Stereo "Daisy" chain of amplifiers (using QSC PLX amps)

[@carlmorrison6087]

you made the most sense in this video, answered my question even before I could ask about it. Thank you

[@stageleftaudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dailydoseofbeauty-coaching113]

Great tutorial, all my questions answered, we are not combining the power, just lettiing the signal pass from one to the others! Subscribed ......

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for your comment.

[@hollywoodthedj1673]

So what’s the point in just letting the signal run through all the amps what is it’s intended purpose?

[@spooforbrains]

I had no idea this was possible. Thanks, very useful info!

[@MRDBO314]

Mann!!!!! I bet your sound system sounds #Outstanding....

[@techniquejoseph]

Thanks for this video. It worked for me using the same method used here.

[@stageleftaudio]

Excellent!

[@WhoahTZ]

This helped me so much! Thank you a thousand times!

[@anilpatibandla4051]

Nice explanation sir.

[@onowuizuchukwu7257]

Nice teaching, keep up the good work,

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you! 😃

[@rodwintv8750]

Thanks for your tutorial sir ,,from phillipines

[@stageleftaudio]

Welcome!

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

Great video sir

[@astonharry4936]

Very informative guys

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you!

[@SoulStyle...]

Nice video 🍻

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks ✌

[@SoulStyle...]

@@stageleftaudio very welcome 👍

[@MRJTOOU]

Good video

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for the visit

[@jonathanromero6468]

super helpful thanks bro

[@IvanEstrada-lr1hj]

Awesome knowledge,, my question is can it be done opposite of each other ? Can it xlr to 1/4 ,, ?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. XLR to 1/4" is very common. Just make sure the 1/4" end is balanced.

[@IvanEstrada-lr1hj]

Thank you for the feedback, have a blessed day 🙏

[@thomas9469]

Hello sir again, Where the knob should be set at we using a single Amplifier same like this. Connected to 2 1000 watts yahama speaker. Please advise.

[@stageleftaudio]

Hello. The knob on those amplifiers control the input voltage into the amplifier. Under most conditions (especially for live sound), those knobs should be turned all the way up (all the way to the right).

[@ELSSAUDIOELECTRONICS]

thank you sir

[@stageleftaudio]

Thank you for the comment.

[@nelsonerabor8270]

Good one thanks for sharing please in an analog mixer which output is best to send signal I mean bass and Kik to crossover low input

[@stageleftaudio]

You can use the main outputs (either L or R) of the analog mixer to send the full-range signal to the crossover input. There's no crossover low-input... only a full-range input. Use the "Low" output on the crossover to send the signal to the amplifier.

[@daniellambertsr.713]

So do all three amps has separate pair of speakers hooked up to them.

[@stageleftaudio]

You are correct. Each amplifier drives its own speaker(s).

[@tenzinglhundup8194]

Thanks for the reply I really appreciate

[@franco05]

this is cool so you can then connect 6 speakers from one source of sound

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, for 6 speakers, you could daisy-chain 3 amplifiers.

[@MAPEXable]

Was curious what unit is mounted above the top amplifier

[@stageleftaudio]

The two top units are QSC 4-channel amplifiers. We use these for monitors.

[@josephlungu3575]

Nice one

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks 🔥

[@miguelmorales4705]

Thanks a lot and also I have 3 way speakers with factory crossover can I use a Behringer crossover cx3400

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes.

[@daniellambertsr.713]

Question when linking up two amps can you have two pairs of speakers can you hook up a pair to each amp to play separately.

[@stageleftaudio]

When daisy chaining amplifiers, each amplifier will have its own speaker(s) attached to it. Each amplifier in the daisy chain setup will be playing the same signal as all the others.

[@daniellambertsr.713]

@@stageleftaudioand do the amplifier volume have to be set the same or can set differently according to what each pair of speakers can handle just running from each amp.

[@stageleftaudio]

You are correct. The amplifier volume on each amp can be set differently.

[@helthuismartin]

@ what temp in Celcius does the amp turn itself off?????? 85 C Celcius ??????

[@stageleftaudio]

It depends on the amplifier manufacturer; you would need to check the product manual to see what the temperature range is for the amplifier. If the product manual does not indicate if the amplifier will turn off, you would need to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly.

[@vieirasllc]

👏👏👏👏

[@NeewErra]

What about if you want to add active crossover to it with this method you just showed in this video

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, using an active crossover with daisy chained amplifiers is very common. For example using the "low" frequency output on a crossover, all you need to do is connect the "low" output of the crossover to the first amplifier in the chain.

[@NeewErra]

@stageleftaudio ,what about the mid and high,same procedure also?

