How to match the audio source and power amplifier

Before the article starts, we must first understand these concepts: audio source, power amplifier, output power, peak power.
Output power refers to the power that works continuously for a long time.

Peak power refers to the maximum power that can be sustained in a short period of time, which is much larger than the rated power.

The relationship between audio source and amplifier

When the dynamic range of the audio source is very large, the power amplifier will be overloaded instantaneously. After the power amplifier tube is overloaded, serious nonlinear distortion will occur, and even the speaker will be damaged.

Amplifier overload and overload elimination

When the power amplifier output level indicator is in normal condition, the level displayed is green; when the power amplifier requires to transmit a high-pitched continuous signal, the level signal is in yellow; when the audio signal of the song peaks or when the drum is playing, the red indicator flashes (flashes from time to time), the above are normal phenomena. If the red light stays on, the amplifier may be overloaded.

This often happens when one amplifier drives multiple speakers, and the system should be reconfigured to eliminate this overload. Power amplifier peak indicator (PEAK), when the PEAK peak indicator is flashing, the gain control should be lowered. Amplifier protection indicator, when some misoperations occur, the built-in protection circuit of the amplifier will be automatically disconnected, and the protection display will flash. When the wrong operation is eliminated, the protection indicator will go out.

Professional amplifiers need to work continuously for long periods of time at large events, and they must also be able to withstand the vibration and shock of handling. Therefore, compared with general audio amplifiers, professional amplifiers pay more attention to the durability of long-term use and structural reliability in design. Amplifiers have an important impact on the sound quality of sound reinforcement. In order to give full play to the performance and role of audio equipment, we must pay attention to the quality of the amplifier. Otherwise, a high-quality sound reinforcement system will not work.

Impedance matching

When connecting amplifiers to amplifiers and connecting amplifiers to boosters, the impedance matching between them must be considered (impedance is measured in ohms).

Impedance matching means that the rated output impedance of the power amplifier should be equal to the rated impedance of the speaker, at which time the speaker absorbs the most power. If the rated impedance of the speaker is much smaller than the rated output impedance of the power amplifier, it will cause a sharp increase in operating current, which will damage the speaker and amplifier. Therefore, when connecting the power amplifier and the speaker, it must be noted that the input impedance value of the speaker must be within the load impedance range of the power amplifier. Power matching In principle, the rated output power of the power amplifier should be equal to the rated power of the speaker. However, since the power amplifier tube will have serious nonlinear distortion after overloading, the rated output power of the amplifier is usually intentionally increased to make it greater than the rated power of the speaker. If the power of the speaker is much smaller than the power of the power amplifier, you should be extra careful when using the power amplifier. The volume should be gradually adjusted from small to large, and it should not be too loud, otherwise the speaker will be damaged. In actual work, the output power of the power amplifier is relatively large, which is helpful for improving the sound quality.