POWERLIGHT 3 SERIES
User Manual
PL325
PL340
PL380
1250 watts per channel at 2 ohms
2000 watts per channel at 2 ohms
4000 watts per channel at 2 ohms
TD-000235-00 revA
*TD-000235-00*
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PowerLight 3 Series
Professional Power Amplifiers
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing PowerLight 3 for your amplification needs. You
have joined a worldwide community of professionals who rely on QSC
products to perform under all conditions. QSC's vision is to be the most
trusted provider of high quality audio products and services to artists
and professionals worldwide. We earn that trust through careful design,
thorough testing, and obsessive attention to quality and detail, in all
phases of manufacturing and service.
The PowerLight 3 Series is based on decades of research and experience
in audio power amplification. This series combines the most requested
analog input adjustments with easy-to-read LED indicators, making it
easy to inspect settings at a glance and match to any system. Because
there is no internal digital processing or signal delay, these amplifiers
can be freely combined with all types of traditional amplifiers. The QSC
DataPort provides access to QSC's full range of digital processors and
remote control monitor systems.
FEATURES
•PowerLight switchmode power supply for highest efficiency
and improved audio performance
•Flow-through air path and solid aluminum heat sinks for
maximum cooling
The PL325 and PL340 continue the PowerLight legacy started in 1994,
combining a powerful, lightweight and efficient switchmode supply with
our most advanced Class-H linear output section. Their reference-quality
audio performance, high thermal capacity, and touring-grade ruggedness
continue to lead the industry.
•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
The PL380 combines the PowerLight supply with a Class-D audio output
section, doubling the output power while further reducing losses. The
Class-D output section outperforms most competitive linear amplifiers,
offering the best full-range audio performance available in this power
range. All models have a neutral sonic signature, driving even difficult
loads without any distracting behavior or change in tone quality.
•Independant user-defeatable clip limiter and selectable low-
frequency filter for each channel
•Three selectable input gains (26 dB, 32 dB, or 1.2V)
•Front and rear panel LEDs indicate status of switch settings at
a glance
In order to control thousands of watts of power smoothly and safely,
QSC amplifiers employ many sophisticated protection circuits. These
systems provide the highest possible dynamic range without letting the
amplifier exceed its safe operating limits. To avoid unwanted triggering
of these protection systems, and to protect your valuable speakers,
please review these instructions to ensure that you get the full benefit of
your amplifier's performance.
•Parallel XLR male, XLR female, 3-pin header, and DataPort
connectors for simple loop-through connectivity
®
•Neutrik Speakon and “touch proof” binding post outputs
®
•Neutrik PowerCon power cable remains secure on the road
(early PL380 units may have hard-wired power cables pend-
ing UL approval of 30 ampere PowerCon)
•3 year warranty, plus optional 3 year extended service con-
tract
PowerLight 3 Power Amplifiers, Watts at Clipping
PL325 and PL340
•Linear class-H output crcuit doubles the standard class-B
efficiency, reducing cooling and AC current requirements
Model
8 ohms
4 ohms
2 ohms
PL325
PL340
500
800
850
1250
2500
1250
2000
4000
PL380
•Class-D output circuit re-doubles the output power with even
lower losses and minimal increase in average AC power, dra-
matically reducing AC power distribution demands compared
to older, high-power amplifiers
PL380
1500
EIA 1 kHz 1% THD
3
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RACK MOUNTING EAR
2RU, fits #10-32 or M6.
AC POWER SWITCH
Relay Controlled Inrush Limiting
MODEL NUMBER
PL325, PL340, PL380
COOLING VENTS
Rear-to-Front Air Flow. Keep Clear.
OPTIONAL HANDLES
See page 8 for Installation.
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LED INDICATORS
CLIP (Red) Shows Distortion, Limiting, Muting
-10dB (Orange) Output is approaching Full Power
-20dB (Green) Middle of Normal Range
SIGNAL (Green) Low End of Normal Range
POWER (Blue) Run or Standby
BRIDGE PARALLEL Status of Input Mode Switch
(Yellow) (Orange)
(on rear panel)
GAIN CONTROLS
21 Steps, 1dB Each.
LOCKOUT PLATE MOUNTING
See page 8 for installation.
