RMX 4050HD and RMX 5050 User Manual *TD-000109-01* TD-000109-01 rev.F Important Safety Precautions & Explanation of Symbols WARNING! CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous" voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in this manual. The lightning flashes printed next to the output terminals of the amplifier are intended to alert the user to the risk of hazardous energy. Output connectors that could pose a risk are marked with the lightning flash. Do not touch output terminals while amplifier power is on. Make all connections with amplifier turned off. 1- Read these instructions. 2- Keep these instructions. 3- Heed all warnings. 4- Follow all instructions. 5- WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6- Clean only with a dry cloth. 7- Maximum operating ambient temperature is 50°C (122°F). 8- Never restrict airflow through the device fan or vents. Please insure that the air intake and exhaust vents are unobstructed. 9- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 10- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. The grounding plug has two blades and a grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet. Do not cut off the grounding prong or use an adapter that breaks the grounding circuit. This apparatus must be properly grounded for your safety. 11- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 12- This product is not equipped with an all-pole mains switch. To fully disconnect from the AC mains, the AC plug must be removed from the AC outlet or the appliance coupler (IEC block) must be removed from the amplifier module. Ensure either the AC line cord plug or the appliance coupler are accessible in case of emergency disconnect requirement. 13- Connect the unit only to a properly rated supply circuit. 14- Reliable Earthing (Grounding) of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. 15- Use only attachments/accessories specified by QSC Audio Products, Inc. 16- Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 17- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. 18- The appliance shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. 19- When installing equipment into rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous conditions could be created by an uneven weight distribution. This amplifier has a serial number located on the rear panel. Please write this and the model number down and keep them for your records. Keep your purchase receipt. It is your proof of purchase. Serial Number:______________________________ Date of Purchase:____________________________ Purchased From:_____________________________ © Copyright 2003, 2006, QSC Audio Products, Inc. QSC® is a registered trademark of QSC Audio Products, Inc. "QSC" and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Speakon® is a registered trademark of Neutrik® and the names of Neutrik® products referenced herein are either trademarks and/or service marks of Neutrik®. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing this QSC power amplifier. Please read the following directions to obtain the best results. Key Features ·2 channels ·XLR, TRS, and barrier strip screw terminal input connectors ·Speakon® and binding post output connectors ·Each channel has independent Clip Limiter and Low Frequency Filter (30 or 50 Hz) ·Stereo, Bridge Mono, and Parallel modes of operation ·QSC reliability ·Complete amplifier protection CONTROLS, CONNECTORS & FEATURES (RMX 4050HD shown, RMX 5050 similar) 1- Power On indicator 2- Power switch 3- Cooling air exhaust vents 4- Gain controls 5- Clip and Signal indicators 6- Protect mode indicator 7- Barrier strip input connectors 8- XLR input connectors 9- TRS (1/4") input connectors 10- Mode switches and settings 11- Cooling air inlet vents 12- Speakon output connectors 13- Binding post output connectors 14- AC circuit breakers 15- Serial number label 16- IEC power inlet (power cord connector) UNPACKING Factory packed carton contains: ·RMX amplifier ·User's manual ·Adhesive rubber feet (for non-rack mount applications) ·Rear rack ear mounting kit ·IEC-type detachable power cord Use the same type carton when shipping the amplifier. 3 RACK MOUNTING Use four screws and washers to mount the amplifier to the equipment rack rails. To use the amplifier outside a rack, attach the self-adhesive rubber feet to the bottom. Use the rear rack ear support kit to support the rear of the amplifier for portable use. When installing equipment into a rack, distribute the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous conditions may be created by an uneven weight distribution. COOLING Air flows from the rack, into the back of the amplifier, and out the front. This keeps the rack cool. The fan automatically runs faster when the amp is working hard. Do not block the front or rear air vents! Air flow in QSC amplifiers: Cool air is drawn into the rear of the amplifier by the cooling fan. Warm air exits the front of the amplifier. AC MAINS Connect AC power to the IEC socket on the back of the amplifier. NOTE: Turn off the AC power switch before connecting AC power. The correct AC line voltage is shown on the serial number label, on the rear panel. Connecting to the wrong line voltage may damage the amplifier or increase the risk of electric shock. SETTING THE MODE SWITCHES The RMX 4050HD and RMX5050 have Mode switches for Stereo, Parallel, or Bridge Mode. Additionally, each channel has independent Clip Limiting and Low Frequency (LF) Filtering. SETTING CLIP LIMITERS Each channel has a Clip Limiter with its own on-off switch. The limiter only responds to actual clipping, and automatically compensates for load and voltage variations. Clip limiting is generally recommended, especially to protect high frequency drivers. Set switch to the right to use Clip Limiting. Switch 1 controls Channel 1. Switch 10 controls Channel 2. 