2 x 15” weather-resistant subwoofer cabinet with speakon input connector 3000 watt powered subwoofer and 3600 watt, 2-channel “top box” amplifier, computer configurable dsp for each amplifier, integral wheels and handles.
Integrated, Self-Powered—Self-Processed, Industrial Systems User Manual ISIS 215SB 2 x 15” Weather-Resistant Subwoofer Cabinet with Speakon™ Input Connector ISIS 215PCM 3000 Watt Powered Subwoofer and 3600 Watt, 2-channel “Top Box” amplifier, Computer Configurable DSP for each Amplifier, Integral Wheels and Handles.
6- Clean only with a dry cloth. 7- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with QSC Audio Product’s instructions. 8- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
INTRODUCTION- General Overview Introduction Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the ISIS 215PCM Powered-System Control Module or 215SB Subwoofer. This product represents the state-of-the-art in all-weather, lightweight SR (sound reinforcement) loudspeaker systems. The “215” marks the introduction of QSC’s ISIS loudspeaker systems.
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INTRODUCTION- General Overview 215PCM Front A 16” length of “L-track” flying hardware is featured on all four corners of the cabinet. Pole cups are featured for either cabinet orientation. One, shown, on the shorter side, and two on the longer. 215PCM Rear Rubber feet are featured on the bottom of the cabinet, as viewed,...
INTRODUCTION- Technical Overview Technical Overview: CH1 and CH2 Inputs are connected to the Top Box Processor and to the Mode Switch. In Combination Mode, the Mode Switch connects CH1 and CH2 Inputs to the Subwoofer Processor as well. In Discrete Mode, CH1 and CH2 Inputs are disconnected from the Subwoofer Processor, and Input 3 is used to feed the Subwoofer Processor.
UNPACKING Unpacking and Inspection The 215PCM is highly durable and is carefully packaged and crated. We recommend you inspect the unit carefully after removing it from the packaging, as occasionally there may be damage due to some unfortunate incident during shipment. Report any damage to the shipping carrier. We recommend saving the carton and packing material.
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WHERE DO I START? 215PCM Powered Core Module Users- Install the Signal Manager software on the PC that will be used to configure the 215PCMs processors. See page 20. Put the 215PCM in a location that: Plug in the 215PCM. See page 11. Connect the serial cable from the PC’s COM port to the Top Box Processor.
PREPARATION FOR FIRST USE- Amplifier Gain Controls Adjusting the Gain Settings of the Amplifiers Ordinarily, the Gain controls of the amplifiers are left set at full gain. This is not recommended for first-time users of freely- configurable DSP. Freely configurable DSP, while being the most flexible and desirable, will do precisely what the user configures it to do.
CONNECTIONS- AC Power AC Power Connection The 215PCM requires a 120 Volt, 30 Amp connection to the AC mains. The power connectors used are to be NEMA L5-30, or equivalent. The serial number plate is imprinted with the operating voltage informa- tion.
CONNECTIONS- RS-232 Processor Configuration Connection RS-232 Connection (215PCM only) Each Processor has a 9-pin “D-sub” connector labeled RS-232. The RS-232 connection is used to configure the Processor by connecting to the PC’s COM port. Important points: – The 215PCM must be ON (powered up) in order to configure the Processors. –...
CONNECTIONS- Mode Switch and Signal Routing MODE SWITCH (215PCM only) The position of the Mode Switch determines how the input signals are routed. Select your operating mode before making connections. If you are using the DataPorts for audio input, the Mode Switch has no effect. Refer to the diagram, below. COMBINATION MODE–...
CONNECTIONS- Audio Connections: XLR Inputs Audio Connections Audio inputs can be connected to the XLR inputs OR the DataPort connections (QSControl users). This section provides information on using the XLR Inputs, For DataPort information see page 17. XLR Inputs The position of the Mode Switch determines how the input signals are routed.
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CONNECTIONS- XLR Connection Recommendations and Pinouts XLR Connections The XLR inputs are electronically balanced. To maintain the benefits of balanced, pro-audio connections, make all connections to the 215PCM using balanced, high-quality cable and connectors. If balanced inputs are not available, use a unbalanced-to-balanced converter, such as a “DI” box or proper audio transformer. Unbalanced connections are prone to noise and interference pickup as well as ground-loop induced hum.
CONNECTIONS- Post Processor Outputs Post Processor Outputs Each processor has two post-processor outputs. They are labeled CH1 OUTPUT and CH2 OUTPUT. The audio present at these outputs is processed and the signal is the same as at the OUT1 and OUT2 blocks in the Signal Manager software.
DataPort connection is used only for control and monitoring. Use only QSC Audio DataPort Cables for DataPort connections. They provide individually shielded audio pairs for the best possible audio performance. Computer VGA cables are similar, but can degrade your audio quality. QSC DataPort cables are available from QSC Technical Services Department.
CONNECTIONS- Output to Top Boxes (Speakons™) Output to Top Boxes At the right side of the rear panel are the output connections to the top box speakers. Note the color coding scheme of the text labels for each Speakon connector. The color coding corresponds with the colors of the Mode Switch labels (Combination Mode or Discrete Mode).
