How to Hook Up a PA Horn's Power
The use of a crossover when hooking up a PA horn's power amp is vital, as full-range frequency output from the amplifier will damage the horn's voice coil and diaphragm. To achieve frequency separation, electronic crossovers filter frequencies and route signals to dedicated power amps connected to horns and speakers.
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Things You'll Need
- Active electronic 2-way crossover
- 3 Shielded interconnect cables
- 2 Unshielded speaker cables
Instructions
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1
Power off all switches, including those for the mixer, crossover, amplifier and other connected equipment. Turn down all volume controls.
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2
Plug one end of a shielded interconnect cable into the sound mixer's main output jack and the opposite end into the crossover's main "Input" jack.
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3
Insert the connector of a shielded interconnect cable into the crossover's "High" output jack, then connect the other end into the horn amplifier's "Input" jack.
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4
Connect another shielded cable between the crossover's "Low" output jack and the woofer amplifier's "Input" jack.
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5
Plug an unshielded speaker cable into the speaker "Output" jack of the horn amplifier, then connect the other end into the "Input" jack of the PA horn.
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6
Insert the end of an unshielded speaker cable into the "Output" jack of the woofer amplifier, then insert the other end into the "Input" jack on the woofer.
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7
Power on all equipment, set crossover frequency points to the settings recommended by your equipment's manufacturer, then adjust volume controls to desired levels.
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Tips & Warnings
Stereo 2- to 5-way systems are connected in the same manner with additional connection cables, amps, speakers and compatible crossovers.
Passive crossovers, those with non-changeable preset frequencies, are connected in the same manner.
Read the crossover user manual for proper settings, and the PA horn and woofer specification sheets for frequency ratings. Failure to do so will result in poor sound and possible damage to the horn and amplifier.
