Tag Archives: power amplifiers

The Right Way to Bridge a Power Amplifier

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Many power amplifiers rate their maximum power output in watts, when operating in bridged mode. When an amplifier is bridged, its two output channels are combined into one. Rather than driving two speakers, the amplifier then drives only one speaker. The benefit of bridging a power amplifier is that in bridged mode, an amplifier's maximum power output is almost always more than twice its maximum output in two channel operation. bridged mode can, in fact, bring a three- or four-fold increase in power. Four channel power amplifiers can also be bridged; when bridged, four output channels will become two.

When bridging a power amplifier, it is important to first reference the amplifier's instruction manual and confirm that it supports bridged operation. Although most power amplifiers do support bridged operation, attempting to bridge an amplifier that does not support it can permanently damage it. Also, the power amplifier's instruction manual will almost always have a diagram explaining how it should be bridged. Always be very sure of what you are doing before attempting to bridge a power amplifier, and if you are not sure, call the amplifier's manufacturer to confirm. Bridging a power amplifier can be physically hazardous, as many power amplifiers are able to produce currents that are potentially lethal.

It is vital to bear in mind that the primary purpose of bridging a power amplifier is not simply to make the sound louder, although that certainly can be a result. The purpose is to drive speakers that the amplifier would not ordinarily be able to properly drive. For example, some public address speaker enclosures containing several small speakers might ordinarily not be able to be driven by a power amplifier running in two channel mode, but may work in bridged mode.

Examining the rear side of a power amplifier, at least two sets of speaker terminals should be seen, each having one positive post and one negative post. To bridge the power amplifier, the two leads coming from the speaker should be connected to the positive post on one amplifier channel, and the negative post on the other channel. In the case of Peavey power amplifiers, this process is made simpler by the presence of red speaker terminals. To bridge the amplifier, simply connect the speaker to the two red terminals. Additionally, a switch on the back of the unit will need to be flipped in order to enable bridged operation.

Bridging a Power Amplifier:
1. Confirm that the power amplifier in use is capable of bridged operation.
2. Be absolutely sure of the method for bridging the power amplifier that is in use before beginning.
3. Use extreme care, as an amplifier in bridged mode is producing potentially hazardous currents.
4. Before bridging an amplifier to correct a volume issue, confirm that a different amplifier or speakers would not in fact be a better solution.
5. Bridge the amplifier by connecting the speaker to the positive speaker terminal on one channel, and the negative terminal on the other.

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Peavey PV900 Power Amps Review

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Peavey PV900 Power Amp Peavey PV900 Power Amplifiers are ideal for professional rehearsal situations, or performances at small venues. Additionally, combined with a mixing board, the PV900 can be an ideal front of house amplifier for an auditorium with good acoustics, where clean sound is necessary but high volume is not. For bands that perform at large, outdoor, or very noisy venues, Peavey produces several amplifiers that are able to produce much higher volumes, such as the CS3000 or CS4000, which still maintain Peavey's typically affordable price points.

The PV900 is capable of providing up to 600 watts of power in bridged mono mode. In this mode, the two channels of the amplifier are combined, making a single powerful mono amp. However, the PV900 can also handle stereo input, or two channels of mono input. This flexibility makes the PV900 an ideal choice for vocalists, instrumentalists, or as a DJ or house amplifier. In stereo mode the PV900 produces up to 300 watts per channel using 4 ohm speakers. It is built extremely solidly and used by many touring bands. Many professional musicians have reported relying on the same Peavey power amplifier for over 20 years, and upon seeing this very heavy rackmount unit, it is easy to see why.

Although the PV900 is high on sound and low on price, it includes many of the same protective features found in Peavey's more expensive equipment. Musicians who are new to the concept of a discrete power amplifier will be especially happy to have DDT. With it, the PV900 detects when a clipped signal is being sent to the amplifier, indicating that the input is too loud and that damage could be caused. DDT automatically engages, lowering the master volume to prevent damage from being caused to the speakers. The PV900 also has an internal cooling system, which is able to prevent the unit from overheating even in the harshest of environments.

