RMX 1850HD - Power amplifier QSC AUDIO - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL RMX 1850HD QSC AUDIO

© Copyright 1999, 2001 QSC Audio Products, Inc. OSC® is a registered trademark of QSC Audio Products, Inc. “QSC” and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. TD-000085-00 Rev. D

The RMX Series Amplifiers. These rugged fan-cooled, 2-channel, 2-RU amps provide high-value performance and power in a strong, compact chassis. The series comprises four models: the RMX 850, RMX 1450, RMX 1850HD, and RMX 2450. The HD designation on the RMX 180HD designates this model as “heawy duty”. The RMX 1850HD is superior to all other RMX models for driving 2 ohm loads for extended periods. The RMX 1850HD is perfectly suited for subwoofertype applications. Features + Independent, user-defeatable clip limiters Fully selectable low-frequency fitering choice of 30 or 50 Hz roll-off Stereo (dual-channel), parallel input, or bridged mono operating modes Balanced inputs—XLR, 44"

Gain control (Channel 1} Gain control (Channel 2) CLIP and SIGNAL indicator LEDs, both channels Commande marche/arrêt DEL POWER [alimentation] Bouches de ventilation

2. XLR inputs, Channels 1 and 2

TRS inputs, Channels 1 and 2

6. Speakon output, Channel 1

plus Channel 2 Speakon output, Channel 2

8. Binding post outputs, Channels

IEC connector for AC power cable

cH2 9 OFF Læ] ON FEATURES & SETUP Clip limiter WHATITIS When the audio signal drives the amp's output circuit beyond its power capability it clips, flattening the peaks of the waveform, The clip limiter detects this and reduces the gain to minimize the amount of overdrive. To préserve as much of the program dynamics as possible, limiting reduces the average program level until peaks barely clip Each channel has its own clip limiter, and you can switch it on or off independentiy, as shown at left. WHEN TO USE IT (OR NOT) When driving full-range speakers clip limiting reduces high frequency distortion caused by bass overloads I also protects higher frequency drivers from excess overdrive and harsh clipping harmonics. When driing subwoofers, some users let the amplifier clip without limiting because it gives extra “punch” to Kick drums and similar sounds. CAUTION:In bi-amp systems, excessive limiting will affect the frequency balance. CARACTÉRISTIQUES

20H30 40 5060 40100 20) 30040050 TK FEATURES & SETUP Input filter WHATITIS The low-frequency (LFI filter rolls off signals below either 30 Hz or 50 Hz. This improves bass performance by limiting sub-audio cone motion, making more power available for the speakers’ rated frequency range The filter settings for each channel are controlled indhidually through the DIP. switch settings shown. When the filter is tumed off, a 5 He rolloff protects against DC or deep sub-audio inputs. WHEN TO USE IT (OR NOT) As a rule, your speakers will sound better with proper filtering. Unless you already have filtering in à preceding device, match the setting to the low frequency rating of your speakers. Vented (bass reflex, ported, etc.) speakers are especially sensitive to cone over-excursion at frequencies below their rated limit. The 50 He filter works well with most compact full-range speakers, and has à slight boost at 100 Hz for greater fullness. The 30 Hz filter is intended for subwroofers and large full-range cabinets. The "off" position should be used only for applications such as studio playback monitoring, where you need to know if there are unwanted sub-audio signals present in your mix CARACTÉRISTIQUES

NON APPLICABLE NICHT ANWENDBAR NO APLICABLE PARALLEL INPUTS Se 00 20 01 2 0 om Key Légende Zeicherklärung Leyende Patching the input signal to additional amps TT) PRRANANNAS FEATURES & SETUP Parallel input mode WHATITIS The "Parallel Input” switches let you operate the amplifier in parallel mode, delivering the same signal to both channels without using à Y-cable. Each channel drives its own speaker load, with independent gain, fitering, and clip limiting, Set switch positions 4 and 5 "OI" to couple the inputs together. Turn the switches off for stereo, bi-amping, or other 2-channel modes. With the inputs in parallel, you can use the other set of input connectors to carry the signal to other amps This is often called a "daisy-chain."