5
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PLUGGABLE TERMINAL BLOCKS
5.0mm, 3-pin. Paralleled with XLRs
CLIP LIMIT SWITCH (Ch1, Ch2)
Off (No LED), On (Yellow)
Balanced Pinout:
Unbalanced Pinout:
HIGH PASS FILTER SWITCH (Ch1, Ch2)
Off (No LED), 30Hz (Yellow), 50Hz (Orange)
XLR INPUT CONNECTORS
Female and Male, Wired in Parallel for
Daisychaining to Additional Equipment.
Balanced Inputs, Impedance >10K
INPUT MODE SWITCH
Bridge (Yellow) See page 9
Stereo (Green) Normal Mode
Parallel (Orange) See page 9
Balanced:
Unbalanced:
INPUT
SENSITIVITY
SWITCH
QSC DATAPORT
Supports QSC DataPort Products.
BINDING POSTS
26dB(Orange)
32dB (Green)
1.2V(Yellow)
See Specs for
Corresponding
Values.
RED, Speaker, HIGH VOLTAGE
BLACK, Common.
NEUTRICK SPEAKON CONNECTORS
Ch1: 4-Wire Connection to Ch1 and Ch2
Ch 2: 2-Wire Connection, Ch 2 Only
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REAR SUPPORT EARS
See page 10.
COOLING VENTS
Rear Intake. Keep Clear.
SAFETY AGENCY AND
RECYCLING MARKS
AC BREAKER
PL380 Only.
AC POWER CABLE.
SERIAL NUMBER LABEL
Location and Type Vary
By Model and AC Voltage.
7
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FRONT PANEL FEATURES
AC POWER SWITCH
•Controls all power to the amplifier. The AC Switch must be ON to use remote controlled Standby mode. The Blue POWER LED should
illuminate whenever Power is ON, either in Standby or Run.
•On the PL-380, it is normal for the Clip LEDs to remain on for 15 seconds after removing power. The red LEDs indicate prompt muting to
prevent turn-off noises.
CLIP LED (Red, Each Channel).
•The LED glows bright red while amp is muted for any reason. This normally occurs each time the power is turned on or off. Muting at
other times indicates overheating or other protective behavior.
•The LED flashes bright red during clipping. The intensity and duration correlates with the audibility of the clipping.
•The LED glows half-bright during limiting. This may occur on all products when the Clip-Limiting circuit is enabled. The PL380 also uses
limiting to protect against overheating, excessive high frequency output, and prolonged power overload.
-10dB LED (Orange, Each Channel).
•Illuminates when the amplifier channel reaches the last 10dB of its power range (between 10% and 100% of rated power). The LED is
orange to warn that clipping is being approached.
-20dB LED (Green, Each Channel).
•Illuminates when the amplifier channel is 10-to-20dB below clipping (between 1% and 10% of rated power). This should normally be a
“safe” zone of operation.
SIGNAL LED (Green, Each Channel).
•Illuminates when the signal level reaches -35dB, which should produce an easily audible sound in the speakers. If this LED remains illu-
minated when no signal is expected, there may be interference or some other abnormal condition.
POWER LED (Blue)
•The Blue POWER LED should illuminate whenever Power is ON. It may dim visibly when the amp is in Standby.
BRIDGE LED (Yellow)
•Warns that the rear panel Bridge Mode switch has been set. The LED color matches the rear panel readout. See BRIDGE MONO MODE
on next page.
PARALLEL LED (Orange).
•Warns that the rear panel Parallel Mode switch has been set. The LED color matches the rear panel readout. See PARALLEL INPUT
MODE on next page.
GAIN CONTROLS
•Each channel has a 21-step Gain control with approximately 20dB of input headroom. 1dB steps are maintained down to 14dB of atten-
uation, with increasingly large steps below this point as marked.
•Gain reduction may be used as desired to reduce input noise, but will reduce the headroom available to the Clip Limiter. Use the three-
position INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH (below) to match the dynamic range of the amplifier’s input to that of the source, permitting nor-
mal, nearly-full Gain settings.
LOCKOUT COVER MOUNTING
•The Gain controls can be made tamper-proof using two methods.
