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CM16a



CM16a

The CM16a Amplifier Network Monitor is a key hardware component of QSControl, QSC's Ethernet-based audio network. Each CM16a provides sixteen channels of audio level control, monitoring, and amplifier management for DataPort-equipped QSC amplifiers. The CM16a is operated remotely by a Windows-based PC functioning as the System Controller running QSControl application software. Control and monitor data is communicated between the System Controller and CM16a over an Ethernet network. The CM16a, located in the amplifier rack, is linked to amplifiers via DataPort cables. The CM16a also serves as the network interface for QSC's digital signal processors, including the DSP-3.

Input / Output Control and Monitoring
  • Input sensitivity selection: 1V or 3V
  • Input source select: Normal/Page
  • Level control
  • Pre-/Post-fader audio signal monitoring
  • Mute control
  • Signal polarity control
  • Pre-/Post-fader signal level metering<
Load Monitoring
  • Open/shorted load detection
  • Adjustable threshold for detecting load opens and shorts
  • Continuously updated average impedance measurement
Amplifier Output Monitoring
  • Output voltage and current metering
  • Output power in watts
  • Output clip detection monitoring
  • Headroom metering
  • Output signal (speaker terminal) audio monitoring
Amplifier Management
  • AC standby/operate mode selection
  • AC mode indication (Off/Standby/On)
  • Protect status monitoring
  • Operating temperature metering
  • Overtemp indicator with adjustable overtemp threshold
  • Gain control monitoring
  • Model ID indication
  • Bridge Mono/Parallel/Stereo mode indication
Other Features
  • Fifteen user-definable configuration presets
  • RS-232 port for diagnostics and preset control
  • Internal sine wave signal generator available for system diagnostics (accessible via Telenet only)
  • Page input with selectable 1V or 3V sensitivity
  • One contact closure input
  • One floating dry-contact SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) relay output
  • Audio monitor bus with selectable tap points, mixing, and balanced I/O
  • Recessed front panel bypass switch
  • Firmware is updateable via the network to add future upgrades

CM16a

DOCUMENTS

CM16a Specifications (PDF 248k)
User Manual (PDF 1.8MB)

HI-RES IMAGES

Front
Rear

SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS

QSControl.net Venue Manager
System Manager

RESOURCES

CM16a Block Diagram
Architect's and Engineer's Specifications
QSControl Ordering Worksheet (PDF 32k)
 
CM16a SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB; 10 Hz to 80 kHz ±3 dB
Distortion <0.01% THD+N @ +4 dBu out (page input <0.03%)
Dynamic Range >110 dB unweighted (20 Hz–20 kHz) (page input >100 dB)
Polarity In-phase or reversed
Level Control Range -95.5 to 0 dB in 0.5 dB steps
Precision Attenuator Transients
(“zipper noise”)
Better than 112 dB below maximum output
Mute >90 dB attenuation
INPUTS
Program inputs 16
Paging input 1
Monitor bus input 1
Connector type “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”) detachable terminal blocks
Type Electronically balanced
Grounding All shield terminals connected to chassis
Nominal level 1V/3V rms selectable (-10 dBV/+4 dBu)
Maximum level +21 dBu
Input impedance 25 kW balanced
Common-mode rejection Typical, >50 dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz; Worst Case, >40 dB at 20 kHz
Crosstalk
(inter-channel within DataPort pair)
>75 dB separation (20 Hz–20 kHz)
Crosstalk
(intra-channel between DataPorts)
>90 dB separation, 20 Hz-20 kHz measured with all inputs and outputs terminated
OUTPUTS
Program outputs: 16 (via HD-15)
Connector type 8 HD-15 DataPort connections
Cable type DataPort cable
Qualified length 2 meters
Monitor output: 1
Connector “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”) detachable terminal blocks
Type Electronically balanced
Grounding Shield terminal connected to chassis
Nominal level +4 dBu
Maximum level +21 dBu
Output impedance 75 ohms balanced
Output load 600 ohms min
POWER AMPLIFIER OUTPUT MONITORING
Output short detect* Senses load <1 ohm for Stereo/Parallel modes;
<2 ohms Bridge Mono mode (default threshold)
Threshold is adjustable in software
Output open detect* Senses load >60 ohms (default threshold)
Threshold is adjustable in software
Output voltage meter Range automatically matches to amplifier model used
Output current meter Range automatically matches to amplifier model used
Amplifier Headroom Reports remaining available power
Amplifier Gain* Calculates and reports amplifier gain (knob setting)
*Signal level must be higher than -32 dB, referenced to maximum output of amplifier
POWER AMPLIFIER MANAGEMENT
Power Amplifier Interface  
Compatibility QSC DataPort equipped amplifiers
Connector and cable DataPort cable 1, 2 meters length 2 qualified
(for longer runs, contact QSC’s Technical Services Department)
Amplifiers Up to 16 channels (8 DataPorts) of QSC DataPort-equipped amplifiers
Amplifier AC power control  
AC mode control Switches amplifier between operate and standby mode
AC power indicator Indicates operate, standby, or power-down mode
Amplifier Status Monitor  
Clip indicator Senses channel clip status
Protect indicator Senses amplifier protect status
Temperature meter Reports amplifier operating temperature (above 50°C)
Over-temp. alert Software adjustable threshold (80°C default)
CONTROL ROOM FOLDBACK MONITORING
Number of signal monitoring buses per CM16a 1
Number of channels per CM16a 4 (Maximum number assigned to monitor mix at one time)
Internal signal monitor points
(each with individual level controls)
 