Parallel the inputs when driving two speakers with one input signal {parallel mode) while keeping separate control of both channels” gain, fitering, and limiting. Use them in bridged mono mode to patch the signal to additional amplifiers through the extra input jacks. See page 12 for an explanation of amp operating modes. NOTE: I you're using a balanced signal, use only balanced patch cables; even one unbalanced cable will unbalance the entire signal chain, possibly causing hum. NOTE: Turn off the “Parallel Inputs" switches when feeding the amp two separate signals. CARACTÉRISTIQUES

To speaker Vers l'enceinte Zum Lautsprechersystem Al bocina Bridged mono + Mono ponté + Monobrückenbetrieb + Mono puente FEATURES & SETUP Bridge mono mode WHATITIS Bridged mono mode combines the power of both amp channels into one speaker, resulting in twice the voltage swing, four times the peak power, and approximately three times the sustained power of a single channel. This mode uses Channel 1's input, gain control, input filter, and clip limiter; Channel 2's should not be used. WHEN TO USE IT (OR NOT) Use bridged mono to deliver the power of both channels to a single

8- or 4-ohm load. Set switch

positions 6 and 7 to "BRIDGE MONO ON." Use Channel 1's inputs, and connect the speaker as shown. BRIDGED-MONO PRECAUTIONS: This mode puts a high demand on the amplifier and speaker, Excessive clipping may cause protective muting or speaker damage. Be sure the speaker has a sufficient power rating. Output voltages greater than 100 volts rms are available between the bridged terminals of the RMX 2450. CLASS 3 wiring methods (NEC 1999), as specified in accordance with national and local codes, must be used to connect the speaker. CARACTÉRISTIQUES

NON APPLICABLE NICHT ANWENDBAR NO APLICABLE Key Légende Zeicherklärung Leyende Parallel Ch.1 : : » > signal input-> î d ch.1 Ch.2 No input! — Ch.2 Can be used as “daisy-chain” output Amp #2 input FEATURES & SETUP What are the differences among Stereo, Parallel Input, and Bridge Mono modes? STEREO MODE This is the “normal” way of using the amplifier, in which each channel is fully independent. Separate signals connect at the inputs, the gain knobs control their respective channels, and separate speakers connect to each output. Examples: + Tivo-channel (stereo) playback + To independent mono signals, such as main and monitor mixes. + Bi-amped operation, with the low frequencies in Channel 1 and the highs in Channel 2

This mode is just like Stereo mode, except that the inputs for Channel 1 and Channel 2 are internally connected together. À signal into any input jack wi therefore drive both channels directly. Each channels gain control still functions as usual, and each channel feeds its own speaker load You can patch the input signal on to additional amplifiers by using any of the remaining input jacks. Example: + One mono signal driving both channels, with independent gain control for each speaker system CARACTÉRISTIQUES

Can be used as “daisy-chain output

This mode combines the full power capabilities of both channels into à single speaker system. The amplifier intemally re-configures so that both channels operate as à unit. This delivers double the output voltage, resulting in four times the peak power and three times the sustained power into a single 8- or 4-ohm speaker load. The Bridge Mono mode section on page 11 describes: the special speaker connection used Examples: + Driving à single 8-ohm speaker with the combined 4-ohm power of both channels + Driving à single 4-ohm speaker with the combined 2-ohm power of both channels Precautions: + Bridge Mono mode makes it possible to drive thousands of watts into à single speaker. AC current consumption will usually be higher. Avoid excessive signal level, and make sure the wiring and speaker can handle the power. I the load is 4 ohms or less and prolonged overloads oceur, the amplifier will probably mute for several seconds during peak, and the circuit breaker may trip. + Do not use 2-ohm loads.

Cat 4 2 channels/canals/Kanäle/canals & 1 Speakon {Stereo, bi-amp, or parallel mode; Modes stéreo, bi-amp ou parallèle; Stereo, Bi- Amp- oder Parallelbetrieb; Modos estéreo, bi-amp o paralelo) To speaker Vers l'enceinte Zum Lautsprechersystem A la bocina Bridged mono + Mono ponté + Monobrückenbetrieb + Mono puente CONNECTIONS SpeakonT" Outputs The RMX amplifier offers a choice of output connections, with two Neutrik NLAMD Speakon jacks and two pairs of "touchproof" binding posts. The Speakon connector is designed specially for high-power speaker connections. It locks in place, prevents shock hazard, and assures the correct polarity. The upper Speakon jack has both Channel 1 and Channel 2 outputs, so itis especially useful for parallel, bi- amp, or bridged mono operation (see bridged mono operating précautions on page 11). The other Speakon carries only Channel 2 output. See the illustrations at left. For easier insertion, use the newer- style NLAFC Speakon connectors with quicklock thumb latches. SPEAKER CABLING Larger wire sizes and shorter lengths minimize both loss of power and degradation of damping factor. Do not place speaker cables next to input wiring

WARNING: To prevent electric

1. Strip back insulation not more

2. Insert wire fully so that none of

the conductor is exposed; tighten barrel [use coin if necessary)

