Features
• PowerLight switchmode power supply for highest efficiency and
improved audio performance
• Flow-thru air path and solid aluminum heat sinks for
maximum cooling
• DataPort supports remote computer control and/or external
DSP-4 modules
• Detented gain controls with 1dB steps for precise calibration
• Removable knobs with lock-out security plate to prevent
unauthorized tampering
• User defeatable clip limiters and selectable low-frequency filter
per channel (3Hz, 30Hz, or 50Hz)
• Three selectable input gains (26 dB, 32 dB, or 1.2V)
• Front and rear panel LEDs indicate status of switch settings at
a glance
• Parallel Dataport, XLR/M and XLR/F connectors for simple
loop-through connectivity
• Neutrik Speakon™ and “Touch Proof” binding post outputs
• Neutrik Powercon™ power cable remains secure on the road
• 3-year warranty, plus optional 3-year extended service contract
PL340 and PL325
• Linear Class H output circuit doubles standard Class B efficiency to
reduce AC current consumption and cooling requirements
PL380
• Class D output circuit re-doubles the output power with even
lower losses and minimal increase in average AC power,
dramatically reducing power distribution demands compared to
older high power amplifiers
The PowerLight™3 Series is designed for the most demanding live audio
users, whether in touring rigs or fixed installations. The most requested
features of the PowerLight 2 series have been upgraded to deliver
“the ultimate analog amplifier”, while the QSC DataPort ensures full
compatibility with advanced digital processing and QSControl.net™. Three
models range in power from 1250 watts to 4000 watts per channel at
two ohms, all in two-rack space chassis that are only 15.6" (40 cm) deep
and 22 lb (10 kg).
In addition to higher power, the PowerLight 3 Series offers higher input
voltage, selectable sensitivity, and easily adjusted rear panel switches
with color coded LED indicators. For those users who simply want a high
performance amplifier to go with their existing processor or console, the
PowerLight 3 Series is an ideal choice, offering high power, excellent
value, and zero signal latency. When complete integration of amplifier
control, monitoring and DSP is desired, the PowerLight 3 Series is fully
compatible with the QSControl.net™ BASIS™ networked audio platform,
with its comprehensive drag and drop DSP functionality. Simpler DSP
requirements can be met with the DSP-4 processing module.
The flagship of the PowerLight 3 Series is the new 8000 watt PL380.
This highly refined, all-switchmode amplifier incorporates nearly 40 years
of QSC engineering experience, resetting expectations for Class D audio
quality. The PL380 combines a pair of 4000 watt Class D amplifier
channels with the well proven PowerLight supply, to deliver more than
twice as much audio power as previous 2 rack unit PowerLight amplifiers.
Reactive “back EMF” from the speaker is recycled to the power supply,
and unmatched “plug-to-plug” efficiency of 85% keeps AC power needs
to a minimum, while delivering more energy to the speaker.
Years of patient development have resulted in outstanding 20 Hz –
20 kHz audio performance, plus complete protection from normal
hazards of the trade. Even simple features such as dependably silent,
surge-free on-off switching indicate the special care taken to keep things
safely under control. The most pronounced “sonic signature” of the
PL380 is one of immense headroom, sailing through even the most
difficult loads with no signs of stress or change of tonality.
For lower power applications, the PL325 and PL340 offer the same
feature set, matched to upgraded versions of QSC’s most advanced linear
amplifier platform. Recent advances in power supply capacitors further
improve power and low-impedance performance, while continuing to
offer the best available audio performance. As a result, designers have
the choice of running a single type of amplifier throughout their rig, or
matching amplifier performance to specific transducer types.
In keeping with normal QSC design standards, back-to-front airflow
provides up to twice as much long-term average power as most
competitors, without dumping hot air into the rack. All PowerLight 3
models are built in the same chassis size, with common back panel
layouts to facilitate easy racking and hookup.
PowerLight™ 3 Power Amplifiers - Watts at Clipping
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
PowerLight™ 3 Series
Professional Power Amplifiers
PL325 | PL340 | PL380
PowerLight™ 3 Series Specifications
qscaudio.com
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
1675 MacArthur Boulevard • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100 • Fax: 714/754-6174
PowerLight 3 Spec Sheet 10/03/08
PL325 PL340 PL380
Stereo Mode (both channels driven)
8Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
4Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
2Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
500 W
850 W
1250 W
800 W
1250 W
2000 W
1500 W
2500 W
4000 W*
Bridge-Mono Mode
8Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
4Ω / EIA 1 kHz / 1% THD
1700 W
2500 W
2600 W
4000 W
5000 W
8000 W*
Typical Distortion
(20 Hz – 3 kHz, 3dB below clip, or
20 Hz – 5 kHz, 10dB below clip, or
20 Hz – 20 kHz, 20dB below clip)
8Ω
4Ω
2Ω
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
(20 Hz – 20 kHz, 1 dB below rated power)
4Ω – 8Ω 0.05% 0.05% 0.20%
Frequency Response (8Ω) 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 (4Ω) 2 dB 2 dB 2 dB
Damping Factor (8Ω) 500 500 200
Output Circuitry 2-tier Class H 2-tier Class H Class D
Input Sensitivity
(26 dB Setting)
(32 dB Setting)
3.28V
1.60V
3.92V
1.96V
5.27V
2.67V
Input Gain (1.2V Setting) 34.5 dB 36.4 dB 39.1 dB
Input Impedance >10k, balanced or unbalanced >10k, balanced or unbalanced >10k, balanced or unbalanced
Maximum Input Level
(1.2V Setting)
(32 dB Setting)
(26 dB Setting)
11V (+23 dB)
14.6V (+25.5 dB)
25V (+30 dB)
11V (+23 dB)
18V (+27.4 dB)
25V (+30 dB)
10V (+22 dB)
22V (+29 dB)
25V (+30 dB)
Controls and LEDs - Front Panel Common: AC Power Switch, Power (Blue), Br Mono (Yellow), Par (Orange)
Each Channel: Signal -35 dB, -20 dB (Green), -10 dB (Orange), Clip/Prot (Red) Gain Control, 21 detents, 1 dB steps
Controls and LEDs - Rear Panel Common: Input Mode: Parallel (Orange), Stereo (Green), Br Mono (Yellow) Sensitivity: 26dB (Orange), 32dB (Green), 1.2V (Yellow)
Each Channel: LF Filter: Off, 30 Hz (Yellow), 50 Hz (Orange) Clip Limit: Off, On (Yellow)
Input Connectors Common: HD-15 DataPort (inputs wired in parallel with XLR)
Each Channel: Male XLR, Female XLR, 3-pin terminal block connector
Output Connectors Each Channel: 5-way Binding Posts, Neutrik Speakon®, (Ch 1 wired to 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 50/60 Hz
230V 50 Hz
8.5A /NEMA-15
7.5A /CEE 7/7 16A
12A /NEMA-15
7A /CEE 7/7 16A
18A /NEMA L5-30P
11A / CEE 7/7 16A
Chassis Power Connector (All Voltages) 20A PowerCon™ 20A PowerCon™ 32A PowerCon™
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)
Agency Approvals UL, CE, RoHS/WEEE compliant, FCC Class B (conducted and radiated emissions)
* Burst mode testing required due to AC service
current limitations
** Representative of current draw with typical
music program material with occasional clipping
QSC, the QSC logo, PowerLight, QSControl.net and BASIS are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries.
Speakon and Powercon are trademarks of Neutrik. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. US Pat. 5767744. Other patents may apply or be pending.