QSC Q-SYS Installation manual

™
Hardware User Guide
I/O-8 Flex – Channel Expander
TD-000520-00-A
*TD-000520-00*

2
TD-000520-00-A
EXPLANATION OF TERMS AND 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!: T O PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
• Elevated Operating Ambient - If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the ambient operating
temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Consideration should be given to
ensure that the maximum operating temperature range (0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F ) is not exceeded.
• Reduced Air Flow – Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow
required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
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. Do not submerge the apparatus in water or liquids.
7. Do not use any aerosol spray, cleaner, disinfectant or fumigant on, near or into the apparatus.
8. Clean only with a dry cloth.
9. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers)
that produce heat.
11. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord, use the plug.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. 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.
15. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.
16. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment installation.

3TD-000520-00-A
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
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.
IMPORTANT!: PoE+ Power Input - Requires IEEE 802.3at Class 4 PSE able to source full power (25.5W at LAN A port on
the I/O-8 Flex channel expander).
IMPORTANT!: The Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex may operate at elevated temperatures and therefore its exterior may become
noticeably warm. This is normal. The Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex is designed with convection cooling in mind and therefore incorporates
industrial high-temp components to accommodate higher operating temperatures.
Expected Product Life Cycle: 20 years, Storage Temperature range: -20°C to + 70°C, Relative Humidity: range of
5 - 85% RH non-condensing.
Warranty
For a copy of the QSC Limited Warranty, visit the QSC, LLC. website at www.qsc.com
Para una copia de la Garantía Limitada de QSC, visite el sitio web de QSC, LLC., en www.qsc.com
Pour obtenir une copie de la garantie limitée de QSC, visitez le site de QSC, LLC.à www.qsc.com
Besuchen Sie die Webseite von QSC, LLC. (www.qsc.com) um eine Kopie der beschränkten Garantie von QSC zu erhalten.
如果您想要QSC有限保修的複印本，请造访QSC音频产品的网站www.qsc.com
Для получения копии ограниченной гарантии QSC посетите веб-сайт QSC, LLC., расположенный по
адресу www.qsc.com.
www.qsc.comQSCQSC
QSC限定保証の複製には、QCSのウェブサイトwww.qsc.comにアクセスしてください。

4
TD-000520-00-A
RoHS Statement
The QSC Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex is in compliance with European Directive 2011/65/EU – Restriction of Hazardous
Substances(RoHS2).
The QSC Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex is in compliance with “China RoHS” directives. The following chart is provided for product use
in China and its territories:
QSC Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex
部件名称
(Part Name)
有害物质
(Hazardous Substances)
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
本表格依据 SJ/T 11364 的规定编制。
O: 表示该有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求以下。
X: 表示该有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求。
（目前由于技术或经济的原因暂时无法实现替代或减量化。）
This table is prepared following the requirement of SJ/T 11364.
O: Indicates that the concentration of the substance in all homogeneous materials of the part is below the relevant
threshold specified in GB/T 26572.
X: Indicates that the concentration of the substance in at least one of all homogeneous materials of the part is
above the
relevant threshold specified in GB/T 26572.
(Replacement and reduction of content cannot be achieved currently because of the technical or economic
reason.)

5TD-000520-00-A
What's in the Box
1
I/O-8 Flex
(2x)
Rack-Ear Spacer
(2x)
Rack Ear
(2x)
Joining Plate
(1x)
Rack-Ear Cover
Label
(6x)
Phillips Pan Head
M4x7mm
(6x)
Phillips Flathead
M3x6mm
(4x)
Foam Spacer
(8x)
Flex Channels
(blue)
1
External Power
(green)
1
RS232 Tx/Rx
(green)
(2x)
GPIO (black)
1
QSC Warranty
TD-000453
1
Saftey and
Regulatory
Statments
TD-001514

6
TD-000520-00-A
Installation
Ventilation
• Recommend 1RU (1.75 in / 44.45 mm) space above I/O-8 Flex.
• Minimum open space of 6 inches measured from back of I/O-8 Flex.
NOTE: In order to provide adequate dissipation of
heat, keep the space directly above and to the rear of
the I/O-8 Flex free of obstacles.
2
1
Select the I/O-8 Flex Installation Configuration
Choose one of the following configuration options:
A. One I/O-8 Flex 19-inch Rack (Left or Right Mount) D. Under Table or on Wall
B. Two I/O-8 Flex 19-inch Rack (Front or Rear Facing Out) E. Free-Standing on Desk/Table
C. One I/O-8 Flex Half Rack (Front or Rear Facing Out)

