PowerLight™ 3 Series
2500 to 8000 watt, lightweight, 2RU amplifiers for use in the most
demanding concert and live-sound reinforcement applications.
WideLine-8 shown
Power, fl exibility, pristine audio quality and legendary
QSC reliability — the ultimate concert amplifi ers.
Perfect for portable live
sound and installed sound
applications, including
outdoor events, stadiums and
arenas, casinos, nightclubs,
restaurants, hotels, houses of
worship, corporate campuses
and convention centers.
The concert stage is
the ultimate test of
professional audio
technology.
Concert audio performance has to be impeccable. Reliability, unshakable. Effi ciency, unbeatable. Factory support, unstoppable. For
decades, QSC has set the standards in every
one of these mission critical dimensions.
Top grossing concert performers are the
most demanding clients in the world.
There’s no room for compromise among
the professionals who provide the technical foundation that allows those artists to
express their creativity. Time after time, tour
after tour, show after show, these industry
leaders stake their reputations — and their
businesses — on QSC technology, without
second chances or retakes. Night after
night, venue upon venue across the globe,
QSC professional audio systems do exactly
what Pat Quilter and his team of engineers
designed them to do – deliver.
Ultimate Audio Performance
One world class power supply,
two output technologies.
Over four decades of R&D, we’ve learned
to take innovative leaps one at a time.
Since PowerLight™ remains the world’s
most effi cient supply, we developed new
output stages.
PL340 & PL325:
Ultimate Class H Technology
We design for the total show: load-in to
load-out and everything in between. That’s
why the 2-tier linear PL340 and PL325 not
only have ruler-fl at response into 8 ohm
loads, but similar transparency and detail
into 2 ohms.
PL380: Ultimate Class D Technology
Class D amplifi er design offers ultimate
power conversion effi ciency and entails
greater complexity than linear topologies.
It is also harder to master since it has more
signal-conversion stages, each a source of
errors that must be corrected. The PL380
more than doubles the output power
and thermal capacity of our previous 2RU
designs, but it looks and sounds “linear,”
whether on the bench or driving speakers.
Rigorous testing and precise alignment of
feedback networks produce stable closedloop response.
The modulator converts analog input signals into varying on-off ratios – the PL380
amplifi er’s responds in under 5 nanoseconds. A crystal controlled, synchronized
power supply and Class D clocks prevent
interference between power stages.
Our new Class D switching section uses a
single pair of industrial strength devices that
easily handle kilowatts of energy without
extra complexity. Our painstakingly refi ned
PCB design controls high frequency currents to prevent internal interference. A
proprietary dynamic current limiter monitors
power stress in the output devices, delivering the maximum power possible within
safe operating limits.
Output fi ltering is another key to ultimate
audio performance. Proprietary winding
techniques pack more copper on a smaller
coil, for better effi ciency and lower distortion.
Ultimate Real-World Headroom
If you’ve been up on the riser ringing out
drum monitors, or out at FOH aligning the
subs with the mains, you know that headroom is not measured by instantaneous
peak power ratings. It’s the ability of the
entire amplifi er, from power supply to output
devices, to produce high voltages and currents for extended periods of time. PowerLight 3 Series amplifi ers go head-to-head
with products claiming much higher output.
Ultimate System Compatibility
Zero Signal Latency
Of course the PowerLight 3 Series has
DSP options. But none of them impose a
latency penalty inside the amplifi er. There’s
no other way to ensure compatibility with
other amplifi ers; no other way to avoid
compromising signal alignment in multi-way
sound systems.
Flexible System Architecture
Choices: they’re what the PowerLight 3
Series is all about. Upgrade analog racks and
monitor them on stage. Go all the way to
fully networked digital signal distribution and
processing with remote system management. Combine elements of both approaches. It’s your decision, as it should be.
Ultimate Ruggedness
The real art of amplifi er design is delivering ultimate power output while protecting
the entire system. Like all QSC designs,
PowerLight 3 Series amplifi ers had to pass
every one of our electrical and mechanical
stress tests – so tough, we’ve never found
another amplifi er brand that has survived
the full test cycle.
The PowerLight 3 Series includes the Class D PL380 as well as two
Class H models. All share a common control, connector and indicator
layout for neat and simplified integration into equipment racks.
PL380: Ultimate Class D
Performance and World-Proven
PowerLight Technology
Whatever you expect from switchmode
amplifiers, you’ll get more from Pat
Quilter’s ultimate Class D amplifier. More
audio quality. More high-end transparency.
More efficiency.
