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BGRA: QSC Audio Inc. RMX 1850HD
| Manufacturer |
QSC Audio Inc. |
Model |
RMX 1850HD |
| Reviewer |
Chuck Fry |
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| Experience |
30 |
Item owned |
1-6 months |
| Review Date |
2002-03-24 |
Price paid |
$429 |
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Dimensions | 2 rack spaces (16" deep) |
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Weight | 45 lbs (20 kg) |
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Power | 600 W @ 4 ohms, 900 W @ 2 ohms, per channel, stereo |
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Other | Bridgeable, Speakon & 5-way binding post outputs, switchable 30/50 Hz filter, clip limiter, signal & clip LEDS per channel, gain control per channel |
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Clean, cheap power and lots of it! The entry-level RMX series is made in
China for QSC. The 1850HD is claimed to be optimized for low impedance
loads. Though it has many of the PLX series' features (hi pass filters,
clip limiter, signal and clip LEDs, etc.), it uses a conventional power
supply, and thus is twice as heavy as a PLX. Rear rack supports are
recommended, and are about $25 from QSC. Lord Valve had the best price I
could find on this amp.
I bought the RMX specifically to drive a pair of 4 ohm Acme Low B-2 cabs,
one per channel. It does that quite well. With the 30 Hz filters and clip
limiters engaged, it produces a very satisfying amount of thump. I was
hoping it could also drive both B-2s on one channel if that ever became
necessary.
That became necessary last night when I was loaned an AccuGroove Whappo Jr.
cab. I ran the 4 ohm AccuGroove on one channel, both the Acmes on the
other, and let her rip. The RMX passed the test with flying colors. It just
cranked out endless amounts of clean power effortlessly. No drama, no funny
noises. The air coming out of the amp didn't even feel warm!
Pros: Ample power, great sound, superb bass response. 2 rack spaces. Lots
of features for an "entry level" amp. QSC's excellent reputation for
support, authorized warranty service stations everywhere. Low low price.
Cons: Heavy! Requires a deep rack. Configuration switches are hard to see
when racked, require something pointy to set. Cooling fan is always on.
Startup surge can pop breakers; make sure you have enough AC power! Made in
China.
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| construction |
 | (95%) |
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| clarity |
| (98%) |
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| value |
| (100%) |
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| overall |
| (98%) |
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