QSC PLX2 Series Amps: Lightweight But Heavy Power

QSC's new PLX2 series is a range of power amplifiers that is certain to be welcomed by DJs and musicians who have figured out that they don't get paid based on how many pounds of gear they haul to the gig. What they do get paid for is sounding great and the PLX2 helps out on both counts.

First, let's talk about the light weight of the PLX2 series. Of course there are ways to make an amp lighter (and cheaper to build) by cutting down on heatsinks and power supply capacity, but that's not the way QSC does things. Instead, the PLX2 uses QSC's third-generation PowerLight® technology. As QSC founder and Chief Designer Pat Quilter puts it "A conventional power transformer can easily weigh more than a complete PLX2 amp. By greatly increasing the power supply frequency, the PowerLight supply can utilize a much smaller, more efficient transformer with shorter, wider windings. This thicker, less restrictive design is not only lighter, but supplies more peak power to the audio output section as well."

Weight reduction isn't the only benefit of this design. The PowerLight supply switches at 100,000 pulses per second (compared to 60 times per second for conventional designs). More pulses per second means more on demand power to the amplifier's output section. The power supply doesn't "sag" so bass notes stay full and powerful while the high end remains transparent and clean.

Those familiar with the previous generation of PLX amplifiers will be pleased to know that the PLX1802, PLX2502, PLX3102 and PLX3602 have increased power compared to predecessor models. There's also a really user-friendly arrangement of rear-panel switches that lets you set the amplifier's internal crossover for full-range speakers or subs or tops.

And QSC has added something new - the PLX1104 and PLX1804. Most working entertainers are using their amplifiers to drive systems in which only a single speaker is driven from each amp channel. This means that there's no need for 2W or bridge-mono operation. By eliminating these capabilities, QSC is able to offer the same PLX performance and technology at an even more attractive price.

All this technology is housed in one of the most handsome and professional looking packages we've ever seen. While most amps are still built with dull, utility-grade stamped steel panels, the PLX2 offers a refreshing cast-aluminum front panel that adds structural rigidity while clearly conveying the quality and technology that's inside.

The PLX2 delivers the reliability and performance that is a QSC trademark. The light weight (as little as 13 lbs) combined with studio reference amplifier audio quality is going to make a lot of DJs and musicians lighten their loads.