| One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320555] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 14:43  |
 kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
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I am trying to decide on the best QSC PLX series amp/amps for my mains needs and need some help.
I am running 4 JBL SR4735X 3 way tops in full range mode (no bi-amp etc.). Specs are as follows: each cab is 8 ohms and 600 watts RMS / 1200 watts music program. This is for DJ use ONLY, and program material will be Techno and House music only. Sub amps are already taken care of and 6 custom horn loaded subs will be run under the JBL 3 ways. The system will be set up for underground “Rave” style parties mainly and no power distro or ability to “tap in” to the main panel will be available.
I am trying to decide between:
1. Running two separate PLX 2502 amps bridged, one per pair of JBL mains, sending each cab 1250 watts
Or
2. Running one PLX 3602 in stereo mode running a pair of JBL mains per amp channel sending 625 watts to each cab.
I have two main concerns:
1. Amp wattage/headroom etc.- The source material is House and Techno DJ music which is highly compressed AND dj’s have a bad tendency to clip the dj mixer, so I am concerned about the “crest” factor. I am not sure whether I should use the regular 2 x RMS rule of thumb and send 1200 watts to each cab, or stick closer to the RMS rating and choose something that will send no more then 600 watts per cab.
2. Power draw- The system will be set up at underground “Rave” style parties with no power distro or ability to “tap in” to the main panel. I mandate that I MUST have a minimum of 2 but preferably 3 or more separate 20 amp circuits available (with NOTHING but my sound on the circuit). Only ONE 20 amp circuit will be available soley for use on the mains. I know a single PLX 3602 will be fine for my needs but not sure if 2 PLX 2502’s bridged in to 4 ohms will be able to run from one 20 amp circuit.
So these are my main concerns and agin I am looking between 1 PLX 3602 or 2 PLX 2502’s. What would be the better choice for my situation?
Kevin
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| Re: One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320570 is a reply to message #320558 ] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 15:20  |
kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
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Thanks Ryan,
Limiters will be engaged on my Driverack 260 AND the amps will backed off a little bit from that clip point so I should NOT be clipping. I am VERY anal about making sure my amps don't clip at all.
What do you think about the other concern I mentioned regarding wattage/crest factor etc. I know 2 x RMS is standard rule of thumb but have heard a few say in situations like mine where the source is highly compressed and levels run hot that it MAY be better to stick to 1x RMS instead. In addition, my intent is not to "cheap out? because 1 3602 would be cheaper. Cost is not an issue, choosing the BEST amp for my situation is the only thing I am concerned with.
The other option would be 2 PLX 1802's bridged with each going to a pair of the JBLs. This would send each cab 900 watts which would be right in the middle at 1.5 x RMS
<edit>
Just noticed the power draw info on the 1802 shows it draws more power than the 2502... how can THAT be? The 2502 draws 11.2 amps at 1/8th power 2 ohms while the 1802 says it draws 13 amps at 1/8th power 2 ohms. I one of these must be wrong but which one?
[Updated on: Wed, 07 May 2008 15:39]
Download my latest mixes here:
www.musicv2.com/artist/dj_kevin_james
New Mix added 4/12/08
Watch me spin live Saturday's 3-5 PM Pacific here:
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Baba Booey!
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| Re: One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320576 is a reply to message #320562 ] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 15:30 |
kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
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| Grayson Rech wrote on Wed, 07 May 2008 12:09 |
Well, the question is how much head room do you want? A 3602 will leave you wanting more. A bridged 2502 per cab will yield you a pretty healthy bit of head room. However, you as the operator will want to watch that you don't launch those cones out of the box on the peaks. If you are a good DJ like we all HOPE you are you will pay attention to proper gain structure of your inputs. Having a limiter on your system would be a good idea. Another plus is if and when you upgrade your system in the future, the 2502 is a great amp that is versitile for many uses include running a double 18 or whatever cab in bridged mode. Or it can become a great mid amp if you ever jump to biamp or triamp mode. Also, if you lose an amp you still have at least one to get you through the show.
As for power, I've run 2 2402s (both bridged) and 2 2402 and 2 3402 in stereo off one breaker with no issues. Music was hip hop track music. While I would have rather split them between 2 breakers for head room, it worked.
All food for thought.
