How to Install an Amplifier into a Sound System
Power amplifiers are the heart of every sound system. In the sound chain, source signals--such as instruments and microphones--must first be sent to a preamplifier, or preamp. Preamps are needed to boost the signal, since most source signals are inherently weak. The preamplified signal is sent through an equalization circuit to balance and shape overall tone (usually integrated with the preamp in a sound mixer), and finally to the power amp. Power amps further boost the signal, and provide the necessary voltage to drive speakers. Power amps are always last in the sound chain, before the speakers.
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Instructions
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Determine the wattage and ohm rating of the amplifier and speakers. Amplifiers are designed to handle several different ohm ratings, and will provide more output power as ohm ratings decrease, and less power as ohms increase.
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Turn all equipment power off before making connections. Turn level controls on the power amp, mixer and any outboard gear all the way down.
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3
If using outboard compressors or equalizers, connect from the sound mixer "Main Output" before the power amplifier in the signal chain. Placing outboard gear between the power amp and speaker chain will damage components.
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Connect the "Main Output" cables from the sound mixer, or last piece of outboard gear in the chains, to the "Main Input" connectors on the power amplifier. If one side of a stereo amplifier will be used for inputs, follow the manufacturer's instructions for "bridging" the amplifier, and to determine which input configuration should be used.
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Connect to power amplifier "Main Outputs" to speakers. If one side of a stereo amplifier will be used, follow manufacturer's instructions for "bridging" the amplifier, and to determine which output configuration is necessary for the required ohm and wattage rating.
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Turn on the power to the mixer, outboard gear, and amplifier. Turn amplifier volume up about halfway, and outboard gear output levels and settings to the accustomed position.
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Using a sound source, set mixer attenuation (if equipped) and equalization controls on the as desired. Turn main mixer level to the accustomed setting, and slowly turn up the sound source level. The power amplifier level can be increase as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Use only high-quality, shielded cable to make connections to power amp inputs. Use proper AWG gauge-unshielded cable for amplifier-to-speaker connections.
Consult your speaker and amplifier owner's manual for wiring specifications, connector and wire recommendations, and wattage/ohm ratings. Improper wiring, and exceeding wattage and ohm ratings, can permanently damage equipment.
