CX 8-channel
Professional Power Amplifiers
CX168 | CX108V
Features
• 100 watts per channel at 70 volts (CX108V)
• 90 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 130 watts per channel at 4 ohms (CX168)
• Compact size — only two rack spaces and 14" deep for reduced rack space
• Channel pairs bridgeable for maximum flexibility
• Exclusive PowerLight switch-mode power supply technology for high
performance and compact size
• Active inrush limiting eliminates AC inrush current, removing the need for
expensive power sequencers
• Four HD15 DataPorts (one per channel pair) for QSControl computer
control or QSC’s signal processing accessories
• Custom integrated gain control security cover for tamper proof installations
• 1 dB recessed detented gain controls for fast and accurate settings
• Detachable Euro-style input and output connectors
• DIP switch control for clip limiters, high-pass filters, bridge-mono and
parallel operation
• Selectable high-pass filters protect speakers and prevent speaker
transformer saturation with minimal effect on program material
(50 Hz or 75 Hz; CX108V) (33 Hz or 70 Hz; CX168)
• Comprehensive front panel indicators including signal, clip, bridge mono
and parallel-input LEDs
• Fully protected — including DC, infrasonic and ultrasonic, thermal overload
and short circuit protection
• High-performance Class AB+B complementary bipolar output circuitry
• Lightweight — only 21 pounds (9.5 kg) for easier racking and shipping
• 3-year warranty plus optional 3-year extended service contract
Designed for permanently installed sound systems where
rackspace is at a premium, QSC’s CX108V and CX168
provide unprecedented levels of channel density for multichannel amplifiers. The CX108V and CX168 provide 100
watts per channel at 70 volts and 90 watts per channel at 8
ohms respectively. With both models, each pair of channels
may be bridged to configure these amplifiers as 4, 5, 6 or 7
channel units. Like the entire CX Series, the 8 channel models
feature DataPorts for remote amplifier management or
signal processing, incorporate QSC’s legendary PowerLight™
technology, and deliver our unmatched reputation for quality
and reliability.
QSC’s PowerLight technology takes your audio to an entirely
new level. Delivering tighter bass and clean, transparent
highs, PowerLight also cuts waste heat, boosts reliability,
and eliminates unwanted noise and hum. PowerLight is a
revolutionary switching power supply technology that provides
ample current to the audio power circuitry by charging the
supply rails over 200,000 times per second through an
ultra-low noise impedance circuit. Unlike amplifiers that
use conventional supplies, the audio signal is never starved
prematurely and remains crisp and clean.
CX 8-channel Amplifiers
Watts per channel
Model 70V* 8Ω 4Ω**
CX168 — 8 x 90 8 x 130
CX108V 8 x 100 — —
20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05%THD
* 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.2%THD
**20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.1%THD
CX8-Channel Specifications
1675 MacArthur Boulevard • Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • Ph: 800/854-4079 or 714/957-7100 • Fax: 714/754-6174 qscaudio.com
CX 8-channel Spec Sheet - 06/04/08
Specifications subject to change without notice.
CX168 CX108V
Stereo Mode (all channels driven) Continuous average output power per channel
8Ω / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.05% THD 90 W —
4Ω / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.1% THD 130 W —
Midband Ratings All channels driven Single channel
8Ω / 1 kHz / 0.1% THD 100 W 120 W —
4Ω / 1 kHz / 0.1% THD 140 W 180 W —
70V / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.2% THD — 100 W
Bridge-Mono Mode Bridge-mono mode operation
16Ω / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.1% THD 180 W —
8Ω / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.1% THD 260 W
140V / 20 Hz – 20 kHz / 0.2% THD — 200 W
Signal to Noise (20 Hz – 20 kHz) -107 dB -100 dB
Input Sensitivity 1.35 Vrms at 8Ω 1.26 Vrms at 70V
Voltage Gain 20x (26 dB) 56x (35 dB)
Input Clipping 6 Vrms (+18 dBu) 6 Vrms (+18 dBu)
Output Circuitry Class AB+B Class AB+B
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz, + 0.2 dB | 8 Hz – 50 kHz, +0/-3 dB 20 Hz – 20 kHz, + 0.4 dB | 8 Hz – 70 kHz, +0/-3 dB
Damping Factor > 200 (5 kHz and below) > 500 (5 kHz and below)
Input Impedance 6k ohms unbalanced, 22k ohms balanced 6k ohms unbalanced, 22k ohms balanced
Distortion (SMPTE-IM) < 0.02%
Distortion (typical)
20 Hz – 20 kHz: 10 dB below rated power < 0.1% THD
1.0 kHz and below: full rated power < 0.03% THD
Cooling Variable-speed fan / rear-to-front air flow through tunnel heat sink
Connectors Input: 3-pin Euro-style detachable terminal blocks (one per channel)
DataPort: HD-15 connector (Ch. 1+2, 3+4, 5+6, 7+8)
Output: two 8-pin Euro-style detachable terminal blocks
Controls Front: AC switch, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8 gain knobs
Rear: DIP switches for Ch. 1 - 8, clip limiter on/off, LF filter on/off, LF filter freq select 33 or 70 Hz for CX168
LF filter freq select 50 or 75 Hz for CX108V, inputs parallel or stereo; bridge mode
Indicators Power-On: Green LED / Parallel inputs: Orange LED (1 per channel pair) / Signal -35 dB: Green LED (1 per channel)
Bridged: Yellow LED (1 per channel pair) / Clip: Red LED (1 per channel)
Amplifier Protection Full short circuit, open circuit, thermal, ultrasonic, and RF protection. Stable into reactive or mismatched loads
Load Protection On/off muting, individual channel DC fault blocking
Dimensions (HWD) 3.5" (8.9 cm) 2 RU x 19" (48.3 cm) rack mounting x 14" (35.6 cm) from front mounting rails
Weight - Net / Shipping 21 lb (9.5 kg) / 27 lb (12.3 kg)
Power Requirements 100, 120, 230 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz (configured at factory)
120V Current Consumption* Idle 0.6 A 0.6A
1/8 power pink noise 8Ω 6.2 A −
4Ω 9.2 A −
70V − 6.3 A
1/3 power pink noise 8Ω 9.2 A −
4Ω 14.2 A −
70V − 9.4 A
* Multiply currents by 0.5 for 230V units
(typical of program material
with severe clipping)
(typical of program material at
maximum unclipped power)
QSC, the QSC logo and PowerLight are registered trademarks of QSC Audio Products, LLC in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office and other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Patents may apply or be pending.