Peavey has been providing the power amplification used by the world's foremost performing and touring musicians since 1965, and Peavey PV900 Power Amplifiers build upon the company's strong reputation for producing great sound at prices that ordinary people can afford. The PV900 includes features that are found in some of Peavey's much more expensive amplifiers, including bridged operation, Distortion Detection Technique (DDT), and variable speed internal cooling fans. It can project a clear, accurate, uncolored sound suitable for rehearsal spaces and live performances at small to medium sized venues.

Peavey PV900 Power Amplifiers - Summary:
* Rated for up to 600 watts of output power in bridged mono mode, or 300 watts per channel in stereo mode
* Suitable choice for rehearsals, small performance venues, and front of house amplification for clubs and auditoriums
* Can be used by instrumentalists, vocalists or DJs
* Includes the same DDT speaker protection functionality found in Peavey's more expensive amplifiers
* Entry level power amplifier; able to withstand harsh road conditions, but does not produce the kind of power required in large or outdoor concert situations
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Peavey PV1500 Power Amps Review

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Peavey PV1500 Power Amp The name Peavey is synonymous with high quality amplification. Since 1965, Peavey has been an industry leader in great sounding, low cost amplification, and Peavey PV1500 Power Amplifiers continue this longstanding tradition. The PV amplifier product range provides enough amplification power for small concert venues, while including many of the same protective capabilities found in Peavey's more expensive products. The PV1500 is rated for a maximum output power of 1000 watts, when operating in bridged monaural mode. In stereo mode, or when in normal dual channel monaural operation, the PV1500 sends 500 watts per channel to 4 ohm speakers, or 300 watts per channel to 8 ohm speakers.

Because it can be used to amplify either stereo or mono signals, the PV1500 is equally as useful for DJs as it is for instrumentalists and vocalists. Additionally, amplifiers from the PV series are very popular for front of house amplification. The PV1500 provides more than enough power for bars and clubs to use for their in house music when no performing artists are scheduled, or for educational applications such as school auditoriums. For bands, the PV1500 is sufficient to provide the amplification necessary for most small and medium sized concert venues, but may not deliver quite enough power for outdoor shows.

Peavey provides top of the line build quality throughout its entire product range, and the PV1500 is no exception. It is able to withstand the equipment abuse that is common in touring environments, and continue providing spectacular sound on demand. Many musicians have reported using the same Peavey power amplifier, with minimal repair work, for decades. The PV1500 includes Peavey's famous DDT (Distortion Detection Technique), which automatically limits input gain when clipped waveforms are detected. Clipped waveforms signify that the volume being sent to the amplifier is too high, and with no limiting, they can damage the amplifier's internal circuitry or any speakers that are connected. DDT effectively eliminates both of these concerns, and warns the owner with an LED that a volume correction needs to be made. The PV1500 also includes numerous built-in protective measures to keep the unit's internal heat down, and break the electronic circuits in the event of a severe power spike, stopping the flow of electricity before any damage can be done. In normal operation, the unit runs at an extremely low temperature for the amount of power that it produces, and as long as it is properly installed in an equipment rack as specified by Peavey, heat issues should never be a concern.

Peavey PV1500 Power Amplifiers - Summary:
* Produces up to 1000 watts in bridged operation, or 500 watts per channel in two channel operation
* Ruggedly built; able to withstand harsh road conditions
* Power level is sufficient for small and medium concert venues, but may not be ideal for large or outdoor venues
* Popular choice for DJ and front of house amplification
* Includes much of the same internal protective circuitry found in the more expensive Peavey product ranges
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QSC RMX 5050 Power Amps Review

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QSC RMX 5050 Power Amp There are some performance situations where only the most powerful amplifier will do, and QSC RMX 5050 Power Amplifiers fit that bill. QSC has been providing top quality amplification to professional musicians for over four decades, and the RMX 5050 is the new flagship of the RMX power amplifier line, providing up to 5000 watts of muscle. The RMX 5050 can be the backbone of any touring band's sound system, providing enough power to reach the back rows of virtually any indoor or outdoor concert venue.

The RMX 5050 is a two channel power amplifier, capable of the aforementioned 5000 watts in bridged mono mode, or up to 2500 watts per channel when driving a pair of 2 ohm speakers. With 4 and 8 ohm speakers, the maximum output of the RMX 5050 is 1800 watts and 1100 watts, respectively. This power is provided with minimum waste: the RMX 5050 is among the most efficient amplifiers in the RMX product line. It also provides exactly the same sound quality that musicians have come to expect from QSC products, with a tonal response that is designed to be even from the lowest bass to the highest treble frequencies, for maximum accuracy.

