QSC DPA Series User manual

DPA Amplifiers
User Manual
DPA4.2 — 4 Channel, 2000 W Amplifier
DPA4.3 — 4 Channel, 4000 W Amplifier
DPA4.5 — 4 Channel, 8000 W Amplifier
TD-000434-00-B
*TD-000434-00*

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EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS
The term “WARNING!” indicates instructions regarding personal safety. If the instructions are not followed the result may be bodily injury or death.
The term “CAUTION!” indicates instructions regarding possible damage to physical equipment. If these instructions are not followed, it may result in
damage to the equipment that may not be covered under the warranty.
The term “IMPORTANT!” indicates instructions or information that are vital to the successful completion of the procedure.
The term "NOTE" is used to indicate additional useful information.
The intent of the lightning flash with arrowhead symbol in a triangle is to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated "dangerous"
voltage within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.
The intent of the exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is to alert the user to the presence of important safety, and operating
and maintenance instructions in this manual.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING!: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation opening. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the power cord shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
11. The appliance coupler, or the AC Mains plug, is the AC mains disconnect device and shall remain readily operable after installation.
12. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.
13. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
14. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
15. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
16. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.
17. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when any doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment installation.
18. Do not use any aerosol spray, cleaner, disinfectant or fumigant on, near or into the apparatus. Clean only with a dry cloth.
19. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord, use the plug.
20. Do not submerge the apparatus in water or liquids.
21. Keep ventilation opening free of dust or other matter.

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Maintenance and Repair
WARNING!: Advanced technology, e.g., the use of modern materials and powerful electronics, requires specially adapted
maintenance and repair methods. To avoid a danger of subsequent damage to the apparatus, injuries to persons and/or the
creation of additional safety hazards, all maintenance or repair work on the apparatus should be performed only by a QSC
authorized service station or an authorized QSC International Distributor. QSC is not responsible for any injury, harm or related
damages arising from any failure of the customer, owner or user of the apparatus to facilitate those repairs.
FCC Statement
For DPA4.3 and DPA4.5
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
For DPA4.2
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RoHS STATEMENT
The QSC DPA4.2, DPA4.3 and DPA4.5 amplifiers are in compliance with European Directive 2011/65/EU – Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS2).
The QSC DPA4.2, DPA4.3 and DPA4.5 amplifiers are in compliance with “China RoHS” directives. The following chart is provided for product use in
China and its territories:
QSC DPA4.2, DPA4.3, and DPA4.5 Amplifiers
部件名称
(Part Name)
有毒有害物质或元素
(Toxic or hazardous Substances and Elements)
铅
(Pb)
汞
(Hg)
镉
(Cd)
六价铬
(Cr(vi))
多溴联苯
(PBB)
多溴二苯醚
(PBDE)
电路板组件
(PCB Assemblies)
X O O O O O
机壳装配件
(Chassis Assemblies)
X O O O O O
O: 表明这些有毒或有害物质在部件使用的同类材料中的含量是在 SJ/T11363_2006 极限的要求之下。
(O: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this part is below the limit requirement
in SJ/T11363_2006.)
X: 表明这些有毒或有害物质在部件使用的同类材料中至少有一种含量是在 SJ/T11363_2006 极限的要求之上。
(X: Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials used for this part is above the
limit requirement in SJ/T11363_2006.)
Warranty
For a copy of the DPA warranty, visit the QSC website at www.qsc.com

