QSC Audio 3 Series PL380 Ultimate Class D, Performance and World-Proven, PowerLight Technology

The PowerLight 3 Series includes the Class D PL380 as well as two Class H models. All share a common control, connector and indicator layout for neat and simplified integration into equipment racks.

PL380: Ultimate Class D

Performance and World-Proven

PowerLight Technology

Whatever you expect from switchmode amplifiers, you’ll get more from Pat Quilter’s ultimate Class D amplifier. More audio quality. More high-end transparency. More efficiency.

Maximum Energy, Minimal Footprint The PL380 more than doubles the power of previous 2RU PowerLight amplifiers, yet draws only modest amounts of AC power. Even at full power, the PL380 converts up to 85% of input power into speaker- moving, air-moving and audience-exciting output. That means half the losses and half the heat of competitive Class D amplifiers. This amplifier actually recycles “back EMF” energy from the loudspeakers.

Real World Headroom

Audition the PL380 head-to-head with any high power Class D amplifier on the planet. We believe the PL380 has the highest overall efficiency, from AC plug to speaker terminal, of any amplifier available. Peak output can reach 185V, and long-term aver- age power is about twice that of “typical” high power Class D designs. The PL380 won’t lose efficiency when driving reactive loads. That’s important in the real world of concert sound.

Unrivalled Audio Performance

From the ultra-fast modulator (its response time is measured in nanoseconds) to the high performance output filters, the PL380 has been designed to sound neutral, accurate and linear. Full-range distortion is exceptionally low, and free from “zero- crossing” distortion.

Simply Efficient Amplifier Topology Each channel uses a pair of large-die FETs in a package normally used for motor drives

and other extreme applications. This system is simple and reliable, with far more safety margin than normal audio devices.

Massive Where It Counts

The PL380 amplifier’s immense electrical power is carried on a four-layer PCB with

3 ounce copper. Pat Quilter and his team patiently refined grounding and shielding to keep switching noise out of the sensitive audio circuitry.

PL380 output device (left) compared with typical output devices.