Products / Amplifers

PowerLight 3 Series

Professional Power Amplifiers

PowerLight3 Amplifier

PL325 | PL340 | PL380

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 lbs (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.

PowerLight 3 Power Amplifiers Watts at Clipping
	Watts per channel
Model	8 ohms	4 ohms	2 ohms
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

Comprehensive full range power ratings with explanations can be found in the following paper: Full Range Power Ratings for PL3 Series (PDF 308K)

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.

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 1 dB 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 (3 Hz, 30 Hz, or 50 Hz)
Three selectable input gains (26 dB, 32 dB, or 1.2 V)
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

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POWERLIGHT3 SERIES

PL340
PL325
PL380

DOCUMENTS

PowerLight 3 Specifications (PDF 217K)
Especificaciones de PowerLight 3 (PDF 266K)
User Manual (PDF 3.9MB)
PL3 8-page Brochure (PDF 1.2MB)
Full Range Power Ratings for PL3 Series (PDF 308K)
White Paper - Design Considerations for High-Output Portable Amplifiers (PDF 283K)
PL380 in Jan 2008 Pro Audio Review (PDF 462K)

Learn More About PowerLight 3

2008 TEC Award Winner

HI-RES IMAGES

PL325 Front (2928x820 600K)
PL325 Side (2772x940 700K)
PL340 Front (2928x820 691K)
PL340 Side (2772x940 623K)
PL325/PL340 Rear (2692x816 611K)
PL380 Front (2928x820 600K)
PL380 Side (2772x940 692K)
PL380 Rear (2688x892 671K)
PL3 Series Stack (2840x1748 1.3MB)
Front Panel Controls (3008x1796 2.2MB)
Front Panel Security Plate (3008x1796 2.2MB)

PL380 TOUR

Take a tour inside the PL380 highlighting some of the design features that make the PowerLight 3 Series "the ultimate analog amplifier"
Click Here to begin the tour!

CAD DRAWINGS

PL325 & PL240 (DXF, zipped 760K)
PL380 (DXF, zipped 534K)

ARCHITECT'S & ENGINEER'S SPECIFICATIONS

PL325
PL340
PL380

ACCESSORIES

Handle: 2RU

DataPort Accessories:
DSP-4 | DPX-4

RoHS Compliant

The gain knobs can be removed and a security plate installed to prevent unauthorized tampering.

SPECIFICATIONS	PL325	PL340	PL380
PowerLight 3
	STEREO MODE, Both Channels Driven
8 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	500 W	800 W	1500 W
4 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	850 W	1250 W	2500 W
2 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	1250 W	2000 W	4000 W*
	BRIDGE MONO MODE
8 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	1700 W	2600 W	5000 W
4 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	2500 W	4000 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) 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% 0.1%
Maximum Distortion (20 Hz - 20 kHz, 1 dB below rated power) 4 to 8 ohms	0.05%	0.05%	0.2%
Frequency Response (8 ohms)	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 (4 ohms)	2 dB	2 dB	2 dB
Damping Factor (8 ohms)	500	500	200
Output Circuitry	Class H (2-tier)	Class H (2-tier)	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
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) 14.6V (+25.5 dB) 25V (+30 dB)	10V (+22 dB) 22V (+29 dB) 25V (+30 dB)
AC Power Requirements ** 120V 50/60 Hz 230V 50 Hz	8.5A 7.5A	12A 7A	18A 11A
Cordset 120V 50/60 Hz 230V 50 Hz	NEMA-15 CEE 7/7 16A	NEMA-15 CEE 7/7 16A	NEMA L5-30P CEE 7/7 16A
Chassis Power Connector All Voltages	20A PowerCon	20A PowerCon	32A PowerCon
	ALL MODELS
Input Impedance	> 10k ohms balanced, or unbalanced
Cooling	Variable-speed fan, rear-to-front air flow
Connectors (each channel)	Input: XLR Male, XLR Female and 3-pin detachable terminal blocks (1 each per channel) Output: Neutrik Speakon® (ch 1 wired to both channels) and 5-way binding posts DataPort: HD-15, input signal in parallel with XLR input connectors
Front Controls	AC Power Switch Gain Controls, 21 detents, 1 dB steps (each channel)
Front indicators (LED color)	Power (Blue) Bridged (Yellow) Parallel (Orange) Clip/Prot (Red x 2) Level -10 (Orange x 2) Level -20 (Green x 2) Signal -35 (Green x 2)
Rear Controls (with LED indicators)	Input Mode: Bridge (Yellow), Stereo (Green), or Parallel (Orange) Gain / Sensitivity: 26dB (Orange), 32dB (Green), or 1.2V (Yellow) High Pass (each channel): 3 Hz (Off), 30 Hz (Yellow), or 50 Hz (Orange) Clip Limiter (each channel): Off, On (Yellow)
Amplifier and Load Protection	Short circuit, open circuit, thermal, RF protection. On/off muting, DC fault shutdown, active inrush limiting
Dimensions	Height: 3.5" (8.9 cm) 2RU Width: 19" (48.3 cm) Depth: 15.63" (39.7 cm) from front mounting rails
Weight	Net: 22 lbs (10 kg) Shipping: 31.5 lbs (14.3 kg)		Net: 24 lbs (11 kg) Shipping: 33.5 lbs (15.2 kg)
Agency Approvals	UL, CE, RoHS/WEEE compliant, FCC Class B (conducted and radiated emissions)

U.S. Patent no. 5767744 and patents pending
*Burst mode testing required due to AC service current limitations
** Representative of current draw with typical music program material with occasional clipping

PL3 Rear Panel

All Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice.

PowerLight is a registered trademark of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries. QSControl.net and BASIS are trademarks or QSC Audio Products, LLC.
Speakon and Powercon are trademarks of Neutrik.

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