Bridging a QSC amplifier - Stage Left Audio

A brief tutorial on bridging an amplifier (QSC PLX). This method of bridging can apply to other current professional amplifiers as well. However, not all amplifiers support a bridged mode.
A reference is made to +1 and -1 when viewing the binding posts - this references the use of Speakon connectors on the speaker side (not the amplifier side).

[@stageleftaudio]

On many amplifiers, the input of the second channel (or "B" channel) is used as an output to send the signal out of the amp (to other amps), but only when the amp is in either bridged or parallel mode. Basically, connect an XLR cable from the "B" channel input on one amp and connect the other end to the "A" channel input on another amp. Whatever amplifiers you are using, I recommend checking the manual.

[@stageleftaudio]

Look at the Crown amp manual. You can probably connect 2 x 8ohm speakers to a bridged amp, as long as the amp supports 4 ohm bridged (parallel connections). Many older amps can only support 8 ohms bridge. If your Crown amp can be operated in bridge mode, it will indicate that in the manual.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes - make sure the dip switches are set correctly and you are using a speaker cable wired for bridge operation.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@ryannrjohnson]

Some QSC amps won't work in bridge mode with speakon connection. I have an RMX that only pushes that bridge power through the bridged banana clip post. It'll play through the speakon post but you won't get that bridged power.

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

I've been called a Dip-switch before. No longer offended.

[@phattvids]

Bass,you want bass,we got bass,we're Vicious Base,we're gonna rock this place! Oneloudest's comment is on point lmmfao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@reyrodriguez4463]

muchas gracias por la respuesta

[@joehirsch]

Ok Thanks. It can be bridged.. so ...i connect the speakers in series then? and what is the real advantage? Just higher wattage? output?

[@mikehanna120]

thanx for the video, i got confused thu, i have two amps and 4 speakers, 2 tops and 2 bass, the phonic amp i use for the tops, i used left channel for left top and right channel for right top, the qsc amp i used for the bass, channel 1 to right bass channel 2 to left bass, so i managed to get the top speakers to work but i only hear one bass not two, i think i didnt configure the qsc right, all my back switches on the qsc are to the right side, and only channel 1 is working on my qsc, channel 2 has no signal output at all, i want to work in stereo mode, so here how i connected everything.....from the mixer to the equalizer inputs, from the equalizer outputs i connect to the crossover, from the highs and mids on the crossover i go to the input 1&2 channels on my phonic amp for the tops, and from the low on the crossover i go to the inputs of the qsc channel 1&2, for the bass, but i only get one bass to work, channel 2 has no output :/....how can i fix this?

[@stageleftaudio]

There's a lot of variables involved. Which QSC amp are you using? What xover are you using? Do you have everything connected in stereo (or 2-chnl mode)? You mentioned no output on the QSC for chnl #2, does the amplifier meter show there is output for Chnl. #2? If you are running a QSC PLX, and all the switches on the rear are to the right, this means the amplifier is in bridged mode. Bridged mode does not support stereo (2-chnl) mode. Bridged mode only works for single channel.

[@mikehanna120]

@@stageleftaudio wow thanx for the help....i dont know how but i managed to make it work, yes i use a qsc plx3002, iv switched cables, tried different configurations and after 4 days of struggle it worked, the sound is great, i use jbl 15" tops and jbl 18" subs, behringer cross and a presunos studiolive 16.4.2 mixer, the sound is blastinggggg.....thanx mate

[@stageleftaudio]

Sounds good! The PLX3002 amps are very nice. Good luck!

[@grupojaguaresdemx]

Can you make a video an how to send signo to a nother qsc plx thanks

[@djchamac0]

And does those it work the same with the rmx5050???

[@djchamac0]

Hey man. Great video. Quivk question. When in bridge mode. How can I send a signal to another amp?? Thats what I think you said here. If you can help me.

