Amp Output (Network Amplifiers)
Use the Amp Output component to send digital audio over Q-LAN to the CX-Q, CXD-Q, or DPA-Q output channels, where it is converted to analog audio and then amplified. This component provides the inputs to the output stage of the amplifier.
The analog audio input to the Line Inputs on the rear of the amplifier is converted to digital audio and sent to the Mic/Line Input (Network Amplifiers) component via Q‑LAN. Use the Amp Output control panel for telemetry, as well as amplifier control of On / Standby, Mute, and Gain. The same controls are available on the amplifier's front panel.
Inputs
The inputs are digital audio from any appropriate component within Q-SYS Designer. There can be from one to four inputs (four channel models) or two to eight inputs (eight channel models) and is dependent on the FAST configuration. The eight channel models have two sets of four channels.
Outputs
The outputs are digital audio connecting to loudspeaker components.
Network amplifiers are capable of supplying 70V or 100V outputs. To use this mode, you must connect an appropriate loudspeaker component to the Amp Output component. For QSC loudspeaker components capable of using 70V or 100V, set the Mode Property of the loudspeaker component to either 70V or 100V. Q-SYS sets the amplifier to this mode when the design is deployed.
In addition, when an amplifier is set to either 70V or 100V mode, a 50 Hz high-pass filter is automatically added in line to protect the loudspeakers.
Note: To set CXD4.2Q and DPA4.2Q amplifiers to 70V or 100V mode, you must configure the outputs to channels A and B bridged, and channels C and D bridged (A+B C+D).
Refer to the Status (Network Amplifiers) component topic.
Amplifier Status
Status
Component status is conveyed with the Status LED and Status box, which uses both color and text to indicate the current condition:
- OK: The device is functioning normally.
- Initializing: The device is in the process of a firmware or configuration update, or the design is starting.
- Compromised: The device is functioning, but a non-fatal problem exists. Refer to the Status box for details.
- Missing: The device cannot be discovered.
- Fault: The device is malfunctioning or is not properly configured. Refer to the Status box for details.
- Unknown: This status appears during a Core reboot (for example, during a firmware update), or when a design is being uploaded to the Core and before it has started running.
- Not Present: If applicable to the device, this status appears when the device is not connected to the network and its Is Required component property is set to 'No'. This status also appears if the device component's Dynamically Paired property is set to 'Yes', pairing has not been assigned in Core Manager, and the device component's Is Required property is set to 'Yes'. See Dynamic Pairing.
On/Standby
Toggles the amplifier from Standby to Power On and back. See Amplifier Power Modes.
Mute All
Mutes all channels of the amplifier. Once Mute All is engaged, you must use the Mute All button to unmute the channels. The individual channel Mute is disabled while the Mute All is engaged. See Amplifier Power Modes.
Gain Lock
Disables the gain control on the front panel of the amplifier. (The gain controls in the Q-SYS Designer Software component are not disabled.)
Mute Lock
Disables the mute controls on the front panel of the amplifier. (The mute controls in the Q-SYS Designer Software component are not disabled.)
AC Voltage
The AC Mains voltage, from 100 VAC to 240 VAC.
AC Current
The AC Mains current being drawn by the amplifier.
PSU Temp
Temperature of the amplifier's power supply. Thresholds:
-
55° C triggers the Compromised state
-
63° C mutes all audio
V Rail 1
Internal amplifier voltage monitor. 147VDC +/- 5V typical.
V Rail 2
Internal amplifier voltage monitor. -147VDC +/- 5V typical.
Fan RPM
The fan speed varies based on the temperatures.
Meter Select
Selects either RMS or Peak for the five meters in all channels. Changing the meter type changes the meter readings on the Amp Output component and on the amplifier output gain meters.
Standalone (test button)
This control is available only in Standalone mode. Press this button to simulate Standalone mode. You will hear the audio that is played when the amplifier is in the Standalone Mode.
Power Management
Tip: Use the PowerSave controls to reduce amplifier energy usage when input signals drop below the desired threshold level. See Amplifier Power Modes.
PowerSave Threshold
Select the input dB threshold below which the PowerSave Timeout is triggered, from -99.0dB to -50.0dB (-80.0dB is default).
PowerSave Timeout
Once the PowerSave Threshold has been reached, a timer counts down from this value, between 1 and 99 minutes (default is 10). At the end of the countdown, the amplifier goes into a reduced power mode to save energy.
Channel (A, B, C, D), (and E, F, G, H for eight channel) Status
Channel
The channel letters change based on the Channel Configuration selection in the Properties:
-
Single channels = A (or B, C, D) ( 8CH E, F, G, H)
-
Parallel channels = AB (or CD) (8CH EF or GH)
-
Bridged channels = A+B (or C+D) (8CH E+F or G+H)
The default is four separate channels – A, B, C, D (and E, F, G, H for 8-channel).