Maximum Energy, Minimal Footprint
The PL380 more than doubles the power
of previous 2RU PowerLight amplifiers, yet
draws only modest amounts of AC power.
Even at full power, the PL380 converts
up to 85% of input power into speakermoving, air-moving and audience-exciting
output. That means half the losses and half
the heat of competitive Class D amplifiers.
This amplifier actually recycles “back EMF”
energy from the loudspeakers.
Real World Headroom
Audition the PL380 head-to-head with any
high power Class D amplifier on the planet.
We believe the PL380 has the highest
overall efficiency, from AC plug to speaker
terminal, of any amplifier available. Peak
output can reach 185V, and long-term average power is about twice that of “typical”
high power Class D designs. The PL380
won’t lose efficiency when driving reactive
loads. That’s important in the real world of
concert sound.
Unrivalled Audio Performance
From the ultra-fast modulator (its response
time is measured in nanoseconds) to the
high performance output filters, the PL380
has been designed to sound neutral,
accurate and linear. Full-range distortion
is exceptionally low, and free from “zerocrossing” distortion.
and other extreme applications. This system
is simple and reliable, with far more safety
margin than normal audio devices.
Massive Where It Counts
The PL380 amplifier’s immense electrical
power is carried on a four-layer PCB with
3 ounce copper. Pat Quilter and his team
patiently refined grounding and shielding
to keep switching noise out of the sensitive
audio circuitry.
PL380 output device (left) compared with
typical output devices.
Simply Efficient Amplifier Topology
Each channel uses a pair of large-die FETs
in a package normally used for motor drives
To prevent unauthorized adjustment
of input attenuation settings, a
security lockout plate is included
with every PowerLight 3 amplifier.
PL340 & PL325: World-Proven
PowerLight Technology and
Ultimate Class H Performance
Choose Your Technology
Maybe you don’t need the PL380 amplifier’s
8 kW output. Perhaps you prefer the sound
of linear output amplifiers for your highfrequency drivers. The PowerLight 3 Power
Amplification System offers you two exceptional choices — the PL325 and PL340.
Both amplifiers update QSC’s well-tested
Powerlight 2 platform, a unique Class H
technology that eliminates audible artifacts
caused by switching between tiers. Their
highly refined linear circuitry delivers the
cleanest output signal available in a professional power amplifier.
Our latest PowerLight supply has larger
capacitors and more robust semiconductors for even higher peak power and energy
storage. As always, PowerLight is designed
for the places you work, tolerating surges
and dips gracefully.
Smooth System Integration
The PowerLight 3 Series is designed as a
complete system for high-power concert
amplification, not just a group of products.
That’s why all PowerLight 3 amplifiers share
a common control, connector and indicator
layout: it simplifies building and/or reconfiguring your racks, and keeps your wiring neat
and clean.
You may want to use other amplifiers
alongside the PowerLight 3 Series. That’s
why all three of these amplifiers have both
switchable input sensitivity and zero latency.
Reliable Protection
We take thermal overload as seriously as
you do. PowerLight 3 Series fans speed up
if heat sinks rise above 55° C. Increased
air flow is usually enough even during high
level operation. Limiting begins above 80° C.
Temperatures above 85° C only occur with
fan or vent blockage: the amplifier will mute
to prevent significant internal damage.
Global Regulatory Compliance
If your business is concert sound, you
never know how far the next gig will take
you — or what kind of regulations you’ll find
when you get there. PowerLight 3 Series
amplifiers carry both UL and CE approvals,
and meet world recognized FCC Class A
EMI limits for the PL380 and Class B for the
PL325 and PL340.
PL3 Series Watts per channel
Model 8Ω 4Ω 2Ω
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
Featuring a flexible architecture that provides users the choice of
comprehensive, networked remote control, monitoring and DSP or
the cost saving of a simple, straightforward analog input configuration.
Rear Panels With
All The Right Choices
Flexible Input Connectors
Both Euroblock and parallel male / female
XLR input connectors let you choose the best
way to simplify your analog signal wiring.
A DataPort HD15 connector is your interface to QSControl.net™ for remote control,
monitoring and audio signal routing via an
Ethernet network. For the first time, analog
DataPort audio signals are directly paralleled with the XLR inputs to give you even
more signal-patching choices.
Choose Your Line Level
Three Position Sensitivity Switch with
color coded LEDs: 26 dB (Orange), 32 dB
(Green), or 1.2 V (Yellow). The switch setting is visible on QSControl.net.