[@NeewErra]

@stageleftaudio What about if I want to use one particular amplifier for the low frequency, I mean using the both channels and another amplifier both channel for the mid?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, same procedure. Whatever amplifiers that will be used in a daisy-chain for a particular frequency range (i.e. Low, mid, high), will all get the same frequency as whatever will be connected from the output of the crossover to the input of the first amplifier.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, this would be a very basic 2-way crossover setup. However, if you only have 2 amplifiers, you would NOT be daisy chaining any amplifiers. Each amplifier would be dedicated for a certain frequency range determined from the output of the crossover. For example, the "Low" output would go directly to one amplifier, and the "Mid" output would go directly to the other amplifier.

[@BadCountry292]

Awesome this help me with my subs, I want my subs running it's own power

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment.

[@sonidodjc73]

Can I connect two speakers to one amp, and only one speaker to the other amp??

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. Just make sure the attached speaker load is is within range of what the amplifier can support. This video covers the mono setup of the amplifiers; this means that only one speaker is usually connected to one mono (bridged) amplifier. Two speakers can be connected to a mono (bridged) amplifier, but the amplifier needs to be able to support the added load of the other speaker.

[@hakksovutcu7507]

Merhaba 4 adet hopörlör kullanarak 4 ohm da arka ayarlar ne olmalı

[@stageleftaudio]

Merhaba - Amplifikatörde hangi ayar kullanılırsa kullanılsın, klip sınırlayıcı her zaman etkinleştirilmelidir. Arkadaki diğer ayarlar yalnızca bir geçiş KULLANILMADIĞINDA mevcuttur. Bir geçiş kullanıyorsanız, diğer ayarlar "Tam" olarak ayarlanmalıdır çünkü geçiş, amplifikatörlerin yükselteceği frekansları yönetecektir.

[@gautampatel2615]

Dear sir please upload video on why use delay (DD3) in live program? what happen if we have not use delay in live program where we have connected many speakers each speaker to speaker distance is 50 feet

[@stageleftaudio]

We considered making a video covering delay towers/speakers. We will try to come up with a video in the near future covering it. For your question, not using delay on speakers usually results in an annoying "echo" that can be disruptive to the listeners. The more speakers connected from speaker to speaker without delay usually results in bad sound quality and an unintelligible mix for the people at the furthest point away from the stage. The further back the crowd is, and the more speakers there are, the worse the sound/mix quality can be without using delay.

[@tonenortoyeinamo2886]

tnx for dis video.

[@joselopez-de2ti]

awesome videos thank you for sharing all your knowledge.. I have one question what do you use to have enough power for all your equipment... a portable brake box box, power distro with breakers etc...

[@stageleftaudio]

+jose lopez Thanks for the comment. Most of the time, we use the power provided by the facility. The amplifiers now a days are more efficient than they were 20 years ago, so we don't need to use anything too special for power. However, for outdoor events in fields (or at sites with no power) we'll use a 50kw Diesel generator with a power distro.

[@reyesmarvey]

Jose Lopez, it might help to add a power conditioner, I have one furman cn2400s, I had plugged 3 qsc amps using them at full power two at 4 ohms 1200 watts and one at 2 ohms 1700 watts. Just make sure to connect to a electrical 20 amps outlet. The rest of the equipment is plugged to another furman m8lx, and connected to a regular electrical 15 amps outlet.

[@LC-ur8gv]

I've been lookin for this for ages. So, we basically do this if we want to have a large number of passive speakers fed with the same signal? Is this also what we would do if we want to bi-amp passive speakers? Thanks a lot.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, this is the method of driving a large number of passive speakers with the same signal. The same method in this video (stereo daisy chaining) will work for bi-amping. For example, route the low frequencies to the Left channel and the mid/highs to the Right channel.

[@LC-ur8gv]

@@stageleftaudio perfect. Thanks again!

[@mrcoan7553]

This video has had a long, fruitful life! Thanks for it, eight years in the future. Ok, so I get the daisy chain sequence and the reason for it. I also understand that in my setup I will need to connect only one speaker per amp, based upon the power requirements of my Yamaha CBR 15s. I've got two Mackie 1400i amps that I want to chain together. Am I correct in thinking that if I follow your connection method I will connect one speaker to the L channel of one amp and one speaker to the R channel of the 2nd amp. I am thinking if I do that I won't be giving the speakers adequate power. Instead I should bridge the speaker connections. In that case, I would have to chain the amps together in a different manner, correct?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes it has! Thank you for your comment. Here's a video I did covering a non stereo setup of daisy-chaining. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYDcm4JrjrSZmqc) In this video, the amplifiers are setup for bridge-mono operation. The daisy chaining in the video is for a bridge-mono setup (using all QSC PLX amps). For your question, you will probably need to use a bridge-mono configuration on your Mackie amplifiers to get the power you are needing. The daisy-chain wiring for mono operation is sort of the same. The video (ref: above) shows the wiring. The Mackie manual should indicate which input to use for a bridge-mono setup; follow what the manual says. Then, daisy-chain your signal cables to the needed inputs to support the mono operation. For a stereo setup (ref: your question), you would NOT need to connect one speaker to the L channel (on amp #1) and the other to the R channel (on amp #2). They can be run from the L (on both amps), or from the R (on both amps); it's up to you, but best practices usually has the connections to the L side. For a bridge-mono speaker connection, follow what the Mackie manual says to do to setup the amp for bridge-mono operation. You will probably need to make (or reconfigure) speaker cables to support a bridge-mono setup. The speaker wiring has to be setup differently to support a bridge-mono connection. Most amplifiers will show the speaker wiring requirement needed on the back of the amp. If your amp uses the binding-posts, I think all you need to do is flip your speaker connector over (that goes into the amp). If this is the case, you would NOT need to make/modify any speaker cables. Hope this helps.