•The lockout cover packed with this amplifier keeps the LEDs visible but makes it appear there are no Gain controls at all. Preset the Gain
controls and remove the knobs carefully by pulling straight out. Partially remove the screw located on the outside edge of the faceplate,
using a 9/64" or 3.5mm hex tool. Slide the notched end of the lockout cover under the screw, let the left end drop into the last vent, and
slide to the right until both ends seat flush with the faceplate. All LED holes should now be aligned. Carefully tighten the screw.
•Alternatively, individual Gain knobs can be removed and covered by the included hole plugs.
FRONT PANEL VENTILATION SLOTS
•QSC amplifiers pull air from the rear, and exhaust it from the front, thus allowing the heat to dissipate without heating the rack. As the
amp works harder, the fan will speed up and expel more hot air. The exhaust temperature can easily be sensed, unlike rear-exhaust
amplifiers that may seem cool in front but which may be dumping hot air into the rack.
•Users will notice that the PL380 idles noticeably warm. This is normal for Class-D technology, which is always processing some power
and is therefore “in gear” at all times. There is plenty of cooling capacity, and the temperature will hardly budge until operated at very
high power levels.
MOUNTING THE OPTIONAL HANDLES
•The handles are packed with the required Phillips-head screws. Mount the screws through the round holes located inside the rack-
mounting holes.
8
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REAR PANEL FEATURES
INPUT CONNECTIONS
•Precision balanced inputs offer superior hum rejection, and accept >21dBu input levels on all Sensitivity settings (see
Specs).
•Female and Male XLR, Pluggable Terminal Blocks, and DataPort Input signals are all wired in parallel for each channel.
•Paralleled DataPort routing is used for the first time on the PL3 series. Therefore, DataPort-connected signals can be
patched to other amplifiers. Do not use unbalanced connectors as this will unbalance and possibly affect the level of all
signals connected to that channel.
•Because the DataPort signals on the PL3 Series are connected like any other input, the Sensitivity switch will affect gain for
these inputs as well. QSControl devices will read the setting of the Sensitivity Switch to allow for this.
REMOTE MONITORING – DATAPORT
•All DataPort connected accessories are supported. The usual signals representing output voltage, output current, clipping,
temperature, supply voltage and switch status are provided, plus remote control Standby. The current version of QSControl
will read a unique ID code and know what PL3 models are connected without operator intervention.
CLIP LIMITING, ON-OFF SWITCH (Ch1, Ch 2)
•Each channel provides a Clip-Limit switch; with an adjacent yellow LED for “ON”. PL3 Clip Limiting is designed to reduce
the audibility of clipping without changing the program dynamics in any other way. It replaces harsh clipping with very
rapid limiting, “reducing” rather than “eliminating” clipping. This is not a substitute for long-term power limiting, as aver-
age program levels can still be driven very high.
HIGH PASS FILTER, 3-POSITION SWITCH (Ch1, Ch2)
•For simple systems, second-order (12dB/octave) filters can be engaged at 30Hz (yellow LED) or 50Hz (orange LED). These fil-
ters can prevent speakers from sub-audio overload, but can have an audible effect on percussive material. Their effect
should be auditioned carefully. When bypassed (no LED), the low frequency response extends to about 3Hz. In this wide-
band mode, very large sub-audio transients may trigger brief protective muting.
INPUT MODE SWITCH, 3-POSITION: BRIDGE, STEREO, PARALLEL
•BRIDGE MONO MODE (Yellow LED): Sends Ch1 signals out-of-phase to Ch2, producing twice the normal voltage swing
between the two “hot” speaker terminals (Ch1 “hot” is defined as positive). Only Ch1 controls and input are effective. USE
EXTREME CAUTION when connecting speakers. Depending on the model, hundreds of volts and thousands of watts are
available. NOTE: it is normal for the Br Mono indicator LED to transition slowly.
•STEREO MODE (Green LED). Each channel operates independently, as usual.
•PARALLEL INPUT MODE (Orange LED). The inputs of both channels are hard-switched together, but all controls and
speaker connections work as usual. Do not attempt to parallel the output channels to the same load.
INPUT SENSITIVITY SWITCH, 3-POSITION: 26dB, 32dB, 1.2V
•The 26dB (Orange) and 32dB (Green) settings provide the same voltage gain for all models. When using these settings, all
models will sound equally loud, but the more powerful amp will have more headroom.
