Looks Can Be Deceiving

Posted January 3, 2020

Dataport_white_bigger It may look like any old VGA video connector, but it’s not. DCA and ISA Series amplifiers and DCP, DCM, and DXP processors use a special QSC connection interface called DataPort, which enables DSP crossovers, speaker-specific EQ, and monitoring and control of amplifier and loudspeaker functions on a single cable. Although many off-the-shelf VGA cables may work with satisfactory results, the QSC DataPort specification requires that all 15 pin conductors be present and that all audio I/O conductors be shielded. Many VGA cables use only 7 pins. If pins 5 or 10 are tied to ground, damage to amplifier may result. Therefore, only QSC supplied DataPort cables should be used.

Mark Mayfield

Mark began his audio career in 1979 as a recording engineer working in studios in several major cities. His role expanded to include pro audio systems sales, design, and installation. His cinema experience includes market development and product marketing for several major audio systems manufacturers, including Bose, JBL Professional, and Eastern Acoustic Works, where he managed cinema sales and marketing. He’s also spent 10 years as editor of several prominent pro AV technical trade publications. Mark is on the Board of Directors of the International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA), and has been adjunct faculty member and consultant to InfoComm International, and has provided marketing consulting services for many leading equipment manufacturers. Mark is currently responsible for all marketing programs for QSC Cinema, including advertising, sales support and training materials, trade shows, PR, and web. Mark has a B.S. degree in Psychology from St. Lawrence University and an MBA (concentration in Marketing) from Boston College.