[@mrcoan7553]

@@stageleftaudio , Thanks for the SUPER Fast response! Much appreciated! Thanks for the detail. Yes, the mono daisy setup is prob what I'll need to do, looking at the Mackie specs, to make sure I have adequate power so that I'm not clipping my sweet speakers. Btw, in another post you said we ought to consider running monitors from another source? Would I be ok adding a passive monitor or two with such a setup? Thanks again!

[@stageleftaudio]

Mono works great. But make sure to watch the power usage! You don't want to burn any speakers. For your monitor question, are you asking about daisy-chaining another amp and passive speaker to be used as a monitor? If so, this would be an odd setup, but you could do it.

[@mrcoan7553]

@@stageleftaudio , I guess what I don't know is can I also run a monitor or monitors off the same two amp setup. I imagine I can run them off the same 'A' channel as the mains. Yes, I'll be careful with the power. Thanks!

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, you can run monitors off the same two amp setup. However, both amps would need to be setup as stereo (FOH sound would be from a daisy-chained channel A on both amps, monitors would be from channel B on both amps, daisy-chained or independent channels). Doing it this way, you would not be able to run the amps in bridge-mono. If you need a bridge-mono setup on both amps for your FOH speakers, you may need to get another amplifier to handle just monitors.

[@thisdj83]

I would like to see a video with the GX series.

[@stageleftaudio]

It would be setup about the same way. The RCA, phono, and XLR inputs on each channel of a GX are all wired together in parallel (for that specific channel). If you connect into the amp (from your console) with an XLR, you would then use one of the other inputs (phono or RCA) for that channel and connect it to the input of the next amplifier. However, I would not recommend the RCA connection. Use the phono connector or XLR.

[@JustinPhelps-th3uz]

I have a pair of Peavey Impulse 1015's I was pushing with a Crown XLS1502. It sounded fine but was just not enough power to fully get the punch out of the blackwidow drivers. I bought the same amp thinking I can use one amp to push each speaker giving me the dedicated amperage for each speaker. Can I achieve this by daisy chaining the amps? Thanks!!

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, using a dedicated amp for each speaker usually works out a lot better. The XLS1502 is a good amp, but appears to be undersized for the speakers you have. You will NOT get extra power by daisy-chaining; all daisy-chaining does is send the same signal to multiple amplifiers. You may need to configure the XLS1502 amps to run in bridged mode to get the power you are needing. Use the "link/ out" on the back of one of the amps to send the signal to the next amp. Important -- Check the XLS1502 documentation for how to configure the amp to run in bridged mode. Also, there may be some special speaker wire changes you would need to do for the bridged mode to work correctly on your speakers.

[@julitobalongcasjr.9148]

thanks a lot sir,I'm learn...Godbless

[@tenzinglhundup8194]

Daisy chain amplifier wich one amplifier I can connect my speaker

[@sameermurthy4389]

Thanks for a good video. Can you please help clarify if only quarter inch TRS cables could be used to daisy chain instead of the quarter inch to XLR cable shown in this video. The output from the mixing board to the first amplifier in the chain will be from XLR cables in my case.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes, absolutely. I used TRS to XLR cables in the video to show that either TRS or XLR cables would work.

[@sameermurthy4389]

@@stageleftaudio Thanks a ton. I am able to daisy chain the 2 amplifiers now. Luckily they are the same brand as the ones shown on video but a different variant.

[@carolynsharednetwork9947]

Please I have question. I did connect my amps to the other using the daisy chain but some of the channels have reduce in volume. Please what is the issue?

[@stageleftaudio]

Make sure the amplifier attenuaters (or volume controls) are set properly... maybe all the way up. If you are daisy chaining different amplifiers, it is possible the input voltages on the amps are not the same. Different input voltages can equate to different output levels This is why using the same amps for daisy chaining works best. If the amps are the same, it is possible one channel may not be putting out the same power. There could be an issue with the cables you are using to daisy chain. Try running the amplifiers (the ones with reduced level) by themselves (not daisy-chained). See if the output levels appear to be the same as the louder amplifier.

[@williampercival7662]

That's what I wanted to know, do I turn the limiter on or keep it off. Thanks. W Percival from New Zealand 🇳🇿 Gardenia🌺 Band

[@stageleftaudio]

Always keep the limiters on.