Pre-fader input signal 16
Post-fader input signal 16
Power amplifier output 16
Monitor Input: Summed with internal monitor mix
Nominal level +4 dBu
Maximum level +21 dBu
Input impedance 10 kW balanced
Configuration Active balanced, shield connected to chassis
Common-mode rejection Worst case, >54 dB at 20 Hz rolling off to >40 dB at 20 kHz
Typical case, >50 dB 20 Hz-20 kHz
Output Sum of monitor input and signals from internal monitor mix
Frequency response 20 Hz–20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
Distortion <.05% THD @ +4 dBu out
Dynamic range >90.5 dB unweighted, 22 Hz–22 kHz
Noise floor -90.5 dB
Nominal level +4 dBu
Maximum level +21 dBu
Output impedance 75 ohms balanced
Output load 600 ohms min
Configuration Configuration
RS-232 PORT
Cable Type Null-Modem (a.k.a. LapLink), female 9-pin D-sub chassis connector
Port Settings  
Data rate 9600 bits per second
Data bits 8
Parity none
Stop bits 1
Flow control Xon/Xoff
CONTACT CLOSURE INPUTS AND OUTPUTS
Input 1 discrete input
Configuration Single-ended input
Resistance for closure detect < 1 kW max
Resistance for open detect > 5 kW min
Input voltage limit 7.000 VDC maximum ("-" input terminal connected to chassis)
Output 1 discrete output
Configuration Electromechanical relay, dry contacts, floating, C, NC, NO
Maximum steady-state current 0.5A
Maximum switched current 0.25A
Ground isolation 70V maximum
Connector “Phoenix-style” (a.k.a. “Euro-style”) detachable terminal block connector
NETWORK INTERFACE
Physical Network Ethernet
Raw data rate 10 megabits per second
Frame format D.I.X. (Ethernet)
Connector RJ-45 female
Ethernet type 10BASE-T: (via RJ-45)
Cable type 10BASE-T: CAT-3 (or better) twisted pair
Max cable length 10BASE-T: 100 m to hub
Grounding Floating
Transport Network TCP/IP
Inter-network protocol IP
Transport protocol UDP
Application Protocol: QSC24
Version 1
Revision 7
GENERAL
Physical  
Height 1.72" (1RU)
Width 19" (standard rack mount)
Depth 14.84" (37.7 cm), including rear supports
Weight 11 lbs. (5 kg)
Mounting Rear support recommended for portable or mobile use
Operating Temp. 0 to 50° C
AC Power  
Voltage 100-240 VAC (Universal Supply)
Current 1A RMS @ 120V, 1.1A RMS @ 100V, 0.5A RMS @ 230V
Frequency 47–440 Hz

Specifications subject to change without notice.

1 QSC DataPort cable required for connection with QSC DP devices.
2 For lengths greater than 2 meters, a QSC DataPort cable is recommended.

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