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Introduction
Built for system integrators, the DPA series amplifiers provide multi-channel amplification with built-in DSP and enough power to drive wide varieties
of speaker systems with optimal energy efficiency. The DPA Series consists of three light-weight, 2RU, four-channel amplifiers with on-board DSP and
flexible channel combining as well as 70V and 100V direct drive. These amplifiers not only provide the power and processing to make your system
perform better, they offer outstanding efficiency ensuring that energy costs are kept to a minimum over the life of the installation.
DPA amplifiers feature Flexible Amplifier Summing Technology (FAST). Depending on the model, 2000, 4000, or 8000 Watts of total power can be
distributed across one to four outputs. In addition, the DPA4.3 and DPA4.5, can drive 70V or 100V speaker lines directly from any one or all of the
four outputs, and the DPA4.2 can drive 70V or 100V speaker outputs from bridged channels. This flexibility allows DPA Series amplifiers to drive
(for example) two full-range, surface-mounted loudspeakers along with a subwoofer and one 100 V distributed loudspeaker line; or a high-power
subwoofer and a bi-amplified full-range loudspeaker; three 70V distributed loudspeaker lines and a subwoofer; or a single very high-power channel to
drive monster subwoofers.
The DPA Series amplifiers use QSC’s third-generation class-D power amp design in combination with a custom power stage utilizing a new output
device (4.3 and 4.5 only). In addition, DPA amplifiers employ the proven PowerLight power supply in conjunction with Power Factor Correction (PFC)
(4.3 and 4.5 only) which aligns the current waveform with the AC mains voltage waveform. PFC enables the DPA Series amplifiers to draw current
from the wall in a more efficient and controlled manner resulting in very high power from a single standard AC breaker. Additionally, the DPA Series
amplifiers offer multi-stage sleep modes saving energy when possible without sacrificing performance. The result is an exceptionally powerful and
flexible platform that offers very high efficiency.
With four channels of amplification plus signal processing in just 2RUs, the DPA series replaces equipment taking up as much as three times
the rack-space.
A single DPA Series amplifier is a capable and sophisticated loudspeaker processor. Integration of processing and amplification means that the DSP
knows exactly what the amplifier is doing so dynamics processing can be far more accurate and effective. This approach employs both RMS and Peak
Limiters that allow the amplifier and loudspeaker to produce more output without being pushed to distortion or destruction.
The on-board DSP offers four channels of cross-over filters, 5-band parametric EQ/Low-shelf/High-shelf, alignment delay and dynamics processing
— everything needed to optimize a loudspeaker system. Additionally when using QSC loudspeakers, DPA amplifiers provide Intrinsic Correction™, a
combination of filtering, limiting and loudspeaker knowhow that was first developed for QSC's WideLine line-array loudspeakers. Intrinsic Correction
compensates for the non-linearity in horn and driver design resulting in exceptional performance.
The DPA also includes manufacturers' recommended tunings for a number of the most popular passive loudspeakers. A system setup wizard helps
you select the right preset, or select one of the 20 configuration templates and create tunings that you can save in the user preset library.
Whether using the dedicated front panel user interface featuring a 400 x 240 display, rotary encoder and navigation buttons, or the Amplifier Navigator
software on a PC or Mac, the DPA amplifiers are an ideal amplifier/processing platform for installations.
Unpacking
There are no special unpacking instructions. You may want to keep the shipping material for the unlikely event that the amplifier should need
returning for service.
Package Contents
1. Quick-Start Guide TD-000350
2. Warning Information Sheet TD-000420
3. DPA Amplifier
4. IEC AC Power Cord
5. Euro-style Connector Plug, 3-pin (4)
6. Euro-style Connector Plug, 8-pin (1)
7. Euro-style Connector Plug, 3.5 mm, 2-pin (1)
8. Euro-style Connector Plug, 3.5 mm, 3-pin (1)
9. USB Cable (1)

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Features
Amplifier Front Panel
— Figure 1 —
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
12
13
14
15
16
9
10
11
1. Output channels are labeled A, B, C, and D
2. Output Channel Mute Buttons and LEDs (Red)
3. Output Channel Limiter LEDs (Red)
4. Output Channel -10 dB below maximum amplifier output (Blue)
5. Output Channel -20 dB below maximum amplifier output (Blue)
6. Soft Power Button (Blue/Red)
7. Channel Select Buttons and LEDs (Amber for Input, Blue for Output)
8. Input Channel Clip LEDs (Red)
9. Input Channel Signal-Present LEDs (Blue)
10. Input channels are labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4
11. LCD Graphic Display
12. HOME Button
13. ENTER Button
14. MASTER CONTROL Knob
15. EXIT Button
16. GAIN Button
Amplifier Rear Panel
NOTE: The DPA4.3, and DPA4.5 models have a different rear panel configuration than the DPA4.2 rear panel. The difference is that the
position of the fan and the eight-pin Euro-style connector and associated information are interchanged.
— Figure 2 —
CH AB
T1+
T3+
T2-
T4-
CH CD
T5+
T7+
T6-
T8-
CH ABC
T1+
T3+
T5+
T2-
T4-
T6-
CH ABCD
T1+
T3+
T5+
T7+
T2-
T4-
T6-
T8-
CH AB+CD
T1+
T3+
T5-
T7-
CH C + D
T5+T7-
CH A + B
T1+T3-
BRIDGED
OUTPUTS TO SPEAKERS
CH A
CH D
CH C
CH B
+
+
+
+
-
-
-
-
T1
T4
T3
T2
T5
T8
T7
T6
SETTINGS CAN BE
CONFIGURED FOR
70V, 100V AND
200V DIRECT
OUTPUT.
PARALLEL CHANNEL
COMBINING APPLICATIONS
THIS PRODUCT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED ON ALL
FOUR CORNERS WHEN INSTALLED IN A RACK
USB
HEARTBEAT
GPO
GPI
1 4 5 6 7 8 102 93
1. USB Type B, four-pin
2. GPO/Heartbeat (output) Euro-style Connector, 3-pin
3. GPI (input) Euro-style Connector, 2-pin
4. Four three-pin Euro-style Connectors
5. One eight-pin Euro-style Loudspeaker Connector
6. Cooling fan
7. AC Power Switch
8. Locking IEC Power Connection
9. Rear Rack-mount Bracket
10. Front Rack-mount Brackets