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

Is it possible to daisy chain 3 amplifiers in stereo mode and yet connect an active crossover? also how many speakers can you connect on each amplifier when daisy chained in stereo mode?

[@stageleftaudio]

+kelvin kalaluka Yes. The active crossover is placed first in the signal chain. Therefore, the output from the crossover will go directly to the first amplifier in the amplifier chain. This results in all amplifiers producing the same signal. The number of speakers that can be attached to daisy-chained amplifiers is dependent on what the amplifier manufacture has indicated would be the maximum. Just because amplifiers are daisy-chained, does not alter the number of speakers that they can support. For example, the QSC amplifiers used in this video can support a 2-ohm load for each channel - this usually equates to having 4 x 8-ohm speakers per channel, or 2 x 4-ohm speakers per channel. Hope this helps.

[@kelvinkalaluka8185]

+stageleftaudio Thank you a million times for the knowledge. so helpful

[@wilcandou]

Does this effect the impedance load seen from the crossover? What if the crossover can't handle the decrease in impedance?

[@stageleftaudio]

There's no impedance issues with this type of setup

[@lukestefanlinares3084]

I have the qsc gx3 but doesn't have stereo mode option. Is it still okay to daisy chain them in stereo regardless? Very helpful video helped alot.

[@stageleftaudio]

The GX3 amps should have a phono input and XLR input on the rear for the channels. If they do, you can daisy chain in stereo by using either the phono or XLR connection (for that channel) as an output to the next amplifier's input.

[@manuelitobalonias8400]

I'm curious. Is there anything in existence which takes in one balanced input at line level (for example) with an "X" number of paralleled direct outs, each balanced, with individual line drivers or buffers? Something that could be used for paralleling stacks of power amp inputs, while providing isolation between them, with the intent of reducing the risk of degrading the original signal? If so, what's this piece of gear called? I searched, but don't know if anything like this exists, or what to even call this thing. A powered "fan out" buffer? Nothing on Google except digital electronic applications. Do the pro's use anything like this? I assume they can get away with hardwired "daisy chained" parallel wiring through the amp's input jacks. One more question...So, just how do the pro's feed all those huge stacks of power amp inputs? Thanks in advance.

[@stageleftaudio]

Sounds like what you are looking for is a line splitter with dedicated isolated outputs. The basic models I've seen have one input with 2 x isolated outs and 2 direct outs. The isolated outputs are usually used for broadcast signals (TV, radio, etc...), whereas the direct outputs are used more for monitor sends. For isolated outputs, pros usually connect into a "house" provided system (i.e. a stadium), which provides all the isolated outputs that are needed for the event. They rarely carry gear to provide more than an few isolated outs... they rely on the facility/location to have the needed equipment. For sending the same signal to multiple amps (as in the video), daisy-chaining is the way its done. You can connect many, many amplifiers together to have them all produce the same signal. Some companies may use patch-bays to accomplish this. However, most daisy chain, because it's very inexpensive to setup.

[@djemotuo531]

Can you please tell me more about the full volume you opened. Am always afraid that my speaker will blow off if I do so thanks

[@stageleftaudio]

The knobs on amplifiers are not volume controls. They are signal attenuators. With the attenuators full clockwise rotation, this indicates the amp is very sensitive to the input signal from the console. With the attneuators full counter-clockwise, this indicates the the amp is much less sensitive to input signals. Just make sure your amplifier is not clipping when you run it. And, make sure your speakers are sized correctly for the size of the amplifier you are using.

[@messi6284]

Please sir what is the name for that cable used to daisy chain??

[@stageleftaudio]

Those cables are basic TRS jumper cables.

[@WhoahTZ]

What cables did you use here and where did you buy them?

[@stageleftaudio]

The cables are standard XLR to phono (balanced). I don't recall the brand name of them. Cables like these can be purchased from most any place that sells sound related gear (including Amazon). Make sure they are balanced.

[@noahpena1768]

Can you substitute 1/4 inch for the xlr.

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. As long as the 1/4 inch cable is a TRS cable. It has to be TRS to ensure a balanced signal.

[@alexsanchez6223]

Hi sir I have question, Can you daisy chain a few amplifiers only or as many amplifiers connected to the same signal without lose gain?

[@stageleftaudio]

As many as you need. Any signal loss that would be incurred would be insignificant, and that would probably involve daisy chaining many, many amplifiers.

[@DJPISGAMIX]

Could I link all kind of qsc amplifiers with the same method ?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes.

[@DJPISGAMIX]

I have the qsc USA 1310 is an old model!

[@stageleftaudio]

You can link TO the USA 1310, but you may not be able to link OUT of the 1310 to another amp.

[@DJPISGAMIX]

why???

[@stageleftaudio]

I don't think the USA series provides parallel inputs, meaning 2 inputs (input methods) per channel. The amplifiers used in our videos have parallel inputs which provides for daisy chaining. You may be able to use a "Y" connector if you need to send a signal past the 1310.

