 325w
4 ohms, 20-20 kHz, 0.1% THD 70w 150w 300w 500w
Bridged-Mono Operation
8 ohms, 20-20 kHz, 0.1% THD 140w 300w 600w 1000w
DYNAMIC HEADROOM dB
8 ohms 2.0 2.0 2.0 1.9
4 ohms 2.3 2.5 2.5 2.9
DISTORTION, THD @ 8 ohms
20-20 kHz, at rated power Less than 0.1%, 0.01% typical
SMPTE-IM at rated power Less than 0.025%
FREQUENCY RESPONSE 20-20 kHz, +0, -1.0 dB at 1 watt
DAMPING FACTOR @ 8 ohms Greater than 200
NOISE (A-weighted) 100 dB below rated power
VOLTAGE GAIN, dB 26 29 32 34
SENSITIVITY, V RMS 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
(for rated power, 8-ohms)
INPUT IMPEDANCE 10K unbalanced inverting
20K balanced or unbalanced non inverting
CROSSTALK -70dB, 20-20 kHz
CONTROLS AC Switch, Circuit Breaker, Gain Knobs, Input Programming DIP Switches,
and Bridging Switch
INDICATORS Power: Green LED Clip: Red LED
COOLING Convection Convection 2 speed fan 2 speed fan
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AMPLIFIER PROTECTION Full Short Circuit, Open Circuit, Over-Temp, Ultrasonic and
RF Protection. Stable into reactive or mismatched loads.
SPEAKER PROTECTION DC Load Fault Protection
3 Second Turn-on, Instant-off Muting
COMPLEMENTARY OUTPUT DEVICES 4 8 16 32
POWER SUPPLY Single Transformer with Independent Isolated Secondary Windings, Fault
Fuses, Rectifiers, and Filter Capacitors
DIMENSIONS
Faceplate Width Standard 19" Rack Mounting
Faceplate Height 1.75" 5.25" 5.25" 7.0"
Chassis Depth 8.7" 9.5" 9.5" 11.75"
WEIGHT
Shipping, Lbs 15 28 37 57
Net, Lbs 12 24 34 55
II: BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
All QSC Series One amplifiers are fully tested and inspected before they leave the factory. Despite the protective carton
and rugged amplifier design, it is possible for shipping abuse to damage the amplifier. Check for obvious carton damage
while unpacking the unit. After removing the amp from the box, rotate it in all directions to check for loose parts inside.
Please save the carton for return shipment, if required. QSC does not warranty against damage caused by sending
amplifiers back in the wrong carton.
If shipping damage is evident, notify the transportation company immediately. Only the consignee can file a claim with
the carrier for shipping damage. QSC will cooperate fully in such an event. Be sure to save the carton for the shipper to
inspect.
2.2 IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
2.21 The power must be OFF when making any connections. If you connect plugs with the power on, especially in dry
environments, static sparks or bad cables can cause pops or hums which can damage speakers.
2.22 When first powering up the amp, have the amplifier Gain controls all the way off, in case of defective cables or
hookups. Turn the Gain controls up gradually until normal operation is verified.
2.23 Check the AC voltage printed on the serial number label to ensure your amplifier is properly configured for the AC
voltage supplied in your area before connecting the AC plug.
CONNECTION TO A VOLTAGE SOURCE OTHER THAN THE ONE SPECIFIED WILL IMMEDIATELY DAMAGE
THE AMP, AND VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
2.24 Never connect the speaker terminals (red binding posts) for two channels together on any power amplifier. The
two channels will fight each other and possibly fail. Do not connect the speaker ground terminals (black binding
posts) to chassis or signal grounds, as the resultant ground loop could cause ultrasonic oscillations. In other words,
keep all speaker wiring separate for each channel, and separate from input wiring.
2.25 Do not remove the amplifier cover, as there are dangerous voltages inside. Do not expose to rain or moisture.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. The warranty will be void if the amp is tampered with by non-QSC repair
centers or personnel.
2.26 The QSC Warranty does not cover tampering by unqualified personnel, or repairs made at non-QSC repair
centers. Please call the factory for Service Center information and locations.
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2.27 High voltages can be present on the speaker terminals. Always connect speaker terminals with the power off, and
use heavy gauge cable with no frayed strands or damaged insulation.
