RMX Calibration Procedures, Rev.

C June 20th, 2011

A. Setting bias
Always set the bias
• after replacing any output or driver transistor.
• after replacing any diode or resistor in the driver/output circuitry.
• if the amplifier seems to run too hot at idle.
• if the amplifier exhibits crossover distortion.

The bias network sets the quiescent base current in the NPN and PNP driver transistors, which in turn sets the
quiescent current in the output transistors. The driver transistors should both be slightly ‘‘on’’ at idle so that the
transitions of the signal voltage between positive and negative are smooth and free of gaps or glitches. Too much bias
current will cause the amplifier to run hotter than it should, especially at idle, while too little will cause noticeable
crossover distortion, especially at low signal levels.

The amplifier circuitry must be cool, or at least within a couple degrees of ambient air temperature, and the top cover
must be removed. If the driver and output transistors are significantly warmer than the ambient air, leave the amplifier
off and let it cool before proceeding.

Before turning the amplifier on to set bias on one or both channels, familiarize yourself with the locations of the
trimpots (R131 and R231 for 2RU models; R171 for 3RU models) and the voltage measuring points so you can work
quickly but thoroughly. If the amplifier warms up before you finish setting the bias, you will need to shut the amplifier
off and let it cool down before you resume.

To set bias on the RMX4050HD and RMX5050, first remove the screws holding the channel module/heatsink assembly
to the chassis. Lift the assembly up from the chassis standoffs and set it down inside the chassis resting on the heat
sinks. Do not disconnect any wires. This gives you equal access to both channels’ adjustments and measurement
points.

Tools and resources you will need:

• all flat screwdriver (non-conductive) for adjusting trimpots
• DC voltmeter
• AC power

Procedure
1. Turn the amplifier’s gain controls all the way down. No test signal is needed.
2. Plug the amplifier into an appropriate AC source. Turn the amplifier on.
3. Channel 1: Locate resistor R146 and trimpot R131 (except RMX4050HD & RMX5050: resistor R199 & trimpot
R171 on the upper module). While measuring the DC voltage across the resistor, adjust the trimpot listed in
Table 1 for 2RU model or Table 2 for 3RU models.
4. Channel 2: Locate resistor R246 and trimpot R231 (except RMX4050HD & RMX5050: resistor R199 & trimpot
R171 on the lower module). While measuring the DC voltage across the resistor, adjust the trimpot listed in
Table 1 for 2RU model or Table 2 for 3RU models.

After setting the bias, calibrate the positive and negative current limiting; instructions for the procedure follow in
below.

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RMX Calibration Procedures, Rev. C June 20th, 2011

B. Setting positive and negative current limits

All models except the RMX4050HD and RMX5050 have adjustable positive and negative current limiting thresholds.
Current limiting in the RMX4050HD and RMX5050 is not adjustable.

Tools and resources you will need

• Oscilloscope & Digital multimeter
• 2-ohm resistive load (rated for at least 1200 watts)
• Shorting connector for amplifier output
• Variable AC transformer (e.g., Variac, Powerstat, etc.) rated for 25A (120V) or 12A (230V). Make sure the AC
supply is appropriate for the amplifier.
• 1 kHz audio sine wave generator
• Clamp-on digital current meter (e.g., Fluke 30 Clamp Meter)
• Small flat screwdriver (non-conductive) for adjusting trimpots