Gain
The Gain knob adjusts the digital gain of the associated output channels, from -100dB to 20dB (default is 0 dB).
Mute
Mutes the associated channel of the amplifier. This is linked to the Mute button on the amplifier itself.
Over Current
Red LED indicating an over current condition exists in the associated amplifier channel.
DAC Limit
Red LED indicating that signal to the D to A Converter is larger than can be reproduced and a limiter has been engaged to prevent clipping. This is an indication that the gain structure is not correct.
Protect
Red LED indicating that the channel is in Protect Mode. Usually due to attempting to drive too low an impedance for too long.
Limit
Red LED indicating that the amplifier is in the limiting mode. This occurs if the signal is driving the power, current, or voltage above the amplifier rated values or due to thermal limiting.
Short
Red LED indicating there is a short in the loudspeaker circuitry.
Temp
Displays the temperature, in Centigrade, of the associated channel.
Channel (A, B, C, D) Meter
These readings can be RMS or Peak depending on the Meter Select setting.
Input (dBFS)
Measures the digital input to the amplifier output channel, from -100 to 20.
Voltage (V)
Measures the voltage of the amplifier / loudspeaker circuit, from 0 to 150.
Current (A)
Measures the current of the amplifier / loudspeaker circuit.
Power (W)
Measures the power of the amplifier / loudspeaker circuit.
Headroom (dB)
Measures the amount of headroom left before reaching the amplifier's maximum capabilities.
Monitor
There is one Listen button and one Gain control for each channel.
Listen
The Listen button activates the Loudspeaker monitor for the associated channel.
Gain
The Gain knob controls the output gain to the Loudspeaker Monitor component, from -100 to 20dB.
Standalone
There is one Mute button and one Gain control for each channel.
Mute
Mutes the output of the amplifier channel when in Standalone Mode.
Gain
Controls the Gain of the amplifier's output when in Standalone mode, from -100 to 20dB.
Pin Name |
Value |
String |
Position |
Pins Available |
---|---|---|---|---|
AC Current |
.nnn |
.nnnA |
- |
Output |
AC Mains Voltage |
100 - 240 |
100V - 240V |
0V = 0 120V = .5 240V = 1.00 |
Output |
Fan Speed |
nnnn |
nnnn |
- |
Input / Output |
Gain Lockout |
0 1 |
disabled enabled |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Mute All |
0 1 |
unmute mute |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Mute Lockout |
0 1 |
disabled enabled |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Peak/RMS Select |
0 1 |
Peak RMS |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Power On |
0 1 |
Standby On |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Power Supply Temperature |
n |
n °C |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
PS Threshold |
-99.0 to -50.0 |
-99.0dB to -50.0dB |
0.000 1.000 |
Input / Output |
PS Timeout (min) |
1 to 99 |
1 to 99 |
0.000 1.000 |
Input / Output |
Rail 1 Voltage |
142 to 152 |
142V to 152V |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Rail 2 Voltage |
-142 to -152 |
-142V to -152V |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Status |
0 1 2 3 4 |
OK (green) Compromised (orange) Fault (red) Unknown (red) Updating (blue) |
0 0.250 0.500 0.750 1.00 |
Output |
Pin Name |
Value |
String |
Position |
Pins Available |
---|---|---|---|---|
Current |
0 to 70 |
0 A to 70 A |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
DAC Output Limit |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
Gain |
-100 to 20 |
-100 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 1.000 |
Input / Output |
Headroom |
0 to 70 |
0 dB to 70 dB |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Input Meter |
-100 to 20 |
-100 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Limit |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
Monitor Gain |
-100 to 20 |
-100 dB to 20 dB |
0.000 1.000 |
Input / Output |
Monitor Listen |
0 1 |
disabled enabled |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Mute |
0 1 |
unmute mute |
0 1 |
Input / Output |
Over Current |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
Power |
0 to 10000 |
0 W to 10,000 W |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Protect |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
Short |
0 1 |
false true |
0 1 |
Output |
Temperature |
Text Field |
|
||
Voltage |
0 to 150 |
V to 150 V |
0.000 1.000 |
Output |
Consult this table to understand the behavior of the amplifier in each of its power modes.
Mode |
Amplifier Channel Switching |
DSP |
Main Power Supply |
Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
On |
Active |
Active |
Active |
The amplifier is ready to deliver power. Amplifier output is actively switching. |
PowerSave |
Active (Individual Channel Basis) |
Active |
Active |
This control stops individual amplifier outputs from switching. |
Mute All |
Not Active |
Active |
Active |
This control stops all amplifier channels from switching. |
Standby |
Not Active |
Not Active |
Not Active |
In this mode, some internal low voltage components are still powered. However, when the amplifier comes out of standby, a reboot of the DSP is required. |
Off |
Not Active |
Not Active |
Not Active |
All components of the amplifier are off. |