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Installation
The following steps are written in the recommended installation order.
Rack-Mount the Amplifier
The DPA Series amplifiers are designed to be mounted in a standard rack-mount unit. The amplifiers are 2RU high, the DPA4.3 and DPA4.5 are 381
mm (15 in) deep, the DPA4.2 is 229 mm (9 in) deep.
1. Secure the amplifier in the rack with eight (four for the DPA4.2) screws (not included), four in front, four in back. For complete instructions, refer
to TD-000050 "Rear Rack Ears Installation Guide" which can be found on the QSC Website (www.qsc.com).
CAUTION!: Be sure that nothing is blocking the front or rear ventilation openings, and that each side has a minimum of
2 cm clearance.
AC Mains
WARNING!: When the AC Power is on, there is a potential of having
dangerous voltage at the output terminals on the rear of the amplifier. Use
caution not to touch these contacts. Turn off the AC Mains disconnect switch
prior to making any connections.
The DPA4.3 and DPA4.5 amplifiers have a Universal power supply 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz,
with an IEC locking connector. The DPA 4.2 has a Universal power supply 100 - 132/200-240
VAC, 50 – 60 Hz, with an IEC locking connector.
1. Make sure the power switch on the rear of the amplifier is off.
2. Connect the IEC AC cable between the amplifier rear AC connector and the AC source.
AC Power
NOTE: If the amplifier has no audio for fifteen minutes, the amplifier stops switching. The amplifier returns to the Run mode the instant
audio is present.
When you remove power from the amplifier, then re-apply the power, the amplifier returns to its last state.
— Figure 3 —

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Inputs
Connect the Audio Inputs
— Figure 4 —
Balanced
— Figure 5 —
Unbalanced
— Figure 6 —
HEARTBEAT
GPO
GPI
USB
ROUTABLE INPUTS
21 43
There are four three-pin Euro-style connectors labeled 1 through 4 providing the audio
inputs on the DPA Amplifiers. A single input can be mixed to one or a combination of
outputs. You can use from one to four of the inputs. The inputs are 10 kΩbalanced or
unbalanced, with a sensitivity of either +4 or +14 dBu.
1. Make sure your audio source devices are powered off.
2. Wire the audio line-level source to up to four Euro-style connectors (supplied). You
may use either balanced inputs (Figure 4) or unbalanced inputs (Figure 5).
NOTE: The DPA Series has the capability of routing the inputs to different
outputs. Be sure that the connections you make here match the configuration
of the amplifier.
3. Plug the connectors into the appropriate receptacles (ROUTABLE INPUTS 1, 2, 3, 4)
Figure 6 and Figure 7.
USB (Optional)
The USB cable (supplied) connects to a Mac or PC for use with the Amplifier Navigator software. You can update the amplifier firmware, save and
deploy configuration files, and more. Refer to the Amplifier Navigator online help for details.
GPIO/Heartbeat
There are two 3.5 mm Euro-style connectors on the rear of the amplifier.
• Heartbeat The heartbeat output supplies a square wave signal of 1 Hz @ 3.3 V. This signal can connect to a life-safety system to monitor the go/
no-go condition of the amplifier. The amplifier must be completely incapable of producing output for the heartbeat signal to stop. A missing
heartbeat alerts the life-safety system of the disabled condition. A user-initiated condition such as muting the outputs, placing the amplifier in
Standby mode, or placing the amplifier in Mute All mode, does not stop the heartbeat.
• GPO The GPO can be triggered (High or Low flag) by one of the following faults:
◦All Faults
◦Thermal Limiting
◦Impedance (selectable impedance boundaries)
• GPI The GPI Input allows you to do one of the following from a remote location:
◦Put the amplifier into Standby or Run mode,
◦Mute or unmute all outputs, or
◦Recall one of two Presets
— Figure 7 —
+
-
+
-
+
-
+
-

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Outputs
The DPA amplifiers have four configurable outputs. You can set the power, combine outputs (bridged and parallel), and adjust the DSP for each
output. When the output configuration of the amplifier changes, the output terminals, controlled by relays, change accordingly. Use the diagrams
shown in Figure 9 thru Figure 17 as a reference for wiring the loudspeakers.
Select the Output Configuration
The first step in configuring your amplifier is to select a Preset based on the loudspeakers being connected to the amplifier. The Preset Name is
representative of the configuration. You can select a factory preset, and then adjust the parameters as needed, then save the configuration as a user-
defined preset. In addition, you can use the "Preset Wizard" on page 15 to create presets from one of the basic channel combinations. When the
configuration is changed, all four channels are automatically muted.
— Figure 8 —
F1: A B C D
F7: ABC D
MABC MD
Current Preset Name
Selected Preset Name
Input Mixer
Frequency Range color
Output Configuration
Input number
Sub-woofer
Low-Frequency
Mid Frequency
High-Frequency
Full Full Range
Frequency Range Color Codes
WARNING!: When the AC Power is on, there is a potential of having dangerous voltage at the output terminals on the rear of
the amplifier. Use caution not to touch these contacts. Turn off the AC Mains disconnect switch prior to making any connections.
1. Turn the AC Mains power switch on the back of the amplifier to on. The amplifier starts in the Run mode.
2. Press and release the front-panel power button. The button flashes red, the amplifier is in Mute All mode.
3. Select the configuration appropriate for your loudspeakers, using either Preset Recall, or the Preset Wizard.

