| Amplifier Guide |
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| What is an Amplifier? |
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| An amplifier is a basic signal
processing unit that increases the power of an audio
signal. In professional sound systems, the amplifier is
the last active component in the signal chain. It
accepts input from mixers or other signal processing
units, increases the power of the signal, and sends the
output to speakers. Amplifiers usually have two
independent channels for stereo operation. |
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| Inputs: They have XLR and 1/4"
inputs. You can plug the outputs of mixers or other
signal processing equipment in using these jacks. Keep
in mind, that XLR and 1/4" jacks have different voltage
levels. XLR inputs (known as mic level inputs), are much
lower in voltage then 1/4" jacks (known as line level)
inputs. Be sure to match the output level of your mixer
to the input level of your amps. |
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| Outputs: They have a combination
of Speakon(tm), Banana, and/or 1/4" outputs. Speakons
are plugs that twist-lock into their sockets. Banana (aka:
MDP, binding post) are "stackable" plugs with two
protruding posts. 1/4" plugs are the same size as
regular 1/4" instrument/patch cables, but they use a
higher gauge cable |
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Level: Amps generally have two level controls,
one for each independent channel. This controls the
amount of amplification of the audio signal. To properly
set the level of your amplifier/speaker system, play
music through the system and adjust the level to the
maximum desired volume for the room/space you are in. Be
sure that the amplifier is not clipping and you do not
hear distortion in your speakers. If either is the case,
turn the level down. |
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Clip limiter: Clip limiters are protection
circuits that help prevent damage due to clipped
signals. Clipping occurs when an amplifier is asked to
produce levels that exceed its design limits. Clipping
can occur when the input level of the amp is turned up
too high, when microphones are dropped, or when short
circuits occur. Keep in mind that clip limiters are NOT
failsafe. You should always listen and watch for
distortion and clipping, and turn the levels down if
these are occurring. Clip limiters are also implemented
with dip switches on the back of an amp. |
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Stereo Operation : Stereo operation mode is the
normal, default mode of an amp. This means that the
amplifier provides power to two independent channels.
Think of it as two amps in one. Many recent amps can
even run two different power/resistance ratings on the
two channels at the same time. |
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Parallel Operation : Parallel operation routes an
identical audio signal of one amp input into both
channels. You use this to route a mono input (like a
microphone, or mono output of a mixer) into both
channels of an amp. It is the same as using a Y cable to
split a mono input into both channels. After the input,
the amp acts exactly like a stereo mode amp. |
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Bridge Mono Operation : Bridge mono mode combines
two amp channels into one mono, much more powerful amp
channel. This is most often used for subwoofers.
Amplifiers have separate stereo and bridged mono power
handling specifications. The advantage of bridge mono is
that you have a much higher power rating; the
disadvantage is that you have only one amp channel. |
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