The usual question about mixing speaker impedances...

Author
Beggars Bridge
Max Output Level: -89 dBFS
  • Total Posts : 82
  • Joined: 2010/03/19 05:05:21
  • Status: offline
2012/08/16 20:35:14 (permalink)

The usual question about mixing speaker impedances...

I'm in the process of getting some PA gear together and have just been given a pair of Peavey bass bins, which are rated as 4 ohms impedance. The top speakers I have are Wharfedale Titan 15s, which are rated at 8 ohms. The amp I have is a Crown Macrotech 2402. Am I going to be able to hook these together successfully? Please be gentle, as I'm closer to the "novice" end of the spectrum than the "expert" end....
#1

2 Replies Related Threads

    The Maillard Reaction
    Max Output Level: 0 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 31918
    • Joined: 2004/07/09 20:02:20
    • Status: offline
    Re:The usual question about mixing speaker impedances... 2012/08/17 09:03:09 (permalink)
    The good news is that the world is full of reference material for this.

    My best suggestion is that you choose a reference source for this stuff and keep it at the ready.

    I have a 1st edition printing of this:



    That I've used for most of my work over the years. It used to be a privately distributed book that Yamaha vendors would give good customers... it was such a useful reference book that it was updated for public distribution.




    In any event:

    You'll need to learn about Serial and Parallel connections. Don't avoid this as every explanation about what you can and can't do with your system will be based on the difference between those connections.

    You are going to be able to wire up the speakers to the Macro Tech but there are many ways to do so, and each choice will have an impact on performance and reliability.

    So, for example, you can hook a top and bottom in parallel... and the amp will see something like 5 or 6 ohms. That will work and be sort of loud and the amp will run hot but be ok.

    You can hook them up in series and that will work and the amp will be happier. The sound will not be quite as loud.


    Now, let's talk about more pertinent things.

    How are you going to manage your Tops and Bottoms?

    Do you have a cross over?

    Do the bottoms have built in cross overs?

    Is there any chance you have another amp?

    Do you know about bi-amping and why it is more efficient than using one big amp and passive crossovers?

    I'm not gonna pretend to teach you all this stuff, but I can assure you that if you slowly learn to answer all these questions that you will have a good grasp of what the best option, for you, will be. It's the stuff sound guys run through their head each and evey time they set up a rig.

    Hopefully we can get a bunch of folks to chime in a tag team and walk you through all this stuff.

    In the mean time I think you'll find there is excellent info already easily available and that I have dropped a few hints about subjects which you can become acquainted with using those materials.

    Good luck! Have Fun!


    best regards,
    mike





    post edited by mike_mccue - 2012/08/17 09:22:55


    #2
    spacealf
    Max Output Level: -54 dBFS
    • Total Posts : 2133
    • Joined: 2010/11/18 17:44:34
    • Status: offline
    Re:The usual question about mixing speaker impedances... 2012/08/17 09:54:49 (permalink)
    Newer amps can actually handle and go down to a 2 ohm hookup (both left and right channels together - that also another concern) so first perhaps you better get a manual for your amp and see what they recommend for a load upon the amp. Having the amp not function can happen if it can not handle the load upon it.

     
     
    #3
    Jump to:
    © 2024 APG vNext Commercial Version 5.1