QSC Audio PL218A Stereo Amplifier User Manual


 
FRONT PANEL
1. Power switch
2. Cooling vents
3. Gain control (1 per
channel)
4. CLIP, -10 dB, -20 dB and
SIGNAL indicator LEDs, 1
per channel
5. POWER, BRIDGE, and
PARALLEL
indicator LEDs
6. BI-AMP
indicator LED
7. Handles
Thank you for the purchase of your new POWERLIGHT 2A amplifier. To get the most
out of your amplifier, review this manual carefully. The installation and operation
sections provide proper connection and operation guidelines.
The POWERLIGHT 2A expands upon the features of the POWERLIGHT 2. The
flexibility, user-friendliness and reliability of this amplifier will make it a valuable
part of your system for years to come.
The POWERLIGHT 2A was designed to fit your system. You can adjust the input
sensitivity to match the output capability of your mixing board. DataPort input
signals can be summed before or after internal processing so that conflicts with
external processing are avoided. The 4
th
order Linkwitz-Riley crossover has
independent adjustment of crossover frequency and defeatable low-pass delay
time. The high-pass side of the crossover includes separate binary adjustments for
trim and driver EQ. The precision limiters provide separate adjustment of limiter
threshold, peak mode and attack/release times. You can adjust the limiter
threshold between 100% and 3% of available power. The limiters have a gentle
limiting knee which preserves a sense of signal dynamics. In bi-amplified systems,
a slower attack/release time can be used on the low frequency channel. The
limiters can also be connected together to maintain stereo balance in full range
mode or frequency balance in bi-amplified mode. A peak limiting mode with a fast
attack time provides protection for fragile high frequency drivers.
The POWERLIGHT 2A is easy to use. All operating mode switches are grouped
together on the rear panel. These critical switches have color-coded LED’s to
positively confirm switch position. A brilliant blue LED on the front clearly
indicates when the amplifier is in bi-amp mode. Limiter threshold, high-pass trim
(HF ATTEN) and high-pass EQ (HORN BOOST) levels use combinations of two
position switches for easy adjustment. These less used switches are located on
the side panel.
The POWERLIGHT 2A is built for the long haul. Rubber-isolated XLR input
connectors reduce stress on the contact pins and provide a tight, noise-free
connection. All signal processing is done in side loops and then returned to the
main signal path. This maintains high signal fidelity and provides a more robust
system in the unlikely event a processor ceases to function.
Your new POWERLIGHT 2A amplifier will give you many years of great sound. The
POWERLIGHT 2A is the most flexible, durable and best performing amplifier you
can buy.
INTRODUCTION: PL2A OVERVIEW
4