QSC DCA1824 – 4-Channel 170W Digital Cinema Amplifier is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Shipping Availability*
Shipping Availability*
Free Ground Shipping on Most Orders Over $250.00
Looking for the best price or expert advice? Give us a call at 1-888-230-3661 or use the Live Chat below. Buying 1 or 100, you may qualify for greater savings beyond the advertised price.
Product Overview
The QSC DCA1824 is a four-channel digital cinema amplifier designed to power surround arrays and screen channels in Q-SYS-enabled and traditional cinema auditoriums. From a single 2U chassis it delivers 170 watts per channel at 8 ohms, 250 watts at 4 ohms, and 450 watts at 2 ohms — a low-impedance capability that makes it well suited to driving parallel-wired surround loudspeaker arrays. As a DataPort cinema amplifier, the DCA1824 connects to QSC DCP cinema processors, DCM monitors, or a Q-SYS Core via the CODP4 DataPort output card.
Product Description

The DCA1824's four channels and 2-ohm stability make it the QSC cinema amplifier of choice for surround zones, where multiple loudspeakers are commonly wired in parallel for low per-channel impedance. QSC's PowerLight switch-mode power supply keeps the chassis compact and efficient, while Output Averaging short-circuit protection and Active Inrush Limiting safeguard the amplifier and connected loudspeakers. Neutrik Speakon and barrier-strip output terminals provide secure installed-system connections, and variable-speed fan cooling with back-to-front airflow suits enclosed booth racks. For higher screen-channel power use the QSC DCA1644; for Q-SYS integration add the CODP4 DataPort output card.
Key Features
- Four channels, 170 W per channel at 8Ω — 250 W at 4Ω and 450 W at 2Ω for flexible cinema loudspeaker loading.
- 2-ohm stable — Ideal for powering parallel-wired surround arrays from a single channel.
- DataPort connectivity — Integrates with QSC DCP cinema processors, DCM monitors, and Q-SYS Cores via the CODP4 card.
- PowerLight switch-mode supply — Efficient, low-distortion power in a 2U footprint.
- Output Averaging short-circuit protection — Patented QSC protection for amplifier and loudspeaker safety.
- Active Inrush Limiting — Prevents breaker trips at power-up in large amplifier racks.
- Variable-speed fan cooling — Back-to-front airflow for stable operation in enclosed racks.
Typical Applications
- Auditorium and cinema screening rooms (surround channels)
- House of worship
- Multi-purpose room
Technical Specifications
| Configuration | 4-channel power amplifier |
| Output power (8Ω) | 170 W per channel |
| Output power (4Ω) | 250 W per channel |
| Output power (2Ω) | 450 W per channel |
| Power supply | PowerLight switch-mode |
| Inputs | QSC DataPort and analog |
| Output connectors | Neutrik Speakon and safety-shrouded barrier strip |
| Protection | Output Averaging short-circuit, Active Inrush Limiting, DC and thermal |
| Cooling | Variable-speed fan, back-to-front airflow |
| Rack size | 2U |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the DCA1824 over the DCA1644? The DCA1824 is rated for 2-ohm loads (450 W per channel), making it better suited to parallel-wired surround arrays, while the DCA1644 offers higher 8-ohm power for screen channels.
Is it a networked Q-SYS amplifier? No. It is a DataPort/analog amplifier; connect it to a Q-SYS Core through the CODP4 DataPort output card.
What sources and processors are compatible? QSC DCP cinema processors, DCM monitors, Q-SYS Cores via CODP4, and standard analog line-level sources.
What about warranty and support? Coverage follows QSC's published warranty terms. Contact Creation Networks support for configuration or warranty assistance.
At Creartion Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
Nationwide Audiovisual Services, Design, Installation & Support
Creation Networks is a trusted nationwide partner for complete audiovisual solutions — delivering expert AV system sales, professional design, programming, installation, and ongoing support to organizations across the United States.
From Microsoft Teams Rooms and enterprise video conferencing to LED video walls, live streaming production, and hybrid collaboration systems, we provide end-to-end AV integration using premium, certified technology from industry leaders including Crestron, Q-SYS, Shure, Extron, and Absen.
Whether you operate a single location or manage facilities nationwide, Creation Networks ensures your AV systems are designed for reliability, scalability, security, and long-term performance — helping your organization communicate more effectively and operate at peak efficiency.
CREATION NETWORKS — A PARTNER YOU CAN TRUST SINCE 2006