7TD-000520-00-A
B. Two I/O-8 Flex's 19-inch Rack
(Front or Rear Facing Out)
1. (2)
2. (2)
3. (2)
4. (6)
5. (1)
6. (6)
4
3
3
4
5
1
1
6
2
4
3
3
4
5
1
6
1
2
Front Panel
Bottom Side Amp 2
Bottom Side
Amp 1
Front Panel
Rear Panel
Bottom Side Amp 2
Bottom Side
Amp 1
Rear Panel
A. One I/O-8 Flex 19-inch Rack (Left or Right Mount)
1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (5)
4. (1)
32
4
1
3
2
4
1
Top Side
Front Panel
Top Side
Front Panel

8
TD-000520-00-A
C. One I/O-8 Flex Half Rack ( Front or Rear Facing Out )
1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (6)
1
2
3
3
2
1
2
3
Top Side
Front Panel
Top Side
Rear Panel
D. Under Table or on Wall
1. (1)
2. (2)
3. (6)
4. (4) Not supplied – use appropriate screws
for mountingsurface.
5. Mounting Surface
1
2
3
4
5
Mounting Surface
Bottom Side
Front Panel

9TD-000520-00-A
E. Free-Standing on Desk/Table
1. (1)
2. (4)
2
1
Bottom Side
Front Panel
All Configurations
Using the examples shown in mounting options
A through E, you can mount any of the I/O-8 Flex
configurations. The example at the lower right
can be flipped to accommodate a single I/O-8
Flex on the left side.
1. Equipment Rack (not supplied)
2. (2) Rack Ear Spacer
3. (2) Rack Ear)
4. (4) Rack-Mounting Screws
and Washers (not supplied)
1 2 3 4
1
23
4
Rack Mounting Options

10
TD-000520-00-A
Features
Front Panel
1 2 3 54
DEVICE:
DESIGN:
STATUS:
DESIGN STATUS
<Device Name>
<Design Name>
<Status>
1. OLED Display – Displays information about the
I/O-8 Flex's settings andstatus.
2. NEXT button – Cycles through the OLED information
pages
3. ID button – Locates the I/O-8 Flex in Q-SYS Designer
GUI and Configurator
4. POWER LED – Illuminates blue when the I/O-8 Flex is
on
5. USB Ports – USB Type A Host connectors (2)
Rear Panel
1234
567 891011
1. Flex Channels – Eight user-configurable audio channels (mic/line input with optional phantom power or line output),
balanced or unbalanced - blue connectors
2. 12VDC, .1A OUT – The + connection uses the farthest left pins (not numbered) for both GPIO INPUTS and GPIO OUTPUTS
3. GPIO OUTPUT – 8 outputs, open collector (24V, 0.2A maximum) with pull up to +3.3V (pins 1-8 equal pins 1-8 in
the Q-SYS Designer GPIO Output component)
4. Earth Ground – The ground connection uses the farthest right pins (not numbered) for both GPIO INPUTS and GPIO OUTPUTS
5. GPIO INPUTS – 8 inputs, 0-24V analog input or contact closure (pins labeled 1-8 equal pins 1-8 in the Q-SYS
Designer GPIO Input component)
6. RS232 – Transmit and recieve, 3-pin, 5mm, Euro connector
7. USB B – USB Type B Device connector
8. LAN A/PoE+ – PoE+ power in, Q-LAN, control, VoIP, WAN streaming, AES67, etc., RJ45
9. USB A – USB Type A Host connectors
10. LAN B – Redundancy, Q-LAN, control, VoIP, WAN streaming, AES67, etc., RJ45
11. EXTERNAL POWER INPUT 24VDC 1.2A – Auxiliary power, 24VDC, 1.2A, 2-pin, 5mm, Euro connector

11 TD-000520-00-A
Connections
Input / Output Connectors
3-Pin, color-coded, Euro
Connectors
• Flex Channels (8 blue)
CAUTION!: A single
channel consists of
three pins. It is
possible to plug in a
connector that
straddles two
channels. Be sure that
the plugs do not
straddle two channels.
Balanced Unbalanced
Communication and Power Connectors
Make the following connections as
required.
1. 3-pin Euro
connector – for
RS232 TX and RX
2. USB Type B – for
external devices,
not supplied
3. RJ45/Cat6 – PoE+,
audio, & control,
not supplied
4. RJ45/Cat6 – audio,
& control, redundant
network, not supplied
5. 2-pin Euro
connector – for
+24V DC 1.2A
external power,
redundant power
for PoE+
1
2
3
4
5

