QSC GX5 GX Series Power Amplifier

Both amplifiers use premium toroidal power transformers for reliable "mid-weight" performance. A variable-speed fan moves air crosswise through the amplifier, drawing cool air in over the power transformer, through the fan, and then over the heat sink. This keeps the transformer cool and allows a full size heat sink to fit in a down-sized chassis.

GX amplifiers deliver just the right amount of power to the most popular speakers used by entertainers. Typically, loudspeaker manufacturers recommend an amplifier with power output equal to the speaker's Program (Music) Power rating or two times (2 x) the Continuous (RMS) Power rating.

GuardRail protection delivers full peak power while preventing detrimental overloads. During excessive clipping, or extreme overheating, GuardRail reduces gain just enough to preserve the integrity of the music, protect the speakers and keep the audience excited, without unprofessional distortion levels or shutdowns.

A subwoofer reduces strain on the full-range speaker, allowing it to play louder, or letting a smaller speaker do the same job. The GX Series supports this mode with a Crossover switch that splits the full-range input entering Ch 1, sending 20 Hz -100 Hz to the sub (Ch 1) and 100 Hz - 20 kHz to the top box (Ch 2). The front panel gain controls balance the sub and top box, while GuardRail optimizes peak power into the sub and top individually, for greater musical impact and dynamic range. GuardRail optimizes peak power into the sub and top individually, for greater musical impact and dynamic range.

Features

• Power levels matched to the most popular speakers used by entertainers
• Optimized for maximum real-world headroom into 4 ohm and 8 ohm speaker systems
• Inputs: XLR, 1/4" TRS and phono input connectors for compatibility with any source
• Outputs: Speakon® combo accepts, 1/4" (TS) plugs or Speakon 2-pole and 4-pole plugs (connects two poles only). Binding posts support all other speaker wiring systems
• Minimum depth chassis (10.1" / 257 mm) fits in compact, inexpensive effects racks
• Lightweight - GX3 and GX5 less than 26 lb (12.5 kg). GX7 only 15.5 lb (7 kg)*
• Detented gain controls for precise setting and matching of sensitivity
• GuardRail™ automatically protects the amplifier and loudspeakers from damage due to temperature rise or overdrive without shutting down the show
• Front panel LEDs monitor power, signal and clipping
• Subwoofer/satellite crossover built-in

SPECIFICATIONS

• 8 ohms / 1 kHz (both channels driven) 500 W
• 8 ohms / 1 kHz (single channel driven) 600 W
• 4 ohms / 1 kHz (both channels driven) 700 W
• 4 ohms / 1 kHz (single channel driven) 850 W
• Distortion (1 dB below rated power, 1 kHz) 8 ohms: less than 0.02 4 ohms: less than 0.05%
• Signal to Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz) 100 dB
• Input Sensitivity 1.2 V rms
• Voltage Gain 34.4 dB
• Output Circuitry 2-tier Class H
• Power Requirements (1/8 power, pink noise at 4 ohms, 120V) 6 A
• Frequency Response 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0, -1 dB
• Dynamic Headroom (4 ohms) 2 dB
• Input Impedance Greater than 20 kΩ (balanced)
• Maximum Input Level +24 dBu (16 V rms)
• Input Connectors (each channel) 3-pin XLR and 1/4" TRS, balanced, parallel
• Phono, unbalanced
• Output Connectors (each channel) Speakon®, 1/4", Binding posts
• Amplifier and Load Protection Short circuit, open circuit, thermal, RF protection
• Load protected against DC faults
• Front Panel Controls and Indicators Gain controls, 21 detents
• Red CLIP LEDs, proportional, 0.1% THD threshold
• Green SIGNAL LEDs, threshold 35 dB below clipping
• Blue POWER LED, AC on
• Rear Panel Controls Full Range / Crossover switch
• 100 Hz, 3rd order LP (sub), 2nd order HP (top)
• Dimensions Height: 89 mm 2RU
• Width: 483 mm
• Depth: 257 mm
• Weight Net: 12.6 kg