4 SELECTING STEREO, PARALLEL, OR BRIDGE MODE The amplifier can be set for normal Stereo operation, Parallel input Mode, or Bridge Mono Mode. Stereo Mode- Each channel remains independent. The amplifier may be used for two different signals. Parallel Mode - This setting connects both inputs together. One signal feeds both channels. Each channel's Gain control and loudspeaker connection remain independent. Bridge Mode- This setting combines both channels into a single channel with twice the output power. Use only the first channel's input and Gain control. Set the second channel's Gain control at minimum. The load must be rated for the higher output power, and is connected as shown in the Outputs section. Do not connect different inputs to each side of a channel pair when operating in Parallel or Bridge Mode. Parallel Mode Switches 4, and 5, are set to the RIGHT position. Switch 6 and 7 are set to the LEFT position. Stereo Mode - Switches 4, 5, 6 and 7 are all set to the LEFT position. Bridge Mode- Switches 4, 5, 6,7 and 8 are all set to the RIGHT position and Switch 10 is set to the LEFT position. SETTING LOW FREQUENCY FILTERS Each channel has a 12dB per octave Low Frequency Filter to prevent cone overexcursion, making more power available for the loudspeaker's rated frequency range. This reduces distortion and prevents amplifier overload. The Filter should only be turned off for driving subwoofers with special low frequency capability. Otherwise, unless you have filtering in the signal path preceding the amplifier, use the Low Frequency Filter. The loudspeaker's documentation will specify the low frequency limit. Each channel has its own switches for LF Filter on/off and frequency selection. Channel 1 uses switches 2,3. Channel 2 uses switches 8,9. Switches 3 and 8 turn the LF Filter ON. Switches 2 and 9 select 30Hz or 50 Hz. BARRIER STRIP INPUTS Each channel has a balanced 3-terminal input. Wiring is connected with simple hand tools, and inputs can be changed quickly. The input impedance is 20k ohm balanced or 10k ohm unbalanced. Balanced connections are recommended to reduce AC hum and interference, especially with long cable runs. Unbalanced connections may be suitable for short cables. The signal's source impedance should be less than 600 ohms. If unbalanced connections are required, connect a jumper wire between the minus (-) terminal and the ground terminal. Then connect the input signal to the positive (+) terminal and the shield to the minus or ground terminal. Balanced inputs: Strip the wires ¼ inch (6 mm) and connect to the terminals as shown. Be sure to tighten the screws firmly. Unbalanced inputs: Strip the wire ¼ inch and connect a jumper wire between the minus (-) terminal and the ground terminal. Then connect the input signal to the positive (+) terminal and the shield to the minus or ground terminal, as shown. Be sure to tighten the screws firmly. 5 XLR and TRS (1/4") INPUTS Each channel has a balanced 3-terminal XLR and TRS input. Inputs are connected with standard cables and can be changed quickly. Pinouts are marked on the rear panel and shown in the illustration. The input impedance is 20k ohm balanced or 10k ohm unbalanced. Balanced connections are recommended to reduce AC hum and interference, especially with long cable runs. Unbalanced connections may be suitable for short cables. The signal's source impedance should be less than 600 ohms. Unbalanced TRS connectors (2-terminal) automatically connect the minus (-) terminal to ground when inserted. OUTPUTS Wiring connections are shown on the back of the chassis. BINDING POST OUTPUTS Stereo and Parallel Mode: Wire as shown by loudspeaker symbols 1 and 2. Bridge Mode: Wire as shown by Bridge Mono loudspeaker symbol. SPEAKON OUPTPUTS Each channel accepts a normal 2-wire cable. In addition, Channel 1 accepts 4-wire cables for single cable stereo or bi-amp connection. OUTPUT TERMINAL SAFETY WARNING! Do not touch output terminals while amplifier power is on. Make all connections with amplifier turned off. Risk of hazardous energy! Stereo and Parallel Mode- Connect each loudspeaker to its own channel of the amplifier, as shown on the left side of the chassis label. The Mode configuration switches must be set for Stereo or Parallel Mode. Bridge Mode- Bridge Mode configures the channel pair to drive a single audio circuit. The Mode configuration switches must be set for Bridge Mode. Connect the load as shown on the right side of the binding posts or to the left on Channel 1's Speakon. 4 ohms is the minimum impedance for Bridge Mode use. Do not use less than 4 ohm load in Bridge Mode! Note polarity of connection for Bridge Mode. OUTPUT WIRING WARNING: CLASS 2 WIRING SHALL BE USED. FOR BRIDGED MONO MODE, CLASS 3 WIRING SHALL BE USED. 6 LED INDICATORS The LED indicators can be used to monitor system operation and identify common problems. Indicators and Gain controls. POWER: A single green indicator, on left side of AC power switch. Normal indication: AC switch ON: indicator will illuminate. If no indication: Check AC power cord and AC outlet. Check rear panel circuit breakers. CLIP: red, to the left of each Gain control. Normal indication: illuminates whenever the amplifier is driven beyond full power. The LED's brightness indicates the amount of distortion. Distortion that causes only brief flashing may not be audible. During muting, the indicator fully illuminates. This occurs during normal "On-Off" muting. Abnormal indication: ·Bright red illumination while the amp is being used indicates either thermal muting or a shorted output. ·If the amplifier overheats, the fan will run at full speed, and operation should resume within one minute. Allow the fan to run, and make sure the amplifier ventilation is adequate ...