3. Non-European models only.

4. Spade lugs must have insulated

barrels to prevent electric shock

WARNING: To prevent electric

shock, do not operate the ampli- fier with any ofthe conductor por- tion ofthe speaker wire exposed. Connections for stereo and parallel operations Connections for bridged mono operation. See bridged mono operating precautions an page 11 SPEAKER CABLING Larger wire sizes and shorter lengths minimize both loss of power and degradation of damping factor. Do not place speaker cables next to input wiring Operating voltage (AC mains) Make sure you connect the amplifier to the correct AC line voltage, which is shown on the serial number label Connecting to the wrang line voltage is dangerous and may damage the amplifier. CONNEXIONS Bornes à écrou

Check the AC plug. Also check the circuit breaker on the rear panel Confirm that the AC outlet works by plugging in another device. If too many amplifiers are used on one outlet, the building's circuit breaker may trip and shut off power. An overload in bridged mono mode may cause the amplifier to click off for several seconds. Check the load impedance (4 ohms minimum), or reduce signal level An amplifier which keeps shutting off may have à serious internal fault. Turn it off, remove AC power, and have the amplifier serviced by a qualified technician:

> INDICATION: SIGNAL LED

RESPONDING TO SIGNAL

LEVEL +_Ifthe yellow SIGNAL indicators are lighting normal, the fault is somewhere between the amp and the speaker. Check the speaker wiring for breaks. Try another speaker and cable DÉPANNAGE Problème: pas de son

> INDICATION: DEL "POWER"

> INDICATION: SIGNAL LED

NOT LIT Ithe green POWER indicator LED is lit and the fan is running, vetthe signal LEDs indicate no signal, check the input. Make sure the signal source is operating and try another input cable. Connect the source to another channel or amplifier to confirm its operation Overheating will cause protective muting. The fan will be running at full speed and the chassis will be hot to the touch; sound should resume within a minute as the amplifier cools to a safe operating temperature. Check for proper ventilation. the fan isn't running atall, the amplifier requires senvicing

> INDICATION: CLIP LED

FLASHING + IFthe red CLIP indicator flashes when signal is applied, the amplifier output may be shorted Check the speaker wiring for stray. strands or breaks in the insulation. DÉPANNAGE Pas de son (suite)

The amplifier is in protective muting + One second of muting is normal when the amp is turned on or off. Overheating will cause protective müting. The fan will be running at full speed and the chassis will be hot to the touch; sound should resume within a minute as the amplifier cools to a safe operating temperature. Check for proper ventilation. I the fan isn't ruming at all, the amplifier requires servicing DÉPANNAGE Problème: pas de son

> INDICATION: CLIP LED

FLASHING + IFthe red GLIPindicator flashes before the signal indicator does, the load impedance is abnormally low or shorted. Unplug each speaker one-by-one at the amplifier. 1 the GLIP LED goes out when you disconnect a cable, that cable or speëker is shorted. Try another cable and speaker to locate the fault

> INDICATION: CLIP INDICATOR

NOT FLASHING + This could be caused by a faulty speaker or loose connection. Check the wiring and try another speaker. + The signal source may be clipping Keep the amplifier gain controls at least halfway up so that the source doss not have to be overdriven Problem: no channel separation + Check the switch settings on the back of the amplifier. Make sure the “Parallel Input and "Bridge Mode” switches are OFF in dual- channel, bi-amp, or stereo use where different signals go to each channel Make sure other equipment in the signal path, such as mixers, preamps, ete., are set for stereo, not mono. DÉPANNAGE Problème:son distortionné

OUTPUT POWER in watts FTC: 20 Hz-20 kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels driven 8 ohms per channel 185 260 350 450 4 ohms per channel 280 400 550 650 EIA: 1 kHz @ 0.1% THD, both channels drivenl 8 ohms per channel 200 280 360 500 4 ohms per channel 300 450 600 750 1 kHz @ 1% THD, typical, both channels driven 2 ohms per channel 430 700 900 1200 Bridge Mono: 8 ohms, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 0.1% THD 530 800 1100 1300 8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.1% THD 600 900 1200 1500 4 ohms, 1 kHz, 1% THD, typical 830 1400 1800 2400 DYNAMIC HEADROOM 2 dB @ 4 ohms 2 dB @ 4 ohms 2dB @ 4 ohms 2dB @ 4 ohms DISTORTION SMPTE-M <001% <001% <002% <0.02% FREQUENCY RESPONSE?0 Hz-20 kHz, +0/-1 dB {at 10 dB below rated output power) -3 dB points: 5 Hz and 50 kHz -3 dB points: 5 Hz and 50 kHz -3 dB points: 5 Hz and 50 kHz -3 dB points: 5 Hz and 50 kHz DAMPING FACTOR > 300 @ 8 ohms > 300 @ 8 ohms > 300 @ 8 ohms > 300 @ 8 ohms NOISE {unweighted 20 Hz to 20 kHz, below rated output} 100 dB 100 dB 100 dB 100 dB VOLTAGE GAIN 31.6x (30 dB) 40x (32 dB) 46x (33 dB} 50x (34 dB}