[@jesuscarrillojr8910]

I have 2 crown macro tech 5000 vz for my lows and I have a drive rack. I can’t daisy chain them because my amps only have XLR. Can I use a XLR splitter Y and hook up channel one on my drive rack to one amp and do the same thing to channel 2? What will be the best way to hook them up together?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes using a "Y" connector is acceptable. Depending on how far the MA 5000 amps are from your drive rack, you may want to place the "Y" connector at the amplifier side of the cable run, instead of having 2 long runs from the drive rack.

[@jesuscarrillojr8910]

Ok. I have all my amps and the drive rack in the same rack. So on the drive rack on channel A on my lows should I hook up a XLR Y splitter to my amps on channel 1 and 2 and then on the channel B on my drive rack another XLR Y splitter to my 2nd amp channel 1and 2? Thank you for replying back.

[@jesuscarrillojr8910]

Or can I get a splitter Y and plug it on my drive rack on channel A for my lows and the other end of the Y plug one end to one amp to channel A and on my 2nd amp plug the other end to channel A and do the same thing one channel B?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes - this way will work as well. Having your amps and the drive rack in the same rack is beneficial.

[@awotnot]

will this trick work with different amps? - and will it avoid blowing an amp impedience level if i hook up six speakers to three amps - ie two per amp?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. It will work with any amplifier that has multiple inputs and outputs. Hook up the speakers like you normally would to each amp; there is no loss of signal. Remember... daisy chaining amplifiers is just sending the same signal to multiple amps. You are NOT combining power from the amplifiers. Each amplifier is still a stand-alone amp.

[@willhaul5581]

So with this configuration you can basically only run it in full range?

[@stageleftaudio]

It can also be run for a bass only configuration or a mid/high configuration. Whatever signal you send, all the amplifier channels will produce that signal. We daisy chain our sub amps (mono setup) by sending the sub amps the cross-over signal from the "Low" out of the crossover.

[@thamawia2992]

One question By this connection, can we have outputs on every amplifiers we daisy chained?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. Each amplifier daisy chained would power its own speaker (s). This is how the same signal gets sent to multiple amplifiers/speakers at concerts.

[@moondogg911]

Nice video, question what are you using for a power conditioner/ distributor? I tripped my circuit breaker on my furman pl-plus e ll 😐 the venue I was playing ran me a 50 power cord to connect into there pdu. Normally I connect from my amp rack directly into the pdu or wall, but the stage was setup in a different location. The system slammed for about 2.5 Hours then power conditioner circuit tripped I had another furman that I connected and got music going again. I’m a dj, running a pair of 218 Yamaha Subs Club series and Yamaha 215 club series tops. I have a bbe 882i sonic maximizer, dbx 231 eq, dbx 116xs and behringer cx 2310 and 2 crown x4000

[@stageleftaudio]

We do not use power conditioning for amplifiers. It is usually not advisable to connect amplifiers to power conditioners. This is due to the current-draw amplifiers need to produce loud bursts of audio along with moments of sustained audio, and most power conditioners cannot provide that level of current. The voltage from wall receptacles is what amplifiers require. Noise in a system is usually caused from a ground loop, a short in a signal cable, cables laying on RF antennas, or the use of poor quality outboard; rarely it is ever an amplifier producing noise from EMI/RFI signals. It's recommended to place all non-amplifier equipment (BBE, DBX, etc...) on a power-conditioner, and keep the amplifiers connected directly to wall receptacles. Place your amplifiers on one circuit and your mixer/outboard on another circuit, and watch for ground loops.

[@moondogg911]

Thanks that makes sense 🔊

[@erictraub1068]

hey, I really enjoyed your video. I have two QSC power amps. I want to use them both in parallel AND bridged to power one 8 ohm cabinet. How would I wire it correctly??

[@stageleftaudio]

+Eric Traub Thanks for the comment. Very important... you cannot power a single speaker with more than one amplifier! DO NOT use more than one amplifier per speaker. Using more than one amplifier on a speaker could cause serious speaker and amplifier failure. Daisy chaining amplifiers only involves sending a signal to the amplifiers in the chain; all the amplifiers in the chain will be powering their own speakers. Therefore, if 4 amplifiers are daisy chained, each amplifier will be powering its own speaker.

[@erictraub1068]

+stageleftaudio, thank you very much for the thorough response! I am very happy that I waited to hear from you rather than trying to follow through with my initial plan. With that being said, if one amplifier in bridged mode is not enough to power the base cabinet, then it is probably wise to buy a more powerful amp, correct? I find your video is very resourceful, and I I'm looking forward to learning more as you put out more videos!

