QSC GX5 Power Amplifier (500 Watts)
Power levels matched to the most popular speakers used by entertainers.
Product rated 7.0 out of 10 (3 ratings)
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ADDITIONAL VIEWS:
Main
Alternate View
Rear
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
GX Series amplifiers are ideal for professional entertainers who require maximum performance and portability on a limited budget. QSC designers, headed by Pat Quilter, have optimized output and appearance while reducing raw material cost and weight. It's all here – dramatic styling, easy hookup and adjustments, excellent audio quality and QSC reliability.
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-inch TRS and phono input connectors for compatibility with any source
Outputs: Speakon combo accepts, 1/4-inch (TS) plugs or Speakon 2-pole and 4-pole plugs (connects 2 poles only).
Binding posts support all other speaker wiring systems.
Minimum depth chassis (10.1 inches/257 mm)
Fits in compact, inexpensive effects racks Lightweight – less than 26 lbs (12.5 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 GX Entertainer
GX amplifiers deliver just the right amount of power to the most popular speakers used by entertainers. Most 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.
The GX5 provides full performance for 500 watt (Program) speakers. Both models supply maximum possible power to 4 ohm and 8 ohm loads. Owners of popular 4 ohm loudspeakers (dual-woofer, two-way models and many subwoofers) will find the 700 watt (4 ohm) power of the GX5 an ideal match.
Technical Notes
The GX5 uses a Class H system, based on key elements of the PLX Series, almost doubling power in the same size and weight. QSC design expertise allows the output devices to shift from low-power to high-power rails in less than a millionth of a second, ensuring that the output power is always right where it needs to be without excess loss.
GX 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. As always, the amplifiers are fully protected from the usual hazards of the trade, ensuring stable performance and long life.
GuardRail
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.
Subwoofer/Satellite Crossover
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.
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-inch TRS and phono input connectors for compatibility with any source
Outputs: Speakon combo accepts, 1/4-inch (TS) plugs or Speakon 2-pole and 4-pole plugs (connects 2 poles only).
Binding posts support all other speaker wiring systems.
Minimum depth chassis (10.1 inches/257 mm)
Fits in compact, inexpensive effects racks Lightweight – less than 26 lbs (12.5 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 GX Entertainer
GX amplifiers deliver just the right amount of power to the most popular speakers used by entertainers. Most 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.
The GX5 provides full performance for 500 watt (Program) speakers. Both models supply maximum possible power to 4 ohm and 8 ohm loads. Owners of popular 4 ohm loudspeakers (dual-woofer, two-way models and many subwoofers) will find the 700 watt (4 ohm) power of the GX5 an ideal match.
Technical Notes
The GX5 uses a Class H system, based on key elements of the PLX Series, almost doubling power in the same size and weight. QSC design expertise allows the output devices to shift from low-power to high-power rails in less than a millionth of a second, ensuring that the output power is always right where it needs to be without excess loss.
GX 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. As always, the amplifiers are fully protected from the usual hazards of the trade, ensuring stable performance and long life.
GuardRail
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.
Subwoofer/Satellite Crossover
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.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Specifications
Stereo Mode:
- 8 Ohms / both channels driven: 500 Watts
- 8 Ohms / single channel driven: 600 Watts
- 4 Ohms / both channels driven: 700 Watts
- 4 Ohms / single channel driven: 850 Watts
- 2 Ohms / both channels driven: 350 Watts
Distortion:
- 8 Ohms: less than 0.05%
- 4 Ohms: less than 0.1%
Signal to Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz): 100 dB
Input Sensitivity: 1.2 Vrms
Voltage Gain (8 Ohms): 34.4 dB
Output Circuitry: 2-tier Class H
Power Requirements: 6A
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0, 1 dB
Dynamic Headroom (4 Ohms): 2 dB
Damping Factor: 100
Input Impedance: Greater than 20k (balanced)
Maximum Input Level: +24 dB (16 Vrms)
Input Connectors (each channel): 3-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TRS, balanced, parallel Phono, unbalanced
Output Connectors (each channel): Speakon, 1/4-inch, 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
- Blue Power LED, AC on
Rear Panel Controls: Full Range / Crossover switch
Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.5 x 19 x 10.1 inches (89 mm x 483 mm x 257 mm)
Weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
Stereo Mode:
- 8 Ohms / both channels driven: 500 Watts
- 8 Ohms / single channel driven: 600 Watts
- 4 Ohms / both channels driven: 700 Watts
- 4 Ohms / single channel driven: 850 Watts
- 2 Ohms / both channels driven: 350 Watts
Distortion:
- 8 Ohms: less than 0.05%
- 4 Ohms: less than 0.1%
Signal to Noise (20 Hz - 20 kHz): 100 dB
Input Sensitivity: 1.2 Vrms
Voltage Gain (8 Ohms): 34.4 dB
Output Circuitry: 2-tier Class H
Power Requirements: 6A
Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz, +0, 1 dB
Dynamic Headroom (4 Ohms): 2 dB
Damping Factor: 100
Input Impedance: Greater than 20k (balanced)
Maximum Input Level: +24 dB (16 Vrms)
Input Connectors (each channel): 3-pin XLR and 1/4-inch TRS, balanced, parallel Phono, unbalanced
Output Connectors (each channel): Speakon, 1/4-inch, 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
- Blue Power LED, AC on
Rear Panel Controls: Full Range / Crossover switch
Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.5 x 19 x 10.1 inches (89 mm x 483 mm x 257 mm)
Weight: 26 lbs (12 kg)
REVIEWS
Product rated 7.0 out of 10 (3 ratings)
