The QSC Core 500i is a sophisticated, all-in-one integrated system platform that forms the central processing and control engine for the Q-SYS ecosystem, designed for medium to large-scale professional audio, video, and control installations. This appliance consolidates multiple key functions—including high-channel-count audio DSP, VoIP and SIP paging, video edge-blending, and third-party control system integration—into a single, streamlined 2U rack-mountable unit. It is engineered to deliver exceptional processing power and networking capabilities, handling the complex signal routing, mixing, and processing demands of corporate auditoriums, performing arts centers, large houses of worship, and broadcast facilities with seamless reliability. The Core 500i operates on the intuitive Q-SYS Designer software, which provides a drag-and-drop programming environment for designing, controlling, and monitoring entire AV systems from a unified interface.

At the heart of the Core 500i is a powerful Intel-based processor running the Q-SYS OS, enabling it to execute extensive audio algorithms, manage hundreds of channels across the network, and host native Q-SYS plugins with low, deterministic latency. It features extensive onboard connectivity, including analog and digital audio I/O, as well as multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting to Q-LAN (Q-SYS Audio Network) and standard IT infrastructure. The platform is designed for high availability, offering redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and network ports to ensure uninterrupted operation in mission-critical environments. Its capability to process audio from networked I/O peripherals, integrate with industry-standard control protocols like Crestron and AMX, and stream audio over IP makes it an incredibly flexible hub for modern, converged AV systems.

The Core 500i transcends the role of a traditional DSP by acting as a true AV system core, capable of managing not just audio but also facilitating video routing, camera control, and complex user interfaces for touch panels and mobile devices. Its scalable architecture allows it to grow with the needs of a facility, supporting everything from basic paging and background music to immersive, multi-zone performance systems. For integrators and designers, it represents a future-proof solution that reduces system complexity, centralizes management, and delivers a level of performance, flexibility, and redundancy that is essential for demanding professional installations.