View Full Version : Amp - 8Ω one channel 4Ω the other
Mission
06-12-2008, 01:10 PM
Is it OK to run 8Ω on one channel and 4Ω on the other channel of a stereo amp.
What I was going to do if I just wanted to use one bass bin with just the one amp was to run the mixer in mono into the amp with an 8Ω top on one channel and a top and bin on the other.
spin mobile disco
06-12-2008, 01:15 PM
Some amps it is ok on , others not. To be honest I think the manafacturer would be best to talk to.
My amp for example allows a mixed channel load but that is because both of its output stages are kept seperate through the whole system. Others may be intergrated so a mixed load may cause problems.
Totally Plucked
06-12-2008, 01:27 PM
Its always better to have a balanced load
Mission
06-12-2008, 01:46 PM
OK. I'll keep it balanced or use a seperate amp for a single bin.
Tony Scott
06-12-2008, 02:06 PM
OK. I'll keep it balanced or use a seperate amp for a single bin.
What amp have you got?
I've run amps at different resistances each side for over 25years and never had a single one fail! Most amplifiers have a single power supply that serves the two seperate output stages, the supply sees only a single load so as long as both channels stay within their limits the supply won't be put under strain and you'll have no problems...........the amp will live!
As an example I currently have a BehringerEP2500 installed in a pub that does 1x Sub@8ohm + 4x mid-hi's@ 2ohm, this has been abused doing Karaoke 3 nights a week for a year.....no problems!
BTW I've sent you that fixture file for the impossibLED ;)
Is it OK to run 8Ω on one channel and 4Ω on the other channel of a stereo amp.
On a professional amplifier (Crown, Labgruppen, Crest, etc) no problem, they are over-engineered to tolerate huge load imbalances. We often run Crown VZs down to 2r on one side with 8r or even no load on the other side. I wouldn't recommend you do that on a budget or semi-pro amp though.
What is the amp in question?
Excalibur
06-12-2008, 03:37 PM
On a professional amplifier (Crown, Labgruppen, Crest, etc) no problem, they are over-engineered to tolerate huge load imbalances. We often run Crown VZs down to 2r on one side with 8r or even no load on the other side. I wouldn't recommend you do that on a budget or semi-pro amp though.
What is the amp in question?
Prosound 1000? :confused: :sofa:
Prosound 1000? :confused: :sofa:
who cares if it goes down to 2r, when it's got funky blue LEDs on the (upgraded) version... according to the M***** website :shrug:
Excalibur
06-12-2008, 04:08 PM
who cares if it goes down to 2r, when it's got funky blue LEDs on the (upgraded) version... according to the M***** website :shrug:
And we all know I daren't do the joke about Blue LED's and PA beginning with M, don't we? :eek: :D :D :D :D
Andy Westcott
06-12-2008, 08:18 PM
It makes no difference to an amplifier whether it is run 'unevenly' or not as it is in fact two seperate units, and each functions as an amplifier in its own right - all that will happen is the side feeding the 4 ohm load will run hotter than the other. This is not due to some 'imbalance' as there isn't any, it's merely because output devices dissipate more heat when run into 4 ohms.
I don't like the idea though - you'd be feeding full range through both speakers, meaning the bass bin will be asked to reproduce frequencies it isn't designed for and it may sound a bit boxy as a result, unless it has a crossover inside. Also the mid-top unit will receive bass frequencies, causing the driver to work harder than it needs to.
If you use an electronic crossover you won't have a problem in this respect.
Bouncy Dancefloor
07-12-2008, 01:55 AM
well i dont think we should speculate anymore until the original poster tells us what the make and model of amplifier is
the only answer we can give is, Yes Maybe
Tony Scott
07-12-2008, 02:06 AM
.......I don't like the idea though - you'd be feeding full range through both speakers.........
If you use an electronic crossover you won't have a problem in this respect.
I assumed he would be using an electronic x-over or LMS.....nasty sounding otherwise!! :(
Corabar Steve
07-12-2008, 09:30 AM
Or an amp like my Yamahas with high & low pass filters on each side.
Mission
07-12-2008, 12:19 PM
The amp in question is a Audiohead AH1000 which I've seen with another badge make to it as well.
http://www.rock-box.co.uk/shopping/product.php?productid=254
Would be just using the Xover in the bin.
Was just thinking of smaller venues to use one bin and leave the spare amp in the vehicle.
It was just an idea but if it's going to sound bad or risk the amp then I won't do it.
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