What is a Power Amplifier, And Do I Need One?

Mitch Gallagher explains who a power amplifier is, and how it fits into your audio ecosystem.

A power amplifier, also known as a power amp, is a device that raises a line level signal to speaker level. The signal coming into a power amp is often very weak, but the power amplifier circuitry amplifies it greatly, allowing it to drive your speakers. When you’re looking for a power amp for your PA rig, it’s better to choose a power amplifier with more power than the peak power of your speakers, since most blown and damaged speakers are the result of pushing an under-powered power amp into clipping. Use a power amplifier that delivers twice the program power rating of your speaker to make sure you have enough headroom to minimize risk to your speakers. Still not sure which power amplifier is right for you? Your Sweetwater Sales Engineer can help you find the perfect power amp for your set up.

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[sweetwater]

Thanks for checking out this guide to Power Amplifiers! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments section 👇 If this video helped you, hit that like button and then subscribe to our channel for more great guides, tips, and tricks!

[carlinschneider]

Explain this to me like I'm five.

[MofosRealReviews]

Although this was in English I still didn’t understand it 😂

Make a video on ir’s (impulse response)

[Χριζαϊων_Ζηνόβῐος]

Holy shit, I wasn't expecting to find a good explanation but wow. This is perfect.

[BOboO-ustu]

Yeah, sure man. That was extremely helpful.

[rubensverstappen]

I thought I was watching the video in 1.25x speed. Lol. Great explanation tho. :))

[rohitwadhwa]

Such a great explanation very well explained sir, continue educating us about technology.

[CharlesFerraro]

I’ve heard of the pwm thing but have no idea how that works for amps. Obvs it’s different from synthesizer sound design (though I’m sure it’s still a square wave and pwm but the application is just very different).

[cysolo]

Great video but the background music is too loud.

[Antibackgroundnoise]

Got a question for you mate... if one didn't need the extra power but still wished to add a Poweramp to its more than capable AVR, would the extra boost in signal improve one's two channel audio 🤔

[crimsonhawk]

Jiluka! I'm on to you!!! I'll find that sound sooner or later

[shan]

I’m more confused now that I watched this video.

[TomBauto]

I couldn't take the fast phase and background music, I did not understand anything at all! Thumbnail is good, why rush?

[pascaljean-pierre]

Very informative! Need help selecting a pair of passive speaker/floor monitors for a QSC RMX 850 power amplifier (200W/channel at 8 ohms). Thanks in advanced for your support.

[bransoncat.]

I still don't fully understand if I have a digital mixer if it is internally powered or not so now I don't know if I can use unpowered speakers

[flesz_]

what power amp do I need compared to speakers power ?

[Slewlok]

Good video but my god ditch the music or bring it down

[imtiazahmed]

the power amplifier, which is producing the background sound (noise), needs to be changed.. :P :P

[DojoOfCool]

Some power amp will color the sound, I always like the old Crown amp advertisements.... "the closest thing to a straight wire with power".

[webbwiley]

So could I use a power amp (not a guitar amp) to power a guitar cab?