6
votes
Why do some audio amps use AC while others use DC
Is AC current fundamentally better as a working current when it comes to amplifying audio signal?
No. If anything, using an AC power supply makes it more difficult to have low noise.
The circuits ...
- 1,548
5
votes
Connect XLR microphone to amplifier
You don't connect a microphone directly to an amplifier, you would normally connect it to a sound board to be able to adjust the eq and volume prior to going to an amp. The sound board includes a ...
- 8,081
5
votes
Accepted
Why do some audio amps use AC while others use DC
The type of current is actually completely irrelevant as all transmitted power is AC. Unless you are driving your amplifier from batteries, everything has to be converted at some point to DC.
The end ...
- 8,394
5
votes
Why aren't amplifiers aimed AWAY from the audience on live shows?
First off… pros don't just decide they want to turn their amp up halfway through a gig. That's what sound crews are for; there's one guy whose job it is to make sure everyone on stage can hear ...
- 7,039
5
votes
Powered Amp placement in a smaller church setting
If you're running balanced line to the amp you can put it where you want.
If not, you need it near the mixer.
There's really no other consideration unless it's noisily fan-driven or you need a ...
- 7,039
4
votes
What are good amplification methods for percussive fingerstyle (on an acoustic guitar)?
If you want to do more percussive in your acoustic guitar, I remember that Fishman has developed their onboard-preamp, which I use. It's a preamp that combine undersaddle piezo with built-in mic ...
- 141
4
votes
Why do we need power amplifier with hundred watts of power?
Indeed it's easy to generate very loud noises with a speaker system whose power is only a fraction of what's actually used in PA or HiFi systems. What's not so easy is to get any sound you want to ...
- 6,001
4
votes
How to use a wireless mic with computer mini speakers for trade show
Those are powered speakers, at least they appear to be from a quick glance at the eBay page. Therefore, they have their own amplifier; you should be able to connect them directly to your microphone ...
- 331
3
votes
Accepted
Guitar amp sound distorted when miked up
I usually find that SM57s accentuate distortion/tinniness when the mic is pointed at the center of the speaker cone. My preferred placement is 45 degrees off-axis, aimed between the outer edge of the ...
- 46
3
votes
Accepted
Amplifier + Speakers setup
You are correct in assuming that the speakers can only withstand the peak power for very short periods of time.
The VP2520 is a 4 Ω speaker. Looking at the technical specs of the amp, it seems the ...
- 183
3
votes
How do the outputs on this audio interface work?
It's generally expected that you do a little bit of research before asking questions here and that you only ask one question. In this case the manual for this device answers the question quite clearly....
- 324
3
votes
Does a Headphone Amp Increase Output Volume?
Probably, yes. "Headphone power" depends basically on two things, output voltage and headphone impedance (I discussed it in some detail here). Many devices don't bother providing a very great voltage, ...
- 6,001
3
votes
Accepted
Troubleshooting amp clicking and muting the speakers
I bumped into this years ago when, as a kid, I though hey, the more speakers the better!! So I connected 3 or four sets of speakers in parallel to the little system. It would often 'click' off like ...
- 1,760
3
votes
Accepted
What is the best shape for passive sound amplification
The best shape for high frequencies (and some high mid) is the horn. But a horn can actually take many shapes. For example, its walls can be parallel like a didgeridoo. In fact, most, if not all, wind ...
- 1,553
3
votes
Accepted
Connecting multiple speakers to a stereo amplifier?
It is impossible to tell without the input impedance of the speakers, but generally speaking the answer to your question is yes - you can damage either the speakers or the amp.
Say your speakers are ...
- 1,516
3
votes
Accepted
Using home cinema speakers with desktop audio interface
You are probably trying to connect passive speakers to line out level outputs, therefore the low acoustic level.
What you need is a four channels power amplifier with 4 ohms speakers outputs.
- 2,613
3
votes
How to fix loud thunderous noise from Peavey PA system?
This is most likely an issue related to microphone cable, connectors or wireless receiver. Try the following to determine the source of the error:
Test amplifier
Connect amp and speakers only - NO ...
- 3,702
3
votes
Accepted
Label on speaker reads "120W(MUSIC), 60W(DIN)." What does this mean?
"Music" power is a rating that has its closest analogs in "RMS" power or "continuous" power handling. That means it is a long-term rating based on the speaker's capability to dissipate heat that is ...
- 2,030
3
votes
Accepted
Matching amplifier with speaker with unknown wattage
Well, it's like a game of Blackjack: to know the answer for sure, you'd have to bust your speakers.
If you have any amplifier at home or that you can borrow for a while, connect the speakers, put ...
- 721
3
votes
What is the difference between DAC, Sound Card and AMP?
Strictly speaking a "DAC" is a "Digital to Analogue Converter" which is a specific and critical component of the audio processing chain that connects a digital audio processing system with your ...
- 8,394
3
votes
How do I connect an amplifier to a PC?
To be honest, this is asking for trouble. I strongly recommend you purchase and use a DI box to isolate the amplifier from the computer. You are likely to experience hum and the DI will help to ...
- 8,394
3
votes
Accepted
Why does digital sound EQ use decibels instead of an amplitude multiplier?
Audio engineering uses decibels, because they are closer to how the human hearing perceives loudness: a double energy level is not twice as loud. A linear scale would require either a very large fader ...
- 146
3
votes
Whine from speakers when there is no audio playing
Computers are notorious for creating various types of electronic noise. When you use the internal sound card of the computer a lot of this electronic noise will be sent out on the audio cable and can ...
- 1,234
3
votes
Accepted
What happens when the output impedance of a headphone amp is higher than the input impedance of the headphones?
First a short historical notice.
In the old days, professional headphones often where 600 Ohm, sometimes 250 Ohm. The IEC standard from 1996 recommended an output impedance of 120 Ohms for the ...
- 1,234
2
votes
What are good amplification methods for percussive fingerstyle (on an acoustic guitar)?
A microphone is definitely the best solution, sound-wise. And indeed almost certainly cheaper than anything built-in, if it is supposed to sound anywhere as decent. You don't necessarily need a large-...
- 6,001
2
votes
Amplitube VST won't respond to MIDI PC messages from Ableton Live
I might have an actual answer this time. Be sure you are doing a "Save As" a preset (not a patch) after assigning the program change number to your preset. This seems to have been the last piece I was ...
- 31
2
votes
Why do we need power amplifier with hundred watts of power?
Some of that chart isn't very good in my opinion. 85dB isn't that loud. A typical concert will be at 106dB to 110dB or sometimes louder and the power requirement doubles every 6dB or so because it is ...
- 8,081
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