•The 1.2V setting provides the same input sensitivity for all models. Larger amps will sound proportionally louder, with the
same amount of headroom.
•The resulting input sensitivities and gains for each model are shown in the Specs.
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS – SPEAKONS
•Ch1 provides “4-wire” access to both channels using the standard convention: Ch1 uses 1+, 1-, and Ch 2 uses 2+ and 2-.
•Ch 2 provides “2 wire” access to Ch 2 only, using 1+, 1-.
SPEAKER CONNECTIONS – BINDING POSTS
•WARNING: use safe wiring practice as peak output voltages can be hazardous.
AC POWER CABLE AND AC VOLTAGES.
•PL3 Series amplifiers are configured for specific AC voltages. The products operate safely over the normal range of AC line
variation but rated performance applies only at rated voltage.
•Where regulations permit, products feature locking detachable cordsets, and are shipped with AC plugs suitable for the
intended AC voltage (see Specs).
9
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Rack Mounting and Dimensions
Use four screws and washers to mount the amplifier to the equipment rack rails. To use the amplifier outside a rack, attach the self-adhesive rubber
feet to the bottom.
For portable, mobile, or other applications where the rack assembly may be moved, we strongly recommend supporting the rear of the amplifier. A
rear rack ear kit is available from QSC’s Technical Services Group.
Optional rack handles provide finger grips at each end, making lifting and setting into the rack more comfortable.
17.30” (44.0 cm)
15.63” (39.7 cm)
3.50” (8.9 cm)
AC Mains Current Draw
This table provides typical current draw for each model as a function of load and output power level. Units of measurement are amperes rms.
NOTE! Current draw shown is for 120 VAC line. For 230 VAC models, multiply values shown by 0.5.
•1/8 power (pink noise) represents typical program with occasional clipping. Use this rating for most applications.
•1/3 power (pink noise) represents severe program with heavy clipping.
•Full power (sine) is continuous sine wave driven at 1% clipping.
Idle
Current
1/8 Power
Pink
1/3 Power
Pink
Full Power
Sine
Model
Load
BTU
BTU
BTU
(Amperes)
Noise
Noise
Wave
PL325
8 ohms x 2
4 ohms x 2
2 ohms x 2
1.0
1.0
2.8
5.2 A
8.5 A
12.6 A
792
1387
2178
8.6 A
14.3 A
22.0 A
893
1981
3339
17.0 A
28.3 A
45.3 A
1204
2481
4942
PL340
PL380
8 ohms x 2
4 ohms x 2
2 ohms x 2
7.5 A
11.8 A
19.1 A
1150
2114
3495
13.3 A
21.1 A
31.6* A
1682
2864
5306*
25.9 A
43.5* A
68.6* A
2082
4253*
8601*
8 ohms x 2
4 ohms x 2
2 ohms x 2
8.7 A
13.1 A
19.3 A
918
1355
1768
16.0 A
26.2 A
41.6* A
1101
1674
3278*
38.3 A
70* A
100* A
1853
3000*
6000*
* Burst mode only. Protective limiting will reduce long-term AC current
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Specifications
PL325
PL340
PL380
MAXIMUM OUTPUT POWER 1kHz, 1% clipping
8 ohms, both channels driven
4 ohms, both channels driven
2 ohms, both channels driven
8 ohms, bridge mono
500
800
1500
2500
850
1250
2000
2600
4000
1250
1700
2500
4000*
5000
4 ohms, bridge mono
8000*
(*Burst mode testing required due to AC service current limitations)
TYPICAL DISTORTION 20-3kHz, 3dB below clip, or 20-5kHz, 10dB below clip, or 20-20kHz, 20dB below clip
8 ohms
4 ohms
2 ohms
0.002-0.01%
0.005-0.01%
0.02%
0.002-0.01%
0.005-0.01%
0.02%
0.01-0.03%
0.03-0.06%
0.10%
MAXIMUM DISTORTION 4-8 ohms
20-20kHz, 1dB below rated power
0.05%
0.05%
0.20%
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
8 ohms
20-20kHz, +/-0.2dB, all models.