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The following is a list of configurations for 1, 2, 3, and 4-channel outputs. This is not an exhaustive list, but is intended to give you an idea of what is
available and how the outputs would be wired.
One-Channel Configurations
— Figure 9 —
F9: ABCD
F9: ABCD
MABCD
ABCD Parallel
— Figure 10 —
F8: AB+CD
F8: AB+CD
MAB+CD
AB Parallel
Bridged with
CD Parallel
Two-Channel Configurations
— Figure 11 —
F6: A+B C+D
F6: A+B C+D
A+B C+D
M M
A+B Bridged
C+D Bridged
— Figure 12 —
F5: AB C+D
F5: AB C+D
AB C+D
M M
AB Parallel
C+D Bridged

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— Figure 13 —
F4: AB CD
F4: AB CD
AB CD
M M
AB Parallel
CD Parallel
— Figure 14 —
F7: ABC D
F7: ABC D
ABC D
M M
ABC Parallel
D Single
Three-Channel Configurations
— Figure 15 —
F3: A+B C D
F3: A+B C D
A+B C D
M M M
A+B Bridged
C Single
D Single
— Figure 16 —
F2: AB C D
F2: AB C D
MAB MCMD
AB Parallel
C Single
D Single

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Four-Channel Configuration
— Figure 17 —
F1: A B C D
F1: A B C D
M M
A B MCMD
A Single
B Single
C Single
D Single
Connect the Loudspeakers
WARNING!: When the AC Power is on, there is a potential of having
dangerous voltage at the output terminals on the rear of the amplifier. Use
caution to not touch these contacts. Turn off the AC Mains disconnect switch
prior to making any connections.
1. Turn the AC Mains power switch, on the back of the amplifier, to OFF.
2. Connect the loudspeaker wiring to the 8-pin Euro-style connector. Refer to Figure 9
thru Figure 17.
3. Install the Euro-style connector onto the rear of the amplifier as shown in Figure 18.
4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the connector.
— Figure 18 —

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Amplifier Control
— Figure 19 —
OUTPUT
HOME
MASTER
CONTROL
-10
-20
LIM
SEL
MUTE
A
1
SEL
MUTE
B
2
SEL
MUTE
C
3
SEL
MUTE
D
4
CLIP
SIG
INPUT
ENTER
EXIT
GAIN
(power
button)
Off Mode
• Rear power switch is off, the amplifier is not
operable. The power switch is the AC Mains
disconnect.
• The power button is not illuminated.
• Turn the power switch to on. The amplifier enters the mode it was in
when power was removed. The power button is illuminated based on
the mode.
• GPI setup has an effect on the operation of the power button.
Run Mode
• From Standby or Mute All modes, press and release the
power button on the front panel.
• The power button is illuminated blue.
• The amplifier is fully operable; audio can pass.
• GPI setup has an effect on the operation of the power button.
Standby Mode
• From Mute All or Run modes, press and hold the power
button on the front panel for two to three seconds.
• The power button illuminates solid red.
• The front panel LCD is off.
• The amplifier is not operable; audio will not pass.
• GPI setup has an effect on the operation of the power button.
Mute All Mode
• From the Run Mode, quickly press and release the power
button.
• The power button flashes red.
• The outputs are muted and amplifiers are off.
• The front panel and DSP functionality are fully operable. Any changes
you make are saved and take effect in the Run Mode.
• GPI setup has an effect on the operation of the power button.
Master Control Knob
• Scrolls up/down and right/left to select menu items and
parameters
• Adjusts parameters
ENTER Button
• Navigates into the menu structure
• Enters the edit mode for adjusting parameters
• Confirms the changes you make, and exits the edit mode.
EXIT Button
• Navigates out of the menu structure and parameter selection.
• In the edit mode, pressing EXIT reverts the value back to its prior
state, and exits the edit mode.
HOME Button
• If you are on the Home screen, pressing HOME displays the
alternate Home screen. Pressing HOME again returns you to the
primary Home screen.
• If you are on a navigation screen, pressing HOME takes you to the
home screen.
• If you are on an edit screen, pressing HOME will confirm any value
being edited and take you to the Home screen.
GAIN Button
• Pressing the GAIN button from any screen takes
you to the output gain screen for the most recently accessed output
channel.
• Pressing GAIN again confirms the gain change and returns to the
screen you were on when you pressed GAIN.
• The Gain button illuminates green when selected.
SEL Buttons
• Use these buttons to navigate between input
channels or output channels. For example, if you are adjusting output
gain on channel A, pressing the channel B SEL button takes you to the
gain adjustment for channel B.
• These buttons change both Input and Output selection at the same
time. For example, if you select Output A then switch to an Input
screen, you are on Input 1.
• The SEL buttons are active on any Input or Output screen as indicated
by an illuminated SEL button, and a label in the upper right corner of
the screen (Input 1-4 or Output 1-4).
• The SEL buttons illuminate blue for output channels, and amber for
input channels.
MUTE Buttons
MUTE
• Use these buttons to mute the audio of the associated
output channel.
• When the output configuration is changed, the MUTE buttons are
engaged automatically. You must manually unmute the channels.
LIM LEDs
• Illuminates red when the Limiter is engaged.
-10 and -20 LEDs
• Indicates the dB below maximum output level of
the channel.
CLIP LEDs
• Illuminates red when the input signal is being clipped.
SIG LEDs
• Illuminates blue when a signal greater than -40 dB is
present.
ENTER
EXIT
HOME
GAIN GAIN
SEL SEL
LIM
-10 & -20
CLIP
SIG