[@djphoneetbobo1246]

For example my amplifier in a bridge mode is 2800w I have 3 speaker which one is 800w 800w 800w

[@stageleftaudio]

Most amplifiers can only run either an 8ohm or 4ohm load when running in bridged mode. This usually equates to only one speaker that can be attached to an amplifier. Depending on the ohms of the speakers you mentioned, and the type of amplifier you are using, you could connect all 3 speakers to one side of the amplifier (with the amplifier in non-bridged mode; i.e. stereo mode). Read the specs on the amplifier you are using; it should show how many speakers you can connect to it. To be safe, you can probably only connect 1 speaker to a bridged amplifier.

[@jvh8806]

I just bought a QSC GX5 and it sounds great thru channel 1 - I've only had it 1 day. They claim it can be bridged but the documentation sucks even on their website. It says use the 1/4' jumper to connect channels but they are a bit vague on the output connection. They show 2 speakers connected to both output channels but I only have 1 speaker cabinet so does this mean I can run the GX5 in bridged mode ?

[@stageleftaudio]

The GX line of amplifiers cannot be bridged. Looks like the website is showing how to get an input signal to both channel inputs. The GX line are good cost-efficient amplifiers, but they are not designed for bridged operation (which is why you are unable to find information on the output connections).

[@jvh8806]

@@stageleftaudio OK you are obviously correct ! It seems a single 500 watt channel will work for me - I'm using it as a bass amplifier with a Sadowsky pre-amp. It sounds great ! Although had I know this beforehand I would have bought a bridgeable amp. All is not lost - I can use this GX5 for my home hifi if I decide to buy a bridegable amp in the future. Thanks for your message.

[@stageleftaudio]

The word "comfortably" is very relative. The lower the ohms, the more stress it places on the amplifier. Also, it depends on how the amp. is being used when bridged (for lows, mids, highs, full-range). Bridging in 8-ohms is easier for an amp than bridging it in 4 ohms - consider this... a bridged 8 ohm load is the same as running the amp in 4 ohm stereo - so, a bridged 4 ohm load is the same as a 2 ohm load in stereo. It's best to keep a bridged load at 8 ohms if possible.

[@soundfreak8892]

Yeah exactly you don't even need to know the bridges specs just look at the 2ohm rating of the amplifier and combine those two channels and it will tell you how much power you will get at 4ohms bridged

[@justinramjit25]

what would you say is the best amp for two Cerwin Vega EL-36C Subwoffers and the best amp for two JBL JRX 125?

[@stageleftaudio]

Amp choice needs to be based on how the speakers will be used (i.e. live sound or for DJ use). If for live sound, don't use any amp that can deliver more than the speakers "program" rating (or mid rating). If for DJ use, don't use any amp that can deliver more than the speakers continues rating (or the lowest power rating). For DJ use, this is because recorded music is highly compressed and lacks dynamics; amps for DJ use need to be less than for live sound. QSC, Crown, Yamaha... any of these would be good.

[@justinramjit25]

stageleftaudio Its more use for DJ.. I have the crown xls 802 for two cerwin vegas EL36C, i dont know if that would be enough for two subs on one AMP. Can you please help me out. And would you rather a driverack instead of a crossover, subharmoinc, etc.

[@stageleftaudio]

The XLS802 would work; it's rated at 500 watts/chnl @ 8 ohms - which matches your subs. By keeping the power limited to the "continuous" wattage specification of the speakers, this will greatly reduce the chance of burning up your speakers (especially for DJ use). Make sure all limiters are turned ON for the amp. Without limiters, your subs can be damaged by distortion. For DJ use, a regular xover is all that is needed. There's not too much dynamics in recorded music, so all the bells and whistles a driverack unit has would not be needed.

[@junelxxii7892]

HI , i need to know can bridge two amplifiers like Yamaha HTR 5240 and Technics SA -EK 410, thank you

[@stageleftaudio]

The amplifiers you referenced are integrated devices for home audio. I'm not familiar with home audio equipment, but that equipment can probably not be bridged. I recommend taking a look at the product manuals; they may show if they can be bridged.

[@monarchthedj8357]

I am planning on bridging a crown xti4002 amp at 4 ohms to achieve 3200 W RMS, if I am using speakon cables all I do is plug it into the channel one connector after selecting the bridge mode in the software or is there any other wiring required?

