Amplifier

Peavey CS800S is an 800 watt power amplifier
· The amplifier receives the combined or mixed signal from the mixer.
· The amplifier is the last component in the sound system before the speaker. Generally, the sound signal progresses through the sound system as follows:
o Microphone or Instrument
o Mixer
o Compressor (optional)
o 31-Band Graphic Equalizer (or parametric equalizer)
o Digital Delay (only for remote speakers that must be time-aligned with the main speakers)
o Cross-Over (only in the case of bi-amped or tri-amped speaker systems or a sub-woofer)
o Amplifier
o Speaker(s)

· The amplifier supplies the power to drive the speakers.
· Most speaker systems, especially lower power speakers only require a single amplifier. However, some speaker systems are designed to work bi-amped or tri-amped. In the case of a bi-amped system, two amplifiers are needed, one for low frequency sounds and one for high frequency sounds. In the case of tri-amped, three amplifiers are needed for low, midrange, and high sounds. If a sub-woofer is used for very low sounds, another amplifier is needed for it.
· Separate amplifiers are needed for the Main System, remote speakers (if required), and the Monitor System.
· When multiple monitor mixes are used, each mix requires its own amplifier.
· In order for an amplifier to make the sound twice as loud, it must supply four times as much power. For example, it takes a 400 watt amplifier to be twice as loud as a 100 watt amplifier.
· Always use an amplifier capable of supplying more power than you need. Distortion increases dramatically when an amplifier is operated at its maximum power. Having plenty of "head room" or reserve power reduces the chance of distortion.
· It is important that an amplifier have very low background noise. Even a small amount of "hiss" can be very objectionable.
· The power rating of the amplifier and the speakers must be similar to reduce the chance of damaging the speakers.