[@erictraub1068]

+stageleftaudio, also, I didn't mean to misspell "bass"... so, is the purpose of using daisy chain amplifiers, for example, to run separate power to mains and monitors? For example, use an unpowered mixer, use amp A for mains, and use amp B for monitors (daisy chained in stereo mode) all connected to the unpowered mixer so that you can control the power going to the mains and the monitors using only the one mixer, correct? I hope that made sense

[@stageleftaudio]

+Eric Traub Daisy chaining amplifiers is for the purpose of providing the same signal to multiple amplifiers in order to drive multiple speakers (for FOH applications). For example, by daisy chaining amplifiers, you could run 12 speakers, each with their own amplifier (assuming 12 amplifiers) from one output of the mixing console. The logic flow you referenced above in your post is possible, though, it is highly not-recommended NOT to run the same signal to FOH and monitors!

[@stageleftaudio]

+Eric Traub Unfortunately, if you need more power to drive a speaker, you will need to use a more powerful amplifier (up to a point). If you use an amplifier that is too large for the speaker, it could lead to mechanical and/or thermal damage to the speaker. Thanks for the feedback on the videos. There's a lot to learn in sound... never stop learning.

[@ionmatika]

This case of daisy chain is mostly for subs?

[@stageleftaudio]

I used subs as an example, because most of the power utilized at event is for subs. Though, it can easily used for FOH mid/high as well.

[@esosaimade637]

What kind of amplifier will you recommend for an audience to 2000? Please

[@stageleftaudio]

There's a lot more information we would need to know before determining what amplifier could be use.

[@willardjustus2460]

Can you daisy chain 2 power amps that are different brands

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes.

[@willardjustus2460]

. thanks. they are different wattage.will that matter

[@stageleftaudio]

It will not matter. The daisy chaining is only sending the signal to each amp. Just make sure to put the correct wattage speaker on the correct amp!

[@willardjustus2460]

@@stageleftaudio ok thanks

[@fernandobarrera8348]

is a same way to daisy chain on crown macrotech 500vz??

[@stageleftaudio]

It depends.... It depends on the type of PIP card the 5000vz amplifier has installed. Crown offered several configurations for audio input for the MacroTech line. The PIP FMX card is what is needed to support daisy chaining.

[@fernandobarrera8348]

stageleftaudio ohh ok thank you

[@Paulscole3]

If you did some video editing to cut out the jib-jab (camera fixes, repeating, extra talk), then this would be an excellent video and only 5 or 6 mins long.

[@DhanjitMr]

Sir while daisy chaining does gain reduction problem occurs or it's normal operation. I heard some rumors From FOH operator.

[@stageleftaudio]

Daisy chaining within the same rack does not present any loss of signal gain. Any losses in signal gain, would probably occur if the cable lengths between amplifiers were over 200ft (60m).

[@DhanjitMr]

stageleftaudio thanks a lot sir.

[@julitobalongcasjr.9148]

another question can we daisy chain a different amplifier?thanks

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes.

[@julitobalongcasjr.9148]

+stageleftaudio sir how about the watts there's no problem to daisy chain a different watts?example 1st amp is 500watts,2nd is 600 watts?

[@stageleftaudio]

There's no problem daisy chaining using different wattage amplifiers. Because, when daisy chaining, all you are doing is sending the signal (a line level signal) from one amp to another and to another, and so on.

[@peterkwapong]

stageleftaudio in this case, I believe then that you'll have to correctly match the Amps power rating to that of the speaker that matches it?

[@PickedOff100]

I believe the term your looking for is A total fkn waste of time that accurate enough.

[@reyesmarvey]

One question, in a qsc amplifier how works in parallel? If each channel is 1200 watts at 4 ohms, it doubles the power to 2400 at 4 ohms?

[@stageleftaudio]

It depends on which QSC amplifier you are talking about. The QSC PLX series (which is used in this video) does NOT parallel the channels together to make a larger channel. For the PLX line of amps, a "parallel" setup simply means to parallel the signals; meaning, a signal coming into channel "A" will be "paralleled" to channel B (i.e the same signal coming into A will be directed B) without having to use a "Y" cable or jumper-cable to get the signal to go to both channels. By "paralleling" the signals, this is how you can chain the amplifiers together using one signal source. QSC does of a PLD series of amplifiers (Class D) that does combine channels together to create larger amounts of power.

[@reyesmarvey]

Thank You for your answer, Its a qsc dca 3402, has the back stereo, parallel, mono, limit, and filter switch similar to the rmx series. It feeds 1200 watts at 4 ohms per channel in stereo. I am trying to figure out to power a pair of jbl sr4719x, and a pair of jbl sr4715a each sub handle 1200 watts at 4 ohms continuous, they peak at 2400 watts at 4 ohms.

[@stageleftaudio]

Sounds like the rear controls of the DCA are about "standard" for amplifiers in that class. Make sure the limiter is always set for each channel, and that the low-filters are set for the type of speakers you are connecting. The amplifier should be in "stereo" mode when connecting your speakers. You can attach all the subs to your amp (2 spkrs per/chnl) , however, you'll need to be very careful when running the amplifier with those subs. Each of your subs is 4ohms. If you place 2 of the subs on each channel of the DCA amp, this will present a 2 ohm load (per channel) for the amplifier. The amplifier is rated for 2 ohm loads, (maximum), but probably not for a sustained load (sustaining of elevated volume levels). 2 ohms per channel of your DCA amp may produce about 800 watts to each of your sub cabinets (800 watts x 4-cabinets = 3,200 watts); though, running the DCA amp at 2-ohms will probably cause the amp to run very hot and could add additional stress to the amp. Be careful with running the amp under that type of load; it does work, but care is needed.