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DPA Amplifier Signal Flow
— Figure 20 —
Input Settings Output Processing Amp Config.
Sensitivity
Switch A/D Meter Gain Mixer Mute High-pass Filter
Gain /
Polarity
Low-pass
Filter
5-Band
PEQ Delay RMS / Peak Limiter D / A A Meter
Sensitivity
Switch A/D Meter Gain Mixer Mute High-pass Filter
Gain /
Polarity
Low-pass
Filter
5-Band
PEQ Delay RMS / Peak Limiter D / A B Meter
Sensitivity
Switch A/D Meter Gain Mixer Mute High-pass Filter
Gain /
Polarity
Low-pass
Filter
5-Band
PEQ Delay RMS / Peak Limiter D / A D Meter
Sensitivity
Switch A/D Meter Gain Mixer Mute High-pass Filter
Gain /
Polarity
Low-pass
Filter
5-Band
PEQ Delay RMS / Peak Limiter D / A E Meter
Button
Activated Crossover Set by Preset or Wizard
Menu Tree
Presets Inputs Outputs Utilities
Preset Recall Input Sensitivity Mixer w/Noise & Tone Status
Preset Save Input Gain Spkr Processing Amp ID
Preset Wizard Crossover Display
PEQ Lockout
Delay Password
Limiter GPI
Array Correction* GPO
Load Speaker
Save Speaker
*For QSC Line Arrays only.
AC Power On
After connecting the outputs to the loudspeakers, you may turn the amplifier on.
1. Make sure the output gain settings for all audio-source devices (CD Players, Mixers, Instruments, etc.) are at the lowest output (max
attenuation).
2. Turn on all audio sources.
3. Turn the AC Mains power switch on the back of the amplifier to ON. The amplifier starts in the state it was in when power was removed. If
the amplifier is in Standby or Mute All mode (Power button LED solid red or blinking), press the Power button to change the amplifier to Run
mode.
4. You can now bring up the outputs of your audio sources.

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Screen Types
— Figure 21 —
Informational
Informational screens, like the HOME screen, are
designed to provide you with a good amount of
useful information at a glance.
F1: A B C D
Full
+1.5 dB
A - FR
+1.5 dB
C - FR
Full
+1.5 dB
D - FR
Full
121 V 7.2 AAC Voltage: AC Current:
Home (Press HOME for more information)
+3.5 dB
B - FR
Full
Amp Status: OK
Preset # and Name
Location and breadcrumbs
Channel Configuration
and Gain
AC Voltage and Current
Amplifier Status
— Figure 22 —
Preset Recall and Save
Menu
PRESETS
INPUTS
F1: A B C D
Navigational
Navigational screens provide the means to move
around and select menu items. Use the Master
Control knob, ENTER and EXIT buttons for navigation.
This is an example of one type of navigational screen,
there are others.
Preset # and Name
Location and breadcrumbs
Empty area indicates no
selections above
Current Menu Selection
Next Menu selection below (CW)
— Figure 23 —
Parameter Editing
Parameter editing screens allow you to select, edit,
and confirm changes for various system parameters.
Use the ENTER button to edit and confirm changes
to parameters. Use the Master Control knob to select
parameter, and make adjustments. Use the EXIT
button to exit the edit mode without saving changes.
Gain
-7.0 dB
Gn/Pol
F1: A B C D
Polarity
POL+
Output
A
20 dB
-60 dB
Gain
-7.0 dB
Parameter being edited
Parameter not selected
Parameter selected
About Presets
The DPA amplifiers are preset driven. An understanding of how presets work is essential to get the most out of the amplifiers. A Preset, in the context
of the DPA amplifiers, is a combination of amplifier configuration (inputs and outputs), DSP, and loudspeaker assignments. When a preset is recalled it
can change the output routing and any of the DSP settings.
The DPA amplifiers come with 20 unchangeable factory presets, and 50 user-defined presets. The factory presets are designed to be starting points
for creating the presets you need for your particular installation. Factory presets F1: thru F9: have no DSP or loudspeaker assignments, only output
configurations. Factory presets F10: thru F20: include basic settings along with the output configurations.
User-defined Presets
Presets U1 through U50 are all configured from the factory the same as factory preset F1. Anytime you save a preset, it overwrites one of the
User-defined Presets. There are three ways of creating user-defined presets.
• You can recall a user-defined preset with the output configuration you want, then modify the DSP parameters and SAVE it by overwriting the one
you recalled, or you can SAVE AS (overwrite) another user-defined preset.
• You can recall a factory preset, modify the parameters, then SAVE AS one of the user-defined presets. The SAVE procedure is not available for
factory presets.
• You can use the Preset Wizard to set the output configuration, power output, and other parameters, then SAVE AS (overwrite) a user-
defined preset.

