PowerLight 6.0 II User Manual *TD-000108-00* TD-000108-00 rev.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS & EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS 1- Read these instructions. 2- Keep these instructions. 3- Heed all warnings. 4- Follow all instructions. 5- Do not use this apparatus near water. 6- Clean only with a dry cloth. 7- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with QSC Audio Product’s instructions. 8- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Overview...........................................................................................4 Illustrations.............................................................................5 UNPACKING Unpacking and Inspection..................................................................................6 What is Included.............................................................................................6 SETUP Rack Mounting........................................
INTRODUCTION- General Overview Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the QSC PowerLight 6.0 II professional power amplifier. This product represents the state-ofthe-art in power amplification systems for professional touring, permanent installations, and other SR (sound reinforcement) applications requiring high levels of sustained power, extraordinary audio performance, reduced weight, and road-proven reliability.
INTRODUCTION- Illustrations FRONT PANEL 1- Power switch 2- Power, Standby, and Protect LEDs 3- Cooling air exhaust vents 4- Gain controls 5- Signal, -20 dB, -10 dB, and Clip LEDs REAR PANEL 1- Cooling air inlet vents 2- Domestic (North America) fixed AC power cord entry 2A- Export IEC-style detachable power cord entry 3- Mode switch (Bridge/Stereo/Parallel) 4- Input connectors (“combo” XLR/TRS and terminal blocks) 5- QSC DataPort Connector (interfaces with QSC accessories) 6- Remote power supply control
UNPACKING Unpacking and Inspection The PL6.0 II is highly durable and is carefully packaged. We recommend you inspect the unit carefully after removing it from the packaging, as occasionally there may be damage due to some unfortunate incident during shipment. Report any damage to the shipping carrier. We recommend saving the carton and packing material. It is always a good idea to keep the packaging in case the unit must be shipped back to your dealer, distributor, or service center.
SETUP- Rack Mounting Supporting the Rear of the Amplifier For mobile and touring use, it is extremely important to support the rear of the amplifier. The chassis and rack can be damaged if the amplifier is not properly supported. Unless the amplifier is being installed in its final, fixed location, QSC strongly recommends supporting the rear of the amplifier. Rear rack ears, required hardware, and a separate instruction sheet are included with your amplifier.
SETUP- Cooling Requirements Cooling Air Inlet and Exhaust Vents The PL6.0 II has four rear-mounted variablespeed fans. Fan speed is determined by the temperature of the amplifier’s internal heatsink assembly. Cooling air is drawn into the rear of the amplifier by the fans and exhausts through the front panel. The temperature of the air exiting the front vents is a good indicator of how hard the amplifier is working.
SETUP- AC Power Requirements AC Power Before connecting the amplifier to the AC mains, check the serial number plate to verify operating voltage. The PL6.0 II is available in 120 or 240 Volt models. Make sure the AC mains voltage is the same as specified on the serial number plate. 120 Volt models have the AC cordset hardwired to the chassis. 240 Volt models have an IEC-style detachable cordset.
SETUP- Operating Mode Selection Operating Mode Selection The operating Mode selection switch determines how the inputs are routed to the two amplifier channels and how the outputs are connected to the speakers. The Mode selection switch is located on the rear panel, left bottom corner. It is a three-position slide-switch. The switch is recessed to prevent accidental changes. Change switch positions by sliding the switch up or down. Operate the switch with a small, flat-tip screwdriver or similar tool.
SETUP- Operating Mode Selection Parallel Mode In Parallel Mode, the channel 1 and channel 2 input connectors are connected in parallel. Applying an input signal to either input will drive both channels. Make sure only one input signal is applied to the amplifier when operating in Parallel mode. Each channel still has independent gain control, clip limiting, and output connection, just like Stereo Mode. To operate in Parallel Mode, set the Mode Switch to PARALLEL.
CONNECTIONS- Inputs Audio Input Connections Input connections to the PL6.0 II can be made with XLR, TRS (1/4-inch), or terminal-block connectors. The XLR/TRS connectors are “combo” style; they accept either XLR or TRS type inputs. The terminal block connectors are three-pin “Euro-” (or “Phoenix-”) type. The accessory packet shipped with your amplifier contains two of these input connectors.
CONNECTIONS- Inputs: XLR, TRS (1/4-inch), and Terminal-block Pinouts Unbalanced Balanced XLR Jumper pin 2 pin 2 pin 3 pins 1 and 3 pin 1 TRS (1/4-inch) phone plug (tip-sleeve) Terminal-block Connectors shield shield jumper from “–” to shield 13
CONNECTIONS- DataPort (QSControl users only) What is a DataPort? The DataPort is a QSC-specific connection used for interfacing amplifiers, amplifier monitoring devices and signal processors. It is typically used in larger-sized installations where amplifiers may be located far away from system operators. The DataPort interconnects provide audio inputs to the amplifiers and amplifier operating data (temperatures, power status, audio power level, etc....