[@reyesmarvey]

I have two dca amps, I have the limiters on and low filter set, I figured out parallel, one amp for right, one amp for left, one sr4715a and one sr4719x on each amp.

[@cyruswahomelive]

can i chain behringer ep4000?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. That amp has parallel inputs just like the QSC.

[@miguelmorales4705]

Is the 1/4 inch mono or stereo

[@stageleftaudio]

For this setup, the 1/4 inch cables are actually balanced cables (not stereo). Though, for this setup, "mono" (unbalanced) cables could have been used as well. Unbalanced cables can be used as long as the cable lengths are kept short (less than a few feet/meters).

[@theaztecwarrior1190]

So you would be using 6 speakers at the same time for a live performance

[@stageleftaudio]

Correct. In stereo mode, 2 speakers per amplifier at the same time. In mono (bridged) mode, only 3 speakers would be used at the same time.

[@shillongultimatecollection4020]

Sir i need your help, i have a 200 watt/4 ohms amplifier, what speakers watt will match for it

[@stageleftaudio]

There's a lot of variables involved with matching speakers to amplifiers. To be safe, you may want to consider speakers that can handle about 300 watts (if using 4 ohm speakers).

[@shillongultimatecollection4020]

can a 300 watt speakers support my 200 watt 4 ohms amplifier

[@stageleftaudio]

In general, yes. It depends on how the speaker will be used (live sound, DJ, vocal only, etc...)

[@shillongultimatecollection4020]

yes,

[@shillongultimatecollection4020]

vocal only

[@manuel_II]

Isnt 3 way connector (trident) wire coming from the mixer thesame thing. lol.

[@johnroesch689]

Shut the amps off when connecting the sound board .please

[@justhim8745]

Great video but, how to use a snake

[@stageleftaudio]

Thanks for your comment. We are looking at doing a short video covering an analog snake. Should be in the near future.

[@IcePatchmod]

could you make a video on power and dimmer hook up thanks

[@Hawaiianbless]

Hi stageleftaudio ... congrats this is awesome lessons ... I 'd like to ask if you please could show us how to bridge at @4 ohms two Carvin DCM 3800 , giving 3800 Watts @ 4 ohms each amp , and the right procedures how to hook up the speakers , what kind of loudspeaker , should it be 4 for each amp @ 8 ohms each is that right ?? 8 loudspeaker @ 8 ohms each , two for each channel ...??? .... thanks for your attention ... I really appreciate .

[@stageleftaudio]

+Opensea Hawaiianbless The Carvin amplifiers are nice. I highly recommend downloading the manual for those amplifiers. They will show you what needs to be done to configure them for bridged operations. It would take a lot of writing here to explain what is already in the manual. Running an amplifier in bridged mode will require a speaker (or speakers) with enough wattage capacity to support the amplifier. The speaker outputs on an amplifier are looking at the total ohms for the load. Therefore, one 4-ohm speaker will closely present the same load as 2 x 8-ohm speakers. From your questions, take a look around youtube and other internet sites for audio related topics about amplifiers and ohm load. What you are seeking an answer for could take a long time to answer (in this forum), due to the number of variables involved with an answer! Learn as much as you can about amplifiers, and load - there's a lot to know! There's a couple of videos on this channel that may help you with your bridging and ohm-load questions. Thanks for the comment.

[@Hawaiianbless]

Thanks Stage Left Audio ... I like your amp tutorial ... you are right there is so much to learn , I know ain't that simple to answer all the very important questions about amps & electronics . by now I have only one question ... is ... if the most great amps like Peavey , Carvin , QSC , Bugera , Behringer ... once they are bridgeable at whatever ... could be 8 ohms or 4 ohms or even 2 ohms ... What I like to learn is if we need to hook two loudspeaker for each amp one loudspeaker for each channel ... two amps in bridge ... should be 4 loudspeaker ...?? 2 loudspeaker for each amp ...?? ___ my question is ... once two amps are in bridge we need to hook up only one loudspeaker for each amp ... or two loudspeaker for each amp ... knowing that each amp have two channels only ... like the most two channels amps ... , that should be two loudspeaker for each amp ...? ___ Thanks for your attention ... forgive me if I am annoying too much on this ... and I will keep searching for all these awesome tutorial on amps , music electronics ... Thanks again .