[@stageleftaudio]

Take a look at the manual for the xti4002. It should reference the correct wiring for bridge operation. You should not connect a "regular" speakon cable to an amplifier in bridged mode. The speaker cable must be wired to support bridged mode. Basically, the speakon connector for one end of the cable (the end that connects to the amplifier) should be wired using the +1 (for positive) and the +2 (for the negative). The other end of the speakon cable (that connects to the speaker) would be wired as +1 (for positive) and -1 (for negative). The speakon connector (for the amplifier side) would then connect into channel "1". It is highly recommended to us a special mark/label on any speaker cables that are used for bridge operation, because they will not work with non-bridged setups.

[@eladdaniel5801]

How to remove parallel mode on behringer

[@hardylumiwes1908]

can i use channel A for woofer and channel B for highs in this amplifier QSC gx5 power amplifier thanks!

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. It is very common to use one channel for subs and the other for highs. You will need a crossover to send the signals to their proper channels.

[@bradgoodale4325]

I have the same QSC AMP, 2 JBL PRX715's (powered) 2- SLS 18's, Soundcraft FX8 mixer. Can anyone help me get the ideal setup?

[@bradgoodale4325]

1850HD

[@christopherpowell3234]

When you bridge a amplifier do you get the amount of power out of it as what the manufacturer say. Do it really work

[@stageleftaudio]

It depends on the manufacturer of the amplifier. QSC is among one of the top reputable brands of amplifier manufactures in the world. Their amplifiers do produce the wattage they indicate in bridge-mode.

[@TheAlexCarrington]

Plug everything in as if you were going to run a stereo mix... And then switch on the Bridge button...

[@seank69]

My question to you is ===>> Can you Bridge a QSC MX3000a amplifier which is rated at 8 Ohms = 800W, 4 Ohms = 1200W & 2 Ohms = 1600W ,,{,Bridge} 8 Ohms = 2400W & 4 Ohms 3200W ===>> to play 4 - 8 Ohms speakers hooked up in series/parallel? I understand that 4 - 8 Ohms speakers in Series/Parallel = 8 Ohms. But will the amplifier be able to push the speakers comfortably?

[@juanpablolopezdj7109]

sean khan hola me pueden alludar con mi problema es que mi planta qsc cuando se clipea se apaga vuelve a ensender la planta es de 3000 wt las cabinas son dos dobles de 800 wt cada una

[@12ude13ai]

I have qsc Rmx 1450. I use channel 1 volume knob on bridge mode but if I turn down channel 1 and turn up channel 2 it works , is it suppose to work on both volume control on bridge mode

[@stageleftaudio]

+Mahesh Laikhram It sounds like your amp may not be configured correctly. For your amp, it should only work with the channel 1 attenuator along with the channel 1 input. Verify these things... Make sure the dip switches on your amp are set correctly for bridge operation; make sure you are connecting the speaker wire correctly to the proper output (and also, make sure the speaker wire is wired "correctly" for a bridged signal). Make sure the amplifier is turned off while making in dip switch changes. Here's the manual for your amp: www.qsc.com/resource-files/productresources/amp/discontinued/rmx/q_amp_rmx_series2ru_usermanual.pdf Check out pages 10 - 13

[@12ude13ai]

thank you. I found out that the problem is fix if parallel is off. I'm sending it back , delivery guy must have dropped it. 1 volume control is stiff and the other makes cracking sound when using, plus body damage. thanks again for your help.

[@nelsonmateo1304]

Tengo una pregunta se puede conectar 4 bajo y 4 bose a un pawer amplificador Qsc 5050 y también quisiera saber de cuanto wats se le pueden poner

[@stageleftaudio]

+Nelson Mateo El amplificador QSC 5050 es muy poderoso. Visite el sitio web de QSC para las potencias . Usted probablemente puede conectar que muchos oradores , pero usted tendrá que comprobar.

[@guinakfrustado2598]

Alguien me puede decir cómo conectar un amplificador Behringer y un pv bajos y medios

[@jrsreviewsandhow2s390]

how do I set it in a normal mode " on the switches" I just want my left and right to function normal.