In dual channel operation, the RMX 5050 is an ideal solution for driving both a subwoofer and main speakers, thanks to its independent bass roll-off filters. For each channel, the owner can set the roll-off filter at 50 Hz, 30 Hz, or off. This allows for maximum protection of speakers that can not reproduce subsonic bass frequencies, and minimum crosstalk when a standard speaker and subwoofer are used in tandem.

Along with top of the line sound quality, the RMX 5050 features several safety mechanisms to ensure proper operation even in less than ideal conditions. Its automatic clipping detection feature senses when clipped waveforms are entering the amplifier (due to input volume that is too high), and automatically reduces the internal volume of the amp to prevent permanent damage from being done to the speakers. Clipping detection can also be disabled if desired. Additionally, the unit features direct mounted internal heat sinks and high power cooling fans, ensuring that proper operating temperatures are maintained even during all day events.

For musicians that demand the most powerful amplifier and highest quality sound in one package, QSC RMX 5050 Power Amplifiers are the ideal choice. With the RMX 5050, QSC has managed to provide one of the most powerful amplifiers on the market, while maintaining the tonal quality that they are beloved among musicians for - all in an affordable package that won't break the bank.

QSC RMX 5050 Power Amplifiers - Summary:
* Rated for up to 5000 watts in bridged mono operation, or 2500 watts per channel when driving two speakers
* Industry leading fault protection ensures that the unit can withstand strenuous road conditions
* Adjustable bass roll-off filters provide speaker protection and a customized tone
* Three year factory warranty, can be extended to six years after purchase
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QSC RMX 1450 Power Amps Review

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QSC RMX 1450 Power Amp The RMX family of power amplifiers, produced by QSC, has been among the top product lines in the industry in terms of performance for cost, since their introduction. QSX RMX 1450 Power Amplifiers represent the intermediate power amp in the RMX line, with higher wattage than the entry level RMX 850, and lower cost than the RMX 2450 and other more expensive models.

The RMX 1450 has a maximum power output capacity of 700 watts when driving a pair of 2 ohm speakers, and bridging the amp and putting it into single speaker operation ups the total to 1400 watts. The RMX 1450 offers a signal to noise ratio rivaling that of most studio power amplifiers, at 100 dB, with less than 0.01% distortion. It features a tonal response that is almost completely flat across the entire frequency range. This results in some of the most accurate reproduction of sound possible in a power amplifier intended for live performances.

The road can be extremely harsh on professional audio equipment, but the RMX 1450 is built to last. It includes internal cooling fans designed to keep the unit operating within the correct temperature ranges, and multiple levels of protection against electrical faults. Additionally, it includes automatic clipping protection, which the owner can enable or disable as they please. When clipping protection is enabled, the RMX 1450 automatically detects when the input level could potentially damage the loudspeakers that are attached, and lowers the volume accordingly to ensure that a speaker is not blown out.

Further customizing the experience are two independently controllable filters - one for each channel of amplification - that allow the bass response of the RMX 1450 to be rolled off at either 30 Hz or 50 Hz. This allows the user to protect loudspeakers that may be unable to handle subsonic frequencies, and create a more customized tone that is impossible to achieve with many competing power amps.

QSC RMX 1450 Power Amplifiers are a highly recommended purchase for musicians or DJs who frequently perform at smaller indoor venues such as clubs and small to medium sized concert halls. For outdoor engagements, or shows at larger auditoriums, it would be advisable to use more than one RMX 1450 in tandem, or consider a more powerful amplifier such as the RMX 2450 to produce adequate volume levels.

QSC RMX 1450 Power Amplifiers - Summary:
* Rated for a maximum output power of up to 1400 watts (mono, bridged) or 700 watts (stereo, 2 ohm loudspeakers)
* Designed for a flat tonal response, resulting in some of the most accurate sound reproduction available in a power amplifier intended for live performances
* The addition of user selectable filters at 30 Hz and 50 Hz protect speakers that are unable to be driven at subsonic frequencies and create a fully customizable tone for specialized operations
* Solidly built; able to withstand harsh road conditions
* Automatic clipping detection to protect speakers; can be enabled or disabled at the owner's discretion
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