INPUT SENSITIVITY, V RMS

full rated power @ 8 ohms 1.15v (+3.4 dBu) 1.15v (+3.4 dBu) 1.16v (+3.5 dBu) 1.23v (+4.0 dBu) 10K ohms unbalanced 20K ohms balanced INPUT IMPEDANCE (all models) CONTROLS (all models) Front: AC switch, Ch. 1 and Ch. 2 gain Rear: 10-position DIP switch INDICATORS (all models) POWER: Green LED CLIP: CONNECTORS (all models) COOLING (all models) AMPLIFIER PROTECTION (all models) Input Active balanced: XLR and 4° (8.3 mm) TRS, tip and pin 2 positive, and barrier stp Output “Touch-Proof” binding posts and Neutrik Speakon'" Continuously variable speed fan, back-to-front air flow Full short circuit, open circuit, thermal, ultrasonic, and RF protection Stable into reactive or mismatched loads Red LED, 1 per channel SIGNAL: Yellow LED, 1 per channel

{both channels driven) Multiply currents by 0.5 for 230V units Tum-on/turn-off muting AC Coupling

Tum-on/turn-off muting AC coupling

AB: Class AB complementary linear output H: Class AB complementary linea output with Class H 2-step high efficien 19.0" (48.3 cm) wide, 3.5" (8.9 cm) tall (2 rack spaces} 15.9" (40 cm) deep (rack mounting to rear support ears) 41 Ib. (18.6 kg) 35 Ib. (15.9 kg) A6 printed on rear panel Serial N 46 Ib. (20.9 kg) 40 Ib. (18.2 kg) Turn-on/turn-off muting Triac crowbar (on each channel)

lumber label. Available for 100, 120 or 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz Turn-on/turn-off muting Triac crowbar (on each channel)

11/8 power with pink noise represents typical program with occasional clipping 21/3 power with pink noise represents severe program with heavy clipping Continuous sine wave at 1% THD clipping

• Thermal or overcurrent cutback limits duration US patents pending

QSC Audio Products, Inc. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA “ASC” andthe OSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ©1989, 2001 QSC Audio Products, Inc.

Important Safety Precautions & Explanation of Symbols Avec: À CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. uninsulated “dangerous” voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of À electric shock to humans. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in this manual. The lightning flashes printed next to the output terminals of the amplifier are intended to alert the user to the risk of haz- ardous energy. Output connectors that could pose a risk are marked with the lightning flash. Do not touch output terminals while amplifier power is on. Make all connections with amplifier turned off.

1- Read these instructions.

2- Keep these instructions.

3- Heed all warnings.

4- Follow all instructions.

5- WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6- Clean only with a dry cloth.

7- Maximum operating ambient temperature is 80°C (122°F).

8- Never restrict airflow through the device fan or vents. Please insure that the air intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed. 9- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 10- Do not defeat the safety purpose ofthe grounding-type plug. The grounding plug has two blades and a grounding prong. The third prong is provided for our safety. Hthe provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet. Do not cut offthe grounding prong or use an adapter that breaks the grounding circuit. This apparatus must be properly grounded for your safety. 11- Protectthe power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 12- This product is not equipped with an all-pole mains switch. To fully disconnect from the AC mains, the AC plug must be removed from the AC outlet orthe appliance coupler (IEC block} must be removed from the amplifier module. Ensure either the AC line cord plug or the appliance coupler are accessible in case of emergency disconnect requirement.

13- Connect the unit only to a properly rated supply circuit.

14- Reliable Earthing (Grounding) of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained.

15- Use only attachments/accessories specified by QSC Audio Products, Inc.

16- Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

17- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 18- The appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 19- When installing equipment into rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous conditions could be created by an uneven weight distribution. TD-000231-00 revA Rack Mounted Amplifier Safety Insert ©2006 QSC Audio Products, Inc. QSC Audio Products, Inc.… 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, California 92626 USA

D-000231-00 revA Rack Mounted Amplifer Safety Insert ©2006 QSC Audio Products, Inc. QSC Audio Products, Inc. 1675 MacArthur Boulevard Costa Mesa, Califomia 92626 USA