Procedure
1. Set the audio sine generator to 1 kHz at 1 volt RMS and connect it to Channel 1’s input. Connect a 2-ohm
load and the oscilloscope probe across Channel 1’s output.
2. Turn up Channel 1’s gain control partway. On the oscilloscope you should see the amplitude of the sine wave
increase accordingly.
3. Turn the gain control back down and apply a short circuit across the output terminals of Channel 1. Clamp a
current probe either onto one of the brown wires running to the AC switch or onto the gray output wire from
channel 1’s module.
4. Turn the gain control all the way up. Adjust trimpots R139 and R140 equally until the current measured falls
within the range shown in Table 1.
5. Turn the gain control all the way down and remove the short circuit so the channel drives the 2-ohm load.
Turn the gain control back up until the output clips. The voltage at which the signal starts to clip should fall
within the range shown in Table 1. If the clipping is asymmetrical, that is, the signal clips on either the
positive or negative side first, adjust R139 to make it symmetrical.
6. Turn the gain control down. If the amp has begun to warm up shut it off and let it cool a few minutes before
proceeding with Channel 2.
7. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for Channel 2. Use trimpots R239 and R240 to adjust the current limiting in step 4.
8. Turn both channels’ gain controls all the way down. Clamp the ammeter onto one of the amp’s AC wires and
check the amp’s idle current. If the amplifier is still at about room temperature, the idle current should match
the value shown in Table 1.
9.
Table 1: Bias and current limit adjustments for 2RU RMX models

Calibrations Adjust RMX850 RMX1450 RMX1850HD RMX2450

Channel 1 bias: DC voltage across R146 R131 0.16 V 0.14 V 0.07 V 0.07 V
Channel 2 bias: DC voltage across R246 R231 0.16 V 0.14 V 0.07 V 0.07 V
Channel 1: R139 & R140
Output current into shorted load 4-4.5 A 4-5 A 7.5-8.5 A 8.5-9 A
Channel 2: R239 & R240
Channel 1: R139 & R140
AC current when driving shorted load 3.75-4.5 A 4.5-5.5 A 4.5-5.5 A 5.5-6.5 A
Channel 2: R239 & R240
Channel 1: Adjust R139 for
symmetry
Clipping voltage into 2 ohms (RMS) 26-29 V 33.5-37.5 V 42-44 V 44-49 V
Channel 2: Adjust R239 for
symmetry
Channel 1: Adjust R139 for
symmetry
Clipping voltage into 2 ohms (peak) 36.8-41 V 47.4-53 V 59.3-62.2 V 62.2-69.3 V
Channel 2: Adjust R239 for
symmetry
Idle AC demand* (at ambient
0.4 A +/-10% 0.4 A +/-10% 0.6 A +/-10% 0.6 A +/-10%
temperature; higher when hot)
*Figures shown are for 120V amplifiers; multiply current by 0.5 for 230V or 1.2 for 100V.

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RMX Calibration Procedures, Rev. C June 20th, 2011

Table 2: Bias and current limit adjustments for 3RU RMX models

Calibrations Adjust RMX4050HD RMX5050

Channel 1 bias: DC voltage across R199 of upper module R171 of upper module 97 mV 90 mV
Channel 2 bias: DC voltage across R199 of lower module R171 of lower module 97 mV 90 mV
Output current into shorted load per channel Fixed; not adjustable 4.6-5 A 4-5 A
AC current when driving shorted load per channel Fixed; not adjustable 3-3.3 A 3-3.5 A
Clipping voltage into 2 ohms (RMS) 57-63 V 63-71 V
Clipping voltage into 2 ohms (peak) 80-89 V 89-100 V
Idle AC demand* (at ambient temperature; higher when hot) 0.6 A +/-10% 0.6 A +/-10%
*Figures shown are for 120V amplifiers; multiply current by 0.5 for 230V or 1.2 for 100V.

Contact information
If you need any further information regarding this service procedure, please contact QSC Technical Services at the
addresses or numbers below.

Telephone: 1-800-772-2834 (within USA only)

+1 (714) 957-7150

Fax: +1 714-754-6173

Skype: qscaudio

E-mail: [email protected]

Web Site: www.qscaudio.com (product info/support)

www.qscparts.com (on-line accessory and replacement component sales)

Postal and parcel address: QSC Audio Products, LLC.

Technical Services Group
1665 MacArthur Blvd.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 USA

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