Grayson
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Yes I agree there is no headroom at all with the 3602 running all 4 of the tops. This was part of the question that I am concerned about. In other words the source music is highly compressed and dj's tend to clip the dj mixer (I will not be the person playing on the system I will be the tech). Some have told me in this type of situation it is best to ONLY run at 1 x RMS, that is where the single 3602 option comes in. Not sure if that theory is correct though which is why I ask you guys who have more knowledge and experience than I do.
As for the bridged 2502 I think you may have missread what i said. I will not be running a bridged 2502 per cab, but per PAIR of cabs.
Download my latest mixes here:
www.musicv2.com/artist/dj_kevin_james
New Mix added 4/12/08
Watch me spin live Saturday's 3-5 PM Pacific here:
[url]http://www.stickam.com/profile/faderwaveradio
Baba Booey!
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| Re: One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320580 is a reply to message #320578 ] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 15:44 |
kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
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| RYAN LOUDMUSIC JENKINS wrote on Wed, 07 May 2008 12:37 |
I don't do a ton of EDM stuff but I do once in a while. When I do I always set my subs and lows limiters to the RMS rating and I leave my mids and Highs at 2X RMS. I have never had a failed driver doing it this way. With EDM type stuff you need lots of boxes for head room, not lots of watts for each driver. I still think that an Itech 4000 would be a great match for your boxes. You could even get a Lab FP6400 or Camco V6, any of those will do what you want without pulling too many amps from the wall. I don't use any QSC amps but I am sure a PL6.0II or newer PL380 would be good choices too.
I can use my Camco V6 amps with 4 ohms per side on a 20 amp circuit with no problems, even on sub duty. The FPs seem to pull even fewer amps in my experiences with them.
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Errr yeah... the Itechs are not an option. The options are 1 PLX 3602, 2 PLX 2502's, or 2 PLX 1802's. When I said cost is not a concern I meant between these listed choices only.
Also the tops will be running everything above 100Hz and will be in full range mode. Due to power constraints (listed as concern #2 in original post) Bi amping is not an option, so I need to know wheather I should run at 1 x RMS, 1.5 x RMS, or 2 x RMS for the tops in full range mode. I want to get it right the first time... you know, buy once cry once lol
[Updated on: Wed, 07 May 2008 15:46]
Download my latest mixes here:
www.musicv2.com/artist/dj_kevin_james
New Mix added 4/12/08
Watch me spin live Saturday's 3-5 PM Pacific here:
[url]http://www.stickam.com/profile/faderwaveradio
Baba Booey!
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| Re: One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320589 is a reply to message #320584 ] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 15:58 |
kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
Has No Life |
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Ahhh, got it. So the 1802 really DOES draw more than the 2502. OK so the 1802 is out then...I think lol but then I still have the issue of 1 x RMS or 2 x RMS to deal with :/
Download my latest mixes here:
www.musicv2.com/artist/dj_kevin_james
New Mix added 4/12/08
Watch me spin live Saturday's 3-5 PM Pacific here:
[url]http://www.stickam.com/profile/faderwaveradio
Baba Booey!
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| Re: One PLX 3602 in stereo or two PLX 2502's bridged? [message #320751 is a reply to message #320704 ] |
Wed, 07 May 2008 23:55 |
kevinjames
Messages: 145
Registered: October 2005
Location: San Jose CA. |
Has No Life |
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| Sean Chen wrote on Wed, 07 May 2008 18:17 |
If you are really concerned about power resource at the AC lines, you really ought to be looking into QSC PL380. Its Class D power is rated at 85% efficiency. One PL380 will drive 4 cabs, with 2500W @ 4 Ohm into each channel.
It will cost a little more than two 2502s, but the power efficiency and smart power features could very well relieve you of power resource concern.
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Yes BUT, that won't work because the PL380 comes with a 30 amp cord set. Again this is for underground "rave" style parties and in 10 years of doing these types of events I have yet to see a 30 amp AC power source available at a single venue I have set up in.
Download my latest mixes here:
www.musicv2.com/artist/dj_kevin_james
New Mix added 4/12/08
Watch me spin live Saturday's 3-5 PM Pacific here:
[url]http://www.stickam.com/profile/faderwaveradio
Baba Booey!
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