[@stageleftaudio]

+Opensea Hawaiianbless Looks like you are asking a few questions... For most amplifiers, there are a lot of options for connecting loud speakers to amplifiers. Try to look at the total ohm-load that will be placed on each amplifier channel... rather than the number of speakers that can be placed on each channel. Some speaker cabinets are 4-ohms, others are 8-ohms, and some are 16-ohms. Most amplifiers will run less 4-ohm speakers per channel than it will for 8-ohm speakers, because 4--ohm loads are greater than 8-ohm loads. When running an amplifier in bridged mode, most amplifiers can only support an 8 or 4-ohm load (not 2-ohms); therefore, it is safer (and recommended) to run only 1 speaker per amplifier if those amplifiers are in bridge mode. For non-bridged amplifiers (2-channel mode), it's usually safe to run 2 speakers per amplifier channel. It all depends on the amount of load (8/4/2 ohms) an amplifier is made to handle (as well as the total ohm load of all speakers that will be connected to that channel).

[@Hawaiianbless]

Thank you very much ... StageLeftAudio ... that's understood ... I really appreciate ... ( when running amplifier in bridge mode _ it is safer and recommended to run only 1 speaker per amplifier ) ... Thanks again ... ( I know there is so much to learn ... and tutorial like yours are really helping very much ) ... right now I am far away from Santiago - Chile's Amps / Music Electronics schools ... and the fast away to get lots of important professional answers is online talking with some friends ... 'til we are sure how to link / hook all this " new " updated awesome monsters like DSP - Mosfet- Class D ...so on ..and on ... and we love all this . Thanks again I really appreciate ... Keep up the great work !

[@stageleftaudio]

+Opensea Hawaiianbless Feel free to post other questions on any of our videos. Thanks for the comments and good luck!

[@emmanuelochiengokello1578]

Why would I need to do this, under what circumstances/to achieve what?

[@stageleftaudio]

Daisy chaining is used to send the same signal to multiple amplifiers. This could be used if you had a large number of subs (all sub amplifiers would be getting the same signal). Or, if you have a lot of passive mid/high cabinets and need them to all be playing the same signal. Daisy chaining is mostly used with sound systems that have a lot of speakers (think of large concerts). We daisy-chain our sub amps when doing large events.

[@emmanuelochiengokello1578]

@@stageleftaudio Thank you for the great information.

[@GG-Wolfhound]

You might want to space those amps a bit

[@toufikbouzroud]

Can I translate the video into French if possible? I am from Morocco. Thank you

[@stageleftaudio]

Unfortunately, we are only able to conduct videos in English. If we had French speaking personal, we would be able to do videos in French.

[@toufikbouzroud]

@@stageleftaudio I want to connect two amplificators behenger europwer ep2000 to mixer yamaha

[@stageleftaudio]

Selon la manière dont les amplificateurs seront utilisés avec votre console, vous aurez peut-être besoin d'un filtre actif. Vous pouvez également connecter un amplificateur pour les haut-parleurs principaux et l'autre amplificateur pour les haut-parleurs de contrôle. Pour les haut-parleurs principaux, vous devrez connecter un XLR (ou 1/4 ") de la" sortie "de la console à l'entrée de l'amplificateur. Même configuration pour les haut-parleurs de contrôle.

[@awotnot]

what is the main point of doing this - if not to add more power

[@stageleftaudio]

To distribute a signal to multiple amplifiers. This could be used for center-fills, side-fills, balcony locations, etc...

[@awotnot]

@@stageleftaudio you mean extra speakers?

[@stageleftaudio]

Yes. Extra speakers for different locations. As for adding extra power, daisy-chaining does NOT produce one big large amplifier with all the power from all the amplifiers that are daisy chained. All daisy chaining does is send one signal to multiple amplifiers to allow you to amplify the same signal across many amplifiers. In this video, you could attach a speaker to each speaker terminal.

[@awotnot]

@@stageleftaudio thanks i'm a bit of an amateur on the technical side ... as i see it, more speakers = a louder sound - but i have blown a few amplifiers in my time and i am trying to rectify that problem

[@tnkpro4sho]

Does all the amps have to be the same brand name?

[@stageleftaudio]

No. Just as long as the amps can support parallel inputs/outputs. You can daisy chain a variety of amps.

[@tenzinglhundup8194]

Plz can u show me how can I connect my speaker plz

[@subculture-records]

I cannot believe you had to show people how to do this. If you're in the pro audio world, this is extremely basic knowledge.

[@tenzinglhundup8194]

Plz reply me as soon as possible

[@stageleftaudio]

With daisy chaining, each amplifier would have its own speaker attached to it. So, if you have 4 amplifiers you are daisy chaining, you could have at least 4 speakers attached. The daisy chaining of signals is ONLY for the signal coming from the mixing console.

[@garybrown7044]

shouldn't you have speakers connected to amps before you apply signal to amps? lots of power with nowhere to go!

[@stageleftaudio]

Good observation. For this exercise and the amount of "power" being generated, having no load attached to these amplifiers does not present any issues. Most modern amplifiers are fine with no-load testing. Amplifier design has greatly improved over the many years. It's the earlier model amplifiers (much of the class A and A/B) that would have issues if run with no-load.