12
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Front Panel OLED Screens
Design Status
• Device – The name of the I/O-8 Flex as defined in Q-SYS
Designer.
• Design – The name of the currently running design.
• Status – Indicates health of the I/O-8 Flex in design:
OK – Audio is good, hardware is good.
Compromised – Audio is good but a redundancy mechanism
is active (one LAN down but the other is still up) or a non-fatal
hardware problem exists (temperature higher than expected, etc.)
Fault – Audio is not passing, or hardware is malfunctioning or mis-configured.
Missing – A piece of hardware, defined in the design, has not been discovered. Audio is not passing through that
piece of hardware.
Initializing – Starting the firmware, configuration update, or design update.
Not Present – A virtual component in the design, that is designated as Dynamically Paired, and Not Required, has no
hardware assigned to it.
System Status
• Firmware – A three-section number identifying the major
release, minor release, and maintenance release. For
example, 6.0.0.
• Temp – The current chassis temperature of the peripheral.
LAN A
You can edit this information in the Q-SYS Configurator.
• Static or Auto – Displays next to LAN A, indicates if the
peripheral's IP Address is Static or Automatic.
• IP Address – The IP Address assigned to the peripheral's
LAN A. LAN A is the primary Q-LAN connection and is required .
• Net Mask – The Net Mask assigned to the Core.
• Gateway – The Gateway assigned to the Core.
LAN B
LAN B is used for redundancy, and is not required. The
information is displayed in the same format as LAN A.
DEVICE:
DESIGN:
STATUS:
DESIGN STATUS
<Device Name>
<Design Name>
<Status>
FIRMWARE:
TEMP:
SYSTEM STATUS
<rmware number>
<temperature in Celsius >
IP ADDRESS:
NET MASK:
GATEWAY:
LAN A (STATIC)
<IP Address of the I/O-8Flex>
<Net Mask of the I/O-8Flex >
<Gateway for the I/O-8Flex>

13 TD-000520-00-A
Flex In Channel Status
NOTE: If a Flex channel is set to Input, there is
no information shown under the same channel on
the Flex Out screen. If the Flex channel is set to
Output, there is no information for that channel on
the Flex In screen.
The Flex Input screens show the Mute, Clip, Signal, and +48V
(phantom power) for the eight Mic/Line input channels.
• Mute – Displays a "muted loudspeaker" when the channel is muted.
• Clip – Displays a solid circle under the channel having an output signal over driving the associated channel output.
• Signal – Displays a solid circle when there is a signal present on the associated channel.
• +48V - Displays a sold circle when phantom power is active on the associated channel.
Flex Out Channel Status
The Flex Output screens show the Mute, Clip, and Signal, for
the eigth Line output channels.
• Mute – Displays a "muted loudspeaker" when the channel
is muted.
• Clip – Displays a solid circle under the channel having an
output signal over driving the associated channel output.
• Signal – Displays a solid circle when there is a signal
present on the associated channel.
Flex In
Mute
Clip
Signal
+48V
1
2345678
Flex Out
Mute
Clip
Signal
1
2345678

14
TD-000520-00-A
Dimensions
220mm
8.66 in.
240mm
9.43 in.
44mm
1.75 in.

15 TD-000520-00-A
Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex Channel Expander Specifications
Inputs/Outputs
Audio Flex Channel Capacity 8
Audio Flex Channel Assignments Each channel can be configured as a mic/line input or as a line output (configured through
Q-SYS Designer software)
Rear Panel Indicators "Link", "Speed", and "Activity" LEDs on all LAN ports
A/D Converters 24 bit, 48KHz
Input Imedance (Balanced) 10.5K Ohm, nominally
Input Sensitivity Range (1 dB steps) -39 dBu to +24 dBu
Maximum Input Level for Unbalanced Signals +12 dBu
Input Frequency Response
20Hz to 20KHz @ +24 dBu -0.1 dB / +0.5 dB
Input THD+N @ 1KHz
@ +24 dBu Sensitivity and @ +24 dBu Input Level < 0.05%
Input to Input Crosstalk @ 1KHz
@ +24 dBu Input Sensitivity -110 dB typical, -90 dB maximum
@ +12 dBu Input Sensitivity -120 dB typical, -90 dB maximum
Input Dynamic Range
@ +24 dBu Input Sensitivity > 107 dB
@ +12 dBu Input Sensitivity > 107 dB
Mic Preamp EIN < -125 dBu
Phantom Power IEC 61938 P48 compliant, 48V @ 10mA per channel
D/A Converters 24 bit, 48KHz
Output Impedance (Balanced) 100 Ohm nominally
Output Level Range (1 dB steps) -40 dBu to +12 dBu
Output Frequency Response
@ +12 dBu +0.08 dB / -0.5 dB
@ 0 dBu +0.08 dB / -0.5 dB
Output THD+N (typical)
+12 dBu @ 1KHz < 0.004%
Output to Output Crosstalk
+12 dBu @ 20KHz -102 dB maximum
Output Dynamic Range
@ +12 dBu > 107 dB
USB Inputs/Outputs
USB Audio Bridging Up to 8 x 8 channels of digital audio in/out via softwawre defineable USB instances
advertised to the USB Host operating system (presently, audio bridging is only available via
the Device port)
USB B (Device port):
USB Bit Depth 24Bit
USB Channel Capacity 8 x 8
USB Sample Rate 48KHz