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Preset Wizard
The Preset Wizard simplifies the preset creation process, and allows you to create a preset from the ground up. The Preset Wizard provides a
mechanism for you to select the desired power and load. Based on these selections, the best amplifier configuration is selected and you are then
allowed to select and assign loudspeakers to each output.
NOTE: The power levels shown in this procedure are taken from the DPA4.3 unless indicated otherwise. DPA4.2 will show less power
and DPA4.5 will show greater power. For complete details refer to the "Specifications" on page 31.
HOME > PRESETS > PRESET WIZARD (ENTER)
Step 1 — About the Preset Wizard
ABOUT SPEAKERS SAVE
Preset Wizard does the following:
• Configures the amplifier
• Loads DSP settings for assigned speakers
Tips:
• Start with the highest power
• Speakers do not need to be assigned
to each output
NEXT
Preset Wizard does the following:
• Configures the amplifier
• Loads DSP settings for
assigned speakers
Tips:
• Start with the highest power
• Speakers do not need to be
assigned to each output
To Continue, press
ENTER
HOME > PRESETS > PRESET WIZARD > ENTER (ENTER)
Step 2 — Adjust Impedance and Power
OUTPUTS SPEAKERS SAVE
A B C D
Output:
8.0 - - - - - -
Imped:
625 - - - - - -
Power:
Remaining Power Available: 1875 W
Enter Load Profile (Impedance and Power)
Adjust Impedance based on the total
loudspeaker load connected to the
channel.
Default = 8 Ω
Default = min. for amp
Impedance and Power are dynamically
linked for adjustments.
Scroll to select (Impedance or Power)
To edit, press
Turn to adjust parameter
To confirm, press
Repeat for remaining output channels
ENTER
ENTER
— Figure 24 —
- - -
B
25%
A
- - -
25%
D
- - -
25%
C
- - -
25%
AB
- - -
50%
D
- - -
25%
C
- - -
25%
CD
- - -
50%
AB
- - -
50%
A+B
- - -
50%
D
- - -
25%
C
- - -
25%
D
- - -
25%
ABC
- - -
75%
ABCD
- - -
100%
AB + CD
- - -
100%
A+B
- - -
50%
C+D
- - -
50%
*
Possible Output Mode Combinations using the Preset Wizard
Modes: A B = Separate Channels / A+B = Bridge Mode / AB = Parallel Mode
* Percentages are used to represent the power for different amplifier models.
Step 3 — Select Output Channel for Speaker Assignment
OUTPUTS SPEAKERS SAVE
Assign AssignAssign
Output:
A DCB
Imped: 8.0 8.08.08.0
Spkr: - - - - - - - -- - - -- - - -
Assign
Power: 625 625625625
When you are finished setting the
Impedance and Power for each
output, continue to scroll to access
the SPEAKERS tab.
Loudspeaker assignment is optional,
you can assign a loudspeaker to one
or more channels, or none at all.
Scroll to select the Output channel.
To Assign a loudspeaker, press
Continue to the next Step.
ENTER

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Step 4 — Select Speaker Type for Channel
OUTPUTS SPEAKERS SAVE
Output: A
ASSIGN
Full Range
Speaker:
Default
Band:
QSC AP-5152
Filter:
To edit Speaker, press
Scroll to select a Speaker model
To confirm, press
Scroll to select (Band, Filter)
To edit, press
Turn to adjust parameter
To confirm, press
Scroll to select ASSIGN
To assign the speaker to the output channel, press
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
Band and Filter selections
are based on the Speaker
you select. You must select a
loudspeaker before selecting
Band and Filter.
When you have finished
assigning loudspeakers,
continue to scroll to access the
SAVE tab.
Step 5 — Select User Preset Number
Edit preset number or press EXIT
User Preset Number: 21
SAVE
New Preset Name
C o n f i g - A
OUTPUTS SPEAKERS SAVE
Scroll to the Save screen
To edit User Preset number, press
Turn to adjust parameter
To confirm, press
Scroll to the New Preset Name
ENTER
ENTER
Step 6 — Assign New User Preset Name
Press ENTER to edit name
SAVE
M y S p k r
SAVE
SPEAKERSABOUT
New Preset Name
User Preset Number: 21
Indicates editing
Indicates “Speaker
Preset Name”
is selected
Up to 21 characters
A - Z / a - z / 0 - 9 /
_ / - / space
To add Speaker Profile Name, press
Scroll to desired letter position press
Turn to select desired character press
When finished with lettering, press twice
When finished, scroll to SAVE press
To RECALL Preset, press
To not RECALL Preset, press
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
EXIT
ENTER
ENTER
EXIT

