INSTALLATION
Notes for better  
amplifier performance
• Amplifier gain 
The amplifier should always be operated with the input 
level controls set at maximum. The only departure from 
this practice is where the internal filters/crossover is 
engaged in a bi-amp configuration, where it may be 
necessary to turn down the high frequency side of 
the amplifier. If the amplifier needs to be calibrated, to 
match a mixer line level output, the gain switch on the 
back of the amplifier can be switched to the correct 
line level.
The objective of correct gain settings is to have all the 
segments of the audio chain from the preamplifier/
equalisers/compressors/crossovers matched to the 
amplifier. A test tone should take every link in the chain 
to 0 dB or +4 dB at the same input level. This way, a 
mixer VU indicator is a real visual clue as to how hard 
the whole system is running and no single element will 
be adding distortion before the system is at full power.
• High- and low-pass filters 
T
he fi
lter system in a QA series amplifier is a basic 
switchable high/low pass crossover. It can also be 
used to filter out sub-harmonic low bass frequencies 
the speaker system cannot reproduce and waste 
amplifier power. It is particularly recommended to 
switch in the 35 Hz High Pass filter when the amplifier 
is being used to power band-pass type bass boxes.
The amplifier can be used to power a bass system 
without the need for an electronic crossover by 
switching the high-pass to 35Hz and the low-pass to 
80 or 110Hz. The input link A/B XLR connectors at the 
back of the amplifier will remain full-range, so a full-
range signal can be daisy chained to another amplifier 
or powered speaker.
• Amplifier limiter 
T
he s
witchable limiter is designed to prevent the 
amplifier from clipping or distorting, there by causing 
speaker damage. It should always be engaged except 
in the circumstance where the amplifier is being used 
in conjunction with an amplifier sensing speaker 
system controller.
Some brands of speaker system are designed to 
be monitored and controlled by a dedicated system 
controller that is wired directly to the output of the 
amplifier. These systems measure both the input 
and output from the amplifier and monitor the signal 
for best results from the speaker system. To engage 
the amplifier’s limiter will interfere with the controllers 
sensing circuit, so the amplifier limiter must be 
disengaged.
• The air intakes 
T
he t
wo filtered air intakes have removable filters for 
cleaning. The air intakes should be unobstructed and 
allow the free flow of air.
The filters should be removed and cleaned as needed. 
Running the amplifier without the filters will allow the 
amplifier to fill with dust and foreign particles and could 
void the warrantee under some circumstances.
QA SERIES
User Manual
6
QA Series
Power Amplifiers
User Manual