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INTRODUCTION- General Overview
Introduction
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the
ISIS 215PCM Powered-System Control Module or 215SB
Subwoofer. This product represents the state-of-the-art in
all-weather, lightweight SR (sound reinforcement)
loudspeaker systems. The “215” marks the introduction of
QSC’s ISIS loudspeaker systems. ISIS is short for Inte-
grated, Self-Powered—Self Processed, Industrial
Systems. To get the most from your investment, we
encourage you to review this manual carefully.
The 215PCM is a self-contained active subwoofer system
with dual 15-inch drivers. It provides power amplification
not only for itself, but also two channels for driving full-
range or biamp “top box” speakers as well. It is the most
advanced core module for portable live sound reinforce-
ment systems and is ideal for corporate and industrial
events. The 215SB is a passive subwoofer system with no
backpack electronics, equipped with a single Speakon™
connector.
215SB Subwoofer Highlights
The frequency response of the 215PCM is 35 to 150 Hz (-3 dB). Two 15-inch, diametrically opposed (facing each other) drivers
fire in opposite directions with equal excursion. The net effect being the driver forces counterbalance, minimizing vibration in
the cabinet. This is essential in lightweight, ultra-stiff cabinet designs to keep the walls from vibrating excessively and to keep
the cabinet from “walking away” during use.
215PCM Powered Control Module Highlights
The “PCM” version adds a 55 pound amplification and signal processing backpack to the 215SB subwoofer cabinet. This
backpack houses two independent power amplifiers, one for the subwoofer and one for the “top boxes”. Driving the subwoofer
is the equivalent of a bridged-mode PL230 amplifier providing up to 3000 watts to the two 15-inch drivers. Top boxes are
powered by the equivalent of a PL236 amplifier (725 W/ch. @8 ohms, 1100 W/ch. @ 4 ohms, 1850 W/ch. @ 2 ohms). Signal
processing is provided by two DSP-3 Digital Signal Processors with 24-bit, 48 kHz. convertors. Both processors have eight user-
configurable and -selectable presets. An RS-232 connection to a PC running the provided QSC Signal Manager Software
enables system tuning and configuration.
Composilite™
QSC enclosures incorporate Composilite, a patented cored
composite technology that yields superior acoustic
properties, lighter weight, and greater weather resistance
compared to conventional enclosure materials. Multiple
skins of carbon fiber are layered over a honeycomb core to
form a rigid, seamless enclosure. The extreme stiffness of
Composilite construction prevents flexing of the cabinet
enclosure, significantly reducing energy loss due to
cabinet vibration. The result is reduced enclosure loss,
increased low frequency output, and substantially less
sound radiating from the back and sides of the enclosure
for greater sonic accuracy. Furthermore, the enclosure’s
light weight translates to safer rigging and reduced
handling costs.