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Modify Presets
To modify a preset, recall the preset with the desired output configuration, modify the Input parameters, Output parameters, then save the preset. In
addition, you can save the preset as you are going thru the creation process.
Recall a Preset
A Preset includes the output configuration, input parameters, and loudspeaker profiles (DSP, load, and assignments). There are 20 factory presets that
can be recalled, but not overwritten, and 50 user-defined presets that can be recalled and overwritten.
• Factory presets F1: Config thru F9: Config contain output configurations only.
• Factory presets F10: thru F20: contain the output configurations and basic DSP for the configurations.
• There are 50 user presets that can be recalled and overwritten.
Recalling a Preset changes the configuration of the amplifier. You can recall factory or user-defined presets.
HOME > PRESETS > PRESET RECALL (ENTER)
Step 1 — Select Preset
A B C D
M M M M
F1: A B C D
F1: A B C D
Input Sub MF FullHFLF
Indicates more Presets
Scroll to desired Preset
20 Factory, 50 User-defined
Step 2 — Confirm Selection
F1: A B C D
F18: 3-Way
Press ENTER to confirm selection
A+B C D
M M M
The message at the bottom changes to: "Recalling Preset now..."
You may hear relays clicking!
To select the Preset configuration, press
To confirm the selection, press
ENTER
ENTER

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Set up the Inputs
NOTE: Changes made to input levels are in real time.
HOME > INPUTS > SENS (ENTER)
Step 1 — Select Input Sensitivity
F1: A B C D Input
1
Input Sens
3.0 Vrms
Gain (dB)
0.0
Const
Sens
After confirming the
Sensitivity setting, you
can scroll to Gain and
adjust it, before moving
to the next Input.
Scroll to select (3.0 or 1.2 Vrms)
To confirm selection, press
To move to the next input, press
Repeat this procedure for
remaining input channels
ENTER
SEL
Constant Sensitivity gives you maximum power out when the input device's output reaches the Sensitivity you set.
If sensitivity setting is +1.2 Vrms, a 1.2 Vrms signal from the input device results in 100V (DPA4.5) and 70V (DPA4.3) at the output of amplifier. So amplifier gain at
+1.2 Vrms sensitivity is 38 dB (DPA4.5) and 35 dB (DPA4.3). Input signal will clip 10 dB above sensitivity setting.
If sensitivity setting is +3.0 Vrms, a 3.0 Vrms signal from the input device results in 100V (DPA4.5) and 70V (DPA4.5) at the output of the amplifier. So amp gain at
+3.0 dBu sensitivity is 28 dB (DPA4.5) and 25 dB (DPA4.3). Input signal will clip 10 dB above sensitivity setting.
HOME > INPUTS > INPUT GAIN (ENTER)
Step 2 — Set Input Gain
F1: A B C D Input
1
Input Gain (dB)
0.0
Sens
3.0 Vrms
Const
Sens
Scroll to select (-100 thru 20 dB)
To confirm selection, press
To move to the next input, press
Repeat this procedure for
remaining input channels
ENTER
SEL
Set up the Outputs
NOTE: Changes made to outputs are in real time.
Mixer
The DPA amplifiers are equipped with an internal mixer that allows you to
adjust the signals from each input to each of the four outputs. Figure 25 is a
diagram of the Mixer for Output Channel A.
• The default setting for the Input Gain is 0.0 dB, and is set in the
INPUTS section.
• Each output channel has four inputs, each controlled by a Mixer Gain.
• The Input Gain and Mixer Gain are cumulative. For example, if you set the
Input Gain to +2.0 dB, and the Mixer Gain to -5.0 dB, the resulting output
is -3.0 dB
As a default channel "1" is mixed to output A, 2 to B, 3 to C, and 4 to D, all
other input channels are set to -100. Adjusting an Input Gain changes that
channel's input to the mixers of all channels. Changing a Mixer Gain affects only
that input for the selected output channel. — Figure 25 —
Input 1
Input 2
Input 3
Input 4
Output
A
Output Mixers
B
D
C
Output Mixers
B
D
C
Output Mixers
B
D
C
Output Mixers
B
D
C
INPUTS OUTPUT
MIXER A
0.0 dB
-100 dB
-100 dB
-100 dB
0.0 dB
0.0 dB
0.0 dB
0.0 dB

