Introduction- general overview – QSC Audio ISIS 215PCM User Manual

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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. ISIS is short for Inte-

grated, Self-Powered—Self Processed, Industrial

Systems. To get the most from your investment, we

encourage you to review this manual carefully.

The 215PCM is a self-contained active subwoofer system

with dual 15-inch drivers. It provides power amplification

not only for itself, but also two channels for driving full-

range or biamp “top box” speakers as well. It is the most

advanced core module for portable live sound reinforce-

ment systems and is ideal for corporate and industrial

events. The 215SB is a passive subwoofer system with no

backpack electronics, equipped with a single Speakon™

connector.

215SB Subwoofer Highlights

The frequency response of the 215PCM is 35 to 150 Hz (-3 dB). Two 15-inch, diametrically opposed (facing each other) drivers

fire in opposite directions with equal excursion. The net effect being the driver forces counterbalance, minimizing vibration in

the cabinet. This is essential in lightweight, ultra-stiff cabinet designs to keep the walls from vibrating excessively and to keep

the cabinet from “walking away” during use.

215PCM Powered Control Module Highlights

The “PCM” version adds a 55 pound amplification and signal processing backpack to the 215SB subwoofer cabinet. This

backpack houses two independent power amplifiers, one for the subwoofer and one for the “top boxes”. Driving the subwoofer

is the equivalent of a bridged-mode PL230 amplifier providing up to 3000 watts to the two 15-inch drivers. Top boxes are

processing is provided by two DSP-3 Digital Signal Processors with 24-bit, 48 kHz. convertors. Both processors have eight user-

configurable and -selectable presets. An RS-232 connection to a PC running the provided QSC Signal Manager Software

enables system tuning and configuration.

Composilite™

QSC enclosures incorporate Composilite, a patented cored

composite technology that yields superior acoustic

properties, lighter weight, and greater weather resistance

compared to conventional enclosure materials. Multiple

skins of carbon fiber are layered over a honeycomb core to

form a rigid, seamless enclosure. The extreme stiffness of

Composilite construction prevents flexing of the cabinet

enclosure, significantly reducing energy loss due to

cabinet vibration. The result is reduced enclosure loss,

increased low frequency output, and substantially less

sound radiating from the back and sides of the enclosure

for greater sonic accuracy. Furthermore, the enclosure’s

light weight translates to safer rigging and reduced

handling costs.