2.28 Please be aware that power amplifiers have high power circuitry inside with potential for fire and shock hazard;
never plug in a damaged amplifier until the condition of the internal insulation is checked. If a circuit breaker blows
quickly when turning the amp on, the amplifier is defective and should not be restarted until the amplifier has been
repaired. Failure to observe these precautions could lead to fire or shock hazard.
2.29 Power amplifiers are inherently heavy and may become hot after use; provide adequate support and be careful
how you hold the amplifier when handling it.
2.3 QUICK INSTRUCTIONS
2.31 Stereo Operation These instructions cover the normal use of the amplifier in two-channel or stereo applications.
See Section 3 for detailed installation instructions and special cases.
2.32 AC Power Connect the AC cord to a standard GROUNDED outlet only. The amplifier will operate satisfactorily
over a +/- 10% range of voltages, but full rated performance will be met only at the rated voltage. Failure to properly
ground the amplifier may result in unwanted hum and noise and will create a potential shock hazard.
2.33 Floating Chassis Ground There is no provision for lifting signal ground relative to chassis ground on Series One
amplifiers. For safety reasons do not lift the ground pin on the AC cord. Electronic balanced inputs are provided
for hum rejection. Use balanced input cables to avoid hum, interference and ground loops.
2.34 Input Programming Switches 8-pole mini DIP switches are located on the rear panel—see the rear panel
illustration for details. They come factory set for normal stereo operation (switches 1,2 and 7,8 up). See section
3.5 for other cases.
2.35 Octal Socket For normal operation, nothing should be plugged into the octal socket. It comes from the factory
with a protective label to prevent corrosion of the pins.
2.36 Input Connections The input polarity is as follows:
1/4-inch plug: tip is “minus” or inverting input
ring is “plus” or non-inverting input
barrel is ground, as always
XLR plug: pin 1 is ground, as always
pin 2 is “plus” or non-inverting input
pin 3 is “minus” or inverting input (AES Standard)
Barrier Strip: “GND” is circuit ground
“+” is “plus” or non-inverting input
“-” is “minus” or inverting input
When making unbalanced connections, the barrel of an ordinary two-wire 1/4 inch plug will ground the “plus” side
of the balanced input; XLR plugs will need to have the unused pin grounded inside the plug, and the installer will
need to ground the unused screw on the barrier strip. It is still possible to use the balanced inputs to reject hum
with an unbalanced signal. See Section 3.3 for details.
2.37 Speaker Connections Banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire ends can be connected to the 5-way binding posts.
Be sure to observe correct polarity (red/black terminals) for each speaker to insure that all speakers move in the
same direction.
The 1100 features a pair of standard 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel. They are connected to the speaker
outputs of the amplifier through a resistive pad that prevents excessive power levels from damaging the
headphones.
2.38 Power Up Start with the gain controls off until proper operation is verified. Upon turning on the switch, the power
LED should come on green. After three seconds, the muting circuit should release and turn on the sound. The
amp should now be working, and the Gain controls can be advanced. In case of difficulty consult Section 3.9.
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2.39 Operation and Indicators Note that the Gain controls are calibrated in dB. As you turn the Gain down, it takes
more input signal to reach full power, so the Gain should be kept in the upper 12 dB of its range for full power output
from normal signal sources. The “0 dB” reference indicates that the amplifier gain is at 26 dB when the knob is
adjusted to this position.
Note that full amplifier output power may be achieved even if the gain controls are not turned fully up. However,
a larger input signal will be required to produce full rated output.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicators monitor the operation of the amplifier. A green LED serves as the pilot light
to indicate that power is on. Each channel has a red “Clip” indicator that will show any distortion in the amplifier.
Upon power up, these may not flash symmetrically. This does not necessarily indicate that there may be a problem.
The muting circuit blocks the sound for three seconds after turn-on and immediately after turn-off. This prevents
turn-on and turn-off thumps and transients from reaching the speakers.
Please refer to Section 3 for more detailed instructions.
1100 FRONT VIEW
AC BREAKER
1100 BACK VIEW
AC SWITCH
BARRIER STRIP INPUTS
PILOT LIGHT
CLIP INDICATORS
OCTAL SOCKET
HEADPHONE
JACKS
GAIN CONTROLS
INPUT
PROGRAMMING
SWITCHES
1/4 INCH INPUTS
XLR INPUT
AC CORD
SPEAKER
BINDING POSTS
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