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HOME > OUTPUTS > MIXER (ENTER)
Step 1 — Set Mixer Gains
F1: A B C D Output
A
MIXER Input 1
4.2
Input 2
-100.0
Input 3
-49.9
Input 4
-100.0
Scroll to the Input you wish to adjust
To edit, press
Adjust the Gain for the selected input
To confirm, press
Repeat for the remaining inputs
To move to the next Output, press
When you are finished, press
ENTER
ENTER
SEL
EXIT
HOME > OUTPUTS > MIXER (ENTER)
Step 1 — Test - Pink Noise and Tone Generator
F1: A B C D Output
A
Source
Tone
Noise
OFF
Tone
ON
Freq
1.0k
TEST
Scroll to TEST press
On Source, press
Select Tone or Noise press
Scroll to Noise press
Adjust Noise to desired level press
Scroll to Tone press
Adjust Tone to desired level press
Scroll to Freq press
Adjust to desired frequency press
When you are finished, press
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
MIXER
PINK
20.0 Hz –20 kHz
Output Levels
Off (-80 dB) to -10 dB
• You must be in the TEST mode to use Noise and Tone
• Noise and Tone cannot be used on the same channel at the same time.
• Use the Source to switch between Noise and Tone.
• Noise and Tone do not go through the Mixer.
• Noise and Tone Gain controls are independent of the Input and Output
Gain controls.
Loudspeaker Processing
The Speaker Processing section allows you to make adjustments to the Crossover, EQ, Delay, Limiter, and QSC Array details for each output channel.
In addition, you can load a pre-defined loudspeaker then make any adjustments needed, and save the changes as a user-defined loudspeaker.
Depending on the loudspeaker selection, various parameters are not available for adjustment. When you make adjustments, you are making them in
real time. If audio is passed while making changes, it is affected by the change.
The following instructions are not all in menu order, and all are optional. Repeat the following procedure for each output channel as necessary.
Load Speaker Profile
HOME > OUTPUTS > SPKR PROC > LOAD SPKR (ENTER)
A loudspeaker profile includes all the DSP and loudspeaker characteristics available in the SPKR PROC section. When you LOAD a loudspeaker, you
are loading all of the DSP and characteristics of that loudspeaker. You can start by loading a loudspeaker and then make modifications and save your
new profile, or you can build the profile without loading a loudspeaker, and then save it as a new profile. If you load a QSC loudspeaker, the amplifier
is set for that specific loudspeaker and some parameters may be locked out because they are set to their optimal value by the Intrinsic Correction
Calculator, and should not be adjusted. The DPA comes with a number of supported loudspeakers from other manufacturers. Refer to the list under
"Supported Loudspeakers" on page 30. There may be additions to this list in the future that can be loaded with firmware updates.
NOTE: If you make changes to any of the loudspeaker processing parameters, and then LOAD a loudspeaker profile, all the changes
you made are overwritten.

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Step 1 — Load Speaker About
SPEAKERS LOADABOUT
This function will load a speaker from the
database to this output channel; it loads
all of the speaker tuning parameters into the
outprocessing.
NEXT
This function will load a speaker from the
database to this output channel; it loads all
of the speaker tuning parameters into the
out-processing.
To continue, press
ENTER
Step 2 — Load an Existing Loudspeaker for the Selected Output
ABOUT SPEAKERS LOAD
Output: A
LOAD
Fullrange
Speaker:
Default
Band:
QSC AP-5152
Filter:
To edit Speaker, press
Scroll to select Speaker model
To confirm, press
Scroll to (Band, Filter)
To adjust, press
Adjust selected parameter
To confirm, press
Scroll to LOAD
To Load the speaker profile to the selected output, press
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
ENTER
Band and Filter selections
are displayed and
constrained based on the
loudspeaker.
Crossover
HOME > OUTPUTS > SPKR PROC > CROSSOVER > HIGH-PASS (or LOW-PASS) (ENTER)
NOTE: If you select a QSC Loudspeaker, you will see that the high-pass, or low-pass filters are LOCKED. QSC has given these
loudspeakers specific voicings tailored for that loudspeaker that should not be changed. If there is any crossover adjustments applied in
these voicings, you will be able to see the applied crossover on the graphs of the Crossover screens.
Step 1 — Set the Crossover High- and/or Low-pass filters
Freq
70.0
HPF
F1: A B C D
Type
BWrth
Output
A
20 dB
-60 dB
Slope
24dB/oct
Scroll to select (Freq, Type, Slope)
To edit, press
Turn to adjust parameter
To confirm, press
To exit, press
ENTER
ENTER
EXIT
Freq: 20 - 20 kHz
Type:
• Butterworth
• Linkwitz-Riley,
• Bessel-Thomson
Slope:
6dB to 48dB/oct depending
on Type