16
TD-000520-00-A
Q-SYS I/O-8 Flex Channel Expander Specifications
Controls and Indicators
Front Panel Controls "NEXT" OLED page forward capacitive touch button
"ID" device identification capacitive touch button
"Clear Network Settings" invoked when "NEXT" and "ID" are pressed simultaneously
Front Panel Conenctors AUX USB: USB Host x 2 (Type A connectors)
Front Panel Indicators Blue "POWER" LED
304 x 96 monochrome OLED display
Rear Panel Connectors Audio Flex I/O: 12-pos blue Euro Block x 2
GPIO: 10-pos black Euro Block x 2 (GPI = 1 x 10, GPO = 1 x 10)
RS232: 3-pos black Euro Block
AUX USB Host: USB Host x 2 (Type A connectors)
AUX USB Device: USB Device (Type B connector)
Media Network LAN A/PoE+ Power In: RJ45 1000 Mbps
Media Network LAN B RJ45 1000 Mbps
AUX PWR In: 2-pos: green Euro Block
GPIO
General Purpose Inputs 0-24VDC analog input or contact closure, with configurable 5.11K pullup to +12V
General Purpose Outputs Open collector, 24VDC at 200mA max, internal 1.0K pullup to 3.3V
GPIO 12VDC Power Pins 12VDC out at 100mA max
Miscellaneous
PoE+ Power Input IEEE 802.3at class 4 compliant PD, requires full power from an IEEE 802.3at class 4
compliant PSE via LAN A port
External Power Input 24VDC, 1.2A supplied via external power input, may be used as the primary power source
or as a backup to the PoE+ source
Operating Temperature Range 0°C - 50°C
BTU/Hour 70 BTUs (power conversion estimate under typical load)
Cooling Convection
Humidity 5 - 85% RH, non-condensing
Vibration > 20 Grms
Regulatory FCC 47 CFR Part 15 Class A, IC ICES-003, CE (EN55032, EN55035), EU RoHS directive
2011/65/EU, WEEE directive 2012/19/EU, China RoHS directive GB/T26572, EAC, EFUP
10 YR, RCM
Estimated Product Life Cycle 20 years
Product Deminsions 8.66" x 9.43" x 1.75" (220mm x 240mm x 44mm), 1RU half rack
Shipping Carton Deminsions 20" x 12" x 4" (508mm x 305mm x 102mm)
Shipping Weight 6 lbs
Included Accessories Connector kit, rack ears, surface mount kit, safety instructions and regulatory statements
document warranty statement
Specifications subject to change without notice.

17 TD-000520-00-A
© 2017 QSC, LLC. All rights reserved. QSC and the QSC logo are registered trademarks of QSC, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries. Q-SYS,
Q-LAN and, Q-SYS Designer are trademarks of QSC, LLC. Patents may apply or be pending.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
http://patents.qsc.com
Mailing Address:
QSC, LLC
1675 MacArthur Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1468 U.S.
Main Number: [phone]
World Wide Web: www.qsc.com
Sales & Marketing:
Voice: [phone] or toll free
(U.S. only) [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Q-SYS™ Customer Support:
Application Engineering and Technical Services
Monday - Friday 7 AM to 5 PM PST (Excludes Holidays)
Tel. [phone] (U.S. only)
Tel. [phone]
Q-SYS 24/7 Emergency Support*
Tel: [phone] (U.S./Canada)
Tel: [phone] (non-U.S.)
*Q-SYS 24/7 Support is for Emergency assistance with
Q-SYS systems only. 24/7 support guarantees a call
back within 30 min after a message is left. Please include,
Name, Company, Call Back Number and description of the
Q-SYS emergency for prompt call back. If calling during
business hours please use the standard support numbers
above.
Q-SYS Support Email
[email protected]
(Immediate email response times not guaranteed)
QSC
Technical Services
1675 MacArthur Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 U.S.
Tel: [phone] (U.S. only)
Tel: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Q-SYS™ Customer Support