Amplifier Selection - Community ENTASYS Application Manual

Total Rated
Full‐Range Impedance
Columns
1
2
3
Total Rated
Low Frequency Impedance
Columns
1
2
3
Low Frequency
Columns
1
1
2
Table 1 shows the recommended power amplifier ratings for driving ENTASYS systems. Specifying amplifiers with these
output power ratings will allow the maximum power to be delivered to the loudspeaker when the amplifier is driven to full
output with a signal that has a 6 dB crest factor. For a discussion of crest factor, reference Page 36.
With each ENTASYS enclosure housing sixty-six individual drivers, ENTASYS loudspeaker systems are designed to handle
exceptionally high amplifier power ratings. However, if high SPL is not required for a particular application, a lower powered
amplifier may be used.
WARNING: Amplifiers used should not be overdriven or clipped during operation. Doing so could damage the loudspeaker(s)
it is powering. For more information on amplifiers and limiters, please refer to the ENTASYS Installation/Operation
Manual, Pages 38-39.
If an amplifier is routinely clipping during operation in an attempt to achieve the desired SPL, it should be replaced with an
amplifier with a higher output rating. If an amplifier with a higher output rating would exceed the recommended 3,600 watts
into 4 ohms, it may be necessary to increase the number of loudspeakers to achieve the desired SPL in the audience area of a
venue.
A good method for determining the size of the power amplifier for an application is to do a quick model of the seating and
array location using EASE Focus (reference page 17). Set the Bandwidth to Broadband and the Level to RMS (Max SPL). The
Level View should then display the maximum SPL at the audience ear height. If the SPL in the audience area is much greater
than it needs to be, the size of the power amplifier may be reduced. Alternatively, an amplifier rated at 3,600 watts into 4
ohms may still be used, passing signals with a greater crest factor while providing the average SPL desired. An overview of this
is shown in Table 2.
Table 1: Recommended Amplifier Size
Recommended
Power
(ohm) (watts)
12 600
6 1,200
4 1,800
Recommended
Power
(ohm) (watts)
12 600
6 1,200
4 1,800
Total Rated
Full‐Range Impedance
Columns (ohm)
1 6
2 4
1 4
A M P L I F I E R S E L EC T I O N
Community ENTASYS Application Guide - Page 16
QUICK START
Required Amplifier Rating
Voltage @ 8 ohm
(V ) (watts)
RMS
85 1,800
85
85
Required Amplifier Rating
Voltage @ 8 ohm
(V ) (watts)
RMS
85 1,800
85
85
Recommended Required
Power Voltage
(watts) (V
1,200
1,800
1,800
Amplifier Rating
@ 4 ohm
(watts)
3,600
‐ 3,600
‐ 3,600
Amplifier Rating
@ 4 ohm
(watts)
3,600
‐ 3,600
‐ 3,600
Amplifier Rating
@ 4 ohm
) (watts)
RMS
85 3,600
85 3,600
85 3,600