Power Amplifier Notes / Tips:
- Can an “Undersized Amplifier” damage your speakers? Yes and No! It depends on how hard you push the amplifier. Example: Let’s say you use a 100-Watt amplifier with a 300-Watt speaker. If the audio sounds good and the amplifier is not “clipping,” all is good. The issue with using undersized amplifiers occurs when you start driving the amplifier harder and harder, and the amplifier starts to “Clip.” Speakers can handle short-term peaks (bursts of sound) but not consistent and “continuous” clipping from the amplifier.
- What does that “Red” Clip Indicator on the amplifier mean? Things can go wrong quickly when that red “clip” indicator comes on. Did the clipping just come and go in short bursts, or did the clipping stay in the red for long periods? Solid Red means Stop! Just like a traffic signal. Once the signal stays in clip and the signal starts distorting – equipment starts overheating, and damage can occur. The amplifier is now beginning to drive the speaker cone past its limits. Once excessive “clipping” occurs, the speaker cones stop moving. The excessive clipping has changed the audio signal (an AC signal) to a DC signal, which is very harmful to speakers. The “high-frequency components” of the speaker are usually the first to become damaged. Again, short bursts of clipping will be fine, but when you start to see “Solid Red,” it’s time to stop!
Important Technical Note:
There is a correct way (sequence) to turn on and off a sound system. Turning on and off a sound system randomly can eventually cause potential damage to equipment and speakers. There is a power on / off sequence that you should use when turning your sound system on and off.
Powering on / off sound systems – Proper Sequence:
- Powering System ON = With the Main Faders turned all the way down on the Mixing Board – Turn on all processors, electronics first – then turn on the amplifiers last.
- Powering System OFF = Turn the Main Faders on the Mixing Board all the way down – Then turn off the amplifiers and wait 20 seconds – then turn off all the processors, electronics last.
- Power Sequencers: A power sequencer / surge suppressor can turn on / off your equipment in “time intervals” by pressing just one button / switch. See Below.
