QSC PLX3102 3100 WATT AMPLIFIER
The PLX2 series is 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, PLX2 amplifiers combine light weight, superlative audio quality and proven QSC reliability. With power ratings up to 3,600 watts, PLX2 amplifiers are capable of providing plenty of clean, undistorted output to the most power hungry speaker systems.
The "02" models (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.
The compact "04" models (PLX1104, PLX1804) bring the same performance and technology, plus even greater value, to applications that don't require bridged or 2 ohm operation. Designed to power one or two speakers from each amplifier channel (4 ohm minimum loading), these models offer a simplified feature set while retaining genuine, uncompromised PLX performance and technology. Weighing just 13 pounds (5.9 kg) these "plug-and-play" amplifiers are perfect for ultra-portable rigs, as well as reference-quality playback.
Mechanical
PLX2 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 amplifiers conveys what's inside - simply and truly, 13 to 21 pounds of 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
PLX2 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.
PLX Series Power Amplifiers
| Model | Stereo watts per channel | Bridged watts | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 ohms* | 4 ohms* | 2 ohms** | 8 ohms* | 4 ohms** | |
| PLX1104 | 325 | 550 | - | - | - |
| PLX1804 | 600 | 900 | - | - | - |
| PLX1802 | 330 | 575 | 900 | 1200 | 1800 |
| PLX2502 | 450 | 750 | 1250 | 1500 | 2500 |
| PLX3102 | 600 | 1000 | 1550 | 2100 | 3100 |
| PLX3602 | 775 | 1250 | 1800 | 2600 | 3600 |
* 1 kHz, 0.1% THD, both channels driven
** 1 kHz, 1% THD, both channels driven
For more extensive specifications, see Series Specifications.
PLX2 Series Features
All models
- Very light weight ("02" models, 21 lbs/9.5 kg, "04" models 13 lbs/5.9 kg).
- 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.
- Value combined with uncompromised PLX technology, quality and performance for applications that don't require bridged or 2 ohm stereo operation.
- Two models with power ratings up to 900 watts per channel @ 4 ohms.
- Clip limiting protects speakers; thermal limiting maintains operation even during abnormal overloads.
- Speakon® NL4 and binding post outputs.
- 100 Hz high pass and low pass filters for bi-amping subwoofer and satellite systems without the need for an external crossover.
- Switchable/defeatable 33 Hz infrasonic filters protect woofers from over-excursion damage.
- Switchable/defeatable clip limiters.
- Four models with power ratings up to 1800 watts per channel @ 2 ohms, 3600 watts bridged @ 4 ohms.
The PLX2 series is 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, PLX2 amplifiers combine light weight, superlative audio quality and proven QSC reliability.
The PLX3102 is an excellent 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. The PLX3102 features built-in subwoofer processing, filter switches, and front panel indications of bridge mono status.
The PLX3102 power amplifier is an excellent choice for users who need to drive up to four loudspeakers from each amplifier channel (2-ohm loading), or when extremely high power bridged mono operation is required. Features built-in subwoofer processing, filter switches, and front panel indications of bridged mono status.
The PLX3102 power amp has a solid, cast-aluminum front panel that 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 your fingers on the rack sides.
PowerLight Technology
PowerLight switchmode technology replaces a large, heavy AC transformer (typically 20 lbs.) 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
PLX2 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.
Stereo: 1550W/ch @ 2 ohms, 1000W/ch @ 4 ohms, 600W/ch @ 8 ohms
Bridged mono mode: 3100W @ 4 ohms, 2100W @ 8 ohms
| SPECIFICATIONS | PLX3102 |
|---|---|
| STEREO MODE, both channels driven * | |
| 8 ohms FTC 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.05% THD EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD |
550 W 600 W |
| 4 ohms FTC 20 Hz - 20 kHz 0.05% THD EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD |
900 W 1000 W |
| 2 ohms EIA 1 kHz 1% THD |
1550 W |
| BRIDGE MONO MODE * | |
| 8 ohms 20 Hz-20 kHz 0.1% THD EIA 1 kHz 0.1% THD |
1900 W 2100 W |
| 4 ohms 1 kHz 1% THD | 3100 W |
| Signal to Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz) | -107 dB |
| Input Sensitivity @ 8 ohms | 1.23 Vrms |
| Gain @ 8 ohms | 35 dB |
| Output Circuitry | 2-Tier Class H |
| 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 Input 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 spply 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 |
| CURRENT CONSUMPTION | PLX3102 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8 Power (pink noise) | 8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms |
6A/120V 9.5A / 120V 14A / 120V |
| 1/3 Power (pink noise) | 8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms |
10.7A/120V 16.5A / 120V 27A / 120V |
| Full Power | 8 ohms 4 ohms 2 ohms |
21A/120V 33A / 120V 55A / 120V |
| Notes | Long term, active-limited to 30A/120V | |
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