The QSC ISA-280 Commercial Power Amplifierfrom QSC ISA-280 Commercial Power Amplifieris a 3-RU rackmount power amplifier designed specifically for sound contractors. It can be used as a low-impedance solution rated for 2-Ohm operation at 430W per side, or 8-Ohm operation at 185W per side. The versatile loading options, feature set, and protection circuitry, in addition to the built-in HD-15 DataPort V2 DSP interface capability, ensures a high-value, cost-effective solution for budget-minded installations.

The ISA-280 is housed in a rugged all-metal chassis that features rear-panel gain controls for tamper-resistant operation and 2 dB detents for quick and repeatable settings. The inputs include both XLR and detachable Euro-style connectors, and the outputs feature covered barrier-strip connectors for full safety agency compliance.

185W Per Channel @ 8 Ohms    Protection Circuitry    Built-In HD-15 DataPort V2    DSP Interface Capability    Rugged All-Metal Chassis    Rear-Panel Gain Controls    XLR and Detachable Euro-Style Inputs    Covered Barrier-Strip Connector Outputs

High-output stereo power amplifier for low-impedance contractor installation applications

Rear-panel gain controls for tamper-resistant operation with 2 dB detents for quick and repeatable settings

DataPort V2 HD-15 connector for use with DPV2-compatible external signal processing accessories

Full short-circuit, open-circuit, thermal, ultrasonic, and RF protection

Independent defeatable clip limiters for reduced distortion, selectable 30 Hz or 70 Hz high-pass filters protect speakers and prevent speaker transformer saturation

Front panel indicators include power, signal, and clip; Stereo, Bridge and Parallel operating modes

Automatic variable-speed fan for quiet normal operation with maximum cooling; rear-to-front air flow

XLR and detachable Euro style input connectors, covered barrier-strip output connectors with full safety agency compliance

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hi,Would it be possible to power my 200 watts speaker using RANE MA3?

A: This amp is not powerful enough at 40 watts per channel to power a 200 watt speaker. The Lab.Gruppen LUCIA 240/1-70 Mono Amplifier for 70V Installations (1 x 240W), B&H # LAL240170US would be good for one speaker. If you have 2 speakers , then I would look at the QSC SPA Series ENERGY STAR 2-Channel Power Amplifier (200W/Channel), B&H # QSSPA2200.

Q: 2. Can you hear the fans?

A: Hi, yes but the fans are designed to be very quiet on the QSC GXD 8. Thank you for shopping at B&H!

Q: 3. Can this amp be used in a home theater setup?

A: It can, if your home is sufficiently large. The amp is designed for speakers up to 300W (most home theater speakers don't go above 100W, which would fill a decent sized living room with sound.) So the GX3 would work, but you also may find it overkill (and if your speakers are too small or rated at 16 Ohm, you may blow your speakers if you turn the amp volume up too high.)

Q: 4. HI, Is it possible to power my 200 watts speaker using Rane MA3?

A: This amp is 40-watts per channel, so it would not power 200 watt speakers. I would suggest a 200 watt amp, such as the ART SLA-2 - 2-Channel Rackmount Power Amplifier (200W Per Channel at 8 Ohms), BH #ARSLA2.

Q: 5. how many speakers can I connect per channel?

A: The QSC GX3 features 2 physical speaker outputs designed for optimal operation at 8 ohms. The unit is able to operate safely with a 4 ohm load as well which will give you a higher wattage output per channel. You are able to connect multiple speakers to each channel in parallel, but should be careful not to exceed the wattage and impedance ratings listed by the manufacturer.

Q: 6. Im frm Philippines.. What is the right wattage/amperes of transformer be use to power this Gx3

A: You would need a step down transformer such as this BH #SEST1500UD.

Q: 7. Does this item come with Rack mount ears?

A: The Quest Commercial M-65 does not include rack ears, but they are available separately (BH #QURKM3565).

Q: 8. Can we give input to 1 GX3 power amplifier from another GX3 power amplifier?

A: There are no outputs on the GX3 other than speaker outputs which can not be connected to the input of another amplifier. The GX3 outputsare designed to connect only to speaker inputs

Q: 9. Is this an original version of the amplifier with the fan speed control? The product image silkscreen seems to indicate this is NOS.

A: No, this is the current version of the Rane MA 3 Three-Channel Power Amplifier which does not offer control of the fan speed. The earlier version did have a two-way switch that allowed you to run the fan at normal or fast speed. According to Rane, it was seldom necessary, if ever, to run the fan at the fast speed, except perhaps in very hot environments when used for heavily compressed music into a demanding load. The downside of running the fan at the fast speed was noise. For that reason the current version does not include fan speed control and provides thermal management with a sealed heat-tunnel design incorporating low velocity forced-air and large aperture openings. This design minimizes the noise usually associated with forced air cooling and eliminates the need for an air filter. Forced air-cooling allows the amplifier to operate reliably in harsh environments and avoid the buildup of heat in unventilated racks.

Q: 10. I wish to use this amp with (4) speakers inside a small (1,500 sqft) fun center lobby with 10ft. ceilings. Would someone be able to suggest a good speaker match? Thanx.

A: Thank you for your question. Please give us a call at 800.606.6969 so that we can better assist you in getting the right speakers for your needs.