| POWER AMPLIFIER BUYING GUIDE
Say for example you are using 500 watt speakers that are 4 ohms. You should be using an amplifier that offers 1000 watts per channel at 4 ohms. This will leave "head room". EXAMPLE: If you use the Crown XLS602 amplifier which puts out 600 watts of power at 4 ohms you will have very little "head room". Amplifier will sound really bad too. Always keep in mind when buying an audio amplifier, a speaker's program rating is what it can run constantly; an amplifier's rating is it's max power. You do not want to match the numbers! If you do match the numbers, you will over drive the amplifier, possibly creating distortion and blowing the speakers. It's not volume that blows speakers, it's the distortion that does. You can easily create distortion even at a low volume.
For the speaker example above, the Crown XTi 4000 would be the appropriate choice for an amplifier. It puts out 1200 watts per side at 4 ohms. The Crown XTi 4000 is an excellent amplifier: Not too expensive and it has many benefits for a mobile DJ:
1. Super light weight.
2. Uses only 6 amps at max power from the wall. (which is unheard of for an amplifier that puts out that much power).
3. Great sounding amplifier that can really push bass.
4. Switching power supply. (If you accidentally plug it into a 220 line it will automatically detect it and switch to 110 by itself).
Why you may need these features:
1. Most DJ amplifiers will use up to 15 amps which will blow circuit breakers in catering halls and other typical venues, especially when you are sharing the same power source with the DJ lights and various other appliances or products at the venue. There's nothing more embarrassing then the music and lights going off because of a blown circuit breaker!
2. Mobile DJ's will need an amplifier that can really push bass especially when performing at outdoor venues. (Remember that your system will sound dramatically quieter outdoors as compared to indoors). The VAST MAJORITY of DJ's blow their speakers during outdoor events. They try to make it sound as loud outdoors as they do indoors, and that's NEVER going to happen because you have no walls for sound reflection.
3. Switching power supply is important for a mobile DJ because sometimes the only free circuit in a building is a 220 volt line. It will also ensure that you will not blow any circuit breakers.
We could go on and on explaining why the audio amplifier is the second most important piece of equipment in any DJ setup (the first being the DJ mixer) We cannot stress enough that without a good amplifier your speakers will not sound good, NO MATTER WHAT. It makes NO DIFFERENCE if you bought the most expensive speakers in the World, without a good power amplifier the speakers will NEVER sound good. The cheapest amplifier we would recommend is the Crown XTi 4000. If you want to spend a little more we would recommend the Crown MT Series, but for a mobile DJ we would recommend to stay away from them because of the current they draw. The MacroTech Series are 20 amps; They draw a LOT of power from the wall, and are much more appropriate for club installations.
So in conclusion, our example would show:
Speakers that are rated 500watts @ 4 ohms should use an amplifier that offers 1000 watts per channel @ 4 ohms.
We recommend you do your own research and make your own decision on which amplifier is best for your particular needs. Please do not ask us further questions about specific recommendations for your amplifier needs, as we will not be held responsible for misuse of your equipment, and damaged caused by it.
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