How to connect a power amplifier to passive loudspeakers

In this video I discuss how to match and connect a power amplifier to passive loudspeakers in the context of live sound reinforcement. Although active speakers are all the rage these days there is nothing wrong with good old passive speakers, and they have the advantage of only needing a single connection, as opposed to the signal and power connections needed on an active cabinet.

Bookmarks for video:
00:00 Intro
01:08 The difference between active and passive loudspeakers.
02:45 Overview of a typical modern power amplifier.
10:25 Overview of a typical passive loudspeaker connector panel.
11:08 Step 1: Ensure amplifier and loudspeakers are correctly matched.
11:35 Step 1A: Determine power handling capacity of your loudspeakers
12:52 Step 1B: Determine loudspeaker impedance.
13:32 Step 1C: Calculate power delivery of amplifier into loudspeaker, based on impedance.
14:37 How to calculate the combined impedance of multiple loudspeaker cabinets.
17:17 Step 2: Connect mixer to power amplifier
17:47 Power amplifier modes: stereo, parallel, bridge mono.
20:51 Daisy-chaining power amplifiers
22:25 Step 3: Connect amplifier to loudspeakers.
25:58 Setting amplifier gain and level controls.

Do please get in touch with questions or comments!

Ways to get in touch - I love hearing from my viewers!

[GLBProductions]

Bookmarks for video:
00:00​ Intro
01:08​ The difference between active and passive loudspeakers.
02:45​ Overview of a typical modern power amplifier.
10:25​ Overview of a typical passive loudspeaker connector panel.
11:08​ Step 1: Ensure amplifier and loudspeakers are correctly matched.
11:35​ Step 1A: Determine power handling capacity of your loudspeakers
12:52​ Step 1B: Determine loudspeaker impedance.
13:32​ Step 1C: Calculate power delivery of amplifier into loudspeaker, based on impedance.
14:37​ How to calculate the combined impedance of multiple loudspeaker cabinets.
17:17​ Step 2: Connect mixer to power amplifier
17:47​ Power amplifier modes: stereo, parallel, bridge mono.
20:51​ Daisy-chaining power amplifiers
22:25​ Step 3: Connect amplifier to loudspeakers.
25:58​ Setting amplifier gain and level controls.

[denttech]

I've seen many of your videos. You don't miss a step. You explain everything as though everyone is a beginner. Every word you use has a purpose. No wasted info. Very knowledgeable. Awesome job!!!

[imthateddie]

9 Years later this video is still teaching us how to run our systems correctly and more intelligently. Thank You!

[earlbest]

A thorough presentation on How to connect a power amplifier to passive loudspeakers. Well done.

[lservis]

I wanted to thank you. I've just bought a Yamaha MG12 and a Crown power amp. I'm brand new to this side of the gigs and after watching all the videos on both the setups I'm feeling pretty comfortable.

[zayelectronicstrading]

We have been struggling with a corporate installation involving 115 speakers divided into 5 floors. We ran into all sorts of challenges with daisy chains and fire panel patching. The moment I found this video, i sent it out to all the techies, so that they can go back to the very basics. I am so glad that I found this channel - and thank you for the excellent presentation - both technical and verbal. its simply awesome. We will be back for cheers

[bobby]

Why, oh why I didn’t find this video in 2015, had so much trouble back in the day!

Thank you for a content!

[simonpong]

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[charlestrupia]

Mr. Bruno, sir, I have been viewing your videos for some time now. Anything Audio I've ever needed to hook up. I've always referenced your how to videos, your open honest and direct manner the way you present your videos, is spot-on. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your knowledge with others make our lives easier in the realm of audio. Thank you Charles from Mims Florida

[marcusv]

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[BanibrataDutta]

Not only are these video highly informative, but also very clear and precise. Excellent presentation. Thanks for producing these.

[lukehayes]

Love all of your videos. I've never seen someone so effectively explain concepts like you do. These are life savers for an aspiring sound guy like myself.

[chensun]

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[sciii]

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[DrNoahBoddy]

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[morakamailula]

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[howgreatisourgodgreatminds]

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[SargentRay]

Wow finally a cristal clear explanation of the subject. Thank's for making it and sharing it as well.

[terryfennell]

Thanks so much for all your info. I am new to this and the only one now at our church to take on this task. I have learned more from your videos than any thing else or one that I have talked with. Thanks again

[larsondavis]

I have been looking for a fair explanation on connecting my passive speakers to a power amp for sometime, and ended up just putting it on hold, until now. I crazy appreciate this video and your thorough explanation of everything.

Snap, when you right down things for reference when watching a youtube video, that's a good video =]

THANK