USE- Cooling Air Inlet and Exhaust Vents Cooling Air Inlet and Exhaust Vents Be certain not to obstruct or block the Cooling Air Vents in any way! Loss of cooling air flow could result in the amplifiers going into thermal shutdown (protective muting to help cool the amplifier and prevent damage).
USE- AC Power Switch and LED Indicators AC Power Switch Above and to the right of the AC entry connector is the Power switch. The switch is labeled POWER ON, above it. To turn the power on: Press in on the upper portion of the rocker switch.
The extra power is provided for greater dynamic range and impact, but the drivers can be damaged by excessive long-term operating levels. To avoid speaker damage as well as amplifier thermal muting, the user should observe the following operating limits:...
PROCESSOR USE- Software Installation and System Requirements You must use the supplied software to design your configurations and then load those configurations into the Processor using a simple RS-232 connection from your PC to the Processor. Use the software’s Help System for instructions on how to use the Signal Manager software. System Requirements To use the QSC Signal Manager software, you need the following: •...
PROCESSOR USE: General Guidelines and Preset Description IMPORTANT! Please read before operating this Digital Signal Processor with your audio system. General Use Guidelines for Freely-Configurable DSP This is a professional level DSP product that allows the user to produce virtually unlimited signal processor variations and configurations.
Signal Manager program before use. Test all new configura- tions for expected behavior at low power levels to avoid inadvertently damaging speaker systems. Each Processor has eight Preset memories numbered 1 through 8. Presets are DSP configurations saved to memory in the Processor.
Processor Use: Configuring the Processors (Discrete 2.1) NOTE! The factory setting for all eight Preset memories is wire-through. Signals are passed from input to output without any processing. Each Processor must be config- ured as desired by the user. You may select configurations from the sample files (*.cfg) within Signal Manager or create your own.
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Processor Use: Configuring the Processors (Discrete 2.1 continued) Example 1- Discrete 2.1 (continued) The Subwoofer Processor is next. In Discrete Mode, the Subwoofer Processor’s input signal comes from the Input 3 XLR. Input 3 is routed to the Subwoofer Processor’s IN1 block (see example, below). The IN2 block is not placed when operating in Discrete Mode.
Processor Use: Configuring the Processors (3-way Mono Stack) Example 2- Active 3-way Mono Stack In a 3-way configuration, the Top Box amplifier’s two channels are used for low- and high-frequencies and the subwoofer handles bass. The Processors perform the required crossover and time delay functions. This Top Box configuration has time delays included in the DSP chain to align the impulse response of the audio.
Can I use some sort of adapter on the power cord so that I can use “regular” outlets?- • QSC Audio Products strongly discourages ANY changes in the AC power connections. Use only NEMA L5-30, 120V, 30 Ampere twist-lock connectors. All supply circuits and AC power receptacles should be rated for 120 V., 30 Amp service.
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TROUBLESHOOTING Unable to “talk” to processor from Signal Manager software (OFFLINE status indicated)- • Check that the serial cable is a normal serial data cable. Null-modem type cables will not work. • Make sure that the serial cable is properly connected on both ends and that the retaining screws are snug (finger tight).
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TROUBLESHOOTING My Inputs are hooked up to the 215PCM, and the Top Boxes sound great. But, the subwoofer doesn’t seem to be working- • Check the MODE SWITCH position. In COMBINATION MODE, inputs for CH1 and CH2 are summed and routed to the Subwoofer Processor.
Flying Points: Notes: 1- Calculated maximum peak SPL at 1 meter distance, half-space, speaker operating at rated RMS power with 6 dB crest factor pink noise input, 35- 100 Hertz. 2- Measured maximum RMS SPL referenced to 1 meter distance, loudspeaker operating at rated RMS power with 6 dB crest factor pink noise input, 35- 100 Hertz.
Specifications- ISIS 215PCM 215PCM System Specification Description On-board Power On-board Processing Connectors Controls Operating Modes Signal Routing Other Features Enclosure Material Weight of 215PCM Powered Control Module Overall Dimensions of 215PCM Powered Control Module 40” W x 26” H x 30” D., nominal (102 x 66 x 76 mm). Refer to drawing for details. Power Requirements Current Consumption @ 120 VAC, typical, pink noise Idle...
Specifications- ISIS 215PCM Processors Digital Signal Processor Specifications Type Signal Processing Frequency response at 3 dB below full scale input voltage Distortion Delay (throughput) Dynamic range Polarity Mute Input Connector type Type Grounding Input sensitivity, full scale Input Impedance Common-mode rejection Crosstalk Outputs Post-DSP auxillary outputs...
APPENDIX- Contact Closure Wiring Details Contact Closure Feature The contact closure feature is used to trigger gain changes in the DSP. Any configuration that uses one or more switched gain objects (see Signal Manager software Help file ) can take advantage of this feature. The contact closure will trigger all switched gain objects at once.
APPENDIX- RS-232 Pinout and Pin #9 Usage Note RS-232 Pinout: The diagram below shows the pin assignments for the female RS-232 connector on the DSP-3 Processors featured in the 215PCM. Signal Description Contact Closure *Note! Pin 9 is used for contact closure input. This pin is not normally used by RS-232 devices.
(USA only; other countries, see your dealer or distributor) Disclaimer QSC Audio Products, Inc. is not liable for any damage to amplifiers, or any other equipment that is caused by negligence or improper installation and/or use of this speaker product.
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