[@stageleftaudio]

The switches on the rear of QSC (and other) amplifiers are used to configure the amplifier for stereo or bridged operation. Older models use dip-switches, whereas newer models use standard switches; and some of the most current models use a touch screen. Due to the many ways to set an amplifier, I recommend downloading the manual of the amplifier you have. It will show the correct way to set your amplifier.

[@thanlinlungsimon6120]

Can we use send and return on this amplifier

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, however, it's possible the signal may not be balanced. As long as the cable is short (several feet or m), this may not present any issues.

[@12ude13ai]

what will happen if i accidentally plug both xlr input in when bridge mode is on ?

[@stageleftaudio]

+Mahesh Laikhram Good question. We've never connected 2 XLR outputs to the inputs of a bridged amp, so we don't have practical experience on what would happen; I recommend contacting QSC directly (i.e. their forum) with your question. One of their engineers may be able to provide you an accurate answer.

[@12ude13ai]

thanks

[@Pd1850_]

How would you connect both speakers to the one channel

[@stageleftaudio]

If a second speaker was to be attached, it would be connected to a speaker that is already connected to the amplifier. For many speakers, it would be the second connector on the back of the speaker (daisy chaining of speakers). Many amplifiers that can be bridged can only run an 8 or 4 ohm load. It's important to know the total load that will be placed on an amplifier before connecting another speaker.

[@mpinzo0098]

Can you do stereo mode and parallel mode on a video. But on a qsc rmx?

[@stageleftaudio]

Take a look at the RMX manual. If the RMX amplifiers have the same input/out configuration, then you should be able to daisy chain them the same way as the PLX.

[@reyrodriguez4463]

disculpe la pregunta como se llamar los cables que se usan para bridge mono

[@stageleftaudio]

Los cables de altavoz Speakon mono están cableados de manera diferente que para los altavoces no mono. El lado del "altavoz" del cable (+ y -) no está conectado de manera diferente que para un cable regular. El lado "amplificador" del cable está conectado como "1+" y "2+". El cable blanco está conectado a "1+" y el cable negro está conectado a "2+". Estas conexiones están en el lado del amplificador del cable del altavoz.

[@djphoneetbobo1246]

can you connect 4 speaker in bridge mode

[@stageleftaudio]

More than likely, no!

[@carlotheatheist]

is this same principle to qsc RMX 4050A and rmx5050A?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. This works on most any amplifier.

[@carlotheatheist]

@@stageleftaudio sir i have more question. now your amp have 30hz filter does it mean if you use it for as a subwoofer amplifier. then you have a analog dbx crossover will it produce 30hz frequency? from 45hz to 30hz frequencies?

[@joehirsch]

SO after I bridge my Crown amp, can i just run the speakers in series then. I have two 8ohm speakers.

[@soundfreak8892]

what speaker and what amp?

[@libread85]

how do i come out of my crossover in the amp in bridge mode.do i not connect side 2 and only connect side 1 or what do i do.i have a behringer crossover.

[@stageleftaudio]

+DjTwon40 You don't need to make any special changes in your crossover to support a bridged amplifier. Make sure the "low" signal output of your crossover goes to channel-1 only of your bridged amplifier. Channel 2 on the bridged amp cannot be used. When bridging an amplifier, you are converting your amplifier to a single channel large amplifier; which means you'll need another amplifier for the other mid/high output of your crossover.

[@libread85]

I got another amplifier for my mid and highs. I just needed to know about both sides of my crossover. Because sides of my crossover have a low settings. I'll try that today and see what happens. I need a bridge mono speaker cable too correct.

[@stageleftaudio]

+DjTwon40 Correct, you will need a special "bridged" speaker cable to connect the amp to the speaker. Many crossovers have outputs called something similar to "low frequency sum". This is probably the connection you need to use to connect the crossover to the low freq. amp (assuming you are running stereo with the crossover).