CONNECTIONS- DataPort (QSControl users only) Typical DataPort Application Refer to QSControl and DataPort Accessory documentation for connection details. *Required interface* Use only QSC Audio DataPort Cables for DataPort connections available from QSC’s Technical Services Group.. If amplifier Power Status is to be controlled with remote network applications (QSControl), be sure to leave the amplifier’s AC power switch in the ON position.
CONNECTIONS- Power Supply Control (Standby/Enable) Remotely Controlling the Amplifier’s Power Status The PL6.0 II provides two methods for remotely controlling its Power Status: 1- the Power Supply Control connection 2- the DataPort connection (using QSControl) Two status modes are possible: STANDBY and ENABLE. Using the Power Supply Control connection, all that is required is a switch and some twoconductor cable. Below is a hookup diagram outlining the required connections.
CONNECTIONS- Outputs: Binding Posts Connecting the Outputs to the Speakers Use either the binding post or the Speakon™ output connections. Binding posts are covered on this page, Speakons on the following page. Note that the PL6.0 II does not support Bridge mode output from the Speakons (see page 11). There are two basic speaker connection configurations for the PL6.0 II. Stereo and Parallel operating modes use two separate output channel connections. Bridge mode uses only one output channel connection.
CONNECTIONS- Outputs: Speakon™ pinout Speakon Outputs The Speakon outputs are for use in Stereo and Parallel operating modes. Minimum speaker impedance when using Speakon connection is 4-ohms. 2-ohm load-connection to Speakon is not recommended; output power of this amplifier exceeds Speakon capability at 2-ohms. The Speakons are wired Pin 1+ = positive, Pin 1- = negative. Below is a diagram for reference. Speakons are wired for Stereo and Parallel operating modes.
USE- AC Power Switch and LED Indicators AC Power Switch On the left side of the front panel is the Power switch. The switch is labeled ON, above it and to the right. To turn the power on: Press in on the upper portion of the rocker switch. The amplifier will go through its power-up cycle; the red-colored Protect LEDs will illuminate briefly, then the green-colored Power LEDs will remain on. To turn the power off: Press in on the bottom portion of the rocker switch.
USE- Gain Controls Gain Controls A Gain control adjustment is provided for each channel. The voltage gain of the amplifier (in dB) is marked around each control. Rotating the control clockwise increases the gain of the amplifier. Rotating the control counterclockwise reduces the gain of the amplifier. In Stereo and Parallel operating modes (see p.10) each channel’s gain is adjusted by its respective control. In Bridge mode, use channel 1’s gain control; channel 2’s control is ignored in bridge mode.
USE- Clip Limiters Clip Limiters The PL6.0 II has separate clip limiters for each channel which respond only to actual amplifier clipping. Amplifier clipping generates internal error signals which cause the Clip Limiter to quickly reduce gain and minimize the overdrive. To preserve as much of the program dynamics as possible, limiting occurs only during actual clipping. The limiter’s on-off switches are front panel mounted and recessed to prevent accidental changes.
TROUBLESHOOTING The amplifier won’t turn on when the Power switch is operated• Verify AC power source is providing required voltage. • Check each end of the power cord. The twist-lock or IEC-type connectors need to be properly inserted. Inspect the cord for damage. If any damage is found, replace the cord immediately. • If using the DataPort and QSC amplifier network control applications, the amplifier could be in STANDBY mode. Check with the system operator to place the amplifiers in POWER ON mode.
TROUBLESHOOTING I am using the amp for a subwoofer application and it sounds “rubbery”, what’s up?• Verify that the Clip Limiters are OFF. See page 21. • The Clip Limiter is set to respond as quickly as possible after clipping is detected. On low frequency material, this may be perceived as a “rubbery” effect. It may be preferable to turn Clip Limiting off, and let the amp clip occasionally, especially if the speakers are robust.
SPECIFICATIONS- PowerLight 6.0 II Electrical Data Output Circuit Type quasi-complementary MOSFET output with multi-step high efficiency circuit Output Power in watts 20 Hz to 20 kHz 8 ohms per channel 4 ohms per channel 2 ohms per channel 1150 at 0.1% THD 2050 at 0.1% THD 3250 at 0.
SPECIFICATIONS- PowerLight 6.
APPENDIX- QSC PowerWave Overview & What’s Different with the PL6.0 II QSC PowerWave What is PowerWave? PowerWave is QSC's patented power supply technology that not only makes power amplifiers more compact, but also better sounding. You don’t have to settle for conventional "lead sled" designs with hum, sagging supplies, and backbreaking weight. PowerWave is a win-win solution, giving you heavyweight audio performance in less than half the size and weight of comparable analog power supply amplifiers.
WARRANTY INFORMATION & HOW TO CONTACT QSC WARRANTY (USA only; other countries, see your dealer or distributor) Disclaimer QSC Audio Products, Inc. is not liable for any damage to speakers, or any other equipment that is caused by negligence or improper installation and/or use of this amplifier product. Product Warranty QSC Audio Products, Inc.
QSC Audio Products, Inc. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA “QSC” and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ©2002 QSC Audio Products, Inc.