NOISE FLOOR
20-20kHz, 32dB Gain
-106dB
-105dB
-104dB
DYNAMIC HEADROOM
DAMPING FACTOR
4 ohms
8 ohms
2dB all models
500
500
200
OUTPUT CIRCUIT TYPE
INPUT SENSITIVITY
Class-H (2 tier)
Class-H (2 tier)
Class-D
(26dB Setting)
(32dB Setting)
3.28V
1.60V
3.92V
1.96V
5.27V
2.67V
INPUT GAIN
(1.2V Setting)
34.5dB
36.4dB
39.1dB
INPUT IMPEDANCE
>10k, balanced or unbalanced, all models.
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL (1.2V Setting)
(32dB Setting)
11V (+23dB)
14.6V (+25.5dB)
25V (+30dB)
11V(+23dB)
18V (+27.4dB)
25V (+30dB)
10V (+22dB)
22V (+29dB)
25V (+30dB)
(26dB Setting)
CONTROLS and LEDs,
FRONT PANEL
Common:
Each channel:
AC Power Switch, Power (Blue), Br Mono (Yellow), Par (Orange)
Gain Control, 21 detents, 1dB steps.
Signal -35dB, -20dB (Green), -10dB (Orange), Clip/Prot (Red).
CONTROLS and LEDs,
REAR PANEL
Common:
Input Mode: Parallel (Orange), Stereo (Green), Br Mono (Yellow)
Sensitivity: 26dB (Orange), 32dB (Green), 1.2V (Yellow).
LF Filter: Off, 30Hz (Yellow), 50Hz (Orange)
Clip Limit: Off, On (Yellow)
Each channel:
INPUT CONNECTORS
Common:
Each channel:
HD-15 DataPort (inputs wired in parallel with XLR)
Male XLR, Female XLR, 3-pin terminal block connector.
OUTPUT CONNECTORS Each channel:
5-way Binding Posts, Output Red, Common Black
Neutrik Speakon, (Ch 1, 4-wires, accesses both channels).
AMPLIFIER AND LOAD PROTECTION
Short circuit, open circuit, thermal, RF protection.
On/off muting, DC fault shutdown, active inrush limiting.
AC POWER, CORDSET
120V 50/60Hz
230V 50Hz
8.5A, NEMA-15
7.5A, Euro 16A
12A, NEMA-15
7A, Euro 16A
18A, 30A Twist-Loc
11A, Euro 16A
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
All models
2RU, depth 15.63” (39.7cm), mounting rails to rear support ears
Net
Shipping
22lbs (10kg)
22lbs (10kg)
31.5lbs (14.3kg)
24lbs (11kg)
33.5lbs (15.2kg)
31.5lbs (14.3kg)
U. S. Patent. No 5767744, D376360 and patents pending.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
11
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Warranty (USA only; other countries, see your dealer or distributor)
Disclaimer
QSC Audio Products, Inc. is not liable for any damage to amplifiers or any other equipment that is caused by negligence or improper installa-
tion and/or use of this loudspeaker product.
QSC Audio Products 3 Year Limited Warranty
QSC Audio Products, Inc. (“QSC”) guarantees its products to be free from defective material and / or workmanship for a period of three (3)
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 or one of our authorized service stations via prepaid transpor-
tation with a copy of proof of purchase (i.e., sales receipt). This warranty provides that the examination of the return product must indicate,
in our judgment, a manufacturing defect. This warranty does not extend to any product which has been subjected to misuse, neglect, acci-
dent, improper installation, or where the date code has been removed or defaced. QSC shall not be liable for incidental and/or consequential
damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. This limited warranty is freely transferable during the term of the warranty period.
Customer may have additional rights, which vary from state to state.
In the event that this product was manufactured for export and sale outside of the United States or its territories, then this limited warranty
shall not apply. Removal of the serial number on this product, or purchase of this product from an unauthorized dealer, will void this limited
warranty.
How to Contact QSC Audio Products
Mailing address:
QSC Audio Products, Inc.
1675 MacArthur Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1468 USA
Telephone Numbers:
Main Number
(714) 754-6175
Sales & Marketing
Customer Service
(714) 957-7100 or toll free (USA only) (800) 854-4079
(714) 957-7150 or toll free (USA only) (800) 772-2834
Facsimile Numbers:
Sales & Marketing FAX
Customer Service FAX
(714) 754-6174
(714) 754-6173
World Wide Web:
E-mail:
QSC Audio Products, Inc. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA
©2007 “QSC” and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
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