[@Pd1850_]

my amp can run 8 4 and 2 ohms. my subs can run on 16 8 and 4 ohms. would I connect both subs together then run into the amp

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, for example, connect sub "B" to sub "A". Then, connect sub "A" to the back of your amplifier. If both subs are 8 ohms, this type of setup will present a 4 ohm load to the amplifier. If the subs are 4 ohms, you should NOT connect both subs to the amplifier. Most amplifiers cannot run bridged mode for anything less than 4 ohms. If your subs are 4 ohms, you can only connect one sub to a brdiged-mode amplifier. Check the documentation for your amplifier. It will show you the minimum ohms that the amplifier can support when in bridged mode.

[@Pd1850_]

Thank you

[@carmelitavaldesco6744]

Powerlight

[@jOotaaam]

Una pregunta... Tengo dos subs Yamaha de 2400 watts y tengo dos QSC RMX 2450 necesito saber como linkear para tirar toda la potencia por un canal

[@ELchapincito650]

en eso estoy yo

[@stageleftaudio]

+Jotam Muñoz Hay muchas variables con potencia y altavoces calificaciones amplificador - no estoy seguro de su pregunta . ¿Puede por favor repetir la pregunta?

[@jOotaaam]

+stageleftaudio necesito dejar el power mono

[@stageleftaudio]

+Jotam Muñoz Consulte el manual QSC para ver cómo configurarlo para mono . Sin embargo , la ejecución de los amplificadores QSC en mono puede ser demasiado poder para sus altavoces Yamaha. ¿Son las votaciones 2.400 vatios la potencia de pico ? Si es así , usted debe buscar a la potencia nominal continua del altavoz para determinar la cantidad de energía se pueden alimentar los altavoces Yamaha.

[@jaimeportillo2058]

como puedo linkear 5 qsc en estéreo solo para bajos.

[@stageleftaudio]

Usted necesita "daisy chain" amplificadores juntos. Hay dos videos en nuestro canal que muestran cómo conectar en cadena los amplificadores (estéreo y no estéreo). El video no estéreo es el que te ayudará.

[@jeanmicet4862]

cuantos p300 rcf me agarra por canal el 5050

[@stageleftaudio]

Disculpe, ¿podría volver a escribir la pregunta?

[@djphoneetbobo1246]

in bridge mode he must be one speaker?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes - only use one speaker when in bridge mode.

[@alquinify]

iknow someone in our place build a a powerfull mosfet amplifier 5,520watts@8ohms power

[@christopherpowell3234]

Qsc RMX 4050a vs mx3000 wish one better for subs

[@stageleftaudio]

Depending on the subs you are needing to drive, the 4050a (assuming the Class-H series) would be a much better option,

[@christopherpowell3234]

Thanks

[@christopherpowell3234]

One more thing can the qsc 4050a play 6 , 18 speakers 1500 whtt in bridge mood?

[@stageleftaudio]

The load an amplifier can handle is actually based on the load attached to it. Running (most any) amplifier in bridged mode can only handle down to 4 ohms... this usually equates to 1 x 4 ohm speaker, or 2 x 8 ohm speakers attached in bridged mode. It may not be possible to run the 4050a amp with 6 speakers in bridged mode.

[@patriciagorocito8927]

seria los 4 a esa potencia ni ara falta poner en bridge a 1500 y poner todo junto no es necesario

[@stageleftaudio]

Si lo entiendo correctamente, los amplificadores de potencia no deben recibir corriente del mismo enchufe / receptáculo. Es más effiecient si cada amplificador tiene su propio circuito. Sin embargo, depende de la cantidad de energía que está configurando los amplificadores para, 4/8 ohmios, estéreo / puente.

[@Oneloudest]

For God sakes man, High Pass your microphone, or use a pop filter!

[@djigdalino8931]

Clone

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.

[@stageleftaudio]

The speakers can only be connected in a particular way; the speaker wiring (on the amp side) needs to be wired to support bridged power). The reason for bridging is to utilize the full potential of the amplifier. Bridging combines both "sides" of the amp into 1 large mono amplifier. You mention "series" wiring; that is a wiring method, but I think what you mean is "parallel" wiring. Make sure the ohm load of the speakers is within the range of your amp. If not, it could burn the amp up.