Versatile Input Routing
Stereo / Bridge / Parallel Input Routing
Switch with front and rear panel LEDs plus
QSControl.net display.
Optional Clip Limiting
Clip Limiter On/Off for each channel with
Yellow LEDs. Designed as a backstop, this
limiter converts hard clipping to a softer
form of peak clamping. Normal program
dynamics are unaltered.
Selectable High Pass Filters
Engage 33 Hz or 50 Hz high pass infrasonic
filters to protect woofers and preserve
headroom – or bypass them.
A Choice of Output Connectors
The PowerLight 3 Series gives you a choice
of output wiring as well: both Neutrik
Speakon® and “Touch Proof” binding posts
are included on all three amplifiers. The
channel 1 Speakon carries both output
channels for direct connection to bi-amplified loudspeakers.
Choose Your Operating Voltage
PowerLight supplies are factory optimized
for 120 VAC or 240 VAC operation. The
PL380 amplifier’s 120 VAC cord is designed
for continuous full power operation, with
12/3 wiring and a 30 A Twist-Loc connec-
tor that can handle 25 A continuous. That’s
almost twice the long-term power capacity
of some other amplifiers, and you’ll need to
configure your AC distribution accordingly if
you plan on using all of it.
Road-Rugged Construction
and Comprehensive
Internal Protection
The PowerLight 3 Series incorporates all
the lessons we’ve learned on thousands of
shows around the world to make sure that
your amplifier racks will be as reliable as
you are.
Rugged Construction
QSC design and construction have been
tested and refined for decades. A single
large circuit board carries all core power
circuitry and the solid aluminum heat sinks
with ducted fan flow.
Breakaway boards for inputs, displays, line
filters etc. are connected by vibration-resistant, flexible ribbon cables and wiring.
The Art of Reliable Design
Protecting the entire amplifier without
compromising performance is the essence
of professional audio design.
PowerLight 3 Series amplifiers are protected against thermal overload, prolonged
over-current output, excessive AC current
draw and excessive high-frequency output.
To give you maximum headroom without
burnout, breaker tripping or other “showstoppers,” the system uses long time constants. Do you need “last resort” clip limiting
with a very fast time constant that won’t affect program dynamics? PowerLight 3 Series
amplifiers give you that choice as well.
Over-Current Protection
Patent-pending circuitry in the PL380 measures actual losses in each output FET and
instantaneously clamps peak current to safe
values. If over-currents persist, the limiter
will reduce gain to keep average current
manageable. If the input signal is so extreme, or the load impedance so low, that
limiting cannot prevent excessive long-term
currents, the amplifier channel will mute
periodically to reduce average stress.
AC Current Protection
At peak output, the PL380 amplifier’s
PowerLight supply can draw up to 100 A
at 120 V. To protect internal fuses, distro
breakers, and power supply components,
the system limiting will cut long term currents to 30 A. AC protection does not occur
on normal program material, even when
the amplifier is driven into frequent clipping.
All PowerLight 3 Series amplifiers have
relay-bypassed inrush limiting to keep turnon surges from exceeding normal operating
current loads.
High Frequency Protection
Most switchmode amplifiers mute when
attempting to reach full power at 20 kHz,
especially into low-impedance loads. The
PL380 amplifier’s internal limiting will bring
power down to a “mere” 1000 watts in this
instance. This limiter can be observed on the
bench, but real world compression drivers
are unlikely to require these power levels.
DC Fault Protection
In the event of a DC fault, the PL380
amplifier’s PowerLight supply shuts down
instantly to protect your drivers. You may
need additional protection for compression
drivers or other loads that can’t absorb all
the energy stored in the PL380 supply.
Choose your technology, choose your
system architecture. No matter what
your choice, PowerLight 3 amplifiers will
bring ultimate performance, reliability and
design integrity.
Flexible System Architecture
Analog System Compatibility
SC28
(or other analog I/O processor)
Analog Audio
Total Audio Networking Functionality
BASIS 922uz
Digital Audio
Ethernet Switch
PowerLight 3 Series Amplifiers
PowerLight 3 Series Amplifiers
With ample power and excellent
cost, weight and rack space
per watt, the PowerLight 3
Series is your best choice.
Zero-latency throughput in the
amplifier racks using QSC’s
SC28 System Controller or your
favorite DSP unit means your
meticulous system alignment
won’t be compromised.
PowerLight 3 amplifiers are
compatible with BASIS proces-
sors and the QSControl.net
network forming a compre-
hensive system incorporating
extensive DSP, digital audio
transport plus amplifier monitor-
ing, management and control.
QSControl.net
Software
Additional Amplifiers
Additional Loudspeakers
SPECIFICATIONS PL325 PL340 PL380
Stereo Mode (both channels driven)
8 Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
4 Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
2 Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
Bridge Mono Mode
8 Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
4 Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
Typical Distortion
(20 Hz - 3 kHz, 3dB below clip, or 20 Hz -
5 kHz, 10 dB below clip, or 20 Hz - 20 kHz,
20 dB below clip)
8 Ω
4 Ω
2 Ω
Maximum Distortion
(20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 dB below rated power)
4 - 8 Ω
Frequency Response (8 Ω) 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.2 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.2 dB 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +/-0.2 dB
Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz, 32 dB Gain) -106 dB -105 dB -104 dB
Dynamic Headroom (4 Ω) 2 dB 2 dB 2 dB
Damping Factor (8 Ω) 500 500 200
Output Circuitry Class H (2-tier) Class H (2-tier) Class D
Input Sensitivity
(26 dB Setting)
(32 dB Setting)
Input Gain (1.2 V Setting) 34.5 dB 36.4 dB 39.1 dB
Input Impedance (Ω) >10k, balanced or unbalanced >10k, balanced or unbalanced >10k, balanced or unbalanced
Maximum Input Level
(1.2 V Setting)
(32 dB Setting)
(26 dB Setting)
Controls and LEDs - Front Panel Common: AC Power Switch, Power (Blue), Br Mono (Yellow), Par (Orange)
Controls and LEDs - Rear Panel Common: Input Mode: Parallel (Orange), Stereo (Green), Br Mono (Yellow) Sensitivity: 26 dB (Orange), 32 dB (Green), 1.2 V (Yellow)
Input Connectors Common: HD-15 DataPort (inputs wired in parallel with XLR)
Output Connectors Each Channel: 5-way Binding Posts, Neutrik Speakon®, (Both Ch 1 and Ch 2 amp outlets available on Ch1 Speakon®)
Amplifier and Load Protection Short circuit, open circuit, thermal, RF protection. On/off muting, DC fault shutdown, active inrush limiting
AC Power** / Cordset
120 V 50/60 Hz
230 V 50 Hz
Dimensions (HWD) Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm) 2 RU / Width: 19" (48.3 cm) / Depth: 15.63" (39.7 cm) from front mounting rails
Weight - Net / Shipping 22 lb (10 kg) / 31.5 lb (14.3 kg) 22 lb (10 kg) / 31.5 lb (14.3 kg) 24 lb (11 kg) / 33.5 lb (15.2 kg)
U. S. Patent no. 5767744 and patents pending
* Burst mode testing required due to AC service current limitations
** Representative of current draw with typical music program material with occasional clipping
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
500 W
850 W
1250 W
1700 W
2500 W
0.002 - 0.01%
0.005 - 0.01%
0.02%
0.05%
3.28 V
1.60 V
11 V (+23 dB)
14.6 V (+25.5 dB)
25 V (+30 dB)
Each Channel: Signal -35 dB, -20 dB (Green), -10 dB (Orange), Clip/Prot (Red), Gain Control, 21 detents, 1 dB steps
Each Channel: LF Filter: Off, 30 Hz (Yellow), 50 Hz (Orange) Clip Limit: Off, On (Yellow)
Each Channel: Male XLR, Female XLR, 3-pin terminal block connector
8.5 A / NEMA-15
7.5 A / Euro 16 A
800 W
1250 W
2000 W
2600 W
4000 W
0.002 - 0.01%
0.005 - 0.01%
0.02%
0.05%
3.92 V
1.96 V
11 V (+23 dB)
18 V (+27.4 dB)
25 V (+30 dB)
12 A / NEMA-15
7 A / Euro 16 A
1500 W
2500 W
4000 W*
5000 W
8000 W*
0.01 - 0.03%
0.03 - 0.06%
0.1%
0.2%
5.27 V
2.67 V
10 V (+22 dB)
22 V (+29 dB)
25 V (+30 dB)
18 A / 30 A Twist-Loc
11 A / Euro 16 A
www.qscaudio.com
Phone: 1-800-854-4079 or 714-957-7100, Outside the U.S. 714-754-6175 / Fax: 714-754-6174
1675 MacArthur Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
QSC, the QSC logo, PowerLight, QSControl.net and BASIS are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products Inc. in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries.
Speakon is a registered trademark of Neutrik. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
090407 ©2007 QSC Audio Products, Inc.
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