Introduction

The PLX1802 series is a part of a range of premium quality, high-power amplifiers designed for the most demanding live performance uses. Built on the third generation of QSC PowerLight® technology, PLX2502 amplifiers combine light weight, superlative audio quality and proven QSC reliability. With a power rating which is an astounding 1,800 watts, PLX1802 amplifier is capable of providing plenty of clean, undistorted output to the most power hungry speaker systems.

The "02" models which includes PLX1802, PLX2502, PLX3102 and PLX3602 are the right choice for users who need to drive up to four loudspeakers from each amplifier channel (2 ohm loading), or when extremely high power bridge mono operation is required. These models feature built-in subwoofer processing, filter switches, and front panel indications of bridge mono status.

Mechanical

The PLX1802 series amplifiers have the refined, rugged good looks usually associated with high performance racing cars, competition bikes, professional power tools, and high power machinery. A solid, cast-aluminum front panel adds professional style to any rack while also acting as an integral I-beam, rigidly tying the chassis together for years of on-the-road reliability.

Additional mechanical touches such as the side stiffening rails, rear rack ears and cable tie anchor points attest to QSC's years of experience and attention to detail. QSC has even designed the integrated front handles so the amplifier slides into a rack without scraping the installers fingers on the rack sides. The exterior appearance of PLX2 series amplifiers conveys what's inside - simply and truly, the most advanced professional power amp on the planet.

PowerLight Technology

PowerLight switchmode technology replaces a large, heavy AC transformer (typically 20 lbs. / 9 kg) with a highly efficient and lighter-weight active design. Conventional AC transformers provide 100 or 120 energy pulses per second, the PowerLight supply delivers 190,000 to 230,000 pulses per second. More pulses make it easier to provide on-demand power for the amplifier's output section. The power supply doesn't "sag" so bass notes stay full and powerful while the high end remains crisp and clean.

Audio Quality

The PLX1802's audio power circuitry achieves performance normally associated with studio reference amplifiers. In order to reduce crossover distortion, precision bias tracking makes minute adjustments as amplifier temperature changes. The benefit is cleaner high-frequency and more consistent sound no matter how hard the amplifier is driven. The higher power models use QSC-exclusive class H output circuitry, a form of audio "turbocharging" that increases maximum power without affecting the basic audio quality.

Features:Cooling design exhausts hot air out the front, keeping the rack cool

Flow-through heat sinks require no filters that could become clogged

Front panel LED power, clip, -10 dB, and signal present indicators for system monitoring and troubleshooting. 02 models also feature bridge and parallel mode LED indicators

Speakon NL-4 output connectors provide a positive-locking speaker connection. Ch 1 output uses all 4 wires for single-cable connection to bi-amplified speakers

21-position front-panel gain controls for precise, repeatable amplifier adjustment

Balanced XLR inputs with parallel TRS connectors accommodate all common input connectors and support loop-through operation

Patented PowerLight power supply technology with other patents pending

 

SPECIFICATIONS	PLX1802
	STEREO MODE, both channels driven *
8 ohms   FTC 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.05% THD   EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD	320 W 330 W
4 ohms   FTC 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.05% THD   EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD	525 W 575 W
2 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD	900 W
	BRIDGE MONO MODE *
8 ohms   20 Hz-20 kHz 0.1% THD   EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD	1100 W 1200 W
4 ohms 1 kHz 1% THD	1800 W
Signal to Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz)	-107 dB
Input Sensitivity @ 8 ohms	1.28 Vrms
Gain @ 8 ohms	32 dB
Output Circuitry	AB
Distortion (SMPTE-IM)	Less than 0.02%
Typical Distortion   1/8 rated power, 20 Hz-20 kHz   Full rated power, 20 Hz-20 kHz	Less than 0.02% Less than 0.02%
Frequency Response	20 Hz-20 kHz, -0.5 dB
Damping Factor	Greater than 500
Input Impedance	20k ohms balanced 10k ohms unbalanced
Input Clipping	11 Vrms (+21 dBu)
Cooling	Variable-speed fan, rear-to-front air flow
Input Connectors, each channel	3-pin XLR and 1/4" TRS balanced
Output Connectors, each channel	Neutrik® NL4 Speakon® and Touch-proof binding posts (Both channels available on Ch 1 NL4 connector)
Rear Panel Switches	Input Configuration: Bridge/Stereo/Parallel Clip Limiters each channel Filters (per channel): Top 100 Hz HPF/Full/Sub 100 Hz LPF & 33 Hz HPF/Full (infrasonic)
Front Panel Controls	Detented Gain Attenuator: 0 to ∞ dB Power On/Off
Front Panel Indicators	Clip: Red LED -10: Green LED Signal (-35 dB): Green LED Power: Blue LED Parallel: Amber LED Bridge Mono: Amber LED
PROTECTION
Amplifier Protection	Full short circuit, open circuit, thermal, infrasonic, ultrasonic, and RF protection Stable into reactive or mismatched loads
Load Protection	On/off muting, DC-fault power supply shutdown
Infrasonic	-3 dB, 5 Hz
DC fault	Power supply shutdown
Ultrasonic	-3 dB, 85 kHz
Short Circuit	Cutback
Thermal	Muting at 90° C
Over Current	Active clip limiting Power supply cutback
High Line	Standard +15%, survive +25%
Low Line	-33%
PHYSICAL
Dimensions   Height   Width   Depth, Rack mounting surface to rear panel   Overall Depth	3.5" (8.9 cm) 2 rack spaces 19" (48.3 cm) 12.8" (32.6 cm) 14.875" (37.9 cm)
Weight	21 lbs. (9.5 kg) net 26 lbs. (11.8 kg) shipping
Agency Approvals	CE, FCC, cUL, UL

* CE versions may have up to 12% (0.5 dBw) less power due to special construction to meet EN-61000 AC harmonic limits

CURRENT CONSUMPTION		PLX1802
1/8 Power (pink noise)	8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms	5A/120V 8.7A / 120V 13A / 120V
1/3 Power (pink noise)	8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms	7.7A/120V 12.3A / 120V 19.7A / 120V
Full Power	8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms	12.6A/120V 21.3A / 120V 33.2A / 120